FROM THE LIBRARY OF REV. LOUIS FITZGERALD BENSON, D. D. BEQUEATHED BY HIM TO THE LIBRARY OF PRINCETON THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY Diyiaiott ^CZ CL Sectfott /O^O RECORDS (^MAY16 1932 y^ OF THE rcces, <&;c. The letter to Mr. Gillespie was read and approven. The brethren appointed to inquire into David Evans' proficiency in learning brought in their report, that he had for the time, made considerable profi- ciency ; whereupon it was voted, whether he should be ordained before the next Presbytery, according to the people's desire, and it was cai-ried in the negative. Ordered, That he continue to follow his studies under the inspection of Mr. Andrews, ttc, as heretofore. 1712.] PRESBYTERY OF PHILADELPHIA. 29 The letters to Dr. Cotton Mather, Mr. Wade, and the people of Woodbridge, were written and approven.* Ordered, That Mr. Andrews preach next Presbytery on the 11th verse of the first of the Hebrews, and Mr. McNish on the 12th. * To Dr. Cotton Mather. September, 1712. Rev. and Dear Brother : — You are not altogether unacquainted with the troubles that have been long at Woodbridge, by reason of the difference between Mr. Wade and a great part of the people there, which have occasioned much exercise and perplexity to us from year to year at our anniversary meetings, not only since his admission into our society, but also diverse years before. We hoped when he became one of us, we should have been instrumental of putting an end to those unhappy jarrs and feuds, but to our great sor- row, we have found ourselves miserably disappointed, for the contention increased rather than decreased presently thereupon, and has done so ever since. At our Presbytery last year, diverse of the people of Woodbridge appeared, some for aud others against Mr. Wade ; and grievous scandals were charged upon him, against which he made the best vindication he could, but not so good, but that we thought convenient to advise him to demit his pastoral relation to the whole people of Woodbridge, which advice he readily acquiesced in. That the place might not be altogether destitute, it was thought expedient to make him their supply till another could be procured, to the satisfaction of the Presbytery and people. Mr. Wade, with tears in his eyes and trembling hands, declared he would be no longer a bone of contention there, which was matter of great rejoicing and satisfac- tion to us, expecting this would undoubtedly tend to the comfort and quiet of that mis- erable town ; in which also our hope was frustrated to our great concern and lamentation. Notwithstanding of such a free resignation of his charge made by him, he no sooner returned home, but he told the people, with ostentation, that now he was more firmly fixed in Woodbridge than ever he was before ; and instead of complying with his demis- sion so solemnly made, and joining with the people to get another minister, as he had promised to us ; when the town came together to consider of that matter, he declared that he stood as fair to be voted for as any man, and contended that a vote should be first past with respect to himself, fallaciously and falsely pretending private instructions from divers members of the Presbytery so to do ; thereby overturning and misapplying all that was done at the Presbytery, to the breaking up of the meeting once and again re infecta, and to the further confusion of the town, which constrained the people to send a messenger to a coram of our number for explication of our letter, which was very plain of itself. Moreover he had the confidence in his letter to those, not only to claim an interest in a part of the people still, as his church, but to recant that expression, wherein he had declared, that he would be no longer a bone of contention, thereby virtually renouncing his demission he had so formally made ; which i-ecantation, by the best infor- mation we can get, he hath effectually complied withal, by his continuing to be the miserable bone of contention there. For it plainly appears to us, that it is his industri- ous endeavour to prevent the happy settlement of that place in another minister, either by setting up himself again, or keeping up the contention, or both. We hoped that when Mr. Gillespie came there, (a gentleman recommended with an excellent character, and of so laudable a carriage,) that he should have been the happy instrument of uniting that people, especially when his management there was to univer- sal satisfaction And it is our opinion it had been so, if Mr. Wade had concurred with the people in it. But when he returned from Boston with your letter, (which, we doubt not, was with a sincere intention to promote the good of Woodbridge,) giving encour- agement concerning one Mr. Wiswall ; the town became divided betwixt Mr. Gillespie and Mr. Wiswall, which division we fear is too much owing to Mr. Wade, there appear- ing all likelihood of agreement in Mr. Gillespie before, which mistake we conclude to flow from misinformation, as your last letter to some in Woodbridge intimates. We being fully persuaded, after serious deliberation aud consultation, that so long as there is any hopes of Mr. Wade's preaching in Woodbridge, these feuds and animosities will be endless, have ordained and appointed, in the name and fear of our great Master, that the said Mr. Wade do no longer exercise his ministerial oiBce at that town of Wood- bridge, or among the people thereof, unless hereafter allowed by the Presbytery. We were constrained to this appointment, though Mr. Wade were not personally present, as being the only thing we could propose, aud the utmost we could do for the good of poor Woodbridge. Now sir, our joint request to you is, that you will use your utmost endeavour for the 30 MINUTES OF THE [1713. Nest Presbytery appointed to be at New Custle, on tbe third Tuesday of September, 1713. 1 r I J5. At a Presbytery held at New Castle, which began, Srptrnihcr 15th, 1712. Post jnrces sederunt, Ministers : Messrs. Jcdcdiah Andrews, George McXish, John Henry, James Anderson. Mr. James Anderson was chosen Clerk, and Mr. John Henry, IModcrator. re-uniting of that people by persuading them and Mr. AVadeto lay aside all former resent- ments and prejudices against one another, and peaceably acquiesce in the settlement of Mr. Gillespie, if he may be prevailed upon. And in case this proposal should fail, by Mr. Gillespie's removal, which we very mucli fear, that they may jointly agree in another suitable person, whom yourself with our other reverend brethren in Boston shall recom- mend, or that Providence may otherwise provide. We the more earnestly desire the speedy settlement of that place, upon the advantages that other persuasions take from those divisions, to make parties among them. And we fear, that in case it be not sooa done, we shall lose that town, which we look upon as a place of considerable consequence. Thus ha%-ing laid before you the miseries of that deplorable town, and the necessity of its speedy relief, we conclude, recommending you and your holy labours to the blessing of our glorious Lord, and rest, Reverend Brother, Your aflfectionate Brethren in Christ. — [^Letter Book.'] To Mr. Nathaniel Wade. September, 1712. ^Ir. Wade: — We have had our meeting according to appointment, and were sorry that your business could not allow your attendance; your reasons intimated in your letter Vere sustained. The continued feuds between you and the people of Woodbridge came again under consideration, and after mature deliberation, we drew up the following over- ture, as the determination of the Presbytery concerning j-ourself, which we here trans- cribe and send you, expecting your ready compliance therewith. And at the same time earnestly exhort you, in the name and fear of God, to be so far from countenancing any differences among the people, by being a bone ofco?itention, that you do use your utmost interest in them for their mutual peace and concord, as becomes a minister of the Prince of Peace. We account it would be an honourable thing in you that you use your best endeavours, that the worthy gentleman now among you, Mr. Gillespie, may be retained, and not discouraged ; and that the people that have hitherto adhered to you. may be advised thankfully to acquiesce in him. And in case these differences should drive Mr. Gillespie out of the town, (which we hope no man will dare to maintain for that purpose,) we expect you will conscientiously, what in you lies, labour with the people that the place in.ay be settled in the enjoyment of some other suitable person whom Providence shall provide. In a word, we earnestly recommend to you, that you study the peace and quiet of the town, that they may become at length, if it can be, happy in the enjoyment of an established ministry, .acconling to the present desires of the people, that so these quarrels may not be carried on ad injinititm. — [Letter Book. J The Overture is iu the book of minutes. To our Christian Friends at Woodbridge. September, 1712. Christian Friends and Dearly Beloved : — We liave again taken much pains and spent much time in deliberating upon the deploral)le differences of your town, which have heretofore cost us so much perplexity and trouble. And after impartial weighing and considering all circumstances we came to this conclusion, that so long as Mr. Wade docs or may preach in the place, the people will neither agree in him nor in any other. We have, therefore, in the name and fear of our great Master, ordained and appointed tl»at he do no longer exercise his ministerial office at your town, or among the people thereof, unless allowed by the Presbytery hereafter, of which we have given intimation iu our letter to him. We do earnestly exhort and entreat you, in the bowels of our Lord .Jesus Christ, that laying aside all prejudices and animosities among one another, you do study peace, love, unity, and concoi-d, as you did solemnly engage not long since in a public meeting held among you. Divine Providence having sent among you so worthy a man as Mr. 1713.] PRESBYTERY OF PHILADELPHIA. 31 Mr. Robert Lawson, Mr. Daniel Magill, and Mr. George Gillespie, having applied to this Presbytery for admittance as members thereof, and the Presby- tery finding, by their ample testimonials, that they have been legally and or- derly ordained as ministers of the Gospel, and that they have since behaved themselves as such, did cheerfully and cordially receive them, and so they took their places. After which the names of the members being called, there were present. Ministers : Messrs. Jedediah Andrews, George McNish, John Henry, James Anderson, Robert Lawson, Daniel Magill, and George Gillespie. Elders : Messrs. Joseph Yard. Rowlaph Dehaws, James Caldwell, James Bell, Alexander White. Absent, Mr. John Hampton, whose letter of excuse was read and sustained. Mr. Joseph Morgan was likewise absent. Next sederunt appointed to be at three o'clock, afternoon, and so after prayer the Presbytery was dismissed. P. M. at three o'clock, post preces sederunt ut supra. According to appointment of last Presbytery, Mr. Hampton and Mr. Henry spoke to Mr. Davis concerning his former absence, and being on account of Mr. Hampton's sickness, necessarily absent, he is for this time excused. Mr. Bi-attou, mentioned in last year's minutes, to our great grief deceased, October 1712. Mr. Van Vleck bringing certain papers immediately after breaking up of the Presbytery last year, to clear himself from the crimes charged upon him, as may more fully appear by a memorandum in the Book of Letters : and there being an appointment made to examine the validity of these papers, it was judged by those appointed to inspect into that matter, that he was guilty. ( Vide Book of Letters.) And he being now absent, and nothing yet appearing for his vindication, it is appointed that his suspension shall continue.* Gillespie, we cannot but recommend him to your countenance and encouragement, as a person, by tlie character he bears, by all information concerning him, worthy of your acceptance, and in whom we hope you may be happy, if you can agree. To our lamen- tation and sorrow we hear that the differences among you have produced thoughts in him, that his abiding there will make him very uncomfortable. Nevertheless we shall en- deavour to strengthen his hands and encourage his heart to try a while longer, waiting for the effect of our renewed essays for peace and quietness among you. And in case you should be so unhappy as to lose so deserving a man, we justly fear his removal may prove a vast discouragement to another from venturing among you, which we conclude all serious Christians will lay to heart. Nevertheless if these contentions should drive him away, we hope you will still labour to be unanimous in the call and settlement of another suitable person ; and we shall not be wanting, both by our prayers and other en- deavours, to promote your happiness in the enjoyment of so great a blessing. And so recommending you to the grace of God, we remain your cordial well-wishers.— \_LeUer Book. ] * Memorandum. That the next day after the Presbytery broke up, IMr. Paulus Van Vleck making his appearajice with some papers to vindicate himself from the crime of bigamy, which all the members had a sight of, but all of them being just upon departing, except Mr. An- drews, McNish, and iJampton, it was left to these to consider of those papers, which they did, and thought them not sufhcient to clear him from that scandal. There came also complaints against him for telling lies, concerning some things which he bought of Mr. Vauder Gaegh, and said his mother sent them out of Holland. Whereupon these members gave this as their judgment, that in case he should clear himself from the im- putation of bigamy, yet that he should not be allowed to exercise his ministerial of&ce till he cleared himself from the said charge of lying also. Further, it being reported there was a letter at New York from the said Mr. Van Vleck' a 32 MINUTES OF THE [1713. Mr. George Gillespie having read a call from the people of Whiteclay Creek, and having delivered a sermon and exegesis, and being examined as to his know- ledge in the original languages, his skill in philosophy and theology, by Messrs. Andrews, Anderson, and Morgan, according to the appointment of the Presby- tery, was approved, and solemnly set apart and ordained, by fasting, prayer, and imposition of hands, to the office of the sacred ministry, upon the 2b th day of May, 1713.* Mr. Hampton writ to ]Mr. John Makie according to appointment. Ordered, That Mr. Andrews deliver his Presbytcrial exercise to-morrow, at eleven o'clock. Mr. George McNish not having his Presbytcrial exercise ready, and excusing himself on account of sickness for a mouth past, was blamed for not prepa- ring of it sooner, and ordered to prepare and deliver the same for the next Presbytery. Adjourned till to-morrow, nine o'clock. Die Mercurii, \%tli day. Post preces sederunt^ dx. The Eev. Mr. Howell Powell having offered himself for admittance as a member of this Presbytery, the Presbytery was so well satisfied with what mother, that contradicted these which he produced, Mr. McNish aud Hampton being bound tliither, it was left to them to inspect into that affair. Memorandum Second, October 24, 1712. Mr. Hampton being; returned, makes this report, that they having made inspection according; to order, found a letter from said Van Vleck's mother to his uncle, Jacob I'he- nix, or his wife, bearing date within tliree or four daj's with Van Vleck's letter, and con- tradictory to his, testifying that then his wife was alive; and found also, the hands a3 they thought, different. Whereupon they were really of opinion, that Mr. Van Vleck was guilty of the crime laid to his charge. Fhiladelphia, October 25, 1712. Mr. Andrews and Hampton's letter to the Dutch people. Christian Friends: — AVe have thought fit to communicate unto you further our thoughta concerning your affair with Mr. Van Vleck, which are as followeth : First, concerning the charge of his having two wives, inquiry has been made at New York as was appoin- ted by the meeting, and it's found that there's a letter to Mr. Jacob Phenix, much of the same date with Mr. Van Vleck's, but directly contradictory to it, testifying that his wife was then alive, neither docs it at all appear to be any forgery, but very genuine, the hand agreeing with former letters of Mr. Van Vleck's mother, who wrote this to Phenix. Nor does it appear that either Mr. Phenix, or his wife, has any spite or malice again.st Mr. Van Vleck at all, so that we are more afraid than ever that he is guilty of that dreadful sin laid to his charge. And then, as to his foolish and needless lying, which is a very scandalous sin, that is sufficiently evident. Both which crimes are greatly aggravated by his drunkenness, besides swearing, and indecent light carriage ; all which, as we do greatly lament, so we really think in our consciences you are not to encourage such a person, under such grievous scandals, in the work of the holy ministry among you, but rather to study and endeavour your supply otherways, by such Christian means as pru- dence may direct you. And so, bidding you farewell, and wishing you all grace and truth, we remain yours in the Lord. — \_Letter Book.'] * Memorandum. That on the 28th of May, 1713, Mr. George Gillespie was ordained and set apart to the ministerial work by Messrs. Andrews, Anderson, and Morgan. That he preached a sermon the day before from Gal. iv. ver. 4th, and part of the 5th, and delivered his exe- gesis on this question, viz. An Chrislus pro omnibus el ninquUs sit mortiiiis, discovered hia knowledge in the original tongues, answered to sundry questions on several places of Scripture and other theological matters; all which was done to good acceptance. — \_Leller Book.] 1713.] PRESBYTERY OF PHILADELPHIA. 33 was offered in his behalf with respect to his ordination, &c. that it was agreed to admit him as a member, with advice to him to procure further credentials from some eminent ministers in England known to some of the members of the Presbytery, within a year's time, and that till then it shall be free to him to exercise his ministry in all its parts where Providence shall call him, but not fully to settle as a fixed minister until the expiration of the said time. Adjourned to three o'clock, afternoon. P. M. A call from the people of Monokin and Wicomico to Mr. Robert Law- son, was presented to the Presbytery by James Caldwell, which being offered to Mr. Lawson by the moderator, he took it into consideration, with promise to give the people an answer as soon as the circumstances of his affairs would allow. The Presbytery received a letter from the Rev. Mr. Thomas Reynolds, wherein he obliges himself to advance thirty pounds for the year 1713, to be disposed of by the Presbytery. Appointed that a letter of thanks be writ to him by Mr. George McNish, and Mr. Robert Lawson, against the next sedertmt.* Received a letter from Mr. Wotherspoon, with his credentials enclosed, (which were well approved,) as also a letter from the people of Apoquinimy, requesting that he may be ordained and settled among them as their minister, the consideration of which is delayed till to-morrow. Mr. Andrews delivered his Presbyterial exercise, which was approved. London, December 24, 1712. * Reverend and dear Brethren : — Having this opportunity by our good brother, Mr. Robert Lawson, I could not but signify the concern I have for the interest of our com- mon Lord in your parts, and let you know, that if it will be of service to support one or more ministers to spread the gospel in those parts about you, where it may be most needful, I do, for my own part, engage for the year coming, to advance thirty pounds. to be paid to any you shall appoint here in London to receive it, upon condition that I have first some timely advice of it by letter from our Rev. Brother Mr. Lawson, the bearer hereof. And if in after years I may be in a capacity, I shall do what I can to serve you. I desire to hear from you as soon as may be, and should be glad to be an instrument of disappointing any that can encourage no expectation from us. Praying the Lord abundantly to prosper the great work in your hand, I am, in great sincerity, your atfectionate brother.— [Z/e«er Book.'\ THOMAS REYNOLDS. The Presbytery held at New Castle, September 17, 1713, to the Rev. Mr. Thomas Rey- nolds, in London. Reverend Sir :— We received your letter dated December 24, 1712, per the Rev. Mr. Robert Lawson, and after blessing God that any, especially of your character, regards us, the skirts of Christ's Church in this American wilderness, we applaud your generous and public spirit, and make a return of our hearty and best wishes with the utmost gratitude, and so much the more, that though we have often addressed several of the reverend ministers of London, you are the first and only one who hath taken notice of us by letter. Sir, your seasonable bounty for the relief of some weak congregations, unable of themselves to subsist at present in maintaining their own ministers, makes the conduct of Divine Providence the more remarkable unto us. We shall be faithful in a just application of the same according to your direction. Dear sir, give us leave humbly to request the continuance of your concern for us, and the interok of Christ iu these parts ; and moreover that you use your interest, which we know to be great, with others for engaging their Christian liberality in order to aid ne- cessitous places ; want of support to ministers, in many corners, being a mighty bar to the spreading of the gospel. Our Rev. Brother, Mr. Robert Lawson, will advise how the money you so kindly promise, shall be disposed of. We humbly salute, &c. and pray, k'>'cccs, sederunt ut supra. The letter to be sent to the several congregations was brought in by Mr. Andrews, and approved.* Ordered, That an authentic copy of said letter be given to every Presbytery of the Synod, signed by the moderator and clerk. Overtured by the committee for the fund that the widow of the Rev. Mr. John Wilson is considered as a person worthy of the regard of this Synod, as to her present circumstances, and it is proposed that four pounds be now given her out of the present fund, and that a discretionary power be lodged with Mr. Andrews, if he sees necessity requires, to give her some further supply out of the said fund, between this and the next Synod, not exceeding three pouuds, and it was approved. It is appointed by the Synod, that the money that is now in bank, be en- trusted to the trustees of the Glasgow collection afore mentioned, that they or three of them shall have power to let out to interest said money, and that those that let out said money shall be accountable to the next Synod. The committee for bills and overtures, appointed to meet half an hour after 3 o'clock, in the evening. Adjourned till 4 o'clock, post merid. Post merid. according to appointment, p)ost preces sederunt xit supra. There was brought into the fund during the sitting of this Synod, from several * The letter of the Synod now sitting at Philadelphia, to the several congregations within the bounds of the Synod. September 22, 1719. Christian Friends : — Whereas Divine Providence, which is the Disposer of the lot of all men, has planted us in these parts of the world, and in sucli a station wherein we are obliged, in an eminent manner, to study the everlasting welfare of the souls of men. And whereas, to our great grief and exercise, we see many smaller places of lesser ability to maintain and support the interest of Christ among them, by the ordinary means of salvation, and yet desirous thereof, languishing in darkness and blindness, and in groat danger of utter ruin for lack of vision ; casting in our minds how to gel these miser!il)le people relieved, could think upon no other way than by using our utmost interest and endeavour to have such a fund or stock of money raised as may be of some use to help those distressed places and people. In pursuance of which design we have addressed our friends iu Britain and Ireland not altogether without success. And forasmuch as it seems to us unreasonable and unjustifiable to apply to other places in this atl'air, and ourselves, who are more immediately concerned, to hoUi our hands, we determined to request the charity of our respective congregations in the pre- mises, that they would yearly make a collection for the carrying on of the said noble and pious design of plauting and spreading the everlasting gospel in these provinces. As fur arguments to enforce this our proposal, the thing itself is of such consequence and importance, and withal so needful, that we need not, we hope, use any other, only the consideration of a blessing entailed, in this and the other world, by God's gracious promises, on all such as do cheerfully exert themselves for the glory of God and the good of souls, together witli the honourable examples that are frequently set us by the good people of our own nation both at home and abroad. So reconuuending you to the counsel and blessing of the Author and llewarder of all good works, we subscribe our- selves yours in the truest bonds of Christian affections. — \_Lener Jioo/c] 1720.] SYNOD OF PHILADELPHIA. 59 persous, the sum of twenty-oue pounds, seven shillings and ten pence ; be- sides a bill of exchange of fourteen pounds, five shillings sterling money, from Mr. Hampton, together with sixteen pouuds, fifteen shillings, Pennsylvania money, that was before in the hands of Mr. Jedidiah Andrews, the treasurer of the fund. Adjourned till eight o'clock, to-morrow morning. 22d day, according to aj)J>ointment, jMst preces sederunt ut supra. The letter to the Presbyterian congregation, New York, was brought in and approved. The Presbytery book of New Castle, was revised and approved by the Synod, unto the end of sessio septlma in page nineteen, as is to be seen in the margin of said book in the above said page nineteen. Ordered, That i\s£ Presbytery of Long-Island get a new well ordered book against the nest Synod, and that they leave marginal room for Synodical amendments. Mr. McNish reported, that of the sum not exceeding three pounds, for the disposing of which Masters McNish, Jones, and Andrews, had a discretionary power lodged in them, there was only one pound ten shillings disposed of. The letter to the people of Potomoke, in Virginia, was brought in and ap- proved of. Letters testimonial were given to Mr. Daniel McGrill and Mr. Robert Orr, according to appointment, a copy of which is ordered to be kept in retentis. The minutes for the Synod's this year's meeting, were read and approved. Appointed that the meeting of the next Synod be the third Wednesday of September next, at Philadelphia. 1730. At a Synod held at Philadelphia, Septemlter 22, 1720. Post preces, the roll icas called. Ministers present : Messrs. Daniel McGill, Jedidiah Andrews, George Gil- lespie, George McNish, David Evans, John Bradner, Robert Cross, Malachi Jones, Joseph Morgan, Jonathan Dickinson, Henry Hook, Samuel Young, William Stewart, John Clement, James Anderson, Joseph Webb, John Orme. Elders present : Messrs. John Nicols, Caleb Ward, Benjamin Armitage, Archibald Edmundson, Alexander White, James Abraham, Thomas January, Christophel Van Sandt, Jonathan Smith, John Colwell, Isaac Piper, Daniel Smith. Ministers absent : Messrs. Hugh Conn, John Thomson, John Hampton, Samuel Purary, John Pierson, Samuel Gelston, William Tennent, Samuel Davis, George Philips, Joseph Lamb. Mr. Malachi Jones, chosen moderator, and Mr. Jonathan Dickinson, clerk. According to last year's appointment, the Synod should have met yesterday, but were hindered by bad weather. Mr. John Thomson, who was moderator last year, was absent by reason of sickness, for which cause the Synodical sermon was not preached. Mr. John Pierson sent the reason of his absence by letter, which was sus- tained. Mr. Hugh Conn and Mr. William Tennent, sent the reasons of their absence by letter, which were sustained. The minutes of last year ordered to be read. The Moderator, Masters Andrews, McGill, Young, Anderson, and Dickin- son, appointed for a committee for bills and overtures. 60 MINUTES OF THE [1720. Mr. Hampton absent by reason of sickness. The Presbytery books ordered to be brought in next sederunt. The whole afl'air respecting the fund continued. a\Ir. 3Iorgan appointed to preach to-morrow, at eleven o'clock. Masters (lillespie, Dickinson, and Stewart, appointed to preach here next Lord's day. Mr. McGill reported to the Synod, that according to last year's appointment, he went to Potomoke, in Virginia, and after some months' continuance there, put the people into church order. The said Congregation of Potomoke, in Virginia, have sent a letter to the Synod, manifesting their hearty approbation of Mr. McGill's whole conduct among them, and desiring his settling with them as their minister. The affair of Potomoke deferred till afterwards. An inquiry with respect to what the respective ministers have done about the annual collections, delayed. * Mr. John Orme presented to the Synod his testimonials relating to his ordination to and qualifications for the gospel ministry, which the Synod was satisfied with ; and upon his desire, he was received a member of the Synod. The committee for bills and overtures, appointed to meet half an hour after two o'clock, this afternoon. Adjourned till four o'clock, post merid. Half an hour after 4 o'dock, P. M. post preccs sederunt ut svpra. IMasters Gillespie and Evans, appointed to revise the Presbytery book of Philadelphia. Masters Morgan and Hook, appointed to revise the Presbytery book of New Castle. Masters Bradner and Stewart, appointed to revise the Presbytery book of Long-Island. Ordered, That the committee for bills and overtures, do bring in an overture for the better settling our Presbyteries. The affair respecting the fund further continued. The affair of Potomoke further continued. The affair of collections further delayed. An address from the people of Gloucester and Pilesgrove, supplicating the advice and assistance of the Synod, for the settling of the gospel among them, and in particular with relation to Mr. James Morehead, that has lately preached among them, was read and considered. And the said Mr. Morehead, offering himself to be admitted a member of the Synod, and producing his certificates, which being viewed and deliberated upon by the Synod, were unanimously voted not valid ; and mure especially a writing produced by him as a testimonial of his ordination. This, together with other reasons, viz : his irregular and factious carriage in his own country, (as ap- peared by his own confession, and the personal knowledge of several members of this Synod,) together with his scandalous and disorderly behaviour since he came into America, (as manifestly appeared,) has caused the Synod to refuse him admittance into their number, and to lay a charge upon all their members to give him no encouragement as a minister, but to advertise all as they have opportunity, and occasion to beware of him. Ordered, That an extract of this minute, with relation to Mr. Morehead, signed by the clerk, be given to every Presbytery belonging to this Synod. Adjourned till to-morrow, at eight o'clock. 1720.] SYNOD OF PHILADELPHIA. 61 23(? day at eight o' clock, post preces sederunt ut supra. The affair respecting the fund further continued. Ordered, That the affair of Potomoke, be considered by the committee for bills and overtures. The affair of collections further delayed. The letter from Gloucester and Pilesgrove being reviewed, it was ordered that Mr. jNIorgan preach at Gloucester next Lord's day, and he carry with him an extract of the minutes of the Synod with relation to Mr. Morehead, and read it to that congregation. Mr. Hook ordered to preach at Pilesgrove the next Lord's day come s'en- night, and carry with him an extract of the minutes of this Synod with rela- tion to Mr. Morehead, and read it to the congregation. Mr. Andrews appointed to write a letter to the people of Gloucester and Pilesgrove, in answer to theirs, and bring it in to-morrow morning. What further concerns the people of Gloucester and Pilesgrove, referred to the Presbytery of Philadelphia. A letter from Mr. Pumry, by way of excuse for his absence being read, was not sustained. Mr. McNish appointed to tell him so. The committee for bills and overtures, appointed to meet at three o'clock, afternoon. Adjourned till half an hour after three o'clock, Post meridiem. Half an hour after three o'clock, P. 31. post preces sederunt qui sxipra. Ordered, That the committee for bills and overtures, together with Mr. McNish and Mr. Bradner added to them, be a committee about the affair of the fund. Ordered, That every minister of this Synod do their diligence to obtain what collection they can from their respective congregations toward the fund, as was appointed last Synod. The affair of Mr. Clement came into consideration and is continued. Adjourned till eight o'clock to-morrow morning. 24 day, at 8 d' clock, post preces, sederunt ut supra. The papers sent to the Synod by some elders of the church at Kehoboth, by way of complaint against Mr. Clement, their minister, were delivered to said Mr. Clement, to be perused, and answered in writing the next Monday, at ten o'clock, ante meridiem. A letter from James Mitchell read, and the consideration of it delayed The supplication of Abraham Emmitt being read, is deferred till the next sederunt. An address from some people in and about Birmingham, upon Brandywine, read in the Synod, and is continued. The letter to Gloucester and Pilesgrove read and approved. Adjourned till Monday morning, at ten o'clock. 26 day, ten o' clock post preces, sederunt ut supra. The affair of Mr. Clement delayed. The consideration of James Mitchell's letter further delayed. \ The supplication of Abraham Emmitt delayed. The address from Birmingham delayed. The affair of New York coming under consideration, was deferred till afternoon. Adjourned till four o'clock, P. M. 62 MINUTES OF THE [1720. P. M. four o'clock, jxmt prcces, sederunt xit snjyra. After a full bearing and long reasoning upon the case represented by Messrs. Livingston and Smith, touching Mr. Anderson's settling at New York; the question was put whether the proceedings of the Presbytery of Long Island, in the settling Mr. Anderson at New York, were regular? And it was carried in the affirmative by a great majority. Ordered, That Mr. Andrews and Mr. Dickinson write a letter to Messri?. Livingston and Smith, &c. The sentiments of the Synod concerning two sermons read before them, preached at New York by Mr. Anderson, and complained of by Messrs. Liv- ingston and Smith, is, that they could wish that they had been delivered in softer and milder terms in some passages, though the Synod approves of the substance of the sermons as orthodox and godly. Ordered, That the moderator, Mr. Gillespie, and Mr. Evans, write a letter to the Presbyterian congregation at New York, and bring it into the Synod. Adjourned till ten o'clock to-morrow morning. 27 clai/, ten o' clock, post preces, sederunt ttt supra. The letter to Messrs. Livingston and Smith, &c. read and approved. Mr. Clement brought his answer in writing to the papers sent to the Synod from Rehoboth, which being considered, was further delayed. Adjourned till four o'clock, P. M. Four o'clock, P. M. Postpreces scda-unt ut supra. Overtured, That a committee be sent to Rehoboth, with full power from the Synod to act in their names, and by their authority, in the affair between Mr. Clement and that people, and that ^Ir. Clement be suspended from the exercise of his ministry, until the determination of that committee. This overture was carried by vote in the affirmative, neinlne contradicente. Ordered, That Masters 3IcNish, McGill, Thomson, Stewart, Gillespie, and Hook, or any three of them, be a committee for said purpose, and to meet at said place the fourth Friday of October next. Ordered, That each of the mentioned ministers carry an elder with him if he can. Ordered, That an extract of this minute be given to said committee. Adjourned till to-morrow morning, nine o'clock. 28os< meridiem, to-morrow. 21 dai/. At 3 o'clock, P. M. jjost preces sederunt qui supra. The affair relating to the conference with the trustees of New Haven Col- lege deferred till to-morrow. The affair relating to Mr. Dickinson, Mr. Jones, Mr. Morgan, &c. their protest deferred till afterwards. The affair relating to the account from the commission of the Synod deferred till afterwards. The affair relating to Mr. John Walton, transmitted from the committee, now comes under consideration, a representation whereof is contained in his supplication, which we have in rctends. Ordered, That the said supplication of Mr. Walton be read ; Masters Jona- than Dickinson, ^Moscs Dickinson, 3Ialachi Jones, Joseph Morgan, James Anderson, and John Budd, with Mr. Walton, being first removed, while the whole management of this affair shall last. The Synod having, with much seriousness and deliberation, considered the whole afiair, and all the particular branches of it, came to the following con- clusion : That however they judge the Presbytery of Maidenhead's proceeding to suspend Mr. Walton, being absent, unheard, the evidences not being con- fronted, especially their proceeding to publish the said suspension, with the reason thereof, at Croswicks, before the matter was judicially cleared, was not regular ; yet the charge with which Mr. Walton is charged being after- wards sufficiently proved, was just ground of suspension if the Presbytery had been more deliberate, and the matter of charge against him formally made appear before the inflicting the censure, as it was afterwards. And further. 1722] SYNOD OF PHILADELPHIA. 71 the Synod judgeth that Mr. Walton's behaviour towards, and treatment of the said Presbytery in many of his expressions, particularly those contained in his .address to the Synod, wherein he designs them in general and particular, with diminutive and deriding titles, and speaks of them and their proceeding with an air of disdain, was very abusive and insolent, and every way unsuitable and unbecoming for any private Christian, and much more a candidate for the min- istry to use towards ministers of the gospel, whose universal character hitherto hath been without blemish. Adjourned till eight o'clock precisely to-morrow, A. M. 22c? day at 8 o'clock, according to appointment, post preces sederunt qui supra. The affair relating to the conference with the trustees of New Haven Col- lege; also the affair relating to Mr. Dickinson, Mr. Jones, &c. their protest; also the affair relating to the commission of the Synod, deferred till after- wards. A further consideration of Mr. Walton's business delayed till next Mon- day. A reference by the Presbytery of New Castle, held at Cohanzy pro re nata, being made to this Synod, comes now under our consideration ; and after a long and patient hearing of both parties, and considerable deliberation being had upon the same, it was universally agreed, that a committee be chosen to consider further upon the particulars of that affair, and to bring in overtures upon every particular of it against next Monday morning. The members of the said committee to be Masters George McNish, Jonathan Dickinson, Moses Dickinson, Jedidiah Andrews, John Budd, Samuel Gelston, Samuel Pumry, James Anderson, together with all the members of the Presbytery at Cohanzy, 2)ro re nata, together with Mr. McGill ; which committee is to meet at four o'clock, this afternoon. Adjourned till eight o'clock, on Monday morning. At 8 o'clocJc on Monday, post preces sederunt qui supra. The affair relating to the conference with the trustees of New Haven Col- lege ; also the affair relating to Mr. Dickinson, &c. and the protest ; and also the affair relating to the commission of the Synod, deferred till afterwards. The committee on the affair of Mr. Hook, not having finished what was com- mitted to them, the said business is deferred till afterwards. The business of Mr. Walton reassumed. Mr. Walton being called in, and largely discoursed with again respecting his case, he not being satisfactory in his expressions, the Synod appointed two of their number, silicet the moderator and Mr. McNish, to confer with him pri- vately, and make report to the Synod. The brethren appointed to confer with Mr. Walton, report, that his carriage with them was much as before the Synod. Whereupon the Synod concluded to allow him till four o'clock this afternoon to consider further of his affair, and that then he deliver his mind to the Synod in writing as fully as he thinks fit. Adjourned till three o'clock, P. M. At 3 dclocTc, P. M. post p>rcces sederunt qui supra. The affairs deferred the last sederunt, further deferred. The affair of Mr. Walton reassumed. The said Mr. Walton gave in an additional acknowledgment of his misde- meanours in writing, which being read, the question was put, whether it was satisfactory pro tanio, and it was resolved in the affirmative. 72 . ; MINUTES OF THE [1722. The Synod after long and free debate upon the whole of Mr. "Walton's affair, do order and appoint as followeth ; that the said Mr. "Walton is sus- pended from preaching in any place for three Sabbaths next ensuing, and that his acknowledgment and confession given in this day to the Synod, so far only as it concerns his miscarriages committed at Newark, shall in his own words be read publicly in open congregation on the last of the three Sabbaths ; •where it is ordered that Mr. "Walton shall be present and own the said ac- knowledgment and confession given in to us before the congregation then and there assembled ; which done, the minister appointed to preach that day, shall authoritatively take off the suspension. Mr. Pumry is appointed to preach at Newark the said Sabbath. Mr. George Gillespie, Mr. David Evans, Mr. John Orme, and Mr. John Gardner, dissented against the limited suspension of Mr. John "Walton. Adjourned till eight o'clock to-morrow morning. At eight o'cloc/c, A. M. according to aj>pointment, post preces sederunt qui sujpra. The affairs deferred the last sederunt, further deferred. Adjourned till three o'clock, post mcrid. that the committee might have time to complete the overtures upon the affair of Cohanzy. At 3 o'clocic, P. 31. according to ap>pointment, p)0st preces sederunt qui s%ipra. The affair of Mr. Hook reassumed. The committee appointed to bring in overtures upon the several articles alleged against Mr. Hook, brought in their overtures, which are as follows. 1. Overturcd, That inasmuch as the first crimination against Mr. Hook is of several years date ; and by the confession of the parties offended, long since satisfied for, and as appears to us from an ill motive, that it be therefore re- jected, which overture was approved of by the Synod. 2. Overturcd, That the Synod disapprove of Mr. Fithian's publicly charging Mr. Hook with a lie relating to a bargain of a horse, not only without evi- dence, but when the evidences he produced witnessed against him ; which over- ture was approved of by. the Synod. 3. Overturcd, That Mr. Hook is chargeable with falsehood, and a very un- natural and uncharitable construction of Mr. Sealy's letter, in representing him as saying, that Mr. Hook's fingers and toes were cut off in Ireland for stealing. "Which overture, by a majority of votes, was approved by the Synod. 4. Overturcd, That Mr. Hook cannot be charged with a lie respecting the shooting match, inasmuch as he might truly say, he did not inform the justi- ces, but only admonished them of their duty. Approved by a majority of votes of the Synod. 5. Overturcd, That Mr. Hook was chargeable with folly and levity unbe- coming a gospel minister in the sham marriages alleged. Approved by the Synod. 6. Overturcd, That Mr. Hook might have been asleep, notwithstanding of what appears by Joseph IJrooks and Benjamin Davis their evidences; there- fore, after long and mature deliberation upon it, we left it doubtful. Which was approved by the Synod. 7. As to the charge of obscene actions expressed in Ephraim Sealy's depo- sition, I\Ir. Hook hath confessed the whole with much seeming sorrow, and grief before the Synod. Upon the whole, 31r. Hook being called in and by the moderator desired to declare his thouglits concerning the other articles of which he was concluded guilty by the Synod, he made an acknowledgment as to every particular, and professed a sincere sorrow and repentance for the 1722.] SYNOD OF PHILADELPHIA. 73 same. Which together with the acknowledgment by him before made, with relation to the article contained in Ephraim Sealy's evidence, was accepted by the Synod as a satisfactory evidence of his sincere repentance. Upon which the Synod spent a considerable time in debating and deliberating upon the kind and degree of censure to be inflicted upon Mr. Hook for the abovesaid offences. ^ At last the question was proposed, suspend or not. The resolution of which is deferred till to-morrow morning. Adjourned till nine o'clock, to-morrow, ante merid. At nine dcloclc, A. M. according to appointment, post preces sederunt qui supra. The afi"airs deferred the last sederunt deferred further. The above mentioned question relating to the suspension or non-suspensioa of Mr. Hook, being proposed, it was, by a great majority of votes carried in the affirmative. It being again questioned, whether his suspension should be limited or indefinite, it was by a majority of votes carried indefinite. Upon the whole, the Synod have appointed, that Mr. Daniel McGill, Mr. Jedidiah Andrews, Mr. James Morgan, and Mr. Robert Cross, do meet at Fairfield meeting-house upon the third Thursday of October next ensuing, and then and there they or any one of them, have power to take ofi" the sus- pension, if no sufficient reason to the contrary appears. And further, it is ordered that one of the said ministers do preach at the said meeting-house, and also, that the said ministers do publicly read a full extract of the Synod's minutes relating to Mr, Hook, and that Mr. Hook make his public acknow- ledgment viva voce or in writing, as he thinks fit, in order to his being absolved as aforesaid. Adjourned till three o'clock, P. M. At three d clock, P. 31. according to ap)poinment, post preces sederunt qui supra. The Presbytery of Long-Island gave in their report to the Synod, that a committee of their Presbytery met a number of the trustees of New-Haven college, according to the appointment of the Synod, and have given a large account in writing, of their proceedings with said trustees, whereby the Synod is convinced that they, though without the desired success, have done what they could relating to the union with Connecticut ministers, and removing those differences between them and our Presbytery of Long-Island, by the irregular division of the congregation at New York, and the trustees sending missionaries to preach there. Upon the whole, the Synod approves of the con- duct of the Presbytery of Long-Island in the whole aff"air as it was managed by them, both since last Synod and formerly. Mr. Hook desiring to be joined to New Castle Presbytery, it was granted. Ordered, That Mr. John Pierson do supply Mr. Pumry's congregation that Sabbath in which Mr. Pumry is to be at Newark about Mr. Walton's business; and that on the same day Mr. Webb supply Mr. Pierson's people. The affiiir of Mr. Jonathan Dickinson, &c. his protest reassumed. Adjourned till eight o'clock, to-morrow, ante merid. At eight o'clock, A. 31. according to appointment, p>ost preces sederunt qui supra. The brethren who entered their protestation against the act for allowing any brother or member of this Synod, to bring in any overture to be formed into an act by the Synod, for the better carrying on in the matters of our govern- ment and discipline, &c. The said brethren protestants brought in a paper of four articles, testifying in writing their sentiments and judgment concerning 10 74 MINUTES OF THE [1722. church government, which was approved by the Synod, and ordered by the Synod to be recorded in the Synod book. Likewise the said brethren being willing to take back their protestation against said act, together with their rea- sons given in defense of said protest ; the Synod doth hereby order that the protest, together with the reasons of it. as also the answers at the appointment of the SvikhI given in to the reasons alleged by Mr. Daniel McGill and Mr. George JNlcNish, be all withdrawn ; and that the said act remain and be in all respects as if no such protest had been made. The articles are as fol- loweth. 1. We freely grant, that there is full executive power of church govern- ment in Presbyteries and Synods, and that they may authoritatively, in the name of (^hrist, use the keys of church discipline to all proper intents and purposes, and that the keys of the church are committed to the church officers and them only. 2. We also grant, that the mere circumstantials of church discipline, such as the time, place, and mode, of carrying on in the government of the Church, belong to ecclesiastical judicatories to determine as occasions occur, conform- able to the general rules in the word of Grod, that recjuire all things to be done decently and in order. And if these things are called acts, we will take no offence at the word, provided that these acts be not imposed upon such as conscientiously dissent from them. 3. We also grant, that Synods may compose directories, and recommend them to all their members, respecting all the parts of discipline, provided that all subordinate judicatories may decline from such directories when they con- scientiously think they have just reason so to do. 4. We freely allow that appeals may be made from all inferior to superior judicatories, and that superior judicatories have authority to consider and de- termine such appeals. Malachi Jones, Joseph Morgan, Jonathan Dickinson, David Evans. The Synod was so universally pleased with the abovesaid composure of their difference, that they unanimously joined together in a thanksgiving prayer, and joyful singing the one hundred and thirty-third psalm. The supplications of the people of New Castle, and the people of Tree Dyffryn, referred from the committee for bills and overtures to the Synod, referred to the commission of the Synod. A representation being made by some of our members of the earnest desires of some Protestant dissenting families in Virginia, together with a comfortable prospect of the increase of our interest there, the Synod have appointed that Mr. Hugh Conn, Mr. John Orme, and Mr. William Stewart, do each of them severally visit said people, and preach four Sabbaths to them, between this and the next Synod. Some members expressing their fears lest Mr. John Walton should not be- have himself orderly, the Synod do appoint that Mr. George McNish, Mr. James Anderson, and Mr. Samuel Pumry, or any two of them, do, in the Synod's name, judicially deal with him, upon information, as they shall see proper. The I'resbytery books of Philadelphia and Long Island were brought in, and approved by the Synod. The commission of the Synod appointed last 3'ear, continued with the same powers until the next Synod. The review of the minutes of this present Synod, and all the affairs of the fund, with whatever emergencies may occur, referred to the said commission. 1723.] SYNOD OF PHILADELPHIA. 75 Adjourned till the third Wednesday of September next, and then to meet at Philadelphia, at two o'clock, afternoon. Concluded with prayer. 1723. Pliiladeljyhia, September the 18^/i, 1723. The Synod met according to appointment, uhi j)ostpreces sederunt, (Mr. Jones being moderator, i^ro te?npore, and Mr. Cross clerk.) Ministers present : Messrs. Daniel McGill, Malachi Jones, Jedidiah Andrews, James Anderson, George Gillespie, Hugh Conn, David Evans, William Stew- art, Henry Hook, Robert Cross, Thomas Evans, Alexander Hutchinson, Jona- than Dickinson, John Pierson, Robert Laing. Elders : Messrs. John Budd, John Gardner, James Abraham, Robert Wil- son, David Evans, Esq'r., Peter Bushel. Ministers absent : Messrs. Thomson, Orme, Moses Dickinson, Webb, Pumry, Gelston, Tennent, Morgan, Davis, Bradner, Philips, Lamb. Adjourned till eight o'clock to-morrow morning. 19 dai/. At eight o'clock, according to ajppointment, post preces sederunt, qui supra. Mr. Bradner, Mr. Orme, and Mr. Webb, giving reasons of their absence by letter, their reasons were sustained. Messrs. James Anderson, Hugh Conn, George Gillespie, and Robert Cross, being put upon the Leet in order to the choice of a moderator, Mr. James An- derson was chosen, and Mr. Cross was chosen clerk. Ordered, That the minutes of the last Synod be read. Mr. Thomson, the moderator of the last Synod, being absent by reason of sickness, Mr. Andrews opened the Synod by preaching a synodical sermon from Prov. xi. 30. Messrs. Jedidiah Andrews, Jonathan Dickinson, Daniel McGill, Hugh Conn, Robert Cross, with the moderator, are appointed for a committee for bills and overtures ; and it is recommended to all the rest of the members of the Synod to attend upon the said committee as they can and see cause. Mr. Malachi Jones, and Mr. David Evans, dissent from appointing any com- mittee for bills and overtures. Mr. Jonathan Dickinson appointed to preach to-morrow night, Mr. Stewart next Sabbath in the forenoon, Mr. Hutchinson in the afternoon, and Mr. Cross at night. Agreed that the committee for bills and overtures be also a committee for the fund. Mr. Jones and Mr. Pierson appointed to revise the Presbytery book of New Castle ; and Mr. Gillespie and Mr. Stewart that of Long Island. The Presby- tery book of Philadelphia was forgot to be brought hither. It being inquired what collections were made for the fund, it was found that Messrs. Jones and Anderson have done somewhat in that affair, as likewise the congregation at Newark, per Mr. Jonathan Dickinson, which they are ordered to deliver to the committee of the fund. And the rest of the ministers having given their reasons why they brought no collections, the same were sustained ; and it is recommended to all the members of the Synod to use their diligence to bring collections to the next Synod. Ordered, That the commission of the Synod do bring in an account of all their proceedings to-morrow morning. The Synod having inquired what was done in the affair relating to Mr. Wal- ton, found that Mr. Pumry did not go to Newark as appointed, by reason of sickness, as likewise that Mr. Walton, (without any authority,) read his ac- knowledgment and absolved himself. Upon which the Synod, having con- sidered the whole affair, put it to vote whether the suspension was taken off, 76 MINUTES OF THE [1723. and it was carried in the negative. And the Synod does further appoint the Presbytery of Long Island, together with Mr. Jonathan Dickinson, Mr. Morgan, and Mr. Pierson, to be a committee to transact in the whole ail'air relating to Mr. Walton, and to remove or continue the suspension as they shall see cause. Adjourned to three o'clock, post meridiem. Hora tertia post meridiem, post preces sederunt, qui supra. The Synod approves of the conduct of the committee in absolving Mr. Hook. Messrs. Hugh Conn, John Orrae, and William Stewart, fulfilled their ap- pointments with respect to Virginia. The Presbytery of New Castle having referred a case to the Synod with re- spect to Mr. Kobert Laing, upon whom they passed the censures of rebuke, sus- pension, and deposition, for violating the Lord's day, by washing himself in a creek, and for his indiscreet carriage to the Presbytery at the time of his re- buke, the Synod, after mature deliberation upon that affair, with the concurring circumstances, particularly Mr. Laing's indisposition at that time, and expecta- tion of service from that action, do judge those censures of suspension and de- position were too severe, and do therefore repeal them; although we can't but judge Mr. Laing guilty of several very unbecoming imprudencies, worthy of re- buke, relating to that affair. Mr. Robert Cross and Mr. Thomas Evans, mem- bers of that Presbytery, did not agree to the sentence of deposition when it was passed. A letter from the people of Virginia being read, the consideration of it was deferred till to-morrow morning. The committee appointed to meet at eight o'clock to-morrow morning. Adjourned till nine o'clock, ante meridiem, to-morrow. 20 day. Hora nona ante meridiem, sederunt qui sitpra. The affair of Virginia reassumed. The Synod having seriously considered said affair, do appoint Mr. Hugh Conn, Mr. John Orme, and Mr. William Stewart, each of them to preach four Lord's days before next Synod to that people, and it is recommended to Mr. Jonathan Dickinson to preach to said people before next Synod, some Sabbath days, and in case he goes thither, that then Mr. Pierson, Mr. Webb, and Mr. Moses Dickinson, do supply his congregation with preaching. And it is further Ordered, That Mr. Jones and Mr. Andrews write a letter to the people of Virginia. And it is further Ordered, That Mr. Hutchinson supply Mr. Stewart's con- gregation two Sabbaths during his absence in Virginia. And it is Ordered, That a letter of address be writ to the Governor of Vir- ginia, by Messrs. Dickinson and Cross, and that the said letter to the people of Virginia, and also this, be brought into the Synod for approbation. A letter from the ministers of Connecticut to this Synod, desiring a con- ference with some of the ministers of this Synod, in order to the healing of those divisions in the I'resbyterian congregation in New York, being read and maturely considered, it was ordered, that a letter be writ to the ministers of Connecticut in answer to theirs, to thank them for their concern about the interest of religion in New York, and their proposing a conference with some of us in order to heal the division in the Presbyterian congregation there, and to signify our hearty concurrence with their proposal. And withal to signify our apprehensions that the place proposed for a conference, is not so likely to answer the good intentions expressed in their letter as New York would be, and therefore to desire them to send some of their number to meet with some 1723.] SYNOD OF PHILADELPHIA. 77 of ours there, on the twenty-third of October next. Messrs. Andrews, Dickin- son, Morgan, Philips, Cross, and McGill, appointed to meet the said minis- ters at New York, at the time before mentioned, and are empowered to act in ■ the name and with the full power of the Synod, in the affair proposed. But if the said Connecticut ministers decline coming to New York at the time mentioned, the aforementioned members of the Synod are empowered to meet them at any other time and place for the said purpose, as they shall thmk reasonable. And if the good ends proposed, relating to New York, be at the conference happily accomplished, the Synod recommends it to those of their members afore appointed for said conference, to treat with said minis- ters of Connecticut about an union with us, and empower them to concert and conclude upon any methods that may conduce to that end. Mr. McGill and Mr. Conn appointed to write the abovesaid letter. Adjourned till three o'clock, post merid. Concluded with prayer. Horh tertia, post merid. sederunt qui supra. The Synod according to an overture of the committee, resolved themselves into an interloquitur, to consider a case of conscience proposed by George Williamson, with respect to his call to the ministry, and after having heard the same, desired a further consideration of it till to-morrow morninf. Adjourned till eight o'clock to-morrow morning. 21s< day. Horci octava, ante merid. sederunt qui supra. The affair of said George Williamson reassumed. The ministers of the Synod having seriously and deliberately considered the above case, do, neyyiine contradicente, agree in judgment, that the said person has not any regular call that way ; for though we are satisfied as to his piety and godly life, yet we think he wants necessary qualifications required in the word of God for a gospel minister, and therefore advise him to continue in the vocation wherein he is called, and endeavour to be useful as a private Christian. The letter to the people of Virginia was read and approved. The Presbytery book of Long-Island revised and approved. The Presbytery book of New Castle revised and approved. The commission of the Synod having rendered an account of their acting in the name of the Synod, it was approved. Adjourned till four o'clock, post merid. Bora tertia, i^ost merid. sederunt qui supi'a. A letter to the Governor of Virginia was read and approved. Upon a supplication from the congregation of Tree-Dyffrin, for some thing from the fund, it was overtured by the committee, that five pounds be given to said people, which overture was approved by the Synod. From a like supplication from the people of Octararo and Hanover, it was overtured that three pounds be given to each of them ; this overture was agreed" to; as likewise to give three pounds to Mrs. Wilson, and one pound to Mr. Andrews for recording. Messieurs Jones, Andrews, Anderson, Dickinson, Cross, and Evans, to be the commission of the Synod with the same power as formerly. Ordered, that the minutes be revised by the commission of the Synod. Upon reading the list of ministers the Synod found, to their great grief, that Mr. McNish was dead. Adjourned till the third Wednesday of September next, and then to meet at Philadelphia, at two o'clock, afternoon. Concluded with prayer. 78 MINUTES OF THE [1724. 1724. rhiladdphia, Sej^fenn ,.' IGth, 1724. The Synod met according to appointment, nhi jMut jrreces sederunt Ministers : Messrs. Malachi Jones, Jedidiah Andrews, James Anderson, George (xillespie, Hugh Conn, David Evans, Henry Hook, Robert Cross, John Bradner, Thomas Evans, Alexander Hutchinson, John Pierson, John Orme, ]lobert Laing, Thomas Craighead, John Thomson, Moses Dickinson, Samuel Puiiiry. Elders : IMessrs. John Budd, John Gardner, James Parry, Abraham Golder, Peter Bushell, John Kale, Enoch Armitage. Ministers absent: Messrs. Jonathan Dickinson, Willi n Stewart, Joseph Webb, Joseph Morgan, Samuel Gelston, William Tennent. Mr. Anderson opened the Synod by preaching a sermon upon 2 Cor. v. 20. Mr. George Gillespie was chosen moderator, and Mr. Roi)ert Cross, clerk. Adjourned till to-morrow morning at eight o'claok- Concluded with prayer. Die VI mo. at eight o^ clock, ante merid. jwst preces hjderunt qui supra. INIr. Webb and Mr. Tennent gave by letters the reasons of their absence, which were sustained. Ordered, That the minutes of the last Synod be read. Mr. Pumry and Mr. Thomson gave the reasons of their absence last year, which were sustained. Masters Andrews, Anderson, Thomson, Pierson, Cross, Jones, and Conn, were appointed to be a committee for the fund, and for any other business the Synod shall recommend to them. Mr. Moses Dickinson appointed to preach on Friday night. Messrs. Pumry and Bradner appointed to revise the Presbytery book of New Castle. Masters Orme and Hook that of Long-Island. The Presbytery book of Philadelphia was wanting by reason of Mr. Jonathan Dickinson's absence. It being inquired what collections were made for the fund, it was found that Messrs. Andrews, Anderson, Thomson, and Evans, had brought collections, and they were ordered to deliver them to the committee for the fund. And the rest of the ministers having given their reasons why they brought no col- lections, the same were sustained. And it is recommended to all the members of the Synod, to use their utmost diligence to bring collections to the next Synod. The Synod having inquired what the committee did on the affair of Mr. Walton, did approve of their conduct and management, the account whereof is as foUoweth : "New York, October 25, 1723. At a meeting of the com- mittee of the Synod, relating to the affair of Mr. Walton. Present, Messrs. Joseph Morgan, James Anderson, Samuel Pumry, Robert Cross, and Jonathan Dickinson. " Mr. Morgan chosen iModerator, and j\Ir. Dickinson, clerk. ''After deliberate consideration of Mr. AValtoii's case, and particular hear- ing several scandalous allegations against him, by letters and otherwise, and his answers unto them, the question was put, whether from what we had heard we had just grounds to take off the suspension laid on him by the Synod, and wc agreed in the negative nemine contradicintc. *' Ordered, That Mr. Morgan write to the people of East-Chester, where he has lately preached, informing them of this our conclusion. " Resolved, That the committee of the Synod convene to transact what shall appear further needful in the case of Mr. Walton, when Messrs. Ander- 1724.] SYNOD OF PHILADELPHIA. 79 son, Pumry, and Cross, shall give notice to the other members of the com- mittee. " The moderator being desired by the committee, after reading the above ' minutes to Mr. Walton, to give him an admonition, to use more care, watch- fulness, and circumspection for the future, Mr. Walton did not only exclaim against our conclusion, and declare he never would have any more concern with any of our judicatories, but also refused to hear any exhortation ; telling us (hat he did not want any exhortation from us, and that he always thought that it was all an intrigue, but was willing to try us once more, and in an angry manner rushed away from us." Mr. Orme fulfilled the appointment of the Synod with respect to his preach- ing in Virginia ; Mr. Conn did not, and gave his reasons, which were sus- tained ; Mr. Stewart did not, the reasons not known, he being absent. The Synod approves of the conduct of the committee appointed to meet with the ministers from Connecticut, to confer about the affairs of the Pres- byterian congregation in New York, though their endeavours proved unsuc- cessful. The Synod having received a letter from George Williamson, expressing some dissatisfaction with the judgment of the Synod in his case last year, they appointed Mr. Andrews and Mr. Thomson to write a letter to him in answer to his, and bring it into the Synod for approbation. A letter from the people of Virginia being read and considered, the Synod have referred that whole affair to the Presbytery of New Castle, and orders a letter to be writ to said people, by Messrs. Pierson and Pumry, and to bring it to the Synod for approbation. Messieurs Jones, Andrews, Anderson, Jonathan Dickinson, Cross, and Evans, continued to be the commissioners of the Synod, with the same power as formerly. Upon calling the roll it was found that Mr. McGill died since our last Synod. Mr. Bradner having desired that he might be joined to the Presbytery of Long-Island, and offered his reasons, they were sustained, and he was ordered to join with said Presbytery. Ordered, That the committee for the fund, &c. meet at three o'clock, j)ost merid. Adjourned till five o'clock, post merid. Hora quintd, post merid. post preces sederunt qui svpra. Mr. Moses Dickinson gave the reasons of his absence last year, which were sustained. Messrs. Andrews and Thomson brought in the letter to be sent to George Williamson, which was approved. Ordered, That the letter to Virginia be brought in at our next sederunt. The case proposed by Mr. Webb, being considered by the committee for overtures, they made this overture upon it, viz : Overtured, that whereas the case is delivered in such general and doubtful terms that we cannot judge of it, the consideration thereof be left to the Presbytery of Philadelphia ; which overture was approved by the Synod. Mr. Tennent having written to the Synod for some supply out of the fund, his request was denied, and Mr. Moses Dickinson and Mr. John Budd ordered to write a letter to him giving the reasons thereof, and to bring it in to-morrow morning. The overture of the committee, with reference to a supplication from some of the inhabitants of Perth Amboy, desiring sermons sometimes, being referred to the Presbytery of Philadelphia, was approved by the Synod, and Mr. An- 80 MINUTES OF THE [1725. dcrson was appointed to write a letter to thenij and bring it in to-morrow morning. The consideration of a letter from Kent county, as likewise of Mr. Peter Finch'.s testimonials, deferred till to-morrow morning. Ordered, That the committee for the fund meet to-morrow morning, at eight of the clock. Adjourned till ten o'clock to-morrow morning. Die 18mt). Hord dccimu, ante meridiem, sederunt qui siqjra. The letter to be sent to Virginia was brought in and approved A letter to be sent to Perth Amboy brought in and approved. A letter to Mr. Tennent brought in and approved. The affair of Mr. Finch and Kent county reassumed. The Synod having road and considered Mr. Peter Finch his testimonials, do approve them, and do recommend him for further advice and direction to the Presbytery of New Castle, and appoint Mr. Andrews to write a letter in answer to that from the people of Kent county. The overture of the committee to give five pounds to j\Irs. Wilson, as like- wise the overture to give three pounds to the people of Broad Creek, were approved. The consideration of the Synod's meeting by delegates deferred to the next sederunt. Ordered, That the Presbytery books be brought in. Adjourned till three o'clock, posi meridiem. Hord tertid, post vieridiem, sederunt qui sujira. The Presbytery books of New York and New Castle brought in and ap- proved. The affair relating to the Synod's meeting by delegates was taken into con- sideration, and after reasoning upon the matter, it was at last put to the vote thus : Appear by delegates or not ? And it was carried in the aifirmative ; and likewise concluded by vote, that the Presbytery of New Castle and Philadel- phia do yearly delegate the half of their members to the Synod, and the Pres- bytery of Long Island two of their number. And it is further ordered, that all the members of the Synod do attend every third year ; and that, if in the interim, any thing of moment do occur, whereby the presence of all the mem- bers may be thought necessary, they, (upon notice given by the commission of the Synod,) shall carefully attend notwithstanding the above delegation. And it is further agreed, that every member of the Synod may attend as formerly if they see cause. Appointed, That the next Synod meet at Philadelphia, upon the third Wed- nesday of September next, at two of the clock in the afternoon. Concluded with prayer. 1725. Philadelphia, Septemher 15, 1725. The Synod met by their delegates according to appointment, Ubi poxt preees sederunt Ministers delegated : Messrs. George Gillespie, David Evans, Henry Ilook, Joseph Houston, Adam Boyd, ]Malachi Jones, Jedidiah Andrews, Jonathan Dickinson, Moses Dickinson, Samuel Gelston, William Stewart. Ministers occasionally present : Messrs. James Anderson, John Thomson, John l*ierson, llobert Laing, Noyes I'arris. Elders : Messrs. John Gardner, James Abraham, Thomas Iliott, Joseph Bradon, .Tohn Hall, John Snowden, Enoch Arniitage. Mr. Gillespie, the moderator of the last Synod, opened the Synod by preach- ing a sermon from Col. iv. 17. 1725.] SYNOD OF PHILADELPHIA. 81 Masters Thomas Craighead, and William Tennent, delegated ministers, were absent. Mr. Craighead sent the reasons of his absence by letter, which were sus- tained. Mr. David Evans was chosen moderator, and Mr. Andrews clerk. The last year's minutes appointed to be read. Mr. Jonathan Dickinson, and Mr. Samuel Gelston, gave the reasons of their absence last year, which were sustained. Masters Andrews, Anderson, Thomson, Pierson, Jones, and Jonathan Dickinson, appointed to be a committee for the fund, and any other business the Synod shall recommend to them. Mr. Hook appointed to preach on Friday night. Messrs. Jonathan Dickinson and Pierson appointed to revise the Presby- tery book of New Castle. Messrs. Hook and Boyd that of Long Island. Messrs. Grillespie and Houston that of Philadelphia. The revisers ordered to bring in the Presbytery books to-morrow afternoon. Ordered, That those which have brought collections for the fund do deliver them to the committee for the fund. Adjourned till eight o'clock to-morrow morning. 16 day^ at eirjht o'clock, post meridiem, sedemnt qui s^ipra. The minute that the revisers bring in the Presbytery books in the afternoon continued. Messrs. Jones, Andrews, Anderson, Jonathan Dickinson, Cross, and Evans, continued to be the commission of the Synod with the same power as formerly. Mr. Samuel Davis died since last Synod. Ordered, That the committee for the fund meet at three o'clock, post meridiem. The Synod having received a letter from Mr. John Walton, desiring us to appoint the Presbytery of Long Island to be a committee to judge in his case, it was ordered, that an extract of the minutes of the Synod, relating to his affair, be sent to him. And it was further ordered, at the desire of the Pres- bytery of Long Island, that this affair be left as before, viz. to the Presbytery of Long Island, together with Messrs. Morgan, Dickinson, and Pierson, and that the said members have a copy of the said extract of minutes, to dispose of as they shall see cause. Mr. Stewart being questioned touching his not going to Virginia according to appointment, the year before last, he alleged for excuse bodily indisposi- tion, which excuse was accepted by the Synod ; and, as to his absence last year from the Synod, he brought his wife's indisposition for a reason, which was sustained. Adjourned till five o'clock, ^os< meridiem. At five o'clock, post meridiem, sederunt, dr. There being, according to the report of the committee for the fund, by col- lections and interest money brought in, the sum of ten pounds and three pence half-penny, there was given by the Synod to Mrs. Wilson five pounds ; to Octorara two pounds ; to Goshen two pounds.; to Mr. Anderson, on account of Mr. Finch, one pound ; to the door-keeper the remainder, viz. seven shil- lings and three pence half-penny. The Presbytery books were brought in and approved. Appointed, That the next Synod meet at Philadelphia, upon the third Wed- nesday of September next, at two o'clock, afternoon. Concluded with prayer. 11 82 MINUTES OF TILE [1726. 1796. PhiladelpMa, September 21, 1726. The Synod mot by their delegates according to appointment. Lbi pout preccs sederunt Ministers delegated : Messrs. Malachi Jones, Thomas Craighead, Jedidiah Andrews, Eobert Cross, John Thomson, David Evans, Joseph Webb, Alex- ander Hutchinson, Noyes Parris, Thomas Evans. Elders delegated : Charles Hofty, William Blair, John Snowden, Alexan- der MuUestou, James Abraham, Samuel Farriu, John Bravur, David Evans, Esquire. Masters Joseph Morgan, William Tennent, Hugh Conn, and Robert Stewart, delegated ministers, were absent; and Mr. William Tennent was ab- sent also last year. Masters James Anderson, Joseph Houston, and Samuel Gelston, were members occasionally present. Mr. Thomas Craighead was chosen moderator, and Mr. Webb clerk. Adjourned till to-morrow morning, eight o'clock 22 dnij, at eiylit o'clock, A. M. Post preccs scdcnmt qui supra. Mr. David Evans, the moderator of the last Synod, opened the Synod by preaching a sermon from Acts v. 42. Ordered, That the last year's minutes be read. Messrs. Jones, Andrews, Craighead, Anderson, Thomson, and Cross, ap- pointed to be a committee for the fund, and any other business the Synod shall recommend to them. Mr. Houston appointed to preach on Friday night. Mr. Thomas Evans and Mr. Alexander Hutchinson appointed to revise the Presbytery book of Long Island; Mr. Noyes Parris and Mr. Joseph Webb appointed to revise the Presbytery book of New Castle. The Presbytery book of Philadelphia was not brought to the Synod. Inquiry being made who had made any collections for the fund, it was found that these following had done it, Mr. Malachi Jones, Mr. llobert Cross, Mr. John Thomson, and Mr. David Evans. Ordered, That the ministers here present should represent to the several Presbyteries, that there be yearly something done for the fund as was formerly appointed. It appearing that the commission of the Synod had done something relating to the fund. Ordered, That they bring in an account of it to the Synod to- morrow morning. The committee for the fund appointed to meet at three o'clock post mcrid. together with the commissioners of the Synod. A reference from the Presbytery of Long-Island was brought in, and the papers relating to it were read, and the consideration of that affair deferred till next sederunt. Adjourned till five o'clock, j^ost merid. At jive o'clock, P. M. p)ost preces sederunt qui supra. Ordered, That the Presbytery books that are here, bo- brought in by the members appointed to revise them, to-morrow morning. The commissioners of the Synod brought in an account to the Synod of what tlicy had done respecting the change of a mortgage from Joseph Harri- son, wliich was approved. Ordered, That the affair referred to the Synod by the Presbytery of Long.- Island, be referred to the committee for an overture upon it, to be brought in next sederunt. 1726.] SYNOD OP PHILADELPHIA. 83 A repre^ntation being made from the Presbytery of New Castle, of the conduct of Mr. Gilbert Teunent, respecting his leaving of New Castle, desiring the judgment of the Synod in that affair ; it was concluded that the said Mr. I'ennent's steps were too hasty and unadvised in several particulars ; and ac- cordingly ordered the moderator to reprove him, and withal exhort him unto more caution and deliberation in his future proceedings. Mr. William Tennent, by his son, offered the reasons of his absence, which, were sustained. The committee appointed to meet to-morrow morning at eight o'clock. Adjourned till ten o'clock to-morrow morning. 23cZ day at ten d clock, A. M. postjyreces sederunt quisupra. The Presbytery books that were here were brought in and approved. The committee met according to appointment, and brought in overtures upon the affair of New York congregation, (which was referred to the Synod by the Presbytery of Long-Island,) which overture, (after reading and mature delibe- ration had upon them,) were unanimously approved, and ordered to be trans- cribed and inserted in our minutes. The overtures are as followeth : Overtured, That Dr. Nicholls' conduct, (as represented to us by the elders and representatives of the Presbyterian congregation of New York,) appears unjustiiiable and unbecoming the gospel; and we cannot but judge it to be so in the following respects, (until we are otherwise informed,) viz : 1. In his disposing of the money sent from Great Britain for the payment of the Church's debt, without consulting the representatives, who are equally concerned with him in the affair. 2. In refusing to cancel or deliver up the bonds paid with the public money. 3. In exacting interest in such a rigorous manner, for money laid out for promoting the interest of Christ, as he at first professed. 4. In disregarding the Presbytery, and not attending the Synod in the affair of the representation, when he was apprized that the affair was referred to the Synod. 5. In applying to Boston for a minister without the concurrence of Presby- tery or Synod, or the elders and representatives of the congregation. Overtured further. That a letter be wrote to Dr. Nicholl, expressing the mind of the Synod fully with respect to his conduct. And a letter to the ministers of Boston not to countenance the Doctor in this matter, until he give satisfaction. And a letter to the elders and representatives of New York con- gregation. Further overtured, That the Synod, (as things now appear,) doth judge it to be the -duty of Dr. Nicholl, to give such satisfaction to the said representatives in the affair of the public money and bonds, as will appear satisfactory in the judgment of the Synod or the commissioners of the Synod. Until which time the Synod cannot concur with him in any of his endeavours for obtaining a minister. Overtured, That the Synod are willing to contribute their best endeavours for the good of the congregation of New York, and (in case of Mr. Anderson's removal,) take care to provide supplies for them while vacant, and provide a pastor for them as soon as Providence may open a door. And for this purpose do recommend them to the care of the Presbytery of Long-Island, to which they belong, together with such correspondents from the Presbytery of Phila- delphia as may be thought needful. Overtured, That Mr. Anderson, (according to his desire,) be left at his liberty to remove from New York, and to accept of a call from any other peo- ple, as Providence may determine ; and the congregation of New York be at 84 MINUTES OF THE [1726. liberty to call anotbor minister, (in an orderly way,) as soon as tbcy sball pay up wbat arrears appear justly due to Mr. Anderson. Overtured, That a letter be wrote to Mr. Smith in answer to his to the Synod, letting him know, that the Synod will not remit that money for which Mr. McNish's estate stands obliged, and that he take care about it; and likewise a letter be wrote to 3Ir. William Tennent, of the same purport. Ordered, That Messrs. Jones and Andrews write the letter to the ministers of Boston ; Messrs. Thomson and David Evans to Dr. NichoU ; Messrs. Thomas Evans and Webb to the congregation of New York; and Messrs. Gelston and Parris, those to Mr. Tennent and Mr. Joseph Smith, and that they be brought into the Synod to-raorrow morning. Adjourned till three o'clock, P. M. At 3 o'clock, P. 31. Post 2yreces sedenmt qui svpra. An appeal from some members of Mr. Houston's congregation being presented to the Synod, and all papers relating to that affair being read, as also all that the parties had to say patiently heard, the consideration thereof was deferred till to-morrow morning. Adjourned till eight o'clock to-morrow morning. 24'>'eces sederunt qui supra. The Presbytery of Philadelphia having referred the consideration of an appeal, from sundry persons excommunicated by Mr. Jones, to the Synod, the Synod have deferred the same till Monday morning at ten o'clock, in order that Mr. Jones may have notice thereof; also ordered, that the appellant give Mr. Jones an account of this minute this day. The Synod having considered the affair of the people that appealed to them from the Presbytery of New Castle, came to this conclusion, that the minutes of the last year's Synod with respect to them be complied with ; and further agree that they shall build no other meeting-house in another place besides that chosen by them, without the approbation of the Presbytery or Synod first obtained. Adjourned till eight o'clock on Monday morning. 2o(Z day, at eight ddoch, A. M. post preces sederunt qui supra. Letters came to the Synod from Mrs. Catharine Wood, who stands excom- municated by the Baptist Church in Philadelphia, complaining against the censure of that Church, and desiring the Synod to relieve her ; which being considered by an interloquitur of the Synod, it was agreed that a letter should be writ to that church, desiring a conference between three or four of them and 92 MINUTES OF THE [1729. as many of us relating to that affair ', which letter being wrote and delivered, and no answer from them yet come, the Synod agreed to leave the considera- tion of any answer that might be brought, and what else may occur about that matter, to the management of the commission of the Synod, the time of the Synod's sitting being near expired. The Synod having received several letters from sundry persons at New York, full of complaints against diverse persons, without timeously advertising said persons thereof, for ought that we know, that they might take measures to justify themselves, the Synod would take no cognizance of these complaints by reason of the ab.sence of the parties complained of, but remit them to the Presbytery, which the congregation shall be annexed unto by their own choice, to inspect into these matters, and withal do earnestly request all parties there to lay aside all heats and animosities, and endeavour for peace as much as pos- sible. In the mean time the Synod allows the complainants, viz : Masters Blake, Ingliss, and Liddell, to join with any neighbouring congregation of our communion, as to sacramental communion, until said differences are happily removed. And it is the advice of the Synod, that the contending parties there about accounts, do choose suitable persons to adjust and settle them. And for the demand of Mr. Anderson of money, that he says is due to him, the Synod do earnestly recommend it to the congregation to inspect into that affair, Mr. Andenson being willing to I'cfer his demand to the judgment of any prudent indifferent persons, that themselves shall choose, which in the judgment of the Synod is so fair on his side, that they cannot but think it must needs lead to an end of that di"fference. Adjourned till three o'clock, P. M. At three o^doch, P. 31. jiost preces sederunt qui supra. Six persons that were excommunicated by the Rev. Mr. Malachi Jones, namely, George Renock and his wife, Robert Poke, William Rcnock and his wife, and Henry Jameson, appealing to the Presbytery of Philadelphia, from the sentence of excommunication passed against them, and the Presbytery having referred that matter to the determination of the Synod ; after hearing two of the appellants and two of Mr. Jones's church, (whereof one was an elder,) declaring what they knew of the offences charged against the appel- lants, as also read and considered the extract of the minutes of the excommu- nication ; the Synod, after due deliberation, came to this conclusion : That whereas the appellants do freely own, in their own names, and in the names of them that are absent, their breaking away from the communion of ]\Ir. Jones's church, without previous application made for certificates of dismis- sion, was a disorder and a fault for which they are very sorry, and do ask for- giveness of God and all those that they did offend by this disorderly step ; the Synod does appoint, that upon -their acknowledging this their offence, by a writing read or offered to be read in 3Ir. Jones's congregation, the said appel- lants shall be absolved from the aforesaid sentence, and so be free to join with what congregation they please. Adjourned till the third Wednesday of September next, and then to meet at Philadelphia at 11 o'clock, A. M. Concluded with prayer. 1729. September llth, 1729. The Synod met according to appointment, uhi post preces sederunt Ministers : Messrs. Jedidiah Andrews, Thomas Craighead, John Thom- son, James Anderson, John Pierson, Samuel Gelston, Joseph Houston, Gil- bert Tennent, Adam Boyd, Jonathan Dickinson, John Bradner, Hutchinson, Thomas Evans, Daniel Elmer, Stevenson, William Tennent, Hugh Conn, John Ormc, George Gillespie, John Willson. 1729.] SYNOD OF PHILADELPHIA. 93 Elders : Messrs. John Budd, William Blair, John Allen, James Galbreath, Moses Rolf, John Thomson, John Devor, Solomon Carpenter, William Wil- liams, Edmund Crapper, Jonathan Fithian, George Renocks, John Cross. Ministers absent: Masters Joseph Morgan, Pemberton, Cross, Webb, Pumry, Stewart, and Hook. Mr. Andrews opened the Synod with a sermon on Col. iii. 17. Mr. Anderson chosen moderator, and Mr. Thomas Evans clerk. Adjourned till eight o'clock to-morrow morning. 18 day, at eight o'doch, A. M. post preces sederunt qui snpra. Ordered, That the minutes of the last Synod be read. In calling over the roll we found that since our last the Rev. Mr. Malachi Jones, heretofore a member with us, and the Rev. Mr. Archibald McCook, were departed this life. The Synod inquiring into the reasons of the absence of Mr. Parris, were informed that he is disorderly withdrawn, and gone to New England, under the imputation of scandal, and it is ordered, that Mr. Dickinson do write a letter to Boston relating the circumstances of said affair. Masters Andrews, Dickinson, Thomson, Pierson, Craighead, Conn, Budd, and the moderator, be a committee for the fund, or any other business that the Synod shall recommend unto them. Masters Houston and Bradner ordered to revise the Presbytery book of Phi- ladelphia, and Masters Gilbert Tennent and Elmer to revise the Presbytery book of New Castle. The Presbytery book of Long Island was absent. Inquiry being made who had brought collections for the fund, it was found that the members have been generally defective in that matter, and it was re- commended that the appointment in reference to the raising collections for the fund, be carefully observed for the future, and that the Synod's letter relating to it be read yearly in the congregations within our bounds as formerly. Ordered, That the committee for the fund meet at three o'clock, P. M. to- gether with the commission of the Synod. Masters Andrews, Cross, Dickinson, Pierson, Craighead, and Gillespie, appointed to be the commission of the Synod for the ensuing year. The affair relating to the confession under our consideration since our last, is referred to the committee to draw up an overture upon it. Inquiry being made with respect to Mrs. Catharine Wood, it was found that endeavours had been used in order to accommodate said affair, but to little purpose hitherto; and the said affair is wholly left to the management of any Presbytery to which she shall apply, as they shall see cause. And the better to enable the said Presbytery to conduct themselves in it, the Synod, having been informed that her old friends, the Baptists, say that they have nothing to object against her, and that any other society are at liberty to receive her, if they shall see cause, they do judge that she is virtually released from the cen- sure she laid under, and therefore that she may be received as a member of a Christian church, if the differences between her husband and her were accom- modated, for any thing that appears to them. The Synod being informed that our former minute relating to arrears claimed by Mr. Anderson from the congregation at New York, was not complied with, they do recommend the said affair to the inspection of the Presbytery of Philadelphia. Adjourned till nine o'clock to-morrow morning. 