son's enterprise and activity, are well assured that to do nothing is foreign to his nature, and to his Christian spirit. The inference from the sermon seemed to be, that the congregation should "consider the importance of fixed and settled church relations" in the Old School connection. This appears more fully from a letter, written to the Session a few days after, in which the idea that the church should unite with the Old School Presbytery of Baltimore was prominent. Whether it was prudent to make this movement so soon, under the peculiar circumstances of the case, has been doubted. But Dr. Robinson, who has a high feeling of honour, and a good judgment, and who possessed a full knowledge of the case, ought to be allowed the liberty of his own opinion, unchallenged by others, not acquainted with the circumstances.

The sermon made no small stir in the congregation, and on the next Sabbath a notice was sent to be read, announcing a meeting of the congregation the ensuing week. Simultaneously with the giving of the notice, Dr. Robinson announced his resignation in the following manly form: "I am unwilling that any of you, in the decision of so important a matter, should be embarrassed in giving your votes by seeming to vote against me, and to send me away. Without thereby intending at once to cease my labours among you, if you desire me still to act as your supply, I resign the position to which you called me in May last, that you may be as free to act in the matter as though that call had never been given." It has been thought by some that this measure was hasty. Indeed, Dr. Robinson himself said only a few days before, in his sermon, "I shall make no hasty move;" but persons at a distance must remember that they cannot judge what the circumstances of an emergency require; new questions of duty suddenly spring up, whose decision cannot be undertaken by others. Before the meeting of the congregation, Dr. Robinson addressed a letter to the Session, which was read to the congregation. In this letter, it seems that he had changed his mind in regard to the expediency of ministering in a congregation which did not belong to his own church. He says, "I do not think it possible, that under the present relation of stated supply to a congregation out of the connection of the church of which I am a minister, either I or you can fully discharge our obligation to Jesus Christ, the head of the Church." He then expresses a wish that the church would join the Old School, and gives various reasons, among which are, that "this connection would not in any degree affect the right of private judgment of the members of the congregation, nor restrain them in the expression of their opinions in favour of independency." At the congregational meeting, two resolutions were offered by a friend of Dr. Robinson, one in favour of the church placing itself under the care of the Old School, and the second in favour of making out a call to the Rev. Stuart Robinson, to become its pastor. These resolutions were both "rejected," and "a vote to accept the resignation was adopted by a vote, 60 to 41," about two-thirds being in favour of parting with their stated supply, rather than join Baltimore Presbytery. Very kind expressions of regret were communicated in a letter to Dr. Robinson, which show how high he stood in the affections of the congregation. The only harsh thing done by the church, that might have been avoided, is thus stated by Dr. Robinson: "On the following Sabbath morning, a notice was sent to Mr. Robinson, to be read from the pulpit, announcing that Dr. Stockton would supply the pulpit on the following Sabbath." This

sermon,

"I

step we consider harsh, because Dr. Robinson had said in his shall hold myself in readiness to serve the people, at the request of the Session, as a supply, for so many Sabbaths as may be deemed necessary by them, and compatible with my own private affairs."

Dr. Robinson's friends, numbering 85 communicants, withdrew from the old church, and organized a new one, under the care of the Baltimore Presbytery. Dr. Robinson, in his letter to the Session and Congregation, had indeed said, " And should I feel called upon to lead off a colony, I should lay myself liable to the charge of deserting the body that remained, leaving them weakened, to increased trouble in securing the settlement of a pastor, and thereby give colour of justice to the complaints that would naturally arise." The reader, however, will bear in mind, that the circumstances had very much changed in the mean time, and it is a universal axiom that "circumstances alter cases." Dr. Robinson, in our judgment, was entirely justified in taking charge of the new congrega

tion.

From the beginning to the end, Dr. Robinson was placed in a peculiarly embarrassing position. There were four very difficult questions of duty to be determined. 1. Whether it was wise to dissolve his former pastoral relation in his own church, to become a stated supply in a heterogeneous and separate congregation, outside of his church? 2. Was it wise to propose to the independent congregation, at the end of only six months, to come over to the Old School body? 3. Was it wise to send in his resignation in the midst of the excitement, produced by the unexpected proposal of new church relations? And 4. Was it wise to "lead off a colony" to form a new church, under the circumstances of the case? Dr. Robinson's friends in Baltimore unanimously sustain him in his whole course; and he is regarded as having conducted himself throughout with great courtesy, manliness, and Christian propriety.

We regret that the motives of so eminent a servant of Christ should have been misrepresented. In his sermon, Dr. R. stated to his congregation, in anticipation of such a contingency, "It will give me very little trouble, so far as concerns myself, to hear my motives impugned." This is magnanimous. A Christian has only to satisfy his own conscience, and then let the world say what it will. Dr. Robinson's object in publishing the historical facts, was because they "had not only been extensively misapprehended in Baltimore, but also most egregiously misrepresented in one or more public prints.' The public will now have ample materials to judge for themselves in respect to the course of this distinguished divine. Providence has smiled upon Dr. Robinson's efforts to build up a new church in the city of Baltimore. He has one of the largest congregations in our communion; the number of communicants has increased from 85 to 205 in the course of two years. Many young men are attracted by his pulpit ministrations and social habits; and both the outward and spiritual condition of his church are highly prosperous. We bid the worthy pastor "God speed" in his great work!

