the Council would put the resolution of last Council into execution, which went solemnly to declare, that unless the Synod acceded to their propositions, they would on this, day, constitute into a Presbytery, which was carried in the affirmative by a large majority after which Messrs. William and Samuel Hodge, ministers, and Thomas Donald, elder, withdrew from the Council, virtually declaring their intention to join the Transylvania Presbytery. There being then only three ordained ministers present, it was inquired whether they were now ready to go into a constituted state; when it was found that one of them was embarrassed in his mind. The Council then adjourned and met again, waiting the decision of that member: who at length declared he could not feel free at the present time to constitute. The Council then, together with all the licentiates and candidates present, formed into a committee and entered upon a free conversation on the subject before them; when it was finally agreed to, that each ordained minister, licentiate, elder, and representative should continue in union, and use their influence to keep the societies in union, until the third Tuesday in March next; and then meet at the Ridge Meeting house. After which, each one shall be released from this bond, unless previously to that time, three ordained ministers belonging to this body shall have constituted a Presbytery. Then, in that case, the committee will all consider the BOND of union perpetual; which Presbytery, after doing such business as they may think proper, are to adjourn to meet at the RidgeMeeting house the said third Tuesday in March in a Presbyterial capacity." SAMUEL KING, Chairman. "In Dixon County, Tennessee State, at the Rev. Samuel M'Adow's this 4th day of February, 1810.

"We Samuel M'Adow. Finis Ewing, and Samuel King, regularly ordained ministers, in the Presbyterian church, against whom no charge, either of immorality or heresy has ever been exhibited, before any of the church Judicatures, having waited in vain more than four years, in the mean time, petitioning the General Assembly for a redress of grievances, and a restoration of our violated rights, have, and do hereby agree and determine, to constitute into a Presbytery, known by the name of the Cumberland Presbytery, on the following conditions.

All candidates for the ministry, who may hereafter be

Licensed by this Presbytery, and all the licentiates or probationers, who may hereafter be ordained by this Presbytery, shall be required, before such licensure and ordination, to receive and adopt the Confession and Discipline of the Presbyterian church, except the idea of fatality, that seems to be taught under the mysterious doctrine of predestination. It is to be understood, however, that such as can clearly receive the Confession, without an exception, shall not be required to make any. Moreover, all licentiates before they are set apart to the whole work of the ministry, or ordained, shall be required to undergo an examination on English Grammar, Geography, Astronomy, Natural and Moral Philosophy, and Church History.* The Presbytery may also require an examination on all, or any part, of the above branches of literature before licensure if they deem it expedient."

Thus, brethren, we have, in the integrity of our hearts, endeavored to give you as correct and impartial an account of the rise and progress of the cause or causes, that have brought us into our present situation, as justice to ourselves, and our best recollection would admit. We have not intentionally and unjustly exposed or covered the conduct of any man or Judicature. We have only aimed at giving a clear, honest view of the matter, that you might be enabled to judge for yourselves whether we have acted with propriety or impropriety.

We think, precipitancy or rashness cannot be justly imputed to us in the present case. We have waited in an unorganized state, for more than four years, and in that time, have repeatedly prayed the Judicatures to redress our grievances; and have not contended for one privilege but what we conscienciously believe God's word allows us. If we had sought or desired an occasion to make a chism in the church, we had an excellent pretext, after the unprecedented conduct of the Commission of Synod towards But instead of this, we voluntarily suspended our operations as a Presbytery, and waited from year to year, beset on every side, hoping the matter might be settled on principles just and equitable. We said "beset on every side." Yes, brethren, a number of you know that various sectaries took the advantage of our forbearance and

us.

*It will not be understood that examinations on experimental religion and Theology will be omited.

peculiar situation, and endeavored to rend our flourishing congregations. The swarms of heretics and fanetics also, who came down from the upper counties of Kentucky, gave us much perplexity; yet we determined, through grace to stand firm, and continue to appeal to the reason and justice of the higher Judicatures, until we were assured they were not disposed to restore our rights. This assurance we have at lentgh obtained, and there was no al. ternative left us, but either to violate our solemn vows to our brethren, act contrary to our reason and conscience, or form ourselves into a Presbytery, separate from the Kentucky Synod. This step, at first view, may alarm some of you; but be assured, brethren, that although we are not NOW united to the Presbyterian church by the external bond of discipline, that we feel as much union in heart as formally; and we would further assure you, that we have not set up as a party, inimical to the general Presbyterian church::-no: we, ourselves, are Presbyterians, and expect ever to remain so, whether united to the general body or not.

