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that they sedulously endeavour, by private warning and remonstrance, and by such public censures as different cases may require, to purge the church of a sin so enormous in its mischiefs, and so disgraceful to the christian name.

3d. That it be recommended to the ministers and other officers and members of our church, that they exert themselves to diffuse, as extensively as possible, among their congregations and the community at large, such addresses, sermons, tracts or other printed compositions on this subject, as may have a tendency to produce a suitable impression against the use of ardent spirits, and to recommend sobriety and temperance.

4th. That it be recommended to the officers and members of our church, to take such measures as may be judged proper and effectual, for reducing the number of taverns and other places of vending liquors by small measure, in all those parts of our country, in which either the excessive number, or the improper character of such places, renders them a public nuisance.

It is believed, that the evils arising from these sources are incalculably great, and that, by prudent management, they admit, under Providence, of very considerable diminution.

Sect. 11.

Cases in which the testimony of a man and his wife may be taken in matters that concern them.

The Assembly went into the consideration of the case reported by the Presbytery of Ohio, which

was in the following terms: "A certain married woman charges an unmarried man with immodest conversation and conduct in attempts upon her chastity, of which her husband and another, or indifferent, person were at a certain time witnessesWhereas our constitution declares that a person accused shall not be convicted by a single witness, can the said woman and her husband be admitted witnesses in the above case?" To the above question the Assembly answered, that, in all such cases as that submitted by the Presbytery of Ohio, it is a principle that both the husband and wife are to be admitted to give testimony. But in every particular case as it occurs, the judicature before whom it is tried, ought, in order to guard against collusion, to pay a very scrupulous regard to all the circumstances attending it, and especially to the characters of those who are admitted as evidences, so that on the one hand the necessity of the case may be consulted, and on the other that no injury may result to an innocent person.-1797. Vol. I. p. 149, 150.

Sect. 12. Testimony taken before a Session sufficient in references.

The following question, " Whether testimony taken before a session, and sent up to the Presbytery, under the signature of the Moderator and Clerk, will not be sufficient in references, as well as appeals, to render the case thus referred, both orderly and cognizable by the Presbytery," was answered in the affirmative.-1797. Vol. I. p. 149.

Sect. 13. Rule relating to certificates.

That no judicatory or private member shall cer tify any person's character as good, for a space of time, without mentioning whether he has been under process of scandal, during that time, and the issue of it.-Vol. I. p. 41.

See the Rules relative to Reports, and the Form for a Report from a Church to the Presbytery, in Part III. Chap. III. Sect. 2.

See Part XIII. Chap. I. for advice in regard to slavery.

See Part XIII. Chap. I. for what relates to Psalmody.

PART V.

OF THE

CONFESSION OF FAITH

AND

FORM OF CHURCH GOVERNMENT.

CHAPTER I.

OF THE ACTS OF THE LATE SYNOD OF NEW YORK AND PHILADELPHIA.

Sect. 1. Three Articles selected from the plan of union adopted by the Synod of New York and Philadelphia, in 1758.

THE Synod of Philadelphia and the Synod of New York appointed each, in 1757, a commission, for the purpose of forming a plan of union. May 22, 1758, the two Commissions met in Philadelphia, and agreed on a plan; which was immediately communicated to the two Synods then in session. The two Synods, having in their separate capacity

approved the plan, convened together, under the name of the Synod of New York and Philadelphia, and having read the plan unanimously approved of it.

There were present 177 members.—Page 1.

I. Both Synods, having always approved and received the Westminster Confession of Faith, larger and shorter Catechisms, as an orthodox and excellent system of Christian doctrine, founded on the word of God; we do still receive the same, as the Confession of our Faith, and also the Plan Worship, Government, and Discipline, contained in the Wesminster Directory; strictly enjoining it on all our members and probationers for the ministry, that they preach and teach according to the Form of sound words in said Confession and Catechisms, and avoid and oppose all errors contrary thereto. -Page 3.

II. That when any matter is determined by a major vote, every member shall either actively concur with, or passively submit to, such determination; or, if his conscience permit him to do neither, he shall be at sufficient liberty modestly to reason and remonstrate, and peaceably withdraw from our communion, without attempting to make any schism; provided always, that this shall be understood to extend only to such determinations, as the body shall judge indispensable in doctrine or Presbyterian Government.-Page 3.

VI. That no Presbytery shall licence, or ordain to the work of the ministry, any candidate, until he give them competent satisfaction as to his learning,

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