*1^ $i^^ ■^ ^"^ i^^T'' ;v? ixj?^j ?^a ^J^^, •«fe,, ^ • ■ ■ ,>i-y'- 1^ ■ *^.' r'*- m T<^ # '***%#^ ,^^-^* .:, ..3 ... ^ "^^3- %.' .fe^ T'^'^t*^ ^ . :. k *^^^^'-^^ Ik ^ /^^y ^ N I THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY, | S Princeton, N. J. w*^ % Bequeathed by the Hon. E. BOUDINOT, Ll^.D. ;- %%%^%^%%%%%%%^ - *•»* ***** k ((IS<\ Divi^mn' S % ,S7/rV/; Sec+ion....i [I V Itooh. ,, ) Vol, 3 o-P EXTRACTS MINUTES GENERAL ASSEMBLT '^PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, A. D. 1804. Philadelphia : . FROM THE PRESS OF THE LATE R. AITKES", PRINTED BY JANE AITKEN, No. 20, NORTH THIRD STREET. 1804. At a general assembly of the Presbyte- rian CHURCH, ^^C. HELD IN PHILADELPHIA IN MAY 1804 : " RESOLVED.... That the Reverend Messrs. Janextay and Potts, aided hif the Pernuuient Vleik, be a commiUee, to select such parts of the Records of this Assenibiy, as they shall judge proper to be putdished J->r the injormation oj the people and judi- catories oj thi Church : That the said clerk tran- scribe the same, and superintend the printing arid distribution oj 1500 copies; allotting a part to each Presbitery, proportioned to the number oj its members, and churches. Resolved.... That the said committee subjoin to the extracts, some account oj the glorious prospects of usefulness opened to the Assembly by the reports of their Missionaries among the Indians ; affording ample encouragement to perseverance in a work, ojten pronounced hopeless.'' EXTRACTS FROM THE Minutes of the General Assembly. May 17th, 1804. 1 HE General Aflembly of the Prefbyterian Church in the United States of America, met, agreeably to appointment, in the firft Prefbyterian church in the cityof Philadelphia, at eleven o'clock, A. M. and was opened by the Rev. Dr. James Hall, the Mode- rator of laft Aflembly, with a fermon from Rom. x. I. " Brethren, my heart's desire, and prayer to God for Israel is, that they might be saved" After prayer, the commiflions were read, when it appeared, that the following minifters ?,nd elders, were duly appointed, and at- tended as coramiflioners to this Aflembly ; viz. Of the Prejbytery of Oneida ; The Rev. Samuel F. Snowden, ■ Jedediah Chapman. Of the Prejbytery of Columbia; The Rev. Jonas Coe.* Of the Prejbytery of Alb any ; The Rev. Jofeph Sweetman. Of the Prejbytery of Hudson; The Rev. Jonathan Freeman. Of the Prejbytery of New-Tork; The Rev. Dr. John Rodgers, Mr. Henry Rutgers, T The Rev. Edward D. Griffin, Gilbert Allen, I Elders. Buckley Carl, Prefervc Riggs J Amzi Armftrong.-j- Of the Prejbytery of Long-IJland; The Rev. Aaron Woolworth. • Appeared in the houfc the 4th day of the feflions. f Appeared in the houfe the 3d day of the feffions. Of the Prejhytery of Neiu-Brunjiu'icl ; The Rer. Dr. Samuel S. Smith, Mr. John Bayard, 1 ttu The Rev. James F Armftrong, Jjaniel Agnew. J Jofeph Clark, Holloway Hunt. Of the Prejhytery of Philadelphia ; The Rev. T)x. Wm. M Tennent, Mr. David Cloyd.T The Rev, Jacob J. Janeway, Charles Ogden, |- Elders, George Potts. Robert Erwine. J Of the Prfbytery of Nenv-Cajlle } The Rev. William Aithur, Mr. Samuel Barr, T Francis A. Latta, James Porter, V Elders, John E Latta. Geo M'llvaine.* J Of the Prejhytery of Carlifle; The Rev. Dr Robert Cooper,f Mr. James M'Lene,-{- 1 ejj- The Rev. John Linn, Robert Brown.ij: J Robert Kennedy, . David M'Connaughy. Of the Prejhytery of Lewis ^ The Rev. Stuart Williamson. Of the Prjbytery of Baltimore ; The Rev. James Inglis. Of I he Prejhytery of Huntingdon; The Rev. John Coulter. Mr. Wm. Montgomery,^ Elder. Samuel Bryson. Of the Prejhytery of Redjone; The Rev. Jacob Jennings, Robert Steele. Of the Prefhytery of Ohio; The Rev. James Hughes, Stephen Lindley, Cephas Dodd. Of the Prejhytery of Erie; The Rev. Thomas E. Hughes. Uf the Predytery of Winchester ; The Rev. Nafh Le Grand. Of the Presbytery of Lexington; The Rev. Samuel Brown, Mr. Alexander Nelson, f] Elder. John M'Cue. * Appeared in the houfe, the 4th clay of the feflioiis. I Appeared each, the 2d day of the ftfTior-s. % Appeared in the houfe, the 6th day of the feffions. ^ Appeared in the houfe, the 4th day of the feflions. d Appeared In the houfe, the loth day of the feflion*. 45 Of the Presbytery of Concord; The Rer. Dr. James Hall, The Rev. William C, Davis. Of the 2d Presbytery of South Carolina; The Rev. Robert Wilfon.