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heard, too, with pleasure, that in many of these destitute parts of our land, ministers have frequently gone forth in company, two or three at a time, and preached, and visited, and God has greatly blessed their labours.

But, we turn to contemplate more pleasing subjects. It cannot but be gratifying to the friends of the Redeemer's kingdom, to learn that with few excep tions, the statements which we have received from the different Presbyteries, represent the interests of religion to be on the increase.

Infidelity is scarcely any where openly professed. The churches are generally walking in peace. There is generally an increased attention to the public ordinances of worship; and many new congregations have been organized, and new churches erected throughout our country. Several of these have been built in regions, where but a short time since was nothing but a waste wilderness, uninhabited by civilized man.

The monthly concert for prayer is generally observed. Bible classes and the catechetical instruction of youth, are still continued with the most beneficial effects. Baptized children with their parents, have in many instances been convened, and reminded of the solemn obligations imposed upon them, by the baptismal covenant. Praying societies are very generally established. Sabbath day schools are numerous and flourishing, and thousands of youth, who probably would otherwise have grown up ignorant and vicious, have by means of these institutions been instructed, and fitted to make useful members of society.

Liberal patronage has generally been extended to the various benevolent and pious institutions, which are established within our bounds, and many Missionary, and Education, and Bible Societies are flourishing. It has given the Assembly unfeigned joy, to hear of the very flourishing condition, and the increasing prosperity, of the American Bible Society. During the past year a considerable addition has been made, both to its funds, and to the number of auxiliary societies connected with it. We offer our fervent prayers that the blessing of the God of heaven may rest upon it. Several societies for the edu cation of poor and pious youth, who have the gospel ministry in view, have been established during the past year; and the churches appear in some degree to be awaking to a sense of the importance of this subject.

It is with pleasure that we notice the formation of several Missionary Associations of young men. The Young Men's Missionary Society of Richmond, is entitled to particular notice. During the last year they have employed eight missionaries, and have expended in their support about one thousand dollars. The students in the University of North Carolina, who are members of the Dialectic Society, have generously engaged to contribute $250, payable in five years, towards endowing a professorship in the Theological Seminary at Princeton. It deserves also to be mentioned, that several children in the Island of Ceylon and in other places, are clothed, and fed, and instructed by the contributions of pious females, residing within our bounds.

From the report of the Board of Missions, the Assembly are gratified to learn, that the missionary concerns of our church, appear to be crowned with the blessing of God. The number of missionaries is increasing, though by no means sufficiently to meet the growing demands of a rapidly increasing population. Our Seminary at Princeton, is yearly furnishing valuable missionaries, whose labours are received with gratitude, and accompanied with a blessing. Under these circumstances it is hoped that the churches will not fail to take up annual contributions for the missionary fund, to the application of which the Presbyterian interest is so much indebted.

It is also gratifying to learn that God still blesses with the influences of his Spirit several of our colleges. Hamilton College has about 100 students, a majority of whom are pious. Union College has about 240 students, and of these about 70 are hopefully pious.

But we have not only to rejoice in the general increase of the interests of religion, there are also special reasons for thankfulness. On many of our congregations God has been pleased to pour out his spirit, and to grant them times of revival and refreshing. The congregations of West Bloomfield, Lima, Avon, Groveland, Nunda, Richmond, Livonia, and especially Mount Morris in the VOL. II.-Presb. Mag.

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several of our sea-port towns, and both mariners themselves, and their families have received great benefit from attending the public ordinances of the gospel. The Assembly recommends to the ministers and members of our churches, to encourage and promote these useful institutions.

The Theological Seminary at Princeton, continues to enjoy the smiles of the great Head of the church. A missionary spirit is diffused among the students, and a few have already devoted themselves to the labours and privations of a foreign mission. The churches are already enjoying the fruits of this most important institution. The Theological Seminary, at Auburn, under the care of the Synod of Geneva, is flourishing; and efforts are also making, with encouraging prospects, to establish Theological Seminaries in other parts of our country.

The Assembly sincerely congratulates the churches, under its care, on the recent union which has been completed between the Presbyterian and the Associate Reformed Churches. We cannot but cherish the hope that this union will be productive of the most beneficial effects, and that the great Head of. the church will bless it to the promotion of the interests of his kingdom.

