there is but one heart, enlisted and excited under the unity of the Spirit. IV. Bible classes have been multiplied in all our congregations, and attended with more than usual success. These institutions the presbytery consider of invaluable benefit to the church of God, and as nurseries to train up members to occupy their places in the midst of her hallowed borders. They are calculated, if properly improved, to discipline the understanding in the mind of the Spirit, and elevate the affections to that Holy of Holies, for which he alone by his power can qualify any of our fallen race. Thus improved, they unfold the Bible as a book, not merely of curiosity, but of deep and eternal interest; and make every Bible scholar feel that it contains the charter of his salvation, and the rule of his life in all his relations and circumstances. V. The outpouring of the Spirit has been more general and marked than beretofore. In this the presbytery distinctly observe not merely the grace of God, but the sovereignty of that grace. Whilst they are constrained to pay due homage to the means which he has established, they recognize the fact that he is not bound by them in the distribution of his mercies. Still they feel it to be their duty to follow in the path which he has prescribed, until he gives decided scriptural evidence that he interposes directly. In all these cases, personal holiness, manifested in the various relations of life, they deem indispensable for the establishment of Christian character, and the enjoyment of Christian privileges. They are constrained to make these remarks from the fact, that, in some of those congregations where he has poured out his spirit, conversions have been sudden, from the deepest distress on account of their consciousness of guilt and pollution. In a short time many have been enabled to accept of the proffered pardon, and rejoice in the hope of the Of glory of God. The congregations which have been chiefly blessed are the Brick Church, the Orange-street Church, the Spring-street Church, and the Church at Corlaer's Hook. In the former church not far from one hundred instances of conversion have occurred during the past winter. In the second, since last December, twenty-one. In the third, fifty added during the year, and fifty now under conviction. these congregations, the blessing of God appears conspicuous in the second. This congregation was in a divided, distracted state, during the fall. Their number is comparatively few; yet out of the small number he has raised many to praise him as the rescued of the Lord, the Redeemer. In these congregations the work has been throughout orderly. In some of the others there is a loud call for thankfulness and increased exertion; in the rest for humiliation and prayer unto God. VI. The presbytery cannot but take notice of the prevailing spirit of prayer which has been granted in some of the churches. This appears to have been the case with the Brick, Spring-street, and Hempstead churches. In other churches it has appeared, but on a scale much smaller. This ought to encourage other churches to act as Jacob did, not let the angel of the covenant go, till he bless them. As prayer is the life of the Christian, so it is the life of the Church; and until the members of any Church are excited to unite in this important and delightful duty, they need expect no blessing. Let them then be importunate with the Hearer of prayer, exercising faith in his own promise, and they need not apprehend that he will fail in the fulfilment of that promise. The presbytery are happy to state, under this head, that so far as they have heard, the praying societies heretofore established in the different churches are continued, and in many of them increased. In a few, the congregations are districted into praying circles, where either the officers attend and preside, or intelligent, trust-worthy laymen take the lead. As these circles are private, and the meetings in them contemplate merely the exercise of Christian duties towards those with whom they are connected, or who may providentially be cast upon their friendly admonition and advice, the districting is commendable; and so long as ecclesiastical order is not directly violated, recommended to other congregations. The públic monthly concert of prayer has been attended in all our churches. VII. The presbytery refer to the spirit of exertion which has been excited during the last year; an exertion including in it not merely the bounds of a particular congregation, but ex tending to other congregations, so far as was proper and consistent with ecclesiastical order. This has been particularly the case in the Brick Church, where the members, as a body, felt themselves constrained to do something for their Master. Twenty-three praying societies exist in that church. VIII. The children have been instructed in the principles of religion, and the baptized ones collected together by the pastors and sessions, for admonition and prayer in their behalf. The instruction dispensed to the children, and the collecting of the baptized ones, vary in different congregations as to the time appropriated to these objects. In some, the children are eatechised weekly; in others every fort night. In one or more of our congregations, the baptized children are convened previous to every communion; in others, according to the discretion of the session. Throughout our churches who are supplied with the gospel ministers, both duties are performed, and in many instances with encouraging effect. The presbytery feel it incumbent on them to state, that, with these strongly marked evidences of God's kindness to a few of their churches already