* The Revd Do(^or Matthias Burnet, and the Revd. Dan Huntingdon appeared in the Aflembly, and exhibited a certificate • of their appointment, as delegates to this Aflembly, from the Ge- neral Aflbciation of Connecticut: the certificate being read and ap- proved, they took their feats as Members, agreeably to their ap- pointment. The Revd. James F. Armftrong was ichofen Moderator of the AflTembly, and the Revd. John E. Latta, temporary Clerk. Whereas the Aflembly, for feveral years pafi:, have been taking meafures to obtain materials for a complete hi(tory of the Prefljyte- rian Church in the United States of America; which materials, as far as they have been obtained, are in the hands of the ftated Clerk; and it feems expedient that the hiftory contemplated, fliould be entered upon as foon as poflible; therefore, Refohed, That the Rev. Dr. Aflibel Green, and Mr. Ebene- zer Hazard, be, and they hereby are, appointed to write the Hifto- ry of the Prefbyterian Church, in the United States of America; under the care of the General Aflembly; and to lay a copy thereof, when completed, before the Afl'embly: that they have the free ufe of the materials colleded ; and that the copy right of the Hiftory, when finifhed, (hall belong to the faid Dr. Green and Mr. Hazard. And whereas there are certain Prefljyteries and congregations, under the care of the Aflembly, that have not yet furniihed materi- als for their hiftory, though often folicited, therefore, Refohedy That all the Preibyteries & congregations be, and they hereby are, ftriflly enjoined, to do all in their power to complete their hiftories as foon as poflible, and to forward them without de- lay, to the faid Dr. Green and Mr. Hazard, relident in the City of Philadelphia, who are hereby authorized, if they find it neceflla- ry, to write to the Preft)yteries and Congregations that may not forward to them the hiftorical documents required; and to urge them to the performance of their duty, and to ftate to the Aflembly the names of thofe Preft)yteries and Congregations, if fuch there be, who fliall not ultimately furnifli the information necefl'ary. And this Aflembly do alfo hereby recommend to all the people under their care, efpecially to gentlemen of literature and leifure, within their bounds, to furnifli the gentlemen appointed to tkis fer- * Appeared in the houfc, the 5th day of thr feffions. 46 vice, with all the information in their power to give, relative to the hiftory in contemplation, that this important work may be comple- ted, in a manner as accurate and fatisfaftory as poffible. A communication from the Convention of the Congregational Minifters of the State of Vermont, was received and read. From this it appeared that the Convention have ratified, on their part, the plan of union and correfpondence (agreed upon and tranfmitted to them by the lart: AfTembly) with one exception, viz. That the Convention, confidering the fmallnefs of their number, and diftance from the AfTembly's ufual place of meeting, cannot promife to fend an annual delegation to the General Affembly. Resohcd, That this Aflembly accept and ratify, on their part and behalf, the Hiid plan of union and correfpondence, with the exception aforefaid; and that the AfTembly will, for the prefentyear, fend one delegate to attend the next meeting of the Convention. Agreeably to an appointment made by the (landing committee of MilTions, the Revd. Dr. Samuel S. Smith, Pre fid cnt of the Col- lege of New-Jerfey, delivered laft evening, in this Church, a Miffi- onary fermon, from John iv. 35 — Lift up your eyes, and look on tht Jie'uls, for they are white already to harvejl. On motion, Refhedy That the faid committee prefent the thanks of this AC- fembly to Dr. Smith for his fermon, and requeft a copy for publi- cation.* Refolved, That thofe who have heretofore received appointments as agents, for procuring fubfcriptions for the permanent fund, conti- nue their exertions during the enfuing year, at difcretion : that they efpecially endeavour to collec'^ the funis already fubfcribed ; and pre- pare to fettle their accounts finally, during the feffions of the next General AfTembly. The committee to whom was referred the letter from the Revd. David Rice, reported the draught of a letter, purporting to be an an- fv/er from this AfTembly to the letter of Mr. Rice. The draught being confidered and amended, was adopted, and is as follows. * Dr. Smith dcdiaed giving a copy. 47 t)EAR. Sir, YOUR letter of the i8th of April has been regularly laid be- fore the General AfTembly ; and although it ought to have been ac- companied with an cxtraft from the minutes of the Prefbytery Oi Tranfylvania, yet, the A iTembly, having perfed confidence in you, eafiiy waved /hat formality. The enquiry which you propofe, in the name of the Prefbytery, concerning the propriety, in your prefent