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On the whole, the review of the past year is calculated to awaken the most lively sensations of gratitude, to the great Head of the church, for the blessings which he has bestowed upon it, and to excite us to more zeal and devotedness in his service. We rejoice in the spread of his gospel. He shall have dominion from sea to sea, and from the river unto the ends the earth. Reviewing his mercies to his church in our land, we are constrained to offer to him our devout praises. Blessed be the Lord God, the God of Israel, who only doeth won drous things, and blessed be his glorious name forever; and let the whole earth be filled with his glory.-AMEN AND AMEN.

Published by order of the General Assembly,

Attest,

WILLIAM NEILL, Stated Clerk.

Philadelphia, May, 1822.

Fourth Annual Report of the Philadelphia Education Society.

In reviewing their operations during the past year, your managers are constrained to regret the limited sphere in which they are compelled to move. Candour requires the statement, that their institution has not met with that liberal patronage, which its acknowledged importance demands.

This fact is announced with sorrow, and also with some degree of surprise; for they are persuaded if their designs in encouraging and assisting indigent and pious youth in their preparatory studies for the gospel ministry, were fully appreciated, they would have but little cause of complaint. But whilst your board have observed with pain, the fallacy of that zeal which has its only foundation in novelty, and have in many instances experienced a disappointment of their fondest anticipations, they have sufficient ground of encouragement to proceed in their purpose. Since the instances are exceedingly rare, in which youth of high worldly expectations are willing to submit to the labour and selfdenial attendant upon the sacred office; they feel it to be their imperative duty to aid, in every possible way, the wishes of those, who, although poor in this world, have talents, piety, and a willing heart to consecrate to the service of Christ. With such they have already been connected, and have felt their la bour rewarded, in their exemplary deportment and literary proficiency.

The smiles of Providence have not been withheld; and, although some painful occurrences have taken place, as might have been reasonably anticipated, the board have still sufficient evidence, that their cause is identified with the cause of God and his church.

Since the institution of the society there have been twenty-three young men supported, in whole or in part, upon the funds.

There are at present six young men entirely dependant, who are successfully pursuing their studies at approved seminaries; six are partially supported; and

occasional assistance has been afforded to several others, who have not been brought under the immediate superintendance of the managers.

For the education and maintenance of these, and for defraying incidental expenses, there have been expended during the past year $1097 99. The receipts during the same period have been as follows; viz.

Life subscription for Rev. John Robinson, North Carolina, by Ladies'
Benevolent Society of Poplar Tent congregation.
Ditto for Rev. James Patterson by Female Fragment Society
Ditto for Rev. Isaac Keller, M'Connelsburg, by ladies of his church
Collection after last annual sermon

From Auxiliary Society in First Presbyterian Church, Philadelphia

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From Union Auxiliary Society of Salem, South Carolina

From Auxiliary Society of Rockland Church

Do.

Do.

Do.

Do.

Do.

Do.

Harrisburgh

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$21 00

20 00

20 00

92 00

56 50

89 62

83 85

32 50

45 00

8 28

100 00

20 25

10 71

25 50

6 60°

145 20

128 00

4 50

Annual Subscriptions

St. George and Forest congregation, Dela

ware

Donation from ladies of Shaver creek congregation
Presbytery of Northumberland

a prayer meeting

10.00

Do.

3.00

Do.

Do.

Do.

ladies of Rockland church, D. C.
sundry individuals

7 00 16.00

Do.

Mr. Cope, of Lewistown, Delaware

14 00

Do. Georgia, by Mr. Patterson

Interest of stock

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Eighty-one volumes, together with a collection of pamphlets, bequeathed by late Mrs. Sarah Hollinshead, of Philadelphia.

19 Auxiliary Societies.

50 00

63 60

9 50

46 00

The fund at present consists of 1060 dollars in six per cent. stock and 289 dollars in cash.

It should be further stated, that there are at present several candidates, who have been introduced to the notice of the board by the most flattering testimonials, but have been rejected through stern necessity, notwithstanding the plans of the board are founded upon the most rigid economy. Such measures, although resulting from a sense of duty, have excited the liveliest regret. The · remedy, however, is in the hands of the Christian public, and the hope is indulged, that it will not be withheld. All reasonable Christians will deprecate an unlearned ministry, and acknowledge the necessity, in connexion with piety, of those enlightened and dignified views in ministers of the gospel, which are infused by liberal studies; but they should at the same time recollect, that their personal exertions must contribute to effect objects so desirable.

