MINUTES' OF THE Presbyter® of Fayettevllle9 AT THEIR SSSgniDM'S, Begun, at the Bluff Church, in Cumberland County, 29th and 30th October, and 1st and 2d November, Continued, in Fayettcville, in Cumberland County, 3d, 6th, and 17th Nov'r. And Concluded, at Steel Creek Church, in Mecklenburg County, 24th and 25th November, 2, St?. FAYETTE VILLE : PRINTED BY EDWARD J. HALE. 1 ' 1848. SIXT.Y-Itfir^TII SESSIONS OF THE Presbytery met, at the Bluff Church, in the County of Cumberland and State of North Carolina, on Friday, the 29th of October 1647, at 12 o'clock, M., according to adjournment. A sermon, was delivered, by The .Rev'd .Hector. McLean, the "Mode¬ rator of Presbytery, from Heb. xiii. 17, middle clause: "For they watch for your souls, as they that must give account." Opened with prayer. PRESENT, The Rev'd Messrs. Colin Mclve'r, Arch'd McQueen, Adam Gilchrist, Hector McLean, Evander McNair,' Hector McNeill, Arch'd Smith, Frederick K. Nash, Malcom Conoley, Arch'd Baker, Neill McKay, Andrew McMillan, Daniel Johnson, Arch'd D.„ Campbell, and Hector McAlister; with Messrs-. Daniel Morison, George McNeill, David Mc¬ Neill, John McKinnon, Daniel McKinnon, Hinton Ker, Henry Elliot, Dugald McCallum, and John Elliot, Ruling-Elders from the congrega¬ tions of Barbeque, Fayetteville, the Bluff, St. Paul's, Centre, Shiloh, Sardis, Ash-pole, and China Grove. ABSENT, The Rev'd Messrs. Robert Tate, and John Mclntyre, The Rev'd Si¬ meon Colton, D. D., and The Rev'd Messrs. Samuel Paisley, William Brobston,. William N. Peacock, John R. Mcintosh, Hugh McL&urin, James O. Stedman, Hugh A. Munroe, Colin Shaw, Duncan Black, Angus C. McNeill, and Neill McDonald. The Rev'd Mr. Neill McKay was chosen Moderator; and The Rev'd Mr. Hector McNeill was appointed Clerk. The Rev'd Messrs. Baker and Johnson assigned the reasons of their absence from the last Stated Sessions of this Presbytery. The minutes of the last Stated Sessions of Presbytery having been printed, and circulated among the members, the reading thereof was dispensed with. The minutes of the extra meeting, held in Fayetteville, were read.* The Rev'd Mr. John C. Coit, a memberof the Presbytery of Harmony, being present, was invited to sit with this Piesbytery, as a Correspond¬ ing rhember. The Stated Clerk laid on the table, a copy of the printed minutes of the last General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church, for the use of Presbytery; and The Rev'd Messrs. Arch'd D. Campbell and Malcom Conoley, and Mr. John Elliot, were appointed a Committee to inspect the said minutes, and to report, during the present Sessions, whatever they may find therein, claiming the attention of this Presbytery. Mr. George McNeill was appointed to collect each present member's quota of the Contingent fund of Presbytery. *The substance of these minutes, having been published in the religious periodicals, it, was not judged expedient to include them in this pamphlet, 3- The Rev'd Messrs» Evander McNair and Hector McLean, and Mr. David McNeill, were appointed a committee to make suitable arrange¬ ments for the religious exercises of the present meeting. Messrs. Henry Elliot and John McKinnon, were appointed a com¬ mittee to examine the Treasurer's accounts, and make report thereon. The Rev. Mr. Arch'd S mith and Mr. Daniel Morison, were appoint¬ ed a committee of Supplies. Resolved, that a free conversation on the state of religion within the bounds of this Presbytery, be the order of the day for Saturday next, at 3 o'clock^, P. M.; and The Rev'd Messrs. Gilchrist aiid Nash were ap¬ pointed a committee, to take notes during the conversation, and to pre¬ pare a connected summary of the information thus collected,.during the present Sessions. . • A call, from the congregation of China Grove, addressed to The Rev'd Hector McAJister, was prosecuted, before Presbytery, by Mr. John Elliot, the Commissioner from that congregation; and being read, and found to be drawn up with due regularity, was, by order of Pres¬ bytery, put into Mr. McAlister's hands.- ' The Rev'd Arch'd Baker obtained leave of absence, during the re¬ mainder of the present Sessions. Adjourned, to meet,,in the Session-house of this church, on to-morrpw, at 10 o'clock, A. M. Closed with prayer. Saturday morning, 'October 30, 1847. Presbytery met, according to adjournment. Present as abqve, with the addition of The Rev'd Colin Shaw. Opened with prayer. The minutes of yesterday were rqad. Agreeably to a standing rule, the Presbytery spent some time in de¬ votional exercises. A communication was received from The Rev'd Simeon Col.toii, D. D.» assigning the reason of his absence from the present Sessions. The communication was read; and Dr. Colton's excuse for absence was sustained as satisfactory. A communication from the Presbytery of Concord, touching the e- lection- of a Professor in Davidson College, \yas received and read. Whereupon, the said communication was referred to The Rev'd Messrs. Adam Gilchrist and Frederick K. Nash, and Mr. Henry Elliot, to re¬ port thereon, during the present Sessions. The Rev. Mr..Hector McAlister signified his acceptance of ihe call from the congregation of China Grove, which was, on yesterday, put into his hands. Whereupon, The Rev'd Messrs. Gilchrist, McLean, and John¬ son, were appointed a committee to install him, as Pastor of that con¬ gregation. On inquiry, it appeared, that those appointed, at the last Stated Ses>- sions, to supply vacant congregations, had, in general, fulfilled their respective appointments. The several committees appointed to install The Rev'd Messrs, Nash, McKay, and Black, as Pastors of the congregations of Centre, TirZa, and Rockfish, reported, that