early period we were compelled to absent ourselves from all religious meetings in which Americans participated in any part of the city. This led first to enstrangement, and, as matters progressed, to an open rupture, all of which took place about the time our Southern ambassador left for America and our funds gave out.

The Americans refused all assistance, and the end came, the day arrived when we were to be ejected from our house, but deliverance was sent us by our heavenly Father, by the hand of one of the natives, a total stranger. Soon after the chaplain of the British embassy came to our relief; our wants were then supplied by the British residents until autumn, when money began to come through the blockade from your Treasurer, which, together with remittances from the North, sustained us through the winter of 1861-'62. "December 3, 1861, I was attacked by Asiatic fever, which reduced me to the point of death, and from the effects of which I was confined to my bed until I was carried in a helpless state on board a ship, the morning of July 11, 1862, to embark for America via Great Britain, on a British vessel. We reached Quebec, Canada East, August 19, 1862.

"During my most severe illness we were treated with great kindness by Christians, of many nationalities, Americans included, who had entirely changed their course toward us. The money upon which we subsisted for some weeks prior to our departure, and with which, we started, was loaned us by the Treasurer of the American Missions, whose account is herewith appended."

The BOARD at Lebanon, Ill., reported as follows: Pursuant to the order of the last Assembly the Board met at the time appointed, to wit-Alton, Illinois, on the fourth Wednesday in June, A. D. 1865, at 8 o'clock. P. M., and organized under the charter obtained from the Legislature of said State of Illinois, by electing Rev. J. B. Logan, President; H. W. Eagan, Secretary; and S. P. Greenwood, Esq., Treasurer.

J. B. Logan, F. Bridgeman, F. Lack, S. P. Greenwood, Esq., H. W. Eagan, were appointed an Executive Committee.

The Board has met regularly once a month since its organization, except in the months of October and November. The business during these months was transacted by the Executive Committee.

The members of the Board, with one or two exceptions, have been very punctual in their attendance upon its meetings.

A remarkable unanimity of feeling and oneness of purpose have charac terized all our meetings, rendering them, as we trust, not only pleasant and profitable to the members of the Board, but useful to the Church in general.

The Board feels very much encouraged in looking over the missionary field. It is true that the contributions to this cause during the last year have fallen much below what they ought to have been, yet, everything considered, we have cause for rejoicing.

The plan adopted by the old Board to raise means to sustain the cause of missions has been readopted by the present Board, and we give it as our unqualified opinion that it is the best, if not the only plan that will ultimately succeed, to wit: the monthly concert. It is fast gaining favor with the churches; a goodly number have already adopted it, and others have promised to do so at an early day.

The Assembly adjourned, and another will meet in the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, Memphis, Tenn., May 16, 1867.

RICHARD BEARD, Moderator.

In Memoriam.

"PRECIOUS IN THE SIGHT OF LORD IS THE DEATH OF HIS SAINTS.”Psalm cxvi. 15.

BEARD, JOHN-The son of David and Jane (Wallace) Beard, was born in Sumner county, Tenn., on Dec. 24, 1800. He was educated in the academy at Gallatin, Tenn., under the care of Rev. Mr. Bayne. He studied theology privately, being self-taught. He was licensed by Nashville Presbytery April 3, 1823, and ordained by the same Presbytery April 6, 1826. His first charge was Sugg's Creek, Tenn., and subsequently at Stoner's Creek, Tenn. After several years of labor in these fields, he moved to Illinois, preaching at Cherry Grove; thence to Missouri, and finally to Kansas, where he died at his home in Atchison county, Aug. 12, 1866, of diabetes.

He married Miss Margaret Cloyd, daughter of the late Rev. Ezekiel Cloyd, who, with four sons, survives him. He was a brother of Rev. Adam M. Beard, and a cousin of Richard Beard, D.D., Professor in the Cumberland University, Tenn., both of whom are Cumberland Presbyterian ministers. RICHARD BEARD, D.D., of Lebanon, Tenn., writes as follows: "He was a man of great moral and spiritual worth. His education was limited, but his talents were very respectable. His pretensions were not equal to his ability and his worth. He was a modest man, but a good and faithful preacher. In his early life he was highly useful as a traveling missionary. His eldest son was educated at Cumberland University, Lebanon, Tenn.; his youngest son has been a principal agent in the establishment of Lincoln University, at Lincoln, Illinois.