19 day, at nine o'clock, A. M. post preces sederunt qui supra. Ordered, That the minutes of our last sederunt be read. The Rev. Mr. John Willson coming providentially into these parts, signify- 94 MINUTES OF THE [1729 ing his desire of being admitted as a member of the Synod, his credentials being read, and the Synod satisfied therewith, he was unanimously received. The couiniittee brought in an overture upon the affair of the confession, which, after long debating upon it, was agreed upon in h;vc verba. Although tlie Synod do not claim or pretend to any authority of imposing our faith upon other men's consciences, but do profess our just dissatisfaction with, and abhorrence of such impositions, and do utterly disclaim all legisla- tive power and authority in the Church, being willing to receive one another as Christ has received us to the glory of God, and admit to fellowship in sacred ordinances, all such as we have grounds to believe Christ will at last admit to the kingdom of heaven, yet we are undoubtedly obliged to take care that the faith once delivered to the saints be kept jjure and uncorrupt among us, and so handed down to our posterity ; and do therefore agree that all the ministers of this Synod, or that shall hereafter be admitted into this Synod, shall declare their agreement in, and approbation of, the Confession of Faith, with the Larger and Shorter Catechisms of the Assembly of Divines at West- minster, as being in all the essential and necessary articles, good forms of sound words and systems of Christian doctrine, and do also adopt the said Confession and Catechisms as the confession of our faith. And we do also agree, that all the Presbyteries within our bounds shall always take care not to admit any candidate of the ministry into the exercise of the sacred function but what declares his agreement in opinion with all the essential and neces- sary articles of said Confession, either by subscribing the said Confession of Faith and Catechisms, or by a verbal declaration of their assent thereto, as such minister or candidate shall think best. And in case any minister of this Synod, or any candidate for the ministry, shall have any scruple with respect to any article or articles of said Confession or Catechisms, he shall at the time of his making said declaration declare his sentiments to the Presbytery or Synod, who shall, notwithstanding, admit him to the exercise of the ministry within our bounds, and to ministerial communion, if the Synod or Presbytery shall judge his scruple or mistake to be only about articles not essential and necessary in doctrine, worship, or government. But if the Synod or Presby- tery shall judge such ministers or candidates erronoous in essential and neces- sary articles of faith, the Synod or Presbytery shall declare them uncapable of communion with them. And the Synod do solemnly agree, that none of us will traduce or use any opprobrious terms of those that differ from us in these extra-essential and not necessary points of doctrine, but treat them with the same friendship, kindness, and brotherly love, as if they had not differed from us in such sentiments. Mr. Morgan sent a letter to the Synod giving his reasons for his absence, which were sustained. Adjourned till three o'clock, P. M. At three o'clock, P. 31. jjost j)rcccs sederunt qui supra. Ordered, That the minutes of our last sederunt be read. All the ministers of this Synod now present, except one that declared him- self not prepared, viz. Masters Jedidiah Andrews, Thomas Craighead, John Thomson, James Anderson, John Pierson, Samuel (ielston, Joseph Houston, Gilbert Teuneut, Adam ]^'»yd, Jonathan Dickinson, John ]}radner, Alexan- der Hutchinson, Thomas Fvans, Hugh Steveui50n, William Tennent, Hugh Conn, George Gillespie, and John \\'illson, after proposing all the scruples that any of them had to make against any articles and expressions in the Confession of Faith and Larger and Shorter Catechisms of the Assembly of Divines at AVestminster, have unanimously agreed in the solution of those scruples, and in declaring the said Confession and Catechisms to be the con- 1729.] SYNOD OF PHILADELPHIA. 95 fession of their faith, excepting only some clauses in the twentieth and twenty- third chapters, concerning which clauses the Synod do unanimously de- clare, that they do not receive those articles in any such sense as to suppose - the civil magistrate hath a controlling power over Synods with respect to the exercise of their ministerial authority ; or power to persecute any for their religion, or in any sense contrary to the Protestant succession to the throne of Great Britain. The Synod observing that unanimity, peace, and unity, which appeared in all their consultations and determinations relating to the affair of the Confes- sion, did unanimously agree in giving thanks to God in solemn prayer and praises. A supplication from the congregation of New London, as also another sup- plication from the congregation of Upper Elk, being read and heard, the con- sideration of them was delayed till our next. Ordered, That Masters William Tennent, and Gilbert Tennent, Willson, and Elmer, be a committee to inspect into the business between Mr. Bradner and Samuel Nealy, which was transmitted from the committee to the Synod. Adjourned till nine o'clock, to-morrow morning. 20th day at nine o^ clock, A. 31. post preces sederunt qui supra. Ordered, That the minutes of our last sederunt be read. The affair of New London and the congregation of Upper Elk was reassumed, and after a long debate and deliberate consideration upon it, the Synod agreed to abate half a mile of the distance from the meeting-house of Upper Elk, under which they were limited by a former act of the Synod for building of a new meeting-house. Application from the people of "Wallakill being presented to the Synod by their commissioner, John McNeal, representing their request of supplies of preaching among them, they were recommended to the care of the Presbytery of Philadelphia. Adjourned till ten o'clock, Monday morning. 22c? day, at ten o'clock, A. M. post preces sederunt qui supra. Ordered, That the minutes of our last sederunt be read. The committee appointed to inspect into the affair between Mr. Bradner and Samuel Nealy, brought in their determination upon it, which was approven by the Synod, and is as follows. Whereas the reverend Synod appointed a com- mittee to hear and offer an overture upon an affair in debate between Samuel Nealy and his wife on the one part, and John Carpenter, belonging to Mr. Bradner's charge, on the other part, issuing in the said Nealy and his wife their exclusion from sealing ordinances ; it is humbly offered, that according to what appears to said committee, it is by them resolved, that the Rev. Mr. Bradner release said Nealy and his wife from the censure they are laid under, they returning cheerfully and fully to their duty, and that mutual amity and Christian affection be exercised towards each other by all parties concerned with relation to this affair. A motion being made to know the Synod's judgment about the directory, they gave their sense of that matter in the following words, viz : The Synod do unanimously acknowledge and declare, that they judge the directory for worship, discipline, and government of the church, commonly annexed to the Westminster Confession, to be agreeable in substance to the word of God, and founded thereupon, and therefore do earnestly recommend the same to all their members, to be by them observed as near as circumstances will allow, and Christian prudence direct. Overtured That the Synod do bear their testimony against, and declare 96 MINUTES OF THE [1730. their great dissatisfaction at the religious law-suits that are maintainod among professors of religion, so contrary to that peace and love which the gospel requires, and the express direction of the Holy Ghost, 1 Cor. vi. 1, 2, 3, and consequently very much to the scandal of our holy profession. And that, therefore, the Synod do recommend to all the ministers withiu our bounds, to use their utmost endeavour to briug their several and respective congregations into a joint agreement to avoid to their utmost all unnecessary law-suits for the future, and to refer such differences as cannot be easily accommodated between the parties themselves, to some prudent, religious, and indifferent friends, if it may be of our own profession, mutually chosen by the contend- ing parties, or otherwise, as such society shall think best, to decide and deter- mine such differences. This overture was approved by the Synod nemine contradicente. Mr. Gelstou representing to the Synod, the desire of the congregation of New London to have indifferent men chosen for a perambulation in order to accommodate the situation of a meeting-house for them, which being put to vote, was carried in the negative. Upon which there was a protest presented against the proceeding of the Synod in this affair, signed by Robert Finney and James Muir. Adjoui-ned till three o'clock, P. M. At three o'clock, P. 31. Post 'preccs sederunt qui siqira. Ordered, That the minutes of the Synod be read. Adjourned till the third \Yednesday of September next, and then to meet a full Synod at Philadelphia, at eleven o'clock, ante meridiem. Concluded with prayer. 1730. The Synod met according to appointment, September IQih, 1730. Uhipostjyreces sederunt Ministers : Messrs. Jedidiah Andrews, Thomas Craighead, John Thom- son, James Anderson, John Pierson, Samuel Gelston, Joseph Houston, Wil- liam Tenuent, David Evans, Gilbert Tennent, Adam Boyd, Alexander Hutch- inson, Joseph Morgan, Daniel Elmer, Thomas Evans, Ebenezer Pemberton, Ebenezer Goold. Elders : IMessrs. John Budd, John Montgomery, James Turner, Robert Finney, "William Miller, James AVhitehead, Francis Alexander, William Brad- ford, Nathaniel Hazzard, Alexander White. Ministers absent : Messrs. (Voss, Dickinson, Conn, Orme, Stevenson, Stewart, Bradner, Webb, Pumry, Hook, and Wilson. Mr. William Tenuent chosen moderator, and Mr. Houston clerk. Mr. Anderson, the last moderator, opened the Synod with a sermon on 1 Tim. vi. 20. Ordered, That the minutes of the last Synod bo read. The reasons of Mr. Pemberton's absence last year sustained. Mr. Dickinson being absent there could be no account of his writing to Now England in relation to Mr. Parris his irregular withdrawing, according to the last year's appointment. Masters Andrews, Thomson, Pierson, Craighead, Anderson, and the mo- derator, appointed to be a committee for the fund, and for any other business that the Synod shall recommend unto them. Masters Boyd and Hutchinson ordered to revise the Pre-sbytery book of Philadelphia. The Presbytery book of New Castle not being filled up, was not brought. Inquiry being made who had brought collections for the fund, it was found 1730.] SYNOD OF PHILADELPHIA. 97 that Masters Gillespie, Pierson, Boyd, and Houston, had brought collections which are to be delivered to the committee for the fund. And it is agreed that . the collections for the fund be continued yearly. Masters Andrews, Cross, Dickinson, Pierson, Craighead, and Gillespie, ap- pointed to be the commissioners of the Synod for the year ensuing. ^ Ordered, That the commissioners of the Synod report what they have done since the last Synod, after the minutes are read. _ A letter from Mrs. Catharine Wood to the Synod ; the Synod refers the con- sideration of said letter to the committee of the Synod. The Presbytery of Philadelphia report, that what was ordered by the last Synod in relation to New York congregation and Mr. Anderson, is happily ac- commodated. Mr. Elmer desiring time last Synod to consider of the Synod's declaring to the Westminster Confession and Catechisms, &c. ; and Mr. Morgan and Mr. Pemberton being absent, do all now report that they have declared before the Presbytery, and desire that their names be inserted in our Synodical records. Ordered, That the committee meet to-morrow at eight o'clock, A. M. and the Synod at ten o'clock, ante merid. 17th day at ten o'clock, A. M. post preces sederunt qui supra. Ordered, That the minutes of the last sederunt be read. Mr. Hook and Mr. Webb sent their letters of excuse for their absence, which were sustained. Mr. Cross' letter of excuse for this year's absence was not sustained. Ordered, That Mr. Andrews write to Mr. Bradner, that the plain intent and meaning of the last year's minute, with respect to him and Samuel Nealy and his wife, was, that there should be no censure upon Nealy, for things past, but that Necdi/'s returning to his duty, was, his returning to a Christian deport- ment to Mr. Bradner as a minister of the gospel, and accordingly Mr. Brad- ner was to treat him. And it is the judgment of the Synod, that he the said Nealy, be received to communion unless new matter of scandal appear against him. ° . Upon the reading of our last year's minutes in relation to the situation of Mr. Gelston's meeting-house, that was represented to the Synod by several members of the New Castle Presbytery, that Mr. Gelston's people have not fulfilled theorder of the Synod as to the moving of their meeting-house, havino- entered their protest against the Synod's proceedings in relation thereunto! The Synod, after much discourse upon this affair, at last came to this resolu- tion, viz : that certain persons be appointed to perambulate the bounds and confines of Mr. Houston's and Mr. Gelston's congregations, and to make a representation of what discoveries they can make, in order to bring the matter of difference between those congregations to an amicable accommodation; and if Mr. Gelston's congregation will cordially encourage and support said per- sons appointed so to perambulate, and also submit to the judgment of the Synod in pursuance of said perambulation, well ; but if Mr. Gelston's congre- gation will either not encourage, support, and assist said perambulation, and do not agree and submit to the judgment of the Synod in pursuance of said perambulation, then the said congregation from thenceforth, shall not be es- teemed by this Synod as an orderly congregation, until they by testifying their repentance, give reasonable satisfaction to this Synod. And in this perambula- tion respect is to be had also to Mr. Boyd's congregation. Mr. David Evans having withdrawn from the Synod three years ago, upon a protest put in by him and some other brethren, declared his hearty concern for his withdrawal, and desired to be received as a member again. And he having proposed all the scruples he had to make about any articles of the 13 98 MINUTES OF THE [1730. Confession and Catechisms, &c. to the satisfaction of the Synod, and declared his adopting the Westminster Confession of Faith and Catechisms, agreeable to the last year's adopting act; he was unanimously received in as a member again j and for his ease is joined to the Presbytery of Philadelphia. Adjourned till five of the clock, post meridiem. At Jive of the clock, P. M. post preccs sederunt qui supra. Ordered, That the minutes of our last sederunt be read. Mr. John Budd and Mr. Edward Shippen, of Philadelphia ; John Parry, jun'r. and James David, of Mr. David Evans's congregation ; and Thomas James and Joseph Thomas of JMr. Thomas Evans's congregation, are appointed by the Synod to perambulate the bounds of 3Ir. Gelstou's congregation, accord- ing to the above minute; and these gentlemen are to have previous and timeous notice from Mr. Gelston's congregation ; which was agreed by the Synod nemine contradicente. Overtured, with respect to Mrs. Catharine AYood, that she may be admitted to communion for the present, till something further appear than has yet appeared against her; which overture was approved by the Synod nemine contradicente. Whereas some persons have been dissatisfied at the manner of wording our last year's agreement about the Confession, &c. ; supposing some expressions not sufficiently obligatory upon intrants ; overtured, that the Synod do now declare, that they understand these clauses that respect the admission of in- trants or candidates in such a sense as to oblige them to receive and adopt the Confession and Catechisms at their admission in the same manner and as fully as the members of the Synod did that were then present. Which overture was unanimously agreed to by the Synod. Thomas Caldwell's affair came under consideration, which was deferred until to-morrow morning. Adjourned till ten o'clock to-morrow, ante meridiem. IS th day at ten o'cloclc. Ordered, That the minutes of the last sederunt be read. The affair of Thomas Caldwell reassumed, wherein he complains of the records of the Presbytery of New Castle, for charging him as a contentious person; the Synod after long debate, and hearing all that Thomas Caldwell had to advance, it was carried by a plurality of votes, that he, the said Thomas Caldwell, should acquiesce in the credentials the Presbytery of New Castle has given him. The Synod having received a letter from New Castle on behalf of Mr. John Wilson, soliciting that something might be done' to remove some misunder- standings between the congregation there and the Presbytery, respecting the conduct of that Presbytery with relation to him ; this brought on a discourse about Mr. Wilson's behaviour and character, and the transactions of the Pres- bytery of New Castle, pursuant to the account they had of him ; and the members of that Pi-esbytery having acquainted the Synod by word and writ- ing of their carriage towards him, the Synod do judge that, as far as things appear to us, they are not chargeable with any severity to him, but rather the contrary. A letter from Scotland referred to the committee of overtures, to bring in an overture upon it. Adjourned to four o'clock, ^os< meridiem. At four o^ clock, P. M. postpreces sederunt qui supra. Ordered, That the minutes of the last sederunt be read. The commissioners of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland^ 1731.] SYNOD OF PHILADELPHIA. 99 having sent over an extract of their act relating to securing the fabrick of the Presbyterian Church at New York, to the use of a Presbyterian church for _ ever ; and having ordered Dr. Nicoll, to whom it was sent, to show the same ' to the Synod of their bounds, it was accordingly done ; and the Synod found, by the testimony of two of the proprietors of that house, that it is secured according to the terms of their act. Dr. John Nicoll having wrote to the Synod, about a certain parcel of com- munion-table linen, which Mr. Anderson has now in possession, alleging that Mrs. Burnet, that was the first owner, gave said linen to him the said Ander- son, for the benefit of the church whereof he is or shall be minister ; it is alleged to the contrary by Dr. Nicoll by letter. The Synod could not deter- mine any thing in said afiair, but leave it to the clearest proof. Adjourned till to-morrow, seven o'clock, ante meridiem. 19(h day at seven o' clock, A. M. post jJreces sederunt qui supra. Ordered, That the minutes of the last sederunt be read. A letter from the commissioners of the General Assembly of the church of Scotland to this Synod, relating to some money willed by the late Rev. Dr. Daniel Williams, for the propagating of Christian knowledge in foreign parts; the said letter was read, and much discourse passed relating thereunto ; the Synod came to this resolution, that Masters Andrews, Anderson, Thomson, and Budd, deliberate and write to the commissioners of the said General Assembly, as likewise to the brethren in New England ; which writing is left to the pru- dence of the said committee. Agreed that the respective collections for the fund for the year ensuing, may be disposed of according to the discretion of the ministers and sessions of the several congregations, and that they give an account of what they do that way to the next Synod. It is agreed by the Synod, that Mr. John Peter Miller, a Dutch probationer, lately come over, be left to the care of the Presbytery of Philadelphia to settle him in the work of the ministry. A letter from_ Mr. Robert Gordon to Masters Andrews and Cross, relating to Mr. John Wilson, read and considered ; the remains of that affair not yet considered, are left to the discretion, care, and prudence of the Presbytery of Philadelpliia. A supplication from Crosswick being read and considered, it is ordered that Mr. Andrews write to said people at his discretion. A letter from the committee of a new erection at Boston, being read and considered, it was ordered that Mr. Craighead write an answer to said letter. The Presbytery book of Philadelphia brought in and approved. Adjourned till the third Wednesday of 7br. next, at eleven of the clock, ante merid. and then to meet at Philadelphia a full Synod. Concluded with prayer. 1731. At a Synod held at Philadelphia, September 15th, 1731. fost preces sederunt Ministers : Messrs. Jedidiah Andrews, Thomas Craighead, John Thomson, John Pierson, Samuel Gelston, William Tennent, David Evans, George Gil- lespie, Gilbert Tennent, Adam Boyd, Joseph Morgan, Henry Hook, Ebenezer Goold, Joseph Webb, Robert Cross, Alexander Hutchinson. Elders: Messrs. Thomas Craig, James Montgomery, John McClenaghan, William Emmitt, James Abraham, James Kerr, Francis King, Abraham Reevs, John Richy, Peter Bushell. 100 MINUTES OF THE [1731. Ministers absent : Messrs. James Anderson, Jonathan Dickinson, Hugh Conn, John Orme, Stevenson, Stewart, John Bradner, Pumry, Wales, Thomas Evans, Pcmberton, Elmer, Houston. Mr. Joseph IMorgan was chosen moderator, and Mr. Andrews clerk. Mr. William Tennent, the moderator of the last Synod, opened the Synod with a sermon from 1 Pet. i. 21. Mr. Dickinson's reasons of his absence, sent by Mr. Webb, were sustained. Likewise Mr. Anderson's reasons of his absence per letter were sustained. Mr. Houston being not well, his absence was excused. The minutes of the last Synod ordered to be read. Masters Andrews, Thomson, Pierson, Craighead, Boyd, Cross, and the mod- erator, appointed to be a committee for the fund, and for any other business that the Synod shall recommend unto them. Masters Thomson and Boyd, appointed to revise the Presbytery book of Philadelphia. The Presbytery book of New Castle was not brought, the clerk being absent. Inquiry being made who had got collections for the fund, it was found that Mr. Andrews, Mr. Thomson, Mr. Gillespie, and Mr. Cross, had brought collections ; and that Mr. Pierson's and Mr. Webb's congregations had made collections and disposed of them for the relief of indigent places, agreeable to a vote of the last Synod. And it was earnestly recommended by the Synod to all their members, to use their diligence that the yearly collections for the fund may be duly minded, that said collections may not drop, as there seems danger that they may, in case better care be not taken than has been for some years past. The committee for the fund appointed to meet at eight o'clock, to-morrow morning. Adjourned till ten o'clock, to-morrow morning. 16 day atV) o^doch, post preces sederunt qui supra. Mr. Pumry's excuse for his absence sent by letter was sustained. Masters Andrews, Cross, Dickinson, Pierson, Craighead, and Gillespie, appointed to be the commission of the Synod for the year ensuing. Mr. Cross's reasons of his absence last year being minuted as not sus- tained, the Synod declare themselves now fully satisfied with Mr. Cross in that matter. Inquiry being made of Mr. Robert Cross, as to his opinion relating to the Synod's agreement with reference to the Westminster Confession of Faith, &c. the said Mr. Cross did declare his hearty concurrence with what the Synod had done in that affair, and that he did accept of and adopt the said Confession of Faith and Catechisms, as the confession of his faith. A letter of complaint brought in by Samuel Nealy against Mr. John Brad- ner, was deferred. The affair relating to Mr. Gelston's meeting-house coming again before the Synod, the said affair was deferred. The Synod received a letter from ^Ir. William Grant, president of the so- ciety for propagation of Christian knowledge in Scotland ; and another from the reverend associated ministers of Boston, in New England, (in answer to theirs to them last Synod,) both of said letters bearing relation to the will of Dr. Daniel Williams of London, deceased, the said letters were read and or- dered to be kept in re tent is. Adjourned till three o'clock, post meridiem. 1732.] ' SYNOD OF PHILADELPHIA. 101 At 3 o'clock p. M. post preces sederunt qui supra. The minutes of the last sederunt ordered to be read. The affair depending between Mr. Bradner and Samuel Nealy further delayed. The Synod having considered the aflFair of Mr. Grelston's meeting-house, find that the perambulation appointed last year was not, in all respects, ob- served, as likewise that no damage, as appears to us, has hitherto accrued to Mr. Houston's congregation by reason of the said meeting-house standing where it is, to prevent which was the chief reason that moved the Synod to make the former act fixing the distance between the two meeting-houses, do now agree that Mr. Gelston's meeting-house shall stand where it is, without any further dispute about it. This above minute being put to vote, approve or not, it was carried in the affirmative by a great majority. An interloquitur of the Synod appointed to be to-morrow morning at eight o'clock. Adjourned till ten o'clock to-morrow morning. At ten o' clock, post preces sederunt qui sujva. The interloquitur was attended according to appointment. The affair between Mr. Bradner and Samuel Nealy was reassumed, and after long reasoning upon it, the Synod came to this conclusion : That not- withstanding a former minute of the Synod, whereby that affair was deter- mined as things then appeared, yet they have, for sundry good reasons, judged it expedient, that there be a hearing of that matter again upon the spotj and therefore appointed a committee of the Synod to go to Goshen with the full power of the Synod to hear and determine that business. The persons appointed for said committee are Mr. Andrews, Mr. Cross, Mr. Dickinson, Mr. Pierson, Mr. Webb, Mr. Pumry, and Mr. Pemberton, or any three of them, though it is expected they will all use their diligence to go. The time of meeting to be the third Wednesday of May next. Adjourned till the third Wednesday of September next, at two o'clock, P. M., and then to meet at Philadelphia. 1733. At a Synod held at Philadelphia, September 20th, 1732. Post preces sederunt Ministers present : Messrs. Thomas Craighead, Jedidiah Andrews, John Thomson, John Pierson, William Tennent, George Gillespie, Joseph Morgan, James Anderson, Jonathan Dickinson, John Cross, Hugh Conn, John Orme, William Stewart, Eleazar Wales, Ebenezer Pemberton, Joseph Houston, Rich- ard Treat, Robert Cathcart, William Orr, William Bertram. Elders present : Messrs. William McMaughan, Hugh Scott, William Gray, Andrew Hamilton, John Neven, Robert Linton, Abednego Thomas, William Blair, James Donald. Ministers absent : Messrs. Samuel Gelston, David Evans, Gilbert Tennent, Adam Boyd, Henry Hook, Ebenezer Goold, Robert Cross, Alexander Hutch- inson, Hugh Stephenson, Samuel Pumry, John Bradner, Thomas Evans, Daniel Elmer, Joseph Webb, Nathaniel Hubbell. Mr. Stewart was chosen moderator, and Mr. Dickinson clerk. Mr. Morgan, the last moderator, opened the Synod with a sermon from Psal. cxxxviii. 2. The Rev. Mr. William Bertram desiring admission into this Synod, and producing most ample testimonials from the Presbytery of Bangor, in Ireland, of his ordination, ministerial qualifications, and regular Christian conversation, 102 MINUTES OF THE [1732 after his declaring his full and free assent unto the "Westminster Confession and Catechisms as the confession of his faith, the 8ynod unanimously and cheerfully complied with his desire of admission as a mcmher of this Synod. The moderator and Mr. Orme not having opportunity before, either in Pres- bytery or Synod, did now declare their hearty assent unto the Confession of Faith and Catechisms of Westminster, adopting them as the confession of their faith. Ordered, That the minutes of the last Synod be read. The moderator, with Messrs. Orme, Houston, Pemberton, and Wales, offered the reasons of their absence from the Synod last year, which were sustained. Adjourned till nine o'clock to-morrow morning. 21 day. At 9 o'clock, post preces sederunt qui supra. Mr. Webb's reasons of his absence, by Mr. Dickinson, and Mr. David Evans's reasons for his absence, sent by letter, were sustained. Masters Andrews, Thomson, Pierson, Craighead, Anderson, and Dickinson, appointed to be a committee for the fund, and for any other business that the Synod shall recommend unto them. Mr. Houston and Mr. Conn appointed to revise the Presbytery book of Philadelphia. Mr. Andrews and Mr. Dickinson appointed to revise the Presbytery book of New Castle. Inquiry being made who had collections for the fund, it was found that Mr. Gillespie had brought something. And it is further most earnestly recom- mended by the Synod to take care that the yearly collections for the fund be not forgotten, but that the respective congregations be earnestly pressed by the ministers to exercise their charity in this matter. The committee for the fund appointed to meet at two o'clock, jmst mcrid. Masters Andrews, Cross, Dickinson, Pierson, Craighead, and Houston, ap- pointed to be the commission of the Synod for the year ensuing. Inquiry being made of the committee appointed to go to Goshen in May last, it was found that by reason of the great progress of the small-pox on the road, and some other reasons, the appointment was not attended. It is there- fore now recommended to the Presbytery of Philadelphia to take care of that affair, and pursue the most probable methods to heal the unhappy breach be- tween Mr. Dradner and Samuel Nealy, if that difference be not already ac- commodated. Adjourned till four o'clock, P. M. At four o'clock, P. 31. post preces sederunt qui svpra. Mr. John Cross having but this day been made a member of the Synod, and withdrawing to return home without acquainting the Synod therewith, is voted to be disorderly and irrcguhir. It being overtured by the committee of overtures, that an erection of a new Presbytery in Lancaster county, should be appointed by the Synod, it was voted by a great majority, that Masters Anderson, Thomson, Boyd, Orr, and Bertram, be members of a Presbytery by the name of Dunagall Presbytery. The Synod for some reasons, thought fit to defer the revisal of the I'resby- tery books until the next year. Voted by the Synod, ncniine contradiccntc, that Mr. Orr preach to-morrow night. Adjourned till the third Wednesday of September next, at two o'clock, P. M. and then to meet at Philadelphia. 1733.] SYNOD OF PHILADELPHIA. 103 1733. At a Synod held at Philadelphia, September 19 fh, 1733. Pout preees sederunt Ministers : Messrs. Thomas Craighead, Jedidiah Andrews, John Thomson, John Pierson, Joseph Morgan, James Anderson, Eleazer Wales, Joseph Hous- ton, Richard Treat, Daniel Elmer, Greorge Gillespie, William Tennent, llobert Cathcart, William Orr, William Bertram, Samuel Gelston, David Evans, Adam Boyd, Alexander Hutchinson, Hugh Stevenson, Thomas Evans, Benjamin Campbell, John Nutman, Gilbert Tennent. Elders present : Messrs. William Gray, John Caldwell, Thomas Mitchell, Robert McNight, James Abraham, Thomas Rees, James Young, Benjamin Jones, William Bateman, John Kirkpatrick, Robert Boyd, William Stinson, Alexander White, Abraham Kitchell, Robert Jameson, George Renocks, James Wallace. Ministers absent : Messrs. Jonathan Dickinson, John Cross, Hugh Conn, John Orme, William Stewart, Ebenezer Pemberton, Henry Hook, Ebenezer Goold, Robert Cross, Samuel Pumry, Joseph Webb, Nathaniel Hubbell. Mr. Stewart, the last year's moderator, being absent through indisposition, Mr. Thomson opened the Synod with a sermon from Jer. xvii. 9. The roll being called over it was found that the Rev. Mr. John Bradner was dead since our last Synod. Mr. Joseph Houston was chosen moderator, and Mr. Thomas Evans clerk. Messrs. Stewart, Webb, and Hook, sent letters to excuse their absence, which were approven. And upon the representation made by Mr. Treat and others, of the reasons of the absence of Mr. John Cross, he was excused for his absence this year. The reasons of the absence of Mr. Robert Cross, sent by letter, not being satisfactory, the consideration of his absence both last year and this, were deferred till our next. Ordered, That our last year's minutes be read. Masters Boyd, Hutchinson, Stevenson, Gilbert Tennent, Gelston, Elmer, and Thomas Evans, gave the reasons of their absence last year, which were sustained. Masters Andrews, Thomson, Pierson, Craighead, Anderson, Boyd, and the moderator, appointed to be a committee for the fund, and any business that the Synod shall recommend unto them. Masters Gillespie and Hutchinson appointed to revise the Presbytery book of Philadelphia. The Presbytery books of New Castle and Dunagall being absent, Ordered, That they be brought at our next Synod. Ordered, That the committee meet at eight of the clock to-morrow morning. Adjourned till ten of the clock to-morrow morning. 20/A day, at ten o'clock, ante meridiem, post preces sederunt qui supra. Ordered, That the minutes of our last sederunt be read. Inquiry being made who had brought collections for the fund, it was found that Masters Thomson, Anderson, Gillespie, Boyd, and Thomas Evans, had brought something. And it being found that most of our members had ne- glected in times past to bring collections, it was ordered, that every member of the Synod do use their endeavours with their respective congregations, to bring collections yearly to the fund, and that in order to their greater success, every member who hath not yet had a copy of the Synod's letter relating to that affair, shall not fail to procure one, and improve it with their respective congre- gations and sessions, according to the design thereof. Ordered, That the commission of the Synod bring in an account of their management with respect to the fund, at our next sederunt. Masters Andrews, Anderson, Gillespie, Robert Cross, Dickinson, Pierson, 104 MINUTES OF THE [1733. Craighead, and the moderator, be the commission of the Synod for the year ensuing. Inquiry being made of the difference between Mr. Bradner and Samuel Nealy, it was rej^orted that some time before Mr. Bradner's death the breach between them was made up; the said Nealy submitting to the Sj-nod's deter- mination. The further consideration of Mr. John Cross his withdrawing from the Synod last year, deferred to our next. Adjourned till three o'clock, P. 31. At three o'chcl-, P. 31. Post j^reces sederunt qui supra. The commission of the Synod for last year brought in an account of their management with respect to the fund, which being read was approved. Upon a supplication of the people of Trenton, presented to the Synod by the committee of the Synod, it was recommended by said committee, that the commission of the Synod do allow something out of the fund to Trenton, as to them shall appear needful, when they are settled with a minister; which overture being read was approved by the Synod, ncmine contradicenfe. The affair of Hanover coming under consideration, and many papers being read to give light to the Synod in that affiiir, it was agreed that the committee bring in an overture on said business at our next sederunt. Ordered, That the committee meet at eight of the clock to-morrow morning. Adjourned till ten of the clock to-morrow morning. 21 dai/, at ten d clock, A. M. Post preces sederunt qui sujyra. Ordered, That the minutes of our last sederunt be read. The committee having spent much time in reasoning on the affair of Hano- ver committed to them, at length agreed upon an overture on it in the follow- ing articles, viz. First, That the Synod look upon the practice of submitting of congrega- tional affairs to tiie decision of a lot, though accompanied with sacred solem- nity, to be unwarrantable, inasmuch as lots are only wan-antably used to de- cide matters that can't be otherwise determined in a rational way ; particularly by appljnng to higher judicatories. Secondly, The Synod do thiidi that in their present circumstances of poverty and weakness, it might be very advisable for the people of West Hanover, at least for some time, to join themselves with the congregations of East Hanover, and Basking Ividge, as may be most convenient, until they, as well as the said neighbouring congregations, be more able to subsist of themselves separately. Yet in the mean time, as the case now stands with that people, if re-union between East and West Hanover be found impracticable, accortOng to our above advice, the Synod judge that the people of West Hanover be left to their liberty to erect themselves into a separate congregation. Withal we earnestly obtest and beseech, that nothing be done in that affair that may have a tendency to hurt the interest of religion in those places, so far as in them lies. The above overture being read, was approveu by a great majority of votes. Adjourned till three of the clock, P. M. At three of the clock, P. 31. Post pyrcces sederunt qui supra. Ordered, That the minutes of the last sederunt be read. Mr. Andrews having made a motion to the committee of overtures, that an assistant be allowed unto him in the work of the ministry in this city ; and the committee after discoursing upon it, having recommended the consideration thereof to the Synod, upon this proviso, that if the said motion be allowed or 1733.] SYNOD OF PHILADELPHIA. 105 approved, there be first a sufficient provision made for an honourable main- tenance of Mr. Andrews, during his continuance among this people ; the Synod entered upon the consideration of said motion, and after considerable discourse upon it, it was put to the vote, whether Mr. Andrews should be allowed to have an assistant, if first sufficient provision be made for his honourable main- tenance during his life among them, and it was carried in the affirmative, nemine contradicente. It is further Ordered, by the Synod, That the committee of overtures meet this evening, and consult about what may be necessary to prepare a way for putting the said motion into execution, as well as to prepare other business for the Synod. The committee ordered to meet at eight of the clock to-morrow morning. Adjourned till ten o'clock to-morrow morning. 22 day. At ten d clock, A. M. Post preces sederunt qui supra. Ordered, That the minutes of the last sederunt be read. The committee reported that the afiair of Mr. Andrews's motion for an assistant is yet under consideration. Upon an overture to the Synod in pursuance of an order of the committee to that purpose, viz. to use some proper means to revive the declining power of godliness, the Synod do earnestly recommend it to all our ministers and members, to take particular care about ministerial visiting of families, and press family and secret worship, according to the Westminster Directory, and that they also recommend it to every Presbytery, at proper seasons to inquire con- cerning the diligence of each of their members in such particulars. This overture was approved, nemine contradicente. Ordered, That each Presbytery take a copy of said overture, together with this order, and insert the same in their Presbytery books. Upon an overture of the committee to the Synod, concerning a representa- tion of Mr. Hugh Stevenson, respecting harsh and injurious usage which he met with from some gentlemen in Virginia, the Synod ordered Mr. Stevenson to lay a representation thereof before them, which he accordingly did in writ- ing. And after hearing the same, and reasoning upon it, it was agreed that a letter be writ by the Synod, and sent to the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, together with a copy of Mr. Stevenson's representation, in order to use our interest with that venerable Assembly for our being assisted with money from the societies for the propagation of religion, or elsewhere to enable us to maintain some itinerant ministers in Virginia or elsewhere ; as also to procure their assistance to obtain the favourable notice of the government in England, so as to lay a restraint upon some gentlemen in said neighbouring province, as may discourage them from hampering such itinerant ministers by illegal prosecutions ; and if it may be, to procure some assistance from his majesty for our encouragement by way of regium donum. Ordered, That Masters Andrews, Anderson, Thomson, and Stevenson, write the above letter, and bring it into the Synod to be approved on Monday morning. Ordered, That the committee meet at eight of the clock on Monday morning. Adjourned till ten o'clock on Monday morning. 24^/i day, at ten of the clock, A. M. post jn-eces sederunt qui supra. An overture being brought in from the conimittee of overtures about the ascertaining Mr. Andrews his maintenance, in case of an assistant, the Synod had long discourse about the whole affair, and also had conference with some 14 106 MINUTES OF THE [1733 gentlemen members of this congregation, and at last agreed upon the following conclusion. First, That the congregation be allowed to call an assistant to Mr. An- drews. Secondly, That in order to secure Mr. Andrews's maintenance, those gen- tlemen who have expressed a desire of an assistant, shall not diminish, but rather strive, and as much as may be, increase their own subscriptions to him on their part; neither shall they endeavour to alienate any of the present sub- scription of the congregation from Mr. Andrews. And inasmuch as the pre- sent subscription appears scanty, that all care shall be taken to get new suo- scriptions to Mr. Andrews. Thirdly, That he shall also have all the monthly collections. This was agreed to, nemine contracUcente. Adjourned till three of the clock, P. M. At three of the clocTc, P. M. Post preces sederunt qui supra. Ordered that the minutes of the last sederunt be read. An overture from the committee upon a motion of a member of the Presby- tery of Philadelphia, that the said Presbytery be divided into two Presbyteries. The Synod approved of the said motion, and it is agreed that Messrs. Jedi- diah Andrews, Morgan, Evans, William Tennent, Treat, Elmer, Goold, and Wales, be members of the Presbytery of Philadelphia, and that the rest of the members now in said Presbytery be the Presbytery of East Jersey. Overtured, That something be allowed to the congregations of Basking- ridge and Perth-Amboy, in pursuance of their applications for that purpose, in order to assist them in defraying the charges of their meeting-houses. And also something to a student. AH which was referred to the committee of the fund. Overtured, That something be allowed out of the fund to three ministers' widows, which was also referred to the committee of the fund. Mr. Nutman representing to the Synod, the great difficulties he is fallen under, as to his continuing pastor of the congregation of East-Hanover, by reason of the division and discord between them and the people of West- Hanover; they, viz: of West-Hanover being allowed by this Synod, to erect themselves into a separate congregation, (in case, as per minutes of the Synod,) the Synod considering the same, do earnestly recommend it to the Presbytery of East-New- Jersey to travail with the people of West-Hanover and East- Hanover, in order to prevail with them to agree upon conditions of reunion, at least for a while, until they be better able to subsist apart. But if the Pres- bytery's endeavours to this purpose should not have effect, it is this Synod's judgment, that a dismission may be granted to Mr. Nutman from the peo- ple of East-Hanover, by the said Presbytery, upon his application for the same. Masters Andrews, Thomson, Anderson, and Stevenson, brought in the letter to be sent to the General Assembly of Scotland, wliich was approved of. Ordered, That two copies of our letter from this Synod to the General Assembly of the church of Scotland, be sent as per minutes, and that Mr. Andrews is appointed to write and send one, and Mr. Stevenson the other. Ordered, That a particular account of the state of the fund be prepared by the commission of the Synod, in order to bring it in to our Synod next year, to be inserted in our minutes. Adjourned till the third Wednesday of September next, at two of the clock, P. M. Concluded with prayer. 1734.] SYNOD OF PHILADELPHIA. 107 1734. At a Synod held at Philadelphia, September lS(h, 1734:. Uhi post preces sedeitint Ministers : Messrs. Thomas Craighead, Jedidiah Andrews, John Thomson, John Pierson, Joseph Morgan, James Anderson, Eleazar Wales, Joseph Houston, Richard Treat, Daniel Elmer, William Tennent, Robert Cathcart, William Orr, David Evans, Adam Boyd, Benjamin Campbell, Samuel Hemp- hill, John Nutman, Gilbert Tennent, Jonathan Dickinson, John Cross, Ebe- nezer Pemberton, Robert Cross, Samuel Pumry, Joseph Webb, Andrew Archbold, James Martin, Robert Jamison, George Gillespie, Henry Hook, Alexander Hutchinson, Ebenezer Goold. Elders: Messrs. William Gray, Andrew Hamilton, Alexander McNight, Robert Ingliss, James Smith, Charles Hufty, William Ramsey, William Blair, David Patterson, James Abraham, James Cochran, Benjamin Beech, Matthias Hatfield, Elias Bailies, Adam Renkin. Mr. Ebenezer Pemberton was chosen moderator, and Mr. Daniel Elmer clerk. Mr. Houston, last year's moderator, opened the Synod by a sermon from Matt. V. 16. Messrs. Andrews, Thomson, Pierson, Craighead, Anderson, Boyd, Gilles- • pie, Dickinson, and Robert Cross, appointed a committee for the fund, and any other business the Synod shall recommend unto them. Adjourned till ten o'clock, to-morrow morning. The committee appointed to meet at eight of the clock. 19 day, at ten o' clock, 2J0st preces sederunt qui supra. The last year's minutes appointed to be read. Ministers absent : Masters Bertram, Hugh Stevenson, Thomas Evans, Hugh Conn, John Orme, William Stewart, Nathaniel Hubbell. Mr. Bertram sent reasons of his absence, which were sustained. Messrs. Pemberton, Dickinson, and Robert Cross, gave the reasons of their absence last year, which were sustained. Mr. Webb and Mr. Nutman appointed to revise the Presbytery book of New Castle. Messrs. Orr and Campbell, to revise the Presbytery book of Philadelphia. Messrs. Houston and Pumry, to revise the Presbytery book of East Jersey. The order with respect to the bringing the Presbytery book of Dunagall, that was made last year, is renewed now. Inquiry being made who had brought collections from their respective con- gregations to the fund, it was found that Messrs. Andrews, Thomson, Pierson, Anderson, Houston, Treat, William Tennent, Cathcart, Orr, Evans, Boyd, Webb, and Hutchinson, had brought something. Masters Andrews, Anderson, Thomson, Gillespie, Robert Cross, Dickinson, Pierson, Craighead, and the moderator, appointed to be the commission of the Synod for the year ensuing. Mr. John Cross having given the reasons of his withdrawing from the Synod without liberty, the year before last, acknowledged the disorder thereof, which acknowledgment was accepted by the Synod. Inquiry beiug made with respect to the overture made last Synod, in order to revive the decaying power of godliness ; and it being found that it has not yet been fully put into execution, the Synod do not only renew the said order, but earnestly obtest every of our brethren of the ministry, conscientiously and diligently to pursue the good designs thereof. Ordered, That the last year's minutes with relation to Mr. Nutman and the people of Hanover, be further considered. 108 MINUTES OF THE [1734. Ordered, That the account of the state of the fund be brought in the next sederunt. Ordered, That the committee meet at three o'clock, P. M. Adjourned till four o'clock, P. 31. At fmir o'chclc, P. M. post preces sederunt qui siqn-a. IMinutes of the last scdrnint ordered to be read. The affair of Mr. Nutman and Hanover continued. The consideration of the state of the fund continued. Adjourned to ten o'clock, to-morrow morning. 20 dai/, at ten o'docJc, post 2)reces sederunt qui suj^ra. Ordered, That the minutes of the last sederunt be read. The affair of Mr. Nutman further continued. The consideration of the state of the fund further continued. There being a petition from the people of Smithbury, that they may be put under the Presbytery of East Jersey, the Synod complied with the said peti- tion, and appointed that they belong accordingly to the said Presbytery. The affair of Mr. Cross's transportation from Jamaica to Philadelphia came under consideration, and accordingly the minutes of the commission of the Synod, and of the committee appointed by the commission relating to that affair being read, and the commissioners from Philadelphia and Jamaica being heard at length, as to their reasons and arguments pro and con; as also Mr. Cross having declared himself upon that affair, wherein he devolved himself wholly upon the determination of the Synod; and several brethren having proposed queries in reference to the several arguments pro and con, in order to greater light; the Synod defer the further consideration of the whole affair until the next sederunt. Adjourned to three o'clock, P. M. At three o'clock, P. 31. jjost j^fcces sederunt qui supra. Ordered, That the minutes of the last sederunt be read. The affair of Mr. Nutman continued. The affair of the fund also con- tinued. The affair of Mr. Cross's transportation from Jamaica to Philadelphia, came again under consideration. Upon which it was proposed by a member of the Synod, that inasmuch as it is suggested that there are not a few of this con- gregation who desire not Mr. Cross's transportation to Philadelphia; and that this congregation may not be cut out of tiie right that they have, according to our Presbyterian constitution, to offer their objections; the Synod by a great majority of votes agreed that this affair be deferred until to-morrow morning, and that public advertisement be given this evening to this congregation, that if there be any of this congregation, who have any thing to object against Mr. Cross's being settled here at Philadelphia, tlioy may appear and offer what they have to say upon this affair, that the Synod may judge thereof before they proceed to determine this momentous affair by vote. Adjourned till nine o'clock, to-morrow morning. 21 da>/, at nine o'clock, post preces sederunt qui supra. The minutes of the last sederunt ordered to be read. The affairs of Mr. Nutman and the fund yet continued. Some overtures brought in by Mr. Gilbert Tennent, deferred. The affair respecting Mr. Cross's transportation from Jamaica to Phila- delphia reassumed. And the Synod being deeply sensible of t'he great im- portance of the present debate, appointed that a solemn prayer to God for 1734.] SYNOD OF PHILADELPHIA. 109 assistance and direction be made before we enter upon the consideration of it, and another prayer before we proceed to a vote, which were accordingly done; and after the most critical examination of the affair, and the solemn imploring the divine assistance, the matter was put to vote, and carried against Mr. Cross's transportation. Adjourned till four o'clock, P. M. At four d'clocJi, post preces sederunt qui supra. Ordered, That the minutes of the last sederunt be read. Mr. Nutman's affair still continued; and the affair of the fund continued; and the affair of Mr. Gilbert Tennent, respecting the overtures brought in by him, continued till Monday, P. M. The Rev. Mr. Samuel Hemphill, being recommended by the Presbytery of Straban, in Ireland, to all their reverend brethren, where the providence of God shall call him, and he also bringing ample and satisfactory certificates from the same Presbytery, of his qualifications for and ordination to the sacred ministry, he is, upon his desire, admitted a member of this Synod, and recom- mended to the regards and assistance of whichsoever of our Presbyteries his abode shall be fixed among. An appeal being brought in by Masters John Kirkpatrick and John Moor, from the Presbytery of Dunagall, the Synod appointed that Messrs. Jedidiah Andrews, William Tennent, Richard Treat, Alexander Hutchinson, George Gillespie, Thomas Evans, and Henry Hook, be a committee to meet at Not- tingham on the first Wednesday of November next, to hear the said appeal, and to determine it by the authority of the Synod, they bringing an account of their transactions therein to the next Synod. And the Synod do also em- power the said committee to hear any matter de novo, that shall be brought before them by the said John Kirkpatrick and John Moor, with relation to the affair aforesaid, and authoritatively determine thereupon ; appointing also, that if either party do appeal from the determination of the said committee, they shall enter their appeal immediately, that it may be finally determined by the next Synod. Adjourned to Monday at ten o'clock, A. M. 23 da^, at ten o'clocJc, A. M. post preces sederunt qui supra. Ordered, That the minutes of the last sedei-unt be read. The affair of the fund yet continued. Ordered, That Messrs. Anderson, Thomson, Dickinson, and Cross, draw up an overture upon Mr. Gilbert Tennent's overtures, to be presented to the Synod to-morrow morning. Ordered, That the Synod make a particular inquiry during the time of their meeting every year, whether such ministers as have been received as mem- bers since the foregoing meeting of the Synod, have adopted, or have been re- quired by the Synod, or by the respective Presbyteries, to adopt the West- minster Confession and Catechisms with the Directory, according to the acts of the Synod made some years since for that purpose, and that also the report made to the Synod in answer to said inquiry, be recorded in our minutes. Mr. Samuel Pumry, Mr. James Martin, Mr. Robert Jamison, and Mr. Samuel Hemphill, declared for, and adopted, the Westminster Confession, Catechisms, and Directory commonly annexed, the former as the confession of their faith, and the latter as the guide of their practice in matters of discipline, as far as may be agreeable to the rules of prudence, &c. as in the adopting acts of this Synod is directed. Pursuant to act of Synod, found upon inquiry that Mr. William Tennent, junior, Mr. Andrew Archbold ordained, and Mr. Samuel Blair licensed, did 110 MINUTES OF THE [1734. each and every of thorn tleclare their assent and consent to the Westminster Confession and Catechisms, and Directory annexed, according to the intent of the act of Synod in that case made and provided. Resolved, That the affiiir of Mr. Nutman, from time to time continued; be first considered the next sederunt. Adjourned till three o'clock, P. M. At three oWock, P. M. Post jireces sederunt qui supra. Ordered, That the minutes of the last sederunt be read. The affair of the fund continued. Ordered, That Mr. Robert Cross, and the moderator, as soon as leisure will permit, do write a letter to Col. Ogden, in return to his to the Synod bearing date September IG, 1734. The affair of Mr. Nutman and the people of Hanover resumed, and after reading our last year's minutes, and Mr. Dickinson proposing a difficulty con- cerning the obligation of the determination by the lot mentioned in said minutes, whether the obligation of the said determination yet remains binding ^apon said people, the Synod after much discourse and reasoning about that matter, at length came to a judgment in the following propositions. 1. That the Synod look upon the obligation of a determination of a difference by a lot, to be sacred and binding upon the conscience, if the matter so deter- mined be lawful and practicable, and consequently to act contrary thereunto must be a very great sin. 2. That as the foundation upon which a lot is cast may cease, and the prac- ticableness of acting according to the determination thereof may, in time, cease also, (though for a time it may continue practicable,) in such a case we judge that the obligation thereof doth cease also, because it can never be designed that such an obligation should remain after the design thereof becomes either impossible, or hath been fully obtained. 3. Our determination last year relating to the people of Hanover, did wholly go upon this supposition, that the affairs of that people and their circumstances were so far altered, upon representations then made to us, that we supposed the foundation of said lot, and of the people's acting upon it were ceased, which, whether it be certainly so or not, we do not peremptorily determine, but leave parties to judge thereof as in conscience they can. 4. That however, as in our minutes last Synod, we disapprove of the use of lots, without necessity, yet we are afraid, upon representation, that there hath been much sin committed by many if not all that people, in their profane disregard of said lot in time past, and therefore excite them to reflect upon their past practices in reference thereunto, in order to their repentance. Adjourned till nine of the clock to-morrow morning. 24 daij. At nine o'docJc, A. M. Post preccs sederunt qui supra. Ordered, That the minutes of the last sederunt be read. The affair of the fund continued. Mr. Gilbert Tennent having brought some overtures into the Synod with respect to the trials of candidates, both for the ministry and the Lord's Sup- per, that there be due care taken in examining into tlie evidences of the grace of God in them, as well as of their other necessary qualifications, the Synod doth unanimously agree, that as it has been our principle and practice, and as it is recommended in the Directory for worsliip and government, to be careful in this matter, so it awfully concerns us to be most serious and solemn in the trials of both sorts of candidates above mentioned. And this Synod does there- fore in the name and fear of God, exhort and obtest all our Presbyteries to take special care not to admit into the sacred office, loose, careless, and irreli- 1734.] SYNOD OF PHILADELPHIA. Ill gious persons, but that they particularly inquire into the conversations, con- duct, and behaviour of such as oiFer themselves to the ministry, and that they diligently examine all the candidates for the ministry in their experiences of a work of sanctifying grace in their hearts, and that they admit none to the sacred trust that are not in the eye of charity serious Christians. And the Synod does also seriously and solemnly admonish all the ministers within our bounds to make it their awful, constant, and diligent care, to approve them- selves to God, to their own consciences, and to their hearers, serious, faithful stewards of the mysteries of God, and of holy and exemplary conversations. And the Synod does also exhort all the ministers within our bounds to use due care in examining those they admit to the Lord's Supper. This admonition was approved by the whole Synod. And the Synod does further recommend unanimously, to all our Presby- teries, to take effectual care that each of their ministers are faithful in the dis- charge of their awful trust. And in particular, that they frequently examine, with respect to each of their members, into their life and conversation, their diligence in their work, and their methods of discharging their ministerial call- ing. Particularly that each Presbytery do, at least once a year, examine into the manner of each minister's preaching, whether he insist in his ministry upon the great articles of Christianity, and in the course of his preaching re- commend a crucified Saviour to his hearers as the only foundation of hope, and the absolute necessity of the omnipotent influences of the Divine grace to enable them to accept of this Saviour; whether he do in the most solemn and affecting manner he can, endeavour to convince his hearers of their lost and miserable state whilst unconverted, and put them upon the diligent use of those means necessary in order to obtaining the sanctifying influences of the Spirit of God; whether he do, and how he doth, discharge his duty towards the young people and children of his congregation, in a way of catechizing and familiar instruction ; whether he do, and in what manner he doth, visit his flock and instruct them from house to house. And the Synod hereby orders, that a copy of this minute be inserted into the books of each of our Presbyteries, and be read at every of their Presby- terial meetings, and a record of its being read minuted in said books at the beginning of every session, and that there be also an annual record in each Presbytery book of a correspondence with this minute. And in case any minister within our bounds shall be found defective in any of the abovementioned cases, he shall be subject to the censure of the Presby- tery, and if he refuse subjection to such censure, the Presbytery are hereby directed to represent his case to the next Synod. And the Synod recommends to each of the ministers within our bounds to be as much in catechetical doc- trines as they in prudence may think proper. The Synod determines that no minister of our persuasion, in the govern- ment of Pennsylvania, and the lower counties, from this time forward, marry by any license from the governor, till the form of them be altered and brought to a nearer conformity to those of the neighbouring governments of New York and New Jersey; and particularly till they are altered in such a manner as hath no peculiar respect to the ministers of the Church of England, nor oblige us to any of the forms and ceremonies peculiar to that church ; and do fur- ther agree to refer it to the Presbyteries of New Castle and Donegall con- junctly to make what regulations they see cause for upon the affair of licenses with respect to their own members. Adjourned till three o'clock, P. M. At three o'clock, P. M. post jjreces sederunt qui supra. An account of the fund being brought in, it appears that October the 22d, 112 MINUTES OF THE [1735. 1733, the sum total amounted to five hundred and seven pounds, sixteen shil- lings and ten pence. A reference being made by the Presbytery of New Castle to the Synod concerninreccs sederunt qui sujira. The account of the fund is brought in, and it amounts to the sum of five hundred forty-one pounds and nine pence. An overture coucoruiug the fund was brought iu by the committee, and 1736.] SYNOD OF PHILADELPHIA. 129 unanimously approved, and is as follows : that the committee for the fund meet after the breaking up of the Synod, in order to consult upon a method for the better securing of the fund, as well as distributing according to the necessity of such persons as will apply to them for relief, and to defray necessary charges of the press. The Synod taking Mr. Hunter's request for advice into consideration, after some discourse, agree that the moderator should first admonish him concerning his past misconduct, and the occasion of jealousy concerning his principles which he has given by his conduct, and inquiring his motives in seeking to enter upon the work of the ministry, and advise him for the future to behave so as to testify his sense of his misconduct, and his sincere attachment to sound principles as well as purposes of a regular walk. The affair of the call of Mr. Cross reassumed, and the supplication from said people again read. And after some debate, it was agreed that said call should be presented to Mr. Cross, and his sentiments concerning it desired by the Synod. In answer to which he declared, that he was clearly convinced and persuaded in his judgment, as things now appear, that it is his duty to stay with the people of Jamaica ; and that he thought the Synod could not deter- mine this matter until his people be apprised hereof, and have opportunity to declare themselves concerning it. After much and long debating about this affair, at last it was agreed that the clerk and Mr. Elmer, each of them by himself, should endeavour to prepare an overture upon the affair to be brought in, in the afternoon, to be considered by the Synod. Adjourned till three o'clock, P. M. Concluded with prayer. At three o'clock, P. 31. Post preces sederunt qui supra. Mr. Cathcart is absent without liberty asked or obtained of the Synod. Ordered, That the janitor for the future be paid out of the fund. The next meeting of the Synod, is appointed to be on the fourth Wednesday of May next at Philadelphia. An overture upon the affair of Mr. Cross's transportation, was brought in and is as followeth. 1st. That inasmuch as the people of Jamaica, whom we look upon as a party principally interested in this matter, have not been yet seasonably apprised of it, nor have they had any opportunity to lay in their objections against Mr. Cross's transportation to the new erected congregation, the Synod cannot now come to a final judgment or declaration herein. And therefore the Synod doth defer their judgment concerning it until next meeting of the Synod, and order that the people of Jamaica have a copy of our minutes relating hereunto ; that they, together with a copy of the reasons advanced by this new congregation, be sent unto them, that they may prepare to appear in opposition to said call against next meeting, if they think fit. 2dly. That, in the mean time, Mr. Cross be appointed to supply this people two months before the next meeting of the Synod. 3dly. That the people of this new erection be allowed the nomination of ministers or candidates belonging to the Synod for their supply the rest of the time, wherein Mr. Cross is not appointed to supply them, and that the Pres- byteries unto which such ministers to be appointed to supply this new erec- tion do belong, shall appoint supplies in the room of such ministers, while they are absent from their respective congregations supplying this. 4thly. That the Synod shall order supplies to the people of Jamaica during the time of Mr. Cross's supplying here, as they shall judge most convenient. 5thly. Mr. Cross, and whatever other actual minister shall be ordered t-^ supply this new erection, shall, as far as circumstances will allow, ad 17 130 MINUTES OF THE [1737. behave among them, for promoting of their edification publicly and privately, as if they stood in a personal relation to them. Some reasons for supporting this overture. 1st. That justice shall hereby be done to both congregations by this neces- sary delay. 2dly. Hereby provision will be made for this congregation as much to their desire and edification as possibly can be in such circumstances. odly. This Synod will appear to act tenderly and conscientiously, and to avoid precipitancy on both hands. 4thly. During this intervening time, by Divine Providence, the aspect of these affairs may be so far altered and cleared, that the Synod may be able to determine, both to the edification and satisfaction of all parties concerned. Lastly. We think it would be very unsafe at present, finally to determine the matter one way or other, lest we should commit a very hurtful mistake. The above overture and reasons were approven ncminc contradiccnte. And accordingly Mr. Cross is appointed to supply this new erection next Sabbath, and as many Sabbaths immediately before our next meeting as will complete the above two months. Mr. Pumry is ordered to supply Jamaica the second Sabbath of April, Mr. Lamb the fourth Sabbath of April, Mr. John Cross the first two Sabbaths in May. Mr. Madowell is appointed to supply this new erection the months of Octo- ber and November, Mr. Jamison the month of December, Mr. Alison the month of January, Mr. Carlile the month of February, Mr. Alexander the month of March. Ordered, That the committee for the fund meet to-morrow morning, at nine of the clock. Adjourned till the fourth "Wednesday of May. Concluded with prayer. 1737. According to appointment the Synod met at Philadelphia, May Ibth, 1737. Ubi j)ost preccs scdcnint Ministers : Messrs. Jedidiah Andrews, John Thomson, James Anderson, Richard Treat, Joseph Houston, Ilobert Cathcart, Adam Boyd, Robert Cross, Robert Jamison, Hugh Carlile, James Martin, Johu l^iul, William Teunent, Gilbert Tennent, Henry Hook, George Gillespie, Thomas Evans, Samuel Blair, Samuel Black, Francis Alison, Patrick Glascow, and Alexander Huch- €son. Ministers absent : Messrs. Thomas Craighead, Ebenezer Goold, Daniel Elmer, Hugh Stevenson, William Bertram, Alexander Craighead, William Tennent, jun'r., David Evans, Hugh Conn, Johu Orme, David Cowell, Ebe- nezer Weld, John Cross, John Pierson, Jonathan Dickinson, Joseph Webb, Samuel Pumry, Ebenezer Pemberton, Hubbell, Horton, Chalker, Nutman. Elders present : Messrs. William Gray, Thomas Boyd, Philip Tanner, Jeremiah Lockery, John Wilson, James Buchanan, iNIatthew Adams, John Richcy, Samuel Allen, William McC^ullough, Robert Patton. Mr. Hook chosen moderator, Mr. Evans clerk. Mr. Boyd, the last year's moderator, opened the Synod with a sermon on 2 Cor. iv. 5. Adjourned till 9 of the clock, to-morrow morning. Concluded with prayer. 26 rfoy, at nine o^ clock, A. M. post preces sederunt qui supra. Masters Gillespie, Hook, Hucheson, Glascow, and Gilbert Tennent, gave reasons for their absence last year, which were sustained. 1737.] SYNOD OF PHILADELPHIA. 131 All the members of the Presbytery of East Jersey, were absent last year except Messrs. Gilbert Tennent, Pierson, Blair, and William Tennent, jun'r. and no reasons given 3 and said members are now also absent, (except Gilbert Tennent.) Messrs. Thomson, Andrews, Boyd, Treat, Gillespie, Martin, and the mode- rator, appointed to be a committee for the Fund, and any other business the Synod shall recommend to them. The Presbytery books of Lewis, New Castle, and East-Jersey, were not brought. Messrs. Alison and Cathcart, ordered to revise the Presbytery book of Dunagall, and Mr. Anderson and Mr. Cross, the Presbytery book of Philadelphia. Inquiry being made who had brought collections for the fund, it was found that Masters Anderson, Thomson, Jamison, Paul, William Tennent, and Gillespie, had brought something, which was ordered to be delivered to Mr. Andrews. Messrs. Anderson, Andrews, Thomson, Gillespie, Dickinson, Pemberton, Pierson, Robert Cross, Thomas Evans, Boyd, and the moderator, appointed to be the commission of the Synod for the year ensuing, and that if they have occasion to meet, they endeavour to have elders with them. Messrs. Bertram, David Evans, John Cross, and William Tennent, jun'r. sent reasons of their absence, which were sustained. It is reported that Mr. David Cowell in the Presbytery of Philadelphia, and Mr. Samuel Black in the Presbytery of Dunagall, and Mr. Francis Alison in the Presbytery of New Castle, were, after the usual trials, ordained since last Synod, and that said persons did all of them adopt the Westminster Confes- sion, &c., according to order of Synod. Ordered, That an account of the fund be brought in before the Synod break up. Mr. Cathcart acknowledged his irregularity of departing from last Synod without leave, promising better care in that matter for the future, which was accepted. The appointments of last Synod, with respect to the new erection in Phila- delphia and the congregation of Jamaica, were fulfilled. And inquiry being made whether there were any representatives or letters from Jamaica, relating to Mr. Cross's transportation, it was found that a letter was come which was ordered to be brought in, in the afternoon. And the representatives of the new erection were ordered to bring in what they had to offer in the after- noon. Adjourned till three o'clock, P. M. Concluded with prayer. At three of the clock, P. M. Post preces sederunt qui supra. The order with relation to the fund continued. Mr. Hunter having petitioned that he might be restored to preach the gos- pel of Christ, &c. and we being satisfied of his good and becoming carriage and conduct since our last, are willing to give him all due encouragement. But considering the judgment of the Synod last year, and the reasons of it, we cannot allow the said Mr. Hunter to preach the gospel until he has first gone through the ordinary course of trials in some Presbytery belonging to this Synod, and the Synod does recommend it to the Presbytery to which he may apply, to treat him with all suitable and Christian lenity and tenderness, which was approved, nemine contradiccnte. The above minute being read to Mr. Hunter he desired time to consider of it, which was granted. The affair of the new erection at Philadelphia, deferred till to-morrow morning. 132 MINUTES OF THE [1737. A reference from the Presbytery of Philadelphia relating to Mr. Morgan's suspension coming before us, and after reading the minutes of said Presby- tery, with the evidences they grounded their judgment upon, and Mr. Morgan having liberty to oifer what he thought fit in his own defence, the afl'air, after due consideration, was left to the committee to bring an overture upon it to- morrow morning. Ordered, That the committee meet at eight of the clock to-morrow morn- Adjourned till ten of the clock to-morrow morning. Concluded with prayer. 27th day. At ten of the clock, A. M. Post preces sederunt qui supra. The order respecting the fund continued. The committee brought in an overture on Mr. Morgan's affair, which is as followcth, viz. Overtured, on Mr. Morgan's affair. That inasmuch as it would be both dif- ficult and tedious for the whole Synod to make a particular inquiry into the whole afi'air, the Synod appoint the Presbyteries of Philadelphia and East Jersey to meet as a committee at Maidenhead, and judge of said affair, and absolve Mr. Morgan from the censure he lies under, if he appear suitably penitvnt, and no new accusations be advanced against him ; and Mr. Morgan to continue under suspension until said committee meet, and that at least three members of each Presbytery meet as a quorum. The first Wednesday of August to be the time of meeting; and it is ordered, that every minister do endeavour to bring an elder with him. Approved, ncmine contradicentc. Mr. Hunter came in and professed his acquiescence with the Synod's con- clusion in his affair. The affair of Mr. Cross's transportation reassumed, and a supplication from the new erection pressing the accomplishment of it pursuant to their call to him, and a letter from the congregation of Jamaica, offering reasons against his transportation, being read, together with the minutes of our last on said affair, the Synod thought it proper to inquire of Mr. Cross himself what his present sentiments were respecting said affair; which being done by the mo- derator, he desired liberty to defer giving his answer till the next sederunt, which was granted. Adjourned till three o'clock, P. M. Concluded with prayer. At three of the clock, P. 31. Post p>^'cces sederunt qui supra. The order respecting the fund continued. A paper being brought in by Mr. Enoch Armitage, signed by many hands of the congregations of Hopewell and IMaidenhcad, requesting, that since Mr. Morgan is not likely to be useful any more as a minister among them, from his repeated miscarriages, if the Synod should see cause to restore him to his ministry, he might not be reinstated as their minister : The Synod came to this result, that the people of Hopewell and 3Iaideuhead be left at their liberty to entertain Mr. Morgan as their pastor or not, even supposing the committee appointed to meet on his affair in August, should see cause to restore him to tlje exercise of the ministry; only the Synod enjoins the people to pny to Mr. Morgan what arrears are due to him for time past. The above minute approved, non Ine contradiccute. The affair of 3Ir. Cross's transportation came again under consideration, and the representatives of the new erected congregation of this city put in a sup- plication which was read, the purport whereof was to invalidate what was offered in the supplication from Jamaica : Mr. Cross was desired to give hia 1737.] SYNOD OF PHILADELPHIA. 133 sentiments of this affair, which he did at length, and at last submitted himself wholly to the judgment of the Synod, and then, all parties being removed, the Synod entered upon a very serious debate about this whole affair, in which considerable time being spent, at last after solemn calling upon Grod for light and direction in such a momentous matter, it was put to the vote, Transport Mr. Cross from Jamaica to Philadelphia or not, and it was carried in the affirmative, ncmine confradicenfe. A letter was brought in from Mr. Henricus Goetschius to Mr. Andrews, signifying his desire, and the desire of many people of the German nation, that he might be ordained by order of Synod to the work of the ministry, upon which the said Mr. Goetschius was desired to appear before the Synod, that they might see his credentials and have some discourse with him ; which being done, he produced testimonials from Germany, which were ample and satis- factory to the Synod respecting his learning and good Christian conversation ; whereupon he was recommended to the care of the Presbytery of Philadelphia, to act upon further trials of him, with respect to his ordination, as to them should seem fit. Ordered, That the committee meet to-morrow morning at eight of the clock. Adjourned till tea of the clock to-morrow morning. Concluded with prayer, 2Sth day. At ten of the doch, A. 31. Post preces sederunt qui supra. The affair of the fund continued. ' Upon reading the minutes of the last sederunt respecting Mr. Cross's trans- portation, at his request it was ordered, that Messrs. Thomson and Anderson write a suitable letter to the congregation of Jamaica, signifying what was done in said affair, and bring it in before the Synod break up. A supplication from the new erection in this city being brought in and read, it was referred to the committee to bring in an overture upon it. A supplication from part of the congregation of Neshaminy, containing matters of complaint against Mr. William Tennent, and also an answer to the several articles of said supplication from another part of the said congregation being brought in, and both of them read article by article, and both parties heard at length what they had to say, all parties were ordered to remove, and some time being taken upon the merits of that cause, Mr. Thomson was ordered to draw up an overture on that affair, and bring it in, in the afternoon. Mr. Cathcart asked leave to depart, and it was granted. Ordered, That the committee meet at three of the clock, P. M. Adjourned till four of the clock, P. M. Concluded with prayer. At four of the dock, P. M. Post preces sederunt qui supra. Ordered, That the account of the fund be brought in next sederunt. Upon the affair of Neshaminy overtured. That the reasons advanced by the disaffected party of that congregation in their supplication, in justification of their non-compliance with the Synod's judgment in relation to them last year, and their desire to be freed from Mr. Tennent as their pastor, are utterly in- sufficient, being founded, (as appears to us,) partly upon ignorance and mis- take, and partly, (as we fear,) upon prejudice. It is therefore ordered, that the modei'ator recommend it to said people to lay aside such groundless dis- satisfactions, and return to their duty, which they have too long strayed from, otherwise the Synod will be bound in duty to treat them as disorderly. Ap- proved, nemine contradicentc. Overtured, That Mr. Cross's instalment be as soon as conveniently may be after his return from Jamaica, and that the Synod on Monday next appoint the person that shall iustal him. £ s. d. 516 4 lU GO 19 11 11 00 3 134 MINUTES OF THE [1737. Ovcrtured, That IMr. Elder supply the new erection the three last Sabbaths in June, and the first in July ; Mr. Alexander the other four Sabbaths in July, and 3Ir. Curlile the mouth of August, if there be occasion. Overtured, That one hundred pounds be allowed out of the fund to enable the new erected congregation to build an house of worship, and that said hun- dred pounds be paid at the meeting of the next Synod, if sijid congregation be obliged to build a meeting-house for themselves ; and that the Synod at their meeting consider what is further to be done that way. ]?ut in case the two congregations should unite to their mutual satisfaction, that then there be only fifty pounds allowed them out of the'fund, towards purchasing a burying ground. The above overture approved, nemi'ne contradlccnte. Adjourned till ten of the clock on Monday morning. The committee to meet at eight of the clock. Concluded with prayer. oO^A day, at ten of the clocJc, A. M. Post preces sederunt qui supra. The account of the fund brought in, and it appears that there is in it antece- dent to any disbursements to be made this year : Due per bonds, - - - Per interest on said bonds, In cash, . - - . In all, £588 5 U- A supplication coming in from Trenton to the committee, desiring that something might be allowed to them out of the fund, overtured that five pounds be allowed them for this present year, £5 0 0 Overtured, That the janitor have for his service the sum of 1 10 0 Pursuant to a supplication from Mr. Black's congregation, over- tured that they be allowed the sum of five pounds, 5 0 0 Ovcrtured, That the treasurer have for his service the sum of 6 0 0 The above overtures were approved. Mr. William Tennent, senior, having last year supplicated the committee to remit him the interest of his bond for four years then past, and the com- mittee taking this into consideration, thought it not proper to grant him his request, but referred it to the consideration and determination of the Synod ; which being now brought into the Synod, and Mr. Tennent renewing his petition, they taking it into consideration, agreed to grant his request, the said four years' interest amounting to the sum of seven pounds four shillings. The Synod, according to the order of Saturday, coming to consider who shall instal Mr. Cross to the new erection, do now appoint Mr. Andrews to do the same, and that from this time Mr. Cross and said new erection be joined to the Presbytery of J'hiladelphia. Mr. Anderson and Mr. Thomson brouglit in their letter to the people of Jamaica, which was approved, and ordered to be sent to them. An overture to be considered by the committee of the Synod. Inasmuch as God, who is a God of order, requires in an especial manner, that all the affairs of his kingdom on earth should be done decently and in order ; and inasmuch as there may be frequent occasion in the course of Divine Providence, for the transportation or moving of ministers, or probationary preachers, from one Presbytery to another ; for preventing many inconve- niences that may ensue upon irregular steps that may be taken on such occa- sions, it is humbly proposed as a fit expedient : 1738.] SYNOD OF PHILADELPHIA. 135 First. That no probationer take upon him to preach in any vacant congre- gation without the order of the Presbyter}' under whose care he is. Secoudly. That no such probationer preach to any vacant congregation without the bounds of the Presbytery to which he belongs, until his way be cleared thereunto by the order and appointment of the Presbytery under whose care and inspection such congregation is. Thirdly. That no Presbytery take upon them to appoint such probationer to preach within their bounds without Presbyterial credentials, or recommen- dations for that purpose from the Presbytery unto which such probationer be- longs. Fourthly. That no vacant congregation take upon them to invite or en- courage any minister, or probationer, to preach among them without the con- sent and concurrence of their own Presbytery, nor until such probationer has preached before them with approbation. Fifthly. That no minister take upon him to invite any minister, or proba- tioner, from the bounds of another Presbytery, to preach unto any vacant congregation without the advice and concurrence of the brethren of his own Presbytery. To evince the reasonableness of the above particulars, besides the inconve- niences that may ensue upon the neglecting of such an order or method, it may be considered that both probationers and vacant congregations are and ought to look upon themselves as under the direction and government of their respec- tive Presbyteries. That they ought to be ordered, directed, and concurred with, by them, in all the steps taken in order to their being settled. It is also humbly proposed that the Synod would make an order to inquire yearly, at our respective Presbyteries, concerning their observation of the order and agreement of September, 1735, in relation to our receiving of ministers and preachers from Europe. This above overture approved. Mr. Barr, in behalf of the new erection of this city, supplicated the Synod for their direction and assistance in sending to Great Britain, or Ireland, for some assistance of money for them. The Synod agrees to it, and appoints Mr. Thomson, Mr. Anderson, Mr. Cross, and the moderator, to assist said congregation in said affair. ' The Presbytery books of Philadelphia and Donegall were brought in and approved. Adjourned till the fourth Wednesday of May next, and then to meet at Philadelphia, at two of the clock, P. 31. Concluded with prayer. 1738. May the lUh, 1738. The Synod met at Philadelnhia according to appointment. V h i j^ost preces sederunt Ministers : Messrs. Jedidiah Andrews, William Tennent, David Evans, Daniel Elmer, llichard Treat, Hugh Carlile, David Cowell, George Gillespie, Joseph Houston, Robert Cathcart, Francis Alison, Charles Tennent, Jonathan Dickinson, John Pierson, Ebenezer Pemberton, Gilbert Tennent, William Tennent, junior, John Cross, Samuel Blair, Henry Hook, James Martin, Robert Jameson, James Anderson, John Thomson, Adam Boyd, John Paul, Alexander Craighead, and Samuel Black. Elders : Messrs. William Gray, Richard Walker, James Abraham, James Erwin, William Semple, Philip Tanner, Robert Calwell, Robert Finney, 136 MIXUTES OF THE [1738. William McMackin, James McCroy, Ricbard Alison, Andrew Cregg, John llobb, John Luckey, William Sherran, Robert McConachy. Ministers absent : Messrs. Robert Cross, Ebenezer Goold, Eleazer Wales, Thomas Evans, Alexander Hutchinson, Joseph Webb, Aaron Rurr, Simon Horton, John Nutman, Isaac Chalker, Samuel J^umry, Walter Wilmot, Patrick Glascow, Hugh Stevenson, Thomas Craighead, William Bertram, John Orme, Hugh Conn. Mr. Henry Hook, last year's moderator, opened the Synod by a sermon from John xxi. 14. Mr. Richard Treat chosen moderator, and Mr. Francis Alison clerk. Messrs. Elmer, Cowel, Craighead, Pierson, Dickinson, Pemberton, Horton, Webb, and Nutman, gave reasons for their absence last year, which were sustained. Messrs. Thomson, Andrews, Dickinson, Pemberton, Boyd, Gillespie, Ander- son, Martin, and the moderator, appointed for a committee for the fund, and any other business the Synod shall recommend to them. The Presbytery books of ]jewis and East Jersey were not brought. jMessrs. Houston and Hook ordered to revise the Presbytery book of Philadelphia; Messrs. Paul and Martin to revise the Presbytery book of New Castle; Messrs. John Cross and William Tennent, jun'r, to revise the Presbytery book of Dunagall. The Presbytery of Long-Island being reduced so that a quorum cannot statedly meet about business, it is ordered, that they be united to the Presby- tery of East-Jersey, and to be henceforth known by the name of the Presbytery of New York. Adjourned till nine o'clock, to-morrow morning. Concluded with prayer. 25th dai/, at nine o'clock, A. 31. ])Ost preces secJerunt qui supra. The Synod taking the state of the fund into consideration, and finding that many congregations arc deficient in contributing to so good a design, and that ministers have not been so careful as they might be in proposing and endeav- ouring that thing, it is unanimously agreed by all the members of the Synod, that every minister shall eithcTr seasonably propose the afiair, and read the Synod's letter to their respective congregations, and appoint a day for a public collection, if there be occasion for such a step to carry on the design, or oblige themselves to pay out of their own proper estates ten shillings to the fund ; and that every Presbytery take care that their respective members, observe an order made in the year 1736, (directing absent members to send collections,) and that they, as soon as possible, notify what is now done to all the absent members. And seeing that the respective congregations of the Synod contri- bute to the fund, and have a right to know how what is collected is disposed of and managed, ordered, ncm. con. that there be a minister and an elder out of every Presbytery, appointed to be members of the committee for the fund. And in pursuance of this order, the following elders are appointed for this year in conjunction with the ministers before mentioned, namely, William Gray, Robert Finney, Richard Alison, James McCoy. Messrs. Anderson, Andrews, Thomson, Gillespie, Dickinson, Pemberton, Pierson, Robert Cross, Thomas Evans, Boyd, Martin, and the moderator, appointed to be the commission of the Synod for the year ensuing, and that they endeavour to bring elders with them if they have occasion to meet, and that any five of these members be a quorum. It is rei)ortcd that Mr. Charles Teimcnt, in the Presbytery of New Castle, Mr. Aaron Burr and Mr. Walter Wilmott, in the Presbytery of New York, were, after the usual trials, ordained since the last Synod, and that they did 1738.] SYNOD OF PHILADELPHIA. 137 all of them adopt the Westminster Confession, &c. according to order of this Synod. Ordered, That an account of the fund he brought in before the Synod break up. The committee appointed by the Synod to meet at Maidenhead and inquire into Mr. Morgan's aifair, met according to appointment, and the minutes of their proceedings being read and approved, were ordered to be inserted in the Synod book, and they are as follows :* A petition with some papers being sent by Mr. Morgan to the Synod, after reading the petition, they referred the consideration of said papers to the com- mittee. It is reported that Mr. Robert Cross was installed since our last, according to the Synod's appointment, and that the two congregations in Philadelphia were since united. It was overtured by some members, that some order should be made to pre- vent irregularities that may arise in our churches, by some ministers and pro- bationers preaching to vacant congregations without the bounds of their respec- tive Presbyteries, without allowance from the Presbytery under whose care the said vacant congregations may be. This was debated for some time, and de- ferred till next sederunt. Adjourned till three of the clock, P. M. Concluded with prayer. * " At a meeting of the Presbytery of Philadelpliia and East-Jersey, (being a commit- tee appointed by the Synod to transact in the atfair of Mr. Morgan,) ou the first Wed- nesday of August, at Maidenhead, 1737, uhl post preces sederunt: Members of the Pres- bytery of Philadelphia : Mr. Jedidiah Andrews, Mr. David Evans, Mr. llichard Treat, Mr. David Cowell, and Mr. Hugh Carlile. Members of East-Jersey Presbytery : Mr. William Tennent, jun'r. Mr. John Nutman, and Mr. Samuel Blair. Elders : John Snow- den, David Rhee, Stoffel Longstreat, and Nathaniel Brittin. Mr. Andrews chosen mod- erator, and Mr. Treat clerk. Mr. Treat opened the committee by a sermon on John xii. 26. The committee entered upon the affair of Mr. Morgan, and read the minute of the Synod that commissioned them for said business ; and finding that the terms of Mr. Morgan's suspension being taken off were these, viz : There not appearing any new ac- cusations against him, and his giving them sensible evidence of his repentance, the com- mittee proceeded to inquire whether any new accusations were to be brought in against him. Upon which several evidences were given in to the committee, one from AVilliam Brittin in writing, and another from Nathaniel Brittin, and another from James Cham- bers, viva voce, which were taken down in writing; (which are all kept in retends,) after this the committee adjourned to eight o'clock, to-morrow morning. Concluded with prayer. "ith day, at eight o'clock, A. M. Post preces sederunt qui supra. " The affair of l\Ir. Morgan being resumed, the committee proceeded according to di- rection to inquire into the signs of his repentance, and after a long conference with him in private, the committee entered into a serious debate about the matter, in order to come to a judgment. And after much time spent in the business, without coming to any conclusion, they adjourned to four of the clock, P. M. Concluded with prayer. «' At four o'clock, P. M. Post preces sederunt qui supra. "The committee re-entered upon the consideration of Mr. Morgan's affair, and began ■with a conference again with him. And after Mr. Morgan was withdrawn, they came to an inquiry among themselves, what conclusion they could come into about the pre- mises ; and after the deepest consideration, and most serious deliberation, they unani- mously judged, that inasmuch as some new and express accusations have been brought against him since the order of last Synod, and in all our conference with Mr. Morgan, he gave us no sufficient evidence of his repentance, but still continues to deny the most material and notorious instances of the thiugs formerly proved against him, they cannot see cause to take off the suspension, but judge it their bounden duty to continue it as before. Concluded with prayer." 