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 1 
 
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M E 
 
 CC 
 
 APPOINTED BV THE SV 
 OF NOVA-SCOTIA, 
 MEANS FOR P 
 CHURCH, 
 
 , NENC 
 
 THE SUBSEQUENT n 
 
 The God of Heaven 
 his scrvajits wilt arise ( 
 
 PRINTED I 
 
B E F 
 
 M T 
 
 <v^. 
 
 > 
 
 Mi 
 
 THE 
 
 .'«, •*> 
 
 O F A 
 
 COMMITTEE, 
 
 I 
 
 
 ArrOINTED BV THE SYNOD OF THE PRESBYTEKIAN CHURCH 
 
 OF NOVA-SCOTIA, TO PKEPARE A STATEMENT OF 
 
 MEANS FOR PROMOTING RELIGION IN THE 
 
 CHURCH, SECURING THE PERMA- 
 
 I NENCE OF THE CHURCH, 
 
 AND ENLARGING 
 
 ITS BOUNDS. 
 
 A N D A L S O, 
 
 THE SUBSEQUENT RESOLUTIONS AND ARRANGEMENTS 
 OF THE SYNOD. 
 
 The God of Heaven he will prosper us : therefore we 
 his scrvatits will arise andbuitd : Nrhemiah 
 
 W 
 
 '■■' '? 
 
 ■: 4 
 
 #• 'II 
 
 f 
 
 HALIFAX : 
 
 PRINTED BY JOHN HOWE Sf SON, 
 
 i8ia 
 
 -V'^ 
 
 
 
\ 
 
\ 
 
 TRURO, Court-House, 
 Oct 9, 1817. 
 
 THE Synod met, and was constitut- 
 ed-^ 
 
 Took into consideration the Report 
 of the Committee for suggesting ways 
 and means for promoting Religion-- 
 
 The Synod remitted the Report to 
 
 the Committee, and enjoined them to 
 
 revise it t and to publish it without de- 
 lay. 
 
 
 t 
 
 K.,51 
 
 
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 m 
 
 I'. 
 
 PA 
 
 % 
 
 m 
 
 JAMES ROBSON,Syd, Clk. 
 
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 REPORT, ^c. 
 
 THE Committee, in dating to the Synod 
 the refult of their invefligations, beg leare 
 To make a few preliminary remarks, which, in 
 confidering the fubjedt of their commiifiou, oc- 
 curred to themfelvcs, and direded their atten- 
 tion to feveral points contained in the following 
 fiatement. 
 
 The prefent times are diftinguiihed by the ener- 
 getic exertions of gooi! men in almoft every part 
 of the world, to dineminate the knowledge and 
 influence of pure and uadefiled religion. In 
 the fucccfs of thefe labours of love, the church 
 alfo contemplates adairional proofs of divine faith- 
 fulnefs ; and the approach of thofe days, when 
 all ends of the earth iball cemember and turn 
 
 . . unto 
 
 ■tv 
 
 V 
 
 ■^ 1 
 
 •#■■ 
 
 41 
 
 :s^R<^«<fftAMbaw^. . 
 
 , .,t,*iV-i<,,^— >-«"«> 
 
 -V 
 

 U 
 
 t 
 
 tinto the Lord, and all kindreds of the n?tioi)Ji 
 fhall bou' before him. The Sun of Kighteoufiiefs 
 has ariien upon the dark places of the earth ; and 
 many, guided by his illuciinating rays, are al- 
 ready coiiiing from the eaft, and from the wefl, 
 and from the north, and from the fouih, and are 
 lilting down with Abraham, and Ifaac, and Ja- 
 cob, in the Kirgdom of Heaven. 
 
 Amidft this enlargement of the border of Zi- 
 cn, the Prtfbyterian Church of Nova-Scotia ap- 
 pears as an obj. d of no ordinary intereft. Com- 
 mencirg, not niariy years ago, in the feeble at- 
 tcn pts of a few iiidivir'uals to provide the Gof- 
 peHor ihrmfelves and their families, it has, by 
 the divine blefling, a» qui' ed a confiUency and 
 cxrcnr, which promifc ii/uch good to the wilder- 
 Dcis .m ^ foiirary place. Nor ought it to be over- 
 lot ked, th.it the whole Church is yet the fruit of 
 miflionary h't'our. Th; u.h at prefent confifting 
 of fevcral Pr<{bvterics, it flill bears the character 
 of a Miflionaty Church. It contain? n)auy who 
 have been redeemed unto G d, but none, trained 
 in its bofom to the work of the miniftry. 
 
 The union of its pirts, which has been lately 
 formed, defei ves, alfo, to be noted as an unufual 
 evert. Itt'iigiuus parties have rarely coalefced 
 witluiuc {ome dereliclion of truth or duty ; but 
 an ;idhcrence to both is the batisupon which this 
 byuQd v>»9 founded. Every member of itpro- 
 > . . ceeded 
 
 '> ■■' 
 
the n?tiox)9 
 ^^hteoufiiefs 
 earth ; and 
 ys, are al- 
 i the wefl, 
 ilh, and are 
 lac, and Ja- 
 
 Drf^er of Zi- 
 a-Scniia ap- 
 eft. Coni- 
 e feeble at- 
 tc the Giif- 
 it has, by 
 iUency and 
 the wilder- 
 to be over- 
 ihe fruit of 
 It cf^uifltting 
 le character 
 many who 
 ne. trained 
 ^ry. 
 
 peen lately 
 an unufual 
 
 coalefced 
 uty ; but 
 \\htch this 
 
 of it pro- 
 ceeded 
 
 3 
 
 ceeded ifipon what appeared to himfelf to bo 
 fcriptural principle)}, and acquiefced in the mea* 
 fure, as well calculated to promote the purity, and 
 enlarge the bounds, of the Church. Thcle were 
 the points upon which all had fixed their atten- 
 tion. Though a union of perfons appeared to 
 be highly deiirable ; a general concentration of 
 energy upon that work in which all were indi- 
 vidually labouring, was chiefly regarded ; and 
 the Committee conceive the invehigation aflign- 
 ed them, to be the fir ft fruits of union rendered 
 fubfervient to this great end. In obedience to 
 appointment, therefore, they will proceed to fpe- 
 cify fomt of tholie means which feem to them 
 calculated to cherifli religion m the Church, to 
 fecure its permanence, and to enlarge its bounds. 
 
 1.— MEANS FOR PROMOTING RELIGION IN THE 
 
 CHURCH. 
 
 FROM the nature of religion, the internal 
 profperity of a Church muft always be proporti- , 
 oncd to the degree of Icriptural order obfe rved 
 by its members. The divine blefling is the fource 
 of all fpiritual improvement ; and fubmidlon to 
 the authority of God is the only means by which 
 that can be attained. It is the order ot rel'gion, 
 aUb, that every degree of fiith and obedience, 
 introduces a correfponding difpenfation of grace* 
 Viewing the Church, then, as exprefsly inflitut- 
 cd for the mutual afliftance of its members and 
 
 their 
 
 
 !l 
 
 «...■* 
 

 '. I 
 
 h 
 
 I 
 
 
 their conjuuA communion uitli God, every a£l 
 of religion contributes to the general advantage, 
 lor tic i'xmc realon, individual neglci^ of means 
 mull nfl'cA the general fellowfhip, and injure the 
 jutere^s of the whole ; and hence the warning of 
 i'oripture : ** Looking diligently left inyman tail 
 ot the grace of God, left any root of bitternefs 
 fpringiog up trouble you, and thereby many be 
 defiled." 
 
 From thefe remarks it will appear how impor- 
 tant it is, that a juli diredion be given to the faith 
 and practice of the Church ( and con(equent« 
 ly» that thole who teach and ihofe who rule, dif- 
 charge u'ithfaithfulnefs the duties afligned them. 
 