these several appointments had been duly fulfilled. . , ■ The committee appointed to inspect the printed minutes of the last General Assembly of the Presbyterian church, exhibited their report; 4 which, being read, taken up, article by article, and amended, was a- dopted; and is as follows, viz: "The committee appointed to inspect the minutes of the General As¬ sembly, and to report thereon, invite the attention of Presbytery, only to two subjects therein embraced; viz: the subject of Education; and the subject of an Overture, for amending the, constitution of our church. "On the subject of Education, your committee find, on page. 399 of the minutes referred to them, the following resolutions; viz: "Resolved, that this Assembly do hereby earnestly call upon all the Synods and Presbyteries under their care, to take the subject of Chris¬ tian Education under consideration, and to devise and execute whatever measures they may deem most appropriate for securing the establishment of Parochial and Presbyterial schools in our bounds. "Resolved, that a committee, consisting of one Minister and one Ruling- Elder be appointed by each Presbytery, to collect information, as to the number and condition of schools within the bounds of the Presbytery, the number of children tinder fifteen years of age belonging to their congre¬ gations; the state of public opinion in respect to education; the ability of the churches to sustain teachers and build school houses; and whatever other statistical information relating to education they may deem impor¬ tant; and that these committees forward their reports to the Board of Education, on or before the 1st of January, 1848. "In reference to this action of the Assembly, your committee recom¬ mend to Presbytery, the adoption of the following resolutions; viz: 1. Resolved, that The Rev'd Messrs. Arch'd D. Campbell, Colin Shaw, Arch'd McQueen, and Hector McLean; and Messrs. John Elliot, David McNeill, and Daniel McKinnon, be, and they hereby are ap¬ pointed a special committee, to take the whole subject of Parochial and Presbyterial schools into consideration; and to report, to this Presbytery, here, as soon as practicable, what action, if any, on these subjects, or either of them, should now be taken by this Presbytery. "2. Resolved, that, in accordance with the last of the above resolu¬ tions of the General Assembly, The Rev'd Mr. Frederick K. Nash and Ityr. George McNeill, be, and they hereby are appointed a committee, to collect such information, on the subject of Parochial schools within our bounds, as the General Assembly specifies; and to report to the Board of Education, as directed. "3. Resolved, that all the members of this Presbytery, and vacant churches under our care, be enjoined to collect, with as little delay as possible, within the time specified, the information required; and to for¬ ward the same, to the above-named committee, with a view to a repoit to the Board of Education, as directed by the General Assembly. "Further: Your committee find, on the same page of the printed min¬ utes referred to them; viz: on page 399, the following Overture, for a- mending the constitution of our church; viz: "Resolved, that it be referred to the Presbyteries, whether the follow¬ ing sections shall be added to the 15th chapter of our Form of Govern¬ ment, viz: "-YF/. The office of a Minister of the Gospel is perpetual and cannot be laid aside at pleasure. No person can be divested of it but by depo¬ sition. Yet, from various causes, a Minister may become incapable of performing the duties of his office; or he may, though chargeable with 5 neither heresy nor immorality, become unacceptable in his official charac¬ ter. In such cases, he may, cease to be an acting Minister. "XVII. Whenever a Minister, from any Cause, not inferring heresy or crime, shall be incapable of serving the church to edification, the Pres¬ bytery shall lake order on the subject, and state the 'fact, together with the reasons of it, on their records. And when any person has l)iu.s ceased to be an acting Minister, he shall not be a member'of any Pres¬ bytery or Synod, but shall be subject to discipline as other Ministers. Provided always, that nothing of this kind shall be done without the con¬ sent of the individual in question, except by the advice of Syhod.,'' "In reference to this Overture, your committee recommend to Pres¬ bytery, the adoption of the following resolution; viz: "Resolved, that the above Overture be referred to The Rev'd Messrs. Mclver and Gilchrist and Mr. George McNeill, with direction to report thereon, at the next Stated Sessions of this Presbytery. "All which is respectfully submitted. "ARCH'D D. CAMPBELL,) (Signed,) "MALCOM C. CONOLEY, V Committee." "JOHN ELLIOT, ) Messrs. John McOougan, W. N. Whitted, Daniel McAlister, and Lemuel D. Cameron, Ruling-Elders from the several congregations of Antioch, Beth-car, Black-river, and Cypress, appeared in Presbytery; and took their seats, as members. The Commissioners representing this Presbytery in the last General Assembly, made their respective reports/which were accepted. The Rev'd Mr. Colin Mclver rose in his place, to offer a minute, touching the case of the Rev'd Mr. Arch'd McQueen, as disposed of, by the last Gen¬ eral Assembly. The Moderator, without waiting to hear the said minute read, pronounced the subject-matter thereof out of order, as hav¬ ing passed out of the hands of the Presbytery, From this decision of the Moderator, an Appeal was respectfully taken, to the Presbytery; and the Presbytery sustained the said decision. Whereupon, Mr. Mclver gave notice of a Protest and Testimony, against the vote of Presbytery, which sustained