18 138 MINUTES OF THE [1738. At three of the cloclc, P. 31. Post preces sederunt qui supra. The affair of the fund continued. The debate concerning ministers preaching without the bounds of their own Presbyteries, to vacancies in the bounds of another Presbytery, without the consent of some of the members, was reassumed, and overtured upon it, that no minister belonging to this Synod shall have liberty to preach in any congrega- tion belonging to another Presbytery whereof he is not a member, after he is advised by any minister of such Presbytery, that he thinks his preaching in that congregation will have a tendency to procure divisions and disorders, until he first obtain liberty from the Presbytery or Synod so to do. This being put to the vote, was approved. Overtured, That in order to obviate some mistakes, that it is supposed some of the members of the Synod were in, with respect to the preceding overture, that it be voted that every minister belonging to this Synod, has liberty to preach in any vacant congregation where he shall be occasionally and providen- tially called, even though he is out of the bounds of the Presbytery to which be belongs, unless he be first advised by some minister of such Presbytery, that bis preaching there is likely to procure divisions and disorders in such congre- gation ; and even when he is so advised by any minister of such Presbytery, he may yet preach in such congregation, if by liberty first obtained from such Presbytery or from the Synod, but not otherwise. Agreed ncniine contra- dicente. Inquiry being made of the several Presbyteries, whether they have com- plied with an order of Synod touching the admission of ministers or candi- dates that come from Europe, it was found that said order has been complied with. A letter from the Synod of Ireland, was read and referred to the committee to consider what is to be done in reference to it. Ordered, That the committee meet to-morrow morning, at eight of the clock. Adjourned till ten o'clock, to-morrow. Concluded with prayer. 2G<^ day, met at ten d'cloch, accordlmj to appointment ^ A. M. Lhi post preces sederunt qui sup>ra. The afiair of the fund continued. Leave being desired by Mr. Elmer and Mr. Evans to depart, it was granted. Upon the consideration of the letter from the Synod in Ireland, the com- mittee brought in this overture, viz : That a respectful letter be wrote to the Synod in Ireland in answer to theirs, and brought into the Synod for ap- probation. Agreed, and ordered, that Mr. Anderson and Mr. Thomson write said letter. Upon a supplication of some members of the Presbytery of New York, to be erected into a distinct I'resbytery with some of the members of the Pres- bytery of l^hiladelphia : Overtured, That their petition be granted, and that all to the northward and eastward of Maidenhead and Hopewell unto llaritan river, including also Staten-Islaud, Piscatua, Amboy, Bound-Brook, ]>askiug- Ilidge, Turkey, Bocksiticus, Minisinks, Pequally, and Crosswicks, be the bounds of that Presbytery ; and that the said Presbytery be distinguished by the name of the Presbytery of New-Brunswick, and that the time of their meeting to be the second Tuesday of August next, at New-]Jrunswick. This overture was approved. Upon the supplication of John Caldwell, in behalf of himself and many families of our persuasion, who arc about to settle in the back parts of A^irginia, 1738.] SYNOD OF PHILADELPHIA. 139 desiring that some members of the Synod may be appointed to wait on that government, to solicit their favour in behalf of our interest in that place : Over- tured, That according to the purport of the supplication, the Synod appoint two of their number to go and wait upon the governor and council of Virginia, with suitable instructions in order to procure the favour and countenance of the government of that province, to the laying a foundation of our interest in the back parts thereof, where considerable numbers of families of our persuasion are settling, and that something be allowed out of our fund to bear the charges of said brethren who shall be appointed ; and that also provision be made for supplying the congregations of said brethren during their absence from them, while prosecuting that affair ; and that Messrs. llobert Cross, Anderson, Conn, and Orme, prosecute said affair ; and that Messrs. Thomson, Dickinson, and Pemberton, prepare instructions for said brethren, and write a letter in the name of the Synod to the said government, to be brought in and approved by the Synod ; and that the respective Presbyteries take care of these congrega- tions during the absence of their pastors. And it is further overtured, that these brethren be allowed a discretionary power of using what money they have occasion for, to bear their expenses in a manner suitable to this design, being accountable to the Synod for their conduct in the whole affair. Approved nemine contradicente. A supplication from part of the congregation of Pequea was read, desiring either to have some part of the labours of Mr. David Alexander, till they be judged by the Presbytery of Dunagall to have sufficient ability to support the gospel themselves, or to be erected into a congregation and having supplies granted them ; their affair was deferred till another year, which we hope will have a happy tendency to bring things to a good issue, and till then they are to acquiesce in the determination of their Presbytery. Which was approved by a great majority. The committee to meet at three o'clock. Adjourned till four o'clock, P. M. Concluded with prayer. At four 0^ clock, P. M. Post preces sederunt qui supra. The order respecting the fund continued. Upon a supplication from Mr. Morgan, and some papers of his that were laid before the Synod, it is overtured, that inasmuch as Mr. Morgan has given the Synod no sufficient evidence of his repentance for the gross scandals laid to his charge, and proved against him, they judge that Mr. Morgan continue under censure until he give just ground for the removal thereof, either to the Synod or the Presbytery of Philadelphia. Approved nemine contradicente. The Presbytery book of New Castle approved. A remonstrance from Mr. George Gillespie was read, in which he complains against the Presbytery of Donagall, for treating Mr. Zanchy, a probationer in their bounds, with too much lenity in only rebuking him, and not suspending him when he stood charged with compt)sing a discourse in which were gross and evident errors, and for sending said notes to Mr. Henry Hunter, who preached them to his own overthrow. Upon which the Synod came to the fol- lowing conclusion : That though they cannot but greatly condemn and censure Mr. Zanchy's conduct, in acting the plagiary in transcribing notes out of printed authors, thereby to impose upon the Presbytery, giving them a false view of his ministerial powers, and in sending the same notes to another candidate to enable him to impose upon his Presbytery in the same manner, as well as for his greatest imprudence in sending such heretical notes abroad, whereby most dangerous errors came to be vended; yet considering that Mr. Zanchy was sharply admonished by his Presbytery, that his trials were sometime stopt, and 140 MIXUTES OF THE [1738. his ordination a considerable time delayed on the account of this, his conduct, wc shall now lay no further censure upon him, but judge the Presbytery were de- fective in not taking notice in their minutes of his being such a plagiary, or censuring him on that account. The committee to meet to-morrow morning at eight of the clock. Adjourned till nine o'clock to-morrow morning. Concluded with prayer. 11 th day. At nine o^ clock, A. M. Post preces sederunt qui supra. The affair of the fund continued. The Presbytery book of Philadelphia brought in and approved. Mr. Gilbert Tennent represented to the committee that there had been dif- fering sentiments in some important points of doctrine between himself and Mr. Cowell, upon which there had been sundry largo letters passed between them, concerning which he desires the 83'nod's opinion. It is overtured, that this affair be considered by a committee appointed by the Synod, who shall be directed to converse with j\Ir. Tennent and 3Ir. Cowell together, that they may see whether they so widely differ in their sentiments as is supposed; and if they find that there be necessity, distinctly to consider the papers ; that Mr. Tennent and Mr. Cowell be both directed to refrain from all public discourses upon this • controversy, and all methods of spreading it among the populace, until the com- mittee have made their report to the Synod, and that no other member take notice of and divulge the affair. The above mentioned committee were Messrs. J. Dickinson, Picrson, Pem- berton, Thomson, Anderson, Boyd, and the moderator. A supplication from some of the members of the western part of Hanover was read, and after some serious and suitable discourse upon it, it was referred to Messrs. Thomson and Martin to bring in an overture upon it, against the next sederunt. Adjourned till three of the clock, P. M., on Monday next. Concluded with prayer. 29^7i day. Met according to apj^ointinent, at three o'clock, P. 31. Ubi post preces sederunt qui siqjra. Mr. Robert Cross is now present, and his reasons for being absent were sustained, and he is now ordered to be a member of the committee for the fund. The order with respect to the affair of the fund continued. An overture was brought in upon the affair between Messrs. Gilbert Tennent and David Cowell, by the committee appointed for that purpose, which is as follows, viz. The committee having heard Mr. Tennent and Mr. Cowell explain themselves upon the debate between them, think it proper to take this affair under further consideration, that they may have opportunity to peruse the papers that are produced, to give us 9 fuller view of this controversy, that so we ma}'^ be prepared to give a report to the next Synod. j\Ir. Cross joined to the committee. Approved, nemine contradiccnte. Upon the affair of West Hanover, overtured as follows. Upon Mr. Budd's representation of the affair of Hanover : Overtured, That, however in a former minute relating to West Hanover, we have granted, that solemn obligations by lot or othcrise may cease, when by any turn of Providence what is en- gaged unto becomes impossible or impracticable, or the end thereof is other- wise fully and completely answered, yet it appearing doubtful to us whether this be the case of said people in respect of the obligation laid upon them to unite or join with the people of East Hanover, by a lot or solemn engage- 1738.] SYNOD OF PHILADELPHIA. 141 ment to submit to the judgment of the committee of the Presbytery of East Jersey, who were called to judge in that aifair, the Synod does judge that the safest way to come to a final determination of that affair is, that a committee be appointed to meet in that place in order to make as exact inquiry as they can into the circumstances of that people, whether there really be such a change in their case as to cause the above obligation to cease, and either give their judgment of this matter, or else represent it as it shall appear to them, to the Synod at our next meeting, which they shall judge most meet, and that Messrs. Gilbert Tennent, William Tennent, junior, Samuel Blair, David Cowell, Eleazar Wales, Jedidiah Andrews, Aaron Burr, John Cross, and Richard Treat, be a committee to meet at Hanover the last Wednesday of July next, upon the affair, at eleven of the clock, ante meridiem. Approved, nemine contradiccnfe. A proposal was made by the Presbytery of Lewes to this Synod, which is as follows : That this part of the world where Grod has ordered our lot, la- bours under a grievous disadvantage for want of the opportunities of univer- sities, and professors skilled in the several branches of useful learning, and that many students from Europe are especially cramped in prosecuting their studies, their parents removing to these colonies before they have an opportu- nity of attending the college, after having spent some years at the grammar school ; and that many persons born in the country groan under the same pres- sure, whose circumstances are not able to support them to spend a course of years in the European, or New England colleges, which discourages much, and must be a detriment to our church ; for we know that natural parts, how- ever great and promising, for want of being well improved, must be marred of their usefulness, and cannot be so extensively serviceable to the public, and that want of due pains and care paves the way for ignorance, and this for a formidable train of sad consequences. To prevent this evil, it is humbly proposed as a remedy, that every student who has not studied with approba- tion, passing the usual courses in some of the New England, or European colleges, approved by public authority, shall, before he be encouraged by any Presbytery for the sacred work of the ministry, apply himself to this Synod, and that they appoint a committee of their members yearly, whom they know to be well skilled in the several branches of philosophy, and divinity, and the languages, to examine such students in this place, and finding them well ac- complished in those several parts of learning, shall allow them a public testi- monial from the Synod, which, till better provision be made, will in some measure answer the design of taking a degree in the college. And for encouragement of students let this be done, without putting them to further expenses than attending. And let it be an objection against none, where they have read, or what books, but let all encouragement be only according to merit. And 'tis hoped this will fill our youth with a laudable emulation, prevent errors young men may imbibe by reading without direction, or things of little value, will banish ignorance, fill our infant church with men eminent for parts and learning, and advance the glory of Grod, and the honour of our Synod both at home and among our neighbours, who conceive a low opinion of us tor want of such favourable opportunities. 'Tis further proposed, that all that are not licensed to preach the gospel, what university or college soever they come from, may undergo the same trials. But inasmuch as this act cannot be put in force this year, without discouraging such as may not be apprized of it, 'tis ordered, that there be two standing committees to act in the above affair for this year, one to the northward and the other to the southward of Phila- delphia, and that Messrs. John Thomson, George Gillespie, Thomas Evans, Henry Hook, James Anderson, James Martin, Francis Alison, be a committee for the Presbyteries southward of Philadelphia. And that Messrs. Andrews, 142 MINUTES OF THE [1738. Robert Cross, Gilbert Tennent, Pemberton, Dickinson, Cowell, and Pierson, be a committee to the northward. Approved by a great majority. The committee to meet at nine o'clock to-morrow, A. M. Adjourned till three of the clock to-morroW; P. M. Concluded with prayer. SOth da)/. At three o'clock, P. M. met accordinra. A supplication from Middle Octorara congregation containing charges against Mr. John Thomson, being presented and read, after much discourse upon it, the Synod agreed that Mr. Thomson have a copy of the said suppli- cation, and that his Presbytery shall, with all possible expedition, judge of that affair. I The affair of Mr. Craighead reassumed. ]Mr. Craighead presented another paper, which was read, and after debating on that business, the Synod agreed that this and the former paper be perused by the Doncgall Presbytery, in order to prepare for trial against to-morrow in the afternoon. Adjourned till to-morrow at nine o'clock. Concluded with prayer. I^ih, at nine o'clock. Post -preces sederunt qui supra. Since our last meeting it pleased God in his providence to remove by death, our dear brethren Mr. James Anderson, of the Presbytery of Donegall, and Mr. Joseph Houston, of the Presbytery of New York. Mr. Samuel Thomson, Mr. Patrick Glascow, Mr. Alexander, and Mr. Ber- tram were absent last year, and having given or sent reasons of their absence, are excused ; as also Mr. David Evans. Inasmuch as Mr. Stevenson has from time to time, and for years past, ne- glected attending on our judicatures, and also omitted his ministry without giving us any reasons for his said conduct, it is therefore agreed, that his name shall be struck out of our records, till he come before us and give an account of his proceedings. Mr. Goold is removed out of the bounds of our Synod. The choosing a committee, and other business for the fund, deferred. Messrs. Hutchinson and Blair appointed to revise the Presbytery book of Philadelphia; Mes.srs. Martin and Jamison the Presbytery book of Donegall. The I'resbytery books of New York, New Brunswick, New Castle, and Lewes, are not brought. Inquiry being made who had brought collections for the fund, it was found that there was something brought by Messrs. Gillespie, Blair, Jamison, An- drews, "William Tennent, senior. Elder, Zanchy, and Samuel Thomson. Adjourned till three o'clock, P. M. Concluded with prayer. At three o'clock, P. 31. according to ajypointment, post prcces sederunt qui supra. The Presbytery of Donegall, as appointed, begun their reply to IMr. Craig- head's paper in several particulars, but being late it 's deferred till to-morrow morning, at nine o'clock. Concluded with prayer. 1741.] SYNOD OF PHILADELPHIA. 157 30 day. At nine o'clochy met according to appointment. TJhi po&t preces sederunt qui supra. The above affair continued, and a great deal of discourse maintained upon it. The Synod defer the further consideration thereof. Adjourned till three o'clock, P. M. on Monday next. Concluded with prayer. June 1. At three o^ clock, P. M. Post preces sederunt qui supra. A protestation was brought in by Mr. Cross, read, and signed by several members, which is kept in retentis.* * A Protestation presented to the Synod, June 1, 1741. Reverend Fathers and Brethren, We, the ministers of Jesus Christ, and members of the Synod of Philadelphia, bein)ytery, write to the Presbytery of Londou-Derry, in Ireland, to see if any further light may l>e obtained in said all'air. Upon the sujijilication of several of the back inhabitants of Virginia, desiring that the commission of tlie Synod would draw up a supplication to be sent to the General Assem- bly in Scotland or tiieir commission, begging the favour that they may send over a pro- bationer or minister, tliat they think suitably qualitied for that place, to take the pas- toral charge of said people. It is agreed that Messrs. Andrews and Cross write to them by the tirst suitable opportunity. The Synod having given orders last year to some of their number, to answer such wri- tings as might be needful to set the present debate in a true light ; notwithstanding we think it is the Synod's business to see tlie Printer's accounts cleared, yet the commission recommend it earnestly to every Presbytery, and to every person, to be careful to bring in the price of the books disposed of in their bounds or by themselves, in order to defray said expense, before they proceed to contribute any thing further out of the fund. Concluded with prayer. 1743.] SYNOD OF PHILADELPHIA. 165 Bell, John Hindman. Absent : Messrs. William Bertram, Samuel Thomson, John Craig. Philadelphia Presbytery : Messrs. Jedidiah Andrews, Robert Cross, Daniel Elmer, David Cowell, Francis McHenry, and Samuel Evans. Absent : Messrs. David Evans and John Guild. Elders : Messrs. Alexander Walker, James Donnel, Matthew Atchinson, Daniel Henderson, George Davison, William Stevenson, John McEwen, Arthur Patterson, William Gray, John Ogden, Samuel Hart, and David Griffith. Mr. Dickinson, the last year's moderator, opened the Synod with a sermon on 1 Cor. i. 10. Mr. David Cowell chosen moderator, and Mr. Alison clerk. Adjourned till ten o'clock, to-morrow morning. Concluded with prayer. 26 day at ten o'clock, post preces sederunt qui supra. Messrs. Leonard and the Hortons' absence excused. Mr. Chalker is re- moved out of our bounds. Mr. Hugh Stevenson absent. This affair to be considered. Messrs. Thomas Evans and James Martin, of the Presbytery of New Castle, removed by death since our last, and likewise Mr. Joel Evans, proba- tioner. Since our last, Mr. Bell and Mr. Hindman were ordained by the Presby- tery of Donegall. Messrs. Bertram, Samuel Thomson, and Craig are excused for their absence. Mr. David Evans excused for his absence. A paper being brought in by Thomas Cookson, Esq. one of his majesty's justices, for the county of Lancaster, in the name of the Governor, to be laid before and considered by us, the Synod agrees to defer all other business, and set aside the common methods of their proceeding, to consider it, and orders it to be read. The above mentioned paper, with an affidavit concerning it, being read in open Synod, it was unanimously agreed : That it is full of trea- son, sedition, and distraction, and grievous perverting of the sacred oracles to the ruin of all societies and civil government, and directly and diametrically opposite to our religious principles, as we have on all occasions openly and publicly declared to the world ; and we hereby unanimously, with the greatest sincerity, declare that we detest this paper, and with it all principles and prac- tices that tend to destroy the civil or religious rights of mankind, or to foment or encourage sedition or dissatisfaction with the civil government that we are now under, or rebellion, treason, or any thing that is disloyal. And if Mr. Alexander Craighead be the author we know nothing of the matter. And we hereby declare, that he hath been no member of our society for some time past, nor do we acknowledge him as such, though we cannot but heartily lament that any man that was ever called a Presbyterian, should be guilty of what is in this paper. And we order, that a committee be appointed to draw up an address to the governor on this occasion, and that the committee be Messrs. Dickinson, Pemberton, Alison, and the moderator, and bring it into the Synod for approbation. Adjourned till four o'clock, P. M. Concluded with prayer. At four o'clocJc, P. M. met, xihi post preces sederunt qui sujira. Mr. Stevenson's affair deferred. The address was brought in and approved. Ordered, That the ministers of the Synod wait on the governor and present this address, together with a copy of our minute with relation to this affair. 166 MINUTES OF THE [1743. Mr. Elder's absence last year is excused. Mr. Jones was ordained by the New York Presbytery since our last. Ordered, That Messrs. Andrews, Cross, Dickinson, Pemberton, Pierson, Thomson, Boyd, Cathcart, Samuel Evans, McHenry, Alison, and the mode- rator, be a committee for tlie fund, and the commission of the Synod for the following year; and that William Gray, Arthur Patterson, and James Donnel, be joined with the said committee in the affair of the fund : and that the mi- nisters of the commission shall endeavour to bring elders with them if they have occasion to meet, and that six of them with the moderator, shall be a quorum. Ordered, That Mr. McDowell and Mr. Bell revise the Presbytery Book of Philadelphia. And that all our Presbyteries punctually bring their books. Laving all neglected to do so, Philadelphia Presbytery only excepted. Infjuiry being made who had this year brought money to the fund, it was found that Mr. Alison, Mr. Bell, Messrs. Andrews and Cross, and Mr. Cowell, had broutfht something;. Adjourned till ten o'clock to-morrow morning. Concluded with prayer. 27/ 2od, 1744. Vhi j)Ost preces sederunt Minister of New Castle Presbytery : Mr. Alexander McDowell. Absent — Donegall Presbytery : Messrs. John Thomson, Adam Boyd, John Craig, John Elder. Absent — • Philadelphia Presbytery : Messrs. Jedidiah Andrews, Robert Cross, Daniel Elmer, Samuel Evans. New York Presbytery absent. Elders : Alexander Montgomery, James Read, Hugh Rippey, William Wilson, William Johnston, William Gray, Edward Lummis, and James Abraham. Mr. Andrews opened the Synod by a sermon on Ezek. iii. 17. Mr. Cowell, the last year's moderator, being absent. Many of the members being absent, and expected to be present to-morrow, it is concluded that the Synod adjourn to nine o'clock, to-morrow morning, before they enter upon business. Concluded with prayer. 24i'7i day at nine o'clocTc. 3Iet according to appointment. Uhi post preces sederunt qui supra. And upon calling the roll the following members present who were absent yesterday, viz : Messrs. George Gillespie, Robert Cathcart, and Francis Alison, of the New Castle Presbytery. And that Presbytery reports, that since our last they have ordained to the work of the ministry Mr. Timothy Grifiith and Mr. John Steel, they having passed the usual trials and adopted the 172 MINUTES OF THE [1744. Westminster Confession and Catechisms as the confession of their faith, ac- cording to order of the Synod in that case provided. They also inform us, that pursuant to a call drawn up by the people of Snow-Hill, Buckingham, and the Ferry, in Worcester in Maryland, and with the Presbytery's concur- rence, sent to the Presbytery of Paisley in North Britain, the llev. Mr. James Scougal accepted the said call. And having produced sufficient testimonials of his piety, learning, prudence, soundness in the faith, blameless conversation and ordination by them, was admitted as a member of the Presbytery of New Castle. And the Sj-nod admitted these brethren into membership. Of Doncgall Presbytery, Mr. Black is now present. Absent : Messrs. Samuel Thomson, Richard Zanchy, Bertrani, Iliudman, and Samuel Caven. (Mr. Bell was suspended by said Presbytery.) Present now of Philadelphia Presbytery : Messrs. David Evans and Francis McHenry. Elders of the ministers absent yesterday : Messrs. John ]McMichael, William McCulloch, Thomas James, David Patterson, Samuel Hart, James Kerr. Mr. McHenry chosen moderator, and Mr. McDowell clerk. We find that upon reading the last year's roll, Mr. Robert Jamison is re- moved by death since our last, as also Mr. Hugh Stevenson. Mr. Samuel Pumry's absence now excused, on account of bodily indisposi- tion. Mr. David Evans gave reasons for his last year's absence, which were sus- tained. Ordered, That Messrs. Andrews, Cross, Dickinson, Pierson, Nutman, John Thomson, Boyd, Black, Samuel Evans, Cathcart, Alison, Gillespie, and the moderator, be the committee for the fund and the commission of the Synod for the ensuing year. And ]\Iessrs. William Gray, Samuel Hart, William McCul- loch, William Wilson, elders, be joined with them in the affair of the fund j and that every minister endeavour to have an elder with him if the Synod's commission have occasion to meet ; and that five ministers and the moderator be a quorum of the commission. Ordered, That Messrs. JJoyd and Griffith revise the Presbytery book of Philadelphia ; and Messrs. Alison and Cathcart the Presbytery book of Done- gall, and that these books be delivered the next sederunt. Ordered, That the Presbytery of New Castle, not having their book now, do put it in order and bring it to be revised by the Sj^nod the next year. Inquiry being made who had brought money to the fund, it was found that Messrs. Andrews, Cross, McHenry, and Craig, had brought some. Upon reading our last year's minutes, we find an overture presented by the Presbytery of New York, and that remarks upon it were read in Synod, but these remarks not being entered in the Synod book, it is now ordered, that they be inserted here in this place. They are as follows : Some short hints by way of remark on an overture designed to 1)C laid before the Synod of I'hiladelphia by the brethren of the l^resbj'tery of New York, sub- mitted by the said brethren to the consideration of the other members of the Synod in a private extra-jiulicial v;\iy. On the introduction remark : How far the following particulars of the over- ture are conducive to the good end proposed, will be best known by a partieular consideration of them. On article first remark : Notwithstanding of what is alleged by our breth- ren, we are still of the mind that the exclusion of the New Brunswick brethren by the protestation mentioned, is sufficiently justified by the reasons specified in the said protestation ; which reasons are further strengthened by the conduct of the said brethren ever since. And were it needful to produce them, there are not wanting precedents of this method of procedure in Pres- 1744.] SYNOD OF PHILADELPHIA. 173 byterian churclies, yea and in civil judicatures; and therefore we think it altogether inconsistent with duty and a good conscience, to withdraw said protest or recede from it. And further, it is our judgment, that the only sensible expedient in order to reunion, in the present circumstances is, that the Now Brunswick, &c. would let us know under their hand, how far they will or can comply, to give the Synod satisfaction for the offences complained of, by acknowledging their past misconduct, and by giving satisfactory security against the fears of the like offences for the future. On the second article remark : If the Brunswick brethren would once give such satisfaction to the Synod for their past conduct, in opposition to our act of Synod, relating to the examination of candidates for the ministry, it seems not unlikely that we might agree either in the amendment thereof, or in insti- tuting an equivalent for the future. But if no reparation be made for the damages done by their past conduct in opposition to said act, we think it vain to talk of substituting an equivalent for the future. And, therefore, we also would desire to know from these brethren under their hands, what satisfaction they are willing to give the Synod on this head. On article the third : Our judgment in respect of being obliged to open our pulpits to itinerants, and to invite them to preach in them, sub j^oena of being esteemed unbrotherly, and promoters of division and separation, is so fiir differ- ent and opposite to our New York brethren's judgment, that we verily be- lieve, that such a constitution or order as our brethren talk of, is of most visi- ble and obvious tendency to promote division and separation, and every thing that is unbrotherly and uncharitable. Neither is it enough that there are no endeavours to set up separate meetings in our congregations, but also that all these already set up, be obliged to return to their pastors and congregations, or else be deemed and dealt with as disorderly. And that the New Bruns- wick brethren, &c. shall take such methods as the Synod shall prescribe, to persuade those whom they have influenced to separate, to return again to their respective folds and pastors. In fact we think the proposal has a visible, plain, and native tendency to advance the mischief it pretends to prevent, and to prevent and destroy the good it pretends to advance. We think that to give any minister a right to preach in any brother's pulpit contrary to his inclination, without presbyterial order for that purpose, is the direct way to breed and foment divisions, and quench brotherly love among ministers. Where love and esteem actually subsist there is no need for such right to be pleaded by the itinerant; and when jealousy, and want of love and esteem do prevail, such an order would undoubtedly increase them. Besides, we think that itinerant preaching, properly so called, (i. e. when preaching is the prin- cipal_ end for travel,) except by express order of Presbytery, hath no founda- tion in the word of God. Even Paul and Barnabas had a particular order for their travelling among the Gentiles. And therefore we propose that it still be left as it always hath been, to the discretionary agreement of the ministers concerned, when one minister shall preach in another's pulpit, and that no minister be allowed to travel abroad to preach, i. e. for preaching's sake, with- out an actual or virtual order from his respective Presbytery, together with the concurrence of the Presbytery where he preaches. On article fourth remark : This article is for substance the same with what hath been in force and practice in all well regulated Presbyterian churches ; saving that the order of process is inverted or perverted, inasmuch as it puts it in the accuser or prosecutor, to bring things per saltum^ before a superior jurisdiction. It is therefore our judgment, that according to the natural order of things, and the known practice of all Presbyterian churches in the world, that every person or case be tried by or before its next or lowest judicature to which he or it is subject. 174 MINUTES OF THE [1744. On the fifth remark : Tliis article we approve on supposition, that, union on a good foundation were obtained; otherwise we think this artich', if in force, would enjuiii what is not only unreasonable but also impossible in the nature of the thing, viz : That the Brunswick bretliren and we should be sincere in treating one another with the same intimate love, kindness, and respect, as if such differences had never been, while yet we have received no satisfaction for the past most public and injurious treatment, which we have suffered at their hands. And to enjoin it, we think would be in the consequence of it, foolish, wicked, and utterly inconsistent with the principles of rational self- preservation, and the trust reposed in us by our exalted Lord. Inasmuch as it would be to put it in the power of those Avho have been tearing our bowels, and the bowels of Christ's church under our care these years past, to persist withoiit resistance in the same practice, and to act the same cruelty over again. While we have not any reasonable scriptural evidence of their re])entance for past injuries, nor security against the like treatment for the future. Besides that it is contrary to the general Scripture rules of dealing with scandalous offenders. Them that sin rebuke before all. Count him, viz : the obstinate offender as an heathen or publican, and avoid the authors of division as persons who serve not the Lord Christ but their own bellies. On article sixth remark : To give into this article would be to approve of and confirm schism by our Synodical authority. For seeing the reason for erecting such a new Synod, is because we cannot live in union and concord ; surely one of the parties at least, must be certainly and really in the fault ; and for our Synod to approve of a faulty party, separating on the score of con- tention, is evidently to ratify schism by Synodical authority; besides, this would infer our consenting to the perpetuating a continual temptation to build up the interest of our own respective parties or Synods respectively, in oppo- sition to one another, i. e. in opposition to the opposite Synod, which we our- selves have erected and approved. Therefore we cannot in conscience com- ply with it. But if our New York brethren, &c. shall now see cause, con- trary to our judgment and inclination, to divide themselves from us, and to erect themselves into a new separate body, as it is not in our power to hinder them, though we cannot in conscience approve of their so doing, yet we hope, that by the grace of God, we shall sincerely and conscientiously endeavour to cherish and cultivate a truly Christian and charitable disposition towards them, as far as such a contentious separation will allow, and as far as we can attain unto, in opposition to the remains of the corruption and uncharitablenoss, which we have reason to acknowledge doth too much and too often prevail in and over us all. Provided always, that our brethren shall not hereby think that we will bind ourselves from vindicating our conduct, with respect to this breach in the most public manner, so that the Reformed churches and impartial world may have an opportunity to judge in the afiiiir. Adjourned till three o'clock, P. M. Concluded with prayer. At three o'clock, P. M. po&t preces sederunt qui svp>ra. Mr. McDowell's affair referred to further consideration. The time of meeting of the committee for the fund deferred. Messrs. Andrews and Cross wrote to the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, according to appointment. The Presbytery of Philadeli»hia report, that they have supplied the people of Ahington divers times, according to last year's appointment. Messrs. Alison and McDowell report, that they have writ to some gentlemen in Virginia, acquainting them of our application to the General Assembly of Scotland, as appointed last year. 17-14.] SYNOD OF PHILADELPHIA. 175 Messrs. Andrews, Cross, Cathcart, &c. report, tliat they waited on the Governor with the address, according to appointment. Mr. Bell materially appealed from a judgment of suspension laid on him by the Presbytery of Donegall, and requested the Synod would appoint a committee to meet at Donegall on that affiiir. And it is ordered, that Messrs. John Thomson, Robert Cross, Adam Boyd, Samuel Thomson, Hindman, Gillespie, McDowell, and Griffith, be a committee to meet there the second Wednesday of June next, at twelve o'clock, to hear and determine that affair, and that Mr. Bell continue under suspension till the committee meet. And it is further determined that a copy of this minute be sent to the congregation of Donegall as soon as possible, and that Mr. Black or Mr. Elder take care to deliver the said copy, to be communicated to the members, that they prepare evidences and be ready for a trial of that affair. And it is ordered, that Mr. Gillespie open the committee with a sermon. A representation from many people of North Carolina, was laid before the Synod showing their desolate condition, and requesting the Synod to take their estate into consideration, and petitioning that we woiild appoint one of our number to correspond with them. Ordered, That Mr. John Thomson correspond with them. Ordered, That Messrs. David Evans, Samuel Evans, and Griffith, write to Wales, representing the state of our church, and to desire a probationer may be sent from them to us if they possibly can. Adjourned till ten o'clock to-morrow. Concluded with prayer. 25th da7/, at ten o'clock. Post preces sederunt qui supra. New Castle Presbytery desiring Mr. McDowell might be entirely loosed from Donegall and joined to them ; and Mr. McDowell desiring the advice of the Synod to determine him in this affair, it was unanimously voted that he should be joined to New Castle Presbytery, and the congregation of Notting- ham is continued and wholly joined with New Castle Presbytery. The affair of the fund deferred. A letter from Mr. Hutchinson, containing his opinion of the proceedings of the Synod and New-Brunswick party, and advices to the Synod, was read be- fore us. And the Synod judges, that so far as his advices appear agreeable to the word of God, they have walked agreeable to them, and hope they will endeavour still to make conscience of doing so. Ordered, That Mr. Alison write to Mr. Hutchinson an answer to his letter. The minutes of a committee held at the great valley, November 16th, 1743, by a private agreement between the Presbyteries of Philadelphia, New Castle, and Donegall, were laid before us, showing that the said committee consid- ered the necessity of using speedy endeavours to educate youth for supply- ing our vacancies. But the proper method for this end cannot be so well com- passed without the Synod ; they refer the further consideration of the affiiir to that reverend body, but agree that in the mean time a school !be opened for the education of youth. And the Synod now approve that design, and take the said school under our care, and agree upon the following plan for carrying on that design : 1. That there be a school kept open where all persons who please may send their chilch-en and have them instructed gratis in the languages, philosophy, and divinity. 2. In order to carry on this design, it is agreed that every congregation under our care, be applied to for yearly contributions, more or less, as they can afford, and as God may incline them to contribute, until Providence open a door for our supporting the school some other way. 3. That if any thing can be spared besides what may support a master 176 MIXUTES OF THE [1744 and tutor, that it be employed by the trustees for buying books and other necessaries for said school, and for the benefit of it, as the trustees shall see proper. And Mr. Alison is chosen master of said school, and has the privilege of choosing an usher under him to assist him; and the said Mr. Alison is exempted from all public business, save only attending church judicatures, and what concerns his particular pastoral charge. And the Synod agree to allow Mr. Alison twenty pounds per annum, and the usher fifteen pounds. The further consideration of this afi"air deferred till the afternoon. Adjourned till three o'clock, P M. Concluded with prayer. At three d' clock, P. M. Post jnrces sederunt qui supra. The affair of the fund deferred. The aftair of the school resumed. 4. Agreed that Messrs. Jedidiah Andrews, Cross, and Evans, junior, of Philadelphia Presbytery ; and John Thomson, Black, and Boyd, of Donegall ; and Gillespie and Griffith, Cathcart, and Steel, and McDowell, of New Cas- tle Presbytery, be appointed trustees for the management of the affairs of the said school, for this year ; and as many more as can conveniently, may meet with them. And it 's ordered, that said trustees meet on the third Wednesday of September next, and that any five of them be a quorum, and that they ap- point three of their number to meet at three other times in the year at said school. These trustees are to inspect into the master's diligence in, and me- thod of, teaching ; consider and direct what authors are chiefly to be read in the several branches of learning; to examine the scholars from time to time, as to their proficiency, and apply the money procured from our people as or- dered above, and to what other uses they find proper ; and in sum, to order all affairs relating to said school as they see expedient, and be accountable to the Synod, making report of their proceedings and the state of the school yearly. And ordered, that Messrs. Thomson, Griffith, and Steel, and McDowell, be the four that shall meet first at said school, and that on the last Tuesday of June next. The llev. Mr. Dorsius, pastor of the Eeformed Dutch Church in Bucks county, laid a letter before us from the deputies of North and Soutli Holland, wherein they desire of the Synod an account of the state of the High and Low Dutch churches in this province, and also of the churches belonging to the Presbyterian Synod of Philadelphia, and whether the Dutch churches may be joined in communion with said Synod, or if this may not be, that they would form themselves into a regular body and government among themselves. In pursuance of which letter the Synod agree, that letters be wrote in the name of the Synod, to the deputies of these Synods in Holland, in Latin, and to the Scotch ministers in llotterdam, giving them an account of the churches here, and declaring our willingness to join with the Calvinist Dutch churches here, to assist each other as far as possible in promoting the common interests of religion among us, and signifying the present great want of ministers among the High and Low Dutch, with desire that they may help in educating men for the work of the ministry. And the Synod ordered, that Messrs. Andrews, Cross, Evans, junior, and the moderator, do write said letters. A paper from the New Brunswick party was presented to us by Mr. Blair, the con^ideration of which is deferred till to-morrow moruing. Adjourned till to-morrow moruing at nine o'clock. Concluded with prayer, 1745.] SYNOD OF PHILADELPHIA. 177 IQth day, at nine o'doch, post preces sederunt qui supra. The affair of the fund deferred. The Synod took under consideration the paper sent to us yesterday by Mr. Blair, from the New Brunswick party, demanding a part of the fund belong- ing to this Synod may be allowed them. By which demand we find that they discover no intention to endeavours for peace, and to heal the lamentable divisions that prevail in our disti-essed church. And as we look on that party, made up partly of those who have by their conduct forfeited their right to membership among us, and of consequence to all the privileges thereof, and partly of those who never belonged to our Synod, and of consequence have no more right to any privileges whatsoever appertaining to the Synod, than any other whatsoever who will pretend thereunto without any colour of reason or equity; and therefore, on the whole, we judge their demand herein to be highly unreasonable and unjust, and not to be complied with. Approved, nemine contradkente. Ordered, That a copy of the above minute be signed by the moderator, and sent to Mr. Gilbert Tennent, moderator of the New Brunswick party; which accordingly was done by the janitor. Ordered, That every minister recommend it to their respective congregations, to contribute yearly toward defraying the expenses of their respective elders in attending on the Synod. Ordered, That the committee for the fund meet here at three o'clock this afternoon. Adjourned till the fourth "Wednesday of May next, at three o'clock, post meridiem. Concluded with prayer. 1745. The Synod met at Philadelphia, according to appointment, Hay 22c?, 1745. JJhi post preces sederunt Of New York Presbytery, ministers : Messrs. Dickinson, Pierson, and Pemberton. Absent : Messrs Nutman, Burr, Hubbell, Leonard, Azariah Horton, and Simon Horton. Of Philadelphia Presbytery : Messrs. Andrews, Cross, David Evans, Elmer, McHenry, Cowell, Samuel Evans. Absent : Mr. Guild. Of Donegall Presbytery, ministers : Messrs. Boyd, Thomson, Zanchy. Absent : Messrs. Bertram, Black, Elder, Samuel Thomson, Caven, Hindman, Craig. Of New Castle Presbytery : Messrs. Gillespie, Cathcart, Alison, McDowell, Scougal, Griffith, Steel. Elders : William Gray, Thomas Harris, William Ramsey, John Parry, William Ewen, William Wallace, William Nill, Robert Mackey, William Lindsay, Samuel James, James Donnal, Nathaniel Hazard, Brice Innis. Our Rev. Brethi-en, Mr. Pumry, of Newtown, and Mr. Wilmot, of Jamaica, on Long Island, are deceased since our last. The Synod was opened by a sermon on Prov. xi. 30, by Mr. McHenry, last year's moderator. Mr. Robert Cathcart chosen moderator, and Mr. McDowell clerk. Adjourned till to-morrow morning, at nine o'clock. Concluded with prayer. 23 178 MINUTES OF THE [1745. 23(7 daij. At nine o'clock the Si/nod met, and j^ost preces sederunt qui svpra. 3Ir. CowcU's and Mr. Zanchy's absence last year excused, for reasons given. Ordered, That Messrs. Dickinson, Pierson, Peniberton, Andrews, Black, Zanchy, Cross, McIIenry, Gillespie, Alison, McDowell, and the moderator, be the committee for the fund, and the commission of the Synod for the year ensuing; and that William Gray, Robert McKnight, William Ewcn, and Nathaniel Hazard, elders, be joined with them, and that each member always endeavour to have an elder with him in case the commission of the Synod have occasion to meet, and that any five ministers, with the moderator, be a quorum of the commission. Ordered, That Mr. Steel and Mr. Zanchy revise the Presbytery book of Philadelphia, and that it be given them the next sederunt for that end. New York, Donegall, and New Castle books being not here now, OrdereIarch. The letters were wrote to Holland according to appointment. Adjourned till nine o'clock to-morrow morning. Concluded with prayer. 2Uh da)/, at nine d'cloch, A. M. Post preces sederunt qui supra. The minutes of the committee appointed to hear and try Mr. Bell's affair ■were read, and the committee's conduct in that aft'air approved, in deposing him from the ministerial office upon the grounds contained in these minutes following.* * The Editor has omitted the minutes of this committee, as they embrace a large body of testimony in Mr. Bell's trial, •which, properly speakinn;, constitutes no part of the minutes. It lias always been usual to exclude such matters from synodical records, and even iu case of trial before Presbyteries the testimony is usually kept on file. 1745.] SYNOD OF PHILADELPHIA. 179 The committee appointed to confer with the New York brethren not having got an overture prepared to bring in to the Synod, the whole Synod was resolved into a committee to consider that aifair. After much consultation had in this affair, they appoint again that Messrs. Thomson, Alison, Griffith, Steel, and McDowell, be a committee to prepare a plan for union, against our next sederunt : any three of them to be a quorum to do this. Adjourned till five o'clock, P. M. Concluded with prayer. The Synod, after waiting long for the committee appointed at our last to prepare a plan, understanding that they have not prepared said plan, do adjourn till nine o'clock, to-morrow morning. Concluded with prayer. 25<7i day. At nine d cloch^ A. M. Post preces sederunt qid supra. The committee appointed to draw a plan, &c., being inquired at, answer that they have drawn a plan to be now laid before the Synod. Previous to reading it, some inquired at their New York brethren, whom of the New Brunswick brethren they alleged to be members, whether all that are now of that party, or only such of them as enjoyed membership before, and they declared they account only such as have been members and had their seats, to be now mem- bers, and no others. The overture drawn up by the committee was read twice, and the vote put, whether it was a proper plan for accommodation to be now proposed, and it was voted proper to propose it, and it is as follows : I. The glory of (iod and the advancement of Christ's kingdom, by the per- suading souls to embrace the Lord Jesus on gospel terms, and by preserving peace, truth, and good order in the churches, ought to be the grand design of all Christians, and of the ministers of the gospel in particular. But to our great concern and sorrow, the disorderly intrusions into the pastoral charges of ministers, and surmises that were raised to blacken their characters as carnal and unconverted ; the bold violation of our synodical acts and regulations, and the new method of itinerant preaching where there is a stated gospel ministry, hath, in a great measure, marred this noble design, by rending the churches of Christ, and filling the minds of people with uncharitable opinions of one another. To check these evils prevailing by means of some claiming to themselves a privilege, under pretence of extraordinaries, to trample under foot the rights of mankind, to destroy all pastoral relation, and to lay aside, at least for a season, that form of government and discipline that was practised and used in our Presbyterian churches, a number of the Synod of Philadelphia protested against such illegal, disorderly practices in the year 1741. And being wearied with fruitless attempts to redress these delusive, unscriptural methods of proceeding, determined to withdraw from Synodical communion, unless such as were guilty of such practices gave proper satisfaction according to gospel rules. The ma- jority of the Synod then present, made this protest their act, and declared that those brethren should either give such satisfaction or withdraw from member- ship, upon which they chose to withdraw. This method of procedure was complained of next year, as contrary to the method of proceeding in our churches, by some members that were absent when this separation was made. Upon which it was proposed that the whole affair should be reviewed by the Synod then met, and if any thing was found illegal, it should be redressed. But these brethren could find clearness to do nothing, till these disorderly brethren who withdrew, should again be allowed to take their seats as members, which the majority of the Synod could not comply 180 MIXUTES OF THE [1745 with. Upon which thoy entered a declaration against the method of proceed- ing the year before. At our next Synod meeting, they proposed methods to heal the breach between those brethren who withdrew and the Synod ; which occasioned the Synod to send them proposals of peace, which they rejected, and still continued their divisive practices of counteracting the Synod's regula- tions, and crumbling of congregations to pieces, erecting altar against altar, to the great scandal of religion and ruin of vital piety. Those brethren from the I'resbytery of New York, who were dissatisfied at the method by which that party stand excluded, having on this occasion laboured to have their own scruples removed, and at the same time to have peace and unity restored among all that ever were members of the Synod ; all the Synod now met, heartily concur with them in this noble undertaking, if it can be obtained in such a method as may and will maintain sound doctrine, and preserve the peace and good order of the church. In order to accomplish this, these brethren proposed it as an expedient to remove their scruples and heal all our divisions, that every person that is or has been a member, shall now voluntarily subscribe the essential agreements on which our Synod formerly was established, and which are the general approved agreements of our churches. And as we think that a subscription of these articles will be a renouncing disorder and divisive practice, and will, when obtained, lay a foundation for maintaining peace, truth, and good order, which was what was desired in the protest, by which the Brunswick brethren stand excluded; we, therefore, in compliance with the request of these breth- ren, and in order to remove all scruples, propose that all that are now or ever have been members of this Synod, shall subscribe the following funda- mental articles and agreements as their acts, and all who will do so shall be members of this Synod. II. That in all prudential acts for the regular management of the affairs of the church of God among us, every member shall either actively concur or peaceably submit to, and not counteract such things as are determined by the majority, as being founded upon God's word; or if any do declare they have not freedom of conscience to comply, they shall withdraw and no more be acknowledged as members of this Synod, unless they afterwards find clearness and so return and comply. III. That if any member suppose he has reason of complaint against any of his brethren for unsound doctrine, or irregularities of life, or unfaithfulness in his pastoral office, he shall proceed in a Christian way according to the rules of God's word, and our known methods of discipline, and shall not in public or private spread his surmises, offences, or scandals, without proceeding as aforesaid ; or else be accounted guilty of unchristian conduct, and liable to censure. Accordingly we look upon such practices to be contrary to the gospel, and of pernicious tendency to the church of Christ. lY. That no member of this Synod shall preach in the congregation of another brother without judicial appointment, or being invited by his brother to preach for him. And whoever acts contrary shall be deemed guilty of un- brotherly treatment and divisive practice, and be censured accordingly ; and the same way, no Presbytery shall invade the charge and rights of other Presbyteries. And all erections within the bounds of regulated congregations, that have been or shall be set up by such itinerant preaching and divisive prac- tices, shall be deemed contrary to the peace and good order of this church, and consequently shall not be maintained or supported by any member belonging to us. V. We agree, that none who have not heretofore enjoyed membership in this Synod, shall be admitted thereto without submitting to the manner of admis- sion determined by our former acts j and such as may and shall be provided in 1745.] SYNOD OF PHILADELPHIA. 181 that case, and complying with these general articles now agreed upon. And all such as upon proper trial shall be duly qualified with respect to learning, sound- ness in the faith, and a gospel conversation, shall, upon agreeing to these arti- cles, and submitting to our method of church government, be cordially admitted to Synodicul communion. VI. We agree that each member of this Synod shall keep a day of public and solemn fasting, and thereupon confess and bewail the prevailing evils of infidelity, profaneness, the uutenderness and barrenness of professors, and the decay of religion in general ; and particularly the debates, divisive practices, uncharitable censures, and unbrotherly treatment that have torn and divided the church of Christ in these parts, to the dishonour of God, the hurt of practical piety, the offence and scandal of the weak, and the hardening the wicked, and the opening the mouths of the profane ; and deprecate the divine displeasure, and implore the blessing of Grod upon this and all other proper means for the advancement of true and uudefiled religion, and the maintaining and propagating the great truths of the gospel, and the peace, tinity, and increase of this infant church. The brethren of New York Presbytery immediately answered, they would not accept this plan, nor be united with us upon it; and therefore as being commis- sioned by New York Presbytery to transact in this affair, they desire that a copy of this overture may be given them to carry to their Presbytery. Propose to the Synod that it should be mutually agreed, that they be allowed with the consent of this body, to erect another Synod, under the name of the Synod of New York. This they desire to do with the consent of this body, that they may not be thought to set up and act in opposition to this, and that there may be a foundation for the two Synods to consult and act in mutual con- cert with one another hereafter, and maintain love and brotherly kindness with each other. The Synod appoint Messrs. Thomson, Alison, Griffith, and McDowell, to pre- pare an answer to this proposal, and bring it in to the Synod the next sederunt. Adjourned till Monday morning at ten o'clock. Concluded with prayer. 27th dai/, ten o'clock, A. M. post preces sederunt qui supra. The committee appointed to draw up an answer to the proposal of the New York brethren, brought in one accordingly, which was considered, and after much discourse upon it, was approven as it here follows : The unhappy divisions which have subsisted among us for some years, cannot but deeply affect all that wish the welfare of Zion ; and it particularly affects us, that some of our brethren of New York do not at present see their way clear to continue in Synodi- cal communion with us. And though we judge they have no just ground to withdraw from us, yet seeing they propose to erect themselves into a Synod at New York, and now desire to do this in the most friendly manner possible, we declare, if they or any of them do so, we shall endeavour to maintain charitable and Christian affections toward them, and show the same upon all occasions by such correspondence and fellowship, as we shall think duty, and consistent with a good conscience. Adjourned till two o'clock, P. M. Concluded with prayer. At two d'cloch, P. M. post preces sede7-v.nt qui supra. A letter from a gentleman in Virginia, with a printed charge given by the governor of that colony to the grand jury, was laid before the Synod; by which it appears that the government of that colony is highly provoked by the conduct of some of the new party who have preached there, and therefore the Synod 182 MINUTES OF THE [1745. judge it necessary to send an address to that governor, informing him of the distinction between this Synod and that separated party, that so their conduct may not be imputed to us, nor provoke that government to deny us the liberties and favours we have enjoyed under it: Therefore, the Synod appoints Messrs. Cross, Thomson, Alison, and Griffith, to be a committee to draw up said address against the next sederunt.* • * We have procured a copy of the charge above alhuled to, from the American Weekly Mercury, published in Philadelphia, August, 1745, and placed in the Philadelphia Libra- ry, which we subjoin fur the gratiticatinn of the reader. — EniToii. "The charge of the Honourable William Gooch, Esq., Lieutenant Governor and com- mander in chief of the colony and dominion of Virginia, delivered to the gentlemen of the grand jury, at the capital in Williamsburg, on Thursday the 18th of April, 174."). " Without taking any notice of the ordinary matters and things j-ou are called to attend, and sworn to make inquisition for, I must, on this occasion, turn to your thoughts and recommend to your present service, another subject of great importance, which, I thank God, has been unusual, but I hope will be most effectual ; 1 mean the information I have received of certain false tfacher.f that are lately crept into this government ; who, without orders or licenses, or producing any testimonial of their education or sect, professing themselves ministers under the pretended influence of new light, eitraordinanj impulse, and such like fanatical and enthusiastical knowledge, lead the innocent and igno- rant people into all kinds of delusion ; and in this frantic and profane disguise, though such is their heterodoxy, that they treat all other modes of worship with the utmost scorn and contempt, yet, as if they had bound themselves by an oath to do many things against the religion of the blessed .Jesus, that pillar and stay of the truth, our reformed church, to the great dishonour of Almighty God, and the discomfort of serious Chris- tians, they endeavour to make their followers believe that salvation is not to be obtained iu her communion. " As this denunciation, and, if I am righth' advised, in* words not decent to repeat, has been by one of them publicly affirmed, and shows what manner of spirit they all of them are of, in a country hitherto remarkable for uniformity in worship, and where the saving truths of the gospel are so constantly inculcated ; I did promise myself, that either their preaching would be in vain, or that an iusolence so criminal should not long be connived at. "And therefore, gentlemen, since these workers of a deceitful work, blaspheming our sacraments, and reviling our excellent liturgy, are said to draw disciples after them, and we know not whereunto this separation may grow, but may easily' foretell into what a distracted condition, by longer forbearance, this colony will be reduced ; we are called upon by the rights of society, and what I am persuaded will be with j'ou at least as prevailing an inducement, by the principles of Christianity, to put an immediate stop to the devices and intrigues of these associated schismatics ; who having, no doubt, assumed to themselves the apostasy of our weak brethren, we may be assured there is not au}'- thing so absurd but what they will assert, nor any doctrines or precepts so sacred but what they will pervert and accommodate to their favourite theme, railing against our religious establishment, for which in any other country, the British dominions only ex- cepted, they would be very severely handled. " However, not meaning to inflame j'our resentment as we may, without breach of charity, pronounce, that it is not liherty of conscience, but freedom of speech they so earnestly prosecute ; and we are very sure they have no manner of pretence to any shel- ter under the acts of toleration, because, admitting they have had regular ordination, they are by these acts obliged, nor can they be ignorant of it, not only to take the oaths, and with the test to subscribe, after a deliberate reading of them, some of the articles of our religion, before they presume to officiate, but, that in this indulgent grant, though not expressed, a covenant is intended, whereby they engage to preserve the character of conscientious men, and not to use their liberty for a cloak of maliciousness. "So that I say, allowing their ordination, yet, as they have not, by submitting to these essential points, ([ualiticd themselves to gather a congregation, or, if they had, in speaking all manner of evil against us. have forfeited the privilege due to such compliance, inso- much that they are entirely' without excuse, and their religious profession is very justly suspected to be the result of Jesuitical policy, which also is an iniquity to be punished by the judges. * That we worship the devil, and are damned. 1745.] SYNOD OF PHILADELPHIA. 183 Ordered, That Messrs. Andrews, Cross, Thomson, Alison, and Samuel Evans, be a committee to draw up a declaration against the present disorders and divisive practices that prevail in the church against the next sederunt. Ordered, That every minister who has been ordered to let money belonging to the Synod, and take bonds for it in their own name, shall now give a decla- ration of trust to the Synod. And agreed, that no member shall hereafter be allowed to borrow any money from the Synod. Some^ young men offering themselves to examination according to our acts in that case, agreed that the whole Synod resolve itself into a committee, and immediately enter upon said examination at Mr. Cross's house. Adjourned till to-morrow morning at ten o'clock. Concluded with prayer. 2S(h day at ten d clock, A. M. Uhi post preces sederunt qui supra. The address to the governor of Virginia was brought in and approved, and is as follows : To the Honourable William Gooch, Esq. Lieutenant Governor of the colony of '^ irginia, &c. The humble address, &c. : May it please your Honour : The favourable acceptance which your Honour was pleased to give our former address, and the countenance and protection which those of our persuasion have met with in Virginia, fills us with grati- tude, and we beg leave on this occasion in all sincerity to express the same. It very deeply affects us to find, that any who go from these parts, and per- haps assume the name of Presbyterians, should be guilty " of such practices, such uncharitable, unchristian expressions, as are taken notice of in your Ho- nour's charge to the grand jury. And in the mean time it gives us the greatest pleasure, that we can assure your Honour, these persons never belonged to our body, but are missionaries sent out by some, who by reason of their divi- sive and uncharitable doctrines and practices, were in May, 1741, excluded from our Synod, upon which they erected themselves into a separate society, and have industriously sent abroad persons whom we judge ill qualified for the character they assume, to divide and trouble the churches. And, there- fore, we humbly pray, that while those who belong to us and produce proper testimonials, behave themselves suitably, they may still enjoy the favour of your Honour's countenance and protection. And praying for the divine bless- ing on your person and government^ we beg leave to subscribe ourselves, May it please your Honour, Your Honour's most obliged, most obedient, and most humble servant. Signed in the name and per order of the Synod, Robert Cathcart, Moderator. 3Iay 28, 1745. "I must, as in duty bound to God and naan, charge you in the most solemn manner, to make strict inquiry after these seducers ; and if they or any of them are still in the government, by presentment or indictment, to report them to the court, that -we, who are in authority under the Defender of our Faith, and the appointed guardians to our constitution in church and state, exercising our power in this respect fur the protection of the people committed to our care, may show our zeal in the maintenance of the true religion; not as the manner of some is, by violent oppression, but in putting to silence, by such method as our laws direct, the calumnies and invectives of these bold ac- cusers, and in dispelling, as we are devoutly disposed, so dreadful and dangerous a com- bination. "In short, gentlemen, we should deviate from the pious path we profess to tread in, and should be unjust to God, to our king, to our country, to ourselves, and to our poste- rity, not to take cognizance of so great wickedness, whereby the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ is turned into lasciviousness." 184 MINUTES OF THE [1740. The committee appointed to draw the declaration, not having prepared it yet, ordered, that they bring it in against the next sederunt. And the com- mittee meet on the affair of the fund. Adjourned to Mr. Andrews's house, at two o'clock, afternoon. Concluded with prayer. At two o'clock met at Mr. Andrews's house as appointed. The committee appointed to meet at Mr. Cross's house yesterday, P. M. met accordingly, and after due examination of the young men that offered themselves, in the languages and several parts of philosophy, who wore David Thom, John Hamilton, and Hector Alison, they were all three approved. Ordered, That the clerk give them a copy of this minute as a certificate. Adjourned till the fourth AVednesday of 3Iay next at three o'clock, P. M. Concluded with prayer. 1746. The Synod met at Philadelphia, at nine of the clock, A. M. 3Ia?/ 9, 1746. Uli post 2)reces sederunt Of Philadelphia Presbytery : Messrs. Andrews, Cross, McHenry, Samuel Evans. Absent: Messrs. David Evans, Elmer, Cowcll, and Guild. Of Donegall Presbytery : Messrs. Boyd, Samuel Thomson, and Black. Absent : Messrs. John Thomson, Zanchy, Elder, Caven, Craig, and Hind- man. Of New Castle Presbytery : Messrs. Cathcart, Alison, McDowell, Steel, and Griffith. Elders : Messrs. William Gray, Samuel Hart, David Griffith, Thomas Hope, Charles Gillgore, James lleid, William Lindsay, George Curry, John Mont- gomery, John Dick, Simon James. Mr. Cathcart opened the Synod yesterday, by a sermon on 1 Tim. iii. 15, 16, the last year's moderator. Many of the members being absent, the present members agreed not to con- stitute till nine o'clock this morning, when more members were expected. Mr. Alison chosen moderator, and Mr. Griffith clerk. Since our last Mr. William Bertram of Donegall Presbytery, and Mr. James Scougall of New Castle Presbytery, are deceased. Mr. David Evans sent the reasons of his absence, which were sustained. Mr. Samuel Thomson's absence last year excused because of bodily indis- position. The Synod finding several of their members absent from year to year, and particularly some members of the Presbytery of Donegall, cannot look upon !such conduct otherwise than irregular, and of dangerous consequence, do therefore order, that every Presbytery acquaint their respective members thereof; and that the Synod expects some reasons of such absence and better attendance hereafter. Ordered, That a copy of the above minute be sent to each Presbytery. Ordered, That Messrs. Andrews, Cross, ]\IcHenry, Samuel Evans, Boyd, Thninson, Gillespie, Cathcart, McDowell, Griffith, and tlie moderator, be the commission of the Synod, and committee for the fund, for the ensuing year; and that William Gray, John JNIontgoniery, Thomas Hope, elders, be joined with them, and that each member shall endeavour to bring elders with them, if they have occasion to meet ; and that any five ministers, with the moderator, shall be a quorum. 1746.] SYNOD OF PHILADELPHIA. 185 Finding tlie Presbytery books are not brought, Ordered, That they be brought next year. Inquiry being made who had brought money for the fund, it was found that Messrs. Andrews and Cross, McHeury, Cathcart and Alison had brought some. Ordered, upon reading the minutes concerning the school, That the order of last year be continued, and every Presbytery be accountable to the Synod for their compliance thereunto yearly. Ordered, That Messrs. Andrews, Cross, McHenry, Samuel Evans, Boyd, Zanchy, Black, McDowell, Steel, Cathcart, and Griffith, be a committee and trustees for the school for the ensuing year, to meet on the second Tuesday of October and March. A letter from the Rev. Mr. Jonathan Dickinson being read before the Synod, Ordered, That Messrs. Andrews, Cross, McHenry, McDowell, Griffith, and the moderator, be a committee to prepare an answer to said letter by to-morrow morning. Ordered, That the committee of the fund inquire into last year's determina- tion with respect to the same, and make report to the Synod before this session be over. A letter from the Honourable William Gooch, Esq'r. Governor of Virginia, in answer to our last year's address, was read in Synod, which is as followeth : Gentlemen : — The address you were pleased to send me as a grateful acknow- ledgment for the favour which teachers of your persuasion met with in Virginia, was very acceptable to me, but altogether needless to a person in my station, because it is what by law they are entitled to. And in answer to your present address, intended to justify yourselves and members from being concerned in a late outrage committed against the purity of our worship, and the sacred appointment of pastors for the service of the altar of the established church, which some men calling themselves ministers, were justly accused of in my charge to the grand jury, you must suifer me to say, that it very nearly aifects me, because it seems to insinuate as if I was so uncharitable as to suspect men of your education and profession could be guilty of unchristian expressions that can only tend to the increase of schism and irreligion, which I give you my word was far from my thoughts. As the wicked and destructive doctrines and practices of itinerant preachers ought to be opposed and suppressed by all who have concern for religion, and just regard to public peace and order in church and state, so your missionaries producing proper testimonials, complying with the laws, and performing divine service in some certain place appropriated for that purpose, without disturbing the quiet and unity of our sacred and civil establishments, may be sure of the protection of. Reverend Sirs, your most humble servant, William Gooch. Williamsburg. June 20th, 1745. Adjourned to three o'clock, P. M. Concluded with prayer. At three d'doch, P. M. post jyreces sederunt qui supra. Mr. Black, present this afternoon, gave his reasons for his absence last year, and his late coming this year, which were sustained. In pursuance of an order of the commission of the Synod, met at Brandy- wine, August 20th, 1745, Messrs. Andrews and Cross wrote to the Reverend President and Trustees of Yale College, a letter which is in retentis, and an answer to said letter is now laid before the Sjmod, and the consideration of the whole affiiir referred to an interloquitur of the Synod. 24 186 MINUTES OF THE [1746. Ortlereil, That Messrs. Cross, Alison, Evans, and Griffitb, write an answer to said letter, and bring it in before the end of the session. Adjourned till ten o'clock to-morrow morning. Concluded with prayer. 30/7i cfcty, at ten d clock, A. M. Post preces sederunt qui supra. An answer to Mr. Dickinson's letter, laid before us by Mr. Andrews, was braujibt in by the committee, and being read was unanimously approved, and is as follows : Reverend and dear Brother : — We had yours laid before us by IMr. Andrews, and trust we can heartily join in all proper methods to promote the glory of God, the interest of Christ's kingdom, and welfare of the churches in these parts, and shall readily join with you in remembering each other at the throne of grace, and praying for each other's gospel endeavours to advance religion. We are also pleased that attempts are making by you to prevent divisive methods. But we would desire you might communicate to us the plan on which you have erected yourselves, what general agreements you brought the members under at their admission, and who are members with you. When we are better acquainted with these things, we can the more readily judge how we shall be able to answer your desires. We can assure you of our regard and friendship, and our praying for the Divine blessing on your person and minis- terial labours. We take leave to subscribe. Reverend Sir, your affectionate brethren and humble servants. Signed in the name and by the order of the Synod, by Francis Alison, Moderator. The committee appointed to bring in an answer to Mr. Clap's letter brought it in, and it was ordered that Messrs. Andrews, Gillespie, Cathcart, Boyd, Black, McDowell, and Steel, be a committee to revise said answer, and make report in the afternoon. Ordered, That the Synod finding some difficulties, the Synod resolve into a committee of the whole house, to consider the affair of the fund, and aU the papers relating thereto, to be brought in this afternoon. Adjourned till three o'clock, P. M. Concluded with prayer. At three o'clock, P. M. post preces sederunt qui supra. The committee appointed in the morning to revise the letter, report that they approve of the substance of it; and the Synod appoint IMessrs. Andrews, Cross, and the moderator, to be a committee to draw a fair copy of said letter and bring it to-morrow morning. The affair of the fund continued till to-morrow morning. Adjourned till eight o'clock to-morrow morning. Concluded with prayer. 31 dai/, at ei(/Jit of the clock, A. M. Post preces sederunt qui supra. The committee for the letter not having finished, it's ordered, that we pro- ceed to the affair of the fund. The committee for the letter to Mr. Clap brought it in, and it was approved, and is as follows, viz. : Philadelphia, May 30///, 1746. Very Reverend Sir: — We received the favour of yours of the 21st of No- vember last, and acknowledge our obligation to the President and Fellows of Yale College for considering our re(iuest and expressing their readiness to pro- mote the interest of religion and learning among us. We agree with you that the affair is of great importance, and are willing to satisfy you to the utmost as to the plan and constitution of our school, and 1746.] SYNOD OF PHILADELPHIA. 187 the present state of our Synod, under whose care it is. Some years ago our Synod found the interest of Christ's kingdom likely to sufier in these parts for want of a college for the education of young men. And our supplies either from Europe or New England were few in proportion to the numerous vacancies in our growing settlements. Mr. William Tennent set up a school among us, where some were educated, and afterwards admitted to the minis- try without sufficient qualifications as was judged by many of the Synod. And what made the matter look worse, those that were educated in this pri- vate way decried the usefulness of some parts of learning that we thought very necessary. It was therefore agreed to try to erect a college, and apply to our friends in Britain, and Ireland, and New England, to assist us. We wrote to the Association of Boston on this head, and had a very favourable answer. But when we were thus projecting our plan, and appointing commissioners to Biitain, &c. to promote the thing, the war with Spain was proclaimed, which put a stop to our proceedings then. The Synod then came to a public agreement to take all private schools where young men were educated for the ministry, so far under their care as to appoint a committee of our Synod to examine all such as had not obtained degrees in the European or New Eng- land colleges, and give them certificates if they were found qualified, which was to serve our Presbyteries instead of a college diploma, till better provision could be made. Mr. Gilbert Tennent cried out that this was to prevent his father's school for training gracious men for the ministry; and he, and some of his adherents, protested against it, and counteracted this our public agree- ment, admitting men to the ministry which we judged unfit for that office, which course they persisted in though admonished and reproved by us for such unwarrantable proceedings. While these debates subsisted, Mr. White- field came into the country, whom they drew into their party to encourage divisions. And they and he have been the sad instruments of dividing our churches. And by his interest Mr. Gilbert Tennent grew hardy enough to tell our Synod he would oppose their design of getting assistance to erect a college wherever we should make application, and would maintain young men at his father's school in opposition to us. This, with his and his adherent's divisive practices, obliged the Synod to exclude him and others of his stamp, from their communion. In this situation our affairs grew worse ; for our va- cancies were numerous, and we found it hard in such trouble to engage such gen- tlemen either from New England or Europe to come among us, as our best friends in those places could recommend as steadfast in the faith, and men of parts and education. Upon this the Synod erected a school in the year 1744. It was agreed that the said school should be opened under the inspection of the Synod, where the languages, philosophy, and divinity should be taught gratis, to all that should comply with the regulation of the school, being per- sons of good character and behaviour. They appointed a master and tutor for this business, who were to be paid by such contributions as the Synod could obtain for this purpose ; and agreed, from year to year, to appoint trustees to meet twice a year to inspect the master's diligence and method of teaching, to direct what authors are chiefly to be read in the several branches of learn- ing, to examine the scholars as to their proficiency and good conduct, and ap- ply the money procured to such uses as they judge proper, and to order all afiairs relating unto the school. And the trustees are yearly to be accountable to the Synod, and to make report of their proceedings, and the state of the school. And it is agreed, that after said scholars pass the course of studies prescribed them, they shall be publicly examined by the said trustees, and such ministers as the Synod shall think fit to appoint, and if approved receive tes- timonials of their approbation, and without such testimonials none of the Pres- byteries under the care of our Synod shall improve any of our scholars in the 188 MINUTES OF THE [1746. ministry. From this narrative you sec how narrow our foundation is, and yet how necessary it was that we should do something of this nature to pre- vent our being overrun with ignorance and confusion. You see how we have been straitened by the endeavours of some that belonged to our body, who in their zeal have spoken diminutively of all the reformed churches, and endea- voured to pour contempt on colleges and universities. We hope, therefore, you will enable us to make a stand against those evils, and to be united with you in this grand design, is one reason of our present application. We can with pleasure inform you that our poor undertaking has been so blessed by Providence as to exceed our expectations. Several ministers^ and gentlemen have helped us to books to begin a library; and we hope that in time we may obtain assistance from England, Ireland, and elsewhere, to enable us to found a college, though the troubles of the times hinder our application at present. We have not obtained a charter as yet, but have reason to hope we may pro- cure one if there be occasion ; but have another way judged by our best lawyers a good foundation to secure donations, by appointing trustees and obliging them to give declarations of trust. We have also, belonging to our Synod, a considerable fund for public uses, but have no occasion hitherto, to apply any of it to the use of the school, being otherwise supplied. What hath been said may satisfy you that our school is under such regulation as does as nearly correspond with yours as our present circumstances will ad- mit ; but we shall readily make any amendments that you desire if it be in our power. We are obliged to admit boys to read grammar, but are deter- mined to recommend none but such as have made a good proficiency in the languages, and are in some measure acquainted with the usual course of study in the arts and sciences now used in the Britisli colleges, though we freely ac- knowledge our vast disadvantages, especially in natural philosophy, and will cheerfully agree, as far as our circumstances will permit, that the same, or generally the same, authors, on the arts and sciences be taught in our school as are used by you ; and would gladly be favoured with a particular account of them. The time of stay with you which you mention, and the expenses, we think reasonable; yet, as learning is not in the same esteem in this govern- ment as in New England, we beg all the indulgence your constitution can allow us, lest parents grudge expenses if they run high. We heartily agree that our scholars be examined by the President and Fellows, and be treated only according to their proficiency; that they be obliged to bring recommen- dations from our Synod, or trustees of the school, and shall claim no prece- dency in your classes,' nor the privilege of freshmen, but what are consistent with the good order of your college. Nor do we plead any such privilege for any but the inhabitants of Pennsylvania, or the parts that are as far dis- tant from New Haven, and are educated under our care, and have synodical recommendations. We further assure you, that improving in the ministry such scholars as you expelled, has been as oft'ensive to us as to you. And those which joined with the Tennents and their party in this aflTair, as we un- derstand, have withdrawn from our synodical communion, and joined with them entirely under the denomination of the Synod of New York. As to the Synod's constitution, we are unanimously agreed in the same plan in every respect on which we constituted, and continued in our most flourishing cir- cumstances; so we are, to a man, dissatisfied with the late divisive practices, and would soon, we hope, be in a flourishing state again had we ministers to supply our vacancies. We excluded from synodical communion, as we re- marked already, the four Tennents, Blair, Craighead, (who is since turned a rigid Covenanter, or Cameronian,) Treat, and 31 r. Wales. These, especially the Tennents, Blair, and Treat, being the ringleaders of our divisions, and the destroyers of good learning and gospel order among us ; and they, with 1746.] SYNOD OF PHILADELPHIA. 189 a few others that joined with them, erected themselves into a separate body, and licensed and ordained men for the work of the ministry that were gene- rally ignorant, and warm in the divisive scheme, and they have troubled Vir- ginia, and the New English government, and as we are informed, pretend that they belong to our body. But we can assure you, that Mr. Gilbert Tennent, and his adherents, were disowned as members, and excluded communion, be- fore his famous tour through the churches of New England. Some of our brethren of New York Presbytery, whom we esteem and regard, particularly Messrs. Dickinson, Pierson, and Pemberton, have always as freely, till lately, blamed those practices as any of us; but now, through some unhappy bias, are become warm advocates for them, and blaming our method of excluding them, have for two or three years past laboured to procure them seats among us, withovit acknowledging their faults in dividing our churches, and promis- ing amendment before we receive them again. And we believe that their par- tiality for these men might occasion them to join in encouraging some of your disorderly scholars, which we are far from vindicating. ^Yhen these gentle- men could not succeed in their attempt to bring in those itinerants without acknowledging their faults, as we said, they withdrew from the Synod, de- claring that they had no other ground to do so but our excluding those mem- bers in a way they disliked ; and last September they erected themselves into a Synod, which goes under the name of the Synod of New Y'^ork. And we have now before us a letter desiring correspondence with them, by receiving two or three of their members to sit with us yearly, and sending as many to them. They also propose that we should every third year meet in some con- venient place, by delegates, to order public affairs for the glory of God, and good of the church. The proposals seem fair, but till these dividers of our churches, and who chiefly make up that body, declare against the late divisive, uncharitable practices ; till they show us in what way they intend to have their youth educated for the ministry, and be as ready to discourage all such me- thods of bringing all good learning into contempt as the shepherd's tent, we shall be shy to comply with their proposals. Thus, sir, we have given you a just account both of the Synod and school at present, by which you may understand the difficulties we labour iinder ; and we doubt not but your sin- cere desire to promote the interest of religion and learning among us will in- cline you to do all in your power for our help and encouragement. Y'ou will be pleased to communicate this to the corporation, and if they think fit to take any notice of it, we will depend on them to favour us with an an- swer. We heartily wish the Divine blessing on your labours in the min- istry, and in training up youth for that sacred work, and pray that your college may flourish and become more and more a blessing, not only to New England, but the neighbouring colonies, and we beg leave to assure you that to maintain a Christian, friendly correspondence with you will be a great pleasure to, very Reverend Sir, your affectionate brethren and humble servants. Ordered, That the Presbytery of New Castle inquire before our next to whom the Synod shall pay what remains of the money promised to Wilming- ton, and give the person to whom they judge it due, an order on the Synod for it. Ordered, That Messrs. Andrews and Cross write to all persons indebted to the fund to pay their respective sums, or renew their bonds for the same, be- fore our next. Adjourned to the fourth Wednesday of May next, at three o'clock, after- noon. Concluded with prayer. 190 MINUTES OF THE [1747. 1747. The Synod of Philadelphia met, according to appointment, May the 27 fh, 1747. Lhi post 2'>rcces sederunt Of Donegall Presbytery : Messrs. Adam Boyd, and Richard Zanchy. New Castle Presbytery : Messrs. Robert Cathcart, Francis Alison, Alexander McDowell, Timothy Griffith, and John Steel. Philadelphia Presbytery : Messrs. Robert Cross, David Cowell, Francis McHenry, Samuel Evans. Absent from Donegall Presbytery : Messrs. John Thomson, Samuel Black, John Elder, Samuel Thomson, John Craig, and Samuel Cavan. Absent from New Castle Presbytery : Mr. George Gillespie. Absent from Philadelphia Presbytery : Messrs. David Evans, Daniel Elmer, and John Guild. Since our last were ordained, by Donegall Presbytery, Mr. David Thom ; and by New Castle, Messrs. John Dick, John Hamilton, and Hector Ali- son. Elders : John Henderson, William "Whiteside, John McEven, Jolin Mc- Michael, William Finney, William Gillespie, Thomas James, John William- son, Joshua Hill, John Cross, William Ramsey, and Nathaniel Bryan. The Synod was opened by Mr. Francis Alison, with a sermon from 1 Cor. iv. 1, 2. Mr. Alexander McDowell chosen moderator, and Mr. John Dick chosen clerk. Mr. Andrews was removed by death since our last. The Governor being to embark for England the Synod concluded to present him an address. Adjourned to nine o'clock to-morrow morning. Concluded with prayer. 