each chapter, section, and article; and adopt or reject the

same.

2. That the Presbyteries be particularly required to send up an exact copy of the result of their votes in this case, to the next General Assembly.

3. That every chapter, section, and article, adopted by the majority of the Presbyteries, shall be considered as a constitutional article ratified, and binding on the whole church.

4. That 1000 copies of the report of the committee on the forms of government, and of process; and also, of the proposed alterations in the Directory, that have been agreed to by this Assembly, be printed under the superintendance of the aforesaid committee, and that the distributing agent be ordered to send by mail, (as far as practicable,) to the several Presbyteries, one copy for each minister.

The following overture on the subject of appointing a day of humiliation, thanksgiving and prayer, was submitted to the Assembly, and adopted, viz.

WHEREAS it is the duty of all men to acknowledge God in all the dispensations of his Providence, and it is peculiarly incumbent on Christians to observe the ways of Divine goodness, and the dealings of God to his Church: Whereas, in the present mixed state of things, wherein mercies and judgments are mysteriously mingled in the administrations of Provividence, there is in the most afflictive circumstances, much cause for thanksgiving and praise; and in the highest prosperity much reason for humiliation and mourning: And, Whereas, in the present day there are many remarkable traits in the character of Divine Providence calling for particular observation, and many events in the church that may well engage the most serious attention of every christian; especially as it has pleased God to visit our country with great and unexampled pecuniary embarrassments, deeply affecting the condition of all classes of persons, and the interests of the various institutions of pious benevolence among us; and at the same time to fill our land with abundance of food for man and beast; as it has also pleased him to pour out of his Holy Spirit on

many parts of Zion, and to cause, as we hope, a great ingathering of souls, and yet to leave many parts unvisited, to allow divisions and jealousies still to prevail among the professed disciples of the Lord.

Therefore, it is recommended to all the Churches under our care to set apart the last Thursday in August next, as a day of Humiliation, Thanksgiving and Prayer, particularly to observe the ways of Providence and the dispensations of grace, to abstain from all unnecessary labour and worldly care on that day, to assemble in their places of worship, and with united heart and voice to render thanksgiving to Almighty God for the blessings of his Providence, and for the effusion of his Holy Spi rit. And also, to humble themselves before him for their sins, to beseech him to overrule the dispensations of his Providence for his own glory, the good of the Church, and the prosperity of our common country; and to plead with him that he may visit his Church in the fulness of his mercy, may heal all divisions, remove every cause of offence, banish all error, and so give efficacy to the word of truth, that every where Christians may be edified and strengthened, may walk together in love, and in all things adorn the doctrine of our Saviour; and that those who are afar off may be brought nigh by the blood of Christ, and the whole earth be filled with the knowledge of God.

The committee to which the resolution on the subject of Psalmody was committed, and the consideration of which had been deferred by the last Assembly to be taken up by this Assembly, reported, and their report being read and amended, was adopted, and is as follows, viz:

That the subject of the resolution, in their opinion, is of such magnitude, as to demand the serious attention of this Assembly: Psalmody has, in all ages, been considered a most important part of the worship of God. The church, therefore, has ever been careful to preserve its purity for the edification of her members; whilst they who have departed from the faith, once delivered to the saints, have availed themselves of it, to accomplish their divisive plans with the best success.--Mindful of their duty in this matter, the General Assembly

have, from time to time authorized the use of Rouse's version of the Book of Psalms, Watts' imitation of the Psalms of David, with his three books of Hymns, Barlows alterations of, and additions to Watt's imitation, and Dwights' revision of Watts, with his additional versifications and collection of Hymns in the churches under their care.

Whilst the committee grant that each of these systems of Psalmody has its excellencies, they respectfully recommend that one uniform system of Psalmody be prepared under the direction of the Assembly, for the use of the churches under their care, they believe that the time has come when such a measure may be adopted without offending any of our churches, and with the prospect of complete success.

If they are correct in this belief, of which the Assembly must judge, it appears to them that uniformity in this matter will furnish a strong bond of peace and harmony, between the different sections of our church.

The committee further recommend that this uniform system of Psalmody consist of two parts, viz.

1. A compilation of metrical versions of the book of Psalms, adhering to the order and connexion of the same, as far as practicable.

In this compilation the preference ought to be given to the authorized versions now in use, so far as the poetry and conformity to the text allow. The committee, in recommending this compilation, disavow any design of committing the Assembly on the difference of opinion which exists about the book of Psalms. They also wish it to be distinctly understood that they do not disapprove of Watts. But they think that a compilation, such as is recommended, if judiciously executed, will satisfy the friends of Dr. Watt's imitation, and the advocates of the exclusive authority of the book of Psalms.

2. A copious collection of Hymns, and Spiritual Songs from various authors, giving the preference to those now authorized, so far as good taste, sound sense, and enlightened piety admit.

Such a system of Psalmody, the committee think, besides producing harmony among ourselves in this part of public worship, will tend to enlarge that growing dis

position among Christians of different denominations to union of exertions, for promoting the kingdom of Christ. They therefore submit the following resolutions, viz. 1st. That a committee be appointed to digest and prepare a uniform system of Psalmody, as recommended in this report; the whole when prepared agreeably to the views of the committee, to be submitted to the General Assembly, for their adoption.

expense

2nd. That the committee appointed to carry this resolution into effect, be authorized to procure at the of the Assembly, such versions of the book of Psalms, and such collections of hymns and sacred songs, as they may deem necessary.

The Assembly appointed Drs. Romeyn, Alexander, Nott, Blatchford, and Spring, a committee, to prepare and digest the system of Psalmody, as recommended in the foregoing report.

An election of a Board of Missions was held, and the same persons, who served last year, were re-elected, except that Dr. Moses Waddell was chosen in the place of Dr. Flinn, deceased.

Resolved that the stated clerk be, and he hereby is directed to transmit seventy-five copies of the printed extracts from the minutes of this Assembly, to the General Association of New Hampshire, and one-hundred copies to the General Association of Massachusetts Proper, agreeably to the request of said Associations, severally. And that the stated clerk, also transmit, in addition to those already forwarded, thirty copies of the Extracts of the last Assembly, to the General Association of New Hampshire, and fifty copies to the General Association of Massachusetts Proper; or, if so many cannot be spared, then a less number, in the foregoing proportion.

Resolved, that this Assembly be dissolved, and that another Assembly, chosen in the same manner, be required to meet in the 7th Presbyterian church in this city, on the third Thursday in May next, at 11 o'clock P. M. Concluded with prayer.

APPENDIX.

A NARRATIVE

OF THE

STATE OF RELIGION,

Within the bounds of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church; and of the General Associations of Connecticut, New Hampshire, and Massachusetts Proper, and of the General Convention of Vermont, during the last year.

THE Church is the house of the living God. For this Church Christ died: in this Church God dwells. It was erected to be a lasting monument of the richness of his grace and the greatness of his power. Its preservation is the dearest care of Providence, its increase is the riches of the world, and its final consummation shall be the wonder and the praise of heaven. The presence of this Church is the best safeguard of nations, and its growth and stability the surest pledge of their prosperity and strength. It has pleased God to place an important section of this his Church in our favoured land; and whether as Christians or as patriots we have a deep concern in whatever affects its welfare.

Of the Church of God in these United States, that portion under the care of the General Assembly constitutes a large and in every point of view a highly important part. Extending already over almost every portion of the Union, and going on to increase with a rapidity continually augmenting; it presents to the contemplative mind a spectacle of the deepest interest, and to the Christian heart an object of the most solemn and solicitous regard.