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not agree to any plan for conducting two institutions, some other remedy Missions in the Valley of the Mississippi, should be sought; the friends of the Home which shall take that important power Missionary Society should consent to act from the control of the representatives through the Board rather than attempt to of the whole church in the General As- compel the Board to act through any sembly. other than an ecclesiastical organization. Your committee, therefore, recommend the adoption of the following resolution:

2. Resolved, That it be recommended to all the Presbyteries connected with this Synod, to send delegates to the proposed Convention on the subject of Missions, which is to be held in the city of Cincinnati, on the 23d of November, 1831.

SYNOD OF PITTSBURGH.

The Committee appointed to take into consideration the resolution of the last General Assembly relative to missions in the Valley of the Mississippi, beg leave to report:

That in their opinion the Synod is called upon to give a distinct expression of their views in relation to this subject. The friends of the American Home Missionary Society allege that the separate action of that institution, and the Assembly's Board of Missions, has produced very unpleasant collisions and animosities in the church; and in view of these evils, they have called on the General Assembly to compel their Board to conduct all their missions in the Valley of the Mississippi, throngh a board of agency at Cincinnati, who shall at the same time, be the agents through whom alone the American Home Missionary Society will operate in that Valley.

Resolved, That in the opinion of this Synod, the Board of Missions of the General Assembly should be left to conduct their missionary operations on the plan which they have pursued with so much success for the three last years; and that no such connection between that Board and the American Home Missionary Society, as is contemplated, ought to be formed.

SYNOD OF ILLINOIS.

The Synod of Illinois, in session at Hillsborough, have had under consideration the subject of Domestic Missions, and have endeavoured to ascertain the best mode of conducting them within their bounds. They have viewed with regret the apparently conflicting interests of the two great missionary Boards. Our missionaries are from both, and find themselves obliged to unite all their efforts in building up the public churches of this wide waste. We have enemies to meet, and conflict with, who leave us no time, nor strength to contend with each other in regard to those great and good institutions, which bless us, and our peoTo this course your committee object, ple with their patronage. We love, and on the ground that it would be a virtual cherish; and pray for both, as the founsurrender of the principle on which that tains of benevolence; and we look to board was originally organized, and on them, we cry to them, unceasingly, which it was re-organized in 1828-a "Come over and help us. When a principle which your committee believe messenger comes, filled with love, and is interwoven with the very constitution joy, and peace, from either, we all hail of the church of Christ-that the him as a brother, and buckle on the harmanagement and control of missions be-ness with him, as a "true yokefellow." long to the church through her judicato- But should our brethren continue to send ries. The great Head of the Church in- among us pamphlets, whose tendency tended her to be a missionary society, must be to stir up wrath, or, should they, and gave her that organization, which in at any time, send agents unhappily disthe view of infinite wisdom, was best cal-posed to sow the seeds of strife and sediculated to render her a safe and efficient missionary society. Believing this to have been one of the ends for which the church was instituted; and believing the Presbyterian form of organization or government to have been chosen by the King of Zion, your committee believe, that our duty to him imperiously requires us to employ that organization in our missionary operations. And they believe it to be not only more safe, but more ef ficient than any that man can devise. If the evils complained of are the necessary results of the separate action of these

tion, we must turn away our eyes and weep for wounds, which will thus be inflicted on our beloved Zion.

To shut out these evils from among us, and close our doors against all efforts to introduce them, in future, we express our strong desire, that the missionary operations within our bounds may be under the contract of committees appointed by our own judicatories. Therefore,

Resolved, that the Assembly's Board of Missions, and the Board of the Home Missionary Society, be respectfully requested to communicate freely with our

Presbyterial and Synodical Committees, on all important subjects connected with Missionary operations within our bounds, and without the mediation of any other Board whatever.

Adopted, unanimously, at Hillsborough, Illinois, the 17th of September, 1831.

Signed by order of the Synod,

JOHN G. BERGEN, Moderator. WILLIAM S. POTTS, Clerk of Synod.

PRESBYTERY OF WEST TENNESSEE.

a

the Constitution of the Presbyterian Church in the United States.

3. Resolved, That this Presbytery does not perceive the necessity or propriety of deciding or adopting any other plan for conducting Domestic Missions than that now pursued by the Assembly's Board.

4. Resolved, That a copy of the above resolutions be forwarded to the Chairman of the convention to be held in Cincinnati; and that he be informed that this Presbytery is entitled to four representatives the General Assembly.

These resolutions passed twelve to

one.

It will be observed that many of the members were not in attendance, whose presence we are assured would have increased the majority.

Almost every day brings some refresh-in ing intelligence to the hearts of those who have been trembling for the fate of the Presbyterian church. The lethargy which has prevailed, and the evils which have been gradually admitted, seemed to threaten her very existence; but healthful reaction is taking place, which promises new life and power to the whole body. She is rousing up from her base slumbers, and we hope soon to see purity and harmony restored, and her undivided energies directed to her master's work. A struggle, however, must first take place. We lament its necessity, but rejoice in its approach; assured that she will come forth purified from the fire, and strengthened by the tempest. The following has been kindly furnished us by a correspondent:

"It will gratify the friends of the Assembly's Board of Missions to learn the course taken on the all-absorbing subject of Missions by the Presbytery of West Tennessee, at its late session. The subject of a convention being brought up by the Stated Clerk, in handing in an overture from the Presbytery of West Lexington, after considerable discussion a committee was appointed to prepare a minute for the Presbytery, which, as nearly as I can recollect, was as follows: Presbytery having considered at length the overture from West Lexington, in reference to the proposed convention in Cincinnati, as well as the general subject to which it relates, adopted the following resolutions-viz:

PRESBYTERY OF VINCENNES.

Vincennes, Oct. 26, 1831.

To the Moderator, and other members of the Convention, met at Cincinnati, for the purpose of recommending to the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church, the best method of conducting Missionary operations, within the Valley of the Mississippi.

The Presbytery of Vincennes sendeth greeting

Dear Brethren:-We have thought it not absolutely necessary to appoint commissioners to attend your meeting. We pray the Great Head of the Church to preside in your deliberations, and to di||rect them to such an issue as may best promote his glory, and the peace and prosperity of his kingdom in these regions.

It is greatly to be deprecated that any thing should arise to interrupt the harmony, or distract the efforts of the friends of Missions at any time, but especially now, when the call for such efforts is so urgent; and for ourselves, we can sincerely say, in reference to those sent out amidst the desolations of this vast country, to preach Christ, and him crucified to the guilty and the perishing, by whomsoever they may be sent, we do rejoice that Christ is preached by them; yea, and we will rejoice. Union of affection and sentiment we greatly long for among all who are professedly engaged in pro2. Resolved, That while this Presby-moting the cause of Christ; without this, tery cheerfully admit that the A. H. M. union in action is not desirable. Society has been the instrument of much good in propagating the Gospel in destitute places, and while they rejoice in the good thus accomplished, they do fee! themselves especially bound to patronize the Assembly's Board, and to extend its influence, as being more congenial with

1. Resolved, That this Presbytery do most cordially approve of the present organization of the Board of Missions of the General Assembly; and of the mode of conducting Domestic Missions as pursued by the said Board.

That the agency of the Assembly's Board of Missions should be relinquished entirely, none can expect, who know any thing of the events of the years that have past since the commencement of the present century; and while it continues, we have no desire that its operations in

the west should undergo any new modification. Hoping, therefore, that you will excuse the appearance of a representation in your presence, on our behalf, we wish our vote to be considered, and if necessary, recorded in favor of the present order of things, as observed by the General Assembly's Board, in relation to missionary operations in the Valley of the Mississippi.

ISAAC REED, Moderator. RANSOM HAWLEY, Clerk. Signed-SAMUEL R. ALEXANDER, Stated Clerk. New Hope, Vigo Co. Ind. Oct 7, 1831.

PRESBYTERY OF MISSISSIPPI.

Port Gibson, Miss. Oct. 13, 1831, The following Preamble and Resolutions were introduced, discussed, and passed at the meeting of the Mississippi Presbytery, now in session in this place; viz:

Whereas, the subject of Missions is, in the opinion of this Presbyterp, of vital importance to the peace,purity, and prosperity of the Church, and whereas, the Assembly's Board of Missions, who send forth Missionaries, and control our Missionary Funds, are appointed by and accountable to the General Assembly for their acts-and the American Home Missionary Society (whose labours of love we nevertheless appreciate) is not, -Therefore.

Resolved 1. That this Presbytery, for the above reason, do hereby give the decided preference to the Assembly's Board of Missions, in conducting our Missionary operations.

Resolved 2. That as our Presbyter being nineteen in number, is entitled to a representation in the General Assembly, of 2 ministers, and 2 elders, the Convention which is to assemble at Cincinnati, in November next, be, and it hereby is directed, to give on all questions which may come before the Convention, the votes of this Presbytery, in accordance with the first resolution.

Resolved 3. That in compliance with the recommendation of the West Lexington Presbytery, this Presbytery set apart the 1st Thursday of November, as a day of Fasting, Humiliation and Prayer, in reference to the Convention and its object.

tion which is to meet on the 23d of Nov. next, in that city.

Resolved 5. That the Rev. George Potts be, and he is hereby appointed im behalf of this Presbytery, to hold corres-pondence with the Convention, or any committee of correspondence which that body may appoint.

W. C. BLAIR, Moderator. JAMES SMYLIE, Stated Clerk.

PRESBYTERY OF INDIANAPOLIS.

This Presbytery met at Hopewell Church, Johnson County, Ind. on the 13th October. Rev. David Monfort was chosen Moderator, and the Rev. Wm. W. Woods clerk. Besides the ordinary business of Presbytery, the subject of missionary operations was introduced, which was referred to a select committee, who reported the following resolutions, which were adopted by the Presbytery:

1. Resolved, That this Presbytery entertain the fullest confidence in the Board of Missions of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church. That the plan of conducting domestic missions, adopted and pursued by that Board, meets our entire approbation.

2. Resolved, That we consider it the province and duty of the Presbyterian Church in her distinctive character, to conduct the missionary operations within her own bounds; and that a Board of Missions, all of whose official acts are subject to the review of the Supreme Judicatory of the Church, does afford a pledge for the maintenance of purity in doctrine and discipline, which is not, and cannot be, afforded by any voluntary association of irresponsible individuals.

3. Resolved, That this Presbytery are opposed to any amalgamation of the Board of Missions with the A. H. M. Society, as they believe that neither the peace nor purity of the Church would be in any way promoted by such an amalgamation; and, moreover, as the Book of discipline makes it the duty of the General Assembly to conduct missionary operations, and as these operations are now in successful progress, we consider it our duty as Presbyterians, to sustain, by our countenance and patronage, that Board which is the constitutional organ of that branch of the Church to which we belong.

4. Resolved, That this Presbytery Resolved 4. That the Rev. George deem the contemplated convention for Potts, of Natchez, without delay, send a the purpose of consulting on the subject copy of the above Preamble and Resolu- of missionary operations in the Valley of tions to Dr. Joshua L. Wilson, or some the Mississippi, entirely unnecessary, as other minister of Cincinnati, and that he they believe that no more safe, economibe requested to present it to the Conven- |cal, or judicious system of operations can

be devised, than that which is now pursued under the authority of the General Assembly. Nevertheless, as such a convention will, in all probability, be held, this Presbytery, as a matter of courtesy, will comply with the request which has 'been made by our respected brethren of the West Lexington Presbytery, and appoint two delegates to that convention: reserving to themselves the right of 'bereafter approving or disapproving of the acts of that convention.

The committee appointed on the subject of a Western Agency, reported, and their report was accepted and adopted, and is as follows:

The Presbytery of Lancaster, after mature deliberation on the subject of Missions as referred by the last General Assembly to the Presbyteries and Synods of the West, adopted the following, as the expression of their views.

1. That they are already as a Presbytery auxiliary to the Assembly's Board of Missions, allowing to individuals and churches the privilege of co-operating with any other Board, and they have had no reason to be dissatisfied with this arrangement.

5. Resolved, That while this Presbytery do not impugn the motives of those who differ from them in their views as to the best method of conducting missions, they do, nevertheless, conscientiously believe, that the missionary work 2. That they have, in resolutions is of too vital importance to the interests adopted October, 1830, declared themof religion, to be conducted without the selves unfavourable to any union between most careful inspection of the judicato- the Assembly's Board, and the Ameriries of the church, and especially, to be can Home Missionary Society, which committed to those who acknowledge no would, either directly or constructiorly visible responsibility but that which is change the character-plan of operation due to an undefinable and vacilating pub-or responsibility of the Assembly's lic opinion. Board.

3. They deem such an arrangement unnecessary, as every thing proposed, can be gained by the Assembly's Board, and her executive committees.

6. Resolved, That this Presbytery declare itself auxiliary to the Board of Missions of the General Assembly, and that a committee of missions be appointed to correspond with the Assembly's 4. That in their apprehension, such Board, and to devise such measures as an agency would create and cherish rathey may deem most expedient, for rais-ther than allay and remove collision. ing funds, and sustaining the operations of the Board.

7. Resolved, That the committee of missions of this Presbytery be authorized to arrange the destitute Churches in this Presbytery into a circuit or circuits, and apply to the Assembly's Board for one or more missionaries to be employed in ministering to these vacancies.

5. That under these views, they are opposed to the agency contemplated.

6. That as Presbyteries and Synods are called on to adjudicate on the subject, they can see no necessity for the proposed convention.

7. That should said convention meet, the Stated Clerk is hereby directed to transmit to it a copy of these proceed

The Rev. J. R. Moreland, and Mr.ings. John Coovert, elder, were elected delegates to the Cincinnati Convention.

The Presbytery also adopted the following as a standing rule:

"Every minister or licentiate from any other Presbytery or corresponding body, applying to be received as a member of this Presbytery, shall submit to an examination on the doctrines of our Confession of Faith, provided any two mem. bers of Presbytery shall require it."

PRESBYTERY OF LANCASTER.

Zanesville, Sept. 28, 1831. The subject of a Western Agency, referred by the last General Assembly to the Presbyteries and Synods of the West, was taken up and committed to Messrs. Culbertson, Hunt, and Pitkin, to report thereon as early as practicable.

8. That a copy of these proceedings be transmitted to the next General Assembly, as the decision of this Presbytery on the subject referred to their consideration.

A true copy.

JAMES CULBERTSON, Stated Clerk. N. B. Our Presbytery consists of 13 members, and we are therefore entitled to 2 representatives to the General Assembly. J. C.

PRESBYTERY OF ALLEGHENY.

In conformity to the recommendation of the last General Assembly, to the Synods and Presbyteries in the West to correspond with one another, and devise a plan for carrying on Missions in the West, the Presbytery of Allegheny, at its meeting at Slate Lick, on the 19th day of October, 1831, adopted the following resolutions, viz:

Resolved 1. That in the opinion of this Presbytery, the General Assembly is eqally competent to the entire supervision and control of Domestic Missions within its pale, as to the management of any other ecclesiastical concerns.

2. That whereas it has been agreed upon by many Presbyteries in the West, to appoint delegates to meet in convention at Cincinnati, on the 23d of November next, in order to carry the recommendation of the General Assembly into effect, the Presbytery have appointed, and do hereby appoint, the Rev. John Munson, to meet in said convention, and to deliberate and vote on any business that may come before that body.

conversions unto God. A while after the commencement of the revival, "a four-days meeting" was held at Rochester, another in Batavia, at Bergen and Byron, &c. &c. Sometime in April, the Baptists had a protracted meeeting, in the church or meeting house on Pine Hill, (which they hold in common with us,) which was common to the cause. On the 28th of the same month, our protracted meeting began; it lasted seven days: about 60 persons took the anxious seats, and these meetings were regular and lively, were deeply solemn and awful-were evangelical, spiritual, powerful, and prosperous. About 40 persons, it is thought, were renewed and forgiven, 3. That this delegate be instructed to and some suppose, still more "passed represent in said convention, that, in the from death unto life," at the time, and not opinion of this Presbytery, all Mission- long after, this long and peculiar meeting. ary operations connected with the Pres-On one day of meeting, about 1200 peobyterian church, ought to be under the sole direction of the General Assembly, unconnected with any voluntary associations whatever.

4. That should this delegate be preveentd from attending said convention, then a copy of these resolutions, properly attested, shall by him be forwarded to said convention, as expressive of the views of this Presbytery on the contemplated subject.

Signed by order of the Presbytery.
CYRUS RIGGS, Moderator.
Test. JOHN GLENN, Clerk.

REPORTS OF MISSIONARIES.

NEW YORK.

A powerful revival in Elba, Gennesee co. The following account of the revival experienced in the congregation of Elba, during the last spring and summer, has recent ly been received from our missionary in that place, the Rev. George Colton.

Sometime in the month of March, the present year, God began to pour out his Spirit upon some of the inhabitants of Elba. The work commenced in a particular street, and not long afterwards in two more sections of the town. To these school districts or sections, this work of divine grace, was, for five or six weeks chiefly confined. Soon it appeared in other parts of the town; and it was discovered by an increasing number and the anxious faces of the assembly, on the Sabbath, in the meeting house; by numerous and solemn conferences and prayermeetings, and lectures-and by many cases of obvious conviction, and sundry instances of quite hopeful and manifest

ple were present; and every day the congregation was large. The Rev.brethren who assisted, were Rawson of Barre, (who was preaching statedly in Royalton and Shelby, Niagara Co.) Cheeseman of Byron, Crawford of Le Roy, and Miller of Avon. The prayers were "ghostly" and fervent; the exhortations were tender and melting; the sermons were orthodox, clear, forcible, solemn, argumentative and spiritual. The total depravity of the unregenerate; the necessity of the sovereign grace of God, and the special work of the Holy Spirit; the person, the atonement and righteousness of Christ, and the endless and just damnation of hell, were among and were the principal truths that were preached to the people. Many suppose, and it may be true, that from the middle of March to the first of July, there were the town of Elba; but in my opinion, more than one hundred conversions in there were not more than 80. Of them about 70 have made a public profession of religion. Not more than 30, I believe, have been received into our church; probably 20 more will be added: and, had not certain circumstances, (which might be named,) prevented, full 60 would probably have come into our church. Of the astonishing and far greater displays of sovereign and rich grace in many other places in the county of Gennesee and still farther off. I say nothing, for want of time to relate, and room in this paper to insert it. In our temperance society of Elba, there is about 250 members. There are two Sabbath Schools, and a Female praying, and Missionary Society. Prayer meetings, conferences, lectures, &c. are kept up. Brethren, pray for us.

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