28<7i day, at nine o'clock, A. M. Uhi post preces sederunt qui supra. The affair of absent members to be considered. Ordered, That Messrs. Cross, McHenry, Cowell, Boyd, Zanchy, Thom, Griffith, Cathcart, Alison, Steel, Dick, and the moderator, be the commission of the Synod, and committee for the fund for the following year, and that the following elders, Messrs. John Cross, Thomas James, William Gillespie, be joined with them for the committee for the fund, and that any six of said com- mission, and the moderator, shall be a ((uorum. Ordered, That last year's connnission of the Synod, and committee for the fund, lay their minutes before us in the afternoon. Ordered, That Messrs. John Steel, and Hamilton, examine Philadelphia Presbytery book. New Castle Presbytery are found remarkably guilty of neglecting to bring their Presbytery book to the Synod. Ordered, that they bring it to our next. Donegall Presbytery not having their book, ordered, that they bring it to our next. Inquiry being made who had brought money to the fund, it is found that there is none brought by any of the members but Messrs. Cross, McHenry, Alison, Gillespie, and McDowell. Ordered, That that affair be examined at our next sederunt. Ordered, That the affair relating to the school be considered at our next sederunt, and that it be inquired whether the trustees attended according to appointment. 1747.] SYNOD OF PHILADELPHIA. 191 The affair of Wilmington decided. Upon considering the distance of the 'brethren in the back parts of Virginia, we think it is necessary that we should know the state of that church that is under our care, though at a distance from us ; and, therefore, it is ordered, that at least one of these brethren shall every year attend us, that we may have the pleasure of knowing the state of Christ's kingdom among them, and that we may keep Synodical communion in reality and not in name only, and ordered, that Messrs. McHenry and Zanchy write them a letter to acquaint them with the mind of the Synod in said affair. Adjourned to three o'clock, P. M. Concluded with prayer. At three o'clock, P. M. Ubi post preces sederunt qui supra. Mr. Gillespie now present. The Presbytery of Philadelphia represented to the Synod the destitute condition of the people of Tredyffryn, by Mr. Samuel Evans' relinquishing the pastoral charge there, and earnestly desiring that the Synod would appoint Mr. Timothy Griffith to supply them as much as shall be thought proper. Ordered, That Mr. Griffith supply that people on Sabbath nest, and one Sunday every month until our next, unless they be otherwise supplied ; and that the Presbytery of New Castle excuse him ifrom supplying other vacancies during that time. Ordered, That the minutes of the commission be read. Ordered, That Mr. Alison use all endeavours to recover what is due to the Synod by the estate of Mr. Anderson. Upon a supplication from Mrs. Tennent to the Synod, desiring that the interest of the money due from her husband's estate should be remitted : the Synod agreed to remit eight pounds on condition the rest be paid on demand, and without further trouble or delay. Adjourned till to-morrow at ten o'clock. Concluded with prayer. 29 dai/ at ten o'clock, A. 31. Vhi post preces sederunt qui supra. Ordered, That Messrs. Cross and Cathcart wait on the governor with the Synod's address half an hour after twelve. The affiir of the fund reassumed. Ordered, That Mr. Cross use all care to get the bond paid which is due to the Synod by Moor and Cunningham, and also what is due by Mr. Gelston, before the next meeting of the Synod. Ordered, That the committee of the fund take care of what is yet to be done before the breaking up of the Synod. Ordered, That Mr. Cross take care of the Synod's books and be treasurer. The affair of the school reassumed. Ordered, That a committee be ap- pointed to consider what may be proper for its advantage before our next sede7-unt, and that Messrs. Boyd, McHenry, Griffith, McDowell, and Alison, be the committee. A paper containing some scruples concerning the present method of admin- istration of the Lord's Supper, being brought iu by Mr. McDowell : Ordered, That a committee be appointed to consider said paper, and to bring in an overture upon it, and that Messrs. Gillespie, Zanchy, Steel, Hamilton, Thom, Nathaniel Bryans, John Henderson, John McEven, John Whiteside, and William Gillespie, be the committee. Adjourned till two o'clock. Concluded with prayer. 192 MINUTES OF TUE [1T4S. At tu-Q o^doclc, P. M. TJhi post precea sederunt qui siqva. Found tliat Mr. David Cowcll absented without Synodical leave. The Synod's address to the governor was presented and accepted. An overture by the committee for the school was brought in and agreed to as follows : 1. That the Synod endeavour to pay the arrears now due out of the fund. 2. That every Presbytery recommend it to their respective members to be careful to raise collections among their people for the use of the school, and inquire at the meetings of the several members' conduct therein, and give an account thereof to the Synod at our next meeting, and that such as supply vacancies be industrious to obtain contributions from them, and that such con- gregations as contribute to the support of the school, shall be that year freed from contributing to the fund as usual. A letter from the Rev. Mr. Clap, President of Yale College, and Fellows, was laid before the Synod, and it was ordered, that Messrs. Cross, Alison, and the moderator, write an answer. The committee appointed to consider the paper brought in by Mr. McDow- ell, returned the following overture : That we, the committee which was appointed to bring in an overture on the paper of scruples, concerning the present manner of administering the Lord's Supper, laid before the Synod ; being satisfied that said scruples are of such importance as require much deliberation, do therefore humbly offer to the Synod, that a copy of said scruples be transmitted by Mr. McDowell to each Presbytery, to be communicated to every particular session, and when considered both in sessions and Presbyteries, that each Presbytery lay their judgments before the Synod against our next. Ordered, That the commission of the Synod be the committee for the school, to meet the second Wednesdays of October and March, and that five of them and the moderator be a quorum, as the commission of the Synod, and that they then examine 3Ir. Israel Ptcid, and give him a certificate if he bo approved. Ordered, The Committee of the fund meet to-morrow morning at nine o'clock, at Mr. Cross's. Adjourned till the fourth Wednesday of May next. Concluded with prayer. 1748. The Synod met at Philadelphia, according to appointment. M(t)/ 25('7i, 1748. Ubi jwst j^rcccs sederunt Ministers of the Presbytery of Philadelphia : Messrs. llobert Cross, Fran- cis McIIenry, John Guild. Absent: Messrs. David Evans, David Cowcll, and Daniel Elmer. Doncgall 1're.sbytery : Messrs. Adam Boyd, John Elder, Richard Zanchy, and David Thom. Absent : Messrs. John Thomson, Samuel Thomson, John Craig, and Samuel Caven. New Castle Presbytery : Messrs. Francis Alison, Alexander McDowell, John Steel, John Hamilton, Hector Alison, Timothy GrilSth, and David Brown. Absent : Messrs. George Gillespie and Robert Catlicart. Elders : 3Iessrs. Robert Mathies, John Manillee, Alexander Rogers, llobert Taylor, William Cunningham, James Snodgrass, John Scot, John Crosson, John Callwell, Nathaniel Williams, Thomas Jones, Gillbclcher Parker. The Synod was opened by a sermon from Psal. cxxxvii. G, by Mr. Alex- ander McDowell. 1748.] SYNOD OF PHILADELPHIA. 193 Mr. John Elder chosen moderator, and Mr. Steel clerk. Adjourned till nine o'clock to-morrow morning. Concluded with prayer. May 26, the Synod met according to adjournvient. Ubi post liveccs sedentnt qui sitjyra. Messrs. Gillespie's and Catheart's absence excused. Messrs. Elder's and Guild's absence excused. Since our last Mr. John Dick was removed by death. Ordered, That Messrs. Cross, McHenry, Guild, Francis Alison, McDowell, Griffith, Boyd, Zanchy, and Thorn, be the commission and committee for the fund for the following year, and that the following elders, Messrs. llobert Mathies, Alexander llogers, John Scot, be joined with them for the committee for the fund, and that any five of said commission, with the moderator, be a quorum. Ordered, Mr. Alison and the moderator examine Philadelphia Presbytery book. The Presbytery of New Castle declared that in pursuance to the Synod's order, have appointed at several times men to prepare their book for the Synod, but these members found such difficulties that they have not yet said book in proper order. The Presbytery promises to endeavour that it shall be ready against our next. Ordered, 'That Messrs. McHenry and Guild examine Donegall Presbytery book. Ordered, That the Presbytery books be brought to our next sederunt. Inquiry being made who had brought money for the fund, it was found that none brought but Messrs. Robert Cross, McHenry, and Francis Alison. The affair of the School referred. Ordered, That the Presbytery of Donegall write to Virginia, to let the ministers know that we expect one of their members yearly to attend our Synod, that we may know the state of their churches. Ordered, That Mr. Timothy Griffith supply Trediffrin once in the two months, unless they can be otherwise supplied ; and if New Castle Presbytery can procure supplies for the vacancies, he is appointed to supply them once a month as formerly, and that he be exempted from any other supplies. The Synod recommends to Philadelphia Presbytery to allow Trediffrin as many supplies as they can. Ordered, That Mr. Alison continue his endeavours to recover what is due to the Synod by Mr. Anderson's estate. Ordered, That Mr. Cross take care to recover the debts due to our fund by Messrs. Gelston and Cunningham. The affair of the scruples referred. Adjourned to four o'clock, P. M. Concluded with prayer. At four o'clock, P. M. Uhi iwst jifeces sederunt qui supra. Ordered, The Presbytery books brought in at our next sederunt. The affair of the school continued. The affair of the scruples continued. In pursuance to a supplication from Virginia, the Synod appoints that one minister be sent in the fall and another in the spring, to preach in the back parts of Virginia each eight Sabbaths, and that such members be exempted till all other members of the Synod do the same, and that said ministers' congre- gations be supplied during their absence, one half of the time by their respec- tive Presbytery. Ordered, That Mr. Richard Zanchy supply eight Sabbaths in the back parts 25 194 MINUTES OF THE [1749. of Virginia this fall ; and that Mr. Steel supply eight weeks in the spring, and return before next Synod. It is also recommended to the Presbytery of Donegall, to send their supplies to Virginia as often as they can conveniently. Adjourned till nine o'clock, A. M. Concluded with prayer. 3Ioi/ 27, nine o^cloch, A. 31. Uhi 2^ost preccs sederunt qui svj^ra. Mr. David Brown, a minister of the gospel from North Britain, being ad- mitted a member of the Presbytery of New Castle, touk his place among us. The Presbytery of Philadelphia have not brought in their book. The Synod on serious consideration, finding that the salaries appointed for master and usher of the public school, were not sufficient encouragement, order that the master be allowed forty pounds, and the usher twenty pounds per annum, which salaries are to be raised by collections from the several congre- gations, whether enjoying the stated ordinances or vacant, and by sessing each scholar twenty shillings per annum, only allowing the committee for said school to exempt such scholars as they shall think proper; and if these two methods will not answer the above demands, the remainder is to be paid out of the yearly interest of the Synod's fund. The affiiir of the scruples referred. Adjourned till three o'clock, P. M. Concluded with prayer. At three o'clocJc, P. M. Zhi j)OSt preces sederunt qui supra. Ordered, That Messrs. McHenry, Cross, Thorn, Boyd, Griffith, McDowell, Cathcart, Hector Alison, Hamilton, and Steel, be a committee for the school, to meet the second Tuesday of October. In pursuance to an order of the Synod to the several Presbyteries and Ses- sions thereunto belonging, to consider some scruples concerning the manner of administering the sacrament of the Lord's Supper amongst us, offi^rcd by a member to the Synod for his own satisfaction, in order to the being prepared to give their opinion of them at the next meeting of the Synod ; accordingly the Synod having heard, and seriously considered, what was offered by the several Presbytei'ies, and several members finding that the scrupler was not fully satisfied by what was offered, judge it most expedient to leave said scrupler to act in that affair as he shall think most for the glory of God and the edifica- tion of his congregation. Ordered, That the committee for the fund meet at nine o'clock to-morrow, or Monday, about that affair, and that they make a return of what they do, at the next meeting of the Synod, viz. the fourth Wednesday of May next. Concluded with prayer. 17 49. The Synod met at Philadelphia, according to appointment. 3Iay the 'lAth, 1749. Uhi post ptreces sederunt Ministers of Donegall Presbytery : Messrs. Boyd, Elder, Thomson, and Tate. Absent : Messrs, Zanchy and Caven. New Castle : Messrs. Cathcart, Alison, Steel, and Griffith. Absent : Messrs. Gillespie, McDowell, Alison, and Hamilton. Philadelphia : Messrs. Cross, McHenry, Cowell and Guild. Absent : Messrs. David Evans and Elmer. Elders : William Ewing, James Morrison, James Moor, Robert King, An- drew Boggs, M'illiam Lindsay, George Amie, John Williamson, Thomas James, and Robert Matthews. 1749.] SYNOD OF PHILADELPHIA. 195 Mr. Griffith chosen moderator, and Mr. Guild clerk. The Synod was opened by Mr. John Elder, with a sermon from 1 Cor. iv. 1. A proposal for peace and an union between the Synod of New York and this Synod, was brought in by Messrs. John Pierson, Gilbert Tennent, Ebenezer Pemberton, and Aaron Burr, which was taken into consideration, and the Synod resolved itself into a committee for this purpose, to meet to-morrow morning, at nine o'clock, A. M. Concluded with prayer. May the 25th, at nine o'clock, A. M. Lbi post preces sederunt qui supra. The Synod met according to adjournment. Adjourned to four o'clock, P. M. Concluded with prayer. 3Iay 25(h, at four o'clock, P. M. Ulji post preces sederunt qui supra. The delegates from the Synod of New York, having conferred with us for some time upon their plan for an union, and having given us some hopes that our great ground of complaint may be removed, the Synod resolved to leave the further consideration of this affair to a commission of our Synod, who are to prepare materials to be laid before both Synods at their next meeting, that we may come to a final determination, and the Synod orders that a copy of their plan and confession be laid before every Presbytery, and that every mem- ber, if possible, be consulted on this head, and that every Presbytery offer what else they think necessary, in order to answer that valuable end, and give it in charge to the delegates which are to meet with these brethren. Ordered, That Mr. Griffith write a letter to Mr. Thomson, in Virginia, on this head. Ordered, That Messrs. Boyd, Elder, Thorn, Cross, Cowell, McHenry, Alison, Cathcart, and the moderator, be a commission to treat with these gentlemen at Trenton, the first Wednesday of October, and that the clerk inform Mr. Gilbert Tennent of the time and place appointed. The afiair of the Great Valley referred. Adjourned till nine o'clock, A. M. Concluded with prayer. 3Iay 26, at nine o'clock, A. M. Uhi post preces sederunt qui stijyra. The Presbytery of Donegall report that they have ordained Mr. Joseph Tate since our last, having adopted the Westminster Confession of Faith, and Cate- chisms, according to the order of this Synod. Mr. David Brown returned to Scotland since our last. Ordered, That Messrs. Cross, McHenry, Cowell, Guild, Cathcart, Alison, McDowell, Steel, Boyd, Elder, and Thom, be a commission of the Synod, and committee for the fund, for the following year, and that Robert Matthews, George Currie, Thomas James, and William Lindsay, be joined as elders, and that any five of said number, with the moderator, be a quorum. Ordered, Messrs. Cross and Boyd to revise New Castle Presbytery book. Donegall Presbytery book not brought to Synod. Ordered, That Messrs. Alison and Tate revise the Presbytery book of Phila- delphia. Messrs. Cross and Alison brought money to the fund. The afiair of the school referred. Ordered, That Mr. Timothy Griffith supply Tredryfrin as often as he can till our next. Mr. Francis Alison informs that he has received some part of the debt duo to our fund by Mr. Anderson's estate, and that his attorney reports that it is put on a proper footing to recover it to our satisfaction in some years. 196 MINUTES OF THE [1750. The order to Mr. Cross to recover the sum due to our fund by Mr. Gelston and Cunningham, is continued. The order to supply the inhabitants of A^irginia by two missionaries, who are to be out eight weeks each of them, every year, continued. Messrs. Zanchy and Steel have supplied them according to our orders. Ordered, That Mr. Joseph Tate go out eight Sabbaths to Virginia this faW, and Mr. McHenry as many in the spring, and that their respective Presby- teries take care to supply tlieir congregations in their absence, the one-half of the time. The affair of the fund referred till our next. Mr. Alison requested that he might be allowed to join with the Presbytery of Philadelphia, the consideration whereof is deferred till our next sederunt. Mr. Cross requested supplies for his congregation for some Sabbaths, till it please God that he recover his health again. Adjourned till three o'clock, P. M. Concluded with prayer. At three o'clock, P. M. Uhi j^ost prcces sederunt qui supra. The aifair of the school taken into consideration, and after a due inquiry into the state of it, the Synod unanimously came to the following resolu- tion, viz. That the Synod will allow Mr. Alison thirty pounds per annum for teach- ing, and they shall be allowed the privilege to exempt any scholars from pay- ing, that the trustees of the school judge unable to bear the expenses of edu- cation, and that he be allowed in all other respects to demand and receive as much for all others as he thinks fit, or is usual for teaching, and that the com- mittee appointed last year shall meet the second Wednesday in March, and visit the school. The affair of the fund deferred till to-morrow morning. Mr. Cross desired that his congregation might be supplied by the Synod till he recovered his health. Ordered, That Mr. Guild supply the first Sabbath in June, Mr. Cowell the second, Mr. Alison the third, and Mr. Cathcart the fourth, Mr. Steel the next, and that Mr. Cross or his congregation be allowed a discretionary power to invite any other of the brethren till the commission meets in the fall. Adjourned till the fourth Wednesday of May next. Concluded with prayer. 1750. 3Iaij 23(7, 1750. The Synod met according to adjournment, and several members being ex- pected who are not yet come, the Synod chose to defer entering on business till to-morrow morning, at nine o'clock. Concluded with prayer. The Synod met according to adjournment. Maij 24, at nine o'cIocJr, A. M. Ubi post jirecrs sederunt Donegal! Presbytery : ■Messrs. John Thomson, 33oyd, Elder, Zanchy, Craig, Caven, and Tate. Philadelphia Presbytery: Messrs. Cross, Cowell, Guild, McIIenry, and New Castle Presbytery: iMessrs. Cathcart, Alison, McDowell, Griffith, Steel, Hamilton, and Hector Alison. Elders : Thomas Hope, Arthur Foster, William Watson, William Sherron, John Cross, Robert McKnight, William Neill, William Gillespie, Thomas James, James Glasgow, Ephraim Wilson, James Mcllvaine, Daniel Ogdeu, and William Scot. 1750.] SYNOD OF PHILADELPHIA. I97 Absent from Donegall Presbytery : Mr. Samuel Thomson and Black. From Philadelphia : ]Mr. Evans. From New Castle : Mr. Gillespie. Mr. Steel chosen moderator, and Mr. Tate clerk. The Synod was opened with a sermon on Piom. xiv. 19, by Mr. Griffith. Mr. Thom is deceased since our last. Messrs. Zanchy and Caven's absence excused for reasons. Messrs. Gil- lespie's, McDowell's, Hamilton's and Alison's reasons for their absence sus- tained. The commissioners appointed to treat with the delegates from the Synod of New York, met with them at Trenton the first Wednesday of October, and inform us, that after some time spent, they could do nothing further to procure a union till the meeting of both Synods, by reason of some of the brethren of the Synod of New York, concerning the explication of their own plan, which they had offered to this Synod, upon which it was unanimously agreed, that every member of both Synods should study peace and friendship, and that the brethren of Y^'ork Synod should communicate whatever other pro- posal they think necessary for procuring a union to us at the next synodical meeting, by Mr. Hazard, and that we should send them our answer by the same gentleman. We find that Mr. Gilbert Tennent has delivered to Mr. Cross the copy of a minute of the Synod of New York, at their sessions in Maidenhead, May the 17th, 1750, which is laid before us, and is as follows : The consideration of the union being reassumed, according to the conclu- sion of the commissioners of both Synods, the Synod is sorry that they can- not proceed to make further proposals at this time, through the absence of last year's clerk, and by that means the want of the minutes and the copy of the former plan, but still profess their design to enter upon the affair of the union at their next sessions, and in the mean time to maintain a spirit of candour and friendship. Ordered, That a copy of this minute be sent to the Rev. Mr. Gilbert Ten- nent, who is hereby appointed to deliver it to the Synod of Philadelphia, at the beginning of their next session. A true copy. Test. Thomas Arthur, Clerk. The Synod having considered the report of the commissioners, and the minute of the Synod of New York, which was laid before them, are sorry a thing so much desired by us could not be prosecuted as our brethren of the Synod of New York intended, but expecting that we shall at their next synodi- cal meeting, have our expectations answered, by such proposals as shall effec- tually promote union, shall heartily join with them in the mean time in pur- suing such measures as shall promote candour and friendship. Ordered, That a copy of this minute be given to the Rev. Mr. Gilbert Tennent. The affair of the Great Valley referred. Ordered, That Messrs. Cross, McHenry, Cowell, Cathcart, Boyd, Griffith, Francis Alison, McDowell, Tate, and the moderator, be the commission of the Synod for the ensuing year, and the committee for the fund, and that any five be a quorum, if called by the moderator, and that John Cross, Thomas James and William Neal, be joined as elders in the affair of the fund. New Castle Presbytery book not here. Ordered, That the Presbyterial books be brought to our next Synod. The following brethren brought money for the fund, Messrs. Elder, Craig, Tate, Cross, Alison, McDowell, Steel, and Hamilton. The order on Mr. Cross with respect to the sum due by Messrs. Gelston and Cunningham, continued. Messrs. McHenry and Tate fulfilled their appointments in Virginia. 198 MINUTES OF THE [1750. Ordered, That Mr. Griffith supply the back inhabitants in Virginia, eight Sabbaths this fall, and that Mr. Samuel Thomson supply them eight Sabbaths in the spring, and as much more as he can. Adjourned till three o'clock, P. M. Concluded with prayer. At three o'clock, P. 31. Uhi jwst jwcces sederunt qui svjira. The affair of the Great Valley referred. The affair of the school and fund referred. The congregation of the Great Valley is remitted to the care of the Presby- tery of Philadelphia, and that Mr. Griffith supply said congi-egation as fre- quently as possible. Upon reading a supplication from Brown Meeting-house in Virginia, the Synod appoint a committee to meet on the place, viz. Messrs. John Thomson, Black, and Griffith, and that they or any two of them, shall endeavour to regu- late that, and all other such affairs as shall come before them. The Synod resolved into a committee of the whole house. Adjourned till nine o'clock, A. M. Concluded with prayer. Ma?/ the 25th, A. M. Uhi jiost preces sederunt qui stijyra. An affair concerning promises of marriage between and a young wo- man being laid before the Synod by the Presbytery of New Castle, the Synod on the consideration thereof, and because desired, on some accounts, to be loosed from said obligation, and it was found the young woman scrupled the lawfulness of their being loosed from said obligation, the first question put in the affair was. Whether a single man and woman having promised mar- riage to each other, may lawfully agree again to release each other from the promise ; and after mature deliberation, the Synod resolved the case, that it was lawful, nemine contradicente. Ordered, That Messrs. Thomson and Cathcart, go with to the young woman, in order to acquaint her with the Synod's ojtinion to endeavour to issue that affair. being called before the Synod and asked, whether he had promised to this young woman marriage, he acknowledged he had, and that he was culpable in entering into such rash and unwarrantable methods of engaging. The question was put censure or not, and it was carried c(!nsure. Adjourned till three o'clock, P. M. Concluded with prayer. Three o' clock, P. M. Uhi post preces sederunt qui srtpra. The affair of reassumed. Another question was put, what censure is to be inflicted upon him for his misconduct in the above mentioned affair? And after serious consideration and much reasoning on this head, the Synod came to a resolution, that a rebuke before the Synod was necessary to show our detestation of such rash proceedings in young people. And that 3Ir. John Thomson admonish him. being called, the minute in respect to his affair was read and he cen- sured accordingly, to which he submitted. The Synod being informed, that two young men were ready to offer them- Belves to examination by the Synod or committee, according to the act, Messrs. Thomson, Elder, Zanchy, Cross, McHenry, Guild, McDowell, Steel, and Cathcart, were appointed to meet here to-morrow morning at six o'clock, to examine them, and that as many of the other brethren as think fit may attend. The affair of the fund and school continued. Adjourned till nine, A. M. Concluded with prayer. 1751.] SYNOD OF PHILADELPHIA. 199 May 26, nine dclock, A. M. TJhi 'post preces sederunt qui supra. The committee appointed to examine the candidates attended according to appointment, and report to the Synod that they approve of them. Adjourned till the fourth Wednesday of May next. Concluded with prayer. 1751. The Synod met according to adjournment. 3Iay 12.d, 1751. Uhi post preces sederunt Members of Donegall Presbytery : Messrs. Boyd, Elder, Black, and Tate. Absent : John Thomson, Zanchy, S. Thomson, and Craig. Philadelphia Presbytery : Messrs. Cross and McHenry. Absent : Messrs. Elmer, Cowell, and Guild. New Castle Presbytery : Messrs. Cathcart, Francis Alison, Steel, Hector Alison, and Griffith. Absent : Messrs. Gillespie, McDowell, and Hamilton. Elders : Messrs. Andrew Wilson, William Armstrong, David Craig, Ptobert Matthews, John McMichael, George Currie, Andrew Porter, James Mcllvaine, Thomas James, and William Ramsey. Mr. Robert Cross chosen moderator, and Mr. Hector Alison clerk. The Synod was opened by a sermon on 1 Cor. iv. 2, by Mr. John Steel. Mr. Samuel Caven is deceased since our last, and likewise Mr. David Evans. The affair of Mr. Samuel Evans referred. The affair of the union referred. Ordered, That Messrs. McHenry, Cowell, Cathcart, Boyd, Griffith Elder, Francis Alison, McDowell, Tate, and the moderator, be the commission of the Synod for the ensuing year, and be the committee for the fund, and that four with the moderator be a quorum ; and that Robert Mathies, George Currie, and William Armstrong, be joined in the affair of the fund. Ordered, The Presbyteries' books be brought to the next Synod. Inquiry being made who had brought money for the fund, the following brethren brought : Messrs. Boyd, Tate, Cross, Cathcart, Alison, and Steel. Ordered, That Mr. Cross write to Lewistown, to put them in mind of their duty concerning the fund. Mr. Elder's affair referred. The affair of the school referred. The order on Mr. Cross with respect to the sums due by Messrs. Gelston and Cunningham, be continued. Adjourned till nine o'clock in the morning. Concluded with prayer. May 23, nine o'clocJc, A. M. Uhi post preces sederunt qui supra. The affair of Mr. Samuel Evans continued. The affair of the union continued. Mr. Elder's affiiir continued. The affair of the school continued. Mr. Griffith fulfilled his appointment in Virginia. Mr. Thomson failed to fulfil his appointments in Virginia, and excused. Ordered, That Mr. Hector Alison supply the back j^arts of Virginia eight Sabbaths next fall. Ordered, That Mr. Smith supply the back parts of Virginia eight Sabbaths next spring. Ordered, That Mr. Black supply Buffalo settlement and adjacent places four Sabbaths before our next. Ordered, That Mr. Craig supply about Roanoke and Reedy Creek, and places adjacent, three Sabbaths, and the Soitth Branch of Potomac and places adjacent, three Sabbaths more before our next. 200 MINUTES OP THE [1751. Ordered, That Mr. Smith supply at Norrington the ensuing Sabbath, and at the Great Valley the Tuesday following. The affair of the school and fund continued. Mr. Griffith complied with the appointment of the Synod with respect to the Great Valley. Mr. Griffith met at Brown's meeting-house in Virginia, according to appoint- ment, and none other of the members meeting, nor both parties, nothing was done in the affair. Ordered, Messrs. Black and Alison meet next fall at Brown's meeting- house to try Avhat they can do in the affair, and report the same to the Synod next meeting. Messrs. Thomson and Cathcart met at White Clay Creek, according to last year's appointment, about Mr. Alison's affair, and though they then had not full satisfaction of seeing that affiir concluded at that time, yet the Synod is now fully satisfied by credible information, that all obligations between said parties are mutually discharged to the satisfaction of both. Commissioners from Norrington petitioned the Synod for supplies for the ensuing year, which is referred till the afternoon. Adjourned till three o'clock, P. M. Concluded with prayer. At tfiree d clock, P. M. Vhi post prcces scdenint qui snpra. Upon considering the conduct of Mr. Samuel Evans, which was referred to the Synod for advices, it is agreed : That ]\Ir. Evans having acted disorderly in dissolving the pastoral relation between himself and his people, and having travelled to England again and again, without certificates by way of recom- mendation to the churches in that part of the world ; and having in other things acted, from time to time, in a way unsuitable to his character as a gospel minister, we disown him as a member of this Synod until he give us satisfaction by a return to his duty, and amend his life and conduct. The affair of the union continued. Mr. Elder's affair continued. The affair of the school continued. The affair of the Great Valley and Norrington came under consideration, and appointed that Mr. McHenry supply the first Sabbath of August, of Feb- ruary, and May, at Norrington, if they be vacant ; and that Mr. Cowell and Guild supply the same place tlie first Sal»bath of July, September, October, December and January; and that Mr. Grifiith supply them one Sabbath before December next, and must ac([uaint them of the day. Ordered, That Mr. Griffith sup])ly the congregation of the Great Valley one Sabbath in the mouth until the candidates arc licensed, and the Pres- bytery of Philadelphia agrees that these congregations may apply to New Castle Presbytery for supplies from the said candidates wdien licensed, by turns, and that Mr. Mcllenry supjily the Great Valley the fb'st Sabbath of • November. Adjourned till nine o'clock, A. M. Concluded with prayer. Mii/ 24/74, at nine o'clock, A. J\[. Uhi jiost prcccs sederunt qui siqva. The aflair of the union continued. jNIr. Elder's affair continued. The affair of the .school continuetl. Upon considering the affair of the uninn, our Synod sent a messenger to jNIr. Hazard's to see whether the Synod of New York had left any proposals with him to be delivered to us, to which he answered, they had ; but that he •was ordered not to deliver them to us without receiving our proposals to them. 1751.] SYNOD OF PHILADELPHIA. 201 The Synod finding that there was some misapprehension between them and the Synod of New York, about the meaning of both parties delivering their proposals sealed to Mr. Hazard, came to the following resolution : That since our brethren will not allow us to see their proposals till we give ours in writing, which our commissioners to Trenton do not agree to be the intention of that proposal ; but that this method was intended to prevent cla- mour and misrepresentations. We are determined to send them our proposals as soon as possible, but the minutes of our proceeding in that afiliir, being in Mr. McHenry's hands, so that we cannot proceed as we could wish, we recommend it to our brethren, to use all endeavours to promote a healing spirit, so that our designs may be brought to a comfortable issue, and we shall, through divine assistance, labour to do the same ; and we shall meet for this purpose the first Wednesday of September next, in Philadelphia, that the Synod of New York may have an opportunity of considering our overtures, and taking proper measures for the concluding a union, which may be of much advantage to this church. Ordered, That a copy of this minute be delivered to the Rev. Mr. Gilbert Tennent. Ordered, That Mr. Hector Alison stay in town till he transcribe our minutes for these years past, and that he be paid out of the fund for this service, and for settling the accounts of the fund. Adjourned till three o'clock, P. M. Concluded with prayer. At three o'clock, P. 31. Uhi post preces sederunt qui supra. The Synod being informed that Mr. Hugh Knox and Mr. John Alison, are waiting on them to be examined according to the rules of this Synod, it is agreed that they attend the Presbytery of New Castle, at Elk River, the first Tuesday of August, and be examined by them, and that Messrs. Boyd and Tate correspond with them at that time. _ The afiair of the school considered, and ordered, That four scholars be en- tirely exempted from paying, and the residue of the twenty pounds is to be divi- ded among such as Mr. Alison shall think fit. Three being mentioned for this purpose. Ordered, That the last year's minute relating to the school be continued. Ordered, to allow Mr. Gillespie five pounds out of the fund for building his meeting-house, and five pounds to Mr. Elder, the first to be paid on demand" and the last at our next meeting in September. Adjourned till the first Wednesday of September ensuing. Concluded with prayer. 1751. The Synod met according to adjournment at four o'clock, P. M. September 4t7i, 1751. V hi post preces sederunt Donegall Presbytery : Messrs. Boyd, Elder, and Zanchy. Philadelphia Presbytery : Messrs. Cross and McHenry. New Castle Presbytery: Messrs. Cathcart, Alison, Steel, and Hector Alison. Elders: Messrs. Robert Chambers, John Watt, Robert Mathies, James Scot. ' Mr. Cross continued moderator, and Hector Alison clerk. Absent from Donegall Presbytery: Messrs. Thomson, Tate, Craig, and Black. From Philadelphia Presbytery: Messrs. Cowell, and Guild. ^From 26 202 MINUTES OF THE [1751. New Castle Presbytery: Messrs. Gillespie, McDowell, Griffith, and Ha- milton. Ordered, That Messrs. IMcHenry, Cowell, Catheart, Boyd, Griffith, Elder, Francis Alison, McDowell, Tate, and the moderator, be the commission of the Synod for the ensuing year, and be the commiteee for the fund. And that four with the moderator be a quorum. And ordered. That the Presbytery of New Castle examine the young men next October, who offered themselves to trials at the last meeting of our Synod. Ordered, That the Presbytery Books be brought against our nest Synod. Ordered, That Mr. Cross either get in the interest due upon our bonds, or that he sue for the principal and interest, and that it be reported at our next sederunt what interest is due, and in whose name the bonds are taken. Ordered, That the minutes of our last be consulted with reference to our Synodical appointments. The affair of the school continued, as we determined at our last meeting, to the minutes of which we refer for further information. The affair of the union of the two Synods taken under consideration. Ordered, That a copy of the proposals of the Synod of New York for a union with this Synod in the year 1749, which were hitherto omitted, be now inserted ; which are as follow : The Synod of New York are deeply sensible of the many unhappy conse- quences that flow from our present divided state, and have with pleasure ob- served a spirit of moderation increasing between many of the members of both Synods ; this opens a door of hope, that if we were united in one body we might be able to carry on the designs of religion in future peace and agree- ment, to our mutual satisfaction ; and though we retain the same sentiments of the work of God which we formerly did, yet we esteem mutual forbear- ance our duty, since we all profess the same Confession of Faith, and Direc- tory of worship. We would, therefore, humbly propose to our brethren of the Synod of Philadelphia, that all our former differences be buried in perpet- ual oblivion, and that for the time to come both Synods be united in one, and thenceforth there be no contention among us, but to carry it towards each other in the most peaceable and brotherly manner, which we are persuaded will be for the honour of our Master, the credit of our profession, and the edi- fication of the churches committed to our care. Accordingly we appoint the Rev. Messrs. John Pierson, Gilbert Tennent, Ebcnezer Pemberton, and Aaron Burr, to be our delegates to wait upon the Synod of Philadelphia with these proposals, and if they shall see meet to join with us in this desirable design, we think it would be best to appoint a commission of both the Synods to meet at such time and place as they shall choose, and finally to determine this affair. And to preserve the common peace we would desire that all names of distinction which have been made use of in the late times, be for ever abolished; that every member give his consent to the AVestrainister Confession of Faith and Directory, according to the plan formerly agreed to by the Synod of Philadelphia, in the year 1729. Further, that every member promise that after any question has been determined by a major vote, he will actively con- cur, or passively submit, to tlie judgment of the body, but if his conscience permit him to comply with neither of these, that then he shall be obliged peaceably to withdraw from our synodical communion, without any attempt to make a schism or division among us. This is not intended to extend to any cases but those which the Synod judge essential to the maintaining of doctrine, discipline, and worship ; that all our present congregations be ac- knowledged as congregations belonging to the Synod, but to belong to the 1751.] SYNOD OF PIIILADELPIIIA. 203 same Presbytery as they now do, till a favourable opportunity presents for an advantageous alteration. That we all agree to esteem and treat it as a culpa- ble evil to accuse any of our members of error in doctrine, or immorality in conversation, any otherwise than by private reproof, till the accusation has been brought before a regular judicature, and issued according to the known rules of our discipline. Signed per order of the Synod, Per Samuel Finly, Synod Clerk. The delegates from the Synod of New York agreed to the following con- cessions and amendments in the forementioned proposals, which, according to the references in them are as follow : 1. Though great and good men have been of different opinions. 2. Always reserving a liberty for such dissenting members to lay their grievances before the Synod in a peaceable manner. N. B. What remains of the sentence to be erased. That there be no intrusions into the bounds of Presbyteries, or pastoral charges, against the inclination of the Presbyteries or pastors. That all candidates for the work of the sacred ministry either be examined and approved by the Synod or its commission, previous to their admission upon trials by any of our Presbyteries ; or else, that they be obliged to obtain a college diploma, or a certificate from the president or trustees of the college, that they have been examined and found qualified. Mr. (xilbert Tennent only objected against the synodical examination of young men. Agreed that the commissioners ripen things for our next synodical meet- ing, but not finally determine any thing. The commissions of the Synods of ^Philadelphia and New York met each other according to agreement at Trenton, Mr. Cowell chosen moderator, and Thomas Arthur clerk. Some difficulties arising in the conversations of the commissioners of both Synods, they came finally and unanimously into this agreement, that both Synods at their next meeting, do more fully prepare, and then interchange, mutual proposals for an accommodation, and in the mean time there be a mu- tual endeavour to cultivate a spirit of candour and friendship. Thomas Arthur, Clerk. Adjourned till three o'clock, P. M. Concluded with prayer. Sejitemher the 5th. Vhi post preces sederunt qui supra. The Synod met according to adjournment. The order relating to the fund continued. Adjourned till three o'clock, P. M. Concluded with prayer. At three o'clock, P. 31. Ubi post preces sederunt qui supra. The Synod met according to adjournment. The Synod having maturely and seriously considered the affair of the union, agreed at last, nemine contmdicente, that the following terms be pro- posed to the Synod of New York, and that Hector Alison transcribe them against our next meeting. Adjourned till nine o'clock, A. M. Concluded with prayer. September the Qth. Ubi p>ost p>reces sederunt qui supra. The Synod met according to adjournment. The proposals were transcribed and brought in according to appointment, which were approved, and sent to 3Ir. Hazard, and are as follow : 204 MINUTES OF THE [1751. " The Synod of Philadelphia being deeply sensible of the unhappy con- sequences of division, are willing with pleasure, to listen to proposals for heal- ing the breaches between the two Synods, and as the Synod of York ex- presses an earnest desire of an union, that we may be able jointly to carry on the design of religion in future peace and agreement, we have considered your plan of an accommodation laid before us in the year 1749, and find that it has a peaceable tendency, and for this reason we determine to comply with the proposals you laid down, as closely and as far as we can expect to preserve our future peace and agreement, and to mention briefly the plan of union and rules of our conduct for time to come towards each other, and in our judica- tures. "We propose, therefore, (as the Synod of York have proposed to us.) ■we agree that all names of distinctions which have been made use of in late times, be for ever abolished. 2. '^ That every member give his assent to the Westminster Confession of Faith and Directory, according to the plan agreed on in our Synod, and that no acts be made but concerning matters that appear to the body plain duty, or concerning opinions that we believe relate to the great truths of religion, and that all public and fundamental agreements of this Synod stand safe. 3. " That every member engage that after any question has been deter- mined by a major vote, he will actively concur, or passively submit, to the judgment of the body, or if his conscience permit him to comply with neither of these, he shall be obliged to withdraw peaceably, always reserving him a liberty to sue for a review, and to lay his grievances before the body in a Christian manner. 4. " That we agree to esteem it a culpable evil, and treat it as such, to ac- cuse any of our brethren of error in doctrine, or immorality in practice, othei"- wise than by private admonition, or to spread evil surmises that he is grace- less, or unconverted, till the accusation has been brought before a regular judicature, and issued according to the rules of well known church discipline. 5. " That no intrusions into the bounds of any of our Presbyteries, or pas- toral charges, without the consent of the Presbytery, or minister, be first ob- tained implicitly or explicitly ; and that no person be excluded from any of our judicatures without regular proceedings, according to our known rules of church discipline ; and that all candidates for the sacred work of the ministry be either examined by the Synod, or their commission, and be approved by them, in the languages and philosophy, or shall be obliged to bring a college certificate or diploma, to assert that they are suitably qualified according to the rules of that college, before they be admitted to trials in any of our Pres- byteries, and we promise that we will encourage them to fall in with this last as the most honourable and customary. 6. " We propose, according to the first article, that all names of distinc- tion shall be for ever abolished, and for this purpose we think it necessary that our I'resbyteries shall be made up every where of the ministers that live contiguous to one another, so that there shall be no such party names, as old and new Presbyteries, for old and new congregations to repair to, that they may obtain ministers bearing party names ; and that if any minister shall be dissatisfied to sit with the Presbytery that is next to him, he shall, upon ap- plication to the Synod, have liberty to join with the neighbouring Presbytery which he shall choose, if they think it for edification to allow him the liberty. 7. " And though we cannot but lament the divisive practices that have been carried on in this church these several years, so much to the disadvantage of religion, yet out of a sincere regard to the peace of the church we propose that such congregations where there are new erections, each of which are able to support a minister, be continued, and that such congregations where there 1752.] SYNOD OF PHILADELPHIA. 205 are two parties, and neither supplied with a minister, that all care be taken by the Presbytery to which they belong to unite them, but that where any erec- tions have been made by these practices to the prejudice of former standing congregations, and said erections supplied with ministers, that said ministers be removed, and all proper methods taken to heal the breach. And though this last proposal may seem to bear hard on some ministers, yet we hope that few will be affected by it, and that these may find more com- fortable settlements in our numerous vacancies, and be more extensively ser- viceable in Christ's vineyard ; and upon these terms we heartily agree with the Synod of York, that since we profess the same Confession of Faith, and Directory for worship, all our former differences be buried in perpetual obli- vion, and that henceforth there be no contention among us but to carry it towards each other in the most amicable and brotherly manner. Adjourned till the fourth Wednesday of May. Concluded with prayer. 1752. The Synod of Philadelphia met according to adjournment. Mai/ 27, 1752. Uhi post preces sederunt From Donegall Presbytery : Messrs, Boyd, Elder, Thomson, Tate. Absent : Messrs. Zanchy, Craig, Black. Present, Mr. Smith. Philadelphia: Messrs. Cross, Cowell, and McHenry. Absent: Messrs. Elder and Guild. \ew Castle : Messrs. Cathcart, Francis Alison, McDowell, Griffith, Steel, and Hector Alison. Absent : Messrs. Gillespie and Hamilton. Elders : Messrs. Thomas Hope, Thomas Dugan, James Murphie, Andrew Boggs, John Cross, Hugh Ferguson, James Smith, Nathaniel Williams, Fran- cis Williamson, John Hall, John McNeal, James Pagan. Mr. Cowell moderator, Mr. Sampson Smith clerk. The Synod was opened by a sermon on 1 Tim. iv. 16, by Mr. Cross, last year's moderator. The Presbytery of Donegall ordained Mr. Sampson Smith to the work of the ministry since our last meeting, who is now received as a member of this Synod. Mr. Thomson's last year's absence excused for indisposition. Mr. Cow- ell's absence excused. Mr. McDowell excused for reasons given. Ordered, That Messrs. Cross, Boyd, Cathcart Griffith, McHenry, Elder, McDowell, Tate, be the commission of the Synod for the ensuing year, and the committee for the fund ; and that four with the moderator be a quoroum. And that John Cross. James Murphey, and Hugh Ferguson, elders, be joined in the affair of the fund. Ordered, That the Presbyteries bring in their books against our next. Inquiry being made who had brought money for the fund, the following brethren, Messrs. McHenry, Boyd, Tate, Steel, McDowell, Cathcart, brought something. The consideration of the collection of the fund referred. Ordered, That Mr. Cross let Mr. Gelston know that the Synod will remit the interest of the money which he owes them, provided that he forthwith pays the principal. The affair of the school deferred. Mr. Hector Alison and Mr. Smith fulfilled their appointments in Virginia. Further appointments to Virginia deferred. Adjourned till nine o'clock, A. M. Concluded with prayer. 206 MINUTES OF TIIE [1752. May 28ra. Ordered, That application be made to the trustees of the German schools to procure a sum of money to encourage our school, engaging to teach some Dutch children the English tongue, and three or four boys Latin and Greek, if they offer themselves j and that Mr. Sampson Smith open the school at Chesnut Level so soon as this favour [is obtained] ; and that 3Iessrs. Cross and Alison draw up and present an address to the trustees of the German schools. If the sum obtained be less than twenty pounds currency, and not less than fifteen pounds, the Synod shall allow to the school five pounds. 'Tis agreed that the books sent from Dublin be the foundation of a public library, under the care of the Synod. That books proper for our school in the country be lent to the master, and that he give his obligation to return the same indemnified, when demanded ; or if any be lost or damnified, that he repair the damages. And further, that any minister belonging to this Synod may borrow any of the said books, and that they be allowed to keep a folio for one year, a quarto half a year, and an octavo, or a lesser volume, for three months ; that they give their obligation for the full price of the volume, to return it safe, or to pay damages. And if any book be detained bej'ond the time appointed, every minister so failing shall pay one shilling per month for a folio, eight pence per month for a quarto, and four pence per month for oc- tavos and lesser volumes. 'Tis agreed likewise, to lend none of them beyond Potomac River; and that the books be committed to the trustees of the fund for ministers' widows, who shall choose a librarian, to take care of the library for these ends, and for the benefit of students of Divinity in the College of Philadelphia. Appointed that Messrs. Cross, Boyd, Alison, McHenry, McDowell^ Tate, Smith, and McMordie, be the committee for the fund. Adjourned till the fourth Wednesday of May next. Concluded with prayer. 220 MINUTES OF THE [1756. 1756. The Synod met according to adjournment, Philaddphia, May the 2.(Sth, 1756. Uhi post j^reces sederunt From the Philadelphia Presbytery : Messrs. Cross, Alison, Cowell, Guild, and Mc Henry. From Donegall : Mr. Tate. From New Castle : Messrs. Boyd, Alison, McDowell, McKennan, Wilson, and Smith. Elders : Messrs. John Cross, Francis Alexander, Alexander Bryans, John Crossan, John Snodgrass, Andrew Boggs. Mr. Guild chosen moderator, and Mr. Smith clerk. Adjourned to nine o'clock, A. M. Concluded with prayer. May 27th, at nine o'clocJc, A. M. The Synod met according to adjournment. V hi post preces sederunt qui siq)ra. Absent from Donegall Presbytery : Messrs. Zanchy, Elder, Steel, Thomson, Black, Craig, and McMordic. From New Castle : Mr. Gillespie. Mr. Tato, the last year's moderator, opened the Synod with a sermon from 2 Cor. V. 20. Since our last the Rev. Mr. John Hamilton was removed by death. Ordered, That Messrs. Cross, Boyd, Francis Alison, Steel, Cowell, McIIenry, Tate, Smith, and the moderator, be the commission of the Synod, and committee for the fund for the ensuing year The affair of the fund deferred. None of the Presbyteries produced their books, the omission is greatly blamed, and it is recommended to them to be more careful for the future. Inquiry being made who had brought any thing for the fund, it was found that Messrs. Cross, Cowell, Guild, McHenry, Boyd, Tate, McKennan, Wil- son, Alison, and Smith, brought some. The affair of the school deferred. Ordered, That every Presbytery appoint one of their number to preach on Friday evenings at the future meetings of the Synod, if required. The affair of the widows' and Synod's funds deferred. The supplications from Virginia and North Carolina, being taken under consideration, ordered, That Mr. John Aliscm supply those vacancies next fall and winter. And the Synod recommend it to him, and all such as may be sent by us to supply these distant parts, to study in all their public adminis- trations and private couvcrsations, to promote peace and unity among the socie- ties, and to avoid whatever may tend to foment divisions and party spirit ; and to treat every minister of the gospel from the Synod of New York, of the like principles and peaceful temper, in a brotherly manner; as we desire to promote true religinn and not party designs. And the Synod resolve to send a copy of these instructions to our brethren of the Synod of New York, hoping they will recommend the like conduct to any they send thither. Ordered, That each of our suppliers sent to these distant parts carry a copy of these minutes with them. Adjourned to three o'clock, P. M. Concluded with prayer. At three o'clock, P. M. The Synod met according to adjournment. Uhi jxjst jyreces sederunt qui siqva. The affair of the school deferred. A copy of the minute from the Synod of New York, was brought in and read, as follows : 1756.] SYNOD OF PHILADELPHIA. 221 A copy of a minute of the Synod of New York, at their session in Phila- delphia, October 1st, 1755. Ordered to be sent to the Synod of Philadelphia, which is as follows : A copy of a minute of Philadelphia Synod, at their convention in May last, relating to the proposals of union between the two Synods, was brought in and read. In which they propose, that in order to an union, 'ost p>reccs sederunt qui svpra. The Synod met according to adjournment. The plan of union was further considered. A letter was ordered to be wrote to the llev. Dr. Willi;mi Leechman, Profes- sor of Divinity in the University of Glasgow, which was done, and is as fol- lows: Philadclp)hia, May 29ih, 1758. Very Bevercnd Sir, — Though we have not the honour of personal acquaint- ance with you, yet your distinguished character and praises in the churches of Christ, and eminent station in the University of Glasgow, are well known to us, and to the churches in these American colonies, and we would much esteem a correspondence with you, if your more important affairs might allow it. "We presume to give you this trouble now, requesting you to accept for yourself, and to present to the learned Professors of the University our grateful acknowledg- ments for the late mark of your regard to the llev. Mr. Francis Alison, a mem- ber of this Synod, in conferring a degree of Doctor of Divinity upon him. He is a gentleman of good character, a public spirit, and well esteemed as a preacher. He has been very industrious and successful in promoting learning in this part of the world, both before and since he was called to a public station in the col- lege and academy in this city ; and we hope he will ever behave so as to deserve your regard. Such honours conferred on men of confessed worth here, may 1758.] SYNOD OF PHILADELPHIA, 231 mucli encourage learning and public usefulness, and may be of service to our church, as we have another denomination among us, whose ministers are fre- ' quently honoured with such titles. We shall ever think it an honour to our Synod to enjoy the fiivour of that university, and particularly of Dr. Leechman. We are, Reverend Sir, your very obliged^ humble servants. Signed by order of the Synod of Philadelphia, by Sampson Smith, Moderator. Upon reading the answer given by the trustees of the German schools in this province, Mr. Cross informed that the honourable trustees general, in England, had complied with the Synod's petition, as appears by an extract of a letter from them to the Rev. William Smith, one of the trustees here, which was laid before the Synod, and was as follows : Extract of Dr. Chandler's letter to the Rev. Mr. Smith, received by Mr. Smith, September 14th, 1757. "Nov. 27th, last, upon the petition of the Synod of Pennsylvania, and the recommendation of our trustees, we have agreed to allow thirty pounds sterling per annum, toward the support of the school mentioned to be erected by them, from midsummer before that date. And I have purchased and packed up, among other books, a large number of English Primers and Spelling Books for their use, and that of the German children, which I hope will soon be sent over to you ; as soon, at least, as I can get a safe conveyance." Ordered, That Messrs. Cross, Dr. Alison, McDowell, and the moderator, be a committee to settle with Provost Smith, the accounts of the annual donation of the honourable trustees to the Synod. Agreed that the school be continued under Mr. Smith's care for another year, with the usual encouragement from the fund for the German schools. Adjourned to three o'clock, and concluded with prayer. At three o'docJc, P. 31. The Si/iiod met, et post preces sederunt qui sup7-a. Agreed by the Synod, at Mr. Cross's request, that the box belonging to the Synod's fund, and all pertaining thereto, be put into Dr, Alison's hand in trust. The consideration of the plan of union was resumed, and some alterations proposed. And the Synod being informed that a committee had been appointed by the two commissioners to prepare the first draught of this plan, to wit, Messrs, Hector Alison, Miller, Smith, and McDowell, of our members, with Messrs. Bostwick, Davis, Samuel Finley, and Blair, of the other commission : Ordered, That Mr. McDowell go and inform the Synod of New York, now sit- ting, that this Synod has considered the plan for union, and desires, when they have likewise done so, the same committee may meet, and communicate to each other the corrections proposed in each Synod. Mr. McDowell presently returned, and reports that the Synod of New York agreed to the motion. Ordered, That the committee meet accordingly to-morrow. Adjourned till nine o'clock on Monday morning, and concluded with prayer. Mai/ 20th, at nine o'clock on Monday morning the St/nod met, et post preces sederunt qui supra. Our members of the committee appointed to meet with those of New York Synod, report that they met on Saturday last, and communicated the amend- ments proposed by each Synod in the plan of union, and conferred upon them. 232 MINUTES OF THE SYNOD OF PHILADELPHIA. [1758. Ordered, That these members lay the amendments proposed by the Synod of New York before this Synod, which they did. The Synod considered them, and agreed they shouki be allowed. Ordered, That the same members of the above mentioned committee inform the Synod of New Y'ork of this agreement. Tlie members went and informed them accordingly, and soon returned, and acquainted this Synod that the Synod of New York had also agreed to admit the amendments proposed in this Synod, and therefore thought the affair was now ripe for the two Synods to meet together and complete the agreement. The plan as now prepared was finally put to the vote, and was unanimously approved as a satisfactory plan for uniting upon. Agreed that this Synod meet with the Synod of New l^ork at three o'clock, P. M. and that this be notified to them. Adjourned till three o'clock, P. M., and concluded with prayer. K. B. At three d clock, P. M. the two Synods met. The plan of union was now read before them, and unanimously agreed to. The Synods being now united, a new book was opened, and the whole plan and articles of union entered, as may be seen in that book, where the minutes of the new united Synod are recorded. The party which withdrew from the Synod of Philadelphia, the reasons and manner of whose secession are stated in the foregoing records, subsequently formed themselves into a Synod, under the style of the Synod of New Y'ork, embracing the Presbyteries of New Y'ork, New Brunswick and New Castle. Their first meeting was held in the year 1745, and their last in 1758, at which time a re-union of the two parties was effected as above recited. The minutes of this body form the next link in the documentary history of the Presbyterian Church in the United States. PART THIRD. MINUTES OF THE SYNOD OF NEW YORK, FROM A. D. 1745 TO 1758. 1745. Elizabethtown, New Jersey, September 19i7i, 1745. The ministers and elders whose names are presently to be inserted, convened and formed themselves into a Synod, under the name or title of the Synod of New York. Ministers of the Presbytery of New York : Messrs. Jonathan Dickinson, John Pierson, Ebenezer Pemberton, Simon Horton, Aaron Burr, Azariah Horton, Timothy Jones, Eliab Byram, Robert Sturgeon. Ministers of New Brunswick Presbytery : Messrs. Gilbert Tennent, Joseph Lamb, William Tennent, Richard Treat, James McCrea, William Robinson, David Youngs, Charles Beatty, Charles McKnight. Ministers of New Castle Presbytery : Messrs. Samuel Blair, Samuel Finly, Charles Tennent, John Blair. Elders : Joseph Woodruife, Nathaniel Hazard, Joseph Prudden, Benjamin Leonard, John Ayres, Samuel Hazard, Robert Cummins, John Craig, Richard Walker, Peter Peryen, John Love, Alexander Moody. The ministers and elders before mentioned, first considered and agreed upon the following articles, as the plan and foundation of their synodical union. 1. They agree that the Westminster Confession of Faith, with the Larger and Shorter Catechisms, be the public confession of their faith in such manner as was agreed unto by the Synod of Philadelphia, in the year 1729 ; and to be inserted in the latter end of this book. And they declare their approbation of the Directory of the Assembly of Divines at Westminster, as the general plan of worship and discipline. 2. They agree that in matters of discipline, and those things that relate to the peace and good order of our churches, they shall be determined according to the major vote of ministers and elders, with which vote every member shall actively concur or pacifically acquiesce : but if any member cannot in conscience agree to the determination of the majority, but supposes himself obliged to act contrary thereunto, and the Synod think themselves obliged to insist upon it as essentially necessary to the well-being of our churches, in that case such dissenting member promises peaceably to withdraw from the body, without endeavouring to raise any dispute or contention upon the debated point, or any unjust alienation of aifection from them. 3. If any member of their body supposes that he hath any thing to object against any of his brethren with respect to error in doctrine, immorality in life, or negligence in his ministry, he shall not on any account, propagate the scan- dal, until the person objected against is dealt with according to the rules of the gospel, and the known methods of their discipline. 30 (233) 234 MINUTES OF TIIE [1745. 4. They agree, that all who have a competent degree of ministerial knowledge, are orthodox in their doctrine, regular in their lives, and diligent in their en- deavours to promote the important designs of vital godliness, and that will sub- mit to their discipline, shall be cheerfully admitted into their communion. And they do also agree, that in order to avoid all divisive methods among their ministers and congi-egations, and to strengthen the discipline of Christ in the churches in these parts, they will maintain a correspondence with the Synod of Philadelphia in this their first meeting, by appointing two of their members to meet with the said Synod of Philadelphia at their next convention, and to concert with them such measures as may best promote the precious interests of Christ's kingdom in these parts. And that they may in no respect encourage any factious separating practices or principles ; they agree that they will not intermeddle with judicially hearing the complaints, or with supplying with ministers and candidates such parties of men, as shall separate from any Presbyterian or Congregational churches, that are not within their bounds, unless the matters of controversy be submitted to their jurisdiction or advice by both parties. Thereupon, The Synod opened by prayer. Mr. Jonathan Dickinson chosen moderator, Mr. Ebenezer Pemberton chosen clerk. Adjourned till to-morrow morning at nine of the clock. Concluded with prayer. 20th da}/, at nine of the clock, ante meridiem. Post preccs sederunt qui supra. Ordered, That the moderator and Mr. Pierson do correspond with the Synod of Philadelphia at their next session. Ordered, That Messrs. Gilbert Tennent, Samuel Blair, and Ebenezer Pember- ton, do draw up a testimony to the work of God's glorious grace, which has been carried on in these parts of the land, and bring it in for the approbation of the Synod at their next sederunt. The circumstances of Virginia being brought under consideration, and the wide door that is opened for the preaching of the gospel in these parts, with a hopeful prospect of success, the Synod are unanimously of the opinion, that 3Ir. Ptobinson is the most suitable person to be sent among them, and accortlingly they do earnestly recommend it to him to go down and help them as soon as his circumstances will permit him, and reside there for some months. An interloquitur of the ministers of the Synod appointed to meet at half an hour past two,^w6< meridiem. The Synod adjourned till four of the clock, P. M. Concluded with prayer. Four of the clock, P. M. Post preces sederunt qui supra. The interloquitur met according to appointment. Messrs. Tennent, Pemberton, and Blair, brought in a testimony to the work of God's grace among us, according to appointment, which was unanimously approved. But the original being lost it cannot be inserted here. Adjourned till to-morrow morning, at nine of the clock. Concluded with prayer. 21.S/ dai/, at nine of the cloeh, A. 3r. Post preces sederunt qui stiqn-a. Messrs. Pieison, Gilbert Tennent, William Tennent, Burr, Samuel Blair, Finly, Pemberton, and the moderator, are appointed to be a commission of the Synod for the ensuing year. The Synod adjourned to the second Wednesday of October, 174G, and then to meet at New York. Concluded with prayer. 1746-7.] SYNOD OF NEW YORK. 235 1746. The Synod convened according to appoiatment, J^eiv York, October Qth, 1746. Uhi post preces sederunt Ministers : Messrs. Jonathan Dickinson, Samuel Blair, Samuel Finly, Aaron Burr, Azariah Horton, Charles Beatty, Charles McKnight, John Boan, Ebe- nezer Pemberton. Elders : Messrs. Bichard Walker, William Eagles. Ministers absent : Messrs. Joseph Lamb, Gilbert Tennent, William Tennent, Bichard Treat, James McCrea, David Youngs, Charles Tennent, John Blair, David Bostwick, Thomas Arthur, John Grant, Andrew Hunter, John Pierson, Eliab Byram, Simon Horton, Timothy Jones, David Brainerd, Bobert Sturgeon, Eleazer Wales, and William Dean. The Synod was opened by a sermon from Psal. xxiv. 4, preached by Mr. Dickinson, the last year's moderator. Mr. Pemberton chosen moderatox", Mr. Finly clerk. The Synod is informed that most of the absent members were upon their journey to New Y^ork to attend the Synod, but were prevented through appre- hensions of the small pox and other difficulties. Our Beverend brother, Mr. William Bobinson, is departed this life since our last meeting. The small pox prevailing in Philadelphia in May last, prevented Messrs. Dickinson and Pierson from corresponding with the Synod of Philadelphia at their last meting, but they wrote to them and received an answer. The same members appointed to be a commission of the Synod this year, who were the last. A supplication and call for a minister from Hanover in Virginia, was brought into the Synod and read ; the Synod doth earnestly recommend the assisting of said people, to the Presbyteries of New Brunswick and New Castle. The Synod considering the present fewness of ruling elders attending the Synod, doth recommend it to all their members to endeavour to bring elders with them. Adjourned till the third Wednesday of May next, and then to meet at Maid- enhead. Concluded with prayer. 1747. The Synod met according to appointment. Maidenhead, May 20<7i, 1747. Uhi post preces sederunt Ministers : Messrs. Jonathan Dickinson, John Pierson, Ebenezer, Pemberton, Simon Horton, Azariah Horton, David Bostwick, John Grant, Timothy Jones, Eliab ]5yram, Thomas Arthur, Jacob Green, Nathaniel Tucker, Joseph Lamb, Gilbert Tennent, Bichard Treat, James McCrea, James Campbel, James Daven- port, Charles McKnight, Charles Beatty, iindrew Hunter, Daniel Lawrence, Samuel Sacket, Samuel Blair, Johfi Blair, William Dean, John Boan, and Samuel Finley. Elders : Messrs. Joseph Prudden, Ebenezer Byram, John Lyle, John Ayres, Thomas Bourn, David Parry, Ephraim Lockert, Bobert Smith, Bobert English, John Grey, Francis Brewster, Daniel Mills, John Smith, Samuel Sturgeon, and Hugh Kirkpatrick. Ministers absent : Aaron Burr, David Y^'oungs, Timothy Syms, Bobert 236 MINUTES OF THE [1748. Sturgeon, David Braincrd, William Tennent, Eleazer "Wales, Charles Tennent, Hutchinson, and Davis. Mr. Pcmberton, the last year's moderator, opened the Synod by a sermon on Acts iv. 29. Mr. Gilbert Tennent chosen moderator, Mr. Treat clerk. Messrs. Dickinson, Pemberton, Pierson, Burr, Lamb, "William Tennent, Samuel Blair, Finly, Charles Tennent, and the moderator, are appointed to be the commission of the Synod for the year ensuing. A letter was brought into the Synod from the new settlements in "\^irginia, requesting a minister might be sent to preach the gospel, &c. unto them. The Synod appoints Mr. Byram to go to said people some time in next Sep- tember, and spend some time with them, and appoints the Presbytery of New York to supply his people with preaching during his absence. And the Synod doth, moreover, appoint Messrs. Dickinson and Pemberton to write to Mr. Bewel, in order to procure him to accompany Mr. Byram in said journey. Adjourned to the third Wednesday of May next, to meet at Maidenhead at two of the clock, P. M. Concluded with prayer. 1748. The Synod met according to appointment. Maidenhead, May the ISth, 1748. ZTbi post preces sederunt Ministers : Messrs. Azariah Ilorton, Jacob Green, Timothy Syms, Joseph Lamb, James McCrea, John Brainerd, Charles McKnight, James Davenport, Eliab Byram, Gilbert Tennent, Andrew Hunter, llichard Treat, Charles Beatty, James Campbel, Daniel Lawrence, John Blair, John Roan. Elders : Messrs. Ephraim Price, Brice llickey, John Craig, Samuel Hazard, Isaac Mills, Cornelius Wyukoop, John Grey, Bobert Smith, David "Wilson. INIinisters absent : Messrs. Robert Sturgeon, John Pierson, Ebenezcr Pem- berton, Simon Horton, Aaron Burr, David Bostwick, John (iraut, Thomas Arthur, David Youngs, Timothy Jones, Samuel Sacket, William Tennent, Eleazer "Wales, Job Prudden, Thomas Lewis, Samuel Blair, Samuel Finly, "William Dean, Samuel Davis, Andrew Sterling, Andrew Bay and Charles Tennent. Mr. Lamb chosen moderator, Mr. John Blair clerk. Mr. Gilbert Tennent, the last year's moderator, opened the Synod by a sermon from Bom. xi. 86. The llcv. Messrs. Jonathan Dickinson, David Brainerd, and Nathaniel Tucker, have been removed by death since our last meeting. The last year's minutes not being present, the Synod is necessitated to pro- ceed as well as they can without tliem. Mr. ]iyram fultilled his appointment in going to Virginia, but Mr. Bewel could not be obtained to accompany him. The Presbytery of Suffolk county, on Long-Island, having, by their dele- gate Mr. Ebenezcr Prime, desired to be admitted as members of this Synod with the proviso, that one or two of their members in all time to come, be allowed the privilege of representing them in the Synod, and acting for them as delegates ; and likewise, that some members of New York Presbytery, might join them in their Presbytcrial judicatories. In -answer to M'hich, the Synod does signify that they are willing to make all reasonable allowances for the absence of their members, who live far distant from the place of their con- vention, and when the Synod shall, on the account of their growing number and distant abode, conclude to form any of its sessions of delegates, they will 1749.] SYNOD OF NEW YORK. 237 readily admit that Reverend Presbytery to the common privilege of their body ; before which, we judge it would be UDprecedented and unequal, and of bad tendency. If the Reverend Presbytery aforesaid is pleased to join with us on the aforesaid terms, then we declare our willingness to receive them, and that such of the Presbytery of New York who live on Long Island, as are inclined to it, may join with them as members. A call was brought into the Synod, to be presented to the Rev. Mr. Dean, from the congregations of Timber Ridge and forks of James's River ; the Sy- nod refer the consideration thereof to the Presbytery of New Castle, to which Mr. Dean doth belong, and do recommend it to said Presbytery to meet at Mr. Dean's meeting-house on Wednesday next upon said aiBfair, and that Mr. Dean and his people be speedily apprized of it. A call was brought into the Synod from Falling Spring and New Providence, to be presented to Mr. Byram, the acceptance of which he declined. A supplication for supplies, and in particular for the opportunity of a pro- bationer from Cedar Creek and Opeken, was brought into the Sjmod, and also, a supplication for relief from a person who had suffered loss by fire; the consideration of both which is deferred until the next sederunt. Adjourned to ten of the clock, to-morrow morning. Concluded with prayer. 19^74 daij, at ten of the clock, A. 31. Fast preces sederunt qui supra, Together with Mr. Charles Tennent. Application was made to the Synod in behalf of the lower counties in and adjacent to Maryland, for supplies. Motion was made to the Synod in behalf of Cape May, in order to have some provision made for the settlement of a minister there. A supplication was brought in from Augusta county in Virginia, ^ With respect to the supplication for a charitable contribution, the Synod judges that it is an affair belonging to the civil magistrate, but does not belong to them to transact any thing synodically about it. The Synod proceeded to consider the motion respecting Cape May, and in order to the relief of that people, the Synod doth recommend to the Presby- tery of New Brunswick, to send down Mr. Lawrence immediately for a few Sabbaths, and also recommends to the Presbytery of New Castle, to take Mr. Hugh Henry speedily under trials, and in case of his licensure by said Pres- bytery, the Synod appoint said Presbytery, to send him directly down to said people, to supply there some time upon trial for settlement, if Divine Provi- dence clear the way. In answer to the supplication from the people in Augusta county, the Synod appoints Mr. Cummins to go there in the fall for some time, and they appoint Mr. Hunter to go into the lower counties, &c. the fii-st of September, and preach there four Sabbaths. Adjourned to the third Wednesday of May next, to meet at Maidenhead at eleven of the clock, A. M. Concluded with prayer. 1749. The Synod met at Maidenhead according to appointment, May the 17th, 1749. Uhi post preces sederunt Ministers: Messrs. John Pierson, Ebenezer Pemberton, Aaron Burr James Davenport, David Youngs, Thomas Arthur, John Brainerd, Gilbert Tennent, Richard Treat, James Campbell, Charles Beatty, Samuel Sacket Timothy Allen, James McCrea, Thomas Lewie, Andrew Hunter, Daniel 238 MNUTES OF THE [1749. Lawrence, John Koan, Samuel Davis, Andrew Bay, John Rogers, Samuel Finly. Elders : Messrs. John Lyle, Samuel Hazard, Hugh Marten, Thomas Logan, Daniel Grant, Hugh Kirkpatrick. Ministers absent : Messrs. Simon Horton, Azariah Ilorton, David Bostwick, Timotliy Jones, Eliab Byram, Tiiuotliy Synis, John Grant, Jacob Green, Aaron Richards, Caleb Smith, Silas Leonard, Joseph Lamb, William Tennent, Eli^azer Wales, Charles McKuight, Job Prudden, Robert Sturgeon, Samuel and John Blair, Charles Tennent, Andrew Sterling. Mr. Lamb, the last year's moderator, being absent, Mr. Gilbert Tennent opened the Synod by a sermon on 2 Cor. v. IL Mr. Piersou chosen moderator, Mr. Finly clerk. Mr. Elihu Spencer is admitted to sit in the Synod as correspondent. The members absent the last year, and now present, gave their reasons for their absence, which were sustained. The Rev. Mr. Dean has been removed by death since our last meeting. The Presbytery of Suffolk, by their delegate Mr. James Brown, signified to the Synod their acceptance of the terms proposed to them the last session, and said Presbytery are accordingly admitted into our Synod, in consequence whereof Mr. Ebenezer Prime and Mr. James Brown, members of said Presby- tery being present, are now admitted to sit in the Synod as members. And the Synod recommends to those members of New York who dwell upon Long Island, to join the Presbytery of Suffolk as members thereof. Mr. Cummins fulfilled the appointment of our last in going to Virginia. Mr. Hunter was prevented of fulfilling his appointments by reason of sick- ness. Motion was made by some members for making proposals for an union with the Synod of I'hiladelphia, the further consideration of which is deferred till the next scJn-unt. Adjourned to seven of the clock, to-morrow morning. Concluded with prayer. \^th day, at seven of the dock, A. M. Post preces sederunt qui sttpra. The motion for making proposals of union to the Synod of Philadelphia, reassumed, and after much reasoning upon it, it was carried by a great majority of votes, that proposals for an union be made to the Synod of Philadelphia in the following words, viz : The Synod of New York are deeply sensible of the many unhappy conse- quences that flow from our present divided state, and have with pleasure ob- served a spirit of moderation increasing between many of the members of both Synods; tiiis opens a door of hope, that if we were united in one body, we might Joe able to carry on the designs of religion in future peace and agree- ment to our mutual satisfaction ; and though we retain the same sentiments of the work of God which we formerly did, yet we esteem mutual forbearance our duty, since we all profess the same Confession of Faith and Directory of Worship. We would, therefore, humbly prt)pose to our brethren of the Synod of Philadelphia, that all our former difl'erences be buried in perpetual oblivion, and that for the time to come, both Synods be united into one, and that hence- forth there be no contentions among us ; but to carry towards each other in the most peaceable and brotherly manner, which we arc persuaded will be for the honour of our Master, the credit of our profession, and the edification of the churches committed to our care. Accordingly we appoint the Rev. Messrs. John Pierson, Gilbert Tennent, Ebenezer Pcmbcrton, and Aaron Burr, to be our delegates to wait upon the Synod of I'hiladelphia with these proposals. 1750.] SYNOD OF NEW YORK. 239 And if the Synod of Philadelphia see meet to join with us in this design, and •will please to appoint a commission to meet for that purpose, we appoint the Rev. Messrs. John Pierson, Ebenezer Pemberton, Aaron Burr, Gilbert and William Tennent, Richard Treat, Samuel or John Blair, John Roan, Samuel Finly, Ebenezer Prime, David Bostwick, and James Brown, (whom we appoint a commission of the Synod for the ensuing year,) to meet with the commission of the Synod of Philadelphia, at such time and place as they shall choose, to determine the aifair of the union, agreeable to the preliminary articles con- cluded upon by this Synod ; and it is agreed that any other of our members who shall please to meet with the commission, shall have liberty of voting and acting in said affair equally with the members of said commission. Which articles proposed as a general plan of union are as follows, viz : 1. To preserve the common peace, we would propose that all names of distinction which have been made use of in the late times, be for ever abo- lished. 2. That every member assent unto and adopt the Confession of Faith and Directory, according to the plan formerly agreed to by the Synod of Philadel- phia in the years . 3. That every member promise, that after any question has been deteTmined by the major vote, he will actively concur or passively submit to the judgment of the body ; but if his conscience permit him to do neither of these, that then he shall be obliged peaceably to withdraw from our Synodical communion, without any attempt to make a schism or division among us. Yet this is not intended to extend to any cases but those which the Synod judges essential in matters of doctrine or discipline. 4. That all our respective congregations and vacancies be acknowledged as congregations belonging to the Synod, but continue under the care of the same Presbytery as now they are, until a favourable opportunity presents for an advantageous alteration. 5. That we all agree to esteem and treat it as a censurable evil, to accuse any of our members of error in doctrine or immorality in conversation, any other- wise than by private reproof, till the accusation has been brought before a regular judicature and issued according to the known rules of our discipline. Upon a representation of the desolate circumstances of Virginia and Mary- land, the Synod appoint the Rev. Messrs. Prime, Davenport, Youngs, and -Spencer, to write to the Eastern Association of Fairfield county, in Connecticut, requesting them, if possible, to send some minister or ministers, to supply some time in those southern provinces. Also, Mr. Davenport is appointed, if he recovers a good state of health, to go and supply in Virginia. Adjourned to the third Wednesday of May next, to meet at Maidenhead, unless a different time and place be appointed by the commission. Concluded with prayer. 1750. The Synod met according to appointment. Maidenhead, May 16//i, 1750. U hi post preces sederunt Ministers : Messrs. John Pierson, Ebenezer Pemberton, Aaron Burr, Eliab Byram, David Bostwick, Jacob Green, Caleb Smith, Thomas Arthur, Aaron Richards, James Davenport, Richard Treat, William Tennent, Charles McKnight, James McCrea, Timothy Allen, Thomas Lewis, Andrew Hunter, Daniel Law- rence, Israel Read, Samuel Sacket, Samuel Blair, John Blair, John Roan, Samuel Davis, Andrew Bay, John Rogers, Azariah Ilorton. Elders : Messrs. Peter Beach, Cornelius Wynkoop, Robert Cummins, Richard 240 MINUTES OF THE [1750. Walker, William Lynn, Moses Hallam, Joseph Peck, William Boyd, Samuel Morris, William Murphey. Jlinistcrs absent : Messrs. Simon Horton, Timothy Jones, Enos Ayres, Timothy Syms, John Braincrd, John Grant, Elihu Spencer, Robert Sturgeon, Gilbert Teiinent, Samuel Finly, Charles Tennent, Andrew Sterling, James Campbell, and all of the Presbytery of Suffolk except Azariab Ilorton. Mr. Pierson, the last year's moderator, opened the Synod by a sermon from Colos. i. 18. Mr. William Tennent chosen moderator, Mr. Arthur clerk. The reasons sent in excuse for the present absence of Messrs. Charles Ten- nent, Samuel Finly, and Simon Ilorton, are sustained. The llev. Mr. Lamb is removed by death since our last session. The minutes of our last session could not be obtained at present, and there- fore the Synod was necessitated to proceed without them. Ordered, That any member of the Synod who may have them, or any other of the minutes of this Synod since its first erection, in their keeping, take care to produce them at the next session. The committee appointed by the last Synod to wait upon the Synod of Philadelphia, with a preliminary plan for an union, make report that they complied with said appointment, and in consequence thereof a commission of both Synods agreed to meet at Trenton, the first Wednesday of October, 1749, and met accordingly. Ordered, That the minutes of that meeting be laid before the Synod, which being done, the Synod ordered them to be inserted in their minutes, and they are as follows, viz. " Trenton, October 4<7t, 1749. " Met according to an agreement between the commissioners of the Synod of New York and the Synod of Philadelphia, the commission of both Synods to treat upon an overture of union between the said Synods, oflfered to the Synod of Philadelphia by the Synod of New York. " Present of the Synod of Philadelphia : Messrs. Cross, Alison, Cathcart, Boyd, McIIenry, Cowell, Griffith, and Thom. "Of the Synod of New York: Messrs. Pierson, Pemberton, Gilbert and William Tennent, Treat, Samuel and John Blair, Lewis, Finly, lloau, and Arthur. " N. B. In the appointment of the commission of the Synod of New York, liberty was expressly granted to any of their members, though not in com- mission, to attend and have equal liberty of voting with the commissioners if they were inclined so to do. '^Post jireces sederunt qui supra, with divers members of the Synod of New York. " Mr. David Cowell was chosen moderator, Mr. Thomas Arthur clerk. " Several members of the Synod of New York, that had not been present at forming the general plan for an union, moved that before the commissioners entered upon the affair of the union, they might have a private conference with the members of their own Synod, that they might be fully acquainted with each other's sentiments relating to the union, and also further inform themselves as to the general concessions made in the aforesaid plan, or preliminary articles, or by their committee ; which motion was granted. "Adjourned to eight of the clock to-morrow morning. Concluded with prayer. 1750.] SYNOD OF NEW YORK. 241 ^^ Thursday, 5th day, met according to adjournment. Post preces sederunt qui supra. "The commissioners of the Synod of New York considering the protest of the Synod of Philadelphia, whereby they excluded from their communion the Presbytery of New Brunswick and their adherents, as one principal bar to an union, waiving all other matters, immediately insisted that said protest should, by some authentic and formal act of the Synod of Philadelphia, be made null and void. The debates on this head arose very high, and there appearing no prospect of accommodating matters, the commissioners of both Synods came unanimously into this conclusion, viz. That whereas certain difficulties arose in the conversation of the commissioners of both Synods, they came finally and unanimously into this agreement, that both Synods at their next sessions do more fully prepare proposals for an accommodation, and interchange said proposals, and that in the mean time, there be a mutual endeavour to cultivate a spirit of candour and friendship. At the same time these three principal things were especially recommended to the consideration of their respective Synods. 1. The protest. 2. That paragraph about essen- tials. 3. Of Presbyteries. Concluded with prayer." The affair of the union was taken under consideration, according to the conclusion of the commissioners of both Synods as aforesaid. But the Synod is sorry to find that it is not in their power to proceed to make further propo- sals at this session, for want of the last year's minutes, and a copy of the former plan of preliminary articles, occasioned by the absence of their former clerk. But still they profess their design to enter upon the affair at their next sessions, and in the mean time to maintain a spirit of candour and friendship. Ordered, That a copy of this minute be sent to the Rev. Mr. Gilbert Ten- nent, who is hereby appointed to deliver it in to the Synod of Philadelphia, at the beginning of their next sessions. Upon application made by Mr. Davis in behalf of the people in the southern colonies, the Synod do recommend to the Presbytery of New Brunswick to endeavour to prevail with Mr. John Todd, upon his being licensed, to take a journey thither; and also to the Presbytery of New York, to urge the same upon Messrs. Syms and G-reenman. Mr. Davenport is appointed to go into Virginia to assist in supplying the numerous vacant and destitute congregations there. The same is also recom- mended to the Rev. Mr. Byram, Adjourned to eight o'clock to-morrow morning. Concluded with prayer. 17th day, at eight o/fhe clock, A. 31. Post preces sederunt q7ii supra. An affair of the congregation of Tehicken was brought into the Synod by a reference from the Presbytery of New Brunswick, which the Synod pro- ceeded to consider, and ordered the parties concerned to lay the case before them in order to be determined, which was accordingly done ; and after much was said, many papers read, and all persons had offered what they thought proper with respect to the matter in controversy, the Synod came into the following conclusion, viz. That whereas the congregation of Tehicken is sadly divided about the fairness and obligation of a lot made use of by them for the determining the place for their meeting-house, the Synod, after a full hearing the case, came unanimously into this judgment, viz. that though they do by all means discountenance the method of ending such matters of controversy by lottery, yet as to the lot under debate, the Synod is of the opinion, that 31 242 MINUTES OF THE [1750. it was fairly cast, and consequently binding upon the parties concerned, as also other former agreements said people have solemnly obliged themselves to ; and the Synod doth judge, that they have acted very sinfully who have broken through these repeated solemn obligations, and that a solemn admonition be given unto them by Mr. Pembertou in the name of the Synod; which was accordingly done. The last year's commission continued for the ensuing year. Adjourned to the fourth Thursday in September next, to meet at Newark. Concluded with prayer. The Synod met according to adjournment, NewarJc, Septemher 11 tli, 1750. Uhi post preces sederunt Ministers : Messrs. Ebenezer Prime, Azariah Horton, James Brown, David Youngs, Ebenezer Pemberton, John Pierson, Aaron Burr, Timothy Jones, Jacob Clreen, John Grant, Caleb Smith, Aaron Hichards, Timothy Syms, Daniel Thane, Thomas Arthur, Enos Ayres, Elihu Spencer, William Tounent, Richard Treat, Charles Beatty, Thomas Lewis, Daniel Lawrence, Timothy Allen, Israel Read, Samuel Finly, Simon Horton. Ehlers : John Smith, David Ray, John Lyle. Ministers absent : Messrs. Silvanus White, Samuel Bewel, James McCrea, Gilbert Tennent, Job Pruddon, Samuel Sacket, Andrew Hunter, James Daven- port, Samuel Blair, John Blair, John Roan, Charles Tennent, Andrew Bay, Samuel Davis, John Rogers, James Campbell, Andrew Sterling, Alexander Hutchinson. Mr. ]*rime chosen moderator, Mr. Smith clerk. The Synod was opened by a sermon preached by Mr. Cummins from Rom. viii. 15. The Rev. Mr. Eleazer Wales is removed by death since our last session. Adjourned till two of the clock, post meridiem. Concluded with prayer. Two of the clock, P. M. Post preces sederunt qui supra The minutes of the Synod since their first erection being, according to the order of our last, brought into the Synod, they appoint IMr. Treat to transcribe them into a book that they be not lost, and that he be henceforth their stated clerk for that purpose. The reasons given by the present members of their absence the last session were sustained. The aifair of the union with the Synod of Philadelphia, came under consid- eration, and the Synod appoints Messrs. Treat, William Tennent, Einly, Green, and Spencer, to be a committee to draw up proposals upon that head to be brought in at their next sederunt. The High Dutch congregation of Rockway, in the township of Lebanon, applied to the Synod that they may be taken under the care of this Synod, and that a certain person now preaching among them may be taken under oxamina^ tion, and if approved, ordained a minister to them. The Synod, in order to clear their way to transact any thing with said people, do appoint I\Ir. Pemberton to make inquiry of the Dutch ministers in New York, whether said pcojile do belong to their jurisdiction ; and he is to acquaint a committee of the Synod how that matter is. And the Synod appoints Messrs. Pierson, Burr, Arthur, Smith, and Spencer, their committee, to sit at such time and place as they shall appoint, and transact in said affair, according as things shall then appear to tliem. Upon a representation made by Mr. Beatty of the necessitous circumstances 1750.] SYNOD OF NEW YORK. 243 of the congregation of Cape May, and their earnest request that some minister, or candidate, might be sent down to them and settle with them, the Synod ap- points Mr. Davenport to go and spend the winter with them for that purpose, if consistent with his affairs. Adjourned till eight of the clock, to-morrow morning. Concluded with prayer. 