the warm bath, and remarks that if a full perspiration is produced, the patient is out of danger. Dr. H. affirms that no danger attends the sucking and spitting, out the saliva-the poison only proving fatal by inoculation.

"I may here observe, that the rattlesnake constitutes an article of commerce from North America. I read, lately, in an American paper, a notice of an agreement for the supply of a certain number of good merchantable live rattlesnakes!" He notices the importation of these vile reptiles into England, and the danger that must arise from their escape. Indeed, in 1828, one was actually seen in the road near Taunton.

From the carelessness of sailors, not only these, but other reptiles whose bite is fatal, might be dropped overboard, and as some of them are amphibious and good swimmers, might land and become parents of a numerous progeny.

The traffick in these reptiles, and the importation of others for exhibition, merits the attention of the legislature to prohibit it altogether, under heavy pe

nalties.

General Cemetery.—A meeting was held at the Freemasons' Tavern, in London, on the 9th of June, to take into consideration the propriety of forming a company to establish a great National Cemetery in the neighbourhood of London. Lord Milton was called to the chair, and addressed the meeting. He remarked that nearly 40,000 persons were interred an.

nually; that the burial grounds of the metropolis were not adequate for the purposes of interment, and that none of the cities of the continent were without a publick cemetery, which afforded a decent and safe place of burial, and added much to the beauty of the place. The Marquis of Lansdowne expressed himself favourable to the proposition. He stated that the cemetery recently erected at Liverpool was of great architectural beauty as well as utility. Lord Radstock, Mr. Spottiswoode, Sir John Dean Paul, Bart, and others, all approved of the plan. Further measures were to be taken.

Large Ships. The largest ship, says a late London paper, ever registered, was the Commerce du Marseilles, her tonnage being 2,745 15-94. The tonnage of a 120 gun ship is about 2,600 tons; examplesthe Caledonia, of 120 guns, is registered in the king's books at 2,602 15.94; the Nelson, of 120 guns, at 2,601 4-94; and the George IV. of 120; at 2,602 14-94. These four ships are the largest that ever floated.

The ship under cover at the Philadelphia Navy Yard, and nearly finished, which might be launched in sixty days if necessary, is larger than either of the above, being about 3,000 tons.

Education in Greece.-There are already established in the Morea, and the islands of the Archipelago, one hundred and eleven schools, in which 7,824 pupils are receiving instruction.

EXTRACTS FROM THE MINUTES OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY. ́·

(Continued from p. 484.)

The Committee to whom was recommitted the report on the reference from the Presbyteries of Madison and Lancaster, reported, and their report was adopt ed and is as follows, viz.

That said Presbyteries invite the attention of the General Assembly, to certain slanderous reports extensively circulated against the Presbyterian and other denominations, involving the charge of an attempt on the part of these denominations to unite Church and State, and thus subvert the civil institutions of our country, and intimate their desire that this Assembly would take order on the subject, and by some publick act disabuse themselves

and their constituents of such unfounded and injurious imputations.

In the opinion of your committee no publick act is necessary on the part of this Assembly, to refute a charge wholly unsupported by testimony and facts; nor any exposition of their principles in relation to civil magistracy and the claims of the church demanded, other than that contained in our acknowledged ecclesiastical standards, and published to the world. For the better information, however, of any who may be in danger of imposition from unfounded statements, the Assembly would refer to the following exhibition of their principles, as contained in the accredited constitution of the church.

"God, the supreme Lord and King of all the world, hath ordained civil magistrates to be under him over the people, for his own glory and the publick good,

and to this end hath armed them with the power of the sword, for the defence and encouragement of them that are good, and for the punishment of evil-doers.

"It is lawful for Christians to accept and execute the office of magistrate, when called thereunto; in the managing whereof, as they ought especially to maintain piety, justice, and peace, according to the wholesome laws of each commonwealth, so, for that end, they may lawfully, now under the New Testament, wage war upon just and necessary occa

sions.

"Civil magistrates may not assume to themselves the administration of the word and sacraments; or the power of the keys of the kingdom of heaven; or, in the least, interfere in matters of faith. Yet, as nursing fathers, it is the duty of civil magistrates to protect the church of our common Lord, without giving the preference to any denomination of Chris. tians above the rest, in such a manner that all ecclesiastical persons whatever shall enjoy the full, free, and unquestioned liberty of discharging every part of their sacred functions, without violence or danger. And, as Jesus Christ hath appointed a regular government and discipline in his church, no law of any commonwealth should interfere with, let, or hinder, the due exercise thereof, among the voluntary members of any denomination of Christians, according to their own profession and belief. It is the duty of civil magistrates to protect the person and good name of all their people, in such an effectual manner as that no person be suf fered, either upon pretence of religion or infidelity, to offer any indignity, vio. lence, abuse, or injury, to any other person whatsoever; and to take order, that all religious and ecclesiastical assemblies be held without molestation or disturb.

ance.