 In all religious focicties, the candud and cha-* 
 rafter of public teachers, have been experienced 
 to be of (Txtenfive influence. This arifes from 
 the nature of their office, and from that confi- 
 dence which the members of a Church ufually re- 
 pofe in the integrity cf the pcrfon to whom they 
 have intruded the direction oi their fpiritual 
 uflairs. Viewing him as a teacher <ind a pattern 
 of rightecufuefs, they imperceptibly imbibe his 
 ientiments, imitate his conduft, and even adopt 
 his language in their acts ot devotion. For thefe 
 reafons, illuilrations of the private deportment 
 and public labours of clergymen, conflitutc a 
 prominenl feature of the Chriftian revelation. 
 The (cripturei, in revealing the dodrincs of re* 
 
 llgion, 
 
 
 1-^: 
 
 ^ 
 
id, every a£k 
 al advantage. 
 1c£> of means 
 nd injure the 
 ^e warning of 
 i any man tail 
 of bitternefs 
 cby inauy be 
 
 r how impor- 
 cn to the faith 
 ^ contequent- 
 /ho rule, dif- 
 nigned them. 
 Jud and cha* 
 [1 experienced 
 s arifea from 
 1 that confi- 
 ch ufually rc- 
 whom they 
 heir fpiritual 
 nd a pattern 
 imbibe his 
 even adopt 
 For thefe 
 deportment 
 conflitutc a 
 rovelation. 
 fines of re- 
 ligion, 
 
 ligion, prcpofe themfclves alfo as a pattern of 
 public teaching and minifleriat conduct ; and 
 upon thefe points, they illuftrate precept by ex- 
 ample. When they explicitly define the cha- 
 rad^er of a preacher of the gofpcl, they (how what 
 our Lord himfelf was, and how his apodies 
 taught and pradifed. The interefls of the 
 Church therefore require, that its Minifters, in 
 iludying tb)e fcriptures for improvement, keep 
 equally in view, an acquaintance with doctrinal 
 truth and apoftolic example. Thus, they will 
 be prepared to aA as religion prcfcribes ; and 
 their mtniftrations, by the divine bicfling, will 
 tend to illuminate and purify the Church. 
 
 The Committee do not prefume to fpecify 
 what courfe of dc^rine may, in the prefent Aate 
 of the Church, be moft protitably taught. This 
 mud be left to the judgment of teachers, di- 
 re^ed by the word of God, and by jutl views of 
 the particular circumftances of thofe congregati- 
 ons over which they prefide. Only, it may be 
 in general obferved, that the grace of the gofpel 
 cannot be too clearly dated, nor reftiiucie of 
 aondu6l too (Irongly enforced. 
 
 With refpect to doctrine, however, the Com- 
 mittee would remind the Synod, that the pro- 
 grcfsof religion in the Church, depends much 
 upon minifterial improvement. It is a peculi- 
 arity of the Chfiftian fyftem, that ic prepares 
 
 man 
 
f 
 
 9 
 
 man for duty and happinefs, by forming his 
 mind to intelligence. On this account, public 
 teachers ought to be tr.en of information ; and 
 thofe who have acquired the mod enlarged views, 
 miifi be beA qualified to promote thele impor- 
 tant defi^ns ot religion. For the improvement 
 of the Church, therefore, divine authority en- 
 jnirs that mir<i(lerial profiting appear ; and ex- 
 perierce exrmpiifies its invigoranng ii.fluence 
 upon the minds of Chrifiians. Every perfon 
 who has ob(ei-ved human nature, knows the 
 power of variety. This, every f'cribe inilructed 
 unto the Kingdom of God, (houid turn to the 
 account of religion, and bring from his treafures 
 things new and old. 
 
 Fiom the particular iituation both of the 
 Church and its Miniflers. much attention ii> due 
 to this fubjedt. At prefent, the profperity of 
 the Church trquires an unufuai exertion of talent i 
 yet, for various reafons, it can fcarcely attain what 
 is neccilary fur the dated and ordinary riiicharge 
 of cuty. The difiicultie» unavoidable in the 
 planting of a Church, are a powerful obdrudiion 
 to literary purfuits : they even deprive a clergy-, 
 man of the time requifite for deep refearch into 
 the lubjeAs, mud immediately connedled with 
 hia public labours. Without adverting to what 
 cannot be remedied in the prefent date of the 
 Church, the Committee would only requed the. 
 
 Synod 
 
 
 4 
 I 
 
 im: 
 
1* 
 
 forming his 
 lount, public 
 (nation j and 
 ilarged views, 
 thelc impor- 
 impruvemenc 
 authority en- 
 iar; and ex- 
 irig ii.fluence 
 Every peifon 
 knows t/ie 
 ibe inftructed 
 
 turn to the 
 his trtalures 
 
 both of the 
 
 :ntion it> due 
 
 »rufpeTity of 
 
 ion o( talent i 
 
 y attain what 
 
 ry diicharge 
 
 lable in the 
 
 obftrudlion 
 
 ive a clergy-, 
 
 efearch into 
 
 [ictled with 
 
 i)g to what 
 
 ate of the 
 
 requeft tho 
 
 Synod 
 
 Synod to confider, that many Mintders are de- 
 riving a part of their fupport from faurccs un-. 
 connected with their official duties. The Com- 
 mittee particularly refer to farming and teaching, 
 which, thouj^h perhaps neeeflary to the pxiftence 
 of lomc congregations, muft occupy much time 
 that might be more profitably employed for the 
 furtherance of the gr.lpel. It appears advifcable, 
 therefore, that the Synod form fomc arrange, 
 ments which may, by degrees, conneft more 
 clofely the preaching and fupport of the gofpcl, 
 and alf) excite its Minifters to exert their talents 
 for lireruy and theological improvement. 
 
 Upon the firft of thefe points the Committee 
 would obferve, that modes of miniderial fubfift- 
 ence, unconnected with the difpenfation of di- 
 vine ordinances, do not in general correct the 
 evil which th'ty are dcGgned to remedy. They 
 tend to abftracl the attention of Chriftians from 
 thedifcharge of a duty, which appears to be 
 requifite iu order to theprogrefs of religion. If 
 a Church does not feel an intereft in the fupport 
 of its ordinances, its members will alfo want that 
 energy of exertion, upon which its enlargement 
 and permanence depend : and it has been nfually 
 experienced that the Clergyman who has other 
 refources than the liberality of the Church, will 
 on that very account receive lefs fympatbjr and 
 attention. 
 
 With 
 
^1 
 
 t 
 
 With refpe6l to literary and theological im> 
 provement, the Committee would recommend 
 that difcburfes for the pulpit be prepared with 
 care. To preach truth is important ; but the 
 workman who would not be afliamed, mud do 
 it fealbnably aud well. A careful obfervation of 
 the particular circumftances of the Church, cor- 
 rednefr of thought and expreflion, and a becom- 
 ing mode of addrefs, are all ufeful means for fix> 
 ing the attention of men upon the truths of re* 
 ligion. Even the laft of thefe, as a profitable 
 recommendation of truth, ought to be cultivated 
 with care. Oratory has ever been a powerful 
 engine in fociety ; and, furely, the gofpel is en- 
 titled to all its energies. Blue and purple and 
 fcarlet, were formerly confecratcd to the fervice 
 of God ; and no ornament of which religion is 
 fufceptible, fliould yet be withheld. Accuracy 
 of fcntiment and language, and a (dignity of 
 ciiuncialion according with the fublimity of 
 fcriptural truth, confiitute a part of that fimpli- 
 city and godly iincerity which the Miniflers of 
 Ciirifl arceijjoined to obfcrve. Ihe Clergyman, 
 therefore, who details his crude conceptions, or 
 ufes an uncouthnefs of language or manner, ob- 
 fcures the fplendour of truth, and gives to reli* 
 gion an unieemly ard forbidding appearance. 
 For promoting improvement in thele points, the 
 Committee would recommeod the revival of an 
 
 obfolete 
 
 te 
 
 fo 
 di 
 ea 
 
 hi! 
 