men tioned, there are facts connected which show that other churches are not entirely passed by. Such, however, is the character of the work commenced and progressing among them, that it does not demand special notice in this narrative, farther than their fervent prayers to God to carry on and consummate in them his most holy will. In contrast to this bright side of the picture of their religious state, the presbytery present the dark side-the darker because of the contrast. A few of our congregations remain cold, heartless, and dead. They have, indeed, a name to live; but discover few, if any, of the characteristics of spiritual life. Throughout our city and its suburbs the profanation of the Sabbath continues to harass and distress the upright follower of the Redeemer, both as it respects his own exercises of mind, and his public duty. The presbytery, in concluding this summary statement, exhort the churches to increased attention to prayer, for a blessing from the Hearer of prayer The effectual fervent prayer of a right eous man, availeth much. Let then the redeemed of the Lord go forth under this assurance, to His work, who will never disappoint his children, or fail in his promise. They have much to askbut there is much more to give than they can ask aright. May their prayers be heard and the answer be given in blessings upon all our churches, and our neighbourhood relations, so that the name of God may be glorified, and the redemption of his Son magnified. PRESBYTERY OF NEW-CASTLE. At the late semi-annual meeting of this Presbytery at New-Castle, there were present 18 ministers, and 12 ruling elders. No trials or cases of discipline came before them-a circumstance indicative of uncommon peace and harmony among the churches under their care. The "free conversation on the state of religion," occupied more than the usual time; and the occasion was solemn and interesting. The facts as they ap. peared in the free conversation were embodied in the following REPORT. "The Presbytery of New-Castle report to the General Assembly :-That along with some mournful, they have much agreeable intelligence to communicate. From several of their churches they have received no regular report. From some others they heard only the voice of lamentation and complaint, pastors and people crying, 'brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may have free course and be glorified.' "In many of our congregations there is yet a laxity of discipline, a backwardness to social prayer, and a neglect of family worship and other obvious duties, which may be causes for withholding a revival from them. "In some of the churches the pastor finds no assistant in public exercises, even the elders refusing to take their cross and let their light shine by leading in public devotions. This, however, we are happy to state, is not the case with all. Many of our ruling elders are exemplary, holy, and active men, willing to share with their pastor in his public labours of love. And could we witness a revival in the hearts of our elders and professors generally, we should have much more hope of the conversion of sinners. "The monthly concert of prayer is observed in many congregations: but in general does not attract that share of attention which its importance demands. A few congregations, however, pay it solemn attention, and attest the sincerity of their prayers by simultaneous alms. "To circulate Religious Intelligence among their people, Presbytery have undertaken to patronise a religious newspaper, and have recommended it to their people. Their efforts have been crowned already with much success, and these vehicles of religious information have already communicated light, life, and joy to many hearts. "Presbytery have taken efficient measures to increase their funds for the education of poor and pious youth. They have recommended to each of their members to preach a sermon on the subject, to raise collections and form Societies for this object. In the hope that their treasury will be replenished, they have taken several young men under their care, whom they expect to assist in their preparation for the ministry. "But the most agreeable intelligence they received was the outpouring of the Divine Spirit on some of their congregations. In the congregation of Centre an uncommon spirit of prayer prevails, and a pleasing accession was last year made to the communion of the church. While in some other congregations not an individual layman can be found to lead in public prayer, the pastor here finds as many as fifteen who are willing to assist him in leading the addresses of christians at a throne of grace. "In the Forks of Brandywine, after repeated failures to establish Prayer Meetings in the daytime, the effort to establish evening meetings has succeeded without any difficulty. And the Presbytery hope that the time is not far distant when the prejudices of many christians against night meetings' for prayer and exhortation, will cease to exist. The plan of calling on any who are anxious or disposed for serious conversation, to remain after the rest of the congregation have retired, has been tried in this congregation apparently with good effect. It has been the means of discovering, exciting, and deepening serious impressions on many minds. Careless sinners begin to be anxious; and present appearances encourage the hope that God is about to grant them a day of special visitation. "On St. George's a few mercy drops have fallen, and christians there are looking for a plentiful shower. In Fagg's Manor and Union, the dry bones are shaking, though there is nothing like what is usually denominated a revival. "Within a few months, the congrega. tion of New-Castle has been unusually blessed. A work of revival of considerable extent and of great power has been experienced in that place. Through much anguish and deep conviction, it has pleased the Gracious Spirit to bring a goodly number of lost prodigals home to their Heavenly Father. Prayer meetings are multiplied among both the aged and young. Public assemblies are frequent, large, attentive, and solemn. 