circumftances, of licenfing and ordaining men to the work of the gofpel miniftry, without a liberal education, is certainly of great magnitude. Conlidering the great and ardent zeal on the fubjedt of religion, which has been awakened throughout fo large a portion of the United States ; the multitudes who are earneftly demanding of you the bread of life, and the fev/, comparatively, who are regularly ordained to break it among them ; the realbning feems fpecious at firfl:, which would encourage us, in the inftances you mention, to depart from the fpirit of our (tandards upon this fubjedt : and fome plaufible fafts fre- quently occur, which appear to confirm this reafoning, and midead the judgments of many honeft and well meaning men. On all fub- jefls on wiiich the human mind is roufed to uncommon exertions, and inflamed with uncommon ardor, men become eloquent for a feafon ; and even the mofl weak and ignorant, often furprife us by the fluency, and pertinency, as well as fervor of their exprefTions. And in general revivals of the fpirit of religion, that copioufnefs and pathos in prayer and exhortation, which are not uncommonly to be found, even among menwho aredeftitute of anyliberal cultureof mind; and often even of any confiderable natural talents, may tempt them- felves, and lead others to conclude, that they are endued with pecu- liar and extraordinary gifts for the fervice of the church, which oughs not to be fuirercd to lie ufelefs and unemployed. An ardent zeal, too often united with a certain fpiritual pride, arid ftrong felf-love, is apt to infpire fome weak perfons, of an enthufi- aiHc temperament, with vehement impulfes to preach the gofpel ; which they flatter themfelves are calls from Heaven. — But experi- ence has repeatedly fhewn us, that thefe inward impulfes mofl com- monly afFed men of great imbecility of mind, or of flrong vanity — experience farther fhews, that when this fervor is fomewhat abated, all their barrennefs, and defed of furniture for the holy miniflry, and the found interpretation of the facred fcriptures, become mani- feR : and too many unhappy examples have occurred, ofthofe who have abandoned good morals, when deferted by their zeal. And with regard to fuppofed calls to preach the gofpel; no man can be rightly called to that facred office, out of the regular order which Chrift has eflablifhed in his church — no fuch inward call can be judged of by any B 48 ihixTch judicatory, nor dillinguillied by any certain cntcrion, from the vifionary impulfcs of enthufkfm. The judicatories of the church can judge only of the life and converfation of men ; their knowledge, and their talents to teach. Befides, we know that the nature of true religion is, to render nu'n luimble. And fuch is the folemnity and importance of the duty, ci interpreting the word of God to the people, and fpeaking in his name, that a ilncere penitent v ill rather w.iit to be fought out, than forwardly intrude himfelf into fo holy a calling. And do we.nct find, in fa^ft, that they are not ufually the mofl: prudent, judiiiour^ and qualified to teach among the laity, v/ho are moil: folicitous to be condituted puMic guides and inftnictors in the church? We do not fiv th.u a liberal education is abfolutely effential to a man's ufefalnefs in the miniftry of t!ie gcfpel ; but reafon and ex- perience both demonftrate its high importance and utility. And where ignorant men are permitted to explain the holy fcriptun-es, it ought to be fi;bjei5l tothedireu^ion and control of others, of greater knowledge. But this is an order which it has not been thooght pro- per to adopt, in the Prefbyterian church. And the iuperior compa- rative profperity and ufefulnefs of aur church, and that of our caflern brethren, which is iimilarly conllituted, is a demonllration by no means equivocal, of the approbation and fmiles of heaven upon us, in the excrcife of our prelent firm of government and difcipline. — But, v.ere our opinion on this iubjecl dilferent from what it is, we cannot lawfully and confcientiouOy depart from our j)refent ftandards, till they be changed in an orderly manner, by the conlent of a majo- rity of the Prefbyteries, which comn-jfe the body of the Gener;4 Aden-.bly. You exprefs your apprchenlions left, if certain iHiterate and un- qualified men, Ihouid not be admitted to the miniftry of the gofpel among you, they may withdraw from the church, and become the promoters of dangerous fchifms. We anf-.