Many thanks are due to those who have kindly and steadily co-operated with the board in advancing the interests of the institution; and an especial recognition is made of the assistance derived from Female Auxiliary Associations. That their example may be imitated, is heartily desired and earnestly recommended.

Our appeal is now made to Christian liberality; let it not meet with cold neglect, nor be regarded with listless indifference; especially at a period, when the necessities of the church, and the deplorable condition of perishing millions, are unceasingly importuning us to send forth labourers into the vineyard.

The Treasurer of the Trustees of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church, acknowledges the receipt of the following sums for their Theological Seminary at Princeton, N. J. during the month of May last, viz.

Of Anthony Finley, for the privilege of printing 3500 copies of the
Confession of Faith, &c. one half is for the Contingent Fund, being $52 50
Of Rev. Dr. John M'Dowell, from Mervin Hall of Elizabethtown, for
ditto 2500 copies, one half is for the same fund

Of Rev. Reuben Post, from the Female Cent Society of Washington
city, for ditto

37 50

16 50

And from the First Presbyterian Church in Baltimore, for ditto
Of Rev. A. G. Fairchild, from George's Creek Church, Redstone
Presbytery, for ditto

20 00

5 34

Of Rev. Ezra King, from Long Island Presbytery, for ditto

8 00

Of Rev. A. O. Patterson, from the Female Cent Society of Mount
Pleasant Church, Redstone Presbytery, for ditto

20 00

Of Rev. John Barnard, jr. from Ontario Presbytery, for ditto
Of William M'Harg, Esq. from First Presbyterian Church of Albany,
for ditto

7 62

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43 00

Of Rev. Dr. S. Miller, the donation of L. H. of Newburg, New York,
for ditto
Of Rev. Obadiah Jennings, Steubenville Church, Ohio, for ditto
Of Rev. Henry Reid, from Mrs. Anna E. Norris, of Abbeville, South
Carolina, for ditto

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20 00

17 25

20 00

2.00

1.00

From Miss Martha Gray, of ditto, for ditto

1 00 3.00

6 00

From Miss Ann Gray of ditto, $1, and a locket sold for $1, for

ditto

From Mrs. Ann W. Saxon, of ditto, for ditto

From Miss Mary A Patterson, of ditto, for ditto
And from Miss Ann L. Shaw, of ditto, for ditto

Of Rev. John Clark, from North River Presbytery, for ditto

Of Rev. Dr. Jonas Coe, Troy Presbytery, for ditto

Of Rev. John Smith, from Cooperstown, Otsego Presbytery, for ditto

Cherry Valley, for ditto
and Springfield, for ditto

Of Rev. Dr. Timothy Alden, from Female Cent Society in Erie Church, for ditto

Of Rev. E. W. Gilbert, from W. Moffet, Esq. eastern shore of Maryland, for ditto

And from Capt. John Hamilton, Wilmington, Delaware, for ditto Of Rev. W. R. Weeks, Whitesborough, Oneida Presbytery, for ditto Of Rev. Philip Lindsly, donation of Dr. Lewis Condict, of Morristown, New Jersey, for ditto

Of Rev. Dr. John Woodhull, Freehold Church

Of Amos Slaymaker, Esq. Leacock Church

Of Rev. Dr. William Neill, from Rev. Francis Herron, old subscriptions obtained by Dr. Neill, (one dollar discount paid by Mr. Herron, make $88 on Dr. Neill's list) for ditto

4.00 30 04

11 21

3.00

2.50

6.00

5.00

5.00

3 00

25 00

9 50

6 00

87 00

Of "A Presbyterian," in a letter from Wheeling, Virginia, after a perusal of professor Lindsly's "Plea for the Theological Seminary at Princeton," for ditto

10.00

Of Rev. John Moody, from Carlisle Church, for ditto
Of Rev. Horace Galpin, Newton Presbytery, for ditto
Of Rev. Dr. Neill, subscription of Dr. John Wishart, Washington, Penn-
sylvania, for 1821 and 22, for ditto

12 45

28 93

6 00

The writer adds:-" Of the existence of this institution I have been for some time apprized, but for the account of its wants, and its prospects of extensive usefulness to the Church of Christ, I am indebted to the 'Plea;' which, in my humble opinion, will continue to reflect credit to the heart as well as the head of its author."