LIFE SKETCHES FROM SCOTTISH HISTORY; Or, Brief Biographies of the Scottish Presbyterian Worthies. Compiled and published by Presbyterian Board of Publication.

A truly rich and valuable book for Sabbath schools, and for home libraries.

Che Religious World.

SYNOD OF VIRGINIA.

[Proceedings of Synods, continued.]

The Synod of Virginia met at Lexington, Va. Sermon by the Rev. WILLIAM BROWN. The Rev. SAMUEL R. HOUSTON was elected Moderator. A considerable discussion was had on the Board of Education, which resulted in the adoption of four resolutions, with a few dissenting voices. 1st. The original design of the Board ought to be kept the prominent one. 2d. The department of schools, academies, and colleges was considered worthy of patronage. 3d. The colleges in the bounds of Synod were cordially recommended for patronage, as answering all the purposes of religious education, although not under Synodical care-the latter idea not being essential. 4th. The doctrine in the last report of the Board was regarded as satisfactory, and rendering further discussion unnecessary.

A new Presbytery.-The formation of a new Presbytery from Greenbriar, and portions of the Synods of Pittsburg and Wheeling, was approved.

An overture to the General Assembly on diminishing the number of commissioners to that body, was adopted.

The following overture was laid before Synod:-Has a session a right to nominate an elder or deacon for the suffrage of the church, provided it is well understood that no such nomination restricts the church in its choice? This overture was answered in the affirmative.

Call to the Ministry.-Resolved, That the Synod requires every pastor and stated supply of its churches, to present to their people in a special discourse, on the Sabbath preceding the 4th Thursday in February, 1856, the whole subject of a call to the gospel ministry.

Union Seminary.-Your Committee would recommend that in accordance with the Resolutions adopted last year, the Rev. Peyton Harrison, Clement C. Read, Wm. F. Taylor, Esq., and R. R. Howison, Esq., be a Committee to make application to the Legislature of Virginia for a Charter by which their funds are to be held and would recommend that the Charter should cover $250,000 and be limited in its continuance to twenty-one years-not doubting that if once granted for a limited amount and a limited time, it can be renewed by a proper application to the same body.

Female Education.-The Synod resolved that "the interests of our branch of the Church are likely to suffer from the want of suitable provision for Female Education within the bounds of this Synod," and "appointed a committee on the whole subject of a Female Collegiate Institute," to report at the next meeting of Synod.

The Synod adjourned to meet, October, 1856, in the 1st Presbyterian Church at Richmond.

SYNOD OF ILLINOIS.

Synod of Illinois met at Bloomington on Oct. 11th, 1855, and was opened with a sermon by Rev. R. H. RICHARDSON, from Ps. 118:22, 23. Rev. T. S. VAILL was chosen Moderator.

Question of Church order.-" Is it in accordance with the Form of Government of the Presbyterian Church of the United States of America, for either the members or supporters in a particular church or congregation, to circulate and procure signers to a petition to the Presbytery, within whose bounds said church is located, for the dissolution of the pastoral relation, there having been no congregational meeting called, nor a Session, nor any public notice of any kind

given? Is it in accordance with the same Form of Government, for a Presbytery to entertain such a petition, as regularly in order, for its consideration, on presentation to it?" The Committee recommend, that the questions be answered in the negative. The report was adopted.

New Synod.-An overture was sent up to the General Assembly, to erect a new Synod, by the name of the Synod of Chicago, to be composed of the Presbyteries of Chicago, Rock River, and Schuyler.

McDonough College. "The Presbytery of Schuyler requested of Synod the return of the charter of McDonough College, and that the relation of the Synod to that Institution be considered as dissolved." This request was granted and the relation dissolved.

Peoria University.-The Committee to whom was committed the report on the Synodical College at Peoria, made a report, which was discussed, amended, and adopted.

The following notice thereof is deemed sufficient in this place. That the committee appointed by Synod, last year, being encouraged by the co-operation of the citizens of Peoria, proceeded to carry out the views of Synod and obtained from the Legislature of the State, what is considered an ample, liberal, and secure charter for a University, to be under the control of a Board of Trustees, responsible to the Synod and perpetuated by it;—that a beautiful and commanding site for the University has been purchased, at a moderate cost, on most reasonable terms; that Dr. Smith's agency has been in a great degree successfulthe result of which, together with the subscriptions of the citizens of Peoria, will enable the Board of Trustees to put up a part of the contemplated buildings during the course of the next summer;-that it is the design of the Board not to open the Institution till the completion of a house suitable for the reception of pupils for the agreeable carrying on of the affairs of the University;—and, that the Executive Committee were directed to endeavour to secure the services of Dr. Smith as permanent agent.