2Sth dai/, at eight of the dock, A. 31. Post preces sederunt qui supra. Messrs. Pemberton, Pierson, Burr, Arthur, Gilbert and William Ten- nent. Treat, Finly, Samuel and John Blair, Azariah Horton, Brown, and the modei'ator, are appointed to be a commission of the Synod for this year. The Synod making inquiry how the several appointments for Virginia have been fulfilled, do find that Mr. Davenport has been there, and that Mr. Todd is licensed, and preparing speedily to go ; but that the other appointments by one means or other have failed. The committee according to appointment, brought in a draught of proposals for an union with the Synod of Philadelphia, which the Synod approve, and they are as follow, viz. 1. That every member assent unto and receive the Westminster Confession of Faith and Catechisms, as the confession of his faith, according to the plan formerly mentioned and proposed, and also agree to the Directory as the general plan of worship and discipline. 2. That all matters shall be determined by a majority of votes, to which determination all shall submit ; but if any member or members cannot, in con- science submit to any particular act or determination of the body, he or they shall be obliged, after sufficient liberty of reasoning and modest remonstration, to withdraw from our Synodical communion. Provided always, that this last article shall not extend to any cases but such as the Synod shall judge to be essential in doctrine, worship, or discipline. 3. That it shall be treated as a censurable misconduct, for any member to charge any of his brethren with errors in doctrine or immorality in conversar tion, except in a way of private reproof or judicial process. And that none shall be judicially condemned or censured without a fair trial and process, according to the known rules of our discipline. 4. That no candidate shall be taken upon trials by any Presbytery, without a degree or a certificate from the president, and a sufficient number of the tutors or trustees of some college, testifying to the sufficiency of his learning ; except in cases extraordinary, in which the Presbyteries shall be accountable to the Synod for their conduct. 5. That it shall be treated as irregular, for any minister or candidate to preach or perform other ministerial offices in the congregations of other ministers be- longing to our body, contrary to their minds. On the other hand it shall be esteemed unbrotherly for any minister to refuse his consent, (without weighty reasons,) when amicably desired. 6. That all the several Presbyteries belonging to both Synods respectively, shall continue distinct Presbyteries as now they are, and that the several con- gregations and vacancies may continue to be under the same Presbyteries as at present. 7. That the protestation made in the Synod of Philadelphia in the year 1741, be declared henceforth void and of none effect, and that the proposed union shall not be understood to imply an agreement or consent to said protestation on the part of this Synod. 8. Forasmuch as this Synod doth believe, (as they have before declared,) that 244 MINUTES OF THE [1751. a glorious work of Grod's Spirit was cai'ried on in the late religious appear- ances, (though we doubt not but there were several follies and extravagan- cies of people, and artifices of Satan intermixed therewith,) it would be pleasing and desirable to us, and what we hope for, that both Synods may come so far to agree in their sentiments about it, as to give their joint testimony thereto. Ordered, That Mr. Treat, the stated clerk, transcribe those proposals and deposit a true copy thereof in the hands of INIr. Samuel Hazard of Philadelphia, to be delivered to the Synod of Philadelphia, or their order, when he shall have received their proposals. The Synod adjourned to the day after the commencement the ensuing year, and then to sit at Newark. Concluded with prayer. 1751. The Synod met according to adjournment. Newark, September 2Qth, 1751. U hi post prcces sederunt Ministers of Suffolk Presbytery : Messrs. Ebenezer Prime and Azariah Horton. Of the New York Presbytery : Messrs. John Pierson, Ebenezer Peraberton, Simon Ilorton, Aaron Burr, James Davenport, David Bostwick, Jacob Green, Caleb Smith, John Braincrd, Elihu Spencer, Daniel Thane, Euos Ayres, John Moffett, Chauncey Graham. Of the Presbytery of New Brunswick : Messrs. William Tennent, Richard Treat, Charles McKnight, Charles Beatty, Eliab Byram, Thomas Lewis, Andrew Hunter, Daniel Lawrence, Israel Bead, Samuel Kennedy, Benjamin Chesnutt. Of the Presbytery of New Castle : Messrs. James Campbell, Samuel Finly, John Blair, Samuel Davis, John Rogers. Mr. John Smith correspondent. Elders : Messrs. John Ball, John Henderson, Anthony Scout, Hugh IMar- ten, John Kirkpatrick, Philip Celsel, Allin Killock, Daniel Morris, Aaron Trueheart, Jonathan Holms, Elias Bayley. Ministers absent. Of Long Island Presbytery: Messrs. Silvanus White, James Brown, Samuel Bewel, Naphtali Dagget, David Youngs, Samuel Saekett. Of New York IVesbytery : Messrs. Timothy Syms, Timothy Jones, John Grant, Aaron Richards, Alexander Cummins, Jonathan Elmore. Of New Brunswick ]*resbytery : IMessrs. Gilbert Tennent, James McCrea, Timothy Allen, Job Prudden, John Campbell, John Todd. Of New Castle Presbytery : Messrs. Charles Tennent, John Roan, Andrew Sterling, Andrew Bay, Hugh Henry. Mr. John Blair chosen moderator, Mr. Byram clerk. Mr. Prime, the last year's moderator, opened the Synod by a sermon from Psiil. cii. IG. The Rev. 3Iessrs. Samuel Blair and Thomas Arthur, arc departed this life since the last Synod. A petition was sent into the Synod by the trustees of the college of New Jersey, desiring that the Rev. 3lr. Ebenezer Pemberton might be appointed to make a voyage to Europe to solicit benefactions for said college ; and like- wise, requesting that some members of the S3'nod might be appointed to go immediately to New York, to treat with INIr. Pembertoji's congregation upon said affair. The Synod taking this matter into consiileration, do appoint Messrs. Aaron Burr, Richard Treat, William Tennent, and Samuel Davis, to be a com- 1751.] SYNOD OF NEW YORK. 245 mittee to go immediately to New York, and treat with Mr. Pemberton's con- gregation upon said aifair. Adjourned to three of the clock, post meridiem. Concluded with prayer. Three of the dock, P. M. Post preces sederunt qui supra. The excuses of Messrs. Hunter, Davenport, James Campbell, Rogers, and the moderator, for their absence from the last Synod, are sustained. The committee to whom the affair of the Dutch congregation of Rockway was referred the last Synod, do make report, that difficulties arising in their way from time to time, they have not been able to do any thing in it. And application beiug again made to the Synod by said congregation, desiring they would take the said affair under their care ; the Synod do refer it to the Pres- bytery of New Brunswick, to transact in it according as they shall judge beat, when matters are fully laid before them. The Synod find that Mr. Davenport fulfilled his appointment in going to Cape May. Messrs. Pierson, Pemberton, Burr, Spencer, Gilbert and William Tennent, Treat, Finly, Rogers, Prime, Azariah Horton, Brown, and the moderator, are appointed to be a commission of the Synod for the ensuing year. Proposals of accommodation from the Synod of Philadelphia, (in compli- ance with the agreement of the commissions of both Synods at Trenton, men- tioned in the preceding minutes, page 23,) were brought into the Synod and read, the consideration of which deferred till the next sederunt. [See page 204.] The Synod understanding that one Vandreron, a Dutch preacher, going from place to place, does much disturb some of our congregations, and being a person of gross enormities and scandals, the Synod judge it to be their duty to ad- monish all the people under their care to avoid the said Vandreron, and give no countenance to his preaching. Adjourned to to-morrow morning, at nine of the clock. Concluded with prayer. 21 th day, at nine of the clock, A. 31. Post preces sederunt qui supra. Mr. Prime absent, having obtained leave to go home. The Synod being informed of certain misrepresentations concerning the con- stitution, order, and discipline of our churches, industriously spread by some of the members of the Dutch congregations, interspersed among or bordering upon us, with design to prevent occasional or constant communion of their members with our churches ; to obviate all such misrepresentations, and to cultivate a good understanding between us and our brethren of the Dutch churches, we do hereby declare and testify our constitution, order, and dis- cipline, to be in harmony with the established church of Scotland. The West- minster Confession, Catechisms, and Directory for public worship and church government adopted by them, are in like manner received and adopted by us. We declare ourselves united with that church in the same faith, order, and discipline. Its approbation, countenance, and favour, we have abundant tes- timonies of. They, as brethren, receive us ; and their members, we, as oppor- tunity offers, receive as ours. And as the church of Scotland, and the Re- formed churches abroad, agreeable to the Geneva Platform, hold a ready and free communion with each other, so we also desire the same with our brethren of the Dutch and French churches, interspersed amongst and bordering upon us. The exigencies of the great affair of propagating the gospel among the hea- 246 MINUTES OF THE [1751. then, being represented unto the Synod, the Synod, in order to promote so important and valuable a design, do enjoin all their members to appoint a col- lection in their several congregations once every year, to be applied for that purpose ; and that the money raised by such collections be yearly sent to the Synod. The Synod do, moreover, recommend to all their members, as far as prudence may direct, to make another annual collection for the support of young stu- dents, whose circumstances render them incapable to maintain themselves at learning, and for other charitable purposes; which contributions shall be at the disposal of such respective Presbyteries where they are made. A petition of a number of the members of the Presbytery of New Bruns- wick, praying to be erected into a distinct Presbytery, was brought into the Synod, the further consideration of it deferred till the next sederunt. A petition from a number of the inhabitants of Tinnicum or Tehicken, pray- ing for liberty for supplies at the place called the Old House. The Synod, after hearing what they had to offer in support of said petition, and after con- sideration thereon, do unanimously reject said petition. The consideration of the proposals of the Synod of Philadelphia in order to union, taken under consideration, and the Synod appoint Messrs. Pierson, Finly, Smith, Beatty, and the moderator, to draw up an answer and lay it be- fore the Synod the next sederunt. Adjourned to three of the clock, P. M. Concluded with prayer. Three of the clock, P. Jf. Post preces sederunt qui supra. The consideration of the petition of some members of the Presbytery of New Brunswick was resumed, and after hearing what they had to offer in support thereof, the Synod agree to grant said petition, and do erect that part of the Presbytery of New Brunswick that live in Pennsylvania, together with those who live in New Jersey, to the southward of Philadelphia, bordering upon Delaware, into a distinct Presbytery by the name of the Presbytery of Abington, and also appoint their first meeting to be at Philadelphia the third Wednesday in May next. The committee appointed to draw up something in answer to the proposals of the Synod of Philadelphia, laid before the Synod what they had done, which the Synod approve, and is as follows, viz. The proposals of the Synod of Philadelphia for union with this Synod were opened and read. The Synod after deliberate perusal of them arc pleased in observing any steps taken towards the uniting the two Synods, and that our brethren of the l^hiladelphia Synod profess a peaceable disposition, and deter- mine to concur with our proposals as closely and as far as they can, in their present view of things. But as they have not seen fit to comply with some of the particulars proposed by us so closely as we could have wished, we judge it becomes our professions, and our endeavours for peace, to be candidly open and free in pointing out those things from which we disagree in their pre- sent plan of accommodation. 1. Though the Synod should make no acts but concerning matters of plain duty, or opinions relating to the great truths of religion, yet as every thing that appears plain duty and truth unto the body, may ajipear at the same time not to be essential, so we judge that no member or members should be obliged to withdraw from our communion upon his or their not being able actively to concur, or passively submit, unless the matter be judged essential iu doctrine or discipline. 2. We cannot agree that all the public and fundamental agreements of the 1752.J SYNOD OF NEW YORK. 247 Synod of Philadelphia should stand safe, if this is understood to extend to agreements made by said Synod since the rupture happened. 3. We cannot see that it will consist with the peace and edification of the church to use any coercive measures to oblige people to be under the ministry of those whom they do not choose, or to dissolve and new model Presby- teries. 4. Seeing by the goodness of Divine Providence we have now a college erected, we see no necessity for the alternative of the Synod or their commis- sion examining candidates before they be admitted to Presbyterial trials. As the Synod of Philadelphia had not our last proposals before them when they drew up the present plan of accommodation, we refer them to said pro- posals, as to what we further desire in order to our union with them. Ordered, That the clerk send an attested copy of the above to Mr. Samuel Hazard, of Philadelphia, to be delivered to the moderator of the Synod at Philadelphia. .. The distressing circumstances of Virginia being represented to the Synod," they appoint Mr Greenman to go into Virginia as soon as possibly he can, and supply there for some time. A motion being made to the Synod by Mr. Davis, of the necessity of send- ing to England an account relating to the dissenting interest in Virginia, the Synod does order that a representation of the circumstances of the Presby- terian congregations in that colony be made and signed in the name of the Synod, by Messrs. Burr and Pemberton, to Dr. Doddridge and Dr. Avery, and also a certificate of Mr. Davis's character. The committee sent to New York by the Synod on the petition of the trus- tees of the college, returned and reported that their attempts were to no pur- pose in the afiuir of their mission. Adjourned to the day after the commencement of the ensuing year, and then to meet at Newark. Concluded with prayer. 1753. The Synod met according to appointment. Nervark, September 2Sfh, 1752. Ubi sederunt post j^reces, Ministers : Messrs. John Pierson, Ebenezer Pemberton, Simon Horton, Aaron Burr, James Davenport, Jacob Green, David Bostwick, Caleb Smith, John Brainerd, Elihu Spencer, Daniel Thane, Chauncey Graham, William Tenuent, Andrew Hunter, Timothy Allen, Israel Read, Eliab Byram, Thomas Lewis, Richard Ti-eat, Charles Beatty, Daniel Lawrence, Samuel Finly, Aza- riah Horton, Aaron Richards, Alexander Cummins, Job Prudden, Conrad Worts, John Grant, Naphtali Dagget. Elders : James Kilburn, Joseph Kerr. Ministers absent : Enos Ayers, John MofFort, Timothy Jones, Jonathan Elmore, Charles McKnight, James McCrea, Samuel Kennedy, John Todd, Gilbert Tennent, Benjamin Chesnutt, John Campbell, James Campbell, John Blair, John Rogers, Charles Tennent, John Roan, Andrew Sterling, Andrew Bay, Hugh Henry, Ebenezer Prime, Silvanus White, Samuel Bewel, James Brown, Samuel Sacket, James Finly, Robert Smith. Mr. Treat chosen moderator, Mr. Samuel Finly clerk. Our last year's moderator being absent the Rev. IMr. Jonathan Edwards, at the request of the members, opened the Synod with a sermon on James ii. 19. Adjourned till three of the clock, P. M. Concluded with prayer. 248 MINUTES OF THE [1752. Tliree of the clock, P. M. Post preces sederunt qui supra. The Rev. David Youngs has departed this life since our last. Mr. Cummins, Mr. Richards, Mr. Grant, Mr. Dagget, Mr. Allen, and Jlr. Prudden, gave the reasons of their absence the last Synod, which were sus- tained. According to appointment of Synod, the Presbytery of New Brunswick examined the affair of the Dutch congregation at Rockway, and ordained Mr. Worts to be their minister. Messrs. Pierson, Pemberton, Burr, Spencer, Gilbert and William Tennent, Finly, Rogers, Prime, Azariah Ilorton, Brown, and the moderator, are ap- pointed to be a commission of the Synod for the year ensuing. Inquiry into the affair of the collection for the Indians, appointed the last Synod, deferred until another sederunt. The clerk reports that he complied with the order of sending an attested copy of our last year's proposals to ]Mr. Hazard, to be given in to the Synod of Philadelphia ; in consequence of which, and the proposals of this Synod in the year 1750, the Synod of Philadelphia sent a letter of remarks and propo- sals, which being read, the consideration of them deferred till to-morrow. [See page 205.] Mr. Greenman's reasons for his not going to Virginia, according to the ap- pointment of the last Synod, are sustained. The Rev. Messrs. Jonathan Edwards, John Smith, and Hopkins, being present, do join as correspondents. A reference from the Presbytery of New York concerning some matters of difference among the members of the Presbyterian congregation of New York, which were laid before said Presbytery, was brought into the Synod, and after hearing many things in relation thereto, the Synod deferred the further exami- nation thereof till the next sederunt. Adjourned till nine of the clock to-morrow morning. Concluded with prayer. 29 dai/, at nine of the clock, A. M. Post preces sederunt qui supra. Only Mr. Lewis departed without leave. The Synod proceeded to make inquiry concerning the collection for the Indians, and it was found that all the members present made collections except Messrs. William Tennent, Davenport, Byram, Beatty, Richards, Grant, Dagget, Simon Horton, and Read, who propose afterwards to collect and send their collections to Mr. Brainerd. Ordered, also, th;rt the collections brought to the Synod be paid into the hands of 3Ir. Brainerd, to be disposed of by the corre- spondents for the Indian affairs. A motion being made to the Synod by the trustees of the college of New Jersey to obtain a public collection from all the congregations belonging to the Synod, and the Synod having taken the matter into consideration, do unani- mously approve the motion, and earnestly recommend it to all the I'resbyteries to see that every one of their members do endeavour to collect money in their respective congregations for that purpose; and also in vacancies, where they have opportunity so to do ; and the Synod order, that all other pul)lic collec- tions before appointed by them to be annually observed, be suspended on that account. The Synod do likewi.se order that the said collection for the cidlege be made betwixt this time and May next, and that an account of what is gathered by every Presbytery, be transmitted to the President of the college by each Presbytery. 1752.] SYNOD OF NEW YORK. 249 The consideration of the proposals of the Synod of Philadelphia, in order to an union, further deferred. The affair of the reference from the Presbytery of New York reassumed, and the pleas of all parties being fully heard, the Synod defer the judicial determi- nation thereof till the next sederunt. Adjourned till half an hour after two of the clock, P. M. Concluded with prayer. Half an hour after two, P. M. Post preces sederv.nt qui supra. Mr. Davis is come to the Synod ; his not coming in the beginning of this session occasioned by mistaking the time of their meeting. The Synod agree to desire the Ilev. Mr. Edwards to publish his sermon preached before them. Upon a representation of the destitute circumstances of Virginia, &c. the Synod appoint Mr. Grreenmau and Mr. Robert Henry, to go there some time betwixt this and the next Synod. Whereas a certain person pretending at Egg Harbour to be a minister regu- larly ordained among the Presbyterians, and under that character baptized some adults and infants, and it appearing to the Synod that his pretences were false, having at that time no license^ or ordination, it is our opinion that all the gospel ordinances he administered under that false and pretended char- acter are null and invalid. The proposals of the Synod of Philadelphia came to be considered, and the Synod finding they had not time to go through with them this session, agreed upon the following answer, to be sent to them by the stated clerk. Very Reverend and dear Brethren : We have received your letter. The great crowd of Synodical affairs now upon our hands, renders it impossible for us to give it that attentive examination which the importance of the affair requires. We shall endeavour, as soon as we have opportunity, to give it a calm and deliberate consideration, and hope we shall return you such an an- swer as shall give you convincing evidence, that we entertain the most affec- tionate desires of peace and union upon such a bottom as may contribute to the edification and comfort of all our churches. In the mean time, it is our sincere inclination to evidence towards you all proper and friendly regards. The affair of New York referred to the Synod as before mentioned, and heard at length, reassumed in order to a judgment, and the Synod having seriously and deliberately considered the sundry articles of debate and complaint laid before them, came into the following conclusions : 1. That the building, ground, &c. conveyed from the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland to the Presbyterian Society in New York, belong to Presbyterians without distinction of name or nation, who conform to the general plan of the Church of Scotland as practised by the Synod of New York. 2. That it is not inconsistent with the Presbyterian plan of government, nor the institution of our Lord Jesus Christ, that trustees, or a committee chosen by the congregation, should have the disposal and application of the public money raised by said congregation, to the uses for which it was designed ; pro- vided that they leave in the hands and to the management of the deacons, what is collected for the Lord's table and the poor. And that ministers of the gospel, by virtue of their office, have no right to sit with or preside over such trustees or committees. 3. That it appears to the Synod, that the trustees of said church have faith- fully discharged the trust reposed in them, with respect to its temporalities, much to its advantage. 4. That as to the articles of complaint brought against Mr. Cumming, it 32 250 MINUTES OF THE [1753. appears to the Svnod, that he lias been necessarily hindered from performing his part in public service, by his low state of health ; but they judge it his duty to discharge it according to his call when his health will admit; and when he is disabled, he should desire INIr. Pemberton to officiate in his room. That his insisting on a right to sit with the trustees in their conventions about the temporal affairs of the congregation, was not a violation of his ordination vows, which respect only the work of the ministry, although they judge he acted imprudently in so doing. That he is to be commended for insisting on persons praying in their families, who present their children to baptism; but inasmuch as it appears expedient, that the same form of covenanting should be used in the same church ; the Synod do, therefore, recommend it to Mr. Pemberton and Mr. Gumming, to consult with the committee hereafter to be mentioned about a form that they can both agree in. 5. That the said church proceed as soon as may be, to the choice of elders to join with their ministers in the government and discipline of the church ; and that the committee hereafter to be appointed do nominate the persons to be chosen, and determine the number. 6. That as to the methods taken to introduce a new version of the psalms in the public worship, the Synod judge it to be disorderly, and always to be discountenanced, when the parties in matters of debate in a church do carry about private subscriptions. , 7. That as to the introduction of a new version of psalms, the Synod hath not light at present to determine, but do impower the committee to recom- mend Dr. Watts's version, if upon observation of circumstances they think it proper. And the Synod do appoint the Rev. Messrs. Samuel Davis, Samuel Finly, and Charles Beatty, to be a committee to go immediately to New York, and direct and assist the Presbyterian congregation of New York in such affairs as may contribute to their peace and edification. Adjourned to the first Wednesday of October, 1753, and then to meet at Philadelphia at three of the clock, P. M. Concluded with prayer. 1753. The Synod met according to appointment. Ph'dadcljiiMa, October 3(7, 1753. Uhi jwat preces sederunt IMinisters of New York Presbytery : Messrs. Azariah Horton, Timothy Jones, Timothy Allen, David Dostwick, John Brainerd, Elihu Spencer. Of Suffolk Presbytery : Mr. James Brown. Of New Brunswick Presbytery : Messrs. William Tcnnent, Charles IMcKuight, Eliab Byram, Thomas Lewis, Israel Read, Samuel Kennedy, Conradus Wort. Of Abington Presbytery : Messrs. Gilbert Tennent, Richard Treat, Charles Beatty, Andrew Hunter, Daniel Lawrence, Benjamin Chcsnutt. Of New Castle Presbytery : Messrs. Charles Tennent, Samuel Finly, James Campbel, James Davenport, Evander Morrison, Samuel Davis, Andrew Bay, John Rogers, Hugh Henry, Robert Smith, James Finly, John Todd. Elders : Messrs. Jacob Bedel, Robert Cummins, Hugh Marten, John Roy, Thomas Coon, Robert English, David Chambers, William Adams, Richard Walker, Jonathan Holmes, William JMcCrea, John Vandyke, Francis Alexan- der, Samuel Jamison, William Buchanan. Ministers absent : Messrs. John Pierson, Ebcnczer Pemberton, Simon Hor- ton, Aamn ]}urr, John Smith, Silas Leonard, Jacob Green, Aaron Richards, Caleb Sniitli, Enos Ayres, Chauncey Graham, Alexander Cummins, John Moffett, Daniel Thane, Jonathan Elmore, Ebeuezer Prime, Silvanus White, 1753.] SYNOD OF NEW YORK. 251 Joseph Park, Samuel Sacket, John Maltby, Samuel Bewel, Napthali Dagget, James McCrea, Samuel Harker, Job Prudden, Alexander Hutchinson, Alex- ander Craighead; John Eoan, John Blair, Andrew Stirling, John Wright, Robert Henry. Messrs. John Grant and John Campbell, have departed this life since our last Synod. The Synod was opened by Mr. Treat, the last year's moderator, by a sermon, on Heb. iii. 2. Mr. Samuel Finly was chosen moderator, Mr. Bostwick chosen clerk. Mr. Davis and Mr. Rogers were appointed to revise the Synod's book against the next sederuvt. Adjourned till nine of the clock, to-morrow morning. Concluded with prayer. AitTi day., at nine of the clock, A. 31. Post preces sederunt qui supra. Mr. Davis and Mr. Rogers complied with the appointment of the last sede- runt in revising the Synod book, and brought their remarks, which the Synod approved. The Synod do appoint, that Mr. Treat, who is the stated clerk, be allowed three pounds per annum, for his service in transcribing the minutes in their proper order into the Synod book ; and that every minister endeavour to bring ten shillings annually, to defray the above mentioned charge, and for other exigencies that may happen, and that the same be lodged in the hands of Mr. Treat as the Synod's treasurer. Messrs. Jones, McKnight, Todd, Kennedy, Gilbert Tennent, Rogers, Ches- nutt, James Campbel, Charles Tennent, Bay, Hugh Henry, Silvanus White, and James Finly, gave the reasons for their absence the last year, which were sustained. The following ministers were absent the last year as well as at this present meeting : Messrs. Enos Ayres, John MoflFet, Jonathan Elmore, James McCrea, John Blair, John Roan, Andrew Sterling, Ebenezer Prime, Samuel Bewel. The Synod order, that the last mentioned members be called to account for their absence. Messrs. Pierson, Pemberton, Burr, Spencer, William and Charles Tennent, Treat, Rogers, Prime, Brown, Azariah Horton, and the moderator, are appointed to be a commission of the Synod for the ensuing year. The Synod, upon inquiry concerning the collection appointed for the use of the college, do find they cannot go through with said affair, by reason of the absence of divers of their members, and do, therefore, refer it to each of their Presbyteries to make inquiry of each of their members, touching their compliance with said appointment, and take due care that their respective members do comply with it accordingly, and give an account of their conduct to the next Synod. The Synod do appoint each of their Presbyteries to bring their Presbytery books to the next Synod in order to be examined. The affair of union with the Synod of Philadelphia, referred to this Synod by our last, deferred to the next sederunt. Adjourned to three of the clock, P. M. Concluded with prayer. Three of the cIocJc, P. M. Post preces sederunt qui supra. The affair of the union was brought under consideration, and the last pro- posals from the Synod of Philadelphia, &c. were read, and the Synod do ap- point Messrs. Gilbert Tennent, Davis, and the moderator, to prepare an answer thereto, and lay it before the Synod the next sederunt. 252 MINUTES OF THE [1753 The committee appointed by the last Synod to go to New York to direct and assist the Presbyterian congregation in affairs relating to their peace and edification, make report of their compliance with said appointment. The minutes of their proceedings being laid before the Synod, are approved, and are as follows, viz. "iVcMJ York, October 2d, 1752. " The committee appointed by the Synod to direct and assist the Presbyte- rian congregation of New York in such affairs as contribute to their peace and satisfaction, met, iihi post preccs sederunt, Messrs. Samuel Finly, Charles Beatty, and Samuel Davis. " Mr. Finley was chosen moderator, and Mr. Davis clerk. " Ordered, That the minutes of the Synod containing their conclusions con- cerning the affair referred unto them by the Presbytery be read. " The committee after the best inquiry they could make into the circum- stances of the congregation, do conclude that but two persons should at pre- sent be chosen to sustain the office of elders, and that Messi's. David Van- horn, and Israel Horsfield are proper persons for that purpose, and they do accordingly nominate the said persons to that office ; and give public notice, that if any of the members of said congregation have any sufficient objections against either of them, they would bring them into the committee in the afternoon. " Adjourned to three of the clock, P. M. Concluded with prayer. " TJiree of the cIocJc, P. M. ULi post preces sederunt qui supra. " Messrs. Vanhorn and Horsfield being spoken unto by the committee, and the peculiar exigency of the case being represented unto them, they consented to accept of the office for which they are nominated ; and the congregation brought in no objections against them, but signified their consent by holding up their hands. " The committee after careful inquiry and deliberation, do conclude, from the best views of the present disposition of affairs they can attain, that it is not expedient at present, judicially to recommend a change of the version of Psalms, lest the animosities in the congregation should be more inflamed ; but they most earnestly recommend moderation, forbearance, and condescension to both parties, till such times as by the use of proper measures, they shall come to an agreement among themselves. Concluded with prayer." Application was made to the Synod in behalf of the trustees of the Col- lege of New Jersey, requesting the Synod to appoint two of their members viz. Messrs. Gilbert Tennent, and Samuel Davies, to take a voyage to Europe on the important affairs of said college; to which the Synod unanimously consent. The congregation of Philadelphia, under the care of Mr. Tennent, requested that in the absence of their pastor, they may be supplied with such members of the Synod as they shall choose, till their next meeting; which was unani- mously agreed unto. Adjourned till nine of the clock to-morrow morning. Concluded with prayer. b(h day, at nine of the clock, A. M. Post preces sederunt qui svpra. The committee appointed by the Synod to draw up an answer to the letter 1753.] SYNOD OF NEW YORK. 253 sent to them by the Synod of Philadelphia, on the affair of the union, brought in said answer, which being read before the Synod, was approved, and is as follows, viz. Reverend and dear Brethren, — Your remarks on our proposals for an union of the two Synods we have diligently perused, and must say, that some of them, at least, were unexpected to us. Our first proposals contained some generals ; ■which, being too much so, were misconstrued by some on both sides. How- ever, when the commissioners of both Synods met at Trenton, they easily saw that it was necessary, and accordingly agreed to be particular in their proposals for the future. For this reason we mentioned all those particulars which we desired might be conceded, or at least canvassed, when we come to confer more closely on the affair. And if matters are duly recollected, we presume that it will appear we have not receded from our own proposals in any particular. 1. We did propose that all former differences, upon our union, should be buried in perpetual oblivion. And we also proposed that the protestation en- tered in the Synod in the year 1741, should particularly be buried in oblivion, being declared void and of none effect. Nor can we see any inconsistency in pro- posing the general, and afterwards a particular contained under it. For so we viewed the matter. Now the protest must either be declared void, or not be buried in oblivion. As you declare it to be a judicial act, it must stand in full force and virtue unless it be nullified by an equal act. And thus our uniting without its repeal, would be an implicit approbation of it, contrary to our judgment. And further, your " looking upon the design of the protesta- tion answered" by your terms of union, seems to favour what we heard was reported by some of your number, viz. that the protest was to be confirmed, and we to be received on that footing ; which was given by the commission of our Synod at Trenton, as the reason of their mentioning said protest in parti- cular. Nor have we any further design in insisting that it be declared void and of none effect, but that our uniting may not imply our approbation of it. And we think that your continuing to declare that "you are well satisfied that the protestation was made on sufiicient and justifiable grounds, and that you are not, in the least, convinced that the Synod acted wrong in said step," is far from being an inducement to unite without an express repeal thereof. 2. As to the inconsistency mentioned in the second article, between our proposing that all differences should be buried in oblivion, and all names of distinction abolished, and our insisting that Presbyteries and congregations should continue as they are, we must remind you that both these particulars were expressly inserted in our first proposals, which you yourselves concluded to be pacific ; and we could not have expected that this would now be consid- ered as a receding further from an union, and from our own proposals in order thereto. Nor can we yet see that it is an inconsistency in fact, all things con- sidered. For why might there not be an union of the two Synods, so that we might all be considered as one body, though Presbyteries and congrega- tions continue as they are ? If it seems a jarring concord, as we proposed it, it would be more so to force people into it faster than they have clearness to go. If then, we proposed an union on the best terms and footing that cir- cumstances would allow, our proposals were most consistent in fact. And though the "concessions of our delegates, and our former proposals viz. that congregations as they are at present, should belong to the same Presbyteries they now do, till a favourable opportunity of an advantageous alteration might give you ground to apprehend that we would assent to the uniting of Pres- byteries," yet it could not give ground to apprehend we would do so until that favourable opportunity presents, which we did not apprehend could be immediately upon the union of the Synods, much less antecedent thereto. 254 MINUTES OF THE [1753. So that we have not in the least receded from our former concessiou in this point. 8. Our professing that mutual forbearance as to different sentiments respect- ing the late religious appearances, was our duty, since we all profess the same confession of faith and directory for Avorship; and our desiring and hop- ing for a joint testimony to the late glorious work of God, are not inconsistent, inasmuch as the mariner in which we have proposed this particular is differ- ent from that of the others. And though it would be inconsistent with our former judgment, peremptorily to insist on it as a term of union, yet it's not inconsistent to speak of it, and desire an agreement about it, and leave room to make trial how far we could agree therein ; and this was our design in that particular. And if we could agree to unite in other things, it cannot be denied but agreement in a matter of that importance would be desirable and worth attempting. And as we know not but upon friendly conference about it, the difference perhaps would not be so great as it has seemed, we thought it might very well be proposed in the manner in which we have done it. At the same time it is also plain that there is no inconsistency between our present pro- posal and our declared sentiments, that difference in judgment should not oblige a dissenting member to withdraw from our communion, unless the matter were judged by the body to be essential in doctrine or discipline. And this we must own is an important article with us, which we cannot any way dispense with; and it appears to us to be strictly Christian and scriptural, as well as Presbyterian, otherwise we must make every thing that appears plain duty to us, a term of communion, which we apprehend the Scripture prohibits. And it appears plain to us that there may be many opinions relating to the great truths of religion, that are not great themselves, nor of sufficient importance to be made terms of communion. Nor can these sentiments '* open a door to an unjustifiable latitude in principles and practices," any more than the apostolic prohibition of receiving those that are weak to doubtful disputations. What is plain sin and plain duty in one's account, is not so in another's; and the Synod has still in their power to judge what is essential and what is not. In order to prevent an unjustifiable latitude, we must not make terms of communion which Christ has not made; and we are convinced that he hath not made every truth and every duty a term. As to the true stating of what we believe to be the glorious work of God's Spirit in the late religious appearances, that we judged, and do judge, could properly be done when both Synods came to confer about it. Though our public prints have not been silent on that head. Nor have we loft even " the more simjile and ignorant," who inclined to give heed to us, without the means of distinguishing between *' the work of God's Spirit and their own follies, or the artifices of Satan." So that if they yet "continue in the mistake," it is not of us. 4. As to " the intrusions of disorderly ministers into your congregations, so that they are rendered incapable to perform their solemn engagements to their pastors," of which you complain, and also " that no regard was to be paid to your repeated desires and public votes, that young men should have certificates from some college," without retorting to the former, we only ob- serve that these complaints are proper if we are to overhaul old debates, and come to be judged before you; but permit us to request that they may not come into pacific proposals; for, as each side pretend to justify themselves in many things of which the other accuses, such criminations can have no pro- priety, nor tendency to peace and re-union, but rather to provoke recriminations, and are Imt a begging the question, or taking for granted what is in dispute. We have thought it our duty to avoid them as an incongruity, and inconsistent with our proposals. If we sincerely seek peace, let us speak and act so us 1753.] SYNOD OF NEW YORK. ' 255 has a tendency to promote it, and none to subvert it. We do not presume to treat you as criminals on the present footing, and we expect to be treated as a judicature on equal ground. But were each side candidly disposed to make the utmost acknowledgments to the other, of past wrongs, which they possibly could with a clear judgment and conscience, then these things might properly be pointed out and proposed to consideration, and this might answer a valuable end. Ordered, That a copy of the above be sent to the Synod of Philadelphia, at their next session, by the Synod's stated clerk. Adjourned till three o'clock, P. M. Concluded with prayer. Three o'clock, P. M. Post preces sederunt qui supra. Motion being made by William McCrea in behalf of the congregation at Whiteclay Creek, for a copy of the original plan of the constitution of this Synod, they order the same to be given them by their stated clerk. The like motion was made by David Chambers in behalf of the new erected Presbyterian congregation in Philadelphia, which was also granted. A representation being made to the Synod by Mr. Pemberton, and several members of the Presbyterian congregation in New York, of the divided state of said congregation, requesting the assistance of the Synod in their distressed case, the Synod do appoint Messrs. William Tennent, Samuel Davies, Aaron Burr, Caleb Smith, David Bostwick, Elihu Spencer, Richard Treat, Charles Beatty, and John Rogers, to be a committee to meet at New York on the fourth Wednesday of instant October, at ten of the clock, A. M., with full power and authority to transact such things with respect to said congregation, as they shall judge necessary for the healing of the divisions of said congrega- tion, and best interest of religion therein. It being moved to the Synod, what they judge necessary as to the form or method to be used in the administration of baptism, the Synod do refer to our excellent Directory in that case. It being further moved to the Synod, whether a church session hath power to introduce a new version of psalms into the congregation to which they belong, without the consent of the majority of said congregation; it was voted in the negative, nemine contradicente. A draught of an address from this Synod to the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, was brought into the Synod and being read, the Synod appoint Messrs. Gilbert Tennent, Spencer, Allen, and Treat, a committee to revise said draught and bring it in the next sederunt. The Synod do also appoint said committee to draw up certificates for Mr. Tennent and Mr. Davies. The Synod taking into consideration how to supply Mr. Davics's congrega- tion during his absence, do appoint Messrs. Blair, Bay, Henry, James Finly, and Rogers, and the particular seasons of their supplying to be adjusted and fixed by the Presbytery of New Castle to which they belong, and the Synod do appoint said Presbytery to supply their respective congregations in their absence as much as they can. And to assist therein, the Synod do appoint Mr. Lewis to supply two Sabbaths in Fag's Manuor, and one for the Forks of Brandywine before the next Synod. The Synod also appoint Mr. Lawrence to supply Mr. Henry's congrega- tion four Sabbaths, to begin with the third Sabbath in May. They alio ap- point Mr. Allen to supply St. George's four Sabbaths in April, beginning with the first. Adjourned to nine of the clock, to-morrow morning. Concluded with prayer. 256 MINUTES OF THE [1753. 6lh day, at nine of the clock. Post preces sederunt qui supra. The Synod do recommend it to the several Presbyteries belonging to their body, to call those sessions to account that do not send elders to attend upon the Synod" and Presbyteries, and to enjoin these sessions to call those elders to an account that do not attend upon judicatories, when sent by them. For the supplying of Mr. Gilbert Tennent's congregation for this year, the Synod do appoint Mr. Treat to supply four Sabbaths in November, if need be; Mr. William Tennent the four first Sabbaths in December; Mr. Beatty the last Sabbath in December and the three first in January ; Mr. Charles Tennent the last Sabbath in January and the three first in February; Mr. Davenport the last Sabbath in February and the three first in March ; Mr. Greenman the two last Sabbaths in March ; Mr. Burr the four Sabbaths in April ; Mr. Penibertnn the four Sabbaths in May ; 3Ir. Finly the four first Sabbaths in June ; Mr. Greenman the last Sabbath in June and the first in July ; Mr. Cummins the three last in July and first in August ; Mr. Kennedy the three last in August and first in September; Mr. Spencer the three last in September and first in October; Mr. Bostwick the four last in October. The Synod do moreover appoint, that if any of these cannot fulfil said ap- pointments, the Presbytery to which they belong shall, without fail, send others in their stead. The Synod appoint the Presbytery of Suffolk, to supply New York and Jamaica in the absence of their ministers ; that is to say. New York the whole of the time, provided they were otherwise totally vacant, and Jamaica the one half of the time. The Synod also appoint that Mr. Spencer's congregation be supplied in his absence, the whole of the time, at the request of his excellency the governor. And that each Presbytery do, as much as they can, to supply the absence of their respective members. The Synod do appoint Mr. Brainerd to supply Hanover, in Virginia, the four last Sabbaths in March next. That Mr. Beatty supply three Sabbaths at Fag's Manor and in the Forks of Brandywine, before next Synod. Mr. Moffet is appointed to supply Mr. Beatty's congregation those three Sabbaths, and Mr. Horton is appointed to inform Mr. Moffet of the same, that he may seasonably acquaint Mr. Beatty when he can come. The committee appointed to revise the draught of the address to the General Assembly, presented the same, which being read was unanimously approved.* * A copy of the address to the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland. To the very venerable and honourable the moderator and other members of tlie Gene- ral Assembly of the Church of Scotland, to meet at Edinburgh, May, 1754. The peti- tion of the Synod of New York, convened at Philadelphia, October 3, 1753, humbly ehoweth: That a college has been lately erected in the province of New Jersey by his majesty's royal charter, in which a number of youth has been already educated, who are now the instruments of service to the church of God ; and which would be far more extensively beneficial were it brought to maturity. That after all the contributions tliat have been made to the said college, or can be raised in these parts, tlie fund is far from being sufiScient fur the erection of proper buildings, supporting the president and tutors, fur- nishing a library, and defraying other necessary expenses ; that the trustees of said college, who are zealous and active to promote it for the public good, have already sent their humble petition to this venerable house for some assistance in carrying on so im- portant a design; and also petitioned this Synod to appoint two of their members, the Rev. Messrs. Gilbert Tennent and Samuel Uavies, to undertake a voyage to Europe in behalf of said college. Your petitioners, therefore, most heartily concur in the said petition of the trustees to 1753.] SYNOD OF NEW YORK. 257 The same committee, according to appointment, produced a certificate for tlie the Reverend Assembly, and appoint the said Messrs. Tennent and Da vies to be their commissioners for that purpose. And as your petitioners apprehend the design of said petition to be of the utmost im- portance to the interests of learning and religion in this infant country, and are confident of the zeal of so pious and learned a body as the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, to promote such a design ; they beg leave to lay before this venerable house, a general representation of the deplorable circumstances of the churches under their Syno- dical care, leaving it to the commissioners to descend to particulars. In the colonies of Nejy York, New Jei-sey, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia, and Carolina, a great number of congregations have been formed upon the Presbyterian plan, ■which have put themselves under the Synodical care of your petitioners, who conform to the constitution of the Church of Scotland, and have adopted her standards of doctrine, worship, and discipline. There are also large settlements lately planted in various parts, particularly in North and South Carolina, where multitudes are extremely desi- rous of the ministrations of the gospel ; but they are not yet formed into congregations, and regularly organized for want of ministers. These numerous bodies of people, dispersed so wide through so many colonies, have repeatedly made the most importunate applications to your petitioners, for ministers to be sent among them ; and your petitioners have exerted themselves to the utmost for their relief, both by sending their members and candidates to officiate some time among them, and using all practicable measures for the education of pious youth for the ministry. But alas ! notwithstanding these painful endeavours, your petitioners have been ut- terly incapable to make sufficient provision for so many shepherdless flocks ; and those that come hundreds of miles crying to them for some to break the bread of life among them, are often obliged to return in tears, with little or no relief, by reason of the scar- city of ministers. Though every practicable expedient, which the most urgent necessity could suggest, has been used to prepare labourers for this extensive and growing harvest ; yet the number of ministers in this Synod is far from being equal to that of the congregations under their care. Though sundry of them have taken the pastoral charge of two or three congregations for a time, in order to lessen the number of vacancies ; and though sundry youth have lately been licensed, ordained, and settled in congregations, that were before destitute ; yet there are no less than forty vacant congregations at present under the care of this Synod, besides many more which are incapable at present to sup- port ministers ; and the whole colony of North Carolina, where numerous congregations of Presbyterians are forming, and where there is not one Presbyterian minister settled. The great number of vacancies in the bounds of this Synod, is owing, partly, to the new settlements lately made in various parts of this continent, partly to the death of sundry ministers belonging to this Synod, but principally to the small number of youth educated for the ministry, so vastly disproportionate to the numerous vacancies ; and unless some efl'ectual measures can be taken for the education of proper persons for the sacred character, the churches of Christ in these parts must continue in the most desti- tute circumstances, wandering shepherdless and forlorn through this wilderness, thou- sands perishing for lack of knowledge, the children of God hungry and unfed, and the rising age growing up in a state little better than that of heathenism, with regard to the public ministrations of the gospel. The numerous inconveniences of a private, and the many important advantages of a public education are so evident, that we need not inform this venerable assembly of them, who cannot but be sensible from happy experience, of the many extensive benefits of convenient colleges. The difficulty, (and in some cases impossibility,) of sending youth two, three, four, or five hundred miles or more, to the colleges in New England, is also evident at first sight. Now it is from the college of New Jersey only, that we can expect a remedy of these inconveniences; it is to that your petitioners look for the increase of their number ; it is on that the Presbyterian churches, through the six colonies above mentioned, princi- pally depend for a supply of accomplished ministers ; from that has been obtained consi- derable relief already, notwithstanding the many disadvantages that unavoidably attend it in its present infant state; and from that may be expected a sufficient supply when brought to maturity. Your petitioners, therefore, most earnestly praj', that this very reverend Assembly would afford the said college all the countenance and assistance in their power. The young daughter of the Church of Scotland, helpless and exposed in this foreign laud, 33 258 MINUTES OF THE [1754 Rev. Messrs. Gilbert Tennent and Samuel Davies, which being read was unani- mously approved.* Upon a representation made to the Synod, of the illegal restraints the Pro- testant dissenters lie under in Virginia, as to their religious liberties, Messrs. James Davenport and John Rogers, were appointed to draw up a recommenda- tion of the affair, and a certificate for Messrs. Samuel Davies and John Todd, members of our body living in that colony, which being done was read and approved. f Adjourned to Thursday the day after the commencement next September, and then to meet at Newark. Concluded with prayer. » 1754. The Synod met according to adjournment. Newark, September 2Qth, 17 54:. Ubi post preces sederunt Ministers of New York Presbytery : Messrs. John Pierson, Simon Horton, Aaron Burr, Timothy Jones, David Bostwick, Caleb Smith, John Brainerd, Daniel Thane, Azariah Horton, Jacob Green, Aaron Richards, Enos Ayres?, John Moffet, John Smith, Robert Henry, Alexander Cummins. Suffolk Presbytery : Messrs. Ebenezer Prime, Samuel Sacket. New Brunswick Presbytery : Messrs. William Tennent, James Davenport, James McCrea, Thomas Lewis, Israel Read, Samuel Kennedy. Abington Presbytery: Messrs. Andrew Hunter, Charles Beatty, Richard Treat, Benjamin Chesnut, Nehemiah Greenman, Henry Martin. cries to her tender and powerful mother for relief. The cries of ministers oppressed •with labours, and of congregations famishing for want of the sincere milk of the word, implore assistance. And were the poor Indian savages sensible of their own case, they would join in the cry, and beg for more missionaries to be sent to propagate the religion of Jesus among them. Now as the college of New Jersey appears the most promising expedient to redress these grievances, and to promote religion and learning in these provinces, your petition- ers most heartily concur with the trustees, and humbly pray, that an act may be passed by this venerable and honourable Assembly, for a national collection in favour of said college. And your petitioners as in duty bound shall ever pray, &c. * A copy of the certificate for Messrs. Gilbert Tennent and Samuel Davies. The Rev. Messrs. Gilbert Tennent and Samuel Davies, the bearers hereof, undertaking a viiyiige to Europe, by tlie appointment of this Synod, in concurrence with the trustees of the college of New Jersey, for the service of said college; the Synod do hereby cer- tify, that the above reverend gentlemen are worthy and well approved members of their body, and do recommend them to the acceptance of the cliurch of God, and the work of their miss-ion, wheresoever Divine Providence may call them, imploring the Divine Pre- eence with them and success to their important undertaking. Signed by order of the Synod. f A copy of the representation and certificate. Vv liereas, the Protestant dissenters of the Presbyterian denomination in the colony of Virginia lie under some restraints, particularly with regard to the number of their meet- ing-houses, which is not at all equal to what their circumstances require, though they have taken all legal measures to have a sufficient number registered according to the act of toleration; and whereas, the Hev. Mr. Samuel Davies has been appointed to take a voyage to Great Britain in behalf of the college of New Jersey, and may have an oppor- tunity of using proper means to procure a redress of said grievance, this Synod do hum- bly and earnestly request the concurrence and assistance of their friends there, for the relief of an helpless and oppressed people in a point of so great consequence, in which their religious liberties are so nearly concerned. We do therefore cheerfully recommend the said Mr. Davies, who is settled in Virginia, and the Rev. Mr. John Todd, his colleague, as regular and worthy members of their bovJy, zealously and prudently engaged in advancing the Redeemer's kingdom. 1754.] SYNOD OF NEW YORK. 259 New Castle Presbytery : Messrs. Samuel Finly, John Blair, John Rogers, Hobert Smith. Elders : Messrs. Caleb Baldwin, Joseph Prudden, Timothy Whitehead, Sa- muel Lumb, Jonathan Sayres, Jonah Halstead, David Bay, Ephraim Lockart, Thomas Coon, Brice Rickey, Abraham Reeves, David Fulton, Abram Slack, William Buchanan. Ministers absent: Messrs. Silas Leonard, Jonathan Elmore, Chancey Gra- ham, Timothy Allen, Elihu Spencer, John Maltby, Samuel Bewel, James Brown, Silvanus White, Joseph Park, Naphtali Dagget, Eliphalet Ball, Alex- ander Craighead, Charles Tennent, James Campbel, John Roan, Samuel Da- vies, Andrew Stirling, Andrew Bay, Hugh Henry, John Todd, James Finly, John Brown, John Right, Gilbert Tennent, Daniel Lawrence, Charles McKnight, Job Prudden, Samuel Harker, Conradus Worts, Evander Mor- rison. The Synod was opened by a sermon on 2 Cor. x. 4, preached by Mr. Finly, the last year's moderator. Mr. Davenport was chosen moderator, Mr. Beatty clerk. Mr. Eliab Byram has been removed by death since our last Synod. Adjourned till half an hour after two of the clock, post meridiem. Concluded with prayer. Eodem Die, half an lioxir after two of the dock, P. M. Post preces sederunt qui supra. The Rev. Mr. Pemberton is removed out of the bounds of this Synod since our last. The reasons given by Messrs. Pierson, Simon Horton, Burr, John Smith, Green, Richards, Caleb Smith, Ayres, Cummins, Moffet, Thane, Prime, Sacket, McCrea, Blair, and Robert Henry, for their absence the last Synod were sus- tained. Messrs. Pierson, Burr, Spencer, Bostwick, William and Charles Tennent, Treat, Rogers, Prime, James Brown, Azariah Horton, Finly, and the modera- tor, are appointed to be a commission of the Synod the year ensuing. Upon inquiry it was found that the Presbyteries have complied with the order of the Synod, with respect to collections for the college. The Presbytery books of New York and New Castle were brought to the Synod according to order, the others being forgot, are ordered to be brought the next Synod. Mr. Finly and Mr. Rogers are appointed to revise the Presbytery book of New York, and Mr. Bostwick and Mr. Jones the Presbytery book of New Castle, and make report thereof before the conclusion of this Synod. The clerk reported, that he complied with the order of the Synod, and de- livered their letter into the Synod of Philadelphia. A letter from the Synod of Philadelphia was brought in and read, the con- sideration whereof was deferred till the next sederunt. The clerk certified the Synod, that he had complied with their order, and gave copies of the plan of their first constitution to the persons who requested them. The committee appointed by our last Synod to go to New l^'ork, make report, that they complied with said appointment, and presented the minutes of their pi'oceedings, which being read were approved and are as follows.* * The committee of the Synod met according to appointment. New York, October 24, 1753. Ministers present : Messrs. William Tennent, Anron Burr, Charles Beatty, David Bos- wick, Elihu Spencer, Caleb Smith. Elder : Mr. Samuel Kerr. 260 MINUTES OF THE [1754. The appointments of the last Synod, with respect to supplying Philadelphia, were well fulfilled. And also those for Hanover, except Mr. Brainerd and Mr. Bay, whose reasons for omission were sustained. Ministers absent : Messrs. Richard Treat, Samuel Davies, and John Rogers. Mr. Tennent was chosen moderator, Mr. Bostwick clerk. Post preccs sederunt qui supra. Adjourned to three of the clock, P. M., and then to meet at the house of Mr. Pember- ton. Concluded with prayer. Three of the clock, P. M. Post prcces sederunt qui supra. Several members of the Presbyterian congregation at New York, laid before the com- mittee a remonstrance, containing sundry articles of grievance which they labour under from the past and present management of their ecclesiastical affairs. The committee having distinctly and impartially considered the several articles of complaint, came to the following conclusions, viz : 1. As to the two first articles complaining of the neglect of ministerial visits, and ex- amining into the lives and conversations of the people, it appears by the representation made by Mr. Pemberton, that he has made conscience of his duty in these respects, though of late he has, by reason of the divisions subsisting among his people, desisted from it ; we therefore earnestly recommend his persisting in that important part of his ministerial labours, and that he be not discouraged by any disagreeable appearances among them. 2. As to the third article against the session concerning the new version of the psalms, the committee cannot think it regular for the ministers and elders to introduce a new version, without the express consent and approbation of the majority of the congrega- tion; yet since Dr. Watts's version is introduced in this church, and is well adapted for Christian worship, and received by many Presbyterian congregations, both in America and Great Britain, they cannot but judge it best for the well being of the congregation under their present circumstances, that they should be continued. 3. As to the fourth article complaining of the neglect of the Westminster Confession. and not recommending of it in baptism, the committee conceive that the vote of the Synod, as to the latter, is sufficient ; and Mr. Pemberton's declaring his high approba- tion of said Confession, and public teaching the Westminster Catechisms, ought to be satisfying to all. 4. As to praying at the burial of the dead, since it is not practised but at the request of those concerned, and all are left at their liberty to request it or not ; the committee think it no just matter of ofl'ence, especially as it is frequently practised by the Presby- terian ministers in this country, and the reasons for which the General Assembly, (in the early times of reformation from popery,) prohibited it, are now evidently ceased. 5. As to the singing anthems, &c., though the committee cannot disapp'-ove of them at proper seasons, yet lest it should tend to take otf the minds of persons from the important things they have heard in the house of God, and as it seems matter of conscience to Bonie, the committee judge it advisable to forbear the practice on the Lord's day. 0. As to the article complaining of injurious and contemptuous treatment ; the com- mittee are much grieved to find that there has been so much of it on both sides, during the unhappy disputes that have subsisted among them, and do earnestly recommend mu- tual forgiveness, forbearance, and moderation towards one another, as the most likely method to promote peace and unanimity among them. Adjourned till to-morrow at eleven of the clock. Concluded with prayer. 2bth day, at eleven of the clock, A. M. Post preces sederunt qui supra. The Rev. Messrs. Pemberton and Cumming requested a dismission from their pastoral relation to this church. Mr. Pemberton offered as his reasons, the unhapjiy divisions subsisting among the peojile, the appearances of some dissati.-^faction with him, and the little prospect of success in his ministerial labours Mr. Cuiiiming otl'ereil, that his low state of health would not allow him to go on with his work in the present divided and confused state of the congregation. The committee proposed to the people whether they had any thing to object iigainst the dismission of their ministers. A number of gentle- men in the behalf of others, strongly remonstrated against Mr. Pemberton's dismission, as endangering the peace of the congregation. The committee do judge the continuance of Mr. Pemberton, under the present circumstances of the congregation, to be necessary, and arc in hopes that the present confusion in the congregation, and seeming dissatisfac- tion of some that hinder the success of his labours, will be removed. But at Mr. Pem- 1754.] SYNOD OF NEW YORK. 261 Mr. Sacket lias leave to go home, as also hath Mr. Green. Adjourned till eight of the clock, to-morrow morning. Concluded with prayer. 21 ih day, at eight of the clock, A. M. Post preces sederunt qui supra. (Excepting Mr. Sacket.) The committee appointed to revise the Presbytery books are not prepared to give in their report, and are ordered to be ready against the next sederunt if they can. Mr. Koss, a minister from New England being present, was desired to sit as correspondent. The letter from the Synod of Philadelphia, respecting our union with them, was taken into consideration, and in compliance with their desire therein ex- pressed, the Synod appoint Messrs. Aaron Burr, David Bostwick, William Ten- nent, Richard Treat, Samuel Finly, and John Blair, to be a committee to attend the next session of the Synod of Philadelphia, in order to confer with them about said union, in which they are to conclude nothing inconsistent with our former proposals. Upon the request of some members of the congregation of New York, the Synod do appoint Messrs. Finly and Blair to supply the said congregation the next Sabbath. Messrs. Simon Horton and Richards are absent without leave. A letter from Hanover in Virginia, requesting further supplies until their pastor returns, was laid before the Synod, in answer to which the Synod ap- points Mr. Greenman to supply them from the fourth Sabbath of November until and including the last Sabbath of February next, and recommend it to the Presbytery of New Castle, to supply said congregation the preceding and remaining time. And the Synod doth appoint Mr. Clark, a candidate in the Presbytery of New York, to supply Mr. Greenman's congregation from the time of his fii'st absence unto the last Sabbath of January. Application was also made to the Synod in behalf of Mr. Gilbert Tennent's congregation in Philadelphia, for supplies until their pastor returns from Great Britain ; in compliance with which the Synod appoint Mr. Prime to supply the four Sabbaths in November next ; Mr. Blair the first four Sabbaths in Decem- ber ; Mr. Treat the last in December and three first in January ; Mr. Rogers the last in January and three first in February ; Mr. William Tennent the last in February and three first in March ; Mr. Davenport the two last in March, and two first in June ; Mr. Bewel the four Sabbaths in April ; Mr. Burr the berton's earnest request, the committee, (being sensible of the many special difficultiea be labours under,) allow him a month's time of trial, and if upon a faithful endeavour to heal the divisions and serve the interest of Christ's kingdom among them, he finds all his attempts vain, and still continues his desire of a dismission, they judge it best he should be left at liberty to remove from or abide with them, as he shall think most consistent ■with his duty. As to Mr. Gumming, since no reasons have been offered to the committee against his dismission, the committee do judge from what has appeared to them, and for the reasons urged by him, that his pastoral relation to the Presbyterian congregation in New York should be dissolved, and it is hereby dissolved accordingly. It is with pleasure the com- mittee observe that there has been no objection against Mr. Cumming's moral conduct or ministerial labours ; they do, therefore, freely recommend him, (if God shall please to restore his health,) to any Christian congregation where Divine Providence may call him, as a man of eminent ministerial gifts and abilities, and one whom they think in many respects fitted for special service in the church of Christ. And the committee do recom- mend it to the congregation as their indispensable duty, that they make up all the arrears of salary they promised to give to Mr. Cumming. Concluded with prayer. 262 MINUTES OF THE [1755. four Sabbaths in May; Mr. Finly the last two in June and two first in July ; Mr. John Smith the three last in July and first in August; 3Ir. Jones the three last in August and first in September ; Mr. Spencer the four last in September. And in case any of the members fail, it is recommended to the several I'rcsbj'te- ries to which they respectively belong, to take proper care that others be sent in their room. The Synod taking into consideration the destitute condition of Virginia and North Carolina, as it hath been represented unto them, do appoint Messrs- Beatty, Bostwick, Lewis, and Thane, each of them to make a visit to those parts, for the space of three months, and the seasons to be agreed upon by themselves. In order to supply Mr. Beatty's congregation, the Synod appoints Mr. Mofi"et to supply the month of November, (he concluding to set off in the beginning of said month,) and Mr. Azariah Ilorton the four first Sabbaths of December; that Mr. Allen supply jMr. Lewis's congregation the mouth of January, and Mr. McCrea the month of February. Adjourned till half an hour after two of the clock, P. M. Concluded with prayer. Eodem Die, half an hour after two o'eloch, P. M. Post preces sederunt qui sujjra. Together with Mr. Allen, whose absence hitherto is excused. The Presbytery book of New York being revised was approved. The supplying Mr. Thane's congregation during his journey to Virginia, &c. is recommended to the Presbytery of New York, as they shall judge needful. With respect unto Mr. Bostwick's congregation, the Synod appoint Mr. Cumming to supply it three Sabbaths during his absence, and Mr. Simon Horton three Sabbaths, Mr. Dagget two Sabbaths, and Mr. Park two Sab- baths. The Synod also appoint the Presbytery of Suffolk to supply Mr. Bewel's congregation during the time he supplies in Philadelphia. The Synod do agree, that hereafter there shall be a committee of overtures appointed at the beginning of the Synod, and that all new business shall first be laid before said committee, in order by them to be laid before the Synod. Pursuant to the order of the last Synod for a collection by the several minis- ters of their body, the following members brought their collections, viz. Messrs. Burr, Jones, Bostwick, Thane, Azariah Horton, Davenport, William Tennent, Lewis, Read, Kennedy, Hunter, Beatty, Treat, llobort Henry, Greenman, Finly, Blair, Rogers, and Robert Smith, all which amounted to nine pounds, sixteen shillings, and nine pence, provincial currency, and was committed into the hands of 31 r. Treat, as their treasurer. Adjourned to the first of October, to meet at Philadelphia. Concluded with prayer. 1735, The Synod met according to appointment. Philadelphia, October 1st, 1755. U hi post preces sederunt Ministers of New York Presbytery : Messrs. Aaron Burr, Azariah Horton, Elihu Spencer, Jacob Green, John ]irainerd. Elders : Samuel Lum, Joseph Ogdon, Joseph Tuttle. Ministers absent: Messrs. John Pierson, Timothy Jones, Simon Horton, 1755.] SYNOD OF NEW YORK. 263 Timothy Allen, David Bostwick, Caleb Smith, Aaron Richards, Alexander Cummins, Chaucey Graham, Jonathan Elmore, Enos Ayers, John Moffat, John Smith, Daniel Thane, John Maltby, Hugh Knox. Ministers of New Brunswick Presbytery: Messrs. James McCrea, James Davenport, Charles McKnight, Thomas Lewis, Israel Read, Samuel Barker, Samuel Kennedy. Elders : John Adams, Gilbert Hendrickson, Robert Moore, George Warner, Thomas Coone. Ministers absent : Messrs. William Tennent, Job Prudden, Conradus Worts. Suffolk Presbytery : All absent. Abington Presbytery, ministers : Messrs. Gilbert Tennent, Richard Treat, Andrew Hunter, Daniel Lawrence, Benjamin Chesnut, Charles Beatty. Elders : Thomas Bourn, William Adams, Thomas Francis, Isaac Mills, John Wigton. Ministers absent : Messrs. Nehemiah Greenman, Henry Marten. New Castle Presbytery, ministers : Messrs. Evander Morrison, James Camp- bell, Samuel Finley, Samuel Davies, John Roan, Andrew Bay, John Rodgers, James Finley, John Hogge, John Blair, Robert Smith. Elders : John Kirkpatrick, Philip Davies, William Bell, John Withrow, David Stewart, Benjamin BIyth, Charles Vance, Thomas Sharp, William McCrea. Ministers absent : iNIessrs. Charles Tennent, Alexander Craighead, Andrew Sterling, Hugh Henry, Robert Henry, John Brown, John Wright, John Todd. The Synod was opened by a sermon from 2 Cor. iv. 1, preached by Mr. Davenport, the last year's moderator. Mr. Burr is chosen moderator for the ensuing year, Mr. Davies clerk. Mr. Edwards is desired to sit with this Synod as correspondent. The reasons of the absence from last Synod, of the Rev. Messrs. Spencer, Campbell, Roan, Davies, Bay, Todd, James Finley, Gilbert Tennent, John Wright, Lawrence, McKnight, Harker, and Morrison, are sustained. The reasons of absence from this Synod, of Messrs. Pierson, William Tennent, Greenman, Todd, Bostwick, Jones, Smith, Richards, and Simon Horton, being related by some members present, are sustained. Messrs. Pierson, Spencer, Bostwick, Gilbert, William and Charles Ten- nent, Treat, Davenport, Rogers, Prime, Brown, Azariah Horton, Samuel Finly, and the moderator, are appointed to be a commission of the Synod for the year ensuing. The Synod finding there is but one Presbytery book present, it is ordered that all the books be brought by each Presbytery at the meeting of the next Synod. The committee appointed to attend upon the Synod of Philadelphia, to con- fer with them upon the head of the union, do make report, that they complied with said appointment, and after conference had with a committee of that Synod upon that head, and after hearing several things offered in relation thereto, desired that Synod to send their proposals in writing to this Synod to be con- sidered at their next meeting. Mr. Simon Horton's reason for absence from the last Synod without leave, is sustained. Mr. Greenman's appointment to supply Hanover was complied with; as also the supplies appointed for Philadelphia, till Mr. Tennent's return from Great Britain. Messrs. Beatty and Thane have fulfilled their appointments to go to Vir- ginia and Carolina; and Mr. Lewis's reasons for non-compliance, are sus- tained. 264 MINUTES OF THE [1755. Mr. Azariah Ilorton supplies Mr. Beatty's congregation in his absence, according to appointment. As Mr. MoflUt did not comply with the appointment of Synod in his sup- plies, the Synod order the Presbytery of New York to inquire into the rea- sons of his omission. Messrs. Bhiir, Azariah Ilorton, Rogers, Davenport, Morrison, Beatty, and Davies, arc appointed a committee of overtures, and for any other business the Synod shall recommend unto them, and that they meet to-morrow morning, at eight of the clock and Mr. Davies moderator. Adjourned till to-morrow morning at nine of the clock. Concluded with prayer. 2c? day. Nine of the dock, A. M. Post preces sederunt qici supra. Messrs. ]Marten, Bead, Charles Tenneut, and Worts, are come, and the reasons of their absence yesterday are sustained. A reference was brought into the Synod by the Presbytery of New York, concerning the removal of Mr. Bostwick from Jamaica, by a call from the Presbyterian congregation of New York, and the settling the order and disci- pline of said church, which, after reading several papers, and hearing what ■was offered in relation thereto, was deferred till the nest sederunt, for further consideration. Application being made to the Synod from the trustees of New Jersey col- lege, for a general collection in all their congregations for the use of said col- lege, the Synod do recommend it to their several Presbyteries, to take such measures as they judge proper to make collections in the congregations within their respective bounds, for the use of the college of New Jersey betwixt this and the next Synod, and send such collections by some proper hand to the Synod. Adjourned till four of the clock, P. M. Concluded with prayer. Four of (lie cloch, P. 31. Post preces sedenmt qiii supra. The affair of New Y^ork reassumed, but for want of time to go through with it, it is referred to the next sederunt. Upon sundry petitions from various parts of North Carolina, setting forth their distressed circumstances for want of a preached gospel among them, and requesting help from this Synod, Messrs. Brainerd and Spencer are appointed to take a journey thither before winter, and supply the vacant congregations there, and in parts adjacent, for six mouths, or as long as they shall think ne- cessary ; and the appointment of supplies for Mr. Spencer's congregation is refer- red till to-morrow. Adjourned till to-morrow morning, at half an hour after eight of the clock. Concluded with prayer. Sd day. Half an hour after evjht of the clock, A. M. Post preces sederunt qui supra. Except the Rev. Messrs. Burr, Brainerd, IMcKnight, and Lawrence, who were permitted to go away. The moderator being gone, Mr. Treat was desired to take his place at this season. A petition was brought into the Synod setting forth the necessity of erecting a new Presbytery in Virginia, the Synod therefore appoint the Rev. Samuel Davies, John Todd, Alexander Craighead, Robert Ilcnry, John "Wright, and John Brown, to be a Presbytery, under the name of the Presbytery 1755.] SYNOD OF NEW YORK. 265 of Hanover, and that tlieir fii-st meeting shall be in Hanover, on the first Wednesday of December next, and that Mr. Davies open said meeting by a sermon ; and that any of their members settling to the southward and west- ward of Mr, Hogge's congregation, shall have liberty to join said Presbytery of Hanover. The affair from New York reassumed, and as there was not time to finish it, it is referred till the afternoon. Adjourned till three o'clock, P. M. Concluded with prayer. Three of the clock, P. 31. Post preces sederunt qui supra. The afiair from New York reassumed, and the Synod having fully heard and discussed said aflair, do appoint Messrs. Spencer, Samuel Fiuley, and the clerk, to draw up the judgment of the Synod thereupon, against eight of the clock this evening. The Synod appoint Mr. Clark to take a journey into Virginia and North Carolina, to supply the vacancies there for six months, betwixt this and next Synod, particularly at Kocky River and Sugar Creek, at the Hawfields, Enno, Ilico, and Dan Rivers. A paper was presented to the Synod containing an account of sundry gene- rous and valuable dontltions from divers friends in England, for the education of pious, indigent youth, for the gospel ministry, which the Synod, in order to express their gratitude for, as well as for the security of the same for the pur- poses aforesaid, order to be recorded in their minutes, and are as follows. To the Reverend Synod of New York, The annual interest of the following donations was appropriated by the donors, for the education of such youth for the ministry of the gospel, in the College of New Jersey, as are unable to defray the expenses of their education, who appear, upon proper examination, to be of promising genius, Calvinistic prin- ciples, and in the judgment of charity, experimentally acquainted with a work of saving grace, and to have a distinguished zeal for the glory of God, and salvation of men. London. Mr. Samuel Savage, .... Mrs. Rachel Spellerberg, Mr. William Wetmore .... Robert Cruttenden, Esquire, . Rev. Mr. Ziegenhagen, .... Rev. Samuel Pike, .... Rev. George Turnbull, Mr. Joseph Williams, of Kidderminster, Mr. Austin, of ditto Mr. Joseph Field, .... Mr. Cruttenden' s Friend, .... Mr. Henry Carrington, Mr. Carrington Bowles, .... Mr. Dennis Debert, .... Mr. James Cox, ..... Mr. AVilliam Fuller, .... Daniel Booth, Esquire, .... Rev. Thomas Gibbons, and some of his friends. Rev. Thomas Hall, and some of his friends, Mr. Joseph Hartwell, .... 34 £ s. d. 10 10 0 50 0 0 5 5 0 5 5 0 4 4 0 3 3 0 1 1 0 5 5 0 3 12 0 1 1 0 5 5 0 3 3 0 1 1 0 5 5 0 5 5 0 5 5 0 5 5 0 12 12 0 15 15 0 2 2 0 MINUTES OF THE [1755. . 5 5 0 2 2 0 . 1 1 0 3 3 0 . 1 1 0 10 10 0 . 23 9 0 27 5 6 . 46 0 0 5 5 0 . 1 1 0 20 10 6 £290 17 0 London. £ s. d. Mr. John Bowles, Mr. Furnell, Mr. Skinner, ...... Mr. Jonathan Eade, .... Mr. Shirly Wolmer, .... Mr. James English, .... The Independent Congregation in Ipswich, . Rev. Mr. Frost's Congregation in Yarmouth, Rev. Mr. Davidson's Congregation in Braintre, Rev. Mr. Fosket in Bristol,* Mr. Lunel in Dublin, .... Rev. 31r. Ogilvie in New Castle, Sum total. The above sum of two hundred and ninety-six pounds, seventeen shillings, sterling, being given in trust to us, the subscribers, with design that the annual interest thereof for ever be applied for the use aforesaid : We do, by virtue of said trust, put the said sum into the hands of the trustees of the College of New Jersey, in trust, to be applied to the education of such youth, of the cha- racter above mentioned, as shall be examined and approved of by the Synod of New York, (or by what name soever that body of men may be hereafter called,) and by them recommended to the trustees of said college, and to be divided among such youth in such proportion as said Synod shall think fit. Witness our hands, Gilbert Tennent, Samuel Davies. London, October 25th, 1754. November Isl, 1754. Received by the Rev. Mr. Vye, of Sheffield, the addi- tional sum of ten pounds, seven shillings, and six pence, sterling, to be applied as above directed. Total three hundred and seven pounds, four shillings, and six pence, ster- ling. Gilbert Tennent, Samuel Davies. For the education of youth of the character aforesaid. Samuel Ruggles, Esquire, of Rocking, fifty pounds. The above sum of fifty pounds sterling, being given in trust to us, the sub- scribers, with design that the principal be applied as soon as occasion requireth, for the education of youth of the characters before described : We do, by vir- tue of said trust, put the said sum into the hands of said trustees, for the use, and under the direction of the Synod of New York, as aforesaid. Witness our hands, London, October 25, 1754. Gilbert Tennent, Samuel Davies. The Synod appoint that such youth as may be candidates for this benefac- tion, be examined by the Synod at their annual meeting. Mr. Gilbert Tennent reported to the Synod that he has lately received a bill for two hundred pounds sterling, generously given for the propagation of the gospel among the Indians, and to be under the direction of this Synod. • The Rev. Mr. Fosket, the donor, expressly ordered, that his donation be applied to the education of poor pious youth, of Calvinistic principles, of every denomination of Protestants. 1755.] SYNOD OF NEW YORK. 267 The Synod do appoint the Rev. Messrs. Gilbert Tennent, Samuel Finly, Grreen, Spencer, and Davies, to draw up a plan for the application of the money contributed in Great Britain for the use of the Indians, and lay the same before the Synod, before the end of their present session. The same committee ap- pointed to draw up certificates for those ministers who are appointed to go to the southward. The Synod appoint the Presbytery of New York to draw up a certificate for Mr. Clark, being a candidate belonging unto them. The committee appointed to draw up the judgment of the Synod on the afiair of New York, presented what they had written, which, with some amendments, was approved, and is as follows, viz. The Synod having heard and maturely considered the sundry complaints and requests of both parties from the Presbyterian congregation in New York, come to the following conclusions thereon : That though the Synod upon former inquiry did find that the trustees have faithfully discharged their trust, and are still of the same judgment, yet as there has been a mutual agreement between the trustees and those dissatisfied with that constitution, that as soon as the debts of the church are paid, they should no longer be elected in their present form ; the Synod approve of said agree- ment, and judge, that if the congregation think it expedient to have a commit- tee for the management of their temporal concerns, the said committee shall be chosen after that time, by the ministers, elders, and deacons, with the consent of the congregation, and accountable to them for their conduct. And in order the more speedily to discharge the said debts, the Synod recommend it to the congregation to pay punctually, and as soon as possible, the pew rents that may be due. And that the affairs of the congregation may be carried on with greater regularity, the Synod also recommend it to them to choose a greater number of elders and deacons as soon as they conveniently can. That as there is a number of the congregation much dissatisfied with the con- stant use of Dr. Watts's version of the Psalms, and earnestly desirous that the Scotch version should be used, and as mutual forbearance and condescension in such cases, is a duty which Christians owe to one another, and is necessary to preserve the peace of society, the Synod determine that the Scotch version be used equally with the other in the stated public worship on the Lord's days. That previously to the administration of baptism, the minister shall inquire into the parents' knowledge of the great and fundamental doctrines of the gos- pel, and the regularity of their life ; and being satisfied so as to admit them, shall in public point out the special duties of the parents, and particularly, that they teach their children the doctrines and precepts of Christianity, contained in the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments, and comprised in the West- minster Confession of Faith and Catechisms : which therefore he shall recom- mend unto them. That whereas complaint has been made of a number assuming the name of the Scotch Presbyterian Society, it shall be deemed irregular and censurable for any part of the congregation to form a party, and consider themselves as a society distinct from the rest of the congregation. That as to the removal of Mr. Bostwick, the congregation of Jamaica not being prepared to make a representation on this head, the Synod apjjoints the following members, viz. Messrs. Gilbert Tennent, Prime, AVilliam Tennent, Burr, Treat, Davenport, John Smith of Rye, 3IcCrea, Beatty, Hunter, Allen, Read, Buel, Sacket, Brown, Lewis, and Rodgers, to be their committee, to meet at Jamaica, on the 29th of this instant October, to determine that affair, and any other matters relative to it, that may come before them. Adjourned till nine of the clock to-morrow morning. Concluded with prayer. 268 MINUTES OF THE [1755. AitJi day, at nine of the clock, A. M. Post preces sederunt qui supra. Except Messrs. Lewis, Campbell, and Hogge, who have obtained leave to go lionie. The Synod recommend it to all the members, excepting such who live ?o near the place of meeting that they can go to their congregations after twelve of the clock on Saturday, and return again by ten of the clock on Monday, that they do not make any appointments to preach on the Lord's day following the Synod, or so pre-engage themselves as to be obliged to return before the conclusion of the Synod, in any time coming. A letter from the Synod of Philadelphia, concerning an union with this Synod, was read, [See page 218,] and after much debate and consultation had upon it, it was referred to a committee to draw up an answer against next iMon- day morning, at ten of the clock, and that those members that remain in town this afternoon be a committee for that purpose. Adjourned till Monday morning, at ten of the clock. Concluded with prayer. October 6, ten of the clock, A. M. Post preces sederunt qui supra. In order to supply the congregations of those ministers, who are to go to the southward, the Synod appoint the Presbyteries of New Brunswick and Abington to supply within the bounds of New York Presbytery each four Sabbaths. And that the Presbytery of Suffolk supply either New York or Jamaica, as need shall be, each member two Sabbaths. As the present critical and alarming situation of the country, requires par- ticular applications to heaven, the Synod recommend it to all the Presbyteries to appoint a day, when they think proper, to be religiously observed, either in thanksgiving or humiliation, as the posture of affairs may then require. Mr. Charles Tennent is appointed to preach in Philadelphia the first Sabbath in November, in the room of Mr. Grilbert Tennent, who is to be from home on the appointment to Jamaica. The committee appointed to draw up an answer to the minute of Philadelphia Synod, make report, that they have not been able yet to complete it, but expect to be ready against the next sederunt. Adjourned till three of the clock, P. M. Concluded with prayer. Three of the clocJc, P. M. Post preces sederunt qui supra. The committee brought in their answer to the Synod of Philadelphia, which was carefully examined, but there not being time to finish it, the further con- sideration of it is referred till to-morrow. The following ministers, viz : Messrs. Burr, Charles Tennent, Rogers, Robert Smith, Davies, Azariah llorton, Davenport, Hunter, McKnight, and Kennedy, brought collections into the Synod, in all amounting to five pounds four shil- lings provincial, and it is committed to Mr. Treat their treasurer. Adjourned till nine of the clock, to-morrow morning. Concluded with prayer. 