"It is the duty of the people to pray for magistrates, to honour their persons, to pay them tribute and other dues, to obey their lawful commands, and to be subject to their authority, for conscience' sake. Infidelity, or difference in religion, doth not make void the magistrate's just and legal authority, nor free the people from their due obedience to him; from which ecclesiastical persons are not exempted; much less hath the Pope any power or jurisdiction over them in their dominions, or over any of their people; and least of all to deprive them of their dominions or lives, if he shall judge them to be heretics, or upon any other pretence whatsoever.

"Synods and councils are to handle or conclude nothing, but that which is ecclesiastical; and are not to intermeddle with

civil affairs, which concern the commonwealth, unless by way of humble petition, in cases extraordinary; or by way of advice for satisfaction of conscience, if they be thereunto required by the civil magis

trate.

"That God alone is Lord of the conscience; and hath left it free from the doctrine and. commandments of men, which are in any thing contrary to his word, or beside it in matters of faith or worship. Therefore they consider the rights of private judgment, in all matters that respect religion, as universal and unalienable. They do not even wish to see any religious constitution aided by the civil power, further than may be necessary for protection and security, and at the same time, be equal and common to all others."

Such are the constitutional principles of the Presbyterian Church in these United States. They were our fathers' principles before, and during the revolution, which issued in the consummation of our liberty and independence, and under the influence of which they prayed and fought, and bled by the side of the father of our country. They have been the principles of their descendants ever since. They are our principles still, adopted from conviction, to whose sup. port we have pledged ourselves under the most solemn sanctions, and by the preservation of which we believe that the common interests of evangelical religion and civil liberty will be most effectually sustained.

In closing this statement, the Assembly would affectionately and earnestly exhort the members of their communion, that in the fulfilment of their civil and religious duties, they watch against all unhallowed feelings, and that they suffer reproach meekly, not rendering railing for railing, nor evil for evil, but by patient continuance in well doing, they commend them. selves to every man's conscience in the sight of God.

Resolved, That it is expedient for the Board of Missions of the General Assembly, and the Board of the Home Missionary Society to conduct their Missionary operations in the west through a common Board of agency, in that part of the country. This report was accepted, and the committee discharged.

A motion was then made to dismiss the whole subject, and after considerable discussion, this motion was carried in the affirmative, and the subject was accordingly dismissed.

"The committee, to whom was referred the Memorial to the General Assembly, of John Colt, of Paterson, in the State of New Jersey, reported:

That after due consideration of the matters contained in said memorial, and of the nature of the trust, created by the will of Dr. Boudinot, the committee are of opinion that the Trustees cannot, with a becoming, and indeed necessary regard to their duty in the trust, grant the relief requested by the memorialist. The Testator has given to the Trustees no discretionary powers over the fund; and the objects to which he has directed his bounty to be applied, being designated, the Trustees are clearly, not at liberty, either to relinquish that which passes by the will, or to surrender any security connected with it. They therefore recommend the adoption of the following resolution; and that if adopted, it be commu nicated to the General Assembly.

Resolved, That, in the opinion of the Board of Trustees of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian church, the prayer of the memorial of John Colt, of Paterson, in the State of New Jersey, to the General Assembly, cannot consistently with the trust created by the will of the late Dr. Boudinot, be granted.

June 1, 1830-adopted by the Trustees, and ordered to be communicated to the Assembly."

Overture No. V. was taken up, viz. an extract from the Minutes of the Presby tery of Northumberland, informing the Assembly, that Mr. James Lewers, a foreign licentiate, had passed with approbation the time and trials prescribed in relation to foreign ministers and licentiates. The documents accompanying this communication were read; when it was resolved, that the Assembly approve of the reception of Mr. Lewers, as a licentiate by the Presbytery of Northumberland.

Overture No. VI. was taken up, viz. a request of the Synod of Indiana, "that the General Assembly be requested to dispense with Synodical reports in future."

Resolved, That this request cannot be granted because it is unconstitutional.

Overture No. XI., viz. the following resolution, That in order to produce a more correct style and greater uniformity in church musick, a committee be appointed to make a selection of sober and chaste tunes to be published with a recommendation of the Assembly, and that this committee report to the next General Assembly, was taken up.

On this Overture, the Assembly resolved, that it is inexpedient at present to take order on this subject.

Overture No. III., viz. an application for a division of the Synod of Virginia, was taken up, when it was resolved, that the

applicants have leave to withdraw the ap. plication.

