The Synod proceeded to deliberate and decide on the merits of the Appeal, excluding from a vote such members as had voted in the case, either in Classis or Particular Synod.

It was then moved and seconded that Synod adopt the following resolution, viz:

Resolved, That the Appeal of the Classis of New-York from the Particular Synod of New-York dividing said Classis be sustained, and that the decision of the Synod be declared void.

The question on this resolution being taken, it was decided in the affirmative.

ARTICLE IX.

Church Government.

The Committee on the Revision of the Rules and Articles of Church Government and Discipline, (See Art. 7,) reported, and their report was adopted, and is as follows:

The Committee to whom was referred the reference from the Classis of Albany, on the subject of the Revision of the Rules and Articles of Church Government and Discipline respectfully report— That they have carefully examined the matter submitted to them, and though they highly respect that body with whom this subject originated, and believe them to be influenced by the purest motives, yet, inasmuch as no reasons in favour of the proposed revision, have been suggested, and fearing that such a measure would be calculated to disturb the peace and harmony of our Church, they are decidedly of opinion that such revision ought not to take place, and they therefore recommend for adoption the following resolution ::

Resolved, That this Synod deem it inexpedient to take any measures to revise or alter the Rules and Articles of Church Government and Discipline.

Respectfully submitted,

N. I. MARSELUS, Chairman.

ARTICLE X.

Doctrines and Morals.

The following resolution on the Minutes of the last General Synod, which had been postponed for the consideration of this Synod, was called up, viz:-" Resolved, That so much of the acts of the General Synod, passed in the years 1797 and 1815, recorded on page 264, in the appendix to our Constitution, as directs the Churches to exclude from sealing ordinances, the persons contemplated by those acts, be, and the same is hereby repealed."

The subject was discussed at considerable length, and the question being taken on the resolution, it was decided in the negative.

The votes were as follows, viz :—

Yeas.--Messrs. N. I. Marselus, E. Baldwin, W. Crookshank, J. Larzalere, S. Kissam, R. Bronk, R. Sluyter, J. F. Schermerhorn, J. A. Yates, A. Terhune, J. Schuyler, Jun. J. G. Philip, J. Philip, S. De Ridder, A. Morris.-15.

Nays.-Messrs. J. B. Hardenberg, S. A. Van Vranken, S. Van Santvoord, G. Abeel, J. G. Ogilvie, W. Eltinge, B. C. Taylor, S. H. Meeker, H. Hermance, P. Labagh, J. C. Sears, H. Vedder, C. D. Westbrook, I. Ferris, A. H. Dumont, I. N. Wyckoff, J. B. Ten Eyck, A. D. Wilson J. D. Fonda, I. P. Labagh, J. H. Van Wagenen, R. J. Blair, J. B. Steele, A. Messler, A. Van Nest, J. I. Labagh, L. Lefferts. T. Letson, T. Garrabrants, C. Board, R. Ackerman, S. Mitchell, G. W. Mentz, A. Feaster, N. Miller, L. I. Van Kleeck, C. C. Van Wyck, S. Van Rensselaer, J. Southworth, J. Salisbury, J. Switz.-41.

Whereupon it was Resolved, nemine contradicente, that it is inexpedient to make any alteration or modification of the decisions of the Church on the subject of a man's marrying his deceased wife's sister.

ARTICLE XI.

Customs and Usages.

The Committee to whom was referred the subject of Preaching on the Heidelbergh Catechism (See Art. 7, p. 52) reported, and their report was adopted, and is as follows:

The Committee on the subject of the Reference from the Classis of New-York, recommend to the General Synod the adoption of the following resolution :

Resolved, That this Synod view with regret the conduct, and the example which this reference officially brings before the Church; that it approves of the decisive conduct of the Particular Synod of NewYork on this subject; and that the Classis of New-York, and all the Classes under the care of the General Synod be hereby instructed to observe the Rules of the Reformed Dutch Church on the subject of the Heidelbergh Catechism.

By order,

CORNELIUS D. WESTBROOK.

ARTICLE XII.

Schools and Christian Education.

Nothing occurred.

ARTICLE XIII.

Rutgers College.

The following report was received from the Committee appointed in 1823, to procure subscriptions for the purchase of the College edifice at New-Brunswick, and was referred to the Committee on Finance :

The Committee appointed in 1823 to procure subscriptions for the purchase of the College edifice, &c. at New-Brunswick, report, that there has been collected for that purpose and was deposited in the bank of New-Brunswick, from the following subscribers :—