Staunton spectator, and general advertiser. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 183?-1849, 1848-06-07
GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE PRES
BYTERIAN CHURCH

On Wednesday, the Slst ultimo. after very
long and animated discussion, the General Assem-.
oily OF the Presbyterian Church at Baltimore gave
decision upon the appeal OF DR.. Skinner from the
condemnation by the Lexington Presbytery The
Assembly voted, TOR sustaining the appeal Al for
sustaining In part So for not sustaining 66. The
appeal was thus sustained, restoring Dr. Skinner
10 his ministerial functions.
oh Thursday, Committee appointed to bring
IN minute expressive of the sense of the Assem-
bly, In tine case of the Rev. Dr. Skinner. reported
the following minute:
y The appeal and complaint of the Rev John
SKINNER, IL: d., against the decision Of the Presby-
'ery OF Lexington is sustained pro for7na. the SEN
tence OF The PreSbytery is reversed and the appel
liant restored to all the functions of the ministry of
the Gospel -
The complaint of the Rev. VIM Calhoun and
olherS against the same Presbytery is dismissed
'Whlle the Assembly do fully restore the Ap-
peant to the functions of the ministry and take
pleasure In recording that for about seven wears he
exhibited talents and zeal well adapted to edGy the
church OF God, and while they trust that he will
hereafter show the ability and fidelity in the
Masters cause, they constrained to express their
deep concern at the uncharitabe temper and ltiGi-
BUSINESS exhibited by him before the inferior udica
ture; and their dsapprobaiion of his course in
printing and circulating his Lexington speech
pending his complaint to the Synod of Virginia.
Wherefore he is hereby solemnly admonished
In relation to these matters, and warned carefully
| to avoid them in future
The Assembly regret, moreover that they
ind no evidence that any Of the parties have. at
any stage Of this unhappy controversy, resorted to
the more private and fraternal methods of making
peace among brethren which are suggested in the
word of God.
| 'And the Assembly do now affectionately and
solemnly enjon all concerned to cultivate spir
1t of charity and forgiveness, to study the THINGS
that make for peace, and to seek by importunaie
prayer the influence of the Holy Ghost that the
wounds inflicted in the progress Of this painful case
may be healed, and the kingdom and glory OF
thirst may prevail in the region where these
brethren are called to labor
The minute was adopted by vote of SO to %.
| The Judicial committee reported the case of the
| appeal Of the Rev. John Skinner d. d.. from the
decision of the Synod of Virginia for deciding tina,
his appeal could not lie.
| The appeal was then discussed by the parties,
two speeches being allowed on each side
! The roll was then called in order to allow mem
bers an opportunity to express their opinion on the
merits Of the appeal.
| On the conclusion Of the expression Of opinion
the final vote was taken, when the Assembly re-
! fused to sustain the Appeal, ayes ~, nays So
! The Assembly then took up the complaint of the
Rev. DR.. Skinner against the Presbytery of Lex
ington, Va, for dssolving his pastoral relation with
the Church Of Lexington, and after some discus
sion, refused to sustain the appeal by vote Of 65
| 10 %.
| A paper was presented from the Rev. Dr. S., on
Saturday, in reference TO the minute charging him
with having exhibited an unchartable temper and
litglousness, which was read and then returned to
the author, without being entered upon the minutes
! The next annual meeting Of the Assembly will
be held in the city Of Pittsburg.