especially, of excluding them from final salvation. We should put the discussion upon this principle, that since the pretensions of all sects are publicly made, that one of us is as liable to be proved wrong as another, and let the event of the trial determine, who does stand and is supported by the truth. This is the fair ground on which to place the subject. If in such case, we give it a full and impartial trial, the fact will appear. For it is impossible that the Son of God has left this momentous subject-his church-his own body-his own kingdom, in such obscurity that there are no marks, no evidence, by which it may be certainly known. On the contrary I think these marks have been discovered, this evidence adduced-But still I wish the investigation not to stop here I wish if the Gentlemen have any thing further to adduce, they may present it with that freedom and candour which I know they possess.

Layman Tertius. Sir, I confess myself satisfied with the answer which the Rev. gentleman has given me. I am convinced by his remarks that we are wrong in associating with the subject, ideas foreign to it, and can now see no cause for a charge of uncharitableness.

Chairman. Gentlemen, I am pleased to see

such a display of order and decorum as prevails in this assembly. It convinces me that all are duly impressed with the importance of the matters before us. And I have the happiness to be pleased with your candour, with the coolness and dispassionate manner in which you conduct your arguments, and with that strict reference to charity and impartiality which I discover among you. It will be recollected by all, that a definition of the visible Church of Christ, has heen given, (viz.)" the Church of Christ is a congregation of faithful men, in the which, the pure word of God is preached, and the sacraments be duly ministered according to Christ's ordinance in all those things that of necessity are requisite to the same."

You have heard how this definition has been explained, and with what arguments it has been inforced. The weight of proof is yet, certainly in favor of the said definition. If any other gentleman has a different definition, he will offer it; or if any one have any further observations to make, on the one already offered, he will now proceed.

Presbyter Tertius. I presume Sir, that the assembly is satisfied with the clear view which has already been given of the subject, and that a decision will now be proper.

Chairman. I am unwilling to close this subject. until every gentleman shall be satisfied. And I now pause to give place to any observations or arguments.

Since it is by the silence of all, confessed that the important question before us is sufficiently investigated, I now proclaim that any one is at liberty to enter his protest against the definition of a visible church which I have just recited and if no such protest be offered, I shall consider it as established by this council to be the standard.

Gentlemen-It seems unnecessary, since there is such an apparent unanimity of opinion among you, to be particular in a summary of the arguments which have been offered upon this question. It is sufficient to recapitulate, that our blessed Redeemer did establish while on earth a visible church-that in it he did establish a ministry, clothed with power to perpetuate his kingdom-. that he promised to accompany his delegated power to the end of time, that it appears from scripture and authentic history, that he has fulfilled his promise, and that his church may be found wherever the succession has been preserved in the priesthood, and the power thereof exer

cised in administering the word and sacraments to faithful men.-ADJOURNED.

THIRD DAY.

MET ACCORDING TO ADJOURNMENT.

Chairman. Gentlemen-Your attention will be this morning called to the examination of the second question, originally proposed to this assembly, (viz.)

"What constitutes membership in the visible Church of Christ?

The previous one being settled, I apprehend it will be less difficult to determine this-I am now prepared to hear what your wisdom and learning may suggest upon it.

Presbyter Primus. Sir, it is with a degree of pleasure, I am unable to express, that I observe so much punctuality and such undivided attention in this numerous assembly; and it affords me equal pleasure to hope, that these momentous questions on which some contrariety of opinion has hitherto been entertained, are about to be considered in all their bearings, under the influence of the piety and learning which now surround me.

On the question before us, I have to observe, that since it has been proved, and to me proved

beyond a doubt, that Christ's Church is a visible institution, and organized under a visible regimen, the first enquiry should now be, whether he insti tuted and ordained visible ordinances in it. That this was the case, taking the sacred word for au thority, there cannot be a question. When Christ clothed his apostles with power, he said unto them, "go teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Ghost."

When he instituted and celebrated the HolySupper with his disciples, he said, "do this in remembrance of me." And we find that these Christian officers acted under the authority they received, and implicity obeyed the above injunctions. They continually taught the great doctrines and precepts of Christ. They were occupied in prayer and in breaking of bread, and as they found men listen to Gospel truth, as soon as they found them willing to become disciples of Christ, they admitted them into the visible school by baptism. On the day of Penticost, thousands were instructed, and thousands were baptised. To the importunate enquiry of those who were pricked in their hearts," and exclaimed, "what shall we do?" the Apostle answered, " repent and D