^-er, the path of duty is a fafe path. Do what is right, and commit the event to God. If they are men ot fuch a fpirit, it is only a nev/ proof that they are mofl unfit for the office to which they afpire. Parties created by them, will neither be important, nor durable. But if the gales of the church are opened to weakncfs and ignorance; flie will foon be over- flowed with errors, and with the wildeft diforders. We (hall bring the minillry into difgrace and contempt, which iliould be like the prieflhood of Aaron, v/ithout blemiflr. — If men are fincerely dcfirous of promoting the glory of God, let them firft bellow the neceflary pains and time, to acquire the requilite qualifications, for feeding and leading the flock of Chrift: let them be regularly initiated into the priefthood; and not haften to offer unhallowed fire on God's altar. If they arc fincerely defirous of doing good, let thcra do it m that 49 Tphere, in which they appear dcftined by irovidence. to move. In thist every chridian, the pooreft and the humblcfl:; has ample fcope to exercife his pious and benevolent difpofiiionG, and to exeu his. talents, v/hdtever they may be. Notwithflandin|T the precedin^r refieflions, it is the opinion of this Aflenibly . tiiat where the field of' labor is too extenfive for the or- dinary and regiil.T miniftry, certain alTiflants, like the helps or ca- techids of the piimitive church, may, under propf.r reliridlions and jimitations, bs 'afefully employed in inftrucfting the young iia the principles oi our holy rtligion ; and conducting the ];raying and vo- luntary focieties of private chiiilians. Great caution, hov/ever, ought to be ufed in employing fuch an order of men ; lefl: an indir.creet zeal, fhould impel them to extravagancies which r,i;iy prove difiionor.;hie and injurious to religion; or left, being lifted up with pride, they come at length to fijurn the authority which has appointed them, cre- ate divificns in the church, and {o Jail into the condemnation of ihi Devi!. In fome parts of the church their utility might be very great, while in others, they would prove not only ufelefs, but dangerous. ]t mult be leftfolely to the regular and eitablilhed judicatories of the church, according to the circumiiances v/hich may exifl: within their refpcfHve limits, to judge upon this fubjecl. But, wherever it may b^ thought expedient to reiort to fuch helps, we give it as our advice that noncrbe employed but men oi pnuknt and found xi\\"Az, as well as of lincere piety : men who are humble, and willing to fubmit to order, as well as zealous in the fervice of our Lord Jefus Chrifh Let tlieir duties be clearly pointed out to them, and circumfcribed within pie- cif::; limits. And under the di.ection of.the PreH-sytcry, let.tliem, as frequently as podible, be villted, and their condud infpecled, to fee \lo\^ far they are both able ;ind iaithfulin dilchavge of the trull com- mitted to them. They are not to be confidered as (landing officers in the church; but may be appointed, or removed, at the difcretion of the Prelbytery. But. if any, upon full experience, are found to poffefs uncommon talents; arc diligent to acquire the requifite qualiii- gations for preaching the gofpel, and prcmife to be eminently ufeful in the church, they may, in time, pitrchnf' to tJ^emftlvcs a good degree, and ,be admitted according to the regular courfe, to the holy miniftry, Thefe things -we leave to your prudence, and arc, Bcrir Sir, Your brethren, and Fellow labourers, t,iz. :Signed by order &c. Moderator. 50 Refolded, That a copy of the foregoing lettei-, be figned by the Moderator, addrefsed and fent to Mr. Rice, to be communicated to the Prefsytery of Tranfylvania. The AfTembly, agreeably to the order of the day, proceeded to confider the reference from the Synod of Pittfourgh, relating to a certain Marriage. Ir appeared that a Mr. James Gafton, had been cenfured, as guilty of hicefl, for having married a woman who v/as fiftei's daughter to his former wife ; and had brought the caufe, by appeal, to the Synod of Pittfburgh. The Synod, conceiving that the caufe involved a high queftion of difcipline, chofe to refer it to the General AlTembly, for their decifion. The Aflembly having difcufTed the fubjefl, at fome length, a mo- tion was made and feconded, that the decifion given ly the General Jljfdtnbly in the year l8o2, in a cafe precifelyfwiilar, be adopted as the decifion c?i the prefmt occafion. After fome confideration, a motion was made and carried, to pojlpone the motion before the houfe, in order io introduce thefoUoiving as afulflitute, viz. The AfTembly having given repeated decifions on fimilar cafes, cannot advife to annul fuch marriages, or pronounce them, in fuch a