The report of the committee, on the reference from the Presbytery of Cayuga, relative to the constitutionality of a rule of that body, which had been laid on the table, was taken up. The rule of the Presbytery of Cayuga, referred to the Assembly, is as follows, viz.-The Moderator for the time being, and the Stated Clerk, exofficio, were appointed a committee to grant letters of dismission to ministers without charge, and to licentiates and candidates under the care of this Presbytery, to unite with other Presbyteries; and were directed to report at each stated meeting.

In relation to this rule, the following resolution reported by the committee was adopted, viz.

Resolved, That the rule hitherto acted upon by the Presbytery of Cayuga, is inexpedient and unconstitutional.

The chairman of the Judicial Committee stated to the Assembly, that an appeal had been put into his hands, from Duncan Hamilton and his wife, from a decision of the Synod of Pittsburgh, which appeal had not been reported to the clerk of the house; and asked the direction of the Assembly in the case. On inquiry, it ap peared this appeal was in the house in season; and the persons to whom it was intrusted, were not aware of the Constitu. tional rule requiring that it be lodged with the clerk.

On motion, it was resolved, that in the opinion of the Assembly, the rule has vir. tually been complied with.

Resolved, That the Judicial Committee report an order of proceeding, to be observed in trying this appeal.

The committee appointed to consider the measures proper to be adopted to promote the sanctification of the Sabbath, made a report, which being read and amended, was adopted, and is as follows, viz.

Resolved, That the second Thursday of November next, be and it hereby is recommended to be observed as a day of Fasting, Humiliation, and Prayer, on account of the sin which rests upon the church, and on the whole land, by the profanation of the Sabbath; and that it be given in charge to all Synods and Presbyteries in our connexion, to take such order on this subject as may be most effectual in securing the observance of that day by the churches.

The committee appointed to answer the letter from the Rev. Colany Nee, reported an answer, which was read and adopted. Ordered that it be signed by the Moderator and Permanent Clerk, and

be committed to the Stated Clerk to transmit it to the Rev. Colany Nee. Resolved, also, that this letter be printed in the appendix to the minutes.

The Judicial Committee reported in the case of Duncan Hamilton and his wife, the order which it will be proper for the Assembly to observe, in conducting the appeal, which was adopted.

The Assembly took up this appeal. The Moderator read the rule, reminding the Assembly that they were about to sit in a Judicial capacity, and enjoining on the members to recollect and regard their high character, as Judges of a court of Jesus Christ, and the solemn duty in which they are about to act.

The sentence of the Synod appealed from; the reasons on record which were assigned by the appellant for his appeal; and the whole record of the proceedings of the inferior Judicatory in the case, in cluding all the testimony, and the reasons of their decision, were read.

Dr. M'Auley was appointed to defend the appellants-Dr. M'Auley was heard in support of the appeal, and the Synod in explanation of the grounds of their decision.

The roll was then called to give the members an opportunity to express their opinion on the case-after which the final vote was taken-when the appeal was sustained, and the decision of the Synod was reversed; and Mr. Hamilton and his wife were restored to the privileges of the church.

The committee appointed to draw up resolutions expressive of the views of the General Assembly, on the subject of the persecutions of the "Revived Christians," of Berne and Vaud, in Switzerland, made a report, containing certain resolutions, and a memorial to the pastors of Berne and Vaud, which was adopted. Ordered that this report be signed by the Mode rator and Permanent Clerk, and be transmitted by the Stated Clerk to the Pastors of Berne and Vaud. Ordered also, that this report be printed in the appendix to the minutes.

The consideration of the report of the committee on Overture No. VII. was resumed, and after some progress made therein, the Assembly had a recess until eight o'clock.

After the recess the Assembly met.The committee to whom was recommitted the report of the committee on the religious education of the rising generation, made the following report, which was adopted, viz.

Resolved, 1. That the Assembly regard the religious education of youth as a subject of vital importance, identified with

the most precious interests and hopes of the Christian church.

2. That the present indications of Divine Providence are such, as imperiously to demand of the Christian community, unusual effort to train up the rising generation in the nurture and admonition of the Lord,

3. That the Board of Missions be, and hereby are instructed to enjoin it on their Missionaries, sedulously to attend to the religious education of the young; and particularly that they use all practicable effort to establish Sabbath Schools, and to extend and perpetuate the blessings of Sabbath School instruction.

4. That the system of Sabbath School instruction, now in prevalent and cheering operation, be and hereby is most earnestly recommended to the attention of the pastors and sessions of all our churches.

5. That the Presbyteries be and hereby are enjoined to make the progress of the Sabbath School cause within their bounds the subject of special inquiry, and annually to transmit the results of such inquiry to the General Assembly.