 he 
 
 
 •"•-iW*!^**^.: 
 
 -**""•• ♦V^- ' 
 
 .^**'-**"%.**-- 
 
sological im-^ 
 recommend 
 eparcd with, 
 nt ; but the 
 ;d, muft do 
 bfervation of 
 )hurch, cor- 
 ind a becom- 
 (leans for fix- 
 truths of rC' 
 a profitable 
 be cultivated 
 a powerful 
 gofpel is en- 
 purple and 
 ) the iervice 
 h religion is 
 , Accuracy 
 dignity of 
 ubiimity of 
 that Gmpli- 
 IMiniAers of 
 Clergyman y 
 ceptions, or 
 majiner, ob- 
 ives to reli* 
 appearance, 
 points, the 
 ^vival of an 
 obfolete 
 
 9 
 
 obfoiete pradice, from which t^^e Prefbyterian 
 Cbujrch in other countries has derived much 
 advantage: that is, that the meetings ofPrefby- 
 teries be as frequent as poflible i and be defigned 
 for minifterial improvement, as well as for the 
 diredlion of the affairs of the Church : and, that 
 each Clergyman in rotation, for the exercife of 
 his talents, receive a fubje^ for difcufiion, which 
 he (hall deliver at next ordinary meeting, fub- 
 jcA to the critical remarks of his brethren. 
 
 The Committee would farther remind the Sy- 
 Bod of the relation which the difcipline of. a 
 Church bears to its progrefs in religion. Difci- 
 pline is evidently a leading feature of the Chriflian 
 fyflem ; and where ic has been regulated by 
 fcriptural principles, experience has uniformly 
 proved its excellence. He who preaches tho 
 truth, is enjoined to take care that it be believed 
 and oraclifed in the Church. The arr-angements 
 of Chrifl for its government, alfu, m^rk the im- 
 portance of this part of duty. The MiniQer who 
 labours in word and dodrine,^ has helps for go- 
 vernment allowed him } and it will b<^ always 
 found, th»t much ot the profperity of a congre- 
 gation, depends upon the zeal and aciivity of its 
 ieflion. Befule that purity of deportni'^nt. there- 
 fore, which thefe ought to exemplify, their fta- 
 tion in the Church requires them to feel an in- 
 tereA in the prelerva<ionof its purity, and to 
 
 exercife 
 
 \ i 
 
 Hi 
 
 i " 
 
■«!!■ 
 
 U 
 
 
 ll 
 
 1- 
 
 ,1 
 
 10 
 
 exercife an aflfeAionate vigilance over the ccnducl 
 nf its members. For gaining thefe ends, an ex. 
 ample of miniflerial faithfulnefs is, perhaps, the 
 moil eflfsctual means. The fentiments of the 
 Clergyman who (bows an aifedtionate concern for 
 the religious improvement of the members of 
 the Churchy will generally have much weight 
 with his fefTion ; and thi s influence will confe- 
 quently ailill him to give a juft direction to their 
 views and ccndud. The Committee would 
 likewife recommend, that, in all miniilerial vifi- 
 tation of families, the attendance of every elder 
 in his own quarter be enjoined, as a neceflary 
 part of this religious duty. In thofe Churches 
 which we profefs to imitate, this regulation has 
 been adopted which much profit to religion. 
 Such an arrangement tends to excite, alike the 
 vigilance of elders and the circumfpection of the 
 members uf the Church. It alfo enables a Cler- 
 gyman to know more exactly the Aate of families 
 and individuals under his infpe^ion ; and thus 
 afiiils hi.n to render his intercourfe with them 
 fu .'iervient to their improvement. 
 
 The Committee would farther recommend, 
 that, in all a<^s of government and difcipline in 
 particular congregations, a ftrift attention to re- 
 gularity be obfcrvcd. What is defigned for pre- 
 ferving good order, (hould never be done in a 
 diforderly manner. /Authority belongs to the 
 
 feilioQ 
 
 i '■; 
 
 jihi 
 
 '"^-mn^^mk.im^^^ 
 
11 
 
 ;r the ccnducl 
 i ends, an ex- 
 , perhaps, the 
 nents of the 
 le concern for 
 e members of 
 much weight 
 e will confe- 
 clion to iheir 
 mittee would 
 inifterial vifi- 
 f every elder 
 i a neccffary 
 jfe Churches 
 egulaiion has 
 
 to religion. 
 'e, alike the 
 eclion of the 
 tables a Cler- 
 te of families 
 and thus 
 
 with them 
 
 recommend, 
 difcipline in 
 entiun to re- 
 ned for pre- 
 done in a 
 }ngs to the 
 feiHon 
 
 i 
 
 kflion ccnjur.AIy ; and is to be cKercifed, only 
 where its members have been regularly convened 
 and conftituted in the name of the Lord Jefus 
 Chi ill. Where this order is not obferved, the 
 Church loies an tflential part of its dignity, and 
 difcipline much of its influence. The irregular 
 exercife 6f difcipline may afford to the members 
 of a feilion a temporary convenience ; but it 
 will ultimately afiecl their general refpeflability 
 and influence in the congregation over which 
 they prefidc. It will expofe them individually 
 to the prejudice and diflike of the members of 
 the Church, and occafionally devolve upon 9 
 Minifler much blame, from which it is one ex-r 
 prels ufe of a fcflion to relieve him. Bcfides, 
 difcipline irregularly exercifed, cannot ettjoy the 
 divine blefling in the fame dfgrte. as when 
 all things are done decently and in order. 
 
 With refpedl to the admiflion of Members into 
 the Church, the Committee would advife that 
 it be condu<5led in fuch a manner, as may illuf- 
 trate the nature of a Chriflian profefHon. For 
 this purpofe, a formula containing a profeflion 
 of the faith and of the fubmilTion due to the good 
 order of religion, might be adopted aud ufied in 
 all the congregations under «he Synod's infpecli- 
 on. This would eOabiifh uniformity in the 
 Church. It would alio give to admilllons an 
 ifpprefTive folemnity ; and, in the fubfequent ex- 
 ercife 
 
 I! 
 
 n 
 
 f .' 
 
% 
 
 
 { : 
 
 I ; 
 
 la 
 
 ercife of difcipline, might be produ^ive of ad- 
 vantage. 
 
 The Committee would farther obferve, that 
 the admiflion of Members into the Church, re- 
 quires particular care. Faith and holinefs are 
 the charaderiQics of the family of Chrift ; and 
 without clean hands and a pure heart, none 
 ihould be received into his houfe. High de- 
 grees of purity, it is true, are not to be required ; 
 for the Church is ChriA's fchool, and his chil- 
 dren are difciples. But where perfons without 
 the marks of difcipldhip, are admitted, a tem- 
 potary quiet is purchafed at the expence of future 
 trouble. Sefiions which, for the fake of peace, 
 aNow the Church to be defiled, will not remain 
 without reafon to repent their unfaithfulnefs. 
 Unworthy members are roots of bltternefs, which 
 ufually reaA upon the teligiouk comfort of its 
 rulers. 
 
 But farther, in infpe^ing the condu^ of the 
 Members of the Church, much watchfulnefs 
 ought to be exercifed. To go on to perfection 
 is the Chriftian chara^er ; and to Simulate the 
 Church to luftain it honourably, is one principal 
 ttfe of a feffion. It is, therefore, the duty of 
 elders, to exercife an affectionate vigilance for 
 the improvement of thofe over whom they pre- 
 fide ; and both by their example and influence, 
 to llimulate them to higher degrees of Chriftian 
 
 purity. 
 
 f 
 
 d^S^L 
 
 !LiA^- • '- 
 
13 
 
 du^ive of ad> 
 
 obferve, that 
 e Church, re- 
 el hoHnefs arc 
 )i Chiift ; and 
 e heart, none 
 ife. High de> 
 to be required ; 
 
 and his chil- 
 :r(ons without 
 nittcd, a tein- 
 :pence of future 
 B fake of i^ace, 
 nil not remain 
 
 unfaithfulnefs. 
 titternefs, which 
 comfort of its 
 
 ondufl of the 
 watchfuineffr 
 to perlcclion 
 Simulate the 
 is one principal 
 the dufy of 
 e vigilance for 
 lom they pre- 
 and influence, 
 es of Chriftian 
 purity. 
 
 i 
 
 purity. For thcfe ends, religion has provided the 
 neccflTary means ; and it is the duty of a Se(n3n to 
 t^e caif^ that thcfe be properly ifnproved. Inaddi* 
 tion to tUeavrangements alre^d)* introduced into 
 the church, the committee would tuggeft a few 
 particulars, which appear to them calculated -to 
 promote the knowledge, (pirit, and good order, 
 of religion. 
 