7 th day, at nine of the clock, A. M. Post preces sederunt qui siqva. (Except Messrs. Roan, Smith, and James Finly, and Charles Vance, who had leave to go away.) The answer to the Synod of Philadelphia was again taken under consideration, together with a plan of proposals for an union, and Messrs. Samuel Finlj- and Blair are appointed to finish the plan and bring it in at the next sederunt. Adjourned till three of the clock, P. M. Concluded with prayer. 1756.] SYNOD OF NEW YORK. 269 Eodem Die, three of the clocl; P. 31. Post preces sederunt qui supra. Messrs. Finly and Blair brought in their answer to the Synod of Philadelphia, and a plan of union, which was read and approved, and is as follows : [This plan of union being already inserted, pages 221, 222, it is not necessary to repeat it here.] The Synod appoint their clerk to transcribe the above answer and plan, and send it in to the Synod of Philadelphia at their next meeting. The committee appointed to draw up a plan for the application of the money generously given for the propagation of the gospel among the Indians, report that the donor of the before-mentioned money, directs it to be put into the hands of the trustees of the college of New Jersey and their successors in trust, for the uses and purposes hereafter mentioned, viz : " Either towards the sup- port of a pious and well qualified missionary in preaching the gospel among the Indians in North America, or the supporting of a pious and well qualified schoolmaster in teaching the Indians the English language, and the principles of natural and revealed religion ; or for maintaining a pious and well qualified Indian youth at the college of New Jersey, while prosecuting his studies there, in order to his instructing his countrymen in the English language and the Christian religion, or preaching the gospel to them ; or for maintaining a pious and well qualified youth of English or Scotch extract, at that college, during his preparatory studies for teaching or preaching the gospel among the In- dians, in case an Indian youth of suitable qualifications, cannot at some par- ticular time be obtained. With this express limitation, namely, that the Synod of New York, (or by whatever name that body shall, in time coming, be called,) shall direct and determine, to which of the uses before mentioned, the yearly interest of the aforesaid principal sum, shall be from time to time ap- plied ; and which of the candidates for that particular use shall be preferred ; and how the overplus above what may reasonably answer the particular use at any time pitched on, (if any such overplus be,) shall be employed in providing Bibles or other good books, conducive to promote the general design." The Synod agree to follow the directions of the generous donor, and to apply the donation for the purpose intended as soon as possible. It being proposed to form a fund for the use of ministers' widows and orphans, the Synod appoint Messrs. Gilbert Tennent, and Burr, to procure plans against the next Synod ; and they recommend it to their members to use proper means in the interim, to make ministers and people, sensible of its ne- cessity and importance ; and that they come prepared to contribute to it at the next meeting. Adjourned to the day after the next commencement at Newark. Concluded with prayer. 1756. The Synod met according to adjournment. Neicark, Si'ptemhcr 30, 1756. Uhi post p>reces sederunt Ministers of Suffolk Presbytery : Messrs. Ebenezer Prime, Samuel Bewel, James Brown, Samuel Sacket, Eliphalet Ball. Ministers of New York Presbytery : Messrs. John Pierson, Aaron Burr, Simon Horton, Azariah Horton, John Brainerd, Timothy Allen, John Smith, Jacob Green, David Bostwick, Elihu Spencer, Timothy Jones, Daniel Thane, Aaron Richards, Nathaniel Whitaker. Ministers of New Brunswick Presbytery : Messrs. William Tennent, James Davenport, James McCrea, Charles McKnight, Thomas Lewis, Samuel Ken- nedy, Benjamin Hait. 270 MINUTES OF THE [175G. IMinisters of Abington Presbytery : Messrs. Richard Treat, Andrew Hunter, Charles Bcatty, Daniel Lawrence, Henry Marten. IMinisters of New Castle Presbytery : Messrs. Samuel Finly, John Blair, John llodgers. Ministers of Hanover Presbytery : Messrs. John Todd, John Wright. Elders : Gideon Hedges, Elnathan Cory, Joseph Ogden, Joseph Prudden, Timothy Whitehead, Isaac Praul, Robert Cummins, Gilbert Hendrickson, Samuel Brown, Abraham Larieu, Philip Wynkoop, Robert Givings, Ezra Carey. Ministers absent, of Suffolk Presbytery : Messrs. Silvanus White, Benjamin Talmage, yVbner Reeves. Of New York Presbytery : Messrs. Enos Ayres, Chancy Graham, John Moflfett, Jonathan Elmore, Hugh Knox, John Maltby, Caleb Smith, Alexander Cummins. Of New Brunswick Presbytery : Messrs. Israel Read, Samuel Harker, Job Prudden, Conradus Worts. Of Abington Presbytery : Messrs. Gilbert Tennent, Benjamin Chesnutt, Nehemiah Greenman. Of New Castle Presbytery : Messrs Charles Tennent, James Campbell, John Roan, Andrew Bay, John Hogg, Robert Smith, Andrew Sterling, James Finley, Evander Morrison, jMoses Tuttle, Hugh Henry, John Harris. Of Hanover Presbytery : Messrs. Samuel Davies, Alexander Craighead, Robert Henry, John Brown. The Synod was opened by a sermon preached by Mr. Burr, the last year's moderator, on Isaiah xxi. 11, 12. Mr. William Tennent was chosen moderator for the year ensuing, Mr. Treat clerk. Mr. Light, an approved minister of the Dutch Church, being present, is de- sired to sit with this Synod as correspondent. Adjourned to half an hour after two of the clock, P. M. Concluded with prayer. Half an hour after two of the clock, P. M. Post preces sederunt qui supra. The reasons offered for the absence of Messrs. John Todd, John Smith, Hugh Knox, Daniel Thane, and John Maltby, the last Synod, are sustained. Messrs. John Pierson, Elihu Spencer, David Bostwick, Gilbert Tennent, Charles Tennent, Richard Treat, James Davenport, John Rodgers, Aaron Burr, Ebenczer Prime, James Brown, Azariah llorton, Samuel Finley, and the moderator, are appointed to be a commission of the Synod for the year ensuing. The Presbytery books of New York, Abington, and New Brunswick, are brought according to appointment. The other Presbytery books ar6 ordered to be brought next Synod. Mr. Bewel and Mr. Rogers are appointed to revise Abington Presbytery book : Mr. Blair and Mr. Beatty to revise New Brunswick Presbytery book ; and Mr. Tennent and jMr Finly the I'resbytery book of New York. Messrs. Prime, Azariah Horton, Davenport, Jones, Brainerd, Allen, John Smith, and the moderator, are appointed to be a committee of overtures and any other business the Synod shall recommend unto them. Upon inquiry it was found that none of the Presbyteries did fully comply with the order of the last Synod respecting collections for the college ; yet, inasmuch as some particular members have done it, the Synod order them to 1756.] SYNOD OF NEW YORK. 271 pay the same into the hands of Mr. Brainerd, and that he give an account thereof to the Synod, before the conclusion of this meeting. And the Synod do recommend it to their members that have not as yet complied with the said order, to do all they reasonably can before their next meeting. The difficulties and dangers of the times render it in a great degi-ee im- practicable for Messrs. Spencer and Brainerd to answer the end of their ap- pointment to the southward, and for that reason said appointments were not fulfilled. There were the like reasons for Mr. Clark's not fulfilling his appointment to the southren provinces. There having been reposed a certain sum of money in the hands of the trus- tees of New Jersey College, for the uses expressed in the minutes of last year, the Synod doth appoint Mr. Allen to attend upon the President, and receive proper receipts and certificates for said money, to be brought into the Synod at their next meeting. And whereas the Synod appointed such scholars as expect any part of the fund designed for the education of pious youth, to be examined by the Synod at their annual meeting, the Synod finding they are unable, through a multipli- city of business, and by reason of the absence of some that design to oSer themselves, to have their examination before their own body at this meeting, do appoint Messrs. Burr, William Tennent, Brainerd, Davenport, Treat, McKnight, Cummins, ajad Halt, to be a committee to meet at Princeton, the twenty-third day of November nest, to examine such candidates as oflPer, and determine what proportion of said money each shall have the ensuing year. The committee appointed to meet at Jamaica on the afi"air of Mr. Bostwick's removal, laid the minutes of their proceedings before the Synod, which were approved, and are as follows : " At a meeting of the committee of the Synod of New York, at Jamaica, October 29, 1755, according to appointment. Present, Messrs. President Burr, Samuel Sacket, Samuel Bewel, Israel Read, James Brown, Timothy Allen. *' Post preces sederunt qui supra. " The committee was opened by a sermon preached by Mr. Bewel, from Job xiv. 8. *' Mr. Burr chosen moderator, Mr. Allen clerk. "The afiair of Mr. Bostwick's removal came under consideration. The com- mittee having heard all the several parties concerned in that affair, had to ofi"er on that head, after much deliberation adjourned the further consideration of it till to-morrow, half an hour past eight in the morning, to which time the com- mittee is adjourned. Concluded with prayer. " 30/A day, the Committee met according to adjournment. Uhi post preces sederunt " The committee proceeded to a long deliberation on the afiair of Mr. Bost- wick's removal. " Eodem Die, seven of the clock, P. M. " Messrs. Gilbert Tennent, William Tennent, James McCrea, Charles Beatty, Andrew Hunter, and John Rogers, came, being prevented attending the prece- ding sederunts by the tempestuousness of the weather. " The afiair of Mr. Bostwick's removal from Jamaica to New York reconsid- 272 MINUTES OF THE [1750. ered ; and after mucli consultation, concluded to defer the furtlier consideration of it till to-morrow morning, at eight of the clock ; to which time the committee is adjourned. Concluded with prayer. " Blst Jai/, the Committee met according to adjournment. Uhi post preces sederunt. " The affair of Mr. Bostwick's removal, &c. reassumed. " The committee not having sufficient light to come to a full determination of that affair at this time, conclude that it be referred to the standing commission of the Synod of New York, to be convened by the moderator, at Princeton, on the second Wednesday of April next, at eleven of the clock, A. M. ; and that Mr. Bostwick be appointed to supply at Ncav York, the whole months of De- cember and January, and the two first Sabbaths of February next ; and that the Presbytery of New York provide a constant supply for Jamaica, during Mr. Bostwick's absence. And this committee recommends it to the people of Ja- maica, to make the necessary winter provisions for 3Ir. Bostwick's family as usual. Concluded with prayer." The commission of the Synod made report to the Synod, that they met on the affair of Mr. ]3ostwick's removal, referred unto them by the committee. The minutes of their proceedings are as follows : "The commission of the Synod of New York regularly called, met at " Frincetown, April 14, 175G. " Present : Messrs. the moderator, Aaron Burr, John Pierson, William Ten- nent, Pvichard Treat, James Davenport, John Rogers, Azariah Horton. " Absent : Messrs. Elihu Spencer, David Bostwick, Gilbert Tennent, Charles Tennent, Ebenezer Prime, James Brown, Samuel Finly. '•Correspondents: Messrs. Timothy Jones, Timothy Allen, Charles Mc- Knight, John Brainerd, Charles Beatty, Daniel Lawrence, Caleb Smith. " J^od preces sederunt. " jMr. Caleb Smith was chosen clerk. " The commission was opened by a sermon preached by the moderator from John xviii. 36. "The Rev. Mr. Johannes Light, a minister of the Reformed Dutch Church, was desired to sit as correspondent. " The affair of Mr. Bostwick's removal from Jamaica to New York, was brought before the commission by a letter from the elders and deacons of the Presbyterian congregation in New York, representing their continued unan- imity for Mr. ]Jostwick, and that the reasons for his removal to them are very much strengthened and increased by his labours among them the last winter, which appeared more fully by their commissioners, who were sent for that purpose. The moderator also reported to the commission, tiiat he had acci- dentally left at home a letter he had received from Mr. Bustwic-k, representing his low state of healtli, and fear that he could not attend tlie commission, and in case he did not, that he would acquiesce in their judgment about his removal to New York. " The commission having read the papers containing a representation of the state of the Presbj-terian congregation at Jamaica, and tlieir reasons against Mr. Bostwick's removal ; after much deliberate consideration of the inipDi-t- ant affair, and earnest prayer to God for direction in it, adjourned the further consideration of it till to-morrow morning, at eight of the clock. Concluded with prayer. 1756.] SYNOD OF NEW YORK. 273 " Ibth day, at eight of the clock, A. 31., the commission met. Post preces sederunt qui supra. "The Rev. Mr. David Cowell, was desired to sit as correspondent. • " The affair of Mr. Bostwick's removal reassumed. The commission having weighed the reasons for and against it with deep concern and great delibera- tion, considering the peculiar circumstances and great importance of New Y^ork congregation, how long they have been destitute ; how many fruitless attempts have been made to resettle the gospel among them ; the little hopes of their being so well united in any other person ; and especially the desirable prospect that appears of Mr. Bostwick's great usefulness in that place j cannot but judge it to be his duty to remove; and his pastoral relation to the church and congregation at Jamaica is dissolved for that purpose. But as the commission have a tender concern for the congregation of Jamaica, a great sense of their importance, and how their case calls for special regard, they desire the modera- tor, in his journey to Boston, to look out for a candidate to be sent among them, and appoint the said moderator to supply them one Sabbath on his return ; and Messrs. Simon Horton, Ebenezer Prime, and Benjamin Talmage, are appointed to supply at Jamaica the three Sabbaths immediately succeeding Mr. Bostwick's departure, of which Mr. Bostwick is appointed to give them notice. And the Pesbyteries of New Y'^ork and Suffolk are ordered to take special care that they be constantly supplied till nest Synod. The commission also considering, that the congregation of Jamaica will necessarily be put to charge in obtaining a resettlement of the gospel ministry, do earnestly recommend it to the Presby- terian church in New York, to exercise a Christian generosity toward the peo- ple of Jamaica, that they may be better enabled to settle another minister. " Mr. Beatty representing to the commission, that a motion had been lately made to him by the government of Pennsylvania, to go out as chaplain with their forces upon the frontiers, desired that some provision might be made for the supply of his pulpit. The commission accordingly appointed Abington Presbytery to supply four Sabbaths ; the Presbytery of New Y^ork three Sab- baths; the Presbytery of New Brunswick four Sabbaths; and the Presbytery of New Castle five Sabbaths. Concluded with prayer." The appointment of last Synod, for a day to be religiously observed as a day of fasting or thanksgiving, was complied with. A letter from the Synod of Philadelphia, in answer to one sent them from this Synod the last year, was read ; the further consideration of it was deferred to the next sederunt. [See page 222.] Upon application made to this Synod, they agreed to allow the interest of the money under their direction for the progagation of the gospel among the Indians, unto Mr. Brainerd, a missionary to the Indians, in order to assist him in labouring among them for this year. The order of the last Synod respecting a fund for ministers' widows and or- phans, came under consideration, but seeing no plans for that purpose have yet been obtained, the Synod do defer any further proceedings in that affair till the next meeting. Ordered, That the committee of overtures meet to-morrow morning at eight of the clock. Adjourned to nine of the clock, to-morrow morning. Concluded with prayer. October \st, at nine of the clock, A. 31. Post preces sederunt qui supra. The New York Presbytery book was revised and approved. The consideration of the letter from the Synod of Philadelphia deferred till the next sederunt. 35 274 MINUTES OF THE [1756. Mr. Caleb Smith is come to the Synod, whose absence yesterday was occa- sioned by sickness. A paper was brought into the Synod from several persons belonging to the Presbyterian congregation of New York, setting forth some grievances they suppose themselves to labour under, &c. The Synod having heard said paper read, and what their commissioner offered to them, do refer it to Messrs. John Blair, Samuel Finly, Timothy Allen, and Caleb Smith, to draw up the judtr- ment of the Synod thereupon, and bring it in as soon as they can. Adjourned to three of the clock, P. M. Concluded with prayer. Three of the clock, P. M. Post preces sederunt qui supra. The Presbytery book of Abington was revised and approved. An affiiir was brought into the Synod by way of reference from the Presby- tery of New Brunswick, in relation to Mr. McCrea's accepting the call from the congregation of Bedminster and parts adjacent, with whom he has laboured for several years past, but last fall, liberated from them by his Presbytery, by reason of some dissatisfactions in the congregation : the Synod, after having read divers papers and heard what all concerned had to offer on the head, came to the following conclusion, that is to say, that inasmuch as by far the greatest part of the congregation are united in their desires for his settlement with them, and it is likely to be for the hurt of the congregation, as well as of jMr. IMcCrea and his family, if he should remove from them ; the Synod judge that Mr. McCrea have liberty to accept of the call of said people if he see fit. But in case Mr. McCrea shall accept the call of said people, the Synod see no reason for the minor part of said congregation to be set off from the congregation and have sup- plies for themselves, or be refunded any part of the money they have expended in building their meeting-house, as they in their paper proposed to the Synod. Several supplications for supplies from vacancies in North and South Caro- lina, and Bladensburg in Maryland, were read, the consideration of which was referred to the next sederunt. The Synod agree that an address be prepared and presented to Lord Lowden, commander in chief of all his majesty's forces in North America, and they do appoint Messrs. Aaron Burr, Elihu Spencer, David Bostwick, and Caleb Smith, or some one of them, to prepare and present it in the name of this Synod on the first proper opportunity. The Synod agreed to desire Mr. Burr to favour them with a copy of his ser- mon preached before them at the opening of their session, in order to have it printed, they apprehending the publication of said sermon may be of good ser- vice at this season. The committee appointed to draw up the judgment of the Synod on the affair of New York, brought in the same, which after much consideration and some amendments, was unanimously approved and is as follows : A paper was presented to the Synod signed by several members of the Pres- byterian congregation of New York, which the Synod observe contains insult- ing and even threatening expressions, and insinuations of partiality and dis- honesty, together with several demands proposed in a very disrespectful man- ner, and with an air of contempt. As this conduct in professors of religion to- wards a judicature of Jesus Christ is insufferably arrogant, presumptuous, and of evil tendency, and contrary to the commands of our Lord, who luis ordered us to suffer no man to despise us acting properly in our own office, we judge it highly censurable. And though we might justly refuse to take any further notice of what is offered in said paper, yet as we would condescend to the weakness, and as far as can consist with duty, bear with the imperfections of those who are under our care, for the sake of their edification, we therefore inform them 1756.] SYNOD OF NEW YORK. 275 that by adopting the Westminster Confession, we only intend receiving it as a test of orthodoxy in this church ; and it is the order of this Synod, that all who are licensed to preach the gospel, or become members of any Presbytery in our bounds, shall receive the same as the confession of their faith, according to our constituting act, which we see no reason to repeal. That as to the singing of Dr. Watts's version of the Psalms, though the conduct of the congregation in their adhering to them, contrary to Synodical appointment, without waiting for an opportunity to obtain a repeal of said ap- pointment, was not regular; yet as the said Psalms are orthodox, and no par- ticular version is of Divine authority, and that the using them is earnestly de- sired by a great majority of said congregation, contrary to the view we had of the case the last year, the Synod, for the sake of their peace, do permit the use of said version unto them : and determine that this judgment shall be finally decisive as to this aflair. That they, who obstinately refuse to pay their pew rents, are to be esteemed as not walking orderly, and do in fact forfeit their pews, nor is it an injury done them by the congregation, if they are deprived of them. As to reading in the desk, the Synod consider it as a mere indifferency in itself; and as the congregation has long used this practice, which is not con- trary to any Divine rule, or constitution of this church, there appears no neces- sity of altering it by authority. The other particulars proposed in said paper, being already determined by the Synod in former sessions, we adhere to those determinations. Adjourned to eight of the clock to-morrow morning. Concluded with prayer. 2d dai/, at eiyht of the clock, A. M. Post j^reces sederunt qui supra. Abington Presbytery book was revised, and is approved. The letter from the Philadelphia Synod came under consideration, with respect to which the Synod came to the following agreement, viz. That notwithstanding the Synod of Philadelphia have not given a satisfac- tory answer to the particulars contained in our letter, which were judged ne- cessary to be settled previous to an union ; the Synod, from an earnest desire of an hearty and lasting union, do comply with their proposal of a mutual con- ference, and accordingly appoint Messrs. Gilbert Tennent, William Tennent, Aaron Burr, James Davenport, Richard Treat, Samuel Finly, John Blair, Caleb Smith, Ebenezer Prime, James Brown, to be a committee to meet with the commission of the Synod of Philadelphia, at Trenton, the second Wednes- day in May next, to fix upon a proper plan of union, to be laid before each Synod at their next meeting. Application was made to the Synod by Mr. Beatty, desiring to know their mind with respect to his going chaplain to the forces that may be raised in the province of Pennsylvania, if he shall, by the government, be called to that ser- vice. The Synod do judge it to be his duty, and in that case do appoint their several Presbyteries to provide supplies for Mr. Beatty's congregation, three Sabbaths in four he shall be absent from them ; particularly the Presbytery of Abington, three Sabbaths; the Presbytery of New Brunswick, three Sabbaths; the Presbytery of New York, three Sabbaths ; and the Presbytery of New Castle, three Sabbaths'; and in case these shall not suffice, the said Presbyteries shall provide further supplies in like proportion until his return. The Synod considering what asssitance can be afi'orded by way of supply to the several vacancies to the southward that have applied to them, do appoint Mr. Duffield and Mr. Ramsey to go this fall as soon as they can; and likewise Mr. Brainerd and Mr. Rodgers before winter ; Mr. Hait and Mr. Whitaker in the spring, and to spend each four months in their journey, and supply all those destitute congregations as much as they can. 276 MINUTES OF THE [1756. Ordered, That certificates be given to Mr. Brainerd and Mr. Kogers by the Synod. Ordered, That Mr. Samuel Finly do sign proper certificates for Messrs. Whitaker, Hait, Dulfield, and Ram.sey, in the name of the Synod. The Synod does appoint Mr. Blair to supply Mr. Ramsey's pulpit three Sab- baths in his absence. Mr. Brainerd reported that he had received of collections for New Jersey College : Of Mr. Rogers, £8 lis. 6d. ; Mr. Lawrence, £5 ; Mr. Hunter, £4 19s. Qd. £18 lis. Provincial currency. Which Mr. Brainerd is ordered to pay to the college treasurer. The Synod, under a sense of the present distressed and calamitous state of the country, do agree that they will recommend to all their congregations to unite in observing the last Thursday of October instant, as a day of public humiliation, fasting, and prayer. The Synod propose further to recommend to their congregations to spend part of the last Thursday of every month in extraordinary prayer, while the present mournful state of our public affairs continues. And they do further most earnestly recommend it to all their members, pre- sent and absent, to exert themselves in an extraordinary manner, in their several spheres of influence, for a general and thorough reformation of those crying abominations which seem most evidently to have kindled the anger of Leaven against this land. And that they would, in their public performances, frequently explain, and warmly press on their hearers the necessity of such a reformation in this day. The Synod taking into serious consideration the dangerous situation of the public at this juncture, by means of a potent, prevailing, and cruel enemy ; the divided state of these colonies; the abounding of profanity, luxury, infi- delity, error, and ignorance ; the evident suspension of spiritual influences from the Church, which is followed with an evident insensibility under the judgments as well as ordinances of God ; together with other awful aspects of Divine Providence ; cannot but view them as plain demonstrations of his dis- pleasure. We have been warned and chastised, first more gently, then more terribly; but not returning to him that smites us, his anger is not turned away, but his hand is stretched out still. Judgment yet proceeds, the prospect be- comes darker and darker, and all things respecting us are loudly alarming. When God judges he will overcome ; none have ever hardened themselves against him and prospered. Nothing but impiety rouses his vengeance, and nothing but repentance towards him, and faith towards our Lord Jesus Christ, can turn it away. We have not so much as the least reason to expect deliver- ance and safety in a way of impenitent sinning; for we are assured, if we walk contrary to our God, he will walk contrary to us, and will punish us yet seven times more for our iniquity. And as we judge that extraordinary dis- tresses are calls to extraordinary humiliation and acts of devotion, so we look on ourselves bound, not only as members of the community, but by the duty of our office, as those who are entrusted with the declaration of God's re- vealed will, to warn all who will attend unto us, and earnestly exhort them to prostrate themselves before his offended majesty, in the humblest manner; to deprecate his righteous displeasure; implore his mercy for themselves, their children, country, and nation, their and our rightful and gracious sovereign King George the second, his royal family, all officers civil and military, and the whole Church of God ; and solemnly endeavour sincere and thorough re- formation. For this purpose the Synod agree to recommend the last Thurs- day of this instant, to be observed as a day of public fasting and prayer, in all the congregations under our care. We also recommend to all the members of 1757.] SYNOD or NEW YORK. 277 our body, that they exert themselves in promoting a reformation from those evils which have evidently kindled the anger of heaven against this land ; and that they would frequently urge the necessity of such a reformation in this day. Signed in the name of the Synod, Richard Treat, Synod clerk. The Synod order their clerk to transcribe out of the Synod book such of their minutes as relate to the Presbyterian congregation in New Y'ork, and send them to Mr. Burr as soon as may be, in order to be transmitted to Scot- land if need shall require. Adjourned to the third Wednesday of May next, and then to meet at New York ; when, for many reasons, the Synod desires that their meeting may be as full as possible ; and should the small-pox be in New York at that time, the moderator is empowered to appoint it at any other place he shall judge proper, giving due notice. Concluded with prayer. 1757. The Synod met at Maidenhead, according to appointment. 3Iai/ ISth, 1757. V hi post preces sederunt Minister of Suffolk Presbytery : Mr. Ebenezer Prime. Ministers of New York Presbytery : Messrs. Aaron Burr, David Bostwick, Azariah Morton, Nathaniel Whitaker, Timothy Jones. Ministers of New Brunswick Presbytery : Messrs. William Tennent, Thomas Lewis, James McCrea, Charles McKnight, Samuel Kennedy, Israel Read, bamuel Marker, Benjamin Halt. Ministers of Abington Presbytery : Messrs. Richard Treat, Charles Beatty, Benjamin Chesnut, Henry Marten, Daniel Lawrence, Andrew Hunter, Wil- liam Ramsey. Ministers of New Castle Presbytery : Messrs. John Rodgers, Robert Smith, Hugh Henry, James Finley, Samuel Finley, George Duffield. Elders: Jacob Ford, David Harriot, William Lynn, Stephen Pangburn, Abraham Larew, Robert Armer, John Charlesworth, Robert Evans, Joseph Peck, James Evans. Ministers absent, SuflPolk Presbytery: Messrs. Samuel Bewel, James Brown, Samuel Sacket, Eliphalet Ball, Silvanus White, Benjamin Talmage, Abner Reeves. ° New York Presbytery : Messrs. John Pierson, Simon Horton, John Brainerd, Timothy Allen, John Smith, Jacob Green, Elihu Spencer, Daniel Thane, Aaron Richards, Enos Ayres, Chancey Graham, John Moffett, Jonathan Elmore, Hugh Knox, John Maltby, Caleb Smith, Alexander Cumming. New Brunswick Presbytery : Messrs. James Davenport, Job Prudden, Conradus Worts. Abington Presbytery : Messrs. Gilbert Tennent, Nehemiah Greenman. New Castle Presbytery : Meesrs. John Blair, Charles Tennent, James Camp- bell, John Roan, Andrew Bay, John Hogg, Andrew Stirling, Moses Tuttle, John Harris, Hugh McAdams. Hanover Presbytery : Messrs. Samuel Davies, Alexander Craighead, Robert Henry, John Brown, John Todd, John Wright. Ministers in all, present and absent, seventy-three. Mr. Bostwick was chosen moderator for the year ensuing, Mr. Treat clerk. The small-pox being in New l^ork, the appointed place of this present 278 MINUTES OF THE [1757. meeting, the moderator appointed the Synod to meet in this place pursuant to the powers committed to him by the last Synod. Messrs. Read, Harker, Chesnut, Robert Smith, James Finley, and Hugh Henry, gave the reasons of their absence the last Synod, which were sus- tained. Messrs. John Pierson, Aaron Burr, Elihu Spencer, Ebenezer Prime, James Brown, William Tennent, James Davenport, Gilbert Tenneut, Richard Treat, Charles Tennent, Samuel Finley, John Rodgers, and the moderator, are appointed to be the commission of the Synod for the year ensuing. There being only one Presbytery book brought, the Synod made no ap- pointment for the revising the same, but order that all of them be brought the next meeting. Messrs. Beatty, Rogers, James Finly, and the moderator, are appointed to be a committee of overtures, and for any other business the Synod shall recom- mend unto them. Such members as have complied with the Synod's order for getting collec- tions for the college, are ordered to pay the same to the president. The order of the last Synod respecting the getting of proper receipts or cer- tificates from the president of New Jersey college, for money deposited in the treasury of said college under the direction of this Synod, not being fulfilled, the Synod appoint Mr. William Tennent to do the same and have it ready against the next meeting. The committee appointed to meet for the examination of such candidates as should ofi'er themselves, to share in such money as the Synod hath to dispose of for the education of sound, pious, and promising students, at the college of New Jersey, do make report, that they met, and having laid before the Synod the minutes of their proceedings, they are approved and ordered to be recorded as follows : ^'Princeton, Novemher 23, 175G. " The committee of the Synod of New York met, according to appointment, and opened by prayer. " Present : Messrs. President Burr, William Tennent, Richard Treat, James Davenport, Charles McKnight, Benjamin Halt. " Mr. Tennent moderator, Mr. Treat clerk. " The committee proceeded to the business assigned them by the Synod. ''John Strain and John Carmikle offered themselves for examination as can- didates to receive assistance from the fund designed for the support of such pious youths as are of Calvinistic principles, and are unable to support them- selves, at the college of New Jersey. The committee, upon particular exami- nation, concluded they were persons of such character as were to be encouraged and assisted, and therefore agreed to allow unto John Strain the sum of twenty- four pounds, to John Carmikle the sum of twelve pounds, for this year. Con- cluded with prayer." The Synod do appoint the aforesaid committee to stand for this year also, and to meet at Princeton the last Wednesday of July next for the same purpose. The Synod do agree to allow Mr. Brainerd, a missionary to the Indians, the interest of the money under their direction for the propagation of the gospel among the Indians for the next year, in case the correspondents shall continue him in the mission. The aff'air of getting a fund for the support of ministers' widows and orphans, referred to this Synod, came under consideration, but for want of proper plans they could not proceed in it, and do appoint Messrs. Bostwick, Green, Jones, 1757.] SYNOD OF NEW YORK. 279 Spencer, and Caleb Smith, to prepare a plan to be laid before the next Synod. The order of the last Synod, for an address to be presented to Lord Lowden, for want of a proper opportunity, was not complied with. The appointments to the southward for supplies were not fulfilled, a d upon proper inquiry the reasons offered for the omission were sustained. And in order to supply said southward vacancies, the Synod does appoint Mr. Halt to take a journey thither as soon as his affairs will permit, and spend four months among them. The Synod does also recommend it to the Presbytery of New Castle to send another. The Synod also appoints the Presbytery of Hanover to spend one with Mr. Hait when he shall come to them. They do also appoint Mr. Samuel Finly to give them certificates in the name of the Synod. The committee of overtures appointed to meet at nine of the clock, to-morrow morning. The Synod adjourned to half an hour after nine. Concluded with prayer. 19th dai/, half after nine of the clock, A. M. Post preces sederunt qui supra. The committee appointed to meet with the commission of the Synod of Philadelphia to confer about the union, do make report, that they met accord- ing to appointment ; that they found the commissioners of the Philadelphia Synod well disposed towards an union ; that they declared for themselves, and doubted not but their Synod would also readily declare, that they do not look upon the protest as the act of their body nor adopt it as such, and that there appeared also to be an agreement on both sides concerning the nature and right of protesting, and other things formerly proposed as necessary to an union. And it was further agreed on by the commissioners on both sides, that they would propose to their respective Synods, to have their next meeting at the same time and place, in order to unite, in case matters shall appear at that time ripe for it. The Synod taking into consideration the report of their committee, are pleased to find so desirable a prospect of an union, and do agree that their next meeting be in Philadelphia at the time of the meeting of the Synod of Phila- delphia, and propose that the commission of each Synod mert at Philadelphia on the Monday next before the said meeting, at ten of the clock, in order to prepare matters for both Synods and their happy union. And they do appoint, that this agreement and proposal be communicated to the Synod of Philadel- phia for their concurrence. The Synod does also appoint Messrs. Samuel and James Finley, John Blair, Robert Smith, and John Rodgers, to prepare a plan as the ground of the afore- said union, and bring it into the commission at their meeting. An affair was overtured to the Synod by the committee of overtures, setting forth that some members of the contrregation of Bedminster, under the minis- terial charge of Mr. McCrea, requested the Synod to re-hear their case which was determined at their last meeting, alleging in support of their request that they did not offer what they might have done at the time of trial, and especially with respect to Mr. McCrea, and which they suppose, if it had been done and considered by the Synod, might have given them another view of things, and produced a different judgment in said affair. The Synod, upon consideration of the affair, and what was at this time laid before them, do judge, that there is not sufficient reason offered them to re-hear said case, nor does the Synod suppose said people have sufiicient reason to com- plain of the former judgments of Presbytery and Synod, as injurious to them, 280 MINUTES OF THE [1758. seeing they only were in fault in not giving all the light they could when it was the proper season for it, and they were by no means on the part of the Synod prevented thereof; nevertheless, as the Synod would not improve the mistakes or omissions of any people against them, they refer said people to their own Presbytery to judge their cause, and to right them if they find them injured by any former judgment, and in particular to hear and judge of such articles as they have to exhibit against Mr. McCrea, in case he be seasonably notified of them, and to grant them supplies of preaching, if regular application be made, and the Presbytery judge it to be proper. The Synod considering the present posture of public affairs, do judge they loudly call for humiliation and prayer, and do, therefore, recommend to all their members and congregations, to keep the fourth Thursday of June next as a day of humiliation, fasting and prayer. Application having been made to the Synod, by a commissioner from the con- gregation of Newark, for some supplies in their destitute condition, the Synod does appoint Mr. Treat to supply them three Sabbaths in June, and as much more as he can. The Synod does appoint the Presbytery of New York to supply Mr. Hait's congregation five Sabbaths, in case he fulfils his appointment to the southward. Adjourned to the fourth Thursday of May next, to meet at Philadelphia at ten of the clock. Concluded with prayer. 1758. The Synod met according to appointment. Fhiladelphia, May the 2btJi, 1758. Vhi post preces sederunt Ministers : Messrs. David Bostwick, Azariah Horton, Nathaniel Whitaker, Daniel Thane, Aaron Richards, Caleb Smith, Abraham Kettletas, William Ten- nent, Thomas Lewis, Charles McKnight, Samuel Kennedy, Benjamin Hait, Gilbert Tennent, Piichard Treat, Charles Beatty, Benjamin Chesnut, Henry Marten, Daniel Lawrence, Andrew Hunter, Nehemiah Greenman, William Ramsey, -John Rodgers, Robert Smith, Samuel Fiuley, James Finley, George Duffield, .John Blair, Charles Tennent, John Roan, Moses Tuttle, John Harris, Samuel Davies. — 32. Elders : Messrs. Nathaniel Silsby, Job Brown, David Rhea, Robert Newil, William Norcross, Joshua Thomas, Jonathan Holmes, Henry Pierson, Thomas Brown, John Vandyke, Thomas Plemins, James Evans, James Cochran, Wil- liam McCrea, William Craighead, Hugh Hamilton, Brice Ricky, Francis Alex- ander.— 13. Ministers absent : Messrs. Ebenezer Prime, Samuel Bewel, James Brown, Samuel Sacket, Eliphalet Ball, Silvanus White, Benjamin Talmage, Abner Reeves, Timothy Jones, John I'ierson, Simon Horton, John Brainerd, Timothy Allen, John Smith, Jacob Green, Elihu Spencer, Enos Ayres, Chauncy Gra- ham, John Moffet, Jonathan Elmore, Hugh Knox, John Maltbie, Alexander Cummins, .Lames McCrea, Israel Road, Samuel ILarkcr, Job Prudden, Conra- dus Worts, Hugh Henry, James Campbel, Andrew Bay, John Hogg, Andrew Sterling, Hugh McAdam, Alexander Craighead, Robert Henry, James Brown, John Todd, .John Wright, John Marten.— 40 absent, 32 present, in all 72. The Synod was opened by a sermon on 2 Cor. iv. 5, by Mr. Bostwick, the •ast year's moderator. Mr. Davies was chosen moderator, Mr. Rogers clerk. Adjoui-ned to three of the clock, P. M. Concluded with prayer. 1758.] SYNOD OF NEW YORK. 281 Three of the dock, P. M. Post preces sederunt qui supra. Messrs. Samuel Kennedy and James Finley are now come, with their elders, Brice Rickey and Francis Alexander. Messrs. Thane, Caleb Smith, Richards, Gilbert Tennent, G-reenman, Blair, Charles Tennent, Roan, Tuttle, Harris, and the moderator, gave reasons for their absence the last Synod, which were sustained. Mr. Piersou sent reasons for his present absence, which are sustained. The Rev. Aaron Burr and James Davenport are removed by death since our last Synod. Mr. James Campbell is removed out of the bounds of our Synod, since the last meeting. Messrs. John Pierson, Azariah Horton, David Bostwick, Caleb Smith, Ebenezer Prime, James Brown, William Tennent, Charles McKnight, Thomas Lewis, Gilbert Tennent, Richard Treat, Charles Beatty, Charles Tennent, Samuel Finley, John Blair, John Rogers, John Todd, and the moderator, are appointed a commission of the Synod for the year ensuing. Inasmuch as the moderator lives at so great a distance, and cannot call the commission for the ensuing year, should there be need for it, Mr. Gilbert Ten- nent is appointed as moderator for this purpose. Messrs. Gilbert Tennent, William Tennent, Samuel Finly, John Blair, Richard Treat, and the moderator, are appointed a committee of overtures, to meet at eight of the clock to-morrow morning. The Presbytery books of New York, New Castle, and New Brunswick, are brought. Messrs. Caleb Smith and Horton are appointed to revise the Presbytery book of New Brunswick ; Messrs. Robert Smith and Roan to revise that of New York ; and Messrs. Bostwick and Halt that of New Castle. The order of the last Synod, respecting the money under the direction of this Synod, in the treasury of New Jersey College, not being complied with, the said order continued. The Synod does moreover appoint Messrs. Samuel Kennedy, Benjamin Halt, and Abraham Kettletas, or any two of them, to be a committee to meet with the committee of the trustees of the college, to settle the accounts of the money which is in their treasury, at the direction of this Synod, and make report thereof at our next meeting. The Synod does also appoint that the receipts for said money to be taken in their name and behalf, be given to the gentlemen above mentioned, and that the time of their meeting be at the examination at Nassau Hall, the last Wednesday of July. The committee appointed by the last Synod for the examining the subjects that offer for the donations at the direction of this Synod, make report that they met, according to appointment. The minutes of their doings are as follows : " Princetoicn, July 29, 1757. " The committee appointed by the Synod for the examination of candidates for the fund designed for the support of pious youth at the New Jersey College, met according to appointment. Present, Messrs. Aaron Burr, William Ten- nent, and Richard Treat. " The committee having received satisfaction as to the piety of Curtise and James Leslie, and the desirable prospect of their usefulness, conclude to allow, out of said fund, to Curtise, ten pounds ten shillings, and to Leslie, thir- teen pounds, which the president is ordered to pay them, and charge the same to account of said fund. 36 282 MINUTES OF THE [1758 " Mr. William Tennent is appointed to inquire whether said sums have been paid, and if not, to draw on the treasurer for them. " Ordered, That Messrs. Gilbert Tennent, William Tennent, Richard Treat, Caleb Smith, Alexander Cummins, Charles McKnight, and Benjamin Halt, be a committee for examining such youth as may offer themselves for the benefit of the above donation, and dispose the same for one year to such, and in such proportions as they shall judge best and meet, at the time of examination above mentioned." Upon application made, the Synod agree to allow Mr. William Tennent twenty pounds out of the Indian fund for payment of a schoolmaster among them, and other contingent expenses relating to the school. The committee appointed for drawing up a plan for the widows' fund, have not complied therewith ; their reasons were sustained. This affair further deferred. Mr. Halt has not complied with the appointment of our last, in going to the southward ; his reasons are sustained. The Presbytery of New Castle have not complied with the appointment in sending one of their number to the southward colonies ; their reasons are sus- tained. Adjourned to nine of the clock to-morrow morning. Concluded with prayer. 26/^ day, at nine of the dock, A. M. Post preccs sederunt qui svpra. The Brunswick Presbytery book revised, brought in, and approved. The appointment of a day of fasting and prayer by our last Synod was com- plied with. David Rhea, Mr. William Tennent's elder, has leave to go home. The committee appointed by the last Synod, for preparing a plan of union, fulfilled said appointment; which plan was brought into the commission of this Synod according to order, read, and considered. A mutual and friendly conference between the commission of both Synods was held, in which a com- mittee of both commissions was agreed upon, and aj^pointed to meet and pre- pare a plan, to be laid before both Synods, which being done, was brought into this Synod and read. While the said plan was under consideration, a message was sent from the Synod of Philadelphia, by the Ilev. Mr. McDowell, desiring the aforesaid committee might be appointed to meet again, to confer about any alterations that may be proposed by either Synod, in the plan aforesaid, which motion was readily complied with, and the Rev. Messrs. Samuel Finley, John Blair, David Bostwick, and the moderator, who were the committee of the commis- sion aforesaid, were appointed for this purpose. " Adjourned to three of the clock, P. M. Concluded with prayer. Three of the clock, P. M. Post preces sederunt qui supra. The New Castle Presbytery book revised, brought in, and approved. The New York Presbytery book revised, brought in, and approved, ex- cept a paragraph in page 149, in which the Synod has not light to determine. Application having been made to Mr. Bcatty, by Colonel Armstrong, to serve as chaplain to the first battalion <»f the Pennsylvania provincials for the ensuing campaign, he requested the advice and judgment of this Synod, with respect to his duty therein. The Synod do unanimously agree that it is hia duty to go. Mr. Caleb Smith, and his elder, had leave to go home. Adjourned till nine of the clock, to-morrow morning. Concluded with prayer. 1758.] SYNOD OF NEW YORK. 283 27/A day^ at nine of the dock, A. M. Post preces sederunt qui supra. Thomas Slemins, Mr. Robert Smith's elder, has leave to go home. As, like- wise, has William McCrea, Mr. Charles Tennent's elder. A petition was brought in, from the Society for managing the Indian Mission in Virginia, requesting that the interest of the money under the direction of this Synod, for the propagating the gospel among the Indians, may be allowed them for one year. The Synod, though sincerely disposed to do every thing in their power to favour that pious mission, yet as the interest of that money is already disposed of, they cannot comply with the aforesaid request. A supplication was brought in from Itico, Enno, and the Haw fields in North Carolina, for supplies, and for a candidate to be sent among them in order for settlement. As several of our members are to be absent from their respective congrega- tions this summer, on public aflairs, which this SjTiod approve of, the Synod took into consideration how to supply said congregations. And for supplies for Mr. Beatty's congregation, the Synod does appoint Mr. Thane the last Sab- bath in June, and the first in July ; Mr. Lawrence the second and third Sab- baths of July ; Mr. Hunter the last in July and first in August ; Mr. Rogers the third and fourth Sabbaths in August; Mr. Ramsey the second, third, and fourth Sabbaths of September; Mr. Thane the first and second Sabbaths of October ; that Mr. Marten and Mr. Chesnutt each supply two Sabbaths at the times wherein none is provided. The Synod does also appoint Mr. Greenman to supply one Sabbath for Mr. Hunter, and another for Mr. Ramsey, during their supplying for Mr. Beatty. The Synod does appoint the Presbytery of New York to supply Newark the whole of the time during Mr. Brainerd's absence from them. And in case Mr. Spencer shall go out as chaplain with the New York forces, the Synod appoints Mr. Simon Horton to supply Jamaica congregation three Sabbaths, and Mr. John Smith two Sabbaths, and that the Presbytery of Suf- folk supply seven-eighths of the remaining time of his absence. That since Mr. Caleb Smith is to be absent from his congregation three- fourths of his time for this summer, in the service of the College of New Jer- sey, the Synod does appoint the Presbytery of New Brunswick to assist to their utmost in supplying his congregation. Adjourned to ten of the clock on Monday morning. Concluded with prayer. 29?A day, at ten of the clock, A. M. Post preces sederunt qui supra. The Synod appoints the Presbytery of New Brunswick to send a candidate to Itico, Enno, and the Haw fields, if possible, before the next Synod. It is also earnestly recommended to the Presbytery of Suffolk, to send Mr. Brush to those important vacancies as soon as possible ; and Mr. Bostwick is appointed to inform them of the same. Upon application made by two members of the Society in Virginia for man- aging the Indian Mission, setting forth the desirableness and advantage of a correspondence between this Synod and said society, Mr. Gilbert Tennent is appointed on the part of this Synod, to correspond with the secretary of said society in case there shall be occasion for it. A reference was brought into the Synod from the New Brunswick Presby- tery, respecting Mr. Samuel Harker, one of their members, as having imbibed and vented certain erroneous doctrines ; the further consideration of this affair deferred till the next sederunt. Adjourned to three of the clock, P. M. Concluded with prayer. 284 MINUTES OF THE SYNOD OF NEW YORK. [1758. • Three of the clock, P. M. Post preces sederunt qui supra. The affair of Mr. Harkcr reassumed. The Synod, after serious considera- tion had, do agree that, inasmuch as Mr. Harker is absent they cannot proceed to a reguhir determination of said affair, and do therefore appoint Messrs. Gil- bert Tennent, Richard Treat, Samuel Finley, and John Blair, to deal with him as they shall have opportunity, in such manner as shall appear to them best adapted for his conviction ; and refer the further determination to the next Synod if there shall be need ] and in the mean time, the Synod does re- commend it to the Presbytery of New Brunswick to take such measures as they shall judge best to prevent the spread and hurtful influence of those errors. The Synod having seriously and maturely considered the plan of union laid before them by their commission, as before mentioned, with all the alterations and amendments proposed on either side, do unanimously approve of it, and agree to it, as a plan of union between the two Synods, and do judge it to be their duty to unite with the Synod of Philadelphia upon the same. And this Synod having a message brought them from the Synod of Philadelphia, inform- ing of their approbation of, and agreement with, the aforesaid plan, and desire of union upon the same, desiring that the time and place of meeting in one body may be agreed upon, which was done the last sederunt, viz. at four of the clock this afternoon, in this house. And the time appointed for this meeting being come, and all other business being finished, this Synod, in order to the union aforesaid, adjourned, sine die. Concluded with prayer. The preceding minutes, embracing the correspondence between the Synods of Philadelphia and New York, preparatory to their union, after a separation of so many years, will serve to show that the respective parties, while they materially differed on some points, important to the purity and unity of the Church, were agreed in their doctrinal sentiments, and in the cordial adoption of the West- minster Confession and Catechisms. When, therefore, time had allayed their excited feeling, and calm reflection led them to see their errors, and to propose measures for a re-union, it was comparatively easy to settle the preliminary terms, as no difference in doctrine intervened to defeat the arrangement. This union was happily effected in the year 1758, upon the basis which may be found on record at their first meeting as a united body. The style of the body from that period until the organization of the General Assembly, was *' The Synod of New York and Philadelphia," the minutes of which here follow. PART FOURTH. MINUTES OF THE SYNOD OF NEW YORK AND PHILADELPHIA, FROM A. D. 1758 TO 1788. 1758. PhiladeliMa, May 22d, 1758. The commissions of the Synods of Philadelphia and New York met, accord- ing to an agreement of both Synods the year before, and prepared a plan of union to be offered to the consideration of each Synod, which was done on Thursday following, May 25th. After the plan had been considered and approved in both Synods severally, each Synod notified this to the other, upon which. May 29, P. M. they met together, and chose Mr. Gilbert Tennent moderator, Mr. McDowell clerk. The Synod was then constituted with prayer. Ministers present : Messrs. Gilbert Tennent, moderator, David Bostwick, Abraham Kettletas, Aaron Richards, Nathaniel Whitaker, Azariah Horton, "William Tennent, Samuel Kennedy, Thomas Lewis, Benjamin Hait, Charles McKnight, David Cowel, Charles Beatty, Richard Treat, Henry Martin, Robert Cross, Francis Alison, Benjamin Chesnut, Andrew Hunter, Nehemiah Green- man, William Ramsey, Daniel Lawrence, John Harris, Moses Tuttle, John Miller, John Rogers, Hector Alison, Daniel Thane, Charles Tennent, William McKennan, Samuel Finly, James Finly, Sampson Smith, John Blair, Adam Boyd, Robert Smith, Joseph Tate, John Roan, George Duffield, John Steel, Samuel Davies, Alexander McDowell.* Ministers absent : Messrs. Ebenezer Prime, Samuel Bewel, James Brown, Samuel Sacket, Eliphalet Ball, Silvanus White, Benjamin Talmage, Abner Reeves, Timothy Jones, John Pierson, Simon Horton, John Brainerd, Timothy Allen, John Smith, Jacob Green, Elihu Spencer, Euos Ayres, Chancey Gra- ham, John MoiFet, Jonathan Elmore, Hugh Knox, John Darby, John Maltby, Alexander Cummins, James McCrea, Israel Read, Job Prudden, Conradus Worts, Hugh Henry, Andrew Bay, John Hogg, John Wright, Andrew Ster- ling, Hugh McAdam, Caleb Smith, Alexander Craighead, Robert Henry, John Brown, John Todd, John Martin, Samuel Black, Richard Sauchy, John Elder, John Craig, Alexander Miller, Samuel Thomson, Robert McMordie, George Gillespie, Matthew Wilson, John Guild, John Kinkead, Alexander Hutchinson. The plan of union agreed upon between the Synods of New York and Phila- delphia, at their meeting at Philadelphia, May 29th, 1758. The Synods of New York and Philadelphia, taking into serious consideration the present divided state of the Presbyterian church in this land, and being deeply sensible that the division of the church tends to weaken its interests, * There were fourteen Elders present at this meeting, but the manuscript is so muti- lated that only their first names appear. (285) 286 MINUTES OF THE SYNOD OF [1758. to dishonour religion, and consequently its glorious Author; to render govern- ment and discipline ineffectual, and finally to dissolve its very frame ; and being desirous to pursue such measures as may most tend to the glory of God and the establishment and edification of his people, do judge it to be our indispensable duty to study the things that make for peace, and to endeavour the healin" of that breach which has for some time subsisted amongst us, that so its hurtful consequences may not extend to posterity ; that all occasion of reproach upon our society may be removed, and that we may carry on the great designs of re- ligion to better advantage than we can do in a divided state ; and since both Synods continue to profess the same principles of faith, and adhere to the same form of worship, government, and discipline, there is the greater reason to endeavour the compromising those differences, which were agitated many years ago with too great warmth and animosity, and unite in one body. For which end, and that no jealousies or grounds of alienation may remain, and also to prevent future breaches of like nature, we agree to unite and do unite in one body, under the name of the Synod of New York and Philadel- phia, on the following plan. I. Both Synods having always approved and received the Westminster Con- fession of Faith, and Larger and Shorter Catechisms, as an orthodox and excel- lent system of Christian doctrine, founded on the word of God, we do still receive the same as the confession of our faith, and also adhere to the plan of ■worship, government, and discipline, contained in the Westminster Directory, strictly enjoining it on all our members and probationers for the ministry, that they preach and teach according to the form of sound words in said Confession and Catechisms, and avoid and oppose all errors contrary thereto. II. That when any matter is determined by a major vote, every member shall either actively concur with, or passively submit to such determination; or, if his conscience permit him to do neither, he shall, after sufficient liberty modestly to reason and remonstrate, peaceably withdraw from our communion, without attempting to make any schism. Provided always, that this shall be understood to extend only to such determinations as the body shall judge indis- pensable in doctrine or Presbyterian government. III. That any member or members, for the exoneration of his or their con- science before God, have a right to protest against any act or procedure of our highest judicature, because there is no further appeal to another for redress ; and to require that such protestation be recorded in their minutes. And as such a pi-otest is a solemn appeal from the bar of said judicature, no member is liable to prosecution on the account of his protesting. Provided always, that it shall be deemed irregular and unlawful, to enter a protestation against any member or members, or to protest facts or accusations instead of proving them, unless a fair trial be refused, even by the highest judicature. And it is agreed, that protestations are only to be entered against the public acts, judgments, or determinations of the judicature with which the protester's conscience is offended. IV. As the protestation entered in the Synod of Philadelphia, Ann. Dom. 1741, has been apprehended to have been approved and received by an act of said Synod, and on that account was judged a sufficient obstacle to an union; the said Synod declare, that they never judicially adopted the said protestation, nor do account it a Synodical act, but that it is to be considered as the act of those only who subscribed it; and therefore cannot in its nature be a valid objection to the union of the two Synods, especially considering that a very great majority of both Synods have become members, since the said protesta- tion was entered. V. That it shall be esteemed and treated as a censurable evil, to accuse any member of heterodoxy, insufficiency, or immorality, in a calumniating man- 1758.] NEW YORK AND PHILADELPHIA. 287 ner, or otherwise than by private brotherly admonition, or by a regular pro- cess according to our known rules of judicial trial in cases of scandal. And it shall be considered in the same view, if any Presbytery appoint supplies within the bounds of another Presbytery without their concurrence ; or if any member officiate in another's congregation, without asking and obtaining his consent, or the session's in case the minister be absent; yet it shall be esteemed unbrotherly for any one, in ordinary circumstances, to refuse his consent to a regular mem- ber when it is requested. VI. That no Presbytery shall license or ordain to the work of the ministry, any candidate, until he give them competent satisfaction as to his learning, and experimental acquaintance with religion, and skill in divinity and cases of con- science ; and declare his acceptance of the Westminster Confession and Cate- chisms as the confession of his faith, and promise subjection to the Presbyterian plan of government in the Westminster Directory. VII. The Synods declare it is their earnest desire, that a complete union may be obtained as soon as possible, and agree that the united Synod shall model the several Presbyteries in such manner as shall appear to them most expedient. Provided nevertheless, that Presbyteries, where an alteration does not appear to be for edification, continue in their present form. As to divided congregations it is agreed, that such as have settled ministers on both sides be allowed to continue as they are ; that where those of one side have a settled minister, the other being vacant, may join with the settled minister, if a ma- jority choose so to do ; that when both sides are vacant they shall be at liberty to unite together. VIII. As the late religious appearances occasioned much speculation and de- bate, the members of the New York Synod, in order to prevent any misap- prehensions, declare their adherence to their former sentiments in favour of them, that a blessed work of God's Holy Spirit in the conversion of numbers was then carried on ; and for the satisfaction of all concerned, this united Synod agree in declaring, that as all mankind are naturally dead in trespasses and sins an entire change of heart and life is necessary to make them meet for the service and enjoyment of God ; that such a change can be only effected by the powerful operations of the Divine Spirit; that when sinners are made sensible of their lost condition and absolute inability to recover themselves, are enlightened in the knowledge of Christ and convinced of his ability and willingness to save, and upon gospel encouragements do choose him for their Saviour, and renouncing their own righteousness in point of merit, depend upon his imputed righteousness for their justification before God, and on his wisdom and strength for guidance and support; when upon these apprehen- sions and exercises their souls are comforted, notwithstanding all their past guilt, and rejoice in God through Jesus Christ; when they hate and bewail their sins of heart and life, delight in the laws of God without exception, reve- rently and diligently attend his ordinances, become humble and self denied, and make it the business of their lives to please and glorify God and to do good to their fellow men ; this is to be acknowledged as a gracious work of God, even though it should be attended with unu.sual bodily commotions or some more exceptionable circumstances, by means of infirmity, temptations, or remaining corruptions; and wherever religious appearances are attended with the good effects above mentioned, we desire to rejoice in and thank God for them. But on the other hand, when persons seeming to be under a religious con- cern, imagine that they have visions of the human nature of Jesus Christ, or hear voices, or see external lights, or have fainting and convulsion-like fits, and on the account of these judge themselves to be truly converted, though the^ have not the Scriptural characters of a work of God above described, we believe 288 MINUTES OF THE SYNOD OF [1758 such persons are under a dangerous delusion. And wc testify our utter disap- probation of such a delusion, wherever it attends any religious appearances, in any church or time. Now as both Synods are agreed in their sentiments concerning the nature of a work of grace, and declare their desire and purpose to promote it, diflerent judgments respecting particular matters of fact, ought not to prevent their union ; especially as many of the present members have entered into the minis- try since the time of the aforesaid religious appearances. Upon the whole, as the design of our union is the advancement of the IMedi- ator's kingdom ; and as the wise and faithful discharge of the ministerial func- tion is the principal appointed mean for that glorious end, we judge, that this is a proper occasion to manifest our sincere intention, unitedly to exert our- selves to fulfil the ministry we have received of the Lord Jesus. Accordingly, we unanimously declare our serious and fixed resolution, by divine aid, to take heed to ourselves that our hearts be upright, our discourse edifying, and our lives exemplary for purity and godliness ; to take heed to our doctrine, that it be not only orthodox but evangelical and spiritual, tending to awaken the secure to a suitable concern for their salvation, and to instruct and encourage sincere Christians ; thus commending ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God; to cultivate peace and harmony among ourselves, and strengthen each other's hands in promoting the knowledge of divine truth, and diffusing the savour of piety among our people. Finally, we earnestly recommend it to all under our care, that instead of indulging a contentious disposition, they would love each other with a pure heart fervently, as brethren who profess subjection to the same Lord, adhere to the same faith, worship, and government, and entertain the same hope of glory. And we desire that they would improve the present union for their mutual edi- fication, combine to strengthen the common interests of religion, and go hand in hand in the path of life; which we pray the God of all grace would please to eifect, for Christ's sake. Amen. The Synod agree, that all former differences and disputes are laid aside and buried ; and that no future inquiry or vote shall be proposed in this Synod concerning these things ; but if any member seek a Synodical inquiry, or de- claration about any of the matters of our past differences, it shall be deemed a censurable breach of this agreement, and be refused, and he be rebuked ac- cordingly. Adjourned till to-morrow morning at nine o'clock. Concluded with prayer. Maij 30/7«, nine o^cloch, A. M. The Si/nod met according to adjournment, cnid post jii'eces sedenint qui supra. The modelling of the several Presbyteries was taken under consideration. Agreed, that the Presbyteries of Suffolk and New York continue as they are. Agreed, that the Presbytery of New Brunswick continue as it is, only that Messrs. Cowel and Guild are added to it. And those three Presbyteries shall meet for the first time according to their several appointments made by themselves already. Agreed, that Messrs. Cross, Gilbert Teunent, Francis Alison, Treat, Chesnut, Martin, Beatty, Greenman, Hunter, Ramsey, Lawrence, and Kinkeud, be the Presbytery of Philadelphia, to meet for the first time on Wednesday next, at four o'clock in the afternoon, at the old Presbyterian church. Agreed, that Messrs. John Miller, Tuttle, Harris, Henry, and AYilson, be a Leweston Presbytery, and have the congregations in Kent on Delaware, Sus- sex, Worcester, Somerset, Dorset, Queen Anne's, and Kent, in Maryland, 1758.] NEW YORK AND PHILADELPHIA. 289 under their care, to meet first at Cool Spring on the last Tuesday of July next ; and that the Presbyteries of New Castle assist them in supplying their vacan- cies till they be further provided with settled pastors. Agreed, that the first and second Presbyteries of New Castle and Donnegal continue as they are for the present, only they shall correspond with each other at their meetings. Adjourned to three o'clock, P. M. Concluded with prayer. At three o'cIocTc, P. M. the Synod met, and post ])^'^^(^^ sederunt qui supra. At Mr. Thane's request, being disannexed from the Presbytery of New York, he is left at liberty to join either of the New Castle Presbyteries or Lewiston, before our next. Agreed, that Messrs. Craighead, Black, Craig, Miller, Davies, Todd, Henry, Wright, Brown, and Martin, in Virginia and southward, be the Presbytery of Hanover, to meet for the first time at Mr. Wright's congregation in Cumberland county, on the second Wednesday of July next. Several very earnest applications were made to the Synod by Welch peo- ple in different parts, representing that many among them understand not the English tongue, and unless they have a pastor capable of speaking in their own language they must live entirely destitute of ordinances ; that a certain Mr. John Griffith, came some years ago from Wales, with good certificates of his Christian knowledge and piety, though he has not had a liberal education, and of being there licensed to preach the gospel ; that he has preached among them to their great satisfaction, and therefore pray the Synod to ordain him to the ministry, that he may both preach and also administer the sacraments among them. Upon considering the case, the Synod find that several members have seen his certificates from Wales, that some have conversed with him and were much satisfied with his Christian knowledge and acquaintance with experi- mental religion ; that those of the Welch here, who testify to the Synod con- cerning his useful preaching and pious conduct, are known to be men of judg- ment and integrity ; and as the circumstances of that people are singular, and no other way appears in which they can enjoy ordinances, the Synod agree, that the said Mr. John Griffith, though he has not the measure of school learning usually required, and which they judge to be ordinarily requisite, be ordained to the work of the ministry; and appoint Messrs. Samuel Davies, Dr. Alison, Treat, Hunter, and Kettletas, to be a Presbytery pro re nata, to ordain him to-morrow at 11 o'clock. Ordered, That Dr. Alison and the clerk prepare reasons for a fast to be ap- pointed by the Synod, and for congregations employing days in joint prayer during the present calamities. Agreed, that appointments made by the several Synods and Presbyteries before union, which are not inconsistent therewith, be fulfilled. Agreed, that the commissions appointed before by the two Synods, with the present moderator, be together the commission of this Synod for the ensuing year. Adjourned to eight o'clock to-morrow morning, and concluded with prayer. t 3Iay 31s?, the Synod met according to adjournment, and post preces sederunt qui supra. Agreed, that the several funds which were under the care of the Synods of Philadelphia and New York, shall be under the direction of this Synod, to be 290 MINUTES OF THE SYNOD OF [1758. applied to their respective uses and designs specified in the books relating to these funds as heretofore. A case of conscience was proposed, and the consideration of it deferred till our next meeting. Agreed, That Messrs. Cross, Gilbert Tennent, Dr. Alison, and Treat, be a committee to correspond in the name of the Synod, with the churches of our persuasion in Britain and Ireland, and in these colonies and elsewhere, by means of proper persons in these churches, for the ensuing year. Ordered, That Mr. iMcDowell supply at Middleton next Sabbath. The Synod being informed by Mr. Cross and Dr. Alison, that the honourable trustees in London for the fund, raised for German emigrants, have allowed an annual sum to assist the Synod in maintaining a school for educating youths for the ministry among us, wherein some Dutch children are to be taught gratis, if they apply for it : Agreed, that this aifuir be left to the committee for correspondence for the ensuing year. The members appointed to be a Presbytery, pro re nata, to ordain Mr. John Griffith, brought in the following report : "■ The members appointed to be a Presbytery, pro re nata, met according to appointment, and chose Mr. Davis moderator. Dr. Alison clerk. " Mr. John Griffith appeared before us, and after proper questions proposed to him, (as preparatory,) to our satisfaction, his receiving the Westminster Confession and Catechisms, &c. according to the agreement of this Synod, and professing subjection to them, the Presbytery agreed to proceed immediately to his ordination ; and accordingly, the Presbytery, with imposition of hands and prayer, set apart the said Mr. John Griffith to the gospel ministry. Concluded with prayer." Ordered, That Mr. Griffith belong to Philadelphia Presbytery. The committee appointed, brought in the following overture for a fast, &c. which is approved and agreed unto. Considering the calamities of war, and dangers that threaten us from savage and antichristian enemies, the ravages and barbarities committed on our borders, and how much our safety and welfare depend on the success of this campaign; and being sensible that God has been greatly provoked by our ingratitude for mercies received, the decay of vital religion, the prevailing of vice and immo- rality in the land, and the contempt of gospel light, liberty, and privileges, we judge ourselves loudly called upon to repe}itauce and huinili;ition, and accord- ingly the Synod recommend that a day of fasting and prayer be observed by all the congregations under our care, to deprecate the wrath of God, to pray for a blessing on his majesty's armaments by sea and land, in order to procure a lasting and honourable peace, and in particuUir for the success of all our intended expeditions in America; for the prosperity of his Prussian majesty's arms, and advancement of the Protestant interest ; for the overthrow of anti- christian errors, superstition, and tyranny; and the universal spread of pure and undeiilcd religion. And 'tis ordered, that the members within the bounds of this province, observe it on the sixteenth of June next, being the day ap- pointed by this government for that purpose; and that those brethren who live in the bounds of other governments, observe it on such a day in June or July next as the several Presbyteries think proper. And as prayer has been made without ceasing, by the Church in times of imminent danger, and God has heard his people in a day of trouble, and de- livered them, the Synod recommend that some time be spent in social prayer, by every congregation within their bounds on the last Thursday of every month, dui'ing these times of trouble and rebuke. And that with these pro- fessions of liumiliation, ministers and people earnestly plead with God for more abundant ofi'usions of the gracious influences of his lluly Spirit, that 1759.] NEW YORK AND PHILADELPHIA. 291 they may be disposed to sobriety, peace, charity, submission to the Divine will, and be prepared for every good work ; that their practice may be agree- able to their profession ; and their light so shine before men, that they behold- ing their humble, pious conversation, may glorify our Father who is in heaven. Ordered, That the clerk purchase a new book, and insert the minutes of this - Synod, and that the Synod pay the cost. Adjourned to three o'clock, P. M. on the third Wednesday of May next, to meet at Philadelphia. Concluded with prayer. 1759. Philadeljjhia, May \Q>th, 1759, at the Second Presbyterian Church. The Synod of New York and Philadelphia met according to adjournment. Vbi post preces sederunt Ministers : Messrs. John "Wright, John Todd, Samuel Black, John Craig, Alexander Miller, John Brown, Hugh Henry, John Harris, Matthew Wilson, John Miller, Daniel Thane, Adam Boyd, Hector Alison, Sampson Smith, William McCannan, John Eodgers, John Blair, James Finly, John Hogge, Hugh McCaddan, George Duffield, Robert Cross, Gilbert Tennent, Francis Alison, Charles Beatty, Richard Treat, Andrew Hunter, Daniel Lawrence, Benjamin Chesnutt, William Ramsey, Harry Munro, Charles McKnight, Ben- jamin Halt, Israel Reed, John Guild, Caleb Smith, Aaron Richards, Nathaniel Whitaker, Abraham Kettletas, Benjamin Woodroof, Azariah Horton, Alexan- der Cummings, John Brainerd, Abner Brush, Elihu Spencer. Elders: Messrs. John Anderson, John Hardmau, John Flint, John Mus- tard, Thomas Scott, David Stewart, John Love, Theophilus Alexander, John McKnight, Thomas Brown, Richard Walker, Nathaniel Dimon, Jacob Reader, Thomas Coon, Joseph Lyon, John Woodroof. Ministers absent : Messrs. Samuel Davies, Alexander Craighead, Robert Henry, Henry Patillo, William Richardson, John Martin, Jonathan Pierson, Timothy Jones, Jacob Green, Jonathan Elmore, David Bostwick, Simon Hor- ton, John Smith, Chauncy Graham, Euos Ayres, John Moffet, John Darby, Timothy Allen, John Maltby, Hugh Knox, Nehemiah Greenman, Henry Mar- tin, John GrijBiths, William Tennent, David Cowel, James McCrea, Samuel Kennedy, Thomas Lewis, Couradus Worts, Ebenezer Prime, Benjamin Tal- mage, Abner Reeve, Sylvanus White, James Brown, Samuel Bewel, Moses Baldwine, Samuel Sacket, Eliphalet Ball, Moses Tuttle, Alexander Hutchison, Charles Tennent, Samuel Finly, Samuel Harker, Andrew Bay, Andrew Ster- ling, Robert Smith, John Roan, John Elder, Richard Zanchy, Samuel Thom- son, Robert McMurdie, Joseph Tate, John Steel, George Gillespie, Alexander McDowel. The Synod was opened with a sermon by Mr. Gilbert Tennent, the last year's moderator, on Matthew v. 9. Mr. Ross, a minister from New England, being present, was invited to sit as a correspondent. Mr. Cross was chosen moderator, Mr. John Blair clerk. Adjourned till nine o'clock, to-morrow morning. Concluded with prayer. 17th day. Nine o'clock, A. M. Post preces sederunt qui supra. Mr. Cross, on account of his age and bodily infirmity, declined the modera- tor's chair : Mr. Treat chosen in his stead. Messrs. Charles Tennent and Samuel Harker are now come. William McCrea, Mr. Tennent's elder. 292 MINUTES OF THE SYNOD OF [1759. The orders of last Synod respecting Presbyteries, were complied with, except that Messrs. Black, Craig, and Alexander Miller, have not met with the Pres- bytery of Hanover as members, by reason of a mistake concerning the mean- ing of the Synod's minute. A motion was made by Messrs. Black, Craig, and Alexander Miller, that they and Messrs. Brown and Hogge be erected into a distinct Presbytery ; their reasons for it, and the objections of the other members of Hanover Pres- bytery against it, were fully heard. The Synod judge that the number of ministers belonging to the Presbytery of Hanover is too small to be divided into two Presbyteries, and that their con- tinuing in one, will, at present, be more for edification ; and for the greater ease of the whole, the Synod order that the Presbytery have two stated meetings in the year, at some nearly central places, alternately above and below the moun- tains. But the Synod being sensible of the difficulties they will in the mean while labour under, assure them that as soon as their number shall be so in- creased as six or seven can conveniently belong to each Presbytery, that then, upon regular application, they shall be erected into two Presbyteries, provided no sufficiently weighty objection lie against it. Whether the first and second Presbyteries of New Castle, and the Presby- tery of Donegall, shall be new modelled, deferred till next sederunt ; and or- dered, the said Presbyteries shall meet half an hour before, in order to converse about the matter, that they may give light to the Synod on that head. Adjourned till three o'clock, P. M. Concluded with prayer. Three o^lock, P. M. Post preces sederunt qui s\ipra. The order of last sedertmt to the New Castle and Donegall Presbyteries was complied with ; and upon their report it is ordered, that Messrs. Sampson Smith, and Robert Smith, John Roan, John Hogge, be added to the Presbytery of Donegall, and that the first and second Presbyteries of New Castle be united in one Presbytery, to meet for the fij"st time at West Nottingham, on the last Tuesday instant. Provided always, that this change of the state of said Presbyteries shall not be understood to infringe the liberties of the several congregations in their bounds already provided for, and expressed in our plan of union. The order respecting a day of public fasting and prayer was complied with. Ordered, That Messrs. Charles Tennent, John Rodgers, James Finly, Aza- riah Horton, John Miller, and the moderator, be a committee of overtures, and for what other business the Synod may t;ommit to them, to meet at eight o'clock to-morrow morning. An application to the Synod from the board of trustees of the College of New Jersey, for the liberation of Mr. Davies from his pastoral charge, that he may accept the Presidency of said college to which they had elected him, was brought in and read. A supplication was also brought in from Mr. Davies's congregation, earnestly requesting his continuance with them. The Synod having seriously considered the congregation's supplication, and fully heard all the reasonings for and against Mr. ])avies's liberation, after solemn prayer to God for direction, do upon the whole, judge that the argu- ments in favour of said liberation do preponderate, and agree that Mr. Davies's pastoral relation to his congregation be dissolved in order to his removal to the college, and do accordingly hereby dissolve it. Sundry references from the minutes of last Synod. Adjourned till nine o'clock, to-morrow morning. Concluded with prayer. 1759.] NEW YORK AND PHILADELPHIA. 293 ISth day. Nine o^ clock, A. M. Post preces sederunt qui supra. A motion was made that the Synod should address both the Grovernor and Assembly in order to obtain the suppression of a play-house now erecting in the liberties of this city. Ordered, That Messrs. Gilbert Tennent, Dr. Alison, Kettletas, Cummings, and Rodgers, be a committee to prepare addresses on that head, to be brought in as soon as they can. Moved, That provision be made for the supply of Mr. Davies's congregation : this aflair deferred till next sederunt. In pursuance of an order of the late Synod of New York, an account of money in the treasury of the College of New Jersey, belonging to this Synod, was brought in, and is as follows : An account of money in the treasury of the College of New Jersey, belonging to the Synod of New York, for the education of pious students, settled to the first day of October, 1758. Received, October 1st, 1755, into the college treasury, as per Synod's records, Sterling, £357 4 6 Advance, at sixty per cent, provincial currency, . . . 214 4 0 Interest to October 1st, 1758, at six pounds per cent. ") £571 71 8 8 6 6 £500 90 0 0 0 0 62 27 4 15 11 1 £90 0 0 £500 337 0 15 0 0 Deduct in part of expenses, In the treasury, principal, provincial currency, iterest to 0 three years. Paid per order, ........ Per order upon the treasurer, to be paid by October 1st, ") 1758, J Remains in the treasury, principal, .... The Indian stock, Total, £837 15 0 Ordered, That Messrs. Halt, Guild, Lewis, and Reed, be a committee for disposing the interest arising from said money, excepting the Indian fund, this year, to meet at Princeton at the time of examination. Ordered, That Messrs. McWhorter, Kirkpatrick, and Latta, take a journey to Virginia and Carolina, as soon as they can this summer, or ensuing fall, and spend some months in those parts. The Synod further considering the destitute condition of Hanover, and the uncertainty of their being supplied, if suppliers are left to their own discretion respecting the time of their going to Virginia, do order that Mr. Kirkpatrick prepare for his journey so as to be at Hanover the third Sabbath of July, at the furthest, and supply there for some time according to the order of that Presbytery ; that Mr. McWhorter be at Hanover the first of September, and that Mr. Latta be there the first of November at the furthest ; and that the Presbyteries of Philadelphia and New Brunswick take care that these gentle- men fulfil this appointment, and neither prescribe nor allow them employment in our bounds so as to disappoint this our good intention. Ordered, That Mr. Lewis and these gentlemen supply Hanover and other vacancies, at the direction of the Presbytery of Hanover. 294 MINUTES OF THE SYNOD OF [1759. Mr. Brainerd applied to the Synod for their advice whether it was his duty to leave his present charge at Newark and resume his mission to the Indians. Arguments on both sides were fully heard. Though the Synod are tenderly affected with the case of Newark congrega- tion, yet in consideration of the great importance of the Indian mission, they do unanimously advise Mr. Brainerd to resume it. The Synod do further agree to give him the interest of the Indian fund for this year, in order to his more comfortable subsistence. Ordered, That Mr. McKnight visit the Indians twice this summer, one of which times to be a Sabbath ; and Messrs. Beatty and Latta each once. Adjourned till three o'clock, P. M. Concluded with prayer. Tliree o^doch, P. M. Post preces sederunt qui supra. (Except Messrs. Brainerd and Joseph Lyon, who had leave to go home.) Mr. John Steel is now come; his reasons for not attending sooner sus- tained. Mr. Brainerd being removed from Newark, it is ordered, that Messrs. Woodroof, Kettletas, Darby, and Cummings, supply there, each one Sabbath, if need be. A reference from the Presbytery of Philadelphia, respecting a call from the first Presbyterian congregation in this city, offered to them to be presented to the Rev. Harry Munro, and objections against it by some members of said con- gregation, was brought into the Synod. AH papers relative to that affiiir were read, and all parties fully heard. The Synod spent some time in reasoning upon this affair, but not having time to issue it, the further consideration of it is deferred till next sederunt. Adjourned till nine o'clock to-morrow morning. Concluded with prayer. iVtne o'clock, A. M. Post preces sederunt qui supra. ^ (Except Messrs. Finly and Theophilus Alexander, who had leave to go home.) The late first Presbytery of New Castle reported that Mr. John Ewing was ordained since the opening of this session of Synod, accordingly he is now en- rolled as a member. Ordered, That Mr. Brush preach at college to-morrow. The addresses to the Governor and Assembly not yet brought in. A reference from the Presbytery of Hanover respecting an affair from Rock- fish, was brought into the Synod, but the evidences respecting the affair not being here, the matter is referred back to said Presbytery. The affair respecting the first Presbyterian congregation in this city was resumed. In the course of reasonings upon it a case of conscience was put, viz. whether a minister, having connexion with any part of his majesty's regular forces as their chaplain, and receiving the salary, or any part thereof, as such, may or ought to accept of a stated pastoral relation to any congregation? which ques- tion was answered in the negative. Upon a motion made by some members of the congregation, the affair is de- ferred till three o'clock, P. M. on Monday. A complaint against the late first Presbytery of New Castle, by Janet Smith, was brought in, but as the matter is not ready for trial, the Synod ap- point the present Presbytery of New Castle, and Messrs. Elder, Roan, John Miller, and Steel, to be a committee of the Synod to take such notice of the grounds of her complaint as they shall judge necessary; the committee to 1759.] NEW YORK AND PHILADELPHIA. 295 meet at Chestnut Level, on the third "Wednesday of June ; the Presbytery of New_ Castle to cite necessary evidences, and notify the absent members who are appointed. At Mr. Kinkead's request Messrs. Steel, Caleb Smith, Horton, and John Miller, ordered to be a committee to converse with him this afternoon. Adjourned till ten o'clock, A. M. on Monday Concluded with prayer. 21st day, at ten o'clock, A. M. Post preces sederunt qui sxqira. (Except Mr. Whitaker, who had leave to go in order to preach at Trenton.) The committee appointed to converse with Mr. Kinkead, report, that they had not yet finished their conference. Messrs. John Todd, Hugh Henry, John Miller, Adam Boyd, Samuel Finly, . Joseph Tate, Robert Smith, Gilbert Tennent, Dr. Alison, William Tennent, John Guild, Caleb Smith, Azariah Horton, James Brown, Elihu Spencer, and the moderator, to be the commission of the Synod for this ensuing year, six of which number, and the moderator, to be a quorum. Adjourned till three o'clock, P. M. Concluded with prayer. Three o'clock, P. M. Post preces sederunt qui supra. Mr. Beatty applied to the Synod for advice, whether it was his duty to accept_ an invitation to go out as chaplain with, the Pennsylvania troops this campaign. The Synod having heard Mr. Beatty, and considered the representation made of the state of his congregation, judge it his duty to decline it. The alfair of the first Presbyterian congregation in this city, resumed. The commissioners of the congregation were further heard upon a suggestion they had something new to offer. ° The Synod had some conference with Mr. Monro. This aff"air further de- ferred. Adjourned till nine o'clock, to-morrow morning. Concluded with prayer. 