degree unlawful, as that the parties, if otherwife worthy, fhould be debarred from the privileges of the Church. But as great diverfity of opinion appears to exift on fuch quefticns, in different parts of die Church ; fo that no abfoKite rule can be enjoined with regard to them, that (hall be univerfally binding, and confiftent witli the peace of the Church : and as the cafes in queftion are efteemed to be doubtful, the Aflembly is cotiftrained to leave it to the difcretion of the inferior judicatories, under their care, to adt according to their own beft lights, and the circumftances in which they find themfelvcs placed. A queftion was then taken to agree to the fubftitute^ and determin- ed in the affirmative, Refolvcd, That this Affem»bly will, on Tuefday next, enter into a free converfation on the general ftate of religion, within their limits. Refihed, That Dr. Smith, Dr. Hall and the Rev. James Hughes, be a committee to talie notes of the information which may be given on this fubjeft ; to form the fame into a general and conneift- td report, and lay it before the AfTembly. The AfTembly proceeded, agreeably to the order of the day, to a free converfation oa the general ftate of religion, within the bounds of the General Aflembly. The members being called, in the order of the roll, gave fuch in- formation on this fubjesft, as their local fituation enabled them to give. Accounts were received from moft of the Prcfbyteries under the care of tlie General Aflembly ; and the delegates from the General AfTo- 51 elation of Connedticut, communicated fome intercfling information, refpedling the appearances of religion in that llate. The Committee appointed to draw up, and prtfent to this house, a fummary of the information received in the Affembly, during the free converfation on the general ftate of religion, exhibited their re- port. The report being read and amended was adopted as follows. ALTHOUGH every flncere chriftian muft lament that inattention to the ordinances of religion, and the Imall imprcfiion which its facred truths make on the hearts of men, which are vi- fible in many and extenfive portions of our country; yet, the As- fembly have heard, v/ith the higheft fatisiaflion, of the prevalence, and increafing influence of vital and pradlical godlinefs throughout the greater part of the Prefbyteries which compofe our body. With- in thofe wide diftridts, towards the fouth and v, cR, from v;hich the Jaft Aflembly heard, v/ith fo much pleafurc, the glad tidings of the great falvation manifefted there; the power of leligion appears flill to prevail, with little abatement. And although through the fubtlety of the adverfary of iouls, and the influence of human frailty, fomc errors, extravagancies, and inilances of reproachful behavio\u, have taken place, which the Affembly do fincereiy regret, and mofl un- equivocally difapprove and condemn; yet arc they happy to learn, and it is a facred duty, v.'h.ich they ewe to the clrurches, to announce,, that, notv/lihflanding the malignity with which the enemies of reli- gion have fludied to mifreprelent, and rejoiced to exaggerate thcfe undeflrable events, they are chiefly confined to one diltridt of no grca^; extent; and they are certainly very rare, confidering the immenfc region, through v/hich this work has prevailed, and the vafu vaiicLy of charafiers who have been its fubjeds. The Aflembly, moreover, have the unfpeakable fatisfaclion to announce, that the extraordinary influences of the Divine Spirit have, fince the lafl year, been fpread over new and very extenfive countries, ftiU fartlier to the fouth and weft. To the north-weft and north, from the river Ohio to the Lakes, a vafl region which, a few years ago, was an uninhabited wildernefs, new churches are forming with aftonifhing rapidity: and the Spirit of God feems to be remarkably poured out, and to accompany the word, and or- dinances of the gofpel, with the moft folemn and aftcding impreilions. The fame fpirit appears to prevail through a large portion of the Synod of New York and Nev/ Jerfcy and the Synod of Albanj'. Its efFecls though more flient, feern to be not lefs deep, nor confo- ling to the friends of true religion. Sinners are convinced, and fincere believers comforted, and eftablifhed in the faith and hope of the gofpel. Trophies are continually raifed to the grace of the Redeemer; and numbers are almofl daily added to the church of fi.ith, we trufl, as fhall be favcd. In the churches in which thefs 52 ■^xtTaordinary influences of the Divine Spirit are not fo confpicuous, the power, and the falutar)- effects