the said decision, to be offered, for record, in due season- Resolved, that the next Semi-Annual meeting of this Presbytery, be held at the Grove Church, in the County of Duplin, to commence on Thursday, the 13th of April next, at 12 o'clock, M. A statistical report to the Synod of North Carolina was submitted; and being read, considered, and amended, was adopted; and is as fol¬ lows; viz: ' "The Presbytery of Fayetteville report to the Synod of North Caro¬ lina, thai they consist of Twenty-nine Ministers; and have, under their care, forty-eight congregations, one licentiate, and three candidates:— that, on the 25th of September, 1846, they Restored, to the communion of the church; and to the exercise of the functions of the gospel minis¬ try. The Rev'd Mr. Arch'd McQueen, who had been, for some time, under a sentence of suspension; that, on the 14th of November, 1846, they ordained, sine iitiilo, to the work of the gospel ministry, as an Evan¬ gelist, The Rev'd Mr. Neill McDonald; that, on the 7th of February, 1847, they ordained The Rev'd Mr. Hector McAlister, M inister ofthe gospel, and installed him Pastor of the congregation of Rock-fish Factory;—that, on the 9th of April, 1847, they received, under their care, the newly 0 organized church of Mount Edwards; that, on the 10th of April, 1847,. they dissolved the Pastoral relation of TheRev'd Mr. Evander McNair, to the congregation of China Grove; and also dissolved the Pastoral rela¬ tion of The Rev'd Mr. Arch'd Baker, to the congregation of Laurel-hill. "By order of the Presbytery." (Signed,) • "COLIN*JVIcIVER, Stated Clerk." To secure punctuality in reference to the Contingent Fund of Pres¬ bytery,, the fbljowing resolution was adopted; v[z: "Resolved, that the Treasurer of Presbytery be enjoined .to correspond with all delinquent members of Presbytery, as well as churches, to pay their quota to the contingent-fund of Presbytery; and, in case of their failing to comply, that, they be reported t(> Presbytery. Application was made, on behalf of TheRev'd Mr. Ar-ch'd Baker, for a dismission from this Presbytery, with a view to a connexion with the Presbytery of Concord. Whereupon, " Resolved, that his request be granted; and TheRev'd Mr. Arch'd Baker is hereby dismissed from this Presbytery, and cordially recommended . to the Presbytery of Concord, as a' Minister of the gospel, in good standing. -A Complaint, by Mr. Alex'r Morisnn, against certain proceedings of the Session. qfVTirza church, was received, and read; and it was Resolved, that the adjudication thereof be made the order of the day for Moiiday next, at 11 o'clock, A. M. The,Rev'd Messrs. Conoley and.Johnson, and Mr. Hinton Iver, ob¬ tained leave of absence, during the remaining part of the present Ses¬ sions. Agreeably to the order, of the day, Presbytery entered into a free conversation on the state of religion within its bounds; and the commit¬ tee appointed on yesterday, took notes during the conversation, with a view to.prepare a connected summary of the information thus collected. Adjourned, to meet, at this place, on Monday next, the 1st of No¬ vember ensuing, at 10-o'clock, A. M. Closed-with prayer. 'Monday, November 1, 1847. Presbytery met, according to adjournment. Present as above. O- pened with prayer. The, minutes of Saturday were read. Agreeably to a standing rule, Presbytery spent some time in devo¬ tional exercises.. . • The Rev'd Messrs. Hugh A. Munroe, and Neill McDonald,.appeared in Presbytery; and having satisfactorily accounted for the lateness of their arrival, took their seats. ■ The following Overture, from the Session of Smyrna clnutch, was submitted; viz: "When application is made, for Infant Baptism, by coloured parents, being members of the chitrch„ regarded as in good standing, and having been married in the usual way of marrying among them,—Is it the duty of (he Pastor and Session, regard such marriages as valid, and their children as entitled to Baptism?" This Overture was referred to The Rev'd Messrs. McNair and Nash, and Mr. Henry Elliot, to repojt thereon,/luring the present Sessions. The Committee to whom "the subject of Parochial and Presbyterial 7 schools had been referred, reported in pall; and their report, being read, was adopted; and is as'follows; viz: "The committee-appointed to take* into consideration, the subject of Parochial and Presbyferial schools, respectfully recommend to Presby¬ tery, the adoption of the following resolution; viz: "Resolved, that the members and Sessions of this Presbytery, take into serious consideration, the subject of Parochial schools; and en¬ deavour to establish such schools, within our several congregations, as far as practicable; and report what progress may have been made, in the establishment of such schopls, within our bounds; add all such' in¬ formation as can be. obtained, in reference to this subject, to our next Stated-Sessions of Presbytery." The committee were continued; and directed to'make further report, on this subject-, at their earliest convenience. Agreeably to the order of the day, Presbytery agreed to take up, fo'r adjudication, the (Jumplaint of Mr. Alex'r Morison, against the Session of Tirza church. ' ' ■' The Moderator, agreeably to a standing rule, solemnly announced, from the chair, that the Presbytery was about to pass, to the considera¬ tion of the business assigned for trial; and he enjoined on the-members, to recollect and regardtheir high character, as Judges of a Court of Jesus Christ, and the solemn dutyin which they were. aboUt t6 act. The Complainant, Mr. Morison, being absent, The Rev'd Mr. Colin ■Shaw was appointed to represent him,- in the trial of the case. , The Moderator, The