22c? day, at nine o'clock, A. M. Post preces sederunt qui supra. (Except Messrs. Cummins, Kettletas, Charles Tennent, Sampson Smith, and Guild, who went without asking leave.) The case of conscience brought into the last Synod, viz : whether a man who has married his half brother's widow, may lawfully live with her as his wife, was a httle considered, but as the members have not generally closely examined this matter in its general nature, it is deferred till next Synod ; and it is or- dered, that the several members bring or send their sentiments in writino- and inform the absent members to do the like. ° Ordered, That Messrs. Cross, Gilbert Tennent, Dr. Alison, Beatty, and the moderator, be a committee to manage respecting the German fund, and that Dr. Ahson have authority to call the committee together as often as occasion may require. Ordered, That the above persons, together with Mr. Davies, be a committee of correspondence for the ensuing year, and that they particularly propose to the Presbyterian churches abroad, to settle some plan of correspondence upon which it shall be carried on. The affair of the first congregation of Philadelphia resumed; and after much reasoning upon it, the Synod conclude, that notwithstanding it appears there was some confusion attending the vote of the congregation respecting Mr. Munro, which might give some colour of complaint to the minor party, yet as there was a great majority for Mr. Munro, who still continue to adhere to him, 296 MINUTES OF THE SYNOD OF [1759. they judge the above said vote is so far legal, as that the Presbytery be allowed to present the call to Mr. Munro, to which judicature the further prosecution of this affair, (in consistency with the vote of Synod already passed,) is committed; though they cannot but testify their high disapprobation of the insulting, injurious manner in which some of the persons prosecuting said call have treated this judicature by an unchristian paper delivered in to them, which, however detestable, they desire to forgive as the ministers of Christ. And being greatly desirous of the welfare of this society, the Synod do earnestly recommend it to the minor party to acquiesce, and exhort and enjoin it on the majority, that they carry it towards their brethren of the minor party with all that Christian temper, moderation, and charity, that becomes the followers of Jesus Christ ; and that both parties, in all future time, study the things that make for peace. Adjourned till three o'clock, P. M. Concluded with prayer. Three o'clock, P. M. Post preces sederunt qui supra. An account of the state of the fund under the direction of the late Synod of Philadelphia for the widows' fund : In the hands of William Allen, Esq. By a bond of Messrs. Bartholemew and Davies, Henry Vandike and Samuel Thomas, £145 0 0 To cash lent to Mr, Coultas, but now paid into Dr. Alison's hands, 55 0 0 £ s. d. , 75 0 0 50 0 0 . 20 0 0 Total, £200 0 0 In the Synod's hands for the widows of ministers who died before this fund was projected, &c. Brintnel's bond, ....... Joshua and Simon Thomas' S; ...... Jacob Maag, ........ Moor and Cuningham, . ...... Total, Insolvent bonds. Mr. Houston's, .... .... JMr. Gelston's, ........ Mr. Stevenson's, Mr. Thomson's, Total, £55 0 0 A charter for a fund for the relief of poor Presbyterian ministers and minis- ters' widows and children, was brought in and read and thankfully accepted. Ordered, That Messrs. Cross, Gilbert Tennent, Dr. Alison, Samuel Finly, Beatty, Blair, and the moderator, be a committee to prepare a plan for the re- gulation and management of said fund, to meet in Philadelphia on the second Wednesday of June, four to be a quorum ; and it is ordered that they send copies to the respective presbyteries, and that they move to the corporation to £ s. d. . 300 0 0 30 0 0 . 25 0 0 6 0 0 £361 0 0 £ s. d. . 15 0 0 4 0 0 . 12 0 0 24 0 0 1760.] NEW YORK AND PHILADELPHIA. 297 appoint proper persons to take in subscriptions; that tlie matter may not be delayed a whole year longer. The addresses to the Governor and Assembly were brought in and ap- proved. Ordered, That Messrs. Cross, Gilbert Tennent, Rodgers, Beatty, and the moderator, present them to the Governor and Assembly respectively. _ Application was made to the Synod by Messrs. Duffield and Elder, for ad- vice both to Mr. Steel's and Mr. Duffield's congregations, whether they shall erect two meeting-houses in Carlisle or one only. The Synod are grieved that there should be a spirit of animosity still sub- sisting amongst the people, and would be far from encouraging any steps that would tend to perpetuate a divided state ; and, therefore, do warmly recom- mend it to the people of both congregations to fall upon healing measures, and lay a plan for the erection of one house only, and enjoin it upon Messrs. Steel and Duffield to unite their counsel and use their influence to bring about a cordial agreement. William Elliot, who by some means lost his eye sight while in the military service, applied to the Synod for their charity. It is recommended to the members to propose a collection for him in their congregations, and send what shall be got to Dr. Alison. Mr. Kinkead came and gave in a paper to the Synod, as he says, for his own exoneration, in order to his continuing a member. The Synod, upon consider- ing his case, conclude that as they have never excluded him, they will consider and deal with him as a member. This minute being read to 31r. Kinkead he refuses membership notwithstanding. Ordered, That Messrs. Smith, Green, Norton, Cummins, Kennedy, and Eeatty, be a committee to converse with Mr. Harker, and labour to convince him of his mistakes, to meet at Mr Pearson's at Mendam, the second Wednes- day of August, at ten o'clock, A. M. Adjourned till the third Wednesday of May next, to meet at ten o'clock, A. M. in the First Presbyterian Chui-ch in this city. Concluded with prayer. 1760. PhilacMphia, May 21s<, 1760. The Synod of New York and Philadelphia met according to adjournment at the First Presbyterian church in Philadelphia. Uhi post prcces sederunt Ministers present : Messrs. Gilbert Tennent, John Ewing, Benjamin Ches- nutt, Henry Martin, Samuel Davies, Samuel Kennedy, John Moffiit, Samuel Finly, John Bodgers, Alexander McDowel, Robert Smith, John Miller, James Finly, Richard Treat, Andrew Hunter, William Ramsay, John Griffiths, Charles McKnight, Alexander McWhorter, John Braiuerd, Charles Tennent, John Blair, Joseph Tate, Robert McMordie, Moses Tuttle, Francis Alison, D. D. Daniel Lawrence, James Latta, William Tennent, Samuel Harker, Abner Brush, Abraham Kettletas, Daniel Thane, John Elder, John Rowan, George Duffield, William Kirkpatrick. Elders : Messrs. Gunning Bedford, Hugh Hamilton, Samuel Allen, Thomas Tobin, Robert Spear, Robert Evans, John Wallace, Jonathan Lawrence, Robert Givens, John Sympson, John Hannah, Thomas Ewing, Thomas Shields, Wil- liam McCrea, Robert Wallace, Robert McCoomb. Ministers absent : Messrs. Robert Cross, Adam Boyd, Andrew Sterling Charles Beatty, William McKennan, John Pearson, Nehemiah Greenman Andrew Bay, Timothy Jones, Caleb Smith, Chancey Graham, Jacob Green Benjamin Hait, Aaron Richards, Nathaniel Whitaker, John Smith, John Maltby, Job Pruden, Benjamin Talmage, James Brown, Silas Leonard, John 38 298 MINUTES OF THE SYNOD OF [1760. Wright, John Craig, Hugh Henry, Henry Patillo, John Hogg, Charles Ten- nent, Hector Alison, Matthew Wilson, David Bostwick, Enos Airs, Elihu Spencer, Israel Read, David Cowel, Jonathan Elmore, John Darby, James McCrea, Thomas Lewis, Abner Heave, Samuel Bewel, Eliphalet Bull, John Todd, Alexander Miller, Alexander Craighead, William Bichardson, Hugh McCadden, Richard Zanchy, Samuel Thompson, John Harris, Azariah Horton, Benjamin WoodrolF, Hugh Knox, John Guild, Alexander Cummins, Simon Horton, Timothy Allen, Conradus Worts, Ebenezer Prime, Sylvanus White, Moses Baldwin, Samuel Sacket, Samuel Black, John Brown, Robert Henry, John Martin, Alexander Hutchinson, John Steel, Sampson Smith. Mr. Davies chosen moderator, and Mr. Ewing clerk. The Synod was opened by a sermon from Am. vii. 5, by Mr. Treat, the last yeait's moderator. The Presbytery of Philadelphia report, that they have ordained the Rev. Mr. James Latta to the work of the ministry, and licensed Mr. Joseph Mont- gomery. The New York Presbytery report, that they have licensed Mr. Azel Roe. The New Castle Presbytery report, that they have licensed Mr. John Strain. xVnd the New Brunswick Presbytery report, that they have licensed Messrs. John Hannah, John Clark, John Carmicle, and William Mills, and that they have ordained the Rev. Messrs. Alexander McWhorter and William Kirkpatrick since our last. Ordered, That the moderator, Messrs. Gilbert Tennent, Samuel Finly, Richard Treat, be appointed a committee to prepare some rules for the expe- diting and regulating the transactions' of the Synod, to be laid before the Synod to-morrow morning. Adjourned till to-morrow morning, at ten o'clock. Concluded with prayer. May 22f?, the Synod met according to adjournment. Vhi post preces sede- runt qui siipra. The reasons for the absence of Messrs. Boyd, Piei-son, Caleb Smith, Timothy Jones, Simon Horton, David Bostwick, Benjamin Woodroff, John Darby, Na- thaniel Whitaker, Timothy Allen, Sampson Smith, Nehemiah Greenman, being made known to the Synod, were sustained. The reasons of the absence of the Rev. Messrs. Davies, Moffat, Griffith, William Tennent, Kennedy, Tuttle, Samuel Finly, Robert Smith, Roan, Elder, McMordy, Tate, McDowel, at our last, are sustained. The Rev. Mr. George Gillespie has been removed by death since our last. The Synod earnestly recommend to all the Presbyteries, that they notify all absent members more carefully to attend Synodical conventions, and not to expect to be excused without sufficient reasons ; and that those Presbyteries who are all absent, be notified by the moderator of the next adjacent Pres- bytery. The regulations proposed to be drawn up by the committee last sederunt, were brought in and read, and are ordered to lay on the table for more mature consideration until to-morrow. Ordered, That Messrs. Treat, Rodgers, Miller, Kettletas, Kennedy, Elder, and Bhiir, be a committee of overtures to meet to-morrow at six o'clock, K. M. at the First Presbyterian meeting-house. Adjourued till three o'clock, P. M. Concluded with prayer. At three o^cloch, P. M. met according to adjournment. Uhi post j^^'cces sederunt qui supra. Ordered, That the committee appointed last year to dispose of the interest of the money in the treasury of the College of New Jersey, appointed to the 1760.] NEW YORK AND PHILADELPHIA. 299 education of poor and pious youtli, give an account of tlieir disposal of said money to the Synod, and also a committee to be appointed the ensuing year at their next meeting. And that Messrs. William Tennent, Treat, Cowel, Guild, McKnight, and Hait, and the moderator, be a committee for the said purpose the following year, to meet the last Wednesday in July at Princeton, who are to give an account of their proceedings to the Synod at their next meeting. Mr. McWhorter's reasons for not going to Virginia, according to appoint- ment of the Synod last year, were sustained. Messrs. Kirkpatrick's and Latta's reasons for not being at Hanover in Virginia, at the appointed time, were also sustained. A supplication for supplies, and for the Rev. Mr. Dufl&eld in particular, from Hanover congregation in Virginia, was brought in and read, and the Synod having considered the affair, voted, that the Rev. Mr. Duffield pay said people a visit about the beginning of September, and continue there five weeks at least, and as much longer as he judges expedient. Ordered, that Mr. Mills be at Hanover on the second Sabbath of October, and continue to supply them until the first of April, or in the neighbouring congregations as the Presbytery of Hanover shall think fit. Mr. Brainerd has received the greater part of the interest of the Indian fund, according to the vote of the Synod. It is known to many in the bounds of this Synod, that some ministers, moved with an holy zeal to promote the kingdom of Christ among the Indian tribes, applied to the society in Scotland for propagating Christian knowledge, and ob- tained a grant of a certain sum of money yearly, to support two missionaries to promote the conversion of the savage nations ; they employed Mr. David Brain- erd, whose praise is in the churches of Christ, and whose endeavours were blessed with remarkable success in this great work of bringing the Indians to the knowledge of Christ. It pleased God soon to remove him from his useful labour on earth to the joys of his heavenly kingdom ; as the name of Brainerd was dear to these poor tribes, his brother was chosen to succeed him in the mission, in which station he continued for seven or eight years, but as the prospect of a troublesome war made the mission dangerous and disagreeable, the commissioners who employed him dismissed him from his care of the Indians, and he was employed to preach the gospel at Newark. At an Indian treaty, the province of New Jersey bought all the small tracts of land that the Indians claimed in different parts of the government, and that they might still encourage the native inhabitants to reside among them in their own country, they bought and bestowed on the remnant of these people about four thousand acres of land, which they gladly accepted ; and as many of them were converted to Christianity, they earnestly requested that Mr. Brainerd might be granted to them again as a gospel minister. The annuity which the society in Scotland had allowed to the missionary, was stopped upon Mr. Brainerd's dismission, though there was and is hope of procuring it again, Mr. Brainerd was requested by the governor and commis- sioners of Jersey to undertake the Indian mission. He applied to the Synod for advice, and though he had a very comfortable settlement at Newark, yet the Synod, through an earnest desire to promote the kingdom of Christ among these "poor Indians, advised him to give up these temporal advantages, and settle as a missionary among those poor Indians, with which advice he readily and generously complied. But as thei-e is no provision yet made to support him, and to answer many and various expenses in preaching to, and settling schools among these people, the Synod think themselves obliged to use all lawful endeavours to support said mission, and have now at their Synodical 300 MINUTES OF THE SYNOD OF [1760. meeting agreed to contribute themselves, and to make application to the con- gregations in the bounds of this Synod, for a general collection to promote this pious and good design ; and do order that a collection for this purpose be made in every congregation under the care of this Synod, and that the respec- tive collections be sent by the moderators of the Presbyteries before the begin- ning of September, to Mr. Jonathan Sergeant near Princeton, who is to receive it and pay it to the correspondents of the Indian mission to be by them used for this purpose. Ordered, That a copy of this minute be taken by the moderators of such Presbyteries as are present, and sent to such as are absent. Adjourned to nine o'clock, to-morrow morning. Concluded with prayer. 23c? day, at nine o'clock, A. M. The St/nod met according to adjournment. U hi post ^reces sederunt qui supra. Ordered, That the interest arising from the Indian fund, in the hands of the trustees of the College of New Jersey, for this current year, be allowed to Mr. Brainerd. Ordered, That Mr. President Davies write, as soon as he can conveniently, to the society for managing the Indian mission in Virginia, to let them know the diflBicult state of Indian affairs in New Jersey, and to request their interest and concurrence to obtain some relief for our Indian mission and schools from the New England company in London. And that the board of correspondents in New Jersey, be requested by said Mr. President Davies, to give a narrative of the state of that mission, and to request the assistance of the New England society for its support; unless a fund or pension sufficient to support that mission, be obtained from the Scotch society before the last Wednesday of next September. Mr. McKnight was hindered from visiting the Indians, as the last Synod appointed, by sickness. Mr. Latta's reasons for not visiting the Indians are sustained. Mr. Kettletas supplied Newark as appointed. Mr. Brush preached in college as appointed. The committee appointed to meet at Chesnut Level, to hear and judge of the complaint made by Jannet Smith, report, that they met and determined that affair according to order. Agreed, that Messrs. Gilbert Tennent, Dr. Alison, Treat, Ewing, John IMiller, Wilson, Samuel Finly, Blair, Boyd, Teat, Elder, Robert Smith, Wil- liam Tennent, Caleb Smith, John Guild, Azariah Horton, Brown, Spencer, and the moderator, with the elders, Messrs. John Wallace, Gunning Bedford, Thomas Ewing, Hugh Hamilton, Robert Evans, John Sympson, be a commis- sion for the ensuing year, and that any eight and the moderator be a quorum. The case of conscience concerning a man having married his half brother's widow, was brought under consideration, and several members offered their thoughts on it; but the further consideration was deferred till the afternoon. Adjourned to three o'clock, P. M. Concluded with prayer. At three o'clocli, met according to adjournment. Ubi post preces sederunt qui supra. Mr. William McCrea obtained leave to go home. The case of the marriage resumed. After some further converse on this point, agreed, that Messrs. Samuel Finley, James Einlcy, Blair, Miller, Kettletas, and Gilbert Tennent, be a committee to bring in a sum of what they can find in Scripture and the English law on that point, against Monday afternoon ; and also on a second case from Douegall I'resbytery, where a brother's and sister's 1760.] NEW YORK AND PHILADELPHIA. 301 relicts married together ; and on a third case of a man's marrying two sisters, one after the othei-'s death. Agreed, that Messrs. Cross, Gilbert Tennent, Dr. Alison, and Treat, be a committee to manage the affair respecting the German fund, and that Dr. Ali- son call the committee together as often as he sees occasion, and that some part, as they can afford, be allowed Mr. Duffield for his school in the year past. Mr Kodgers had leave to go home. Adjourned to nine o'clock to-morrow morning. Concluded with prayer. 24:t7i day, at nine odoch, met according to adjournment. Uhi post preces sedei-unt qui sxipra. Messrs. John Sympson, Jonathan Lawrence, and Thomas Ewing, have leave, for weighty reasons, to go home. The committee for correspondence deferred. The affair of the fund deferred. The committee for the widows' fund deferred. Mr. Barker's affair was taken into consideration. The committee appointed last year to converse with him brought in the following report : That they met at the Rev. Mr. John Pierson's, ubi post jyreces sederunt, ministers, Messrs. John Pierson, Caleb Smith, Jacob Green, Timothy Jones, Azariah Horton, Samuel Kennedy, and Jonathan Elmore, correspondent. Ministers absent : Messrs. Alexander Cummins, Charles Beatty. Mr. Pierson chosen moderator, and Mr. Kennedy clerk. Mr. Samuel Harker's paper, containing his principles, together with some arguments to support them, was read and maturely deliberated upon ; and the committee being in doubt what Mr. Harker's real sentiments were, as they ap- peared not to be clearly expressed in said paper, proceeded to query with him largely on the several heads, and were well pleased to find, on inquiry, that Mr. Harker's sentiments, in some points which on first view of his paper ap- peared erroneous, were in substance (though far from being happily and cau- tiously expressed) agreeable to the opinion of the generality of our orthodox divines, particularly as to all men's being in the covenant, and the regenerate's not being probationers for heaven ; as Mr. Harker means, by the former, no more than this, viz. that the covenant respects the whole human race, in the proposals thereof; and by the latter, only designs, that every regenerate person has a sure and unfailing title to heaven, by virtue of their being interested in the merits of Christ. But the committee were sorry to find, that in two branches of doctrine Mr. Harker appears really to have fallen into an error, particularly in holding, that according to the tenor of the covenant of grace, God has bound himself, by promise, to bestow saving blessings upon the faith and endeavours of unregenerate men ; and that God has predestinated persons to salvation, upon a foresight of their faith and good works, or compliance with the terms of the covenant. On both which heads, the committee laboured to con- vince Mr. Harker of his mistake, but without being so happy as to succeed in their endeavours, at least from what then appeared. Finally, they recommended to Mr. Harker greater caution in his phraseology, and that where he could with a safe conscience, he would aim at the common forms of sound words, without affecting to deviate from the usual modes of expression among orthodox divines. Concluded with prayer. As the Synod apprehend they bad some success, but find him mistaken in the two above propositions, still it is thought expedient to try yet whether further converse may convince him ; the Synod agree that he meet with Messrs. Samuel and James Finely, Blair, Robert and Sampson Smith, at Nottingham, 302 MINUTES OF THE SYNOD OF [1700. the second Tuesday of November next. And in bis return meet witb Messrs. Gilbert Tennent, Treat, Ewing, and Dr. Alison, in this city, to converse on these points. Mr. Harker got leave to go home. Adjourned till ten o'clock on Monday, A. M. Concluded with prayer. 2Qth day, the Synod met according to adjournment. Uhi post preces sede- runt qui supra. (Except Messrs. Gilbert Tennent, Treat, Dr. Alison, Lawrence, Chesnut, Martin, William Tennent, Koan, Duffield.) The committee of correspondents deferred till afternoon. The affair of the Synod's Fund deferred till afternoon. The committee for the Widows' Fund deferred. The overtures of regulations, that were accidentally passed over in their proper place, are further deferred. A supplication from Lancaster and Leacock being considered by the Synod, they appoint Mr. Montgomery to supply Lancaster the first Sabbath of June, and at Leacock the third. That Mr. Carmichael supply two Sabbaths in New Castle Presbytery ; the next two in Lewistown Presbytery ; the next four in New Castle Presbytery ; and the next six in Donegall Presbytery; and the remainder of his time, till the fourth Wednesday of September, in New Castle Presbytery. Agreed with Mr. Latta's own consent, that he be removed from Philadelphia and joined to Donegall Presbytery. A very pressing application being made by the English Presbyterian gentle- men of Albany for supplies, the Synod appointed Mr. Hector Alison to supply there till the second Sabbath of July, if it suits his conveniency. The Synod appoint Mr. Kettletas to visit them against the fourth Sabbath of July next, and supply them four Sabbaths; and that Mr. William Tennent supply them afterwards, as he can conveniently ; and that Mr. Woodroff supply Mr. Kettletas's congregation the last Sabbath of July, Mr. Richards the first Sabbath of August, Mr. M'Whorter the second, and Mr. Smith the third Sabbath. The supplication from Windham, in New PLimpshire, deferred till afternoon. 'Tis allowed that Messrs. Alexander McDowel and Hector Alison go as chaplains to the Pennsylvania forces, and that Mr. Kirkpati-ick go with the New Jersey forces, the ensuing campaign. The Synod recommend that Mr. Kirkpatrick pay a visit to the people of Windham on his return, and that Dr. Alison and Mr. Ewing write a recommendatory letter to the people. The case of conscience about the marriage deferred. Mr. Robert Evans obtained leave to go nome. Adjourned till half after three o'clock, P. M. Concluded with prayer. At half after three o'clock, the Synod met according to adjournment. JJhi post preces sederunt qui supra. The committee of correspondence, appointed last Synod, report that they have not settled any plan for it, and the appointment of another committee is deferred till next year. Ordered, that the money in Dr. Alison's hands belonging to the Widows' Fund be delivered to the treasurer of the corporation for said fund. Ordered, that Messrs. Samuel Finley, Tate, Kettletas, McDowel, and Wal- lace, be a committee to settle the affair of the Synod's Fund with Dr. Alison, and bring in the report to the Synod to-mori'ow morning. 1760.] NEW YORK AND PHILADELPHIA. 303 Names of persons who contributed this year to the Synod's Fund. Mr. James Finly brought in 14s. Mr. Joseph Tate brought in £2 2s. 6c7. The reading the minutes of our last sederunt, from the aifair of the new regu- lations forward, is deferred until to-morrow morning. Adjourned till nine o'clock, A. M. to-morrow. Concluded with prayer. 11 ih day, A. 31. Uhi post preces sederunt qui supra. The committee for settling the Synod's Fund, report that they have settled the accounts with Dr. Alison, which was approved as appears by his books. The aifair of regulations resumed and committed to Messrs. McDowel, Brainerd, Tate, and Blair, to draw up a minute concerning this affair to be offered to the consideration of the Synod to-morrow. The case of conscience resumed, and the committee appointed to examine what the English and Levitical laws have determined in this affair, broucrht in their report. Voted, that the consideration of the above affair be deferred until next Synod, and that it be recommended to the several members to examine the affair more thoroughly before that time, and give their sentiments on it. The second and third cases of conscience deferred till afternoon. Adjourned till three o'clock, P. M. Concluded with prayer. At three d clock, P. M. the Synod met according to adjournment. Uhi post preces sederunt qui supra. Mr. Kirkpatrick has got leave to go home. , The committee for the Widows' Fund further deferred. As to the second case of conscience the Synod judge, that such a marriage, however inexpedient it be, yet as we cannot find it prohibited by the Levitical law, it is not to be condemned as incestuous. The third case of conscience was considered; and though the majority of the Synod think that the marriage is incestuous, and contrary to the laws of God and the land, and agree that it is sinful and of dangerous tendency, yet inas- much as some learned men are not so clear in this point, it is agreed to resume the consideration hereof next year. An overture was brought in, that as a Professor of Divinity, to instruct youths for the sacred ministry, is much wanted, and highly necessary, the Synod would try to fall upon some measures to obtain one. And the Synod sensible of the need and importance of this, earnestly recommend the considera- tion of it to every Presbytery, that they may consult together how this may be accomplished, and endeavour to make the people under their care sensible of the importance of it; also, that they may be prepared and disposed to contri- bute to so good a design. And ordered, that a copy of this be transmitted by the clerk to the moderators of New Castle and New Brunswick PresbyterieS; that they may transmit it to the other Presbyteries. Adjourned till nine o'clock, A. M. to-morrow morning. Concluded with prayer. 28th, 9 ante meridiem. Post preces sedervM qui supra. Mr. Martin and Mr. Anthony Tate, his elder, have been absent the two pre- ceding days, and yet are. The remaining members offered their sentiments. Adjourned till three, P. M. Concluded with prayer. Three, P. 31. Post preces sederunt qui supra. INIr. Kirkpatrick is now returned ; his absence the two past days excused. The committee of the whole Synod having diligently attended to the affair under consideration, and every one having had free liberty to speak what ap- peared to him proper, the Synod resume their former character, and resolve to proceed in the affair to-morrow morning. Adjourned till nine, A. M. Concluded with prayer. 21th, nine, A. 31. Ubi jwsf preces sederunt qui s\ipra. The Synod apprehending they have, from much conversation on the subject in their late character of a committee, obtained sufficient light to proceed in answering the question under consideration, order, that the sentiments of the Synod be taken by calling the roll in order, to which the affair was stated in the very words of the question, viz : '' AVhcthcr a candidate's declaration of his 1762.] NEW YOEK AND PHILADELPHIA. 319 own personal exercises and experiences in religion, given in the way of a narra- tive of these, or answer to questions put to him concerning them, should be required by a judicature, as one appointed, warrantable and useful mean of forming a judgment of his experimental acquaintance with religion, according to which judgment they are to admit or reject him." And the state of the question being put, affirm or deny, it was carried in the affirmative, there being thirteen negative and one non liquet. In consequence of some conversation, |j?-o and con, respecting the sixth ar- ticle of the plan of union, two papers were brought in, which are as follows, viz : 1. Proposed, Whether the question now answered in the affirmative be, in the sentiments of the Synod, an agreement in compliance with the most plain sense and meaning of a part of the sixth article of the plan of union, where it is said, '' No Presbytery shall license or ordain any candidate to the min- istry until he give them a competent satisfaction as to his experimental ac- quaintance with religion." And, also, agreeable to the order or direction in the Westminster Directory, wherein a Presbytery is directed to inquire touching the grace of God in him, (viz. a person offering himself as a candidate.) The 2d proposed. Whether said answer in the affirmative was not a direct and open violation of the sixth article of the union, by which both Synods were allowed to follow their own judgment for obtaining competent satisfaction as to a candidate's learning and experimental acquaintance with religion. For it was well known to the Synod of New York, that the Presbyteries belonging to the Synod of Philadelphia did not examine a candidate's experiences in order to have competent satisfaction of his experimental acquaintance with religion, nor do they think this method Scriptural or warrantable ; and in all the pro- posals between the two Synods prior to their union this method was not once mentioned ; and the Synod of New York proposed then, and in the seventh article of the union they agreed, that the Presbyteries might continue to act separately, as they had done, by which agreement they confirmed the method used by the Synod in Philadelphia for licensing candidates. The sentiments of several members of the Synod, how they understood the sixth article of the plan of union, was required on this occasion, and, on call- ing the roll, it appears that the members of the late Synod of New York that were at making the union, do in general agree in understanding the article so as to enjoin such a declaration of experiences; and the members of the late Synod of Philadelphia, that were at making that union, do in general agree in understanding that article so as not to enjoin such a decla- ration; and each declare, that they so understood it at the time of making the union. Adjourned till three of the clock, P. M. Concluded with prayer. Three of the clocJc, P. M. Post preces sederunt qui supra. Some elders are gone home without leave, which the Synod cannot but highly disapprove, and hope that that part of this judicature will not be guilty of doing so for the future. When the Synod seemed to be greatly perplexed and unable to accommo- date this difference about examining the experiences of candidates, an overture was brought in by two members of the Presbytery of New York, in the name and by the appointment of that Presbytery, who, fearing a breach in the Synod on this question, chose to be absent, but sent the following proposals to main- tain peace and harmony.* * [Note by the Clerk.] — The Clerk of the Synod did not deliver this excellent paper '320 MINUTES OF THE SYNOD OF [1762. A considerable difference of sentiment still remaining among the members respecting the inquiry into candidates' experimental acquaintance with reli- gion, the Synod appoint Messrs. Treat, President Fiuley, and Blair, with Messrs. Dr. Alison, Ewing, McDowell, and Azariah Horton, as a committee to attempt an amicable accommodation of the affair, and bring in an overture, or overtures, as soon as they can conveniently. Adjourned until nine of the clock, A. M. Concluded with prayer. 2St7i, nine of the clock, A. M. Met according to oj^pointment. Uhi post preces sederunt qui supra. The Synod appoint Messrs. Enoch Green, and William Tennent, junior, to go as soon as they conveniently can, so as they defer it no longer than next October, to supply six months under the direction of Hanover Presby- tery, and that the Presbytery of New Brunswick proceed to their ordination as soon as they can, provided they be approved on trials, and that on their return they supply four Sabbaths under the direction of the Presbytery of Lewes. The consideration of a request of a number of the Presbytery of Philadel- phia to be set off in a distinct Presbytery, deferred. The address to his Majesty on his accession to the throne was prepared by the committee. An appeal from a judgment of the Presbytery of Douegall, by a certain Elizabeth McClelland, was laid before the Synod. An appeal from the judgment of the Presbytery of Donegall, respecting a certain person offered as an evidence, was brought in by a member of that Presbytery. In consequence of the above appeal brought in by Elizabeth McClelland, the Synod appointed Messrs. Rogers, Kirkpatrick, Millar, Wilson, Hunter, Blair, McKennan, Simonton, Montgomery, Carmichael, and Latta, as a committee to examine into the grounds of her complaint, as contained in her appeal, to meet at Chesnut Level, the first Wednesday of September, at ten o'clock, A. M., and that they shall have full liberty to consider the case full}^, and determine as they shall obtain light; and that seven be a quorum. And it is ordered, that all evidences formerly adduced in that affair be cited to attend, and that a copy of this minute, given or read to them, be a sufficient citation. Ordered, That the clerk give a copy of this minute, and of the appeal, to each party. to Dr. Francis Alison, the transcriber, which he thinks proper to observe, anrl leave room to insert it if it can be had from the minutes of the Trchibytery of New York, but he gives the substance of it from notes on that occasion, and from his own memory. They overture to this purpose : 1. That where different Presbyteries follow different methods of examining the quali- fications of candidates for the ministry, they shall continue to do so without censuring or blaming one another. 2. Where the members of the same Presbytery differ in their sentiments respecting the examination of a candidate's experiences, it shall be determined how they sliall act bv the vote of the majority; or, 3. They shall desire the candidate to declare in thesi, what he thinks to be the ex- periences of a real convert ; and then they may ask him whether he believes that he has experienced this saving change ; or, 4. If peace cannot be thus preserved, it is proposed that ministers be joined together in Presbyteries, so tliat they may peaceably act according to the best of their judgment, and according to the dictates of a good conscience in the discharge of this important part of their ministerial duty. 1762.] NEW TORK AND PHILADELPHIA. 321 The committee appointed yesterday not having agreed in any one overture, has brought in several, which were read, and are left under consideration till next sedtrunt. Adjourned till three o'clock, P. M. Concluded with prayer. Met at three o^cloch, P. M. according to oppolntment. Vh I post preces sede- runt qui supra. The consideration of ordaining ministers, sine tifvh, further deferred. The appointmeut of a committee to correspond with foreign churches, further deferred. The address to the Governor, and that to the Assembly, not yet brought in. An answer to the third, fourth, and fifth queries further deferred. The consideration of a request made by some of the Philadelphia Presbytery, further deferred. The consideration of an appeal brought in from a judgment of the Donegal Presbytery, by a certain member of that Presbytery, deferred. The overtures for an accommodation were resumed. As the aifair is of great importance, the entering into a consideration of the matter was preceded by solemn prayer to God for his gracious presence and direction. Whereas some members complain of two determinations of this Synod : The first was a resolution of a query concerning the examination of a candidate's experience, in order to his admission or rejection : The other was, the obvious sense of the sixth article of the plan of union, apprehending that by said deter- minations the Synod laid an obligation on them to act according to the senti- ments expressed by said determinations : Now to give relief and full satisfaction to such brethren, the Synod declares they had no designs by these determinations, to lay the least obligation or restraint on said members with respect to their conduct, but only to express their own sense of the meaning of that article, and their sentiments of the query ; and hereupon the members declared themselves satisfied, and withdrew their protest. The afiair respecting the inquiry into the religious exercises or experiences of persons offering themselves as candidates for the ministry, was maturely considered ; and, as a number of the members of the Synod do declare they cannot esteem an inquiry into a person's religious experiences, a proper, war- rantable, or useful mean of obtaining a competent satisfaction of a candidate's experimental acquaintance with religion, and therefore cannot in conscience make use of it : The Synod earnestly desiring that all due liberty of con- science be presei'ved inviolate, and that peace and harmony be maintained and promoted, do agree that, when any person shall offer himself as a candidate for the ministry to any of our Presbyteries, every member of the Presbytery may use that way which he in conscience looks upon proper, to obtain a com- petent satisfiiction of the person's experimental acquaintance with religion, and that then the Presbytery, as a Presbytery, shall determine whether they will take him on further trials. This agreement did not satisfy a number of the Synod. In compliance with a request from some members of Philadelphia Presby- tery, the Synod appoint that the members of that Presbytery be erected into two Presbyteries for one year at least ; and that the new Presbytery be called by the name of the second Presbytery of Philadelphia; and that Messrs. Robert Cross, Francis Alison, John Ewing, John Simonton, and James Latta, be members thereof; and that their first meeting be at the first Presbyterian Church in this city, the second Tuesday in August. 41 322 MINUTES OF THE SYNOD OF [1763. The remaining business on our minutes is deferred till our next meeting, which is to be at Philadelphia, the third Wednesday of May next, at ten of the clock, A. M., at the second Presbyterian Church, till which time and place the Synod is now adjourned. Concluded with prayer. 1763. May the l^th, 1763. The Synod of New York and Philadelphia met, according to adjournment, at the Second Presbyterian Church in Philadelphia. Vhi post preces sederunt Of the first Presbytery of Philadelphia : jMessrs. Gilbert Tennent, Treat, Hunter, Ramsey, Lawrence, Brainerd, Chesnut, Griffith, Clark, Beatty. Of the second Presbytery of Philadelphia: Messrs. Alison, Ewing. Of the Presbytery of New York : 5lessrs. Bostwick, McWhorter, Brush, Caldwell, Roe. Of New Brunswick Presbytery : Messrs. William Tennent, senior, Samuel Finley, McKnight, Hait, Harker, Reed, Green, and William Tennent, junior. Of New Castle Presbytery : Messrs. McDowell, Boyd, Blair, McKennan, Rodgers, James Finley, Strain, Hunt, Carmichael. Of Donegal Presbytery : Messrs. Robert Smith, Tate, Sampson Smith, Duffield, Roan. Of Lewistown Presbytery : Messrs. Charles Tennent, Wilson, Millar, Montgomery. Of Hanover Presbytery : Mr. Todd. Of Suffolk Presbytery : Mr. Mills. Elders : Messrs. Gunning Bedford, Robert Parsons, Andrew Crawford, William Hazlett, Abel Griffiths, Richard Walker, Nathaniel McKinley, Aaron Mottison, John Wallace, Robert Ogden, Alexander Chalmers, John Smith, William Irwin, Valentine Dushane, Jonathan Kersley, Thomas Bourue, Alex- ander Rogers, James Whitehill, Samuel Cunningham, Patrick Campbell, John Long, Philip Tanner. Mr. Rodgers chosen moderator ; who, after having received from the former moderator the charge usually given respecting the execution of the moderator's office, took his place ; and Mr. Roan was chosen clerk, and Mr. Kirkpatrick his assistant. The Synod was opened by the last year's moderator, Mr. Brainerd, with a sermon from John ix. 4. The reasons of the absence of Messrs. Boyd, Beatty, and Todd, sustained. The affair respecting writing to ^Ir. Leonard, deferred till next sedenint. The second Presbytery of Philadelphia report, that they have licensed siiice our last, ]Mr. Patrick Alison to preach the gospel. The Presbytery of New Brunswick report, that they have ordained to the sacred work of the ministry since our last, Messrs. William Tennent, junior, and Enoch Green, who, being present, take their place as mcmbei's of Synod ; and that they have licensed Messrs. Jacob Kerr, Nathan Kerr, and James Lyon, to preach the gospel. The Presbytery of New York report, that 3Ir. Caleb Smith is removed by death since our last. Lewistown Presbytery report, that Mr. Hugh Henry is removed by death Muce our last, and that they have licensed Mr. Alexander Huston to preach the gospel. Donegall Presbytery report, that they have licensed jMessrs. William Ed- meston, and John Siemens, to preach the gospel since our last. Hanover Presbytery report, that they have licensed Mr. David Rice to preach the gospel since our last, and that they have suspended Mr. John Wright, and ordained Mr. James Waddel. 1763.] NEW YORK AND PHILADELPHIA. 3 :3 Suffolk Presbjtery report, that they have licensed Mr. Goldsmith to preach since our last. Appointed as a committee of bills and overtures, Messrs. Hunter, Ewing, Caldwell, Samuel Finley, William Tennent, senior, Blaii', McKennan, Tate, Duffield, Millar, Todd, and Mills, ministers; and Messrs. Gunning Bedford, Richard Walker, James Whitehill, Valentine Dushane, and John Wallace, elders, to meet to-morrow evening, at seven of the clock, at the second Pres- byterian meeting-house in this city, and as often afterwards as may be re- quisite. The Presbyteries of New Brunswick, Donegall, Hanover, and Suffolk, have not brought their Presbytery books. 'Tis ordered, that they be careful to bring them to next Synod; and that every Presbytery bring their books yearly. Ordered, That IMessrs. Roan and Kirkpatrick examine the first Philadel- phia Presbytery book ; that Messrs. Brainerd and Millar examine New York Presbytery book. The second Presbytery of Philadelphia have not prepared their book to be revised. Messrs. Hait and Lawrence are to examine Lewes- town Presbytery book. Ordered, That all these books be delivered to the examiners to-morrow morning. The committee appointed to bring in the account of the disposal of the money in the hands of the treasurer of New Jersey College, appropriated to the education of poor and pious youth, report that there is five hundred pounds proclamation Jersey money appropriated for this purpose; the interest of which is to be reckoned at six per cent., or thirty pounds per annum, clear of all expenses : and that the various committees appointed from the year 1758, have made such distributions of that money that there appears to have been last October, twenty-seven pounds in the hands of the treasurer. Adjourned till to-morrow morning. Concluded with prayer. 19th day, A. M. at nine of the clock. Post preces sederunt qui supra. Messrs. James Finley, Israel Read, Abner Brush, Azael Row, Alexander McWhorter, David Bostwick, and Mr. McKnight, are now come, and the reasons of their yesterday's absence are sustained. Messrs. Philip Tanner, and Nathaniel McKinley, are also come. Mr. Abner Brush is appointed to inform Mr. Silas Leonard that he is de- sired to attend our next Synodical meeting, or give his reasons for non-attend- ance, otherwise his name shall be left out of the Synod's roll; and that Mr. Brush deliver to him a copy of this minute, and bring us his answer at our next meeting. Mr. Beard is now come, and the reasons of his delay are sustained. Messrs. Samuel Finley, William Tennent, senior, Guild, Hait, Brainerd, Kirkpatrick, Ewing, appointed to be a committee to dispose of the interest in the hands of the treasurer of New Jersey College, for the education of poor and pious youths, which was due last October ; and also of what shall become due at the end of the current year; who are to meet at Princetown the next ex- amination of candidates for degrees. Mr. Harker is come, and his reasons for yesterday's absence are sustained. Mr. Jonathan Kersley, one of the elders, is also come. The Synod appoint as their commission for the ensuing year, Messrs. Gil- bert Tennent, Treat, Dr. Alison, Ewing, John Millar, Wilson, Samuel Finley, Boyd, Blair, Tait, Elder, Robert Smith, William Tennent, senior. Guild, Azariah Horton, Brown, Spencer, Brainerd, Bostwick, Hunter, Beatty, McDowell, with the moderator; and the following elders, Messrs. Jonathan 324 MINUTES OF THE SYNOD OF [1763. Wallace, Gunning Bedford, Richard Walker, Thomas Bourne, John Smith, James Wbitehill, and Nathaniel McKinley, of which twelve, and the mode- rator, shall be a quorum, of which ten shall be ministers ; and in case of the moderator's death, or absence, the first in the order of the minute remaining, shall call the commission, if there be occasion, and preside therein. Mr. Duffield wrote to the Presbytery of Suifolk, and the reasons for their absence for some years past, were sustained. It is recommended to them to attend as often as possible, or to send com- missioners. Dr. Alison, Mr. Gilbert Tennent, Cross, Treat, and Ewing, were appointed to collect, and to put into the hands of the treasurer of the corporation for the relief of poor and distressed Presbyterian ministers, &c. the money belonging to the late Synod of Philadelphia. Ordered, That Messrs. McDowell, Treat, Samuel Finley, Blair, and Ewing, be a committee to settle the affairs of the Synod's fund with Dr. Alison, and make a distribution of the interest according to the agreement of the union, and bring in a report at our next meeting. The Synod appoint, that in case the governments under which the members respectively reside, do not appoint a day of thanksgiving for the blessings of a peace, after it has been proclaimed, the several members do observe a day for that purpose in due time. The members who have made collections for the Indian Mission are ordered to pay in the same to Mr. Ewing before to-morrow morning. Ordered, That there be a collection made in all the congregations under the care of this Synod, both in those who have and who have not ministers settled among them, for the Indian mission and the Indian school ; and that every Presbytery take care that the collections in their vacancies be made in due time; and that thirty pounds be given to a school-master for the ensuing year ; and that Messrs. John Meaa, John Wallace, George Bryan, John Bayard, Isaac Snowdon, be requested to assist Mr. Brainerd to build a school-house and to dispose of the money collected for the use of said school, and lay the accounts before the next Synod ; and that Mr. George Bryan be appointed treasurer of the committee. The Synod having considered the importance of the mission among the Oneida Indians, and the small sum of money allowed by the society in Britain to Mr. Occam, their missionary, together with the number of his family, have thought proper to take that mission under their consideration and care for the ensuing year, and order, that he be allowed sixty-five pounds for this year. It is also requested of the commissioners in New York, that they write im- mediately to the society in Scotland, praying them to grant a larger sum for the support of said mission ; and that the money collected in New York and some other neighbouring congregations be paid into the hands of Mr. Bost- wick, to enable him to pay Mr. Occam the sum promised him by the Synod, and that he lay a fair state of these accounts before the Synod at their next meeting. Ordered, also. That Mr. EMing procure a state of the accounts of Mr. Ser- geant, relating to the Indian mission under the care of Mr. Brainerd, and lay them, with an account of the money received by himself, before the Synod at their next meeting. Adjourned till three of the clock, P. M. Concluded with prayer. 19;/i da//, at three o'clock, P. M. Post j^reccs sederunt qui svjyra. Mr. Strain is now come, and his reasons for delaying so long are sustained. Adjourned till nine o'clock to-morrow morning. Concluded with prayer. 17G3.] NEW YORK AND PHILADELPHIA. 325 20th dai/, at nine o'clock, A. M. Post preces sederunt qui supra. Mr. Green fulfilled his appointments to Virginia. Mr. William Tennent, jun. not fulfilling his, is excused. . The Synod find that many of their candidates do not attend their meetings, and for this reason many of their appointments are not fulfilled ; they judge that candidates should constantly attend their respective Presbyteries, and as often as they can conveniently they should attend our Synods. They there- fore recommend it to all our Presbyteries to propose one or more of their can- didates as persons that they think proper to be sent to preach to our frontier settlements, and that they let these candidates know that they intend to propose them as such to the Synod, that so our Synodical appointments may be more punctually fulfilled. And that no candidate, without very weighty reasons, presume to break our appointments ; and it is recommended to the Presbyte- ries to impress their minds with a sense of the importance of obeying Synodical orders and appointments. Mr. Barker's afiair, which was brought before the Synod some years ago, deferred. The appeal from Donegall Presbytery respecting elders, deferred. Adjourned till three o'clock, P. M. Concluded with prayer. 2Qtli clay, lliree of the clock, P. M. Post jjreces sederunt qui sup>ra. Messrs. McKnight and Botswiek are added to the members appointed last year to examine Mr. Barker's book, who are to meet at three of the clock to- morrow afternoon, to bring in their report next Monday morning. The committee met at Chestnut Level, according to appointment, and their minutes were read, as also the minutes of Donegall Presbytery respecting the aifair which the committee were to consider. Adjourned till to-morrow morning at nine of the clock. Concluded with prayer. 21st day, at nine of the clock, A. 31. Post p)'i'eces sederxint qui supra. The two first articles in the committee's report, who met at Chestnut Level, with the Presbytery's appeal from the judgment of the committee, came under consideration, but deferred till Monday next for want of time to issue them. Adjourned till Monday morning, at ten of the clock. Concluded with prayer. 23cZ day, at ten, A. M. Post preces sederunt qui supra. (Messrs. Boyd and William Tennent, Jun. excepted, who had leave to go Lome.) Mr. John Simonton is now come, and the reasons for his coming so late were sustained. Ordered, That Dr. Alison, Messrs. Bostwick, S. Finley, with the moderator, be a committee to form and bring in an address to his majesty on the birth of the prince and the establishment of a peace. The committee appointed to examine Mr. Harker's book, have not brought in their report. Ordered, That they bring it in to-morrow morning. The afi'air considered by the committee who met last year at Chestnut Level, deferred till to-morrow morning. Adjourned till three of the clock, P. M. Concluded with prayer. 3-26 MINUTES OF THE SYXOD OF [1763. 23c? day, three of (lie doch, P. 31. Post preces sederunt qui supra. A request from the corporation for the relief of poor and distressed Presby- terian ministers, kc. was brought in and read, which is as follows : "Nov. 16, 17G2. At a meeting of the corporation in this city it was agi-eed, that this board appoint some of their members to wait on the Synod at their next meeting, and in their name request that some missionaries be sent to preach to the distressed frontier inhabitants, and to report their distresses, and to let us know where new congregations are a forming, and what is necessary to be done to promote the spread of the gospel among them, and that they in- form us what opportunities there may be of preaching the gospel to the Indiaa nations in their neighbourhood. "And it is agreed that the necessary expenses of these missionaries be paid by this board, and that IMessrs. John Meas, Dr. Kedman, William Humphreys, George Bryans, Treat, Ewing, and the secretary, wait on the Synod, and earnestly press them to grant this request." In consequence of the above request the Synod appoint INIessrs. Bcatty and Brainerd to go on the aforesaid mission, as soon as thc}' can conveniently, so as to be able to return so as to make a report to the corporation at their next general meeting in October. And that 3Iessrs. William Tenncnt, sen., Mo- Knight and Hunter, supply Mr. l^raiucrd's pulpit and take care of his con- cerns among the Indians, and that Mr. Treat supply Mr. Bcatty's pulpit once every three Sabbaths. jMr. Chestnut is to supply at Barnegate and Mane- hockin the first Sabbath of September. Adjourned till to-morrow morning, at nine o'clock. Concluded with prayer, 24/7;- d((i/, at nine dcloch. Post preces sederunt qui s^ipra. (Except Mr. Beatty, whose absence is known, and the reasons sustained.) As the Synod have the mission to the frontiers much at heart, therefore lest it miscarry it is ordered, that if either Mr. Beatty or Mr. Brainerd fail of going, Mr. Kirkpatrick shall go in the place of the person who fails. The affair depending between some of the Presbytery of Donegall, and the committee of the Synod that met at Chesnut Level, came under consideration; and after much time spent in debating the first report of the committee respect- ing the evidence given by Margaret McCleland, it was put to the vote, whether the Synod do approve the judgment of the committee or not, and it was carried approve by a great majority. The article relating to Agnes McKnight, who was not allowed by the com- mittee to give her evidence was considered, and voted approve the conduct of the committee or not; and there were ten non liquets ; but the committee's judgment was disapproved by a great majority. Adjourned till three o'clock, P. M, Concluded with prayer. At three o'clock, P. 31. Post preces sederunt qui supra. Mr. Ewing begged leave to protest against the last judgment of the Synod, for the following reasons : 1. Because, whether Margaret McCleland first informed the mother or not, it is certain she joined the other young woman, Agnes McKnight, in the report; and they only arc the raisers and j)ropagators of that shocking defamation. ]iut, by the late judgment, a person deserving to suffer as a vile defamcr and a slandei'cr, may save herself by swearing that the person defamed is guilty. It appears also by this decision that any such a reporter may prove his own report upon oath, and so a person most deeply interested may by this single 1763.] NEW YORK AND PHILADELPHIA. 327 oath, without any other evidence, prove a criminal case, which is destructive of all civil or religious societies, as it puts it in the power of any one malicious or, interested person to deprive others of life, character, or property, by only saying that they are guilty, and then swearing it. 2. Because it is contrary to the express word of God, in many places, con- cerning the number and qualifications of witnesses; such as Deut. xix. 15, " one witness shall not rise up (or be established) against a man for any iniquity, or for any sin, in any sin that he sinneth : at the mouth of two witnesses or at the mouth of three witnesses shall every matter be established." See also 1 Tim. V. 19, "against an elder receive not an accusation but before two or three witnesses." So Num. iii. 17; Matt, xviii. 16; Jon. viii. 17; 2 Cor. xiii. 1. Now Margaret McCleland is adduced to prove some rudeness or im- modesty offered to herself by an elder, or minister, as appears from the minutes of the Presbytery of Donegall, taken in conjunction with the minutes of the committee, who say that she looks on herself to have been unduly treated on the night of the diversion. 3. Because the admission of such single or interested evidences is contrary to the judgment of. our best divines, as Willard on the Ninth Com. Ames de Conscientia, and many more. It is against the law of nature and the sacred rights of mankind in the judgment of all our moralists, as Hutcheson, Puffen- dorf, Carmichael, Grotius, &c. and contrary to the laws and customs of all civil- ized nations. See, on this topic, Justinian's Code; the Law of Evidences, page 121, 126; Hawkins' Pleas, page 256; Viner's Abridgment, page 247. So the admission of such evidences is contrary to the reason and common sense of mankind, and dishonourable to this body. 4. Because civil courts require witnesses to swear that they are disinterested in the issue of the cause. See Cook. Littleton. And our Church rules also require that witnesses swear themselves free of bribery, malice, and party coun- sel, before they are admitted to bear testimony, which Margaret McCleland cannot safely do, and therefore should not be admitted. And it is a manifest inconsistency, both in the Synod and in the committee, to determine to admit her evidence before such an oath is tendered to her. 5. Because the gospel requires, that, in case of private offence, the offender be dealt with privately, then before witnesses, and lastly before the Church, if the former fails. Now if a person, in opposition to our Saviour's direction, spreads horrid defomations and scandal, without either speaking to the person offending, or relating it to a proper judicature at first, such a person cannot be accounted afterwards simply an informer, but a gross defamer, be the matter true or false, and therefore unworthy to bear testimony either in their own case or any other, until he or she reforms ; and this appears to be the present case. Therefore, I cannot but protest against such procedure wherever it happens for the exoneration of mine own conscience, and declare that I think it would be criminal in me to pay any regard or submission to any sentence that may hereafter be passed by any of our judicatures upon such evidence as has been herein specified. John Ewing. Upon hearing what Mr. Ewing has now given in as the reasons of his pro- test against the preceding votes, the Synod think fit to declare, that they appre- hend they had a view of the matter different from his, inasmuch as they did not at all design to judge of the merits of the case, or how far one or more evidences should conclude in any affair depending before the judicature; but only determined in the particular instances mentioned, that for aught any thing advanced by the Presbytery or the committee, those persons shoutd have been admitted to give in their testimony. 328 MINUTES OF THE SYNOD OF [1763. The committee for bringing in the report on Mr. Harker's book, report that they are not yet prepared. The affair depending between some of the members of the Presbytery, of Doncgall and the committee of the Synod was further considered, and both par- ties were heard and their minutes were read with great attention, and the de- termination thereof is deferred till to-morrow morning. Adjourned till nine of the clock. Concluded with prayer. 25(h dat/, at nine o'clock, A. M. Post prcces sederunt qui supra. The Synod proceeded to consider the affliir of the committee, and the appeal of some members of the Presbytery of Donegall from their judgment, and after mature consideration thereof they agreed ncmine contradicente, in the follow- ing judgment : 1. That the committee had a proper right and authority to hear and try the case between Elizabeth McCleland and Mr. Sampson Smith, so far as the Pres- bytery had closed their judgment thereupon. 2. The Synod judge that the committee justly disapproved the conduct of the Presbytery in the manner of taking evidences by question and answer, re- specting the affair of Tuesday night; judging that every proper method should be taken to bring out the whole truth in the matter depending, which some- times can best be done by way of narrative, and by requiring the witnesses to tell the whole truth in relation thereto, as well as nothing but the truth. 3. That the Synod do approve the judgment of the committee with respect to Jean Richey's being admitted as an evidence. 4. That as to the judgment of the committee with respect to William Richey and Mrs. Thorns, the Synod do not determine any thing positively concerning them, but refer the decision thereof to the committee to be appointed to sit ou the whole affair. 5. Therefore the Synod do re-appoint the same members to be a committee, who met last year in Chestnut Level, with full power and authority to begin and examine the whole affair between Mr. Smith and Elizabeth McCleland, (7e jioi'o, and issue and determine the same as they think proper; provided, always, that they reject not such evidences upon such grounds as the Synod have judged in^^ufficient, and provided also they do not enter on the considera- tion of any particular instances of charge not yet specified. But this proviso is by no means to restrict the committee from receiving and admitting any new evidence offered for the support of the particular instances of the charge al- ready brought, or in point of defence. And the Synod do appoint said com- mittee to meet at Little Britain meeting-house, at ten o'clock, A. M. the last Wednesday of July next, for this purpose, that six be a quorum, and that the clerk give the parties notice of the matter to be issued, with the time and place of meeting, and summonses for the evidences. Adjourned till three of the clock, P. M. Concluded with prayer. Three o'clock, P. 31. Post pt^'cccs sederunt qui supra. !Mr. Harker's affair came under consideration, and the Synod heard the eom- mittec's report respecting his principles collected from his book, and the par- ticular passages which they apprehended were expressive of these principles, were read. Adjourned till to-morrow morning at nine o'clock. Concluded with prayer. 1763.] NEW YORK AND PHILADELPHIA. 329 26^^ day, nine d clock, A. M. Post preces sederunt qui supra. A supplication was brought in from Hanover in Virginia, for supplies, to which Mr. Todd added a more general request, for young men to supply in the bounds of Hanover Presbytery. Mr. Miller also applied for supplies in the bounds of Lewes Presbytery ; and Mr. Duffield made the same request for the west side of Susquehanna in the bounds of Donegall Presbytery. In consequence of these applications, the Synod appointed Mr. Green to go as soon as he can into the bounds of Lewes Presbytery and supply there two mouths, and in his return he is to supply in the bounds of New Castle a month or six weeks, as it may suit his circumstances. Messrs. William Ten- nent, jun'r. and Jacob Ker, are appointed as soon as they can, to go and sup- ply in the bounds and under the direction of Hanover Presbytery six months at least. Adjourned till three of the clock, P. M. Concluded with prayer. TJiree o'clock, P. 31. Pustj^reces sederiint qui supra. The Synod proceeded to consider Mr. Harker's principles collected from his book by the committee, which are in substance as follows : 1. That the covenant of grace is in such a sense conditional, that fallen mankind in their unregenerate state, by the general assistance given to all under the gospel, have a sufficient ability to fulfil the conditions thereof, and so, by their ®wn endeavours to ensure to themselves regenerating grace and all saving blessings. 2. That God has bound himself by promise to give them regenerating grace upon their fulfilling what he, (Mr. Harker,) calls the direct conditions of ob- taining it, and upon the whole, makes a certain and an infallible connection between their endeavours and the aforesaid blessings. 3. That God's prescience of future events, is previous to and not dependent on his decrees, that his decrees have no influence on his own conduct, and that the foresight of faith was the ground of the decree of election. It is further observed, that he often uses inaccurate, unintelligible, and dan- gerous modes of expression, that tend to lead people into false notions in several important matters, as that Adam was the federal father of his posterity in the second covenant as well as in the first ; that the regenerate are not in a state of probation for heaven, and several such like. The Synod judge that these principles are of a hurtful and a dangerous ten- dency, giving a false view of the covenant of grace, perverting it into a new modelled covenant of works, and misrepresent the doctrine of the divine de- crees as held by the best Reformed churches, and in fine, are contrary to the word of God and our approved standards of doctrine. The Synod called in Mr. Harker and questioned him in many particulars, and the further considera- tion of his afi"air is deferred till to-morrow morning. Adjourned till nine o'clock, A. M. Concluded with prayer. 27^/i day, at nine o'clocJc, A. M. Post preces sederunt qui supra. (Except Messrs. Carmichael and Green, who went away without leave.) Mr. Harker's affair was resumed, and the Synod, upon mature deliberation, came to the following judgment, viz : The Synod considering that Mr. Harker has for several years been dealt with in the tenderest manner, and much pains taken by his brethren in pri- vate, and in the Presbytery to which he belongs, and by committees which the Synod appointed to confer with him, in order to reclaim him from his erro- 42 330 MINUTES OF THE SYNOD OF [1763. neous notious ; but that instead of succeeding in these attempts, he appeared to be rather confirmed and resolute in propagating his opinions among the people, by a variety of methods to the great scandal of the church, seducing and perplexing the unwary and unstable : and as he has departed from the truth, and opposed this church in some important articles, and misrepresented the Church of Scotland, his doctrine and practice have a schismatical ten- dency. On the whole, though the exclusion of a member be grievous, yet we judge that the said Mr. Samuel Harkcr cannot consistently be continued a member of this body, and aocordingly declare him disqualified for preaching or exercising his ministry in any congregation or vacancy under our care ; and do hereby order, that all be duly warned not to receive his doctrines, nor admit his ministrations, until it shall please God to convince him of his mis- takes, and to bring him to the acknowledgment of the truth, and recover him from the error of his ways. Upon hearing the foregoing minute read, Mr. Ilarker requested a copy, which the Synod ordered to be given him properly attested. After some time Mr. Harker came in, and desired to be informed by the Synod, what they designed by their determination respecting him as to its nature and extent. The Synod were much divided in their opinions, but the majority of the Synod returned the following answer : That as by our deter- mination in the forenoon, he is declared disqualified for exercising any part of the ministerial office in any of the congregations or vacancies under our care, so by a parity of reason we judge him disqualified to exercise it any where while he retains his present sentiments. The Synod order Mr. Nathan .Ker, and Mr. Lyon to go to Virginia as soon as they can, and supply three months at least under the care of Hanover Presbytery. Adjourned till to-morrow at nine o'clock. Concluded with prayer. 28^/i day, at nine o'clocJc, A. M. Post preces sederunt qui supra. The committee appointed to examine the several Presbytery books brought in their reports, which are as follow : The Presbytery books of the first Presbytery of Philadelphia and Lewes are approved. New York Presbytery book was approved, save some inac- curacies and improprieties. And also New Castle Presbytery book, except- ing one particular judgment respecting Pencader congregation, which judg- ment the Synod have not suflScient light to approve or disapprove. The members of Synod being few, and fatigued with close application to business, agree that the affair respecting the second Philadelphia Presbytery be deferred till next Synod, when the members are expected to be more gene- rally present, and in a condition more deliberately to determine whether said Presbytery shall be continued or dissolved. The afi'air of ordaining ministers, sine titido, is referred to each Presbytery, that their members may be prepared to discuss it next Synod. An answer to the third, fourth, and fifth queries, deferred till our next Synod, and it is recommended to our Presbyteries to take copies of them, in order to have them discussed. « Mr. Dufiield's appeal, in respect to a certain evidence in the affair at (Chest- nut Level, has been effectually determined in considering the affair of the com- mittee and Donegall Presbytery. The appeal brought in by Messrs. Robert Smith, and Dufficld, from a judg- ment of the Presbytery of Donegall, respecting the ordination of elders, de- ferred till next Synod. A request was brought in from a Presbytery in New York government, to 1763.] NEW YOllK AND PHILADELPHIA. 331 the east of North Ptiver, desiring to he incorporated with this S^'nod, and that some members of the Presbyteries of New York and Suffolk, which are con- tiguous, may be allowed to be joined with them in a Presbyterial capacity. After several members of this body had given full satisfaction concerning their characters, their good standing in the Churches, and that it was not from any uubrotherly or unfriendly views, nor from any disaffection to the neigh- bouring churches that they desired to unite with us, it is agreed to grant their request, provided that they agree to adopt our "Westminster Confession of Faith and Catechisms, and engage to observe the Directory as a plan of wor- ship, discipline, and government, according to the agreement of this Synod. 'Tis allowed that Mr. John Smith, and Mr. Chauncy Graham, join with them; and from Suffolk Presbytery, Messrs. Samuel Sacket. and Eliphalet Ball, and that they be called by the name of Dutchess County Presbytery; and that Mr. David Bostwick send them a copy of this minute, to let them know our determination. A supplication and an appeal from the second Presbyterian congregation in Philadelphia, from a judgment of the Presbytery of Donegall, respecting the removal of Mr. Dufiield, was brought in. This affair is deferred till three o'clock, P. M. on Monday nest. Adjourned till Monday nest, at ten, A. M. Concluded with prayer. ZOth day, at ten of the cloch. Postpreces sederunt qui supra. (Escept Messrs. Tait and Brush, whose absence is excused.) A query was brought in, in these words : '' As sundry members and congre- gations within the bounds of our Synod, judge it most for their edification to sing Dr. Watts's imitation of David's Psalms, does the Synod so far approve said imitation of David's Psalms as to allow such ministers, and their congre- gations, the liberty of using them ?" As a great number of this body have never particularly considered Dr. Watts's imitation, they are not prepared to give a full answer to the question. Yet as it is well approved by many of this body, the Synod have no objection to the use of the said imitation by such ministers and congregations as incline to use it, until the matter of psalmody be further considered. And it is recom- mended to the members of this body to be prepared to give their sentiments respecting this subject at our next meeting. Adjourned till three o'clock, P. M. Concluded with prayer. TTiree oWocTcy P. M. Post preces sederunt qui supra. The supplication and appeal from the second Presbyterian congregation in this city was read ; but as there appeared no commissioners from Carlisle and the Big Spring to give the Synod light in this matter, the Synod cannot deter- mine it at present. But as it appears that the congregations of Carlisle and the Big Spring never had the opportunity of being heard before the Presbytery of Donegall, and that they, for this reason, have not had proper means of obtain- ing light sufficient to esamine and determine this cause, the Synod remit the affair to said Presbytery, and appoint them to meet at Carlisle, the last Wed- nesday of June, to hear and determine the matter ; and if the case must return to the Synod either by appeal or reference, the moderator of the Presbytery immediately inform the moderator of the Synod by a letter, that the commis- sion of the Synod may be called. Ordered, That a copy of this minute be sent by the clerk to the session of Carlisle and Big Spring. A certain Andrew Mahaffey brought an appeal from a judgment of the Pres- 332 MINUTES OF THE SYNOD OF [1763. bytery of Donegall, confirming a judgment of the session of Chestnut Level. The minutes of said session were read, and said Mahafiey fully heard. Upon the whole, the Synod judge : 1. That inasmuch as Andrew MahafFey submitted to the judgment of the session with respect to himself, that he ought not to have been deprived of any chivch privileges because he disapproved of, and ap- pealed from, the judgment in other instances. 2. That the Synod agree with the session that there is not sufficient evidence to convict Andrew Boyd of the crime he was charged with, yet it appears to this Synod by the depositions laid before them, that the said Andrew Boyd used a very indecent and immodest freedom with the wife of said Andrew MahafFey, for which he ought to have been censured by the session, and they are enjoined hereby to rebuke and ad- monish him for the same. 3. That though the Synod are not clear that the charge of perjury is to be fixed on said Andrew Mahafiey' s wife, yet they are clear that she is guilty of falsehoods and contradictions in what she has sworn and afterwards declared in that afijiir, and therefore she ought to be debarred from the distinguishing privileges of the church until the matter can be further cleared, or she give proper evidence of repentance. Adjourned till nine o'clock to-morrow morning. Concluded with prayer. 31 day., at nine ddocJc, A. M. Post preces sederunt qui supra. A supplication was brought into the Synod from the first congregation of West Nottingham, to be disannexed from the Presbytery of New Castle, and to be united to the Presbytery of Donegall. In reasoning on this subject many of the Synod were of the mind, having considered the situation of the congre- gation, that it would not be expedient to set ofi" said congregation as reijuested, without setting ofi" some other congregations and ministers in like manner; therefore it was proposed that the other congregation of West Nottingham, the congregation of Little Britain, with ]Mr. Hunt their minister elect, and Mr. Strain, and his congregations, should be also set ofi", and it being put to the vote, it was carried that all these congregations should be set off from the Pres- bytery of New Castle and annexed to the Presbytery of Donegall. Adjourned till three of the o'clock, P. M. Concluded with prayer. Three o'docJc, P. M. Post preces sederunt qui suj^ra. ight in from a judcment of the Presbytery of Donegf An appeal was brought in from a judgment of the Presbytery of Donegall respecting the licensure of Mr. William Edmiston, in consequence whereof the Synod heard the reasonings of both parties, and after a deliberate consideration of what was offered, it was judged that the conduct of the Presbytery was not to be approved in licensing that young gentleman, until the objections offered against their proceedings to his licensure had been fully considered. The Synod, with the consent of Donegall Presbytery, agree to refer the trial of Mr. Edmiston's affair to the committee, to meet at Little Britain, to be by them issued, and tliat Messrs. Guild aixi Bay be joined to the said commit- tee, to try all affairs to come before them, and that all parties be cited by the clerk. The society incorporated for the widows' fund, gave a commission to Messrs. Treat, Finley, and Dr. Alison, to apply to the Synod, desiring that they ap- point a committee to sit with them the first Tuesday of November, that they may jointly consider on the return of the missionaries from the frontiers what may be most proper to be done to promote the kingdom of Christ there, and what sums may be necessary to defray their expenses, inasmuch as some of the money under the care of tliis corporation is to be disposed of for such pious useS; with the approbation of such a committee. 1764.] NEW YORK AND PHILADELPHIA. 333 Messrs. Montgnmer}', Hunter, Kirkpatrick, Simonton, and Ramsey, are ap- pointed a committee for this purpose. The address to the king was read and approved. Ordered, That it be signed by the moderator in the name of the Synod, and directed to Dr. Samuel Chandler, in London, requesting that he and the hon- ourable William Allen, Esquire, and Andrew Elliot, Esquire, both of this city but now in London, and Dr. Avery, of London, and whoever else these gentle- men think proper to join with them, wait on his majesty and present it in our name. The Rev. Mr. Gilbert Tennent labouring under bodily indisposition that ren- ders him unable statedly to preach to his people, he, in conjunction with his congregation, made application for supplies to his pulpit the ensuing summer. The Synod appoint as follows : that Mr. Kirkpatrick supply the first Sabbath of June; Mr. Treat the second; Mr. Treat, junior, the third and fourth; Mr. Jacob Kerr the first, second, and third Sabbaths of July ; Mr. Hunter the fourth ; and Mr. Ramsey the fifth ; Mr. Robert Smith the first, and Mr. Wil- liam Tennent the second Sabbath of August; Mr. Rogers the third, and Mr. Montgomery the fourth ; and Mr. Thompson the month of October. Mr. Samuel Harker brought in a paper which was read, and the Synod did not see any reason from what was there offered to alter their judgment. At three o'clock, P. M. adjourned till the third Wednesday in May next, to meet at Elizabethtown, at three o'clock, P. M. Concluded with prayer. 1764. Elizaleihtown, May IQth, 1764. The Synod of New York and Philadelphia met according to appointment at the first Presbyterian church in this town. Ubt post j^reces sederunt Of Suffolk Presbytery : The Rev. Messrs. Thomas Lewis, Benjamin Tal- mage, and- William Mills. Of New York Presbytery : The Rev. Messrs. John Pierson, Simon Horton, Azariah Horton, Timothy Jones, Aaron Richards, Jonathan Elmer, Benjamin Woodrofi^, Abner Brush, Alexander McWhorter, Joseph Treat, James Cald- well, Azael Roe, and Samuel Packhurst. Of New Brunswick Presbytery : The Rev. Messrs. William Tennent, Samuel Finley, Elihu Spencer, Israel Read, John Guild, Enoch Green, Wil- liam Tennent, jun'r. Of the First Philadelphia Presbytery; The Rev. Messrs. Richard Treat, Charles Beatty, John Brainerd, Daniel Lawrence, and William Ramsey. Of New Castle Presbytery : The Rev. Messrs. John Rogers and Joliu Carmichael. Of Donegall Presbytery : The Rev. Messrs. Robert Smith and James Hunt. Of Lewes Presbytery : The Rev. Mr. Joseph Montgomery. Elders : Messrs. Elnathan Wilks, Gideon Hedges, Joseph Prudden, John Oliver, Simon Ross, John WoodroiF, Samuel Camp, Garret Noel, Samuel Woodroft', Joseph Kerr. Ministers absent : Of Suffolk Presbytery : Messrs. Ebenezer Prime, Syl- vanus White, Abner Reeve, Samuel Buel, Nehemiah Barker, James Brown, Ezra Reeve, Moses Baldwin, Samson Occam, Thomas Payne. Of New York Presbytery: Messrs. Jacob Green, John Darby, Moses Tuttle, John Mofi"at, Enos Ayres, Abraham Kettletas, John Maltby, Hugh Knox. Of New Brunswick Presbytery : Messrs. Charles McKnigbt, Samuel Ken- 334 MINUTES OF THE SYNOD OF [1764 nedy, James McCrea, William Kirkpatrick, John Hannah, Job Prudden^ Benjamin Hait, Thomas Smith. Of the First Philadelphia Presbytery: Messrs. Gilbert Tennent, Andrew Hunter, Nehemiah Greenman, John Clark, Benjamin Chesnut, and John Griffith. All the second Philadelphia Presbytery absent. Of New Castle Presbytery : Messrs. Adam Boyd, John Blair, Alexander McDowell, Andrew Sterling, Andrew Bay, James Finley, William IMcKennan, and Alexander Hutchinson. Of Donegall Presbytery : The Kev. Messrs. Samuel Thomson, John Steel, John Elder, John Roan, Joseph Tate, Sampson Smith, llobert McMurdie, John Hogg, George Duffield, John Strain, and John Baird. Of Lewes I'resbytery : Messrs. Charles Tennent, John Millar, Matthew Wilson, and John Harris. All the Presbytery of Hanover absent. Mr. Beatty was chosen moderator, who, after having received a charge from the last year's moderator respecting the discharge of his duty, took his place ; Mr. Caldwell was chosen clerk, and Mr. Montgomery assistant. The Synod was opened by Mr. Rogers, the last year's moderator, by a ser- mon from Acts xi. 24. The Rev. Messrs. Charles Jeffrey Smith, and Benoni Bradner being present, were desired to sit as correspondents. Adjourned till to-morrow morning at nine o'clock. Concluded with prayer. 17th dai/, at nine d'doch, A. M. Post preces sederunt qui sn^Jra. The Rev. Thomas Smith now come and excused. The inembers are all ex- cused who have given their reasons for their absence in times past. The first Philadelphia Presbytery report, that since our last Mr. Henry Martin is deceased. The Presbytery of New Brunswick report, -that since our last they have ordained to the work of the ministry the Rev. Messrs. Amos Thompson, Jacob Kerr, and Nathan Kerr, who being present took their seats in the Synod ; and that they licensed Messrs. David Caldwell, Francis Pepper, and John Roxburrow, to preach the gospel. The Presbytery of New York report, that the Rev. Mr. David Bostwick is, since our last, re- moved by death, and that they have received Mr. John Murray, a candidate from Ireland, under their care. Suffolk Presbytery report, that since our last they have admitted Mr. Thomas Pain as a member. New Castle Presbytery report, that since our last the Rev. Mr. Thane is removed by death. Appointed for a committee of overtures, the Rev. Messrs. Thomas Lewis, Benjamin Talmage, William Tennent, Samuel Finley, Robert Smith, Azariah Horton, Aaron Richards, Richard Treat, John Brainerd, John Rodgers. Elders : Messrs. Samuel Woodroff, Joseph Kerr, Garret Noel, and John Hannah, to meet to-morrow morning at eiglit o'clock, at this place, and as often afterwards as they may think proper. Messrs. Benjamin Woodroff, Robert Smith, and Joseph Treat, are ap- pointed to revise the Presbytery book of New Brunswick. The Presbytery of Donegall have not brought in their Presbytery book, notwithstanding re- peated orders given for that purpose several years; the Synod highly blame such delays and neglects, and appoint Messrs. Robert Smith, and James Hunt to take particular care that the book be brought in next year, and that a copy of this minute be sent to the Presbytery. Messrs. Read and Ramsey ap- pointed to revise the Presbytery book of Suffolk. Messrs. William Tennent and Spencer appointed to revise the Presbytery book of New York. The 1764.] NEW YORK AND PHILADELPHIA. 335 books of tlie first and second Philadelphia Presbytery, of New Castle, Han- over, and Lewestown, not brought in. Mr. Brush reports, he complied with the last Synod's order with respect to Mr. Leonard, and further reports, that since that time Mr Leonard is dead. The committee appointed to dispose of the interest money in the hands of the treasurer of New Jersey college, appropriated to the education of the poor and pious youth, report, that they met according to appointment, but their minutes not being present, they are not able to give a particular account of the matter. The Synod appoint Dr. Finley, with Messrs. William Tennent, Gruild, Brainerd, Blair, Kirkpatrick, Ewing, and the moderator, to be a com- mittee to meet at Princeton the third Wednesday of August, to dispose of as much of said money as shall be due at nest commencement if there be need. The Synod appoint as their commission for the ensuing year, the Rev. Messrs. Gilbert Tennent, Treat, Dr. Alison, Ewing, John Miller, AVilson, Dr. Finley, Blair, Boyd, Tate, Elder, Robert Smith, William Tennent, Guild, Azariah Horton, James Brown, Spencer, Brainerd, Hunter, McDowell, Jones, Rodgers, with the moderator. And the following elders, Messrs. Samuel Woodroff, Garret Noel, John Hannah, Joseph Kerr, Joseph Prudden, whereof thirteen members, including the moderator, shall be a quorum, of which ten shall be ministers ; and that in case of the moderator's death or absence, the first in order of the minute remaining, have a power to call the commission and preside. Adjourned till three o'clock. Concluded with prayer. Three o'cloch, P. M. the St/nod met according to adjournment, post preces sederunt qui supra. Dr. Alison and Messrs. Gilbert Tennent, Cross, Treat, and Ewing, appointed last year to be a committee to collect and put into the hands of the corporation, for the relief, &c. the money formerly belonging the fund of the late Synod of Philadelphia, not having made report, are appointed to comply with the order by our next Synod, if not already done. Ordered, That those who have made a collection for the Indian school and mission, bring in the money to Mr. Brainerd before our next sederunt, and that he lay the account before the Synod. The further consideration of the affair referred to that time. The Synod find that Mr. Joseph Treat's reasons for not going to Virginia, were sustained by the Presbytery by which he was appointed. The moderator and Mr. Brainerd were prevented from fulfilling the order of the Synod in their mission to the frontiers, and the whole design of the mission was entirely prostrated by the breaking out of the Indian war. Mr. Hait is now come, his reasons for not coining sooner sustained. Messrs. Enoch Green, William Tennent, jun'r, and Jacob Kerr, complied with the appointments of our last Synod. Whereas Messrs. "Read, Carmichael, and Enoch Green, left the Synod last year without asking leave, the Synod cannot but disapprove of the same, and do judge that such conduct in their members is contrary to the design, and de- structive to the very nature of such judicatures, who are always to be supposed to give leave when sufficient reasons are offered. Adjourned till to-morrow morning, at nine o'clock. Concluded with prayer. 336 MINUTES OF THE SYXOD OF [1764. 18 dayy nine o'clock, the Synod met according to adjournment. Post preces sederunt qui supra. The settlement of the Indian aifairs with Mr. Brainei-d, deferred till our next sederunt. Mr. Nathan Kerr's reasons for not complying with our last year's appoint- ment, sustained. The Presbytery to which Mr. Lyon belonged, rendered satisfactory reasons for his not complying with the last Synod's appointment. Mr. John Miller having left the Synod last year without leave, and not being present now, the consideration of it is deferred till our next Synod. The afi'air of Second Philadelphia Presbytery referred to this Synod, came under consideration in the course of reading last year's minute, and after some discourse upon the subject, they do not judge it expedient to determine at this time whether said Presbytery be continued or not, but refer it to the next Synod. The question, Ought ministers to be ordained, sine titido ? came under con- sideration ; and after the several Presbyteries had delivered their sentiments, and every member had been called upon to speak to it, the Synod appoint Messrs. Kichard Treat, Piodgers, and Dr. Finley, a committee to draw up a minute in answer to said question, and bring it in at our next sederunt. Messrs. Gilbert Teunent, Cross, Dr. Alison, Ewing, Richard Treat, Samuel Finley, Rodgers, Brainerd, and the modenitor, are appointed a committee of correspondence with the American and foreign churches, for the ensuing year ; and that they meet at Philadelphia the last "Wednesday of July, at three o'clock, P. M. Adjourned till three o'clock, P. M. Concluded with prayer. Three o'cIocJc, P. M. The Synod met according to adjournment. Post jyreces sederunt qui supra. The settlement of the Indian affairs with Mr. Brainerd further deferred. The committee appointed to bring in a minute with respect to the question, Ought ministers to be ordained sine titulo ? are come in ; and after considerable deliberation, the affair is deferred till next sederunt. Adjourned till to-morrow morning, nine o'clock. Concluded with prayer. 19 day, nine o'cIocJc. The Synod met according to adjournment. Post preces sederunt qui sup)ra. (Except Mr. Piorson, who had leave to go away.) 'The moderator being unexpectedly called away, Mr. Bodgers, the last year's moderator, was desired to take the chair until his return. The Indian affairs come under consideration, and Mr. Bi'aincrd reports that there has been paid into his hands the sum of twenty-eight pounds, nineteen shillings, and four pence, provincial currency, which mobey, with other col- lections that are, or may be put into his hands, the Synod order to be laid out as in manner ordered last year, for the support of the Indian school, and that the money allowed for the support of the master, shall not exceed fifty pounds, provincial currency ; and further appoint, that a collection be made this year also, through their bounds, for the support of said school ; and that each Pres- bytery take care that said collection be duly made through their bounds, and that they lay their accounts, regularly adjusted, before our next Synod. And ]Mr. Brainerd further reports, that there appears to have been paid to Mr. Occam, about the sum of thirty -four pounds, provincial currency. 1764.] NEW YORK AND PHILADELPHIA. S37 The Synod order that the interest of the money in the hands of the treasurer of the College of New Jersey for Indian aflairs, be given to Mr. Braiuerd the ensuing year. The question, Ought ministers to be ordained sine tituh? i. e. without rela- tion, or probable view had, to a particular charge, resumed ; and, after further deliberation, we judge as fallows : That in ordinary cases, where churches are properly regulated and organized, it is a practice highly inexpedient, and of dangerous consequences, not to be allowed in our body except in some special cases, as missions to the Indians, and some distant places that regularly apply for ministers. But as the honour and reputation of the Sj'nod is much inter- ested in the conduct of Presbyteries in such special cases, it is judged, that they should previously apply to the Synod and take their advice therein, unless the cases require such haste as would necessarily prevent the benefit of such a mission if delayed to the nest session of Synod. In which cases the Presby- teries shall report to the nest Synod the state of the cases, and the reasons for their conduct. The third, fourth, and fifth queries in the Synod's hook came under consider- ation, and after considerable deliberation, we appoint Messrs. Samuel Finley, Spencer, Tennent, Gruild, Montgomery, Hunt, Caldwell, Samuel Woodroft", and the moderator, to prepare a minute and bring it in at the next sederunt. Adjourned till Monday morning, at ten o'clock. Concluded with prayer. 