 It mud be always important, that the members 
 of a Church perceive clearly the line of dillindi- 
 on between (hemielve& and thofe who ar^ not 
 in its cooamunion. At prefcnr, however, in 
 many congregations iMider the Synod's infpecli- 
 on, this is nut i'o obvious as leligion requires. 
 ^s yet> to form congregations has been the em- 
 ployment of Miniilers. During the progrefs of 
 this work, their Tupport cannot be derived fclely 
 from the members of the Church ; and befides, 
 in the management of the temporal affairs of 
 congregations, all who contribute to their fup- 
 porr, have ufually a (hare. By thefe means it 
 not unfrequenily happens, that thofc in the com- 
 munion of the Church, overlook their particu-^ 
 lar relation to their MiniUcr, and the corrcfpond'^ 
 ing obligations under which religion has placed 
 them. Inflead of viewing thcfiifelves as a part 
 of one body, united to their Clergyman by kt* 
 lemn and endearing ties, they conlider themfelyes 
 merely as individuals, paying him fo much 
 
 falary 
 
 I . 
 
 n. 
 
 iSj^^p •• "■v 
 
 ^■•^SJi*^.- 
 
M 
 
 -i 
 
 falary and receiving certam privileges in return ^ 
 and thus, they are prevented frum feeling a due 
 inrereft in the prolperity rf the Church ; and 
 their Clergyman, in cafes of difficulty, is left 
 without that encouragement which they ought 
 to afford him. 
 
 It appears, therefore, to iht Committee ad- 
 vifcable, that every Minifter, befide explaining 
 occafionaily the nature of a Ohurch, fhould> to- 
 gether with his fciTion, from time to time meet 
 with thofe under iheir infpection by themfelves ; 
 and engige with them in iuch a^s of religion, as 
 may fix their views upon their individual rela- 
 tion to the Church and its rulers. In the prc- 
 fentflate of t'le Church, alfo, to lay before them 
 at ih«)fe meetings the tranfa^ions of the leflion ; 
 and particularly fuch acts of dtfcipline, as would 
 imprefs upon their minds the importance of purity 
 of communion, might be attended with profit. 
 Such meetings would give them a pradlical view 
 of the diAinclion bif:tween the Church and the 
 world. Ihus, they w{)uld alfo becoritw better 
 acquainted with each other as members of the 
 fame Church, and ultimately, m(/re ciofely 
 united. Befides, by fuch occafional reports from 
 the fefll'in, they would gradually acquire that 
 interelt in the purity of the Church, which every 
 member fhould feel. 
 
 t 
 
 The Committee alfo conceive, that the increafe 
 
 of 
 
 ..^ 
 
 -»T*to.,.*-.fl*^. 
 
 ■:^■^'^ 
 
 jL-- ^"Hi'Vi.'lww 
 
s in return % 
 fciing a due 
 hurch ; and 
 ully, is left 
 they ought 
 
 itnittee arl- 
 ; explaining 
 
 ihouldk to- 
 > time meet 
 themfelves ; 
 
 religion, as 
 vidual rela- 
 In the prc- 
 befoie them 
 
 the ieflion \ 
 ;, as would 
 [ICC of purity 
 with profit, 
 adtical view 
 ch and the 
 on»- better 
 jcrs of the 
 
 .re clofely 
 eports from 
 cquire that 
 ivhich every 
 
 the incresfe 
 of 
 
 16 
 
 dF Meetings for ChriHian Fellowfliip. would be A 
 gain to religion. Experience has proved their 
 excellence ; and, in all pure Churches, they ard 
 duly appreciated and cheriflied with care. When 
 men fear the Lord, and fpeak often one to ano> 
 ther ; the divine blefling attends them. Such 
 friendly and aifeclionate intercourfe, adds to the 
 energy of Chriliians ; and thus becomes orolita- 
 ble to themfelves and to the general intereils of 
 the Church. . . .j, 
 
 The advancement of religion like wife requires^ 
 that a more maiked attention be paid to the 
 younger part of the Members of the Church* 
 This Synod maintains that the children of pro* 
 feHing parents belong to the Church ; but, as 
 yet, the operation of this principle has been aU 
 mod entirely reftri(fced to their admifllon by 
 baptifm. Afterwards they have been viewed, ra- 
 ther as related to their parents, than as connected 
 with thehoufehold of faith. This, the commit* 
 tee would remark, obfcures the excellence, and 
 reftriifls the benefiis, of the Chriilian fyftem** 
 AdmiiTion intoihe Church, is pariiculaHy with 
 a view to the benefit of communion. Chriftiani-^ 
 ty, alfo, has its degrees of fellowfhip adapted to 
 every period of life ; and, perhaps^ the negieck 
 of this benevolent and comprehenfive arrange- 
 ment with refpedl to youth, has injured leligion 
 more, than any other caufe that can be ailigned. 
 
 Youth 
 
 >>*i 
 
 m 
 
 If »<«»■• 
 
ryi 
 
 15 
 
 ■*t 
 
 r * 
 
 I 
 
 fi 
 
 r 
 
 Youth is the Tea fon in which the mind ismoftflexi' 
 ble, and in which habits arc mod e^fily formed. 
 Then, alfof vice i* more alluring, and lefaeartly re- 
 fiUed. Ic IS, therefore, that period of lifie which 
 needs the gr«ate(l attention. If youth be Deg< 
 lected, the ca*e of manhood will be boih more 
 diificult and lefs profiuble : no labour in harvcft 
 can compenfate for the want of cultivation in 
 fpring. The Committee, therefore, would tfarneft- 
 ly recommend the adoption of tl>e order of the pri- 
 mitive Church ; that thofe received inio commu- 
 nion, be dwided into full members and cate- 
 chumens ; and that the latter, at an early period 
 of life, be taken under the infpeftion of i'edioos, 
 for in(lrudtion anJ the cxercile of difcipline ac* 
 cording to circumftances. To give efficiency to 
 this arrangement, feflions ihnuld be enjoined to 
 meet with them ?s often as poflible, for their 
 improvement in fuch parts of religion as are 
 befitting rheir years. 
 
 The Comnuttee would fartker advi'fe, that 
 Selfions endeavour to introduce among the 
 younger Members of the Church, a taftc for 
 that rational an|i religious information which 
 may be acquired by reading. Many young 
 perfons, merely becaufe they have not been iia- 
 bituatcd to employ their hours cf relaxation in 
 fuch a vf?y as might both aisufe and inftru6V, 
 are eufnared by teoiptatiun, and loft to the 
 
 Church. 
 
 ^■•"tftU^r^^' 
 
17 
 
 nd ismcftfleki. 
 i enlily formed, 
 ndlefaealiiy re- 
 3d of life which 
 
 youth be neg- 
 
 be both more 
 
 bour in harvcft 
 
 cultivation in 
 
 would darned- 
 Mderof ihepri- 
 d into couimu- 
 ers and cate- 
 an early period 
 ion of lediODS, 
 
 difcipline ac- 
 ve efficiency to 
 e enjoined to 
 ibie, for their 
 eligion as are 
 
 :r advifc, that 
 
 among the 
 
 » a tafle for 
 
 mation which 
 
 Many young 
 
 not been lia- 
 
 relaxacton in 
 
 and inftruA) 
 
 [ loft to the 
 
 Church. 
 