Permit us further to inform you what we do know to be an incontestable fact. That is, there are a number of ministers who are kept in the bosom of the Presbyterian church, who have deviated infinitely more from the Confession than we have done. One can boldly deny the imputation of Christ's active obedience to the sinner in justification, and published it to the world-another can deny the operation of the Holy Spirit in the work of regeneration,* and yet, we, who only object to the unqualified idea of ETERNAL reprobation, cannot be indulged in that objection!

It has been said that if all the ministers belonging to the Council, had continued together, and had constituted into a Presbytery, it would have been much better. Brethren, if individuals, for reasons best known to themselves, and their God, have thought proper to change a position in which we thought God had blessed them, we have not yet felt at liberty to do so likewise. We have to account to God, and our own conscience how we have acted in this matter.

Some have feared because of the smallness of our num

*See Mr. Davis' publication in S. Carolina and Mr. Craighead's of Tenn.

ber. Brethren, we have yet left, in the bounds of our Presbytery, almost as many ministers, exclusive of candidates, as our blessed Lord chose to spread the gospel through the world. And whilst we acknowledge the greatest inferiority to those twelve CHAMPIONS of the gospel, yet, we profess to believe that neither the standing, nor reputation of a people depends on their numbers. If this were admitted, the Roman church, when it was at its zenith of superstition and idolatry, would have been the most permanent, and respectable in the world. But the reformation and subsequent events have taught us that was not the case with her. But notwithstanding, some individuals have changed their ground, yet, as far as we have learned, but very few of the numerous and respectable societies or congregations have abandoned us: and some individuals of those few, were partly constrained to do as they have done, from their local situation.

Some of you are afraid you cannot be supplied by the Presbytery. Brethren, the same Almighty Lord of the harvest, who heard your prayers on that subject ten years ago, is willing to hear again. Is the harvest indeed great and the laborers few? well then, pray the Lord to send more laborers.

Some fear lest the Presbytery should take too much liberty in licensing and ordaining unlearned men. If by this you mean, you are afraid the Presbytery, in some instances, will dispense with the dead languages, your fears are well grounded. But if you are afraid we will license and ordain without a good English education, we hope your fears are without foundation. And while we thus candidly declare our intention to receive men as candidates, without a knowledge of the languages, who are men of good talents, and who appear to be evidently CALLED of God, believing, as we do, that there are thousands in the Presbyterian church of such description, who would make more able, respectable, and more useful ministers of Jesus Christ, than many who say they have been brought up at the feet of Gamalial: we would nevertheless recommend it to all parents who have sons who promise fair for the ministry, to have them taught the Greek language, espe

We would just add, that we have it in view as a Pres-· bytery to continue, or make another proposition to the Synod of Kentucky, or some other Synod, for a re-union. if we can obtain it without violating our natural and scriptural rights, it will meet the most ardent wish of our hearts; If we cannot, we hope to be enabled to commit ourselves and cause to HIM who is able to keep us. Brethren, if we live at the feet of the Redeemer and feel constant dependence on Him, we are not afraid but that he will be our God and director. And if God be for us who can be against us? We therefore entreat you brethren, to watch.

and be sober.

Cultivate friendship with all societies of Christians, who maintain the fundamental doctrines of the gospel, and whose lives comport with their profession; but avoid the multitude of deceivers, who have gone out into the world, and strike at the root of all real religion.-Avoid them we entreat you, as you would the open enemies of the cross of Christ.

Gird on the whole armour of God. Fight the good fight of faith, live in peace, and the God of peace shall be with you. Amen." SAMUEL M'ADOW, Moderator.

Test YOUNG EWING, Clerk.

Notwithstanding the peculiar difficulties with which this infant church has had to contend, its members have continued to increase, and every year has augured more and more favorable for its stability.

The first Presbytery became so much enlarged in the course of three years, that in April, 1813, at the Beach meeting house, Tenn. it was resolved to divide it and form three subordinate Judicatories, which should constitute a Synod. The following minute is the preamble to this decision, and presents a pleasing prospect of the gradual increase of Cumberland Presbyterians.

"Whereas, the Cumberland Preybytery have made eve ry reasonable effort for a re-union with the Presbyterian church; and whereas, the extent of our bounds and the number and local situation of our members, now render it inconvenient to do business in but one Presbytery; and whereas, the constitution of a Synod is desirable, and we hope will be productive of good consequences in various K