In reviewing the various matters embraced in this Report, there is one point which your Committee desire to impress upon the General Synod, and, through them, upon the Churches under their care. They refer to the collections necessary to sustain her operations. It is true, many parts of the Church have distinguished themselves by a noble liberality in behalf of our Literary and Theological institutions. But, as the Permanent Fund has never yet been sufficient, by its proceeds, to meet the salaries of the three Theological professors, it must be obvious to every reflecting mind, that some collections are indispensably necessary; and, since the Synod have reduced the whole number to a single one, together with a contribution of twenty-five cents, from every communicant, none ought, and, we trust, none will complain of the slight burden which is imposed upon them.

Indeed, it seems necessary to keep alive some feeling and interest on the part of the Church, in behalf of the institution, that they should be reminded of its existence and dependance by an annual collection.

But we are persuaded, that the difficulties which may exist in obtaining the amount of the sum requisite to carry forward our operations, do not arise from an unwillingness on the part of the people to contribute; we believe, that if the ministers are faithful to carry this measure into effect, and will only present the object to the people, that every thing will be accomplished that can be desired. Under this conviction, we would appeal to the ministers who are here present, and to all who hold a place in the Church, and by every motive connected with her welfare and prosperity, urge upon them to remember the school of the prophets, and to regard its interests as identified with the glorious extension of the kingdom of the Son of God in our world.

J. LUDLOW, Chairman.

ARTICLE XV.

Students in Theology.

John C. Baldwin, having applied to this Synod, at its last meeting, to receive aid from the Benschoten fund, was, on account of the then appropriation of that fund, referred to the Education Society, by whom he has been aided till this time. He now makes application to

be transferred from the Education Society to the Van Benschoten fund, for his support in the Theological Seminary.

was

Whereupon, it

Resolved, That his case be referred to the Committee on the Professorate.

The seventh Annual Report of the Board of Managers of the Missionary Society of the Reformed Dutch Church, was presented to Synod, and referred to the Committee on Missions.

The Rev. Henry Ostrander was appointed to preach the Annual Missionary Sermon, at the next stated meeting of Synod, and the Rev. Eli Baldwin was appointed his secundus.

The Committee on Missions reported, and their Report was adopted, and is as follows:

"The Committee on Missions report, that they have examined, with great pleasure, the Annual Report of the Board of Managers of the Missionary Society, and find, that the Missionary concerns of the Church, have been conducted with unabated faithfulness, and en¬ couraging success. They recommend the Report to Synod for their approbation, that it may be printed and published by the Board.

"It appears, that during the past year, fifteen Missionaries have been employed, and aid has been furnished to twenty weak Churches.' The labours of the Missionaries have been universally received with attention and gratitude, and, in some instances, have been visibly

owned by the head of the Church, in the conversion of sinners, and the edification of believers.

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During the same period, $4470 71, have been received into the Treasury, and $4029 60, have been expended.

"The Committee would recommend to the particular attention of Synod, the following quotation from the Report, as presenting a subject of vital importance, connected with our Missionary interests. The Board of Managers have been embarrassed in their operations, by the great want of suitable Missionaries. In consequence, several Missionary stations, which we anxiously desired to furnish with supplies, have remained unoccupied. The number of young men, who, for some time, have annually proceeded from our Theological School, has hardly corresponded to the number of vacant established Churches, who stood ready to offer them a settlement. The cause of education in our own Church, stands identified with the Missionary cause, in promoting its strength and prosperity. And, when we look beyond to the wide-spread wants, we cannot but remember, that the harvest is great, but the labourers are few, and we must feel urged to pray to the Lord of the harvest, to thrust forth many labourers into the harvest.' The fact here stated, cannot fail to excite every lover of Zion, not only to unite with the Board in the prayer they recommend, but to united and vigorous exertion, that this obstacle, which has so long been standing in the way of our growth and extension, may be removed.