 Church. In feveral parts of the Church, congregi* 
 tional libraries have been already begun; and the 
 Committee conceive* that, were thefe more gene- 
 ral, and adapted in part to the capacity of youth, 
 relij^ion would foon experience their beoeficul 
 conCcqucnccs, Were the interejling information 
 relpeding the prngrcfs of the gofpel, which is 
 now annually publifhed by nnany religious focie« 
 ties, alfo difJufed through the Church, it would 
 both aflford inftru<ftiun, and contribute to form 
 the tafte of its memberb. Fur this purpofe the 
 Committee would pi opofe. that feme members 
 of Synod from time tn time publtfh an abftraA 
 of religious intelligence. This meafure they con- 
 ceive til be vaHly important. Without enumer- 
 ating; the advuncages which other Churches have 
 derived from periodical publications, the Com- 
 mittee would only rem:xrk, that, in this country 
 where there are few books and little inclination 
 to read, a judicious lelecKon of religious intelli- 
 gence, interfperfed with juft views of fcriptural 
 truth, would not only amufe and inftrud, but: 
 imperceptibly introduce a difpoHtion favourable 
 alike to literature and religious improvement. 
 
 In recommending this meafui*e, the Commit- 
 tee are naturally led to fuggeft, that a printing 
 prefs under the control of the Synod, would be 
 a valuable acquifition. Particular circumftances 
 may cccaiionally require theni; to give publicity 
 
 
 u 
 
 to 
 
 ^ 
 
 ;>/»'*•> 
 
 ► — .^^^^1 
 
 ■T -f 
 
 «4vnA*-w-^ikHV~ '*- "-^^ 
 
18 
 
 « . 
 
 >; 
 
 I 
 
 13. t 
 
 
 ■f ■ - ■ 
 
 to their views and proceedings. Dcfidcs, indivi' 
 dual Clergymen, by exeicifing their literary ta- 
 lents for the pt'cfs, might improve themfelvcs, 
 benefit the public, and do honour to the Church. 
 But, in this Province at prefent, the Hate of print- 
 ing prcfents a formidable obllruftion to the at- 
 tainment of thefe ends. 
 
 The Committee would likcwife fuggeft to the 
 Synod, as a ufdul meafure, that thry adopt fome 
 arrangement, by which the exafb Uate of the 
 Church may be annually afceitained. For this 
 purpofe, each fcfiion might be enjoined to deliver 
 every year to their Prilbytcry, a Uatement of 
 fuch particulars refpe^ing the congregation un- 
 der their infpcflion, as might iliuilrate the de- 
 gree of fucccfs attending the liifper.fation of di- 
 vine rfdinanccs. From thefe »gain, a prcfby- 
 terial abflract might be made and tianfmitted to 
 the Synod. 1 his would concentrate every cif* 
 cumftance of importance ; and, by giving a juft 
 dircdlion to their views, contribute to regulate 
 their fubfequent meafures. Perhaps, alfo, the 
 publication of a brief fummary of the whole, 
 might be an advantage to the Church. 
 
 But farther, the Committee conceive that a 
 regular ccrrcfpondence with evaiigelical Churches 
 in various parts of the world, would be a ufefhl 
 meafurc. This, in the infant fiatc of the Church 
 of Nova-Scotia, would add to its icfpe^ability ; 
 
 and 
 
 ^^^0^^ 
 
 
10 
 
 Bcfidcs, indivl' 
 kcir literary ta- 
 )ve ihemfelvcs, 
 to the Church, 
 icflate ofpr'mt- 
 tion tu the at- 
 
 e fugged to the 
 hey adopt fome 
 t liate of the 
 ned. For this 
 oincd to deliver 
 a ilatcment of 
 >ngrcgation un- 
 uilrate the de- 
 per.fation of di- 
 gain, a prcfby- 
 tianfmitted to 
 rate every cir- 
 by giving a jufl: 
 tr to regulate 
 jrhaps, alfo, the 
 of the whole, 
 lurch. 
 
 conceive that a 
 
 :elical Churches 
 
 uld be a ufeftil 
 
 of the Church 
 
 icfpeftability ; 
 
 and 
 
 and were the information given and received^ 
 occafionally communicated to its members, it 
 would aflift them to feel an intered in the prof- 
 perity of its afTiirs. fiefides, it may beobferved 
 that fuch a cnrrefpondence, without affecting the 
 principles uf the Church, would tend to difTufe 
 among its members, that enlargement of .views 
 and catholic fpirit which ought always to cha- 
 racterize the houfc of the living God. 
 
 II.-MEANS FOR SKCURING THE PERMANENCE 
 OF THE CHURCH. 
 
 71 
 
 f The Synod are already aware* that, when a 
 
 Church is founded, to provide for its pcrma- 
 
 . nenceis both a neceflary and important mealiire. 
 
 It involves in it the intercds of the prefent and 
 
 fucceeding ages ; and the Committee apprehend, 
 
 that, from the prefent date of the (Church of 
 
 Nova-Scotia, it is entitled to immediate and fe- 
 
 rious coniideration. This Synod is yet a midl- 
 
 : onary Church, and may be laid to have neither 
 
 plan nor arrangement by which its wants can be 
 
 in future fupplied. Already, the Church has 
 
 V many demands unanfwered ; and were any bro- 
 
 ^ ther removed from his labours, this would at 
 
 the fame time increafe the wants, and diminifli 
 
 ' the efficiency, of the Church. It appears, there- 
 
 ^ fore, to the Committee, that every member of 
 
 ^ this Synod is indifpenfably obligated to exert 
 
 i himfelf, 
 
 3 
 
 I 
 
 
 «.:«i6&^ 
 
 '* ^-*ft'" ■'' 
 
 ^^is.\¥ ^f '-«: ' \ 
 
 >?"'•■ i..»^*j''*Sm>* 
 
w 
 
 I 
 
 
 20 
 
 himfelf, that the ordinances of religion may be 
 tranfmitted to fuccecding ages. 
 
 For the purpole of immediate fupply, it is 
 neceflary to cultivate the frienc'fhip and folicic 
 theafliftance of thofe Churches in Britain, which 
 have hitherto cherifhed the gofpel in this coun- 
 try. To thefe, the gratitude of the t^hurch of 
 Nova-Scotia is juftly due. They have done 
 much to plant and water it ; and they flill pre- 
 fent every encouragement to expert their una- 
 bated friendfliip. The Committee, however, 
 would remind the Synod, that this mode of fup- 
 plying the Church, will be attended with conii- 
 derablecxpence. This, as fir aa it is praclica- 
 ble, fhouM be borne by thofe who are receiving 
 the benefit. At prel'ent, the ability of tha 
 Church of Nova-Scotia is fmali, and it has 
 much to do ; yet the Synod, by an exertion 
 proportioned to their rcfources, ought to mani- 
 felt, that, if they poCoffcd the power, they do 
 not want the inclination. 
 