Rev'd Mr. McKay, having been the Moderator of the Session of Tirza church, in the action complained of, was con¬ sidered a party in'this case; in consideration whereof, he resigned the chair to The Rev'd Mr. Colin MclVer, who presided,? during the adju¬ dication of this case. f I These preliminaries being settled, Mr. Morison's Complaint was read; in which, the following facts were set forth; Viz: 1. That, on the.24th of October last, the said Session, in opposition to the. complainant's earnest remonstrances, had receivecf'into the com¬ munion of'the church, l)r. John McKay, although'it was known-to them, that he had previously formed, and was then living in a connex¬ ion, condemned by the standards of bur church, as. unlawful and in¬ cestuous, viz: with the sister of his.deceased wife. See Confession of Faith, Chapter vxiv., Section iv., and Lev. xviii. 16, and xx. 19, 29, 21. 2. That the Complainant had urged, before the Session, against the said reception,—not only that such reception was unconstitutional and unscriptural, but. that k was also in direct conflict with a former act of this Presbytery, by which Dr. McKay had been declared inadmissible to church privileges; and that both his pleas were over-ruled, by the act complained of. 3. That the impropriety of the said reception, in the Complainant's judgment, was greatly heightened, by the very exceptionable behaviour of Dr. McKay, on the occasion referred to; which", by the Session, was suffered to pass, without rebuke, or censure; viz: that, in reply to the objections made, by the Complainant, a,s above-stated, Dr. McKay ut¬ tered the following language:—"! don't think that I can be much worse than Judas; and the Saviour, who was well acquainted with his charac¬ ter, received -him into fellowship." And, 8 4. That the Doctor, after uttering the language just quoted, with- drew his application, and abruptly started to leave the house; and that the Moderator of the Session, calling him back, persuaded him to renew his application, and change the mode of it; suggesting, that, as he had been unchurched, by an informal act of this Presbytery, in dissolving the church of Averasborough, he might be received, on examination. The Rev'd Mr.JShaw was heard, on behalf of the Complainant; and The Rev'd Mr. McKay was heard, on behalf of the Session corn- plained of. The roll was, then, called, to afford each member an opportunity to express his opinion on the case; after which, the final vote was taken; and the question being put,—"Shall the Complaint be sustained?"—it was decided in the affirmative. - 7 The Rev'd Messrs. McLean, Gilchrist, and Nash, were appointed a committee, to "prepare a minute, expressive of the views of Presbytery, in relation to this case. The Moderator now resumed the chair. The committee to whom the communication from the Presbytery of Concord, touching the election of a Professor in Davidson College, had been referred, exhibited their report; which, being read, considered, and amended, was adopted; and is as follows; viz: "The committee, to whom was referred, the consideration of the in¬ terests of Davidson College, beg leave to report, that they have taken into consideration, this whole matter, so far as they have had access to facts;-and would recommend the passage of the following resolutions; viz: "1. Resolved, that we have the utmost confidence in Davidson Col¬ lege, as a Literary and Presbyterian Institution,-r-a monument of the liberality and patriotism of Presbyterians. "2. Resolved, that such Agent as may be appointed to raise funds for the said College, be, and he hereby is, cordially invited to visit our churches, for such purpose;.and affectionately.recommended to the libe¬ rality of out people. "3. Resolved, that this Presbytery will, at the designated time and place, hold an adjourned meeting, to attend to the contemplated election* of a Professor, in the said College." "Respectfully submitted." "ADAM GILCHRIST, ') (Signed,) , "FREDERICK K. NASH, } Committee." "HENRY ELLIOT, ) Ordered, that the Stated Clerk furnish the Presbytery of Concord with a copy of the above report. The committee appointed, at the late meeting of this Presbytery, in Fayetteville, to confer with the Board of Trustees of the Donaldson Academy, reported; and their report, being read, was referred to the committee having in special charge, the subject of Parochial and Pres- byterial schools. , ; Messrs. Henry Elliot, Daniel McAlister, John McGougan, John Mc- Ivinnon, John Elliot, Dougald McCallum, and Lemuel D. Cameron, ob¬ tained leave of absence from the remaining part of the present Sessions. Adjourned, to meet, at this place, 011 to-morrow, at 10 o'clock, A. M. Closed with prayer. 9 Tuesday, November 2, 1847. Presbytery met, according to adjournment. Present as above. O- pened with prayer. The minutes of yesterday were read. Agreeably to a standing rule, Presbytery spent some time in devo¬ tional exercises.. The committee appointed to prepare a minute, expressive of the views of Presbytery, in relation to the case of Dr. McKay, as adjudicated on yesterday, submitted their draft of said minute; which, being read, was adopted; and-is as follows; viz: This Presbytery, after a patient, attentive, and impartial hearing of the Complaint of Mr. Alex'r Morison against the Session of Tirza church, and of all the statements and reasonings urgtkl by.the parties, pro and con, having sustained the said Complaiiit, do judge and regard the fiction of the majority of the said Session, in the case referred to, as highly censurable; and warn all our Sessions against following the un¬ fortunate example of that Session, in the above-mentioned case. Agreeably