poor with the Confession of faith, catechisms, and book of discipline of our church.

3d. That the Trustees of the General Assembly be authorized and directed to enquire into the expediency of stereotyping the Confession of faith, catechisms, and form of church government, and to report to the next General Assembly.

The committee to which was referred an enquiry proposed to the Assembly by the Presbytery of Philadelphia, relative to the notes found in the book containing the Constitution of the Presbyterian Church in the United States of America, reported; and their report being amended was adopted, and is as follows: viz.

That the book referred to was first published with nothing but the simple text, without any Scripture proofs, or any notes of any description whatsoever. This is evident, not only from the minutes of the General Assembly, but from the numerous copies of this first edition of the standards of our church, which are now in existence. It is also equally evident from examining the records of the General Assembly, that not a single note in the book has been added to, or made a part of, the Constitution of the Church since it was first formed and published, in the manner above recited. Several alterations and additions have been made, by referring them when contemplated to the Presbyteries for their decision thereon, in the manner pointed out in the Constitution itself. But among all the points thus referred, there is not found a single note which now appears in the book containing the constitution of our church. Hence it follows beyond a doubt, that these notes are no part of the constitution. If then it be enquired, how these notes obtained the place which they now occupy, and what is the character as to authority which they possess? the answer is this-When a second edition of the standards of our church was needed, it was thought by the General Assembly, that it would be of great use in itself, highly agreeable to the members

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of our church generally, as well as conformable to the example of the church of Scotland, from which we derived our origin, if the Scripture proofs were added, in support of the several parts and clauses of the confession of faith, catechisms and form of government. A committee was accordingly appointed by the Assembly, to select the scripture proofs, and to prepare them for being printed with the second edition of the book. The work of this committee was the following year referred to another, and ultimately the committee charged with preparing the scripture proofs reported along with these proofs, the notes which now appear in the book, and which were approved by the General Assembly, and directed to be printed with the proofs in the form in which they now appear. These notes then are explanations of some of the principles of the Presbyterian Church, given by the General Assembly, and which of course the General Assembly may modify, or altogether exclude at their pleasure; whereas the articles of the Constitution must govern the Assembly themselves, and cannot be altered or abrogated, but in the manner pointed out in the Constitution itself.

On the whole, in the book containing the Standards of our Church, the text alone contains the constitution of our Church; the notes are an exposition of principles given by the highest judicature of that church, of the same force while they continue with the other acts of that judicature, but subject to alterations, amendments, or a total erasure, as they shall judge proper.

Resolved, that as it belongs to the General Assembly to give direction in regard to the notes which accompany the constitution of which they are the supreme judicatory, this Assembly express it as their opinion, that, in printing future editions of the Constitution of this Church, the parenthesis in the note, on this part of the form of government which defines a Synod, and which is expressed in these words, since a Synod is only a larger Presbytery," be omitted, as well as the note connected with the scripture proofs in answer to the question in the larger catechism, What is forbidden in the eighth command

ment? in which the nature of the crime of manstealing and slavery is dilated upon.

In regard to this last omission, the Assembly think proper to declare, that in directing it they are influenced by far other motives, than any desire to favour slavery, or to retard the extinction of that mournful evil, as speedily as may consist with the happiness of all concerned.

Resolved, that the foregoing resolution, with the report of the committee, sanctioned by the Assembly, on the same subject, be printed, and connected with the last edition of the confession of faith, catechisms, form of government, &c. of this Church.

Resolved, that it be renewedly enjoined on all the Synods and Presbyteries, in connection with this Assembly, to take special care, that their annual reports to the Assembly be made out according to the forms prescribed in the printed extracts.

Resolved, that it be, and it is hereby recommended to the Presbyteries, to forward instructions to the next General Assembly, relative to the mode of conveying to them, their several quotas of the extracts from the minutes; and that, for the present year, one copy be sent to each minister by mail, as far as the agent can find out their address.

The committee appointed to prepare a minute, stating the attention which the Presbyteries appear to have paid to the resolutions of the Assembly, in relation to the selection of young men for the ministry, and providing funds for their education, reported; and their report being read was adopted, and is as follows: viz.

That from the several votes of the house on the subject, the Presbyteries of Cayuga, Onondaga, Geneva,

Oneida, Columbia, Albany, Londonderry, Hudson, New York, Long Island, Jersey, New Brunswick, Philadelphia, New Castle, Carlisle, Baltimore, Redstone, Erie, Ohio, Lancaster, Hartford, Winchester, Hanover, Lexington, West-Lexington, Muhlenberg, Transylvania, Washington and Miami, have fully attended to the recommendations of the Assembly.

That no reports have been received from the Presbyteries of Hopewell, Union, Orange, Concord, South Carolina, Abingdon, and West Tennessee.

That although the reasons offered by the Presbytery of Huntingdon, were satisfactory to the Assembly, for not having heretofore complied with the recommendation of the Assembly, it is hereby earnestly recommended to the said Presbytery, to attend to this duty in future.

That from the information derived from the whole of the reports submitted on this subject, it appears, that there are at present thirty five young men of the description contemplated by the Assembly, under the care of the Presbyteries.

And that whereas comparatively few official written reports have been presented to the Assembly from the several Presbyteries on this subject, it is enjoined upon them in future to send written reports distinctly stating the exertions which they make from year to year,

The Committee to which was referred the Overture from the Presbytery of Baltimore, in the following words: viz." Are ministers without charges, constituent members of our church judicatures, and have they an equal voice with settled pastors, and ruling elders of congregations in ecclesiastical government?" reported; and their report being read and amended, was adopted, and is as follows: viz.

In the judgment of this Assembly, this question is answered affirmatively, chap. 9. sec. 2, of the form of government of the Presbyterian Church in these words: "A Presbytery consists of all the ministers, and one ru

ling elder from each congregation within a certain district."

The committee to which was referred the following question: viz. "Ought Baptism, on the profession and promise of the master, to be administered to the children of slaves?" reported, and their report being amended was adopted, and is as follows: viz.

1st. That it is the duty of masters who are members of the church, to present the children of parents, in servitude to the ordinance of Baptism, provided they are in a situation to train them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord, thus securing to them the rich advantages, which the Gospel provides.

2d. That it is the duty of Christ's ministers to inculcate this doctrine, and to baptize all children of this description, when presented to them by their masters.

The committee to which was referred the Overture from the Synod of New York and New Jersey, on forming classes of young people, for studying and reciting the Bible, reported; and their report, being read and amended, was adopted, and is as follows: viz.

That they consider this subject of great importance, and deserving the attention and earnest recommendation of the Assembly: therefore,

Resolved, 1st. That it be recommended, and it hereby is recommended earnestly, to the ministers and sessions, which are in connection with the General Assembly, to pay a special attention to this subject, and provide without delay for the stated instruction of the children. and youth in the sacred scriptures, within their respective congregations.

2nd. That although the particular manner of instruction and recitation in the congregations, ought to be left to the discretion of their ministers and sessions respectively, yet as some degree of uniformity is desirable in a business of so much magnitude, it is recommended, as the most effectual means of promoting the knowledge of the