 The Committee, however, in fuggefting the 
 propriety of looking in the mean time to the 
 Britifli Churches for Preachers ot the Gofptl, 
 would requeft the Synod to confider, that alt 
 fuppiies from that quarter mud be teiTiporary 
 and precarious. By and by, alio, tb jfe may be 
 required to a greater extent, than thofe Churches 
 fiiay be able to afiurd, Bcfides, fuch a mode of 
 
 providing 
 
 4 
 
 '* 
 
 #'^ — 
 
 - -^■♦v 
 
n 
 
 religion may be 
 
 tc fupply, it it 
 '{hip and foHciC 
 in Britain, whicti 
 pel in this coun- 
 if the t^hurch of 
 rhcy have done 
 nd they flili pre- 
 xpeft their una- 
 nittec, however, 
 this mode of fup- 
 idcd with Gonfi- 
 aa it is pracliea- 
 ^ho are receiving 
 
 ability of th« 
 mat), and it has 
 , by an exertion 
 
 ought to mani- 
 power, they do 
 
 n fuggefting the 
 can time to the 
 ot the GofptI, 
 nfider, that alt 
 ft be temporary 
 ,io, tbofc may be 
 n thofe Churches 
 fuch a mode of 
 providing 
 
 providing for the wants of the Church, has many 
 dilad vantages. Without entering into a detail 
 of thefe, it may be only obfcrved, that a Church 
 \\ hicb has no refources for a fucceflion ot Cler- 
 gymen, can neither be extenfive nor permanent. 
 The Comcnittee would, thereiore, earneftly re- 
 commend to the Synod, the eftablifhment of a 
 feminary of education from which Preachers of 
 the Gofpel may be procured ; and, in the event 
 of attiininj; this valuable acqu'.fitiv^n, it might be 
 alfo advifeablc, to afford to young men of piety 
 and talents, every poflible encouragement to de- 
 dicate themfelves to the work of the miniilry. 
 
 Ml— MEANS FOR THE ENLARGEMENT OF THR 
 
 CHURCH. 
 
 With refpeck to the enlargement of the Church, 
 the Committee would remark that much de- 
 pends upon the Church itftlf. By the divine 
 bleOing, its enlargement will neccfTiiily arife out 
 of the ulefulnefs of its minifters and its general 
 refpecVability. It cannot, therefore, be too 
 flrongly impreffed upon the mind of all in its 
 communion, that their deportment ought to be 
 a recommendation of their religious principles. 
 It is from an obfcrvation of fa(fts, that the quali- 
 ty of any denomination of Chriltians, is ufually 
 eUimated. Practical godlinefs, then, is the beft 
 jrecoDimendation of doctrinal truthj and an ap- 
 pointed 
 
oo 
 
 i. 
 
 pointed means for the enlargement of the 
 Church. When its members approve themfelves 
 to be good men } attentive to the ordinances of 
 Gnd ; and diligent to acquit themfelves in their 
 I'ucial relations i they adorn religion : and 
 others, feeing their good works, gloiify God iii 
 the day of viiitation. As the congregations uii" 
 der the Synod's infpe<flion, therefore, can be 
 noted for their attachment to religion, fubmiflion 
 to good order, and public Ibirit to proinote the 
 ends of fociety, they will contribute to the en- 
 largement of the Prefbyterian Church. 
 
 In prefent circumftances it is alfo neceflary, 
 that every Minifter confider his relation to the 
 Church at large, and his confequert duty to ex- 
 ert himfelf for the profperity of the whole. The 
 interefts of a young and growing Church, re- 
 quire much general co-operation and labour. On 
 this account, to the Prefbyterian Church of Nova- 
 Scotia, enlarged views of the minidertai olfice 
 are at prefent particularly important. Where 
 fo much good may be done, every Clergyman 
 ihould exemplify an enterprifing fpirit to extend 
 his ufefulnefs, by taking his full ihare of thofe 
 general labours, which may be judged requilitc 
 for the dilTemination of religious knowledge. 
 
 The Committee have made thcfc remarks 
 partly, becaufe miflionary excurfions appear to 
 be a principal means for the enlargement of the 
 
 Church : 
 
 ^:l 
 
33 
 
 •gcment of the 
 prove themfelves 
 he ordinances of 
 :mfelves in their 
 religion : and 
 , gloiify God iti 
 :ongregations uii- 
 hereforc, can be 
 ligion, fubmiflion 
 to promote the 
 ibute to the en- 
 Church. 
 
 s alfo neceflary, 
 
 i relation to the 
 
 [uert duty to ex- 
 
 the whole. The 
 
 ing Church, re- 
 
 1 and labour. On 
 
 Church of Nova- 
 
 minidertal office 
 
 ortant. Where 
 
 ery Clergyman 
 
 fpirit to extend 
 
 I ihare of thofc 
 
 I judged requilitc 
 
 knowledge. 
 
 thefe remarks 
 
 rfions appear to 
 
 rgcment of the 
 
 Church ; 
 
 Church ; and thefe they would recommend to be 
 as frequent and extcnfive as poffible. They 
 would alfo oblerve, that the fuccefs of fuch mis- 
 fions muft con fiderably depend upon the way in 
 which they are conducted. When our Lord 
 miflioned his difciples, he fent two and two to. 
 gether ; and perhaps the Synod, particularly in 
 lending the Gofpel to places not previoufly vifit- 
 ed, might find it advantageous to adopt the fame 
 plan. The Committee would likewife advife, 
 that no remuneration be taken by thofe who arc 
 fent. Jf any fettienient with to (how their fenfe 
 uf the obligation, it would be more confident 
 with the dignity of the Church, that they be 
 directed to tranlmit their offering to the funds 
 of the Synod ; from which, the reafonable ex-r 
 pence of millions ought to be defrayed. 
 
 The Committee would farther fuggeft, that, 
 in all miflionary cxcurflons, it would be advifphle 
 to introduce into dcftitute places, not only the 
 Gofpel, but the order of the Church. In order 
 to the progrefs of religion, both are requlfite ; anl 
 the Committee conceive that were this plan 
 adopted, congregations might be gradually form- 
 ed in many places, where the preaching of the 
 Gofpel alone, would not tend to theenlirgemcnt 
 of the Church. The prudent husbanduiaii 
 fences, as well as fows, his field ; and the children 
 of this world, ought not to be wifer than the 
 children ot light. Such 
 
R-v-- 
 
 24 
 
 > 
 
 ■<} 
 
 Such arc the principal means, which appear ta 
 theComnaiitee neceffiry for promoting the pros- 
 perity of the Church. Sevpral of the meafures 
 lecommended, will fubjcdt the Synod to much 
 labour and cxpence : but the caufe dcferves both ;. 
 and neither Minift^rs nor other Members of the 
 Church, (hould (hrtnk from the exertion, la 
 this labour of love, it belongs to the former to 
 fet the example i and the Committee exprefs, 
 themlelves vy^ith confirtence, in adding, that the 
 latter will tread in their fteps, and perform their 
 full fhare: In all religious iocieties therp will be 
 indivi;!u;<Is, who, f jr vhe fake of faving a few 
 pence, wil' mufter a hull of objeclionin againft 
 every work of benevolence. But the Committee 
 perfuade themfelves, that, rn the Prtfbyterian 
 Church of Nova-Scofia, neither the number nor 
 it fluence of fuch, 13 extentive. The mealuret, 
 which they have recommended, involve in them, 
 the very exiUence of the Church ; and, on lefa. 
 important occadons, the public fpirit of isaoy o£ 
 its Members, has been amply proved. 
 
 From the experience of other Churches the 
 Synod will afcertain, what plans they have found 
 moll effe^uilfur calling forth and concentrating 
 the liberality of Chriftiaps. The operative in- 
 fluv<:nce of religion is every where the fame; 
 and fimilar meafures, adopted in this Church, 
 will produce the like fruits. In the prefent 
 
 ^ife, 
 
25 
 
 which appear ta 
 noting the pros- 
 pf the meafures 
 Synod to much 
 fe defei ves both ;. 
 Members of the 
 )e exertion. la 
 to the former to 
 oimittee exprefs, 
 dding, that the 
 d perform their 
 ies there will be 
 i faving a few 
 jcclionp againft 
 c the Committee 
 he Prtfbyterian 
 the number nor 
 
 The mealuret, 
 involve in them, 
 
 ;and, on lefs. 
 >irit of many oi 
 vcd. 
 
 r Churches the 
 :hey have found 
 d concentrating 
 he operative in- 
 lere the fame; 
 n this Church, 
 In the prefent 
 ^fe, 
 
 caPe, the Committee would advife the Synod, to 
 lay before the feveral congregations under their 
 infpedion, a plain ftatement of their plans for 
 promoting the interefls of religion. Thefe, ac- 
 cording to their importance, will receive the ap- 
 probatiun of every reafonable and religious man^. 
 The publication of fuch a flatement, will alfo 
 fecure their concurrence in every good work ; 
 and, at the fame time, couatera^i th^ influence 
 of mifreprefentaiion. 
 