COSSITT, D.D.,* FRANCEWAY RANNA-Was born in Claremont, New Hampshire, April 24, 1790. He was educated in Middleburg College, Vt., graduating in 1813. He stood high as a scholar, and after leaving college he removed to New Jersey and taught school in Morristown. In 1815 he removed to North Carolina and became principal of Vine Hill Academy, on Roanoke river. He subsequently returned to New England, where he intended to engage in the study of law; but having made a profession of religion, he decided upon the Christian ministry, and entered upon the study of theology at New Haven, Conn. This institution is now the General Episcopal Seminary in New York City. Mr. Cossitt's ancestors were members of the Church of England. Bishop Brouness, of Connecticut, licensed him as a "lay reader' in the Episcopal Church, after which he removed to Tennessee and established a school at a small place near Clarksville on the Cumberland river, called in its day New York. Here his school was a success, many young men being educated for the ministry. In 1821 he was interested in a camp-meeting on Wells Creek, Stewart county, Tenn., where he made the acquaintance of a number of Cumberland Presbyterian minis ters. During this camp-meeting he preached occasionally. This was in 1821. The following year he was ordained by Anderson Presbytery, and henceforward fully identified himself with the Cumberland Presbyterians. He removed to Elkton, Ky., and established a school there, where he passed some very pleasant years. In 1825 the plan of Cumberland College was brought before the Cumberland Synod, and it was decided to establish it near Princeton, Ky. It was on a farm, and was to be a manual labor-school,

*This memoir was prepared from facts gathered in "Brief Biographical Sketches of some of the Early Ministers of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church," by RICHARD BEARD, D.D. 12mo., pp. 319. $1 75. Nashville, Tenn.: published for the author.

Arrangements were made and Mr. Cossitt was chosen president, and opened the college in March, 1826. He soon collected some of the best young men in the land, a large log building was erected for college purposes; and the students who were educated there during the early years of the institution were subjected to many inconveniences unknown to their brethren of later years. The success of Dr. Cossitt as an educator was acknowledged by the large number of students in attendance, reaching in 1830 one hundred and twenty-five.

In 1831 the college was leased to Rev. John Barnett and Rev. Aaron Shelby. Mr. Cossitt continued to be one of the most earnest and zealous of its friends in the midst of the many difficulties by which it soon was surrounded. In 1830 the leading men connected with the college established the Religious and Literary Intelligencer, at Princeton, Ky. Mr. Cossitt was identified with it for a few months. The Assembly appointed Rev. David Lowry as editor. It subsequently became the Revivalist, and finally the Cumberland Presbyterian, Nashville, Tenn.

In March, 1840, he commenced the Banner of Peace. At first it was a monthly. It existed a year in this form. In December, 1841, its publication was renewed, as a weekly, and he by extraordinary effort sustained it. In 1843 he removed to Lebanon, Tenn., and took charge of Cumberland College, which soon after became the university. He continued as president of the university till 1844, when he resigned, and devoted all his time to his paper, enlarging it and increasing its usefulness. He gave up the paper December, 1849, and the rest of his life he passed in the many pleasant duties and occupations incident to that of an educated, intelligent Christian. In 1853 he published the "Life and Times of Rev. Finis Ewing," and the same year he was elected Professor of Systematic Theology in Cumberland University, Tenn. This he declined on account of age and its infirmities.

He died at his residence in Lebanon, Tenn., Feb. 3, 1863, of the decay of the vital powers. He was married twice: first, on Feb. 19, 1822, to Miss Lucinda Blair, of Montgomery county, Tenn.; she died in 1833. Second, Jan. 19, 1834, to Miss Matilda Edwards, of Elkton, Ky., who survives him.

As an educator his principal work was performed at Cumberland College, where for seventeen years he labored under disadvantages which can hardly be understood or appreciated at this time. It was literally for several years a log college, as rough in its exterior as a very ordinary barn. Its interior corresponded with its exterior; the dormitories of the students were coarse cabins furnished with straw beds, a very small library and no apparatus for several years. Still, his power attracted many young men around him year after year, and many of the best in the land. As a public journalist he was kind, respectful and dignified. He engaged in no petty strifes, he indulged in no personal abuse. His paper was indeed a "Banner of Peace." He was a catholic Christian, and his life was an illustration of his catholic spirit. He was a Christian gentleman; he respected the feelings of others, and labored to promote the happiness of those around him.

NOTE. It is a subject of regret that the Minutes of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church do not contain a complete list of the Ministers and Licentiates. In 1861 I prepared from a great variety of Sources a list, which was published in The Presbyterian Historical Almanac for 1862. At that time the Ministers, &c., resided in the following States:

Alabama.......... 82 Georgia. 3 Kentucky.......110 Missouri.........188 | Tennessee...... 234 Arkansas.......... 72 Illinois............139 Louisiana........ 2 Ohio................................ 24 Texas............ 125 California......... 22 Indiana........... 44 Minnesota ...... 2 Oregon....... 13 Virginia......... Florida 1 Iowa............ 34 Mississippi...... 56 Pennsylvania.. 34 Africa

1

1

TOTAL, 1187

THE CANADA PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.

THE SIXTH SYNOD was held in the Central Presbyterian Church, Hamilton, C. W., June 5, 1866.

Rev. D. INGLIS, of Hamilton Presbytery, was elected Mode

rator.