of the ordinances of the gofpel, feem, notwithftanding, to be viubly progrelTing. That inattention io the things of religion; that neglect of its inititutions; that tenden- cy to infidelity, or to fcepticifm in principle, and to diffolutenefs of manners, which, a few years fince, the truly pious had fo much reafon to deplore, are, in moft places, evidently arrefted; and the tid£ of j)ublic fentirnent is happily begun to flow in a contrary diredion. Places of divine v.orfhip are, in general, more frequented ; die in- flitutions of religion are held in higher honor, and attended with greater folemnity, and apparent devotion. — The like agreeable ti- dings have been received from our affociated brethren of the eaftern churches, who are dwelling together in peace, and in the unity and f.tith of the bleffed gofpel. The AfTembly have likev/ife heard, with uncommon fatlsfaclion, of the increafing number of focieties for the purpofes of prayer, and for the promotion of piety and good morals. It is the ordinary courfe of divine providence, that, when God defigns to pour oirt -his Spirit in a remarkable manner on his churches; and to increafe and extend the influence of true religion ; he firft awakens amona his ov;n people a fpirit of prayer, and of fervent fapplication at the throne of grace, for this blelllng. And the Affembly do earneftly recommend it to all who love the appearing of the great God, even our Saviour Jefus Chrill, to meet often together; tof.'ir one another up to love and good luorks, and to wreftle in prayer v\'idi God, liiie the faints of old, for the profperity of Zion, //// the r'lghieoufnefi thereof go Jorth as Ir'igkinejs, and the Jalvat'i'jn thereof as a lamp iJjat lurneih. It is, moreover, ho fmall ground of confolation, to obfcrve the ^ious difpofition manifeiled, and the increafing efforts which are made, more effeccually to extend the knowledge of the way of Talvation to the unhappy and enflaved blacks in cur country; and to fend the inertimable.bleuings of the gcfpel, along with the im- provements of civilization, to the heathen and favage tribes in cm- vicinity; to fave thefe wretched people from utter extermination; s.nd to raife up from the remnants of fo many deftructive wars, the feeds of future and great nations, who fiiall enlarge tiie kingdom of the Redeemer. The reports of the Affembly's miflionaries in the Cherokee, and Catawba nations, have rendered the profpect3 cf introducing among them, letters & civilization, tlie arts of peace, and the precious lights of the gofpel, more promifing than, at any period, they have ever been. Finally, the Affembly, rejoiciisg themfelves in the grace of the Great Head of the Church, have again the happinefs to offer to the churches under their care, iacreafrng caufe of thanksgiving, 55 and pralf?, to the God of all mercy and truth. And, they inrreat the co-operation of their prayers, and their charity, for the promo- tion of the Redeemer's glory, and the falvation of precious and knmortal fouls. — And now, to God Almighty, Father, Son, and Holy-Spirit, who hath given us this reafon to rejoice, be glorj- and honor, world without end! Amen! Refohedy That the members of this AfTembly, with fuch of the Citizens as may chufe to join with them, will fpend a part of next Thurfday evening, in the feccnd Prefbyterian Church in this City ; in fpecial prayer, for the revival of religion, and other religious ex- ercifes directed to the fame object j and that Dr. Cooper. Mr. Linn and Mr. Janeway, be a Committee to make arrangements for the occaCon, and to deGgnate the perfons, who ihall lead in the cxcrcifes. The meeting for fpecial prayer, and other religious cxercifes, was duly attended laft evening in the fecond Prefbyterian Church in this City, agreeably to appointment. Refolved, That it be recommended to the Committee of MliEons, to publifli, by fubfcriplion, a periodical Magazine, facred to religi- on and morals, and pay the profits into the funds of the AiTembly j to be applied to milEonarj' purpofes. The Committee appointed by laft Affembly," to conCder the ex- pediency of publifhing a Nevs' Edition of the Confeffion of faith &c. of this Church: to confider, whether any, and if any, what alter- tioRs ought to be made, in the faid ConfeiEon of Faith, &c. and to make preparator)- arrangements on this fubjed," exhibited their report. The Afiembly.... having gone through the fame by paragraphs, and made feveral amendments, it was^ adopted, as follows: AFTER a very ferious attention to the fubje -^ ""^^.t' ?M#-", ^M %r ^:*^?- :^^ * -&^.^ ^sSG#- ^ j:'*"^*^^*' :^^^