6. That inasmuch as the advantages of the Sabbath School may, in some cases, be the occasion of remissness in the im. portant duty of Family instruction, it be, and hereby is earnestly recommended to heads of families not to relax in their personal religious efforts at home, and in the domestick circle; but that they abound more and more in the use of all appropriate means to promote sound knowledge and experimental piety, in every member of their households.

7. That as there is reason to apprehend that the Catechisms of this church have not, in some parts of our Zion, received that measure of attention to which their excellence entitles them, it be, and hereby is recommended to pastors, sessions, heads of families, superintendants of Sabbath Schools, and all charged with the education of youth in our connexion, to give these admirable summaries of Christian truth and duty, a prominent place in their instructions to the youth and children under their care.

8. That it be, and hereby is recommended to the pastors and sessions of our churches, to make themselves acquainted with the system of Infant school instruc tion, now in happy progress in many places, and if practicable, to establish such schools in their congregations.

Resolved, That there be no election of Trustees of the General Assembly the present year.

The consideration of the report of the committee on Overture No. VII. was re

sumed; and after having been further amended, it was adopted, and is as fol. lows, viz.

The committee recommend to this General Assembly, to dismiss the Overture, for the organization of a General Assembly in the western country, for the following reasons:

1. In this land of liberty, where religion depends on moral influences, it appears to your committee to be a matter of very great importance that all who agree in their views of fundamental Christian doctrine, government, and discipline, should be united in promoting their common principles and sustaining common interests, and one General Assembly is surely best suited to form a bond of union for the whole church.

2. In the prevalence of local feelings, and sectional jealousies, there is reason to apprehend that the measure proposed might soon utterly destroy the unity of the Presbyterian church, and form into two great rival and contending bodies, those who ought ever to hold the "unity of the spirit in the bond of peace."

3. From the geographical position of the Presbyterian church, it appears to the committee utterly impossible to form any division, which would not subject both the eastern and western branches of the church, to the same evils which are now felt by this body. And when once the measure of division is resorted to as a remedy for the evil, it is impossible to conjecture, where such a measure will terminate.

4. With respect to the Overture from the Presbytery of Columbus-Resolved, That it is inexpedient at present to make any change in either the mode or ratio of representation.

The committee on Overture No. II., viz., a reference for advice from the Presbytery of St. Lawrence, reported the following resolution as a suitable answer to be given in the case, which was adopted,

viz.

Resolved, That when a minister, otherwise in good standing, gives notice in form to the Presbytery to which he belongs, that he renounces the fellowship of the Presbyterian church, or by neglecting to attend the meetings of its Judicatories after being dealt with for such neglect, gives evidence that he has done so in fact, his name ought to be struck from the roll of membership, a notice of this procedure communicated to the disowned member, and if necessary, published to the church. The congregation under the care of such minister ought to be held as still under the care of the Presbytery, unless they give evidence that they also have withdrawn, in which case, their name ought

also to be struck from the list of congregations belonging to the Presbytery.

The report of the committee on the communication from the Trustees of the General Assembly was resumed-and being amended, was adopted, and is as follows, viz.

Resolved, 1. That the Trustees of the General Assembly be requested to borrow a sum of money sufficient to pay the existing debts of the Assembly, and also to meet the expenses of the current year -the sum borrowed to be repaid out of the funds hereafter to be provided.

2. Resolved, That it be recommended to the congregations under the care of this Assembly, to make, annually, a collection for a contingent fund to defray the incidental expenses of the Assembly, such as recording and printing the minutes, clerks' salaries, janitor's bill, stationary, and expenses of delegates to Corresponding bodies.

3. Resolved, That this collection be reported annually, by the congregations, to their respective Presbyteries; and by the Presbyteries be paid over to the Treasurer of the Trustees of the General Assembly, and be reported in the annual report to the Assembly.

4. Resolved, That the usual annual collection heretofore required for the missionary fund of the Assembly, be dispensed with; and that the collection for the contingent fund of the Assembly come in its place.

On motion, it was resolved, That the Board of Trustees of the General Assembly, be directed to report to the next General Assembly, a full and distinct statement of all the funds belonging to the General Assembly-so that each fund shall fully appear by itself:

1. The amount of funds for each professorship, paid in; mode of investment, and amount of annual income.

2. The number of scholarships, amount paid on each, by whom paid, how invested, and amount of annual income.

3. The Permanent Fund, its amount, from what sources has it accrued, and for what purposes, how invested, and annual income.

4. Contingent Fund, amount, together with a full statement of all monies received for Missionary, education, and other purposes.

5. A distinct statement of all the usual items of contingent expenses, for the current year.

6. A distinct and particular account of all the payments made or authorized to be made, by the Board of Trustees, during the present year, for officers' salariesProfessors' salaries-compensation of Delegates to other ecclesiastical bodies, mo