'Anxious meetings' disclose the distress of numbers who are earnestly inquiring 'what we shall do?' There is a prospect of at least 40* being added to the church at the next communion season; and at least 30 more have their faces Zionwards weeping as they go. An unusual proportion of males are the subjects of this work, which is still advancing and extending. At Christiana also the flame is kindling, and about 20 are under spiritual distress. ›› "But the congregation most deeply indebted to Divine grace, is that of the Second Church, Wilmington. Here God, in answer to the prayers of his people, has glorified his Son, and built up his kingdom in a remarkable manner. In the short space of two months, about 120 persons, in a judgment of charity, have been brought by the Holy Spirit from darkness to light, and from death unto life, and are now rejoicing in hope of the glory of God. At * The Lord has been pleased to exceed the expectations of his people-there were upwards of 50 received at their communion, which took place on Sabbath, 7th inst. the last communion season, 73 persons were added to the visible church, and 45 more, have been, at their own request, and after examination, taken under the care of the Session, as catechumens, or candidates for future membership. The awakening still continues. About 70 are still anxious, and christians desire and labour to believe that the work is but just commenced." Presbytery have at present eight young men under their care, some of whom are wholly, others partly depen dent upon them for aid in the prosecution of their studies. Besides these, a number of other pious youth of promising talents, are longing to enter the vineyard of the gospel, but having no funds of their own. and Presbytery not being able to afford them any encouragement, the church is like to be deprived of their labours. To call the attention of the churches to this subject, and by raising collections and forming societies, to replenish their exhausted funds, Presbytery have earnestly requested all their members to preach a sermon on the first Sabbath in May next. The Sessious of the different churches were enjoined to forward their Sessional Records for inspection at the next spring meeting of Presbytery. Mr. Pierce Chamberlain, having passed through the proper trials with approbation, was solemnly licensed to preach the Gospel wherever he should be orderly called. Adjourned to meet in the intervals of General assembly; and appointed to hold their Fall Meeting at the Head of Christiana on the last Tuesday of September.- Chr. Rep. Aux. Soc. Clarkstown, Rockland co. N. Y. by A. Lydacker, 16 50 50 10 treas. Michael Mead, Salina N. Y. a donation Aux. Soc. Chester, Orange co. N. Y. by Mr. Stokes, treas. Rev. S. Tombs, Salem, Washington co. N. Y. a collection in his church at the monthly concert of prayer Col. J. McCrackan, of do. by do. 5 Aux. Soc. of Hopewell, Orange co. N. Y. by Mr. A. Thompson, 7 32 33 Aux. Soc. of New-West Hamstead, by J. Akerson, treas. Aux. Soc. of Graham's church, Orange co. N. Y. by Rev. Mr. McJemsey, their pastor Aux. Soc. in Bergen N. J. J. D. Van Winkle treasurer, by Rev. J. Cornelious Aux. Soc. at Red Hook, Col. Pitcher, treasurer, transmitted by Rev. A. N. Kettle Aux. Soc. at Tappan, Samuel G. Verbryck, treasurer, received by Mrs. Verbryck Jonathan Little, Esq. for eight boxes sold, received as a donation 3 From do. for one wagon and har ness 60 3 10 treasurer Aux. Soc. Goshen, Orange co. N. Y. by T. B. Crowell, treas. Alex. Sutherland, Centre, N. C. Aux. Soc. Cannonsburgh, Pennsylvania, by J. B. Morrow, secretary Aux. Soc. of Watervliet and Niskeuna, Albany co. N. Y. to constitute the Rev T. Romeyn of Orange, Saratoga co. and Rev. J. Dewitt, Albany, members for life, by Rev. R. Bronk 60 Female Aux. Soc. of Morristown, N. J. by Mrs. A. L. R. King, treas. with a package of clothing, value $70 Aux. Soc. of Newtown, L. I. by treasurer A Bible Class of young Females in Bloomfield N. J. for the education of a Heathen child to be named Peter Kanouse, and to be selected by the Missionaries at Union Rev. S. Woodhull, of Princeton N. J. collected at the monthly concert of prayer in his church by Rev. Dr. Romeyn 8 57 53 25 5 24 25 53 18 16 41 From do. in a box of clothing from Greenville From do. Aux. Soc. in Greenbush, per. C. J. Blauvelt, in January last From do. Aux. Soc. in Greenbush, the 16th March last, by do. Mr. Sample, of Amboy Master Charles Morris, of do. Miss Margaret Gilbreith, of do. Aux. Soc. of Clarkstown, Rockland co. N. Y. by Mr. A. Lydacker, treasurer Rev. E. W. Gilbert of Wilmington, Del. Nicholas Williamson, treasurer of the Aux. Soc. New-Shannack, N. J. by the Rev. G. Ludlow Female Aux. Soc. of Fishkill, Dutchess co. N. Y. to constitute the Rev. Cornelius D. Westbrook a life member, by Helena Van Nostrand, sec. From the balance of a collection in the first Presbyterian church in this city, for the outfit of Mr. Thayer and family Collected at the monthly concert of Prayer in the Presbyterian church in Lancaster, in Pennsylvania, by Wm. Kirkpatrick, Esq. 10 12 75 2 2.50 42 30 8 38 20 30 Aux. Soc. of Stubenville, Ohio, 818 39 by A. McDowell, sec. Rev. J. T. Shultz of Lebanon, N. J.collected at the monthly concert in his church |