to a'notice given on Saturday, a Protest and Testimony, against certain proceedings of this Presbytery, touching the case of The Rev'd Mr. Arch'd McQueen, were presented; and being read, were ad¬ mitted to record; and are as follow; viz: "PROTEST. "Whereas our Commissioners to the last General Assembly reported to Presbytery, that the Complaints against the Synod of North Carolina and against this Presbytery, in the case of The Rev'd Mr. Arch'd Mc¬ Queen, were not entertained, hut dismissed, by the General Assembly; and one of the undersigned rose, indiis place, to offer a minute, on the subject; and the Moderator, without waiting to hear the said minute read, pronounced the subject-matter thereof, out of the hands of the Presbytery', and beyond its reach; and therefore, that any action, on that subject, was out. of order; and whereas, from that decision, a re¬ spectful Appeal to the Presbytery was taken; and the Presbytery sus¬ tained the Moderator'^ decision;—We, the undersigned, feel constrained, solemnly to protest against the vote which sustained the said decision, for the following'reasons; viz: "1st. Because it was impossible for the Moderator, or for the Pres¬ bytery,, lo know, whether the minute about to be offered waS either in or out of order, until it was read. "2dly. Because the undersigned believe, that every member of the Presbytery has an unquestionable right to be heard, before being pro¬ nounced out of order. "3dly. Because the undersigned believe, that the denial of this right, is an unjust usurpation of power, of dangerous tendency; and strikes at the root of civil and religious liberty. And, > "4'thly. Because, the vote being taken without debate, the, under¬ signed were precluded from exhibiting any evidence, either from the action of the General Assembly itself, or from any other source, that the subject-matter in question was not out of order. "For the above reasons, the undersigned claim the privilege, of en¬ tering-this, their solemn Protest, on the Minutes of Presbytery/' C (Skmd) "COLIN MciYER, 2 ^signed,; "ARCH'D SMITH. 10 "TESTIMONY. "We; the undersigned, ask ihe indulgence of bearing' our solemn and^ united Testimony, against the Acts of this Presbytery, by virtue oi vt hich, encouragement was given to The Rev'd Mr. Arch'd McQueen, to partake of chu.rch privileges, and to exercise the functions ot the gos- pel ministry, in the churches under the care of this Presbytery, and to sit, and deliberate, and vote, in this. Presbytery, for the following rea¬ sons; viz: "1st. Because, in our opinion, it is a toleration of an! offence, which the Constitution of our church pronounces incestuous. "2dly. Because of its tendency to corrupt-the purity of families. "3dly. Becau.se it introduces into our church, the leaven of corruption, "4thiy. Because marriage with a sister-in-law, is forbidden by the Word of God. See Lev. xviii. 10; and xx. 21. "othiy. Because it is forbidden in our Confession of Faith. See, Ch. xxiv. S. iv. "6thly. Because we believe the toleration of such connexion to be in conflict With our Ordination vows. See, Confession of Faith, Ch. xxii". S. iv. and v., and Fonn of Government, Ch. xiii. S. iv,, and Ch, ,T'S'lil-" /a* » d \ ' "COUN MOVER, (Signed,) "ARCH'D SMITH." The committee to whom the Overture from the Session of Smyrna church had been referred, exhibited their report;-which, being read, was adopted; and is as follows; viz: "The committee to whom was referred, the Overture from the Ses¬ sion of Smyrna church, containing the inquiry, whether coloured chil¬ dren, whose parents are in full communion in the church, ought to be regarded by the Pastor and Session as etttitled to the Ordinance of Baptism, recommend, that the said inquiry be answered in the affirma¬ tive." . "Respectfully submitted.". "E. McNAIR, ) (Signed,) "F. K. NASH, VCommittee." "H. ELLIOT, ) The following resolution was submitted; and being read, was unani-- mqusly adopted; viz: Resdhed, that this Presbytery tender their most hearty thanks to the families composing the Bluff congregation, for the very polite and cor¬ dial manner, in which they have extended their hospitality to the mem¬ bers of this body, during the present Sessions; and' that the Pastor of the congregation be, and he hereby is requested, to .take an early op¬ portunity of communicating this resolution to the people. The following minute' was also submitted; and being read, was adopt¬ ed; viz: Whereas the Presbytery are informed, that the Board of Trustees of the DorvAt-dson Academy now stand adjourned, to ujeet, on to-morrow, in the Session-house of the Presbyterian church of Fayettevclle, at 10 o'clock, A. M., and Presbytery are desirous of improving the opportu¬ nity which this circumstance is adapted to furnish; therefore, Resolved, that the committee on Parochial and Presbyterial schools be, and they hereby are instructed, to meet, in conference, with the said Board, at the time and place above-named; and to invite the said 11' Board, to a conference with this Presbytery, at the same place, and at the hour to which this Presbytery will then have stood adjourned. Adjourned, to meet, in the. Session-house of the Presbyterian church of Fayetteville, on to-morrow, at 12 o'clock, M. Closed with prayer. Session House of the Presbyterian fhurcli of Fayetteville,) Wednesday, Nov. 3, 1847,—12 o'clock, M. ^ Presbytery met, according to adjournment. Present as above. 