is as follows: viz.-After examining the papers and propositions brought forward by the Charleston Presbytery, the committee think if expedient, that the General Assembly refer this business to the consideration of the Synod of the Carolinas, with whom this Presbytery must be connected, if they become a constituent part of our body; That the said Synod be informed that the Presbytery ought, in the event of a connexion with us, to be allowed to enjoy and manage, without hindrance or controul, all funds and monies that are now in their possession, and that the congregations under the care of the Presbytery be permitted freely to use the system of psalmody which they have already adopted; That, on the other hand, the Synod must be careful to ascertain, that all the ministers and congregations belonging to the Presbytery do fully adopt, not only the doctrine, but the form of Government and discipline of our Church. 1800.-Vol. I. p. 216.

Sect. 6. Adoption of the Standards of our Church, and Form of Government and Discipline, required by the late Synod of New York and Philadelphia, from a Presbytery.

A request brought in from a Presbytery in New York Government to the east of North River, desiring to be incorporated with this Synod, and that some members of the Presbyteries of New York, and Suffolk, which are contiguous, may be allowed to be joined with them in a Presbyterial capacity. After several members of this body had given full satisfaction, concerning their characters, their good standing in the church, and that it was not from any dissatisfaction to the neighbouring churches that

E

they desired to be united with us; It was agreed to grant their request, provided that they agree to adopt our Westminster Confession of Faith and Catechisms, and engage to observe the Directory as a Plan of Worship, Discipline, and Government, according to the agreement of this Synod. It is allowed that Mr. John Smith, and Mr. Charncy Graham join with them, and from Suffolk Presbytery Messrs. Samuel Jacket, and Eliphalet Ball, and that they be called by the name of Dutchess County Presbytery, and that Mr. David Bostick, send them a copy of this minute to let them know our determination. 1763.-Page 69.

The Presbytery of Dutchess County being present, reported, That they have complied with the stipulations of the Synod in the year 1763, and have adopted the Westminster Confession of Faith and Catechisms, together with the Directory for Worship and Discipline, according to the usage of this Synod, as appears from their minntes, which were produced and read. Certain members of said Presbytery being present, were allowed to take their seats. 1766.-Page 100.

Sect. 7. Resolved, That it be again solemnly enjoined on all Presbyteries and Synods, within the bounds of the General Assembly, on no accouut, to interfere with the instructions given by the Committee of missions to Missionaries. Vol. II. P 295.

-1809.

Sect. 8. Tract Societies recommended in 1809. The committee appointed to report on the establishment of a society for procuring and distributing

religious tracts, reported the following resolution, which was adopted.

Resolved, That, whereas it appears to this Assembly, that great and increasing good hath accrued to the Church of Christ, by the distribution of small, cheap, religious tracts; it is hereby earnestly recommended, that each Synod take measures for establishing as many religious tract societies within their bounds, by the associating of one or more Presbyteries, as may be most convenient for this purpose; and that such societies may adopt such plan, for carrying into effect the object of this resolution, as may be most conducive, in their judgment, to this end.

For the rules relative to the reports to be made to the General Assembly, see Part III. Chap. III. Sect. 3.

PART III.

OF THE

PRESBYTERIES.

CHAPTER I.

OF THE CONSTITUTION OF THE PRESBYTE

RIES.

Sect. 1. Extracts from the Records of the Synod of New York and Philadelphia, for the year

1786.

THE committee appointed to prepare and report a draught of a plan for the division of the Synod into three or more Synods, brought in their report, which is as follows: viz.

Your committee beg leave to report that they conceive it proper, previously to the division of the Synod, to divide some of the Presbyteries, which are now too extensive in their limits; and to new

model some others, so as to render them more convenient than they are at present: And therefore recommend to the Synod, to institute the following arrangement: viz.

1st. That Abingdon Presbytery be divided into two Presbyteries. The one to be bounded by New River on the north and east; by the Apalachian mountains on the south; and by Cumberland Mountain on the west; consisting of the Rev. Charles Cummins, Hezekiah Balch, John Casson, Samuel Doak, and Samuel Houston; to be known by the name of THE PRESBYTERY of ABINGDON, and to hold their first meeting agreeably to adjournment of the late Presbytery of Abingdon. The other to comprehend the district of Kentucky, and the settlements on Cumberland River; consisting of the Rev. David Rice, Thomas Craighead, Adam Rankin, Andrew M'Clure, and James Crawford; and to be known by the name of THE PRESBYTERY OF TRANSYLVANIA, and to meet for the first time at Danville, in the district of Kentucky, on the third Tuesday of next October; the Rev. David Rice to preside; and, in case of his absence, the senior minister present.

2d. That the Presbytery of Hanover be divided into two Presbyteries. The one to be bounded by the Apalachian Mountains on the north-west, by the Presbytery of Orange on the south, by the Presbytery of Donnegal on the north and east, and by the Chesapeake and Atlantic on the southeast; consisting of the Rev. Richard Sanky, John Todd, James Waddel, Wm. Irvine, John Blair Smith, James Mitchell, John D. Blair, and Daniel M'Culla; to be known by the name of HANOVER PRESBYTERY; and to hold their first meeting at