 With refpe(^ to refources, the Synod already 
 poffefs every reafonable encouragement. Many 
 congregations within the bonr.ds of the Church, 
 have, with alacrity, connected themfelves with 
 the Britifliand Foreign Bible Society ; and it is 
 not to be fuppofed that thefe, feeling for thp 
 uninftruded in diflant lands, will refift an appli- 
 cation, which aims at providing the ordinapces 
 of religion for the very place where they have ac- 
 quired a property, and where th<;y expeft their 
 children to remain. This fubjed, the Com- 
 mittee can ilate, has already engaged the atten- 
 tion of many Members of the Church ; and 
 feveral very generous legacies have been be- 
 queathed, for promoting fome f thole plans which 
 are now propofed to the Synod. 
 
 ^t prefent, the Committee would only beg 
 leave farther to remind the Synod, that it is not 
 th? ordinary bufinefs of the Church which now 
 
 requires 
 
,i 
 
 m\\. 
 
 ?i 
 
 
 m 
 
 requires their attention. This Synod is placed 
 in circumdances which call for unufual arrange* 
 ments ; arrangements, that equally require en^ 
 lightened views and perfevering exertions. The 
 meafures, which they adopt, will involve in them 
 the honour and (uccefsof the Go(pel in this part 
 of the world : they will affect the prefent, and 
 may extend their influence to fucceeding iges. 
 To the cundud of this Synod, then, there muil 
 be attached a folemn and awful refponfibiiity ; 
 and, therefore, the committee fervently pray, 
 that every member may abundantly receive the 
 fpirit of illumination from above, and exemplify 
 that wifdom which is full of msrcy and good 
 fruits. 
 
 VT > 
 
 • * 
 
 
 
att WlJMW IMIKI - ' .'ll Crt 
 
 ABSTRACT 
 
 OF TIIK 
 
 Rosolutionn and Arranf/ffmonts of 
 
 Si/nod upon the praved'uHj 
 
 Riqtort, 
 
 I. Miniftcrs were dire^ed to fuggeft to their 
 people, the propriety of appointing, in each 
 congregation, fit perfons for the inansgenneiit 
 of its temporal afl'airs : alfo, to report pro- 
 grefs at next meeting of Synod. 
 
 H. It was recommended to Minifters, that in the 
 miniftcrial vifitation of families; thry be at- 
 tended by an eider, 
 
 3. It was ordered that Prcftjytcrles meet as often 
 as poiTibic : and, thnt, at each meeting, a 
 difcourlc \^\yn^ lomc topic prcvioufly affigned, 
 
 be 
 

 ^^ ^' 
 
 Vi 
 
 i\ 
 
 t Ji 
 
 f ' 
 
 ^i' 
 
 
 .. i 
 
 > 
 
 ■*-n 
 
 I , 
 
 98 
 
 be delivered by one of the members ; which 
 difcourie (hall be afrprwards criticUed by th« 
 brethren in private. 
 
 4. Each Prefbytery was enjoined to prepare for 
 the confideration of ihe Synod at their next 
 meeting, a formula of (]ueftions, to be put to, 
 perfons at their admiilloo into the commtuxioa 
 of the Churchy 
 
 5. It was recommended to Seflions, that they 
 occafionally meet with the members of the 
 Church, apart from thofe who may ufually 
 worOiip with them, fur appropriate focial an4 
 religious exercifes. 
 
 6. It w»s appointed, as a part of efiablifhed or- 
 der in all congregations under the Synod's 
 infpe<ftlon, that, when the children of chuf^h 
 members are about fourteen years of age, they 
 ihall he taken under the direction of the Sef- 
 fion, fur ioArudion and the es;ercife of difci'^ 
 pline. 
 
 7. Minifters were erjcined to recommend ta 
 their people, the forciation of fellowlhip meet- 
 ings for improvement in knowledge atui 
 practical religion. 
 
 @. It was rccomraeoded that congregational H- 
 
 braries 
 
 
nembcrs ; which 
 criticUed by the 
 
 d to prepare for 
 d at their next 
 ns, to be put to, 
 Che comuiunion 
 
 Hons, that they 
 nembcrs of the 
 o may ufually 
 priate focial an4 
 
 F efiablifhed or- 
 er the Synod's 
 dren of churoh 
 Jars of age, they 
 ion of the Scf- 
 xercifc of difcU 
 
 recommend ta 
 cllowihip meet- 
 lowled^e and 
 
 igregational li. 
 braries 
 
 # 
 
 i 
 
 4 
 
 Varies be formed in every part of ttid 
 Church : and, that in the fe'eclion of bock^, 
 regard be bad to the improvement of youth. 
 
 0. Minifters were enjoined to open fubfcription* 
 in their refpeclive congregations, fur the pur- 
 pofe of purchafiiig a printing prefs, to be 
 placed under the diredion of the Synod. 
 
 JO. The Rev. Duncan Ross, Thomas M'Cul- 
 LrcH, and Jamfs Rcdson, were appointed a 
 Handing Committee of Correfpondeuce with 
 other Churches, and enjoined to report their 
 proceedings at next meeting of Synod. 
 
 11. The confideration of the propcfal of a pe- 
 riodical publication, for circulating teligious 
 intelligence and diffurmg religious knowledge, 
 was deferred till a printing prefs be procured. 
 
 12. Seffions were enjoined to report annually to 
 their relpcdive Prcfbytcrics, the number of 
 members, and the (late of religion, in the 
 congregations under their inrpedion ; and 
 Prefbyteries, to tranfmit to the Synod au 
 annual abftra^l of thefe reports. 
 
 13. It was recommended to all congregations 
 under the Synod's infpeftlon, to fhow their 
 Attachment to religion and literature, by en- 
 couraging 
 
m^ 
 
 I 
 
 dO 
 
 cnuraging the propofcd fcmlnary of education 
 in Picluu. 
 
 14. It was agreed, that no member of Synod 
 fliall receive any remuneration from thoCc 
 among whom he may be occafionally million- 
 ed to labour : and, that, if thofe perfons who 
 are vlfited, defire to (how their attachment to 
 the gofpcl, by contributing to the lupport of 
 its ordinances, they be directed to tranfmit 
 their oftbring to the funds of the Synod ; 
 from which the reafonable expence of milli- 
 ons Ihall be in future defrayed. 
 
 15. Miniflers who may be miflioned to deditute 
 places, were enjoined to introduce, as far as it 
 may be practicable, the order of the Church. 
 
 i 
 
 
 li^ji 
 
 l-^'.; 
 
 .■5. 
 
ry of education 
 
 fiber of Synod 
 on from thofii 
 lonally million- 
 )fe perfons who 
 r attachment to 
 the iupport of 
 d to tranfmit 
 of the Synod ; 
 :pence of niiflt- 
 
 ned to dedicute 
 luce, as far as it 
 of the Church. 
 
 APPENDIX. 
 
 FORMULA OF QUESTIONS TO BE PUT, BY OR- 
 DER OF THE SYNOD, TO AM- WHO ARE 
 ORDAINED TO THE OFFICE Ob' THE HOLY 
 MINISTRY. 
 
 1. Do you believe that the Scriptures rf the 
 Old and New ToiUments are the word of Gud, 
 and the only rule of faith and praAice ? 
 