BILLS AND OVERTURES.-No 1. From Montreal and Hamilton Presbyteries, setting forth that Paraphrases and Hymns were now in use in the Canada Presbyterian Church; that the Basis of Union in 1861* provided for the administration of worship in the Church as had hitherto been observed by the two branches now comprised in the united Church; that the hymn-book of the (late) United Presbyterian Church was used in certain of the congregations, while others were not at liberty to use it; and praying the Synod to take such steps as it might see fit to extend the same liberty to all the congregations with respect to hymns, and to prepare a hymn-book based, if deemed proper, upon that already recognized. It was

Resolved, That in view of the desirability of uniformity in the worship of God in the congregations of this Church, we approve generally of the object contemplated by those who advocate a revisal of the hymns and paraphrases at present used as part of public praise, and appoint a committee to consider maturely the whole subject, correspond with Presbyterians in kirk sessions, and report to next meeting of Synod.

UNION OF PRESBYTERIANS.-No. II. From Cobourg Presbytery, setting forth the duty of Churches agreeing in doctrine and discipline to enter into union, and that there was reason for believing that such a union could be effected without compromise of principle. It was, on a division, agreed that the Synod recognize the desirableness of union among Presbyterian Churches in this Province, but deem it inadvisable to do more at this time than to appoint a small committee, who shall be ready to consult with or receive overtures from any similar committee that may be appointed by the other Presbyterian Churches in these Provinces.

SUSTENTATION OF THE MINISTRY.-No. III. From Toronto and Brockville Presbyteries, on the importance of properly sustaining the ministers. These were referred to a special committee. They reported as follows, which was adopted:

1. That Presbyteries be enjoined to visit by deputation or otherwise all the congregations within their bounds which they have reason to think are not doing their duty toward the support of their pastor, and to see that an efficient system of raising funds for this purpose is brought into operation. 2. That the Synod strongly recommend first, that in cities and towns weekly or monthly offerings be introduced, and the contributions thus given for the salary of the minister be taken up along with the usual Sabbath col

* See The Presbyterian Historical Almanac for 1862, page 310.

lection. Second, that in country districts collectors be appointed to call upon the people at their homes, monthly or quarterly, as may be deemed most suitable for the locality, and that great care be taken that these calls are made with punctuality. Third, that in congregations where it is still deemed necessary to continue the system of pew rents, care must be taken that they are collected regularly and that arrears are not suffered to accumulate. 3. That Presbyteries be enjoined to see that missionary associations are formed in all the congregations within their bounds, except where they have good reason to believe that the present system is producing equal pecuniary results.

4. That wherever missionary associations are formed, the synodical collections shall not be imperative, provided a contribution be given by said associations for the objects of said collections.

5. That Presbyteries be instructed to see that contributions for the missionary and other general schemes of the Church are taken up regularly in all the mission stations within their bounds.

MARRIAGE LAW.-No. IV. From Montreal Presbytery, setting forth several practical grievances arising from the present state of the marrriage law. It was

Resolved, To appoint a committee to consider the whole subject, both in Lower and Upper Canada, and report at next meeting of Synod.

BIBLE SOCIETY.-No. V. From Paris and Huron Presbyteries, suggest ing the expediency of advising their people as to the support of evangelistic schemes; that it is generally believed that too great a proportion of the funds of the Upper Canada Bible Society is absorbed in carrying on the business of the society; that said society does not circulate copies of the Scriptures with the metrical version of the Psalms, and praying the Synod to inquire whether the expenses of the Upper Canada Bible Society might not be lessened, and its regulations so modified as to admit of their circulating Bibles with metrical Psalms, or whether the National Bible Society of Scotland should be invited to extend its operations into these Provinces.

It was Resolved, To appoint a committee to investigate this matter and correspond, if necessary, with the officials of the Upper Canada Bible Society, and report to next Synod.

GENERAL ASSEMBLY.-It was agreed to submit the draft for a General Assembly to a committee, for them to take into consideration the recommen dation of the Presbyteries, and if they thought proper to revise the draft and send it down again to the Presbyteries, instructing them to report to next Synod.

REPRESENTATION OF SESSIONS.-It was resolved to send the following down to the Presbyteries:

1. When two or more district congregations having separate sessions are under the care of one pastor, should each of such congregations have a representative elder in Presbyteries and Synods?

2. Shall the practice hitherto obtaining in this Church of allowing sessions to choose others than their own members as representatives be continued? CHICAGO CONGREGATION.-On application of London Presbytery to erect a congregation in Chicago, Ill., the Synod agreed to grant the petition, and instructed London Presbytery to the organization of said congregation with all convenient speed according to the rules and forms of the Church. KNOX COLLEGE.-The attendance has been in the theological depart ment 43; in preparatory, 9; total, 52. Rev. William Caven was appointed Permanent Professor.