"Another extract, the Committee deem it important to offer to the notice of the Synod, which is calculated to present the prospects of the Missionary cause in a cheering light. We deem the appointment of an agent to explore the whole Church, and to subserve the interests of the Missionary cause, by all appropriate means, as a measure of vital importance. It has been found so in all similar and kindred institutions. It explains much of the secret of their success. Without such an agency, the spirit excited will gradually decline, perhaps expire, at least in many parts of the Church. The motion of the machinery employed, will more and more spend itself; and a new impetus will be required. Had we enjoyed the services of such an agent, the revenue of the Society would, doubtless, have been found still advancing. We are happy to state, that we have, at last, obtained the services of the Rev. J. F. Schermerhorn, who recently

signified his acceptance of the appointment. His character and expe. rience, furnish a pledge for his skill, activity, fidelity, and efficiency.? The Synod will, no doubt, feel a high degree of satisfaction in this important measure of the Board of Managers, and will cordially unite with them in commending their Agent most affectionately to all the Churches.'

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"The Committee cannot feel, that they have discharged their duty, without presenting to the consideration of Synod, another important subject, in the words of the Report: It has been found, by a care. ful inspection of the papers and documents of the Society, since its formation, that, at different times, eighty auxiliaries have been reported, and that, out of these, there are thirty-two, from whom we have, as yet, received nothing. Where is the Congregation, within the bounds of our Church, that will not readily contribute to constitute their Pastor a member for life? thus yielding, at once, their tribute of affection to him, and their mite of help to the best of causes ? Will not many, at once, constitute their Pastors directors for life? Will not many of our men of wealth, or competence, enrol themselves in our list of life directors, or members, as yet so small? It is hoped, that this appeal of the Board, may not be in vain.

It is obvious, that our Churches have never put forth their strength in this cause. While many have done nothing, none have done according to their ability and obligation. It were needless now to search after causes, which may have prevented cordial co-operation, or which may have retarded a cause which recommends itself to all our partialities. It is hoped, that the time is come, when a spirit of conciliation will prevail; and that, whatever interest may be taken in objects connected with the general religious charities of the day; or, whatever may be the difference of opinion with regard to objects, not immediately connected with our own denomination, there will be but one sentiment with respect to the importance of giving an efficient support to our own institutions, and of putting forth every effort to give them a successful operation. It is believed, that, on this subject, there is but one heart and voice. Let us work together in this, and every other department of labour connected with the well-being and prosperity of our Zion, in the spirit of love and forbearance, only provoking one another to love and good works, and a vast, and increasing impulse will be given, and we will feel, under the Divine

blessing, the possession of the strength, which is the result of united and well-directed exertion. There are means in our Churches of a great extension of the sphere of Missionary operation, and we doubt not a willingness on the part of those in whose hands they are placed, to contribute all that is wanting in the adoption of proper measures to bring them forth. Such measures, we believe, the Board are now pursuing, and, it is confidently expected, that all will come up to the work of the Lord, and, in their several places, and spheres, do their duty. Then will the Lord grant us increase; and God, even our God, shall bless us.

The Committee beg leave to propose the following Resolutions, viz:

1. Resolved, That it be recommended to the Ministers, Consistories, and Members of our Church, to afford their aid to the Education Board, as an important auxiliary to the Missionary Society, and to endeavour to bring forward youth of piety, and talent, to be educated for the Gospel ministry.

2. Resolved, That it be recommended to the Ministers, Consistories, and Members of the Churches, to receive cordially the General Agent appointed by the Board of Managers, and to afford him every encouragement and facility in carrying into effect the important objects of his agencies.

3. Resolved, That those Auxiliary Societies which have either heretofore contributed nothing to the funds of the Board, or which have declined in their operations, be requested, as speedily as possible, to re-organize, and become active assistants in promoting the cause of Missions in our bounds.

4. Resolved, That it be recommended to the different Churches, to take measures to make their Ministers directors, or members for life, of the Society; and that individuals of wealth and competence, are respectfully invited to aid this cause, by becoming life-members, or directors, by the necessary contribution.

5. Resolved, That if a day of Thanksgiving should be observed this year, it be recommended to the Churches to take up a collection on that day, or on some other day soon afterward, for the Missionary Fund.

Respectfully submitted.

WM. M MURRAY, Chairman.