0- pened with prayer. The reading of the Minutes of yesterday was dis¬ pensed villi. The committee appointed to prepare a connected summary of the in. formation receive^ during tlye free conversation on the state of religion, exhibited.their draft of said summary; which, being read, was adopted; and is as follows; viz: "From the facts elicited in the free conversation oh the stateof reli¬ gion, the Presbytery find, that, Awhile, in many departments of christian effort for the salvation of those immediately under our charge, as well as for the conversion of a world to God, we come very far short of the measure of our duty; and while many precious means, both of personal improvement in the divine'life, and of collective "efficiency in the great work God has given his church to do, are neglected, we, do, neverthe¬ less, rejoice to believe, that the manifest and awful responsibility which the great Head of the church has laid upon his servants to be faithful, is felt and realized, in a more than usual degree; and that, as a cortse, quence of this, efforts, more energetic and successful, Tiave been and are made, not only to save the souls of the perishing, around us, but al¬ so to call forth the resources of the church, in behalf of the benighted myriads of our race. "In most of our f hurches, the instruction of our people, both in Bible and Catechetical classes, is regularly attended to. Sabbath Schools an? organized, in many of onr congregations; and-the instruction of our coloured population is not entirely neglected. "With devout thanksgiving, we would record the fact, that, in some of our churches, there has been, during the past year, encouraging ad¬ ditions; in many, large and increasing congregations,".deep seriousness, solemn attention, and a manifest and ui1u«ual interest in a preached gospel. These things are encouraging; and should lead us to more active exertion for the salvation of souls, and more ardent and believing prayer, for the general out-pouring of the Spjrit of God, upon our re¬ spective charges. "Upon only one spot, in our bounds, has the Spirit fallen, with mighty power and fulness. Centre church, in Robeson countjr, has been the scene of this precious season of refreshing, It has brought to our minds, the days of which our Fathers have told us, when hundreds were pricked in their hearts, and made to feel the mighty power of the glori¬ ous gospel of Christ. "The work, from its character and power, lias been exceedingly gratifying to the friends of the Redeemer. As its fruit, aine hundred and thirty-three precious souls have been gathered into the church, while many others are rejoicing in what God has done for them. "In conclusion, the Presbytery would say to their beloved people, that God lias been good to his children; and that every evidence of this goodness, calls us to grati¬ tude, repentance, and faithful and self-denying labour, in the cause of our Master." 12 Ordered, that an authentic copy of the foregoing summary be duly submitted to the Synod of North Carolina. Mr. Arch'd Ray, a Ruling-Elder from the Mineral Spring church, and Mr. Robert W. Gibhbs, a Ruling-Elder from the church of Wilmington, appeared in Presbytery, and took their seats, as members. The committee of Suppiies exhibited their report; which, being read, was adopted: and is as follows; viz: "The committee of Supplies respectfully recommend to.Presbytery, the adoption of the following appointments, for the supply of the destitute population, within our bonnds; viz: , "The Rev'd Mr. Robert Tate, to preach at Pike Creek, 2 Sabbaths: "The Rev'd Mr. Adam Gilchrist, to preach at Cade's church, 1 Sabbath: "The Rev'd Mr. Evander McNair, to preach at Cade's church, 1 Sabbath: "The Rev'd Mr. Hugh A.-Munroe, to preach at Miller's church, 2 Sabbaths: "The Rev'd Mr, Daniel Johnson, to preach at Lumberton, 2 Sabbaths: and "The Rev'd Mr. Arch'cTD. Campbell, to preach at Lumberton, 1 Sabbalh." "Respectfully submitted." /C,.' , . "ARCH'D SMITH, } n ... ., (Signed.) "DANIEL MORISON, \ Committee- Ordered, that 300 copies of the minutes of the present Sessions, be printed, under tiie direction of the Stated Clerk. The Rev'd iyiessrs. Mclver and McAlister were appointed a Committee, to prepare a Letter to the several church Sessions, urging the importance of punctuality in send¬ ing Ruling-Elders to represent the churches in Presbytery; and of punctuality, on the part of the Eldership, in giving their attendance, from the commencement to the close of each Stated Sessions;—to be submitted, for the consideration and adop¬ tion of Presbytery, at their next Stated Sessions. The committee on Parochial and Presbvterial schools exhibited their.last report, which was read; and the Presbytery agreed to take it up, and dispose of it, article by article. It contained three resolutions. The first aiid second resolutions were a- dopted. The third resolution was taken up, and discussed, at considerabie length. Pending the discussion, the, Presbytery adjourned, to meet again, at this place, at the call of the Moderator. Closed with prayer. Thursday, Nov. 4, 1847,—2 o'clock, A M. According to adjournment, Presbytery met, at the call of the Moderator. Present as above. Opened'with prayer. The reading of the Minutes of yesterday was dis¬ pensed with. The Rev'd Messrs. Samuel Paisley, William N. Peacock, Hugh McLaurin, James O. Stedman, and Angus C. McNeill, appeared in Presbytery; and having assigned satisfactory reasons for the lateness of their arrival, took their seats. The Rev'd Mr. Daniel Johnson, who, on Saturday, had obtained leave of absence, appeared in Presbytery: and resumed his seat.. The unfinished business of yesterday was resumed, viz: the consideration of the third resolution, contained in the'last report of the committee on Parochial and Pres- byterial Schools. The discussion1 of this resolution was continued, until the hour ap¬ pointed for attendance on the meeting of Synod. Whereupon, Presbytery