21s^ c7oy, ten o'clock, A. M. The Sijnod met according to adjournment. Post preces sederunt qui supra. (Except Mr. John Hannah, Mr. Smith's elder, who is gone home.) The committee for preparing a minute upon the third, fourth, and fifth queries, report they met but had not time to finish it. Ordered, They bring it in at next sederunt. An appeal of Messrs. Smith, Roan, and Duffield, from a judgment of the Presbytery of Donegal!, with respect to the ordination of elders, deferred till nest Synod, (all the parties not being present,) at which time they are ordered to be present and prepared for trial, that the affair may be issued. Adjourned till three o'clock, P. M. Concluded with prayer. Three o^ clock, P. M. met according to adjournment. Post preces sederunt qui supra. The committee for forming a minute in answer to the third, fourth, and fifth queries in the Synod's book, made their report, and after deliberation and free debate, we judge as follows : In answer to the third query, the Synod judge, that any student in divinity who professes a design to enter into the ministry, has a right in our present situation, to study for his improvement, under the direction of any divine of reputation in the Synod, according to a former act ; but that when he proposes to enter upon trials, with a view to the ministry, he shall come under the care of that Presbytery to which he most naturally belongs : And he shall be deemed most naturally to belong to that Presbytery in whose bounds he has been brought up, and lived for the most part, and where he is best known. But if another Presbytery desire that any student or students should come into their bounds, or if any such student or students, for greater conveniency, or from any circumstances that make it necessary, desire to enter upon trials in a different Presbytery, upon his offering satisfactory reasons, he may be dismissed ; but in either case, the Presbytery to which he removes shall not receive nor admih him to come under trials upon his having a certificate as a regular church 43 338 MINUTES OF THE SYNOD OF [1764 member only, but he shall bring a testimonial from the Presbytery, or several neighbouring ministers where he lived, recommending him as a candidate for the ministry, of exemplary piety and holiness of conversation^ nor shall any thing less be esteemed a sufficient recommendation. Messrs. Montgomery and Talmage dissent from the above judgment. In answer to the fourth query we judge, that though every Christian so- ciety should maintain communion with others as far as they can with a good conscience, yet no society in order to maintain communion, is obliged to adopt or imitate the irregularities and deficiencies of another, contrar}- to its own established and approved rules of procedure. And if any society or body of men are known to be of erroneous principles, or to be las or negli- gent as to the orthodoxy or piety of those they admit into the ministry, as we apprehend to be the case of the New Light, in Ireland, and of some other par- ticular judicatures and individual ministers who may, and in some places on this continent, do convene together as a temporary judicature for the single purpose of licensing, or ordaining a candidate : in such cases, none of our Presbyteries are obliged to receive and employ in their bounds, as gospel ministers or probationers, such persons, though producing fair certificates, and professing to adopt our Confession. But if any ordained minister, or candidate, comes well recommended by those on whose testimony we can depend, such are to be gladly received upon their adopting our Confession, and promising subjection in the Lord. (See this further explained in the minutes of 1765.) As to the fifth query, though the Synod entertains a high regard for the Associated Churches of New England, yet we cannot but judge, that students who go to them, or to any other than our own Presbyteries to obtain license, in order to return and officiate among us, act very irregularly, and are not to be approved or employed by our Presbyteries, as hereby we are deprived of the right of trying and approving the qualifications of our own candidates ; yet, if any case may happen wherein such a conduct may, in some circum- stances be thought necessary, for the greater good of any congregation, it shall be laid before the Presbytery to which the congregation belongs, and approved of by them. There is no report from the Presbytery of Dutchess county, whether they have complied with the last year's order respecting them. Messrs. Brush and Parkhurst are ordered to give them notice that they are required to attend our next Synod, and give us an authentic account of their forming according to our orders, and that they bring their minutes. Adjourned till to-morrow morning nine o'clock. Concluded with prayer. 22d daji/, nine o'clock, met according to adjournment. Post preces sederunt qui stqjra. (Except Dr. Finley, and Messrs. R. Smith, Thomas Smith, and Braduer, who had leave to go home.) The question respecting psalmody came to be considered, and after much discourse on the subject, the Synod do judge that they are not at present pre- pared to give a final answer thereto, and that it is most for the edification of the church to defer it to the next Synod. In the mean time we do confirm the agreement of the last Synod, and allow those congregations who find it most expedient to continue in the use of Dr. Watts's imitation till the matter be further considered and determined. The committee appointed to meet at Little Britain to try the appeals from the judgment of Donegall Presbjtery, with respect to Messrs. Sampson Smith and William J]dmiston, report that they met and formed the following judg- ment. The further consideration of it deferred till next sederunt. Adjourned till three o'clock. Concluded with prayer. 1764.] NEW YORK AND PHILADELPHIA. 339 Three o^lock, P. M., the Si/nod met according to adjournment. Post preces sederunt qui sujwa. The committee appointed to examine the several Presbyteries' books, brought in their reports, which are as follows : The Presbytery book of New Brunswick approved except some omissions. The Presbytery book of New York approved except some few inaccuracies. The Presbytery book of Suffolk approved since the time of the union of the two Synods, except that they have neglected to record their candidates adopting our public standards at licensure, though they inform us it is matter of constant practice that they try and license at the same Presbytery, and in one instance ordained without pi-evious trial or licensure; and that they license for a certain time. Of all which we highly disapprove. The judgment of the committee which met at Little Britain again consid- ered. And after mature deliberation, though we do not doubt the committee acted with the utmost integrity, nevertheless we judge, the censure they in- flicted on Mr. Sampson Smith was not adequate to the crimes stated in their judgment. Messrs. Lewis, Talmage and Weeks, Mr. Lewis's elder, have leave to go home. Adjourned till to-morrow morning nine o'clock. Concluded with prayer. 23cZ day, nine o'clocJc, met according to adjournment. Post preces sederunt qui supra. The committee appointed to meet the corporation for the relief, &c. report, that they met, but as our missionaries did not go to the frontiers there was no money to be disposed of, and they had nothing to do. The Synod not fully understanding the state of the case with respect to the money in the hands of the corporation to be disposed of for pious uses in con- junction with the Synod's committee, we appoint Messrs. Brainerd, Spence, Ramsey, and Montgomery, a committee to inspect into the state of that affair and lay it before our next Synod. The address to the king was presented, and we hear was most graciously received. The appointments for Mr. Gilbert Tennent's congregation were substantially fulfilled. Several supplications from North Carolina were presented by the committee of bills and overtures, earnestly praying for supplies, which were read and urged with several verbal relations representing the state of that country. In consequence thereof, Mr. Charles Jef. Smith, a correspondent with this Synod, informed us, that he intended to undertake a journey to the southward, in which we greatly rejoice, and appoint Mr. Smith to spend as much time as he conveniently can before our next Synod under the direction of the Hanover Presbytery. As the Presbytery of New Brunswick have appointed Mr. Amos Thomp- son to supply for some time in Loudon county, Virginia, after said appoint- ment is fulfilled, we recommend it to Mr. Thompson to supply under the di- rection of Hanover Presbytery till next Synod. Mr. David Caldwell, a can- didate of New Brunswick Presbytery, is appointed to go as soon as possible, but not to defer it longer than next fall, and supply under the direction of the Hanover Presbytery till next Synod. The clerk ordered to give attested copies to these gentlemen of these our orders. The Synod more particularly considering the state of many congregations 340 MINUTES OF THE SYNOD OF [17G4. to the southward, and particularly North Carolina, and the great importance of having those congregations properly organized, appoint the Rev. Messrs. Elihu Spencer and Alexander McWhorter, to go as our missionaries for that purpose; that they form societies, help them in adjusting their bounds, ordain elders, administer sealing ordinances, instruct the people in discipline, and finally direct them in their after conduct, particularly in what manner they shall proceed to obtain the stated ministry, and whatever else may appear useful or necessary for those churches and the future settlement of the gospel among them. And also, that they assure those people wherever they go, that this Synod has their interest much at heart, and will neglect no opportunities of affording them proper candidates and su})plies to the utmost of our power. Ordered, that the clerk give said missionaries an attested copy of this minute, and proper testimonials signed by the moderator and clerk. And that these brethren may not suffer by so long and expensive a journey, the Synod agree to defray their expenses and make them a proper acknowledgment for the damages they may sustain in their domestic affairs; and for this purpose a collection is ordered through our bounds, and each Presbytery required to see it be duly observed. Mr. Mills is ordered to supply Mr. McWhorter's pulpit three Sabbaths, and the Presbytery of New York the remainder of the time during Mr. McWhorter's absence. And the Presbytery of New Brunswick ordered to supply Mr. Spencer's pulpit during his absence. A request was made from the first Philadelphia Presbytery, also from Mr. Gilbert Tennent and his congregation, praying supplies for said congregation till November. We accordingly appoint the Rev. Mr. Brainerd to supply there the first Sabbath in June, Mr. Enoch Green the second, Mr. Richard Treat the third, Mr. William Tennent, jun'r. the fourth and first in July, Mr. Murray the second, third, fourth, and fifth ; Mr. Rodgers the first Sabbath of August, Mr. Ramsey the second, Mr. Blair the third, Mr. Robert Smith the fourth ; Mr. Kirkpatrick the first Sabbath in September, Mr. Beatty the se- cond, Mr. Richard Treat the third, Mr. Montgomery the fourth, Mr. Hunt the fifth; Mr. Dufiield the first and second Sabbaths in October, Mr. Guild the third, Mr. Kirkpatrick the fourth ; and 3Ir. Lawrence the first Sabbath of November. Adjourned till three o'clock, P. M. Concluded with prayer. Three o'chchj P. 31., met accoi-diuQ to aJJournmcnt. Post i)rcces sederunt qui supra. A certain John Harris entered an appeal from a judgment of the Presbytery of New Castle, respecting certain complaints exliibited by him and others against the Rev. Mr. Andrew Bay. As this matter cannot be issued here we appoint the Rev. Messrs. Robert Smith, Roan, Elder, John Miller, Tate, Samuel Thompson, Beatty, Ramsey, Kirkpatrick, Richard Treat, Montgo- mery, Dutfield, and William Tennent, jun'r. a committee to hear and try the merits of the cause, and to issue the whole alfair, and to take what methods they may think proper thereto. And that they meet the first day of August, at eleven o'clock, at J)eer Creek meeting-house, and that Mr. Montgomery open the committee. Ordered, that the moderator and as many of the mem- bers of New Castle Presbytery as conveniently can, attend the committee. The Synod considering the distressed condition of the frontiers, the calami- ties of an Indian war, and the withholding the influences of the Divine Spirit in a great degree from most of our churches, do agree to ob.serve the second Thursday of June throughout our bounds as a day of fasting and prayer, that 1765.] NEW YORK AND PHILADELPHIA, 341 we may humble ourselves before Almighty God, deprecate his displeasure, and implore the out-pouring of his Holy Spirit. Adjourned till the third Wednesday in May nest, at ten o'clock, to meet at the first Presbyterian church in Philadelphia. Concluded with prayer. 1765. PhiladelpMa, May \bth, 1765. The Synod of New York and Philadelphia met according to adjournment. Uhi post jyreces sederunt Of the Presbytery of Hanover, the Rev. Mr. John Todd. Of the Presbytery of Lewestown, the Rev. Messrs. John Miller, Matthew Wilson, John Harris, Joseph Montgomery, and Jacob Ker. Of the Presbytery of New Castle, the Rev. Messrs. John Rogers, John Blair, Adam Boyd, Alexander McDowal, William McKennan. Of the Presbytery of Donegall, the Rev. Messrs. Joseph Tate, Robert Smith, Sampson Smith. Of the first Presbytery of Philadelphia, the Rev. Messrs. Richard Treat, Andrew Hunter, John Brainerd, Charles Beatty, Daniel Lawrence, Benjamin Chestnut, William Ramsey, John Griffith, John Clark. Of the second Philadelphia Presbytery, the Rev. Messrs. Robert Cross, Fran- cis Alison, John Ewing, John Simoutou, James Latta. Of the Presbytery of New Brunswick, the Rev. Messrs. Samuel Finley, Elihu Spencer, Benjamin Halt, William Kirkpatrick, John Hannah, Amos Thomp- son, Enoch Green. Of the Presbytery of New York, the Rev. Messrs. A. Horton, Benjamin WoodrofF, Alexander McWhorter, Joseph Treat, James Caldwell, Nathan Ker. Of the Presbytery of Sufl:blk, the Rev. Messrs. Thomas Lewis and William Mills. Elders : Messrs. Gill, Belcher, Barker, John Maxfield, William Skirvin, Je- rome Duchane, James Anderson, Hugh Wilson, John Wigton, John Walter, John Wallace, Thomas McKean, William Allen, Nehemiah Baldwin, Garret Noel, Samuel WoodrofF, Joseph Akin. Of New Brunswick Presbytery, absent, Messrs. Guild, McKnight, McCrea, Reed, William Tennent, Job Prudden, Thomas Smith. Of Suffolk Presbytery, absent, Messrs. Prime, White, Buel, Barker, Brown, Talmage, Paine, Reeve, Occum, and Goldsmith Of Donegall Presbytery, absent, Messrs. Elder, Thompson, Steel, Rowan, Hogg, Duffield, Strain, McMordie, Beard, Hunt. Of Hanover Presbytery, absent, Messrs. Black, Craig, Brown, Patillo, McCadden, Waddel, Rice. Of Lewes Presbytery, absent, Mr. Charles Tennent. Of New York Presbytery, absent, Messrs. Pierson, Jones, Green, Darby, Richards, Roe, Elmure, Packhurst, Moifat, Brush, Tuttle, Peppard, Simon Horton, Knox, and Malby. Of New Castle Presbytery, absent, Messrs. Hutchinson, James Finley, Car- michael, and Sterling. Of Philadelphia first Presbytery, Nehemiah Greenman. The moderator opened the Synod with a sermon from Tit. iii. 8. Adjourned till three o'clock, P. M. Concluded with prayer. At three 6'clocJc, met according to adjournment. Post preces sederunt qui supra. Mr. John Miller was chosen moderator, and; having received the usual charge, took the chair. Mr. John Ewing was chosen clerk, and Mr. Kirkpatrick for his assistant. 342 MINUTES OF THE SYNOD OF [1765. The reasons of the absence of Messrs. Kirkpatrick, Hunter, Hannah, Ches- nut, and of the whole second Presbytery of Philadelphia, and of Messrs. Boyd, Blair, McDowal, Sampson Snaith, Miller, Wilson, Harris, Todd, from our last Synod, were sustained. Mr. Bay was desired to give his reasons in writing to the Synod, for his ab- sence since the year 1758, to-morrow morning. Mr. Tate excused for not attending last year. The first Presbytery of Philadelphia report that the Eev. Gilbert Tennent is dead since our last. The Presbytery of New Brunswick report, that they have ordained Messrs. James Lyon and John Roxborough to the work of the ministry, and that they have licensed Simon Williams. The Presbytery of New York report, that they have ordained the Rev. Mr. Francis Peppard to the work of the ministry; and that the Rev. Mr. Enos Airs is dead since our last; and that the Rev. Mr. Kettletas has withdrawn from this body. Suffolk Presbytery report, that they have ordained to the work of the min- istry Mr. Benjamin Goldsmith. New Castle Presbytery report, that they have deposed Mr. Andrew Sterling and licensed Mr. Samuel Blair. Donegall Presbytery report, that they licensed Mr. Robert Cooper to preach the gospel. Lewes Presbytery report, that they have ordained Mr. Alexander Huston, who, being present, took his seat in the Synod ; and that they have licensed Mr. Thomas McCrackan. Hanover Presbytery report, that they have ordained Mr. David Rice, and licensed Mr. James Creswell. The second Presbytery of Philadelphia report, that they licensed Mr. James Leng to preach the gospel in the year 1764. The Synod appoints for a committee of overti;res, the Rev. Messrs. Tate, Todd, Wilson, Rodgers, Lawrence, Latta, Hoit, McWhorter, and Mills ; Elders John Maxwell, Nehemiah Baldwine, and John Wigton, to meet at six o'clock to-morrow morning, and by adjournments, from time to time, at this house. Ordered, That the Presbytery book of New Brunswick be examined by Messrs. Caldwell and Beatty ; that of Donegall by Messrs. Ramsey and Blair ; •that of York by Messrs. Lewis and James Finley ; that of the second Presby- tery of Philadelphia by Messrs. McDowal and Horton. The Presbytery books of Suffolk, Lewes, and Hanover, are not here. The committee appointed to dispose of the money in the hands of the trea- surer of New Jersey College, appropriated for the education of poor and pious youth, brought in a state of their accounts since the year 1758, which is as follows : 1758, Nov. 23. Paid by the treasurer to Mr. William Tennent for the use of Mr. Leslie, . - - For Mr. Carmichael, 1759, Nov. 23. To Mr. Carmichael, 1760, eTune 11. To President Davies, for the use of Mr. Blair, 1761, Aug. 3. To Mr. Rosborough, per order, ... 1762, May 25. To do. per order, ... 1763, Aug. 26. To Mr. Robert Cooper, per order, ... 1764, July 5. To do. per order, . - - Nov. 13. To Samuel Leak, per order, .... £13 0 0 14 15 1 10 00 0 20 00 0 30 00 0 14 00 0 20 00 0 13 00 0 40 00 0 £174 15 1 £27 15 13 00 12 00 180 00 1 0 0 0 232 15 174 15 1 1 1765.] NEW YORK AND PHILADELPHIA. 343 Per Contra. 1758, Oct. By interest in hand, ----- 1762, July 2. By cash returned by Mr. Leslie, 1765, Jan. 20. By do. per do. . . - Oct. By interest on the capital, £500, from Oct. 1758, \ at 6 per cent, till Oct. 1764 J Total credit, ------ Paid, Balance, £58 00 0 The Synod appoint Dr. Finley and Messrs. William Tennent, John Guild, Brainerd, Blair, Kirkpatrick, Ewing, Beatty, and Treat, to be a committee to dispose of the balance of said fund, which may be in their hands September next, and they are to meet at Princeton the third Tuesday of August next. The Synod appoint for their commission the ensuing year, Messrs. Richard Treat, Dr. Alison, Beatty, Ewing, Dr. Finley, Blair, Boyd, Tate, Elder, Robert Smith, William Tennent, Guild, Azarias Horton, Brown, Spencer, Brainerd, Rodgers, Hunter, McDowal, and Jones, with the moderator; elders John Wal- lace, Samuel Woodroif, Garret Noel, Jerome Duchane, and John Maxwell ; thirteen of whom, including the moderator, shall be a quorum ; but if the moderator die, or be absent, the first on the roll mentioned in the minute, shall have power to call the commission and to preside. Adjourned till to-morrow morning, at nine of the clock. Concluded with prayer. IQih May, at nine ddocJc, A. 31. The Synod met according to their ad- journment. Ubi post 2^'^eces sederunt qui supra. With the Rev. Messrs. William Tennent, Carmichael, Charles Tennent, Wil- liam Tennent, jun.. Beard, James Finley, Rowan, Strain, and Steel : elders William McConkey, Walter Stewart, David Patten, Alexander McClure, Fran- cis Alexander. Mr. Duffield was also present. Mr. McMordie is come, and the reasons of his absence last year were sus- tained. -4 Mr. Bay brought in the reasons of his absence from Synod since the year 1758, and the Synod Ccirnestly recommend it to him to be more punctual in future attendance upon the judicatures of this church. The committee of correspondence with the foreign churches did no business by reason of the few members attending. The Synod appoint Dr. Alison, Dr. Finley, and Messrs. Treat, McDowal, and Beatty, to prepare a plan of correspondence to be laid before the Synod as soon as convenient. The several Presbyteries are desired to lay before the Synod the account of the money they have collected for the Indian school to-morrow afternoon. Mr. Brainerd is appointed to receive the money in the hands of the trustees of New Jersey College for Indian afiairs for the ensuing year, as an addition to his salary. Mr. Caldwell fulfilled appointments under the direction of the Hanover Pres- bytery. Messrs. Spencer and McWhorter fulfilled their mission to the southward. Mr. McWhorter's pulpit was supplied during his absence, and the Presbytery of Brunswick were satisfied with the care taken to supply Mr. Spencer's people. Adjourned till three o'clock, P. M. Concluded with prayer. 344 MINUTES OF THE SYNOD OF [1765. At three o'clock, P. M. the Sijnod met. Uhi post preccs sederunt qui wpra. With the Eev. Mr. John Elder, and Henry Knox, his elder. Ordered, That Dr. Alison, Dr. Finley, and Messrs. Treat, Beatty, Wallace, and WoodroflF, be a committee to converse with Mr. Spencer, and Mr. Mc' Whorter concerning the expenses of their mission, and make report to the Synod to-morrow morning, that the Synod may be able to judge what they should do further both for the said missionaries, and for the settlement of gospel ministers in Carolina. Messrs. Blair and McDowal are appointed to draw up an answer to the fourth query under our consideration, to be submitted to the judgment of the Synod to-morrow morning The affair of Psalmody is next to be considered. Mr. Hunt is now come, with his elder, Francis Armstrong. Adjourned till nine o'clock, to-morrow morning. Concluded with prayer." 17th of May, at nine o'clock, A. M. the Synod met. Uhi post preces sede- runt qui sxtjjva. Mr. Gilbert Belcher Parker is gone home. The committee appointed to converse with Messrs. Spencer and McWhorter request time till Tuesday morning for further conversation with them. The Synod finding some obscurity in the answer given last year to the fourth query, (vid. p. 337,) they have agreed to explain it further in the fol- lowing words : It is undoubtedly the right of Presbyteries to converse with any probationer, or minister from foreign parts, as far as they may find it necessary to give them satisfaction, and not receive him implicitly on a certificate, however fair and regular, together with his general profession of adopting the Westminster Con- fession and Catechisms. But if such probationer, or minister, shall come from a church or judicature generally suspected, or known to be erroneous, or lax and negligent with respect to the moral conduct or piety of their candidates, or members ; or if they shall come from any number of ministers who may con- vene without any regular constitution, merely for the purpose of licensing or ordaining particular persons ; in that case a certificate from such a judicature, and such a general profession of the party's adopting the Confession of Faith, is still less satisfactory, and renders it highly necessary for the Presbytery to which application shall be made, to be more particular and exact in examining the principles of such a probationer, or minister, before they admit him, or em- ploy him in their bounds. The afi'air of psalmody being resumed, Dr. Finley and Mr. McDowell arc appointed to draw up a minute relating to that afi'air, before our next. An appeal from the judgment of Doucgall Presbytery concerning the mode of setting elders apart to their oifice came under consideration, and the Synod ap- point the clerk to draw up a minute concerning it, to be laid before our Synod at their next meeting. Adjourned till three of the clock, P. M. Concluded with prayer. At three o'clock, P. M. the Synod met. Uhi j)Ost preces sederunt qui supra. The clerk according to appointment brought in the following minute, which was approved : The Synod having heard the judgment of the Presbytery of Donegall, in April, 17G1, concerning the mode of setting elders apart to their office in one 1765.] NEW YORK AND PHILADELPHIA. 345 of the Presbyterian cliurches in Carlisle, together with the reasons of the ap- peal to the Synod from said judgment, do, upon the whole, approve of the Presbytery's judgment, and also of their caution to prevent any bad conse- quences that might arise from a deviation from that mode which has been commonly used in this church, and which is highly proper on such occasions, although we wish that they had expressed their caution in stronger terms. We judge that the elders chosen at that time are clothed with sufBcient autho- rity to act in the oiEce of elders in the church, as they actually acquiesced in the election of the people, and in their appointment to the ofSce ; and we judge that the consent of the persons to undertake the office should be neces- sarily obtained. And though it appears it was substantially obtained in the present case, yet we are of opinion that it had been more eligible, and more for the peace and edification of the church, if their public and explicit consent to undertake and execute that office had been taken in the face of the congre- gation. And we hope that the Presbytery will observe their own directions for the future. The account of money collected for the Indian school further deferred. The committee according to appointment brought in a minute respecting psalmody, which being read and amended, is as follows : After some consideration of the query concerning the use of Dr. Watts's imitation of the Psalms, the Synod judged it best, in present circumstances, only to declare that they look on the inspired Psalms in Scripture, to be pro- per matter to be sung in Divine worship, according to their original design and the practice of the Christian churches, yet will not forbid those to use the imitation of them whose judgment and inclination lead them to do so. Mr. Adam ]?oyd had leave to go home. A reference from the Presbytery of New Castle was brought into the Synod, requesting them to give their judgment, whether the E,ev. Mr. John Rodgers should be removed to New York, agreeable to the call of that congregation. After hearing what the commissioners, both from St. George's and from New York, had to offer on that occasion, the Synod adjourned till nine o'clock to- morrow morning, and concluded with prayer. ISth of May. The Synod met according to adjournment. Uhi post preces sederunt qui supra. Messrs. "William Tennent, senior, James Finley, Thomas Lewis, Nathan Kerr, and William Tennent, junior, beg leave to enter their dissent from the judgment of the Synod concerning the judgment of Donegall Presbytery with respect to the setting elders apart for their office. The affair of Mr. Rodgers' s removal to New York was resumed, and before the Synod entered on the consideration thereof it was agreed unanimously, solemnly to call on God by prayer for light and direction to issue this im- portant affair. After the arguments for and against Mr. Rodgers' s removal were heard fully, and with great attention, it was put to the vote, and carried by a great majority, that he shall be removed; and accordingly the Synod de- clare, that his relation to the congregation of St. George's is dissolved ; and they exhort that congregation to attend to the reasons and necessity hereof, and to behave as Christians under this dispensation. Dr. Finley and Mr. Harris have leave to go home. Adjourned till ten o'clock, A. M., on Monday next. Concluded with prayer. 2Qth of May, at ten o clock, A. M. The Synod met. Post proves sederunt qui supra. Mr. John Montgomery, Mr. Steel's elder, is now come. Having considered the collection of money for the Indian school, it was 44 346 MINUTES OF THE SYNOD OF [1765. agreed to defer the final settlement of that business until the committee, ap- pointed to converse with Messrs. Spencer and McWhorter, bring in their report. At the request of the Rev. Mr. Rodgers, and of the congregation of St. George's, Mr. Spencer is appointed to supply that congregation four weeks before Mr. Rodgers removes from them. The committee for overtures introduced the following calls and supplica- tions, viz. a call for the Rev. Mr. Spencer from Cathy's Settlement and Fourth Creek, which was presented to him ; also a supplication for supplies from the inhabitants of North Carolina, living between the waters of Yadkins and Ca- tabaw Rivers, and particularly for the removal of Mr. Spencer and Mr. McWhorter to settle among them ; and two other supplications from the con- gregations of Bethel and Poplar' Tent, in Mecklenburg county, in the same colony, for supplies ; a supplication was also brought in from the united con- gregations of New Providence and the Six Mile Spring, in North Carolina, for supplies, and the countenance of the Synod for settling gospel ministers among them ; another also, from Ilawfield and Little River, in the same colony, for supplies ; likewise a supplication for supplies from Long Lanes, in South Carolina. A call for the Rev. Mr. McWhorter from Hopewell and Centre congrega- tions, in North Carolina, was brought in by the committee of overtures, but the Synod apprehending that some other persons may be more conveniently sent to North Carolina, did not present the call to him. Adjourned to three o'clock, P. M. Concluded with prayer. At three o'clock, P. 31., the Synod met. Uhi ])ost preces sederunt qui supra. In consequence of sundry supplications from North Carolina for supplies, the Synod appoint Messrs. Nathan Kerr, George Duffield, William Ramsey, David Caldwell, James Latta, and Robert McMordie, to go there as soon as they can conveniently, and each of them to tarry half a year in these vacant congregations, as prudence may direct. And the moderator and clerk are or- dered to give proper certificates to the aforesaid gentlemen ; and the respective Presbyteries are to make provision for the pulpits of the settled ministers. The Presbytery of Sufiblk are to supply Mr. Kerr's congregation four Sabbaths, of which Mr. Mills is to notify the Presbytery. A paper containing an appeal of the people of New Castle and Christine Bridge, from a judgment of the Presbytery of New Castle respecting a call to Mr. Magaw ; and a complaint against said Presbytery in that afiair, was brought in by the committee of overtures and read ; and having heard the minutes of that I'resbytery read, and what the commissioners had to ofier on that subject, adjourned till to-morrow morning, at nine of the clock. Concluded with prayer. 21 day of 3fa7/, the Synod met at nine o'clock. Post preces sederunt qui supra. The affair of New Castle and Christine congregations resumed, and after mature deliberation it was agreed, that Messrs. Montgomery, AVilson, and Calilwell, be a committee to prepare an overture to be submitted to the judg- ment of the Synod, to determine that affair at our next .snhrunf. Adjourned till six o'clock, A. M., to-morrow. Concluded with prayer. 1765.] NEW YORK AND PHILADELPHIA. 347 22c? day of 3fay, at six of the chch, A. M. The Synod met. Post preces sederunt qui supra. The affair of New Castle and Christine Bridge resumed. The committee which was appointed brought in an overture, which being read and considered, was approved, and is as follows : All parties being long and patiently heard, the Synod on the whole do judge, that the said Presbytery have acted a very cautious and Christian part in making such a stand against bigotry and party spirit in these congregations, and striving so long to prevent a breach of a solemn union stipulated between these societies, and therefore cannot but highly disapprove and condemn the indecent language of their appeal, and their bitter insinuations of injustice from that our worthy Presbytery. And as it appears there was at least a very con- siderable opposition made against presenting said call, the Presbytery might prudently delay it with a view, if possible, to obtain a greater union in Mr. Magaw, or some other person. However, as more light in the course of this trial has been thrown on that affiiir, than was given by the congregation to the Presbytery, it now appears the call had better be presented to JMr. Magaw. And as the Presbytery assure us that they never intended to meddle with the civil property of their meeting-houses, even in the alternative proposed to these societies, which was only for the sake of peace, we leave them to settle that matter according to their own articles of union, and to determine the qualifica- tions of their own voters, earnestly recommending it to both parties, in the spirit of meekness, to compromise their own differences, to maintain their union inviolable, and to follow the things which make for peace and edifi- cation. The collections for the Indian school came under consideration, and it is or- dered that they who have made collections for that purpose pay the same to Mr. Ewing, before to-morrow morning, of which he is to make a report. Nathan Kerr has leave to go home. Ordered, That Messrs. Brainerd, Kamsey, Spencer, and Montgomery, be a committee to wait on the corporation for the relief of poor and distressed Pres- byterian ministers, and their widows and children, at their next meeting, and to request of them such papers as may serve to give any light to the Synod con- cerning their power or right to concur with the corporation in the disposal of any money that may be in their hands. Mr. Lewis had leave to go home. Adjourned till three o'clock, P. M. Concluded with prayer. At three o'clocJc, P. M. the Synod met. Uhi post preces sederunt qui supra. The Rev. Mr. John Leavit, from New England, being present, was desired to sit as a correspondent. Dr. Finley is returned. A petition was brought in by the committee of overtures from West Notting- ham, complaining that they were aggrieved by a late order of the Synod which removed them from the care of New Castle Presbytery, and put them under the care of that of Donegall, inasmuch as the distance of the petitioners from the most usual places of Donegall Presbytery's meeting, and the creeks and rivers that lie between, greatly obstruct, and sometimes quite prevent their at- tendance on the meeting of said Presbytery ; and requesting to be put under the care of New Castle Presbj'tery. Their petition was granted, and said congregation is remitted to the care of New Castle Presbytery as formerly. A petition from the Presbytery of Donegall was brought into the Synod by the committee of overtures, praying to be erected into two Presbyteries or that 348 MINUTES OF THE SYNOD OF [1765. the members added to the Donegall Presbytery, when the Presbyteries -were uew modelled, be ordered to return to their former judicatures. An appeal was also brought in against the vote of the Presbytery authoriz- ing this petition to the Synod. After hearing the Presbytery and the appellants with great deliberation, ad- journed till eight o'clock, A. M., to-morrow. Concluded with prayer. 23cZ of May, at eight o'clocli, the Synod met. Ubi post preces sederunt qui supra. Messrs. Baldwin and Strain had leave to go home. The petition of the Presbytery of Donegall, and the appeal of some members were further considered, and it was agreed not to grant the petition. The Synod having maturely considered the situatian of affairs in the Presby- tery of Donegall, agreed to erect the members of that Presbytery that live on the western side of the river Susquehanna into a new Presbytery, together with the Rev. Mr. Andrew Bay, by the name of the Presbytery of Carlisle ; and appoint that the first meeting be at Philadelphia the 23d day of May, 1765; and the remaining members are hereby annexed to the Presbytery of New Castle. An appeal from the judgment of the Presbytery of Donegall, respecting Messrs. Bowan and Edmiston was brought in by Mr. Edmiston, together with a reference respecting the same affair by the Presbytery of Donegall. Also another appeal from a judgment of said Presbytery, was brought in by Mr. McMordie. The Synod considering the impossibility of determining said af- fairs at present, have appointed the following gentlemen a committee to issue and determine both these matters, viz : Messrs. Beatty, Brainerd, Simnnton, Guild, IMontgomery, Clark, Spencer, Kirkpatrick, Halt, Hannah, Green, IMcKuight, and Ewing, to meet at Hanover on the first Wednesday of Septem- ber next ; and that Mr. Ewing open the committee and that Mr. Elder give citations for evidences. It is also appointed that Messrs. Kirkpatrick, Mont- gomery, Beatty, Ewing, and Brainerd, be a committee to meet at Little Britain, to examine what evidences Mr. Edmiston may produce to support the charges brought against Mr. Rowan, and that both Messrs. Rowan and Edmiston attend at that place on Friday the thirtieth of August ; and that the committee make a report to the committee at Hanover, and that Mr. Hunt give citations to the evidences to appear at the committee. Adjourned till three o'clock, P. M. Concluded with prayer. At three d'cloch, the Synod met. Vhi post jyreces sederunt qui sup)ra. Mr. Baldwin, Mr. jMcWhorter's elder, had leave to go home. The committee of the Synod appointed last year to meet at Deer Creek, brought in their minutes which were read. And as Mr. Bay had appealed from the judgment of that committee after he and all parties were fully heard in their own defence; the Synod appoint Messrs. Wilson, Plunter, and Kirkpat- rick, a committee to bring in a judgment on the conduct of the committee at next sederunt. Adjourned till eight o'clock, A. M. to-morrow. Concluded with prayer. 24:th of May, the Synod met at eiyht, A. M. Post preces sederunt qui sujva. The committee, according to appointment, brought in a minute, which being read and amended is as follows : The Synod having carefully examined the matter of Mr. Bay's appeal from the judgment of our committee appointed last year, in consequence of an 1765.] NEW YORK AND PHILADELPHIA. 349 appeal from a judgment of New Castle Presbytery that met at Deer Creek, on mature deliberation judge, that our committee have the merit of taking great pains to examine these difficult affiiirs, yet we cannot justify either the un- tender expressions relating to the Presbytery, or the severity of their judg- ment and censure of Mr. Bay. We rather approve of the judgment of the Pi'esbytery, from which we judge there was no sufficient reason of an appeal. On the whole, considering the ferment of the people, the virulence of the pro- secutors, and the necessity of compromising the differences of the congrega- tions, we judge the Presbytery acted a very prudent and a Christian part, and that their exhortations were very salutary. This judgment being read and approved, it was overturcd by a member, that inasmuch as sundry matters between Mr. Bay and the people of Deer Creek still stand open, that therefore these matters should be issued by the Presbytery of New Castle, notwithstanding Mr. Bay is set off as a member of Carlisle Presbytery; in which motion the Synod concurred, and accord- ingly ordered the Presbytery of New Castle to issue these matters as soon as they can conveniently. Adjourned till three o'clock, P. M. Concluded with prayer. At three o'clock, P. M. the Sijnod met. Post preces sederunt qui supra. The committee appointed to revise the Presbytery book of New Bruns- wick, brought it in and it was approved. The committee appointed for revis- ing Donegall book were prevented from revising it. The Presbytery book of the second Presbytery of Philadelphia was not put into the hands of the committee for revising it. There is no account from Dutchess county Presbytery, whether they have regularly formed themselves according to the order of the Synod. The committee appointed to meet with Messrs. Spencer and McWhorter, to settle with them the expense of their journey, and the losses they have sus- tained thereby in their affairs at home, make report, that they did meet ac- cordingly, and an account being laid before them, they are of opinion the money they have received of the Synod's collection and otherwise, which has not been expended on their journey, should be allowed them and divided be- tween them in proportion to the account of their expenses brought in and allowed. Mr. McWhorter returned to the Synod all the money of the Synod's collection allowed by the committee. The remaining collection in the hands of the Synod is to be disposed of according to their direction. The Rev. Messrs. Tate, Elder, Steel, Sampson Smith, McMordie, and Beard, brought in a paper signifying that it was a difficulty to acquiesce in the regulations of yesterday respecting the alteration made in the Presbytery of Donegall, because they apprehend that no relief of their grievances is thereby afforded ; that their right as members was infringed in erecting a new Presby- tery out of the Donegall Presbytery, and annexing the remaining members to another Presbytery without consulting said Presbytery, or allowing them a vote in that affair ; and that that Presbytery, though respectable and of long standing, was thereby abolished. When they were fully heard, and some other expedients wore by them suggested, the Synod proceeded to review the affair, and seriously attended to the considerations suggested, and do judge that those brethren were so interested in the affair that they had not a right to vote, though they ought to have been consulted previous to any determination about it. As the new Presbytery will have no connection with the affairs that gave rise to their animosity, and the connections of other brethren with the remaining members, may tend to allay those prejudices which may be risen 350 MINUTES OF THE SYNOD OF [1765 too bigb to be otberwise worn off, tbe Synod cannot but bopc, tbat tbeir grievances will be found to be in a great measure relieved. And wbcreas the Presbytery of New Castle is now greatly diminished, the Synod conclude that no sufficient reasons are offered for altering their vsentiments as to substance, and therefore still agree, that the late members of New Castle and Donegal! Presbyteries to the eastward of Susquehanna, be united in one Presbytery, by the name of Lancaster Presbytery, and that they meet the 25th of May, at six o'clock in the morning, at the first Presbyterian church in this cit}' ; and that the Presbytery of Carlisle be continued. Messrs. McDowell and Ewing dissent from the above judgment, and beg liberty to bring in their reasons, which was granted. The reasons follow : 1. Because the request of these brethren was not only entirely and abso- lutely refused, but their condition is rendered worse, for the new model of the Presbyteries provides no relief for any of their grievances, but leaves the same causes of uneasiness unremoved, and subjects them to many new inconveni- ences. 2. When the petition was refused, and the Synod proceeded to new model the Presbyteries, these brethren had a right to consult and act with them in this matter; whereas they were manifestly denied and excluded from this right, by the Synod's making one and abolishing two Presbyteries without consulting them and granting them a vote. 3. Because the Synod has abolished Doncgall Presbytery in particular, with- out allowing one member of it to vote in the cause, and that without any suffi- cient reason. This procedure is injurious to Doncgall Presbytery, that has been long a respectable body, and has suffered in its peaceable character only by the addition of some new members ; which character we are persuaded they would soon retrieve had their petition been gi-anted. 4. We apprehend that this act of the Synod is contrary to the declared in- tention of this body at the union of the Synods, and a violation of an article of that solemn agreement, where it is expressly provided, that the Presbyteries subsisting before should be united only when it was for edification. Ordered, That Mr. Dufficld produce such of the original papers of the late Donegall Presbytery, to the committee to meet at Hanover, as relate to the affairs which are committed to their determination. The affair of the Indian school was resumed, and the Synod appointed Messrs. William Tennent, Brainerd, Montgomery, and Ewing, to consider and deter- mine how their money in Mr. Ewiug's hands shall be divided, and to what purposes it shall be applied, and to give orders to Mr. Ewing to pay the same accordingly. The llev. Mr. Jonathan Leavit, from New Hampshire in New England, pro- duced to the Synod certificates of his regular standing in the gospel ministry, and having professed his desire to join with this body, after adopting the West- minster Confession of Faith, as the confession of his faith, and having promised to conform himself to the Westminster Directory for worship and government, he was received as a member of the Synod, and was advised to put himself un- der the care of some one of our Presbyteries. Ordered, That a collection be made for propagating the gospel among the Indians, and for teaching their children ; and that the several Pi-esbyteries take care it be made in all their congregations, as well in those that want as in those that have settled ministers; and that each Presbytery appoint some mem- ber to bring in to next Synod a particular account how every congregation in their bounds has complied with this order. A petition from a number of ciders and gentlemen met in Philadelphia, was brought in and read, which is ordered to be kept in rctcnds, till it be further considered at our next Synod ; and that the clerk transmit a copy of said paper 1766.] NEW YORK AND PHILADELPHIA. 351 to each of our Presbyteries, to enable them the better to consider and carry the things proposed into execution. Ordered, That Lewestown Presbytery supply Mr. Ramsey's congregation eight Sabbaths, Mr. James Finley and Mr. McKennan each one Sabbath, and the first Presbytery of Philadelphia the remainder of the time. That the Presbytery of New Brunswick supply Mr. Latta's pulpit sixteen Sabbaths, and the second Presbytery of Philadelphia the rest of the time. That the Presby- teries of Lancaster and Carlisle supply Mr. McMordie's pulpit and Mr. Duf- field's in their absence. The afifiir of the second Philadelphia Presbytery deferred. Ordered, That the moderator give Mr. Bay a certificate, as he intends to take a journey into New England. Adjourned till the third Wednesday of May next, to meet at New York at three o'clock, P. M. Concluded with prayer. 1766. New York, May 2\st, 1766. The Synod of New York and Philadelphia met according to adjournment. LI hi post preces sederun t Ministers : The Rev. Messrs. John Pierson, Azariah Horton, Timothy Jones, John Rodgers, Joseph Treat, Benjamin Hait, Jonathan Elmore, Beujamia Woodroff, Abner Brush, Alexander McWhorter, James Caldwell, Azel Roe, Samuel Park hurst, Nathan Kerr, Simon Horton, Samuel Buel, Thomas Lewis, Benjamin Talmage, William Mills, David Rose, William Tennent, Charles Mc- Knight, Israel Reed, William Kirkjiatrick, Enoch Glreen, Amos Thompson, Richard Treat, Andrew Hunter, Charles Beatty, William Hampsey, Benjamin Chesnutt, John Clark, John Ewing, Patrick Allison, John Blair, Elihu Spen- cer, Robert Smith, John Carmichael, Jacob Tate, John Beard, John Miller, Matthew Wilson, Joseph Montgomery, Jacob Kerr, Alexander Huston, Andrew Bay, George Duffield, Elisha Kent, Samuel Sacket, John Smith, Eliphalet Ball, William Hanna. Elders : Messrs. Peter V. Livingston, Nathaniel Bell, Benjamin Bunnel, John Crane, Joseph Riggs, Robert Ogden, Jeff"ry Smith, David Harriot, Na- thaniel Scudder, Elias Bailey, James Allen, Thomas Jackson, John Maxwell, Joseph Crane, Joseph Lee, Jonathan Grifiin, Philip Edsal, and William Hum- phreys. Ministers absent : The Rev. Messrs. Nehemiah Greenman, John Griffiths, John Brainerd, Alexander McDowell, John Elder, Sampson Smith, James Finley, William McKennan, Robert McMordie, James Hunt, John Rowan, Charles Tennent, John Harris, Abner Reeve, John Moflet, John Maltby, Hugh Knox, Aaron Richards, Moses Tuttle, John Darby, Jacob Green, Francis Pep- pard, Ebenezer Prime, Sylvanus White, Nehemiah Barker, James Brown, Thomas Paine, Ezra Reeve, Benjamin Goldsmith, Samson Occum, James Mc- Crea, Samuel Kennedy, John Hanna, Thomas Smith, John Guild, Job Pru- den, John Rosborough, Dr. Samuel Finley, John Strain, John Steel, Samuel Thompson, John Hogg, John Slemons, Robert Cooper, Robert Cross, Dr. Fran- cis Alison, John Simonton, James Latta, Samuel Dunlap, Solomon Mead. Ab- sent : The whole Presbytery of Hanover. The Presbytery of Duchess county being present, report, that they have complied with the stipulations of the Synod in the year 1763, and have adopted the Westminster Confession of Faith and Catechisms, together with the Directory for worship and discipline, according to the usage of this Synod as appears from their minutes, which were produced and read ; certain mem- 352 MINUTES OF THE SYNOD OF 1766. bers of said Presbytery being present, were allowed to take their seats ac- cordingly. The Synod was opened by the Eev. Mr. John Miller, our last year's modera- tor, with a sermon from Heb. xiii. 17. There not being time to choose a moderator and clerk this evening, the Synod agreed to defer the choice until to-moiTOw morning. Adjourned till nine o'clock, to-morrow morning. Concluded with prayer. Thursday, 22(7 of May, at nine o'clock, A. M. the Synod met according to adjournment. Fost preces sederunt qui svpixi. The Rev. Mr. Chancey Graham is now come. Mr. Spencer is chosen moderator for the ensuing year, who, after receiving the usual charge from the last year's moderator, took the chair. 3Iessrs. Alex- ander MeWhorter and Benjamin Talmage were chosen clerks. Messrs. Robert Cross, C. J. Smith, and William Teunent, jun'r. were de- sired to sit as correspondents. The reasons which Messrs. Buel, Talmage, Jones, Roe, Parkhurst, Brush, Elmore, Reed, aud Horton, assigned for their absence from Synod last year, were sustained. Mr. Wheeler Case is now come, and his elder Frederick Horn. The first Presbytery of Philadelphia report, that the Rev. Mr. Daniel Law- rence died since our last, the 13th day of April, aud further report, that they have ordained Mr. John Murray since our last Synod ; but that some charges since that were laid in against him respecting his moral character, which are not yet decided by the Presbytery. Upon the report being brought in, some difficulties arose, whether Mr. Murray should be enrolled or not. The Synod voted that the report of the Presbytery should be received, and proceed no further in the affair the present sederunt. Adjourned to three o'clock, P. M. Concluded with prayer. Three o'clock, P. 31. The Synod met according to adjouimment. Post jpreces sederunt qui supra. The consideration of the report of the first Presbytery of Philadelphia, re- specting Mr. Murray, deferred to the next sederunt. New York Presbytery report that they have received Mr. Jedediah Chap- man, a candidate for the work of the ministry. Suffolk Presbytery report, that they ordained Mr. David Rose to the work of the ministry. Lancaster Presbytery report, that they have ordained Mr. Samuel Blair. New Brunswick Presbytery report, that they have ordained Mr. David Caldwell. A motion being made that the minutes of the Synod's proceedings may be by the clerk copied, aud scut to each Presbytery yearly, is deferred to further consideration. It is reported by a member of this body, that the Rev. Mr. Alexander Craig- head departed this life some time in March, 17GG. The second Presbytery of Philadelphia report, that they have ordained Mr. Patrick Alison, aud licensed Mr. James Anderson, and Mr. James Latta, since our last. The Presbytery of Carlisle report, that they have ordained Mr. John Sie- mens, and Mr. Robert Cooper, since our last. Dutchess County Presbytery report, that since their erection into a Presby- 1766.] NEW YORK AND PHILADELPHIA. 353 tery, they have received into their number jMr. William Hannah^ and Mr. Dun- lap ; ordained Mr. Wheeler Case, and licensed Mr. John Clove. The Synod appoints for a committee of overtures, the Rev. Messrs. Rod- gers, Lewis, Sacket, Tennent, Treat, Ewing, Smith, Wilson, Duffield, Jones. Elders, P. V. B. Livingston, Joseph Rigs, Nathaniel Scudder, John Maxwell, to meet to-moiTOw morning, at six o'clock, and by adjournment from time to time. Ordered, That the Presbytery book of New York be examined by Mr. Hunter and Mr. Reed. The other Presbytery books are not here. The committee appointed to dispose of the money in the hands of the trea- surer of the College of New Jersey, make no report of what is done, as their minutes are not here. Appointed as a committee, Messrs. William Tennent, Guild, Brainerd, Kirk- patrick, Ewing, Beatty, Enoch Green, and Reed, to meet at Princeton, the 13 th of August, to dispose of the money in the hands of the treasurer, then due, for the education of the poor and pious youth. The Synod appoint for their commissioners the ensuing year, the Rev. Messrs. Richard Treat, Dr. Alison, Beatty, Ewing, Dr. Finley, Blair, Boyd, Tate, Elder, Robert Smith, William Tennent, Miller, Guild, Horton, Brainerd, Rodgers, Hunter, McDowell, Jones, with the moderator. Elders, P. V. B. Livingston, Robert Ogden, Nathaniel Scudder, Joseph Rigs, John Maxwell; thirteen of whom to be a quorum. But if the moderator die, or be absent, the first on the roll mentioned in the minute shall have power to call the commis- sioners and to preside. Adjourned till to-morrow morning, nine o'clock. Concluded with prayer. May 23cZ, nine o'clock, met according to adjournment. Post preces sederunt qui supra. The consideration of the report of the first Philadelphia Presbytery, concern- ing Mr. Murray, further deferred. The Synod appoint Mr. Ewing to be our stated clerk. The motion which was made for the minutes of the Synod to be trans- cribed and sent to each Presbytery, resumed; and, after due consideration, the Synod appoint that all our minutes from the union, be transcribed by the stated clerk, and yearly transcribed and transmitted to each Presbytery in three months after the session of the Synod, and that the clerk shall be allowed twenty shillings provincial currency, by each Presbytery, for his annual labour. The Synod appoint, in order to defray the expenses of these copies, that there be a collection in all our congregations, or any other method that may appear convenient to particular members, for this purpose and other pub- lic uses. Dr. Alison is now come, and his reasons for not coming sooner sustained. His elder, Mr. William Humphreys, is also come. The Synod appoint the Rev. Dr. Alison, Messrs. Blair, Beatty, P. V._B. Livingston, a committee to prepare a plan of correspondence with foreign churches, and to bring it in as soon as possible. Messrs. Kerr, Duffield, David Caldwell, and Mr. McMordie, who were ap- pointed to go and supply in North Carolina, complied with their appointments. Mr. Ramsey, who was also appointed, did not go, and his reasons for not going were sustained. Mr. Leavit, who joined Lancaster Presbytery, according to order of Synod, has been at his request dismissed from them, to return to New England. The consideration of the petition from a number of elders and gentlemen in Philadelphia deferred. 45 354 MINUTES OF THE SYNOD OP [1766. The order of Synod, that Lancaster Presbytery should supply Mr. Duffield's pulpif in his absence, complied with. At Mr. Talmage's request, he was released from the business of clerk, and Mr. Wilson is chosen in his place. The reasons why Mr. Latta did not fulfil his appointments in Carolina, being given by some members in his absence, were sustained. Adjourned to three o'clock, P. M. Concluded with prayer. At three o^clock, P. 31. Post prcces sederunt qui supra. The consideration of the affair respecting Mr. Murray is further deferred. The committee for settling a plan of correspondence with foreign churches are appointed to meet on Saturday afternoon. The Rev. Mr. Graham had leave to go home. Mr. Brainerd is appointed to receive the money in the hands of the trustees of New Jersey College for Indian affairs, for the current year, as an addition to his salary. A motion was made by some members for a review of the Synod's judg- ment last year, respecting an affair in New Castle and Christiana congrega- tions. After having much conversation on the subject, it was determined by vote to refer the whole affair to next Synod, when all parties may be heard on their application. The committee appointed last Synod met at Hanover generally, and the reasons of such as were absent were sustained. Whereupon the Synod pro- ceeded to read the minutes of said committee, especially the several judgments on the various matters which came before them. Then Mr. Duffield offered an appeal, drawn up by Mr. Rowan, from their judgment, which was received and read. Adjourned to nine o'clock to-morrow. Concluded with prayer. 3fa9/ 24:fh, nine o'clock, A. M. The Synod met according to adjournment. Post preces sederunt qui supra. The affair of Mr. Rowan's appeal being resumed, the Synod resolved to defer it till their next meeting, as he was not present to prosecute it. Mr. Murray's affair was resumed, and after some conversation was further deferred. Mr. James Allen, Mr. Ewing's elder, is now come. A motion was made concerning last Synod's minute, respecting the mission of Messrs. Spencer and McWhorter, to have it reconsidered, and after con- versing on the subject, the Synod order certain sums of money in the hands of Messrs. Ewing, Montgomery, and Caldwell, be put into the hands of Mr. McWhorter, that he may be enabled to refund to Mr. Spencer the sum of thirty-two pounds, which appears to be the balance due to him according to the stipulation of the Synod. Adjourned to Monday morning, ten o'clock. Concluded with prayer. Mat/ 2Gth, A. 31. 3Iet according to adjournment. Post preces sederunt qui supra. A motion made by Mr. Duffield respecting a minute of last year, deferred. The consideration of uniting the two Philadelphia Presbyteries was re- sumed, and after some discourse, it was determined to discuss it next sede- runt. Adjourned to three o'clock, P. M. Concluded with prayer. 1766.] NEW YORK AND PHILADELPHIA. 355 At three o'docJc, P. M. met according to adjournment. Post preces sederunt qui supra. Several papers relating to Mr. IMurray's affairs were read, but the Presby- , tery to which he belongs pleading a right to issue said matter, previous to the determination of the Synod, it was referred to their further examination. The affair of uniting the two Philadelphia Presbyteries, after some considera- tion, was deferred till next sederunt. Adjourned till nine o'clock to-morrow morning. Concluded with prayer. May 21 J at nine o'clock, A. M. met according to adjournment. Post preces sederunt qui supra. The affair of uniting the two Philadelphia Presbyteries was again resumed, and after some further discourse on the subject, it came to be voted whether they should be continued separate or not, and it was carried in the affirmative. Some members desired liberty to enter their dissent, which was granted. Their dissent was brought in, and is as follows : It is with very sensible regret and great reluctance, that we, whose names are subscribed, declare in so strong a manner our disapprobation of the Reve- rend Synod's determination, with respect to the continuance of the second Pres- bytery of Philadelphia ; a step, we confess, ought not to be taken except in matters of very great importance, and where justice, or the edification of the church are plainly interested. But such we do not take the present case to be, and therefore we do enter our dissent from the aforesaid determination : Because, 1st. It carries in it the obvious appearance of disunion, and seems to indi- cate a temper of a schismatical tendency, however it may be suppressed for the present. It will also be likely to perpetuate party distinctions in reference to candidates licensed by the respective Presbyteries. 2dly. While it is the sense of the Synod, that it is the duty of Presbyterie? to inquire into candidates' experimental acquaintance with religion, as a Scrip- tural and rational means of obtaining satisfaction as to their qualification for preaching the gospel, it involves the Synod in a self-contradiction to erect a Presbytery who expressly refuses it ; and thus, this article of examination shall, as to them, be laid aside, which tends to introduce a general neglect thereof. 3dly. While nothing is imposed upon persons in point of practice, which they in their consciences judge sinful, and they are not restrained from doing their duty, the rights of conscience are not violated, though (they being a mi- nority,) a matter in judicature shall be carried against them by vote. There- fore it is vain to urge the rights of conscience in such cases; and for any to signify that they will not be subject, even in such cases, to the regulations of the Synod, but if contradicted will violently break off, is to prefer the private rights of individuals to the public rights, and will destroy all governing autho- rity in the body. 4thly. It is a very bad precedent of most mischievous consequence, which may be plead by others for the division of Presbyteries, and by that means congregations now united may again be divided, and the regular formation of new societies prevented or greatly marred. William Tennent, Charles McKnight, John Blair, Andrew Bay, William Tennent, jun'r. Azel Roe, John Carmichael, Robert Smith, Jacob Kerr, David Rose, Nathan Kerr, Simon Horton. The committee appointed to prepare a plan of correspondence with foreign churches, brought in one which is as follows : 856 MINUTES OF THE SYNOD OF [17G6. 1. That the committee during the session of Synod bring in a copy of a letter or letters to the chuix-hcs, to be read and approved of by them. 2. That if there be occasion to write to any of the churches at any other time, three at least of the committee shall prepare and send letters, copies of ■which shall be laid before the Synod at their next meeting. 3. That letters received by the committee from any of the churches be an- nually laid before the Synod, as well as the answers given to any of them. 4. That the churches with whom we shall correspond be Holland, Geneva, Switzerland, the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland or their commis- sion, the Synods of seceding ministers, the ministers in and about London, the General Synod of Ireland, and ministers of Dublin, New England, and the churches in South Carolina. The Synod appoint Dr. Alison, Messrs. Richard Treat, Rodgers, Ewing, McWhorter, Joseph Treat, Beatty, and V. Livingston, as a committee to cor- respond with the foreign churches for the ensuing year, to meet this evening at seven o'clock. The address of the lay elders and gentlemen, proposed last year to the Synod, was resumed, and a committee of Messrs. Blair, Kent, Caldwell, Duffield, and Bay, with elders, Messrs. Scudder, Ogdeu, Jackson, and Maxwell, were ap- pointed to meet to-morrow morning at six o'clock, to prepare some overture relative to this affair. From last year's minutes some affairs respecting ]Mr. Brainerd's mission to the Indians, with some papers now received from him, were taken under con- sideration ; and it is ordered, that what moneys have been collected last year for this mission be put into the hands of Mr. Treat, jun'r. an account of which he is desired to give the Synod to-morrow. Adjourned to three o'clock, P. M. Concluded with prayer J*. 31. three d'cloch, the Synod met according to adjournment. Post preces sederunt qui supra. A motion was made by Mr. Beard and Mr. Tate, for a review of last year's minute respecting the new modelling of the late New Castle and Donegall Presbyteries, which was taken under consideration ; and after hearing some reasons offered by these members. Adjourned to nine o'clock to-morrow. Concluded with prayer. Mai/ 2Sl7i, A. M. nine o'clock, the Synod met according to adjournment. Post preces sederunt qui supra. ]Mr. Montgomery and his elder have leave to go home. Mr. Treat produced to Synod an account of moneys he received according to an order of yesterday, which is deferred to further consideration. The motion of Mr. Beard and Mr. Tate was resumed, and after these mem- bers had been fully heard, as also Mr. Smith and Mr. J)uffield, these four mem- bers resigned what they thought was their right to judge in this affair, left it to the Synod and voluntarily withdrew. After some discourse on this matter, it came to be voted whether the minute of last year on that affair should be reversed with this limitation, that the Carlisle Presbytery should be con- tinued in their present state : and it was carried in the negative by a great majority. Adjourned to three o'clock. Concluded with prayer. 1766.] NEW YORK AND PIIILADELPfflA. 357 P. M. Three o'cJocI::, the Synod met according to appointment. Post preccs sederunt qui supra. The disposal of the money in Mr. Treat's hands deferred. Mr. Tate's and Mr. Beard's motion resumed, and after some reasonings on the subject, and some expedients proposed, it was voted whether Donegall Presbytery as it existed before hist Synod, (those members excepted who were set off to Carlisle Presbytery,) be erected into a Presbytery under the name of Donegall Presbytery or not ; it was carried in the negative. Another expedient proposed was, whether they be united to the second Philadelphia Presbytery for a year, until the matter be further considered; it was voted in the negative by a great majority. Some members hereupon begged leave to dissent and others to protest against these votes and proceedings, and beg leave to bring in their reasons, which was granted. Their reasons are as follow : We are obliged, (though with grief,) to enter our dissent from, and declare our protest against the conduct and votes of this judicature, in the affairs re- specting the late Donegall Presbytery, for such reasons as these : 1st. Because our distressed brethren always declared a scruj^le of conscience as the foundation of their petition and behaviour, viz : That they could not in conscience submit to the examination of the hearts or experiences of candidates in the way voted by the Synod, as they esteemed it contrary to the word of Grod, to common sense, and the uniform practice of the Protestant churches : conse- quently whether well or ill informed, it was a matter which could not be voted away. 2dly. Because it appeared very untender and unbrotherly to deny that these members could be conscientious in the affair, when they declared they were so : we cannot judge what matters will affect other men's consciences. 3dly. Because even the smallest matter, if imposed against the rights of conscience, obliges the injured to leave the communion. To exclude men from exercising the power of ordination, unless they submit to it in a way contrary to their judgment is such an imposition. And therefore the schism in conse- quence hereof, is to be attributed to the imposers and not to those who are obliged to withdraw. 4thly. Because by the spirit of the plan of union, Presbyteries were not to be joined unless for edification, but this modelling evidently tends to ruin and destruction. 5thly. Because the Synod seem to act too arbitrary a part by forcing mem- bers into any Presbytery without their own consent, and the consent of their congregations. 6thly. Because these violent and precipitate votes have rent the Church of Christ, (alas too much divided already,) to the joy of our enemies, the grief and distress of all sincere Christians, and the reproach of the Christian name ; wben only exchanging a member or two in two Presbyteries, might have pre- vented the breach. These reasons, together with those entered by two members against a judg- ment of the last Synod, respecting the alteration of Presbyteries, prevail with us to enter this our protest, whereby we exonerate our consciences in order to continue in your communion, and declare before God and the world, that we are free from all blame in this whole procedure. Matthew Wilson, John Ewing, Patrick Alison, Francis Alison. In consequence of the above votes, Mr. Joseph Tate and Mr. John Beard brought in a declinature, which is as follows : 858 MINUTES OF THE SYNOD OF [1766. To the Rev. Synod of New York and Philadelphia: We, the subscrihers, humbly beg leave to show, that though we much de- sire to be in union and friendship with this reverend body, and would not knowingly be the real authors of any discord in the church of Christ, yet the determinations of the Synod consequent on our petition presented last year, and again to this present meeting, seem so grievous and oppressive to us, and threatening to the credit and interest of religion, that we find ourselves obliged to declare to this Rev. Synod, that we cannot submit to them, that we hereby decline all authority and jurisdiction of this body, and that no judgment or deter- mination thereof shall bind us, or affect our persons or ministry until these differences of sentiment be removed by better light, and satisfactory means be found to reconcile and unite us with this reverend body again. And as we earnestly desire and pray for this, we reserve to ourselves, and expect the liberty at any time, respectfully to offer such proposals as we may think likely to answer that end, and upon our satisfying the Reverend Synod, or they us, to return to our enjoyment of our privileges with them. And in the mean time we shall endeavour to carry respectfully towards this Reverend Synod, avoiding whatever might unnecessarily inflame unchristian passions, or tend to hinder the influence of our brethren in their labours in the gospel, and expect to be mutually treated by our brethren as ministers of Christ. The reasons inducing vis to this mournful step are principally such as these : 1. That the determinations mentioned had not the least apparent tendency to relieve, but seem rather calculated to increase our grievances, and only to suppress our complaints and influence in judicatures together. 2. We petitioned only for a thing lawful and often precedented in Presbyte- rian Synods, and which was wisely requested by the Synod of New York, and stipulated for in our plan of union ; and yet we think ourselves hereupon treated so untenderly, so arbitrarily, and so contrary to the love and friendship that is expected by the distressed, that had the matter denied us even been of little importance, yet it seems inconsistent with our duty and safety to own and be subject to a jurisdiction so exercised. 3. We cannot but observe the proceedings of this reverend Synod in this as well as in many other affairs, appear plainly calculated to bear down one part of this united Synod, and suppress their influence contrary to the equality and right of members, and to the nature and whole professed design of our union. We pray and crave that this our declinature, and these our reasons, be en- tered in the records of this Synod, earnestly wishing that the Lord may yet rectify all hurtful mistakes and heal all discords among us ; and in the mean time, as we cannot enjoy the benefit of the plan of union in peace, and accord- ing to the true intent thereof, we declare ourselves to be the Presbytery of Donegall, and members of the Synod of Philadelphia, as before the conjunction of the two Synods. Signed by us, in our own names and in the names of our brethren, Joseph Tate, John Beard. The report of the committee appointed to consider the address of the lay elders was brought in and is as follows : The Synod taking into their serious consideration several matters suggested to them in an address and representation from a number of lay elders and others of the Presbyterian denomination, occasionally assembled at Philadel- phia, do, after mature deliberation, look upon said affairs to be of much im- portance, and deserving the strictest regard as very useful, salutary measures, 1766.] NEW YORK AND PHILADELPHIA. 359 whereby many pernicious evils may be prevented and various great advantages procured ; and accordingly order said regulations as now amended to be entered in our minutes, and do most earnestly recommend to all congregations under our care, the strict observation of the same ; and the Synod appoint the clerk to transmit, as soon as he conveniently can, a copy of this minute, to- gether with a copy of said regulations, to the moderator of each Presbytery in our bounds, to be by said Presbyteries communicated to the people under their care respectively, and that all proper pains be taken by each Presbytery to have said measures put in execution, viz : 1st. That in every congregation a committee be appointed, who shall twice in every year collect the minister's stipend, and lay his receipts before the Presbytery preceding the Synod ; and at the same time, that ministers give an account of their diligence in visiting and catechizing their people. 2d. The Synod recommends that a glebe, with a convenient house and neces- sary improvements, be provided for every minister. 3d. That the church sessions and committees appointed, take special care of their poor and distressed widows and orphans, and administer to them all the relief and assistance they can. 4th. The Synod recommend to the church sessions and committees aforesaid, that they endeavour by their advice and influence to prevent all unnecessary lawsuits, and if possible to have all differences of a civil nature decided by arbitration. 5th. The Synod enjoin that exact registers of births, baptisms, marriages, and burials, be regularly kept in each congregation. 6th. That special care be taken of the principles and characters of school- masters, that they teach the Westminster Catechism and Psalmody ; and that the ministers, church sessions, and foresaid committees, (where they consist- ently can,) visit the schools and see these things be done ; and where schools are composed of different denominations, that said committees and sessions invite proper persons of said denominations, to join with them in such visi- tations. 7th. That as the too great use of spirituous liquors at funerals in some parts of the country, is risen to such an height as greatly to endanger the morals of many, and is the cause of much scandal, the Synod earnestly enjoin, that the several sessions and committees shall take the most effectual methods to cor- rect these mischiefs, and discountenance by their example and influence all approaches to such practices, and all ostentatious and expensive parades, so inconsistent with such mortifying and distressing occasions. 8th. The Synod recommends, that every congregation endeavour to form a society or societies, for the reformation of manners within their respective bounds. Adjourned to nine o'clock, to-morrow. Mai/ 29, A. M. nine o'clock. The Synod met according to ajripointment, and post preces sederunt qui supra. The consideration of the disposal of the money in the hands of Mr. Treat deferred. An overture in consequence of yesterday's votes respecting last Synod's modelling Presbyteries, was brought in by ]Mr. Richard Treat and read : As a good expedient for the peace of this body, and the satisfaction of the brethren complaining, that the late Presbytery of Donegall be restored to their former state as before the last Synod, with the members settled within their bounds since that time. The Synod agreed to this overture, and accordingly we revive and restore 360 MINUTES OF THE SYNOD OF [1766. the late Presbytery of Donegall, and appoint that their first meeting be at Car- lisle the fourth Tuesday in June, 1766 ; and also, that the Presbytery of New Castle be restored, with all the members since settled in their former bounds, and to meet under that name, according to their last adjournments when under the name of Lancaster ; and that such candidates as have begun their trials in the late Presbytery of Lancaster finish their trials with the Presbytery of New Castle; and the Synod likewise think it proper to take this opportunity to declare, that though the dissatisfied brethren inform them, that from their ap- prehensions, the acts of tbc Synod complained of were unconstitutional, and that they thought it would be inconsistent to sit as members of their respective Presbyteries, the Synod cannot see the consequence, yet as these brethren appear to have acted according to their light, they pass no censure upon their conduct, but still must express their censure, that they should have acted a part so liable to be thought of an hurtful tendency. Mr. Miller had leave to go home. Adjourned to three o'clock, P. M. Concluded with prayer. P. M., three o clock. The Sj/nod met according to adjournment. Post precea sederunt qui supra. The committee appointed to examine New York Presbytery book made their remarks, and the book is approved. The consideration of the disposal of the money in the hands of Mr. Treat, deferred. Ordered, That an attested copy of the minutes relative to the request of Messrs. Tate and Beai'd, be transmitted to them by the hands of Dr. Alison. An appeal was brought in by the committee of overtures from a judgment of the Suffolk Presbytery, and taken under consideration ; and, after hearing the appellant and Presbytery, it was ordered that Messrs. Rodgers, Tennent, Horton, Jones, McWhorter, Halt, Simon Horton, and Smith, be a committee to meet, with each an elder, at Huntingdon, the first Wednesday in August, to try and issue the whole afiair ; and Mr. Rodgers is appointed to open the committee with a sermon. Mr. Samuel Blair is now come, and his reasons for not coming sooner, sus- tained. An overture was made by Dr. Alison, that an address should be made to our Sovereign, on the joyful occasion of the repeal of the Stamp Act, and thereby a confirmation of our liberties, at the same time proposing the copy of such an address for examination ; which was read and approved by the Synod. A call for the settlement of Mr. Kerr among them was brought in from Steel Creek and New Providence, which was read. Also a supplication for supplies from Long Canes, in South Carolina, was read and laid on the table. Another call also from Sugar Creek and llocky River, for the Rev. Mr. Nathan Kerr, was brought in and read. A petition was also read from RuUock Creek, Turkey Creek, and Broad River, for further supplies. Also a supplication from Little River Settlement, in South Carolina; and another from Briar (]reek, in Georgia, for supplitjs, were read. Another call for Mr. Kerr in this settlement was presented and read, from the united congregation of Centre and Hopewell, in Carolina. Adjourned till to-morrow morning, nine o'clock. Concluded with prayer. 1766.] NEW YORK AND PHILADELPHIA. 361 May SOth, nine d'cloch. The Synod met according to adjournment. Post preces sederunt qui supra. A motion was made that every member of this judicature take subscriptions, or make collections as he shall find most expedient, in his congregation, or the neighbouring vacancies, to raise a fund for the propagation and support of the gospel in such parts as cannot otherwise enjoy it; which, after some dis- course on the subject, was ordered accordingly. The subscriptions, or collec- tions for which purpose, are to be laid before next Synod, by the moderator, or clerk of each Presbytery ; and the several Presbyteries are hereby ordered to see this determination put into execution. The affair of Mr. Braiuerd's school resumed. The Synod resolve to support the Indian school under Mr. Brainerd's care, and for that purpose order such members as have not this last year made collec- tions, immediately to collect and transmit to the hands of Mr. Joseph Treat, or Mr. Ewing, to be paid to Mr. Brainerd ; and that the money now in Mr. Treat's hands be paid Mr. Brainerd as soon as possible, which sum appears to be twenty- one pounds, sixteen shillings, and one penny. Ordered, The several calls mentioned last sederunt be presented to Mr. Kerr, to be by him considered and answered as soon as possible, which answers are to be given in to the Presbytery of New York. A motion was made that the address to his Majesty be transcribed in two fair copies, to be sent different ways, and inclosed in a letter from this Synod to Dr. Chandler, constituting him our agent to present our address j the expenses to be paid by this body. A memorial was presented by Mr. C. T. Smith, representing the necessity and importance of sending some suitable missionaries to preach at Williams- burg ; as also a supplication for supplies to be sent to Carolina, and that he himself be authorized to itinerate again in those parts. Also several members verbally supplicated that supplies be also sent to "Wil- mington and Newbern. A motion was made in behalf of the second Philadelphia congregation, to furnish them with supplies immediately. A motion was also made in favour of Bladensburg, and Upper Marlborough, in Maryland, to obtain them supplies. Suffolk Presbytery desired leave to ordain two candidates, Mr. Elam Potter, and Mr. Isaac Lewes, sine titido, in order to be sent to the southward when they shall think it proper, which was granted. The persons to be appointed to the southern mission, deferred. Adjourned to three o'clock. Concluded with prayer. P. 31. three dchcTc. The Synod met according to adjournment. Post preces sederunt qui supra. To comply with the many earnest supplications from North and South Caro- lina, Virginia, and Georgia, the Synod, with their own consent, appoint Messrs. Lewes, Caldwell, Chesnutt, and Bay, to go into these parts, as soon as possible, and stay as long as they can in preaching the gospel, and administering the sacraments in all those vacancies that have supplicated, and in others where they may be invited, according to their discretion, and that they endeavour to supply at Upper Marlborough, and Bladensburg, as they go and return ; for this purpose the moderator is appointed to give those members proper certifi- cates. The Synod gratefully accepts Mr. C. T. Smith's proposal, and authorizes him 46 362 MINUTES OF THE SYNOD OF [1766. to itinerato tlirougt Virginia, the Carolinas, and Georgia, and especially to preach in Williamsburg, if his health permits. Mr. Brush is appointed to assist Mr. Brainerd in supplying the vacancies in his neighbourhood. Mr. Kirkpatrick is also appointed to go to Williamsburg, and also Mr. Mil- lar, to supply each fourth Sabbath at least, at their own discretion, and the re- spective Presbyteries to supply their pulpits. The supplication for supplies from second Philadelphia congregation consi- dered, and the Synod appoints Mr. Roe, the two last Sabbaths of June and first of July ; Mr. Kerr the third Sabbath of July, and the three Sabbaths fol- lowing J Mr. Mills the second and third of September. According to a former request of the corporation of the widows' fund for missionaries to be sent to the frontiers of the province, the Synod appoint Messrs. Beatty and Dufiield to go together, the first of August next, and preach at least two months in those parts, and do what else is best for the advance- ment of religion, according to the instructions of the incoi'poration, as recorded in the minutes of A. D. 1763 ; and that Mr. Bufiield's pulpit be supplied by Donegall Presbytery; and Mr. Beatty's be supplied by Mr. Brush, two Sab- baths, and by New Castle Presbytery, three Sabbaths ; and the fii'st Philadel- phia Presbytery supply the other Sabbaths. A pastoral letter was proposed, examined, and approved, and ordered to be printed immediately, and to be dispersed among all our societies, which is as follows : '' Dearly Beloved : — We think it our indispensable duty, not only in our par- ticular charges, but in this united and more public capacity, to direct you to some suitable reflections upon the late remarkable and merciful steps of Divine Providence, and to inculcate a becoming improvement of an event, the most interesting and important to the people of this continent. For not only in the word of God should we attend to his Divine will, but also mark his hand in that Providence by which he directs the course of human affairs with invaria- ble wisdom and paternal goodness. " The faithless French, and their savage allies, were lately the rod of Divine displeasure for our many provocations. Under the calamities of war, and the wasting ravages of Indian cruelty, we were repeatedly brought to approach the throne of grace, with solemn fasting and prayer ; and thereby openly professed our resolution to forsake the ways of sin, and turn unto the Lord. But, alas I we rendered not to God according to the multitude of his tender mercies, for no sooner was the rod removed, and the blessings of peace restored, but we be- came more vain and dissolute than before. " The Almighty thus provoked, permitted counsels of the most pernicious tendency, both to Great Britain and her colonies. The imposition of unusual taxes, a severe restriction of our trade, and an almost total stagnation of busi- ness, threatened us with inevitable ruin. A long suspense, whether we should be deprived of, or restored to, the peaceable enjoyment of the inestimable pri- vilege of English liberty, filled every breast with the most painful anxiety. A gloomy cloud thickened over our heads, ready to burst upon us in a desolating storm. Had our gracious Sovei'eign, the present ministry, and the British I'ar- liament been less wise, just, and good; had they, instead of yielding to a spirit of moderation, unhappily recurred to force, we shudder at the very thoughts of the consequences. Wo cannot look down the precipice on the brink of which we stood, without horror. We were not without reason apprehensive that the tumultuous outrages, which in some places attended a determined opposi- tion to the disrelished statute, might provoke the resentment of the British legislature. "When we reflect on the public offences of our land against heaven; when 1766.] NEW YORK AND PHILADELPHIA. 363 we think of the open disregard and violation of the holy Sabbath ; the neglect of the ordinances of Divine worship, the abuse of gospel light and privileges, the profane swearing and cursing, intemperance and luxury, the various scenes of uucleanness and lasciviousness, the pride and vanity, and every other evil 60 shamefully prevalent, what less could we expect than that an offended God would have made the gathering tempest to break upon us, and plunged us and our mother country in all the rueful calamities of a civil war? But how astonishing is the long-suffering patience of Jehovah ! He has inclined the hearts of many powerful friends to espouse our cause. He has given us to experience the paternal tenderness of the best of kings, and the moderation of the British Parliament. Our gracious God is our deliverer. He is making a further trial of us. May his unmerited goodness lead us to repentance. " We, therefore, call upon you, who are the dear people of our charge, not only to acknowledge with joy and gratitude the general Providence of God, but also thankfully to adore that particular Providence, wherein, upon special occasions, he directs and controls the course of events by his immediate in- fluence, and whereby he hath on the late interesting occasion, so signally ap- peared for our protection. W-e call upon you constantly to reverence that All-wise and Omnipotent Director and Disposer of events on whom we de- pend for every mercy we enjoy, to be thankful to him for every instance of prosperity, patient under every affliction, submissive to his wise disposals, and obedient to all his holy precepts; to awake to repentance, to consider your ways, and to turn unto the Lord, through his Son Jesus Christ. Let every one beware of adding to the common stock of guilt and iniquity. We beseech and obtest you to be strict in observing the laws and ordinances of Jesus Christ, to pay a sacred regard to his Sabbath, to reverence his holy name, and adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour by good works. We pray you to seek earnestly the saving knowledge of Christ, and the internal power and spirit of religioa Thus may you hope for the continued kindness of a gra- cious Providence, and this is the way to express your gratitude to the Father of mercies for your late glorious deliverance. But persisting to grieve the Holy Spirit, by a neglect of vital religion, and a continuance in sin, you will have reason to dread that a holy God will punish you yet seven times more for your iniquities. *' While we thus call upon you to fear God, you will not forget to honour your king, and pay a due submission to his august parliament. Let this fresh instance of royal clemency increase the ardour of your affection to the person, family, and government, of our rightful and gracious sovereign. This you will manifest by a cheerful and ready obedience to civil authority. A spirit of liberty is highly laudable when under proper regulations, but we hope you will carefully distinguish between liberty and licentiousness. " We most earnestly recommend it to you to encourage and strengthen the hands of government, to demonstrate on every proper occasion your undis- sembled love for your mother country, and your attachment to her true interest, so inseparably connected with our own. " That thus you may become wise and good, as well as free and happy, and that while you enjoy liberty, civil and religious, you may not be the servants of sin and Satan, is the fervent prayer of those who watch for your souls, as men who must give an account. " Signed by order, Elihu Spencer, moderator. "Presbyterian Church, at New York, May ^Qth, 1766." A memorial presented by sundry members recommending to every minister and congregation to erect societies for the reformation of manners and suppres- sion of vice, was brought in and read; and after some deliberation, the Synod 364 MINUTES OF THE SYNOD OF [1767. judge it highly expedient and earnestly recommend it to all our members, duly to attend to the memorial, (which we highly approve,) to explain the necessity of such an affair to all their congregations, and use their utmost influence to erect societies, according to the important design of the memori- alists. An overture was brought in to endeavour to obtain some correspondence between this Synod and the consociated churches in Connecticut. A copy of a letter from this Synod to them was also read and approved, and the Rev. Messrs. John Ewing, Patrick Alison, and the moderator, are desired to pre- sent this letter and confer with our brethren on this affair. And in case it shall seem meet to our reverend brethren to attend to this our proposal, so far as to appoint commissioners from their body to meet with commissioners from ours ; we appoint the Rev. Dr. Alison, and the Rev. Messrs. Timothy Jones, William Tennent, John Rodgers, Elisha Kent, John Smith, John Blair, and Samuel Buel, to meet with them at such time and place as the reverend brethren of Connecticut shall agi'ee. Mr. Rodgers is appointed to give the committee notice of what the associated brethren will do relating to this affair. The Synod appoint the Rev. Messrs. Ramsey, Hunter, Kirkpatrick, and Latta, to be a committee to meet with the corporation of the widows' fund. For want of time fully to discuss the report of the committee appointed to consider the address of the lay elders, it is deferred till next Synod. The Synod adjourned to the second Presbyterian church in Philadelphia, to meet on the third Wednesday of May next, at ten o'clock, A. M. Concluded with prayer. 17G7. rhiladcIjjJua, May tie 20th, IVGT. The Synod of New York and Philadelphia met at the second Presbyterian church according to adjournment. Uhi ^wst preces sederunt Ministers : Messrs. Azariah Horton, John Rodgers, Benjamin