 ^ 2. Do you believe that the whole doflrine 
 contained in the Wellminfter Confedl yn of Faith 
 and Catechifms, as received by this Church, (>) 
 
 (I) This Church receives Iho whol(^ I tttrine contained 
 iti the Westminster Confession o> <* li h a-i<! Catechisii :i:, ex- 
 cept that part of it which repeats ili Ma^is:iat^'s {tower in 
 mattcrH of rehijion They give no de«- sioi; nn to tlie il'»c- 
 trine taught iu these wordH, Cunf, C h. XXlIi. Sect. III. 
 
 c 
 
Si 
 
 is a rcrl,)^ura] ex'^lbitic ii of divine truth; and 
 do you engage, ^^rcortling to your llation, to 
 prufcts <ir.(l nutniuia it in the Church ? 
 
 3. Do you believe that the Lord Jcfus Chrift 
 IS the onl> King atiJ Head oi the Church, and 
 thjit he ha'i revealed, in Sc:ipture, thofe princk* 
 pies accordi.g to which it is to be ruled ? 
 
 4. Do you believe that the Prelbytcrlal form 
 of govcrunieut, as maintained in thit> Church, (2) 
 
 is 
 
 t^ 
 
 " Yet he luitli aiitlinrily, anJ it in \us duly, to trkfi order, 
 " tli:it unity ai|d iicucc be iirisirvcil iii ihr Clninli, tliut tlie 
 " triilli of (jO(I be kei't pure au'J tutire, iliiit ull blaspliemies 
 " uikI iteresirtt be iiu))pre.<i<i('<l, all c<)iTU|itioii.s and abuses in 
 " \vorKlii|) and disci|iliue prrveiitcd or relnruicd, and all tbe 
 " orilinaii'-t^M ot (iod duly settled, uduiiuislercj, and observ- 
 " ( tl ; I'di tlio I)ttter eHectiii^ v^h>reof, i.e hath power tuculi 
 " SyiiO'ii^ to hi; prtsnil iJ tlieiU." And Ibey deoy tUo doo 
 triiif 1)111 . lit iu Ibese woids, IbnUin : " Aud lo provide that 
 " \Viiitliioevi r is ltiiii^>i:-ti:d io llniu lie aceonlini; to ll^) 
 " iiiiii'l «»i (j<>d." And t'ty bold tliut (.'liur<:h Hull IS liavo 
 niiiiitinty. t V v'itcn', to tio ) I lor t^oviruinent and discipline, 
 vlKusot. .tl llie <:i!cii;:ist:uice3 ot" liie Cliurnli recjuire it, any 
 \W\\\'^ in ('Jilt', ''li. \\\I. W^'ct. 11. i...lwilbHtaiidinij. 
 
 *^.* It ;s iioiip.v liiiii'^- for I'resbyleriau (,'liurrl.es, to re- 
 fei\(> vli ' di.etM>ie.- oi \.U\i U c^lniinster A8HCiiibly ot Ditiiiea, 
 >v'll| e'lli'in e\ J. la nil I ions and rc'triclions. yUit , Art of' lite 
 Gi.iui'ul .'/ 1 vc/.v .'/:/«/ lUc VJmrvl'. of Seulland, u/iprotutiQ the 
 Li}»J:f^ii:n ■■'(' I'ii.tfi, HsuuHij i>i(Ju'i.d to the Cuiijcssion. 
 
 ['i.) 'jiii. * litin b Molds that liie Mubstanec of Presby- 
 I'riii ^wV( rMiiient eoosisls, in thee<jualily ot Church lluler!>, 
 vtiid biiUui Jiiiuiion ot'C'huri'ii C'uurl», 
 
 \.. 
 
 * 
 
• »•*. 
 
 vine truth ; and 
 your ilition, to 
 Church ? 
 
 Lord Jcfus Chrift 
 the Church, and 
 kre, thofe princi' 
 be ruled ? 
 
 Prelbyterlal form 
 
 n thU Church, (2) 
 
 is 
 
 I duty, to Irkfi order, 
 
 ill till' Clitircli, tliut llie 
 
 re, «lii«l ull hiaspliciitics 
 
 ii|itioii.s ami abuM's iii 
 
 relnnucd, itiul nil tlie 
 
 iiiiiisltTt'J, anil obsiTV- 
 
 f, i.i; lintli puwer lu cull 
 
 id lliey deny lUr> doi> 
 
 AikI to pruvidf Unit 
 
 10 uctonliiig to 11(6 
 
 Cliurcli U tilt IS li;ivo 
 
 iineiil and disci|ilinr, 
 
 lurnli ri-(|uire il, any 
 
 .IvvilliHlaiidiiiij;- 
 
 cnau CUnrrl.rs, in re- 
 
 A.SHOiiihly ot Diuiies, 
 
 jHs. t'iut , Alt of' lilt: 
 
 iutland, tt/i'troriiiff the 
 
 to tilt CuuJcssioH. 
 
 Hulislance of Prosliy- 
 ily of Cliurcli Kukrs, 
 
 3;i 
 
 fti agreeable to the word of God ; aaH do yo' 
 prom>(e to muritain it doflrinally, uiul practi 
 cally t(» adhere to its dircipline, ho.h as a mem** 
 ber uf the Church, and as a uiinidcr uf Chrill I 
 
 5. Do you engage to niaintaln the fpiritual 
 unity of thr Church, in its doJ^rine and gover/i- 
 ment, worihip and difcipline • and do yoa fo» 
 Icmnly pleilgeyourfelf, in the prcfence of the 
 Lord Jt^fus Chrift and hid Church, never to 
 progagate any contraditflory principle, nor intro- 
 duce any contrary prsclice, among ihofe entruft- 
 el 10 your charge, nor in any other public way, 
 till y»;u have regularly acquainted youi brethren 
 in tl e miniftry with the ^iterition of your 
 vie'vs, and till thefe views have bc-'n difcullcd, 
 and the i^cnerai Icntitneats of the Church afger* 
 tained f 
 
 0. Is love toGoc?, and to the fv)u!s of men, 
 your piintipul iniucment to cn:er into the 
 oOice of the holy Mmiftry f 
 
 7. Can you with a fafe confcience declare, that 
 you have ulcd no improper means to procure a 
 call to the miniftry in this congregation ? 
 
 8. Do you accept the call to the paft oral of- 
 fice over this people j and do you lobmnly en- 
 gage 
 
 m 
 
w 
 
 
 ■H 
 
 '0 
 
 I 
 
 ."t,-' 
 
 
 
 
 
 u 
 
 gage to conduftyouifelf as a faithful Minifler 
 of the Gofpcl among them, and aifo, wherever 
 Pruvidence affords you an opportunity ; ketp- 
 ing carefully in view, that this congregation, 
 and the Church at large, be by your labours af- 
 filed, in the attainment of higher degrees of 
 Chridian improvement ? 
 
 0. Do you promifc to exemplify the excel- 
 lence cf Chriftian do<5lrine by the coiifci«'ntious 
 performance of the Juries of a holy life, cor- 
 lefponding with yuur Ihtion in the Church, 
 and your relations to fcciety ? 
 
 10. Do you declare that you are corHially at- 
 tached to the civil authorities by which this Pro- 
 vincc is ruled ; and do you promife, according 
 to your flation, to give thofe pi'oofs of loyalty 
 which divine authority enjoins upon fubje(ft8 To- 
 wards their rulers ? 
 
 1 1 . Do you promifc to fubmit yourfelf, in the 
 Lord, to the authority of this Prcfbytcry, in 
 lubordination to lupcrior Courts ? 
 
 And all thcfe you profefs to believe, and pro- 
 mifc, thr(.u^h grace, to perform, ''s you inuft 
 aniwcr to the Lord Jefua Chiift, when he comes 
 Tkith all his Saints ? 
 
thful Minifter 
 life, wherever 
 tunity ; ketp- 
 congregation, 
 mr labours af- 
 er degrees of 
 
 ify the cxccl- 
 coi*rci«'ntious 
 
 holy life, cor- 
 the Church, 
 
 ; corrlially at- 
 rhich this Pro. 
 ile, according 
 )fs of loyalty 
 on fubjefts to- 
 
 ^ourfclf, in the 
 rclbytcryi in 
 
 ieve, and pro- 
 it you mud 
 i^hsn he comes