Of Rev. E. Yale, from Mr. R. Hawley, of Charleton, Albany Presby. tery, for ditto

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Of Rev. David Comfort, old subscriptions in Princeton, for ditto
in Trenton, for ditto
in Lawrenceville, for ditto

Of Rev. Dr. A. Alexander, from William Maxwell, Esq. Norfolk, his
donation, for ditto

Donation of his sister, Mrs. Louisa Cocke, of Fluvanna county, for ditto

And ditto of Mr. Cornelius K. Stribling, of Norfolk, for ditto Of Rev. Dr. Robert Cathcart, from Monaghan Church, for ditto

Of Rev. Isaac V. Brown, from the Female Benevolent Society of Lawrenceville, for ditto

4 00

160 00

20 00

20 00

50 00

50.00

5.00

4.00

Of Rev. J. H. C. Leach, the subscription of Rev. 1. B. Hoge, in May, 1820, for ditto

10 00

28 39

Of Rev. John F. Clark, from the Dollar Society of Greenwich, for ditto
and from
Lamington, for ditto
Of Samuel Bayard, Esq. the collection in Princeton Church, for ditto
Of Rev. George Reid, from Salem Union Society, S. C. for ditto
Of Rev. John E. Latta, old subscriptions

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Of Rev. John Moody, Middle Spring $10 50, and Silver Spring $5, for ditto

Amount received for the Contingent Fund Of Rev. Reuben Post, First Church, Washington city, old subscrip tions, obtained by the Rev. Dr. William Neill, for the Permanent Fund Of Marcus Wilbur, Esq. old subscriptions in New York, for ditto Of Rev. Dr. J. J. Janeway, 2d and 3d instalments on his subscription for the Professorship to be endowed by the Synod of Philadelphia Of a Lady, her 2d ditto for ditto

Of Rev. Reuben Post, from First Church, Washington city, for ditto Of James B. Ross, Esq. from Chambersburg, including $19 old subscriptions on Dr. Neill's paper, for ditto

$962 73

50 00 800 00

100 00 50 00

60 00

60 00

Of Rev. Robert S. Grier, Piney Creek, and Toms Creek, for ditto
Of Rev. Jonathan Freeman, Bridgeton and Greenwich, (they gave
$60 last year) for ditto

15 50 8 00

31 63

Of Rev. Samuel B. How, of New Brunswick, the 2d instalment of Col.
John Neilson, for Professorship to be endowed by Synod of New
York and New Jersey

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Second ditto of John Pool, Esq.

And 2d ditto of Rev. Mr. How

Of Rev. Dr. John M'Dowell, from Elizabethtown, for ditto

And from the monthly concert of prayer in Elizabethtown, for ditto

Of Rev. Dr. Samuel Miller, his 3d instalment, for ditto

Of Rev. John Clark, Pleasant Valley, for ditto

From Rev. James Ostrom, New Paltz and Marlborough, for ditto
From Yorktown $5, Amenia $4 25, Bedford $16 50, for ditto
And from a young lady of Newburg, for ditto

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Of Rev. Dr. John Woodhull, the 1st and 2d instalment of Henry Wikoff, Esq. of Freehold, for ditto

40 00

Dr. Woodhull's 1st and 2d ditto, for ditto

60 00

Mrs. Sarah Woodhull's donation, for ditto

50 00

John T. Woodhull, M. D. his 1st and 2d instalment, for ditto
And Gilbert S. Woodhull, M. D. his 1st and 2d ditto, for ditto

20 00

20 00

Of Rev. Jacob Kirkpatrick, collected by him, for ditto

75 63

Of Rev. Elias W. Crane, from the Twenty-five Cent Society of Springfield, for ditto

8 10

Of Rev. Francis H. Porter, Concord Presbytery, for the Professorship to be endowed in part by the Synod of North Carolina. The following list is entered just as it was received; viz.

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