A Judicial Question.-"Presbytery of Peoria, to the Synod of Illinois.—What course should a Presbytery take in reference to an application to unite with said Presbytery, made by a minister of a respected sister denomination, under suspension for alleged immorality ?-Should Presbytery review the evidence in the case -or receive and restore the applicant on his confession ?". . . The committee report that, while no absolutely invariable rule can be prescribed with reference to the points presented in the overture, they recommend that the following general answers be given to the questions.

1. No Presbytery may enter the judicial proceedings of a sister church in cases involving Christian and ministerial character. 2. Confession of guilt should be made to the body offended.

SYNOD OF MISSOURI.

Synod of Missouri met at Fulton, Oct. 10th, 1855. Sermon by Rev. H. M. PAINTER, from Ps. 130: 4. Rev. A. MUNSON was chosen Moderator.

Westminster College.-Rev. S. S. LAWS was reported as accepting the Presi dency. The scholarship plan goes into operation as soon as $30,000 are paid in. The indebtedness of the institution is $2300. The agent received during the year for the endowment, $17,000, making in all $34,000. The prospects of the institution are brightening; about ninety students are in attendance, and some twelve or fifteen are looking forward to the ministry. The institution was strongly recommended to the patronage of the churches.

SYNOD OF KENTUCKY.

Synod of Kentucky met at Covington, Oct. 10th, and was opened by a sermon by Rev. J. MONTGOMERY, from Galatians 6:14. Rev. W. W. HILL was chosen Moderator.

Theological Fund. The principal of this fund was reported at $20,446.

Centre College. The income of the College was $2005; 50 more than its ex

penses, during the year. The addition to the permanent fund was $1711 79. "The College is in a very prosperous condition; the Professors able and competent, and the students generally giving good evidence, in their examinations, of close application, and good progress in their various branches of study. There were 220 students entered, 20 more than last year; 173 in the College proper, and 47 in the preparatory department. There were 60 of the 814 scholarships used."

Appeal. The appeal of R. Patton from a decision of the Presbytery of Ebenezer, was unanimously not sustained. The plan of systematic benevolence was recommended by Synod to the churches.

SYNOD OF INDIANA.

Synod of Indiana met at Indianopolis, Oct. 18th, 1855. Sermon by Rev. C. LEAVENWORTH. There were present 46 ministers and 27 ruling elders. Rev. H. CAMBERN was elected Moderator.

Synod took measures to increase contributions to Domestic Missions; and transacted the usual business.

Hanover College-Much interest was expressed in the endowment of this important institution; and a scheme for raising $15,000 was proposed, of which $3000 were immediately subscribed. The total endowment is $74,940; but there is a heavy debt, incurred chiefly by erection of the new college building. The friends of the institution are in earnest, and expect to raise the endowment in a short time to $100,000.

SYNOD OF CINCINNATI.

on

Synod of Cincinnati met at Chillicothe, 27th of Sept., 1855. The Rev. WILLIAM Cox was chosen Moderator. The Synod decided, in reply to an overture on that subject, that it is not necessary for Presbyteries to choose Moderators at every meeting, but that it is left discretionary with them to choose them or not at adjournment and pro re nata sessions. They also decided, upon a complaint or that point, that Presbyteries have not the right to impose a tax on their churches for Domestic Missions, but that they may recommend an apportionment to the churches for that purpose. In reference to the New Albany Seminary, they passed the following resolutions brought in by a Committee of which J. S. Kemper was Chairman:

1st. Resolved, That Synod is gratified to learn from the report of the Board and otherwise, that the financial condition of the Seminary is improved, and that since the resumption of its operations the number of students has been increasing, which we hope is the earnest that the mind of the Church in this region is leaning to this Seminary with increasing interest, as the school to train its future ministry.

2d. Resolved, That this Synod, with a view to encourage the Professors who are dividing between them the duties properly requiring a greater number, express its confidence in their qualifications and faithfulness in a position requiring both ability and self-denial.

3d. Resolved, That from the relation of this Synod to the Seminary as one of its constituents, it is specially obligatory on Synod, and the churches under its care, to bear this school of the Prophets upon their spirits at the throne of grace, and to sustain it by their benefactions.

Odd Fellowship.-Mr. Henry May presented a complaint against the Chillicothe Presbytery for sustaining the action of the Session of Eckmansville Church, to whom he presented a certificate of membership in the Presbyterian Church of Monticello, Indiana, and desired to be received as a member. He informed them that he was a member of the Odd-Fellows' Society, and was such at the time he received his certificate. Session considered the matter, and then refused to receive him unless he would decline his connection with said Society for the future. To this proposition he would not agree. He complained to Synod against the Presbytery on two grounds:-1st. That he was thus, in reality, excluded from the communion of the church, without a fair or legal trial; and 2d.