adjturned, to meet, in the church, at 1 o'clock, P. M. Closed with prayer. .1 o'clock. P. M. Presbytery met, in the church, according to adjournment. Present as above, ri¬ pened with prayer. The leading of the minutes of the morning was dispensed with. Mr. Rethune McKenzie, a Ruling-Elder from Mount Cannel church, and Mr. Angus Baker, a Ruling-Elder from Asli-pole church, appeared in Presbytery; and took their seats, as members. Mr. George McNeill, .who had been appointed to collect each present member's quota of the Contingent fund of Presbytery, reported the collection of Thirty-one dollars for the said fund. Ordered, that the same be handed over to the Treasurer of Presbytery. The committee appointed to examine the Treasurer's accounts reported, that they had discharged that duty, and found the said accounts correct, and well sustained Im¬ proper vouchers; and that the Treasurer had paid, to the proper Agent, all the con¬ tributions which )iad been put into his hands, for Foreign Missions; and there I'PW remain, ip his hands, for Domestic Missions, .... $159 03 13 r or Missions to the coloured population,, - - 25 .57£ For the Commissioners' fund, - - - 17 38 For the Contingent fund, - - - 34 Amounting, in all, to $202 32^ The report was approved; and it was Ordered, that the several sums therein named, he, as soon as practicable, applied to the objects for which they were specifically designed. Mr. Farquhar C. Smith tendered, to Presbytery, his resignation of his office, as a Trustee of the Donaldson Academy. Presbytery accepted the said resignation., Mr. David McNeill was nominated, as a Trustee of the Donaldson Academy; and it was agreed, that the said nomination be taken up, and acted on, this evening. Adjourned, to meet, in the Session-house, this evening, at 7 o'clock. Closed with prayer. 7 o'clock, P. M. Presbytery met. in the Session-house, according to adjournment. Present as a- bove. Opened with prayer. The reading ol the minutes of this afternoon was dis¬ pensed with. Presbytery took up the nomination of Mr. David McNeill, as a Trustee of the Donaldson Academy, to fill the vacancy occasioned by the resignation of Mr. Fat- quhar C. Smith: and, the vote being taken, Mr. McNeill was duly elected. The unfinished business of the morning was resinned; viz: the consideration of the third resolution contained in the last, report of the committee on Parochialfand Pres- byterial schools. While this resolution was under discussion, a motion was made and seconded, to postpone the further consideration thereof, with, gt view to introduce, as a substitute, another resolution, proposed by The Rev'd Mr. Arch'd D. Campbell. Pending the discussion of this motion for postponement, the Presbytery, adjourned, to meet, at this place, on to-morrow, at 9 o'clock, A. M. Closed^vith prayer. Friday, Nov. 5, 1847,—9 o'clock, A. M. Presbytery met, according to adjournment. Present as above. Opened witli prayer. The reading of the' minutes of last evening was dispensed with. Mr. Henry Elliot tendered to Presbytery, his resignation'of his office, as a Trustee of the. Donaldson Academy. Presbytery accepted the said resignation. Mr. Duncan Mnrchison .was nominated, as a Trustee of the Donaldson Academy; and it was agreed, that the said nomination be taken up, and acted on, this evening. The Rev'd Mr. Arch'd Smith tendered to Presbytery, his resignation of his ap¬ pointment, as Agent for Foreign Missions. Presbytery accepted the said resigna¬ tion; and appointed The Rev'd Mr. James O. Stedman to supply the vacancy, thus occasioned. The unfinished business of last evening was resumed; viz: the motion to postpone the further consideration of the third resolution contained in the last report of the committee on Parochial and Presbvterial schools, with a view to introduce, as a sub¬ stitute, another resolution, proposed by The Rev'd Mr. Arch'd D. Campbell. Pend¬ ing the discussion of this motion for postponement, the Presbytery Adjourned, to meet, at this '.place, this evening, at 7 o'clock. Closed with prayer 7 o'clock, P. M. Presbytery met, according to adjournment. Present as above. Opened with prayer. The reading of the minutes of this morning was dispensed with. Presbytery took up the nomination of Mr. Duncan Mnrchison. as a Trustee of the Donaldson Academy, to fill the vacancy occasioned by the resignation of Mr. Henry Elliot; and, the vote being taken, Mr. Mnrchison was duly elected. The Rev'd Mr. John R. Mcintosh appeared in Presbytery; and having assigned a satisfactory reason for the lateness of bis- arrival, took his seat. The unfinished business of the morning was resumed; viz: the.motion to postpone the further consideration of the third resolution contained in the last, report of the committee on Parochial and Preshyterial schools, with k view to introduce,-as a sub¬ stitute, another resolution, proposed by The Rev'd Mr. Arch'd D. Campbell. While this motion was under discussion, another motion was made and seconded, to post¬ pone the further consideration.of the motion before the Presbytery, with a view to introduce, as a substitute, another resolution, proposed by The Rev'd Mr. Frederick K. Nash. After considerable discussion, the question,'on the last motion, was put; and it was decided in the negative:—yeas, 11; nays, 14. In this state of the business, 14 the Presbytery adjourned, to meet, again, at this place, at the call of the 'Moderator. Closed with prayer. Saturday, Nov. 6, 1847,—1 o'clock, P. M. According to adjournment, Presbytery met, at the call of the Moderator. Present as above. Opened with prayer. The reading of the minutes of last evening was dispensed with. The unfinished business of last evening was resumed; viz: the consideration of the Ihird resolution, contained in the last, report of the committee on Parochial and Pres- hyterial schoo's. A motion was made and seconded, to postpone the further consid¬ eration of the said resolution, with a view to introduce, as a substitute, another reso¬ lution, proposed by Tlie Rev'd Mr. Neill McKay; and it was agreed, that the con¬ sideration of this motion should be taken up, this evening. Adjourned, to meet, at this place, this evening, at 7 o'clock. Closed with prayer 7 o'clock, P. M. Presbytery met, according to adjournment. Present as above. Opened with prayer. The reading of the minutes of this afternoon was dispensed with. The following minute was submitted; and being read, was adop.ied; viz: Whereas this Presbytery have resolved to hold an adjourned meeting, at the time 'and place designated, for the purpose of attending to the contemplated election of a Professor in Davidson Collkge; and whereas it is apprehended, that the major part of the members of this body may find it very inconvenient, to repair to the appointed plane, at the time fixed for the purpose; therefore, to prevent disappointment, in a matter ot so much importance; and thus, to secure a quorum, Resolved, that the following brethren be specially requested, to make the necessary arrangements for giving due attention to this business; viz: The Rev'd Messrs. Wil¬ liam N. Peacock, Evauder McNair, and Arch'd D. Campbell; and Messrs. Alex'r Martin, Bethune McKenzie, and John Elliot, Ruling-Eiders: or, in case of their ne¬ cessary absence, that the following brethren, as alternates, be requested to give their attendance; viz: The Rev'd Messrs. Arch'd McQueen, Hector McLean, and Neill McDonald; aiid Messrs. Oliver Wylie, and Oalviu Peacock, Ruling-Elders. The unfinished business of this afternoon was resumed; viz: the motion, to postpone the further consideration of the. third resolution, contained in the last report of the committee on Parochial and Presbyterial schools, with a view to introduce, as a sub¬ stitute, another resolution, proposed by The Rev'd Mr. Neill McKay. After some discussion of this motion, a motion was made and seconded for its indefinite post¬ ponement; but, by special request of one of the members, this last motion, with the requisite consent of the seconder, was withdrawn, to make way for another motion. It. was, then, Moved and seconded, that the further consideration of the motion be¬ fore the Presbytery he, postponed, witli a view to introduce, as a substitute, another resolution, proposed by The Rev'd Mr. Frederick Ii. Nash, of a character different from th it of the rejected resolution of last evening. After considerable discussion of this motion,.a motion was made, and seconded, for its indefinite postponement. This last motion prevailed. A motion was now made and seconded, to re-consider the re¬ jected resolution of lustre Veiling. The question, on this motion, being put, after some discussion, it was decided in the affirmative: Teas, 14; Nays. 12. A motion was, then, made and seconded, to adopt the resolution, thus ie-roiisi). \ Presbytery met, according to adjournment. Opened with prayer. PRESENT.—The Rev'd Messrs. William N. Peacock, Lvam.cr McNair, Arcli'd 1). Cainplieit, and Neill McDonald. A BSKNT,—The Rev'd Messrs. Robert Tate, and John Mcliityre: The Rev'd Simeon Cotton,4>. P., and The Rev'd Messrs. Colin Mclver, Samuel Paisley, Arch'd McQueen, William B robs ton, Adam Gilchrist, Hector McLean, Hector McNeill, Arch'd Smith, John R. Mcintosh, Hugh McDnu- rin, Frederick K. Nash. James O. Stedmaii. Malcmn ( onoley, Hugh A. Munroe, Neill McKay, t'o- 1 in Shaw, Duncan Black, Andrew McMillan, Angus C. McNeill, Daniel Johnson,*and Hector Mc- A lister. In the absence of the Moderator, (Rev'd Mr. Neill McKay.) The Rev'd Mr. William N. Peacock, the Senior Minister present, was called to ihe chair; and, the Clerk being also absent, The Kcv'ii .'nr. Arcli'd D. Campbell was appointed Clerk, pro trm. Whereas ihe object of this meeting is known to he, co operation with the Presbyteries of Bethel and Concord, in the election of a Professor of Natural Science, in the Davidson ( ollkok, now under the care of the Synod of North Carolina; and whereas these Presbyteries are not yet ready to enter upon the said election. Presbytery Adjourned, to meet again, at this place, at the call of the Moderator. Closed with prayer. Thursday, Nov. 25, 1847,—1 o'clock, P. M. According to adjournment, Presbyteiy met, at the call of the Moderator. Present as on ycslcr day. Opened with prayer. Whereas it appears, that the Presbyteries of Bethel and Concord, are now ready to proceed, in their respective Presbyterial capacities, according to the charter of the Davidson College, to the election of a Professor of Natural Science, in that Institution; Therefore, Resolved, that the Presbytery proceed, forthwith, to the contemplated election. Presbytery determined to attend U> their part of the election, by ballot; and the votes being thus collected, it appeared, that David B. Gretter, Esq., of the City of Richmond, in Virginia, had re¬ ceived the unanimous vote of ihis Presbytery. The Clerk, pro tem. was directed, to forward official information of the vote of this Presbytery to the Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Davidson College. The object of this meeting being accomplished, and no other necessary or important business being proposed, or suggested, Presbytery Adjourned, to meet, at the Grove church, in the County of Duplin, and State of North Carolina, oil Thursday the 13th of April next, at 12 o'clock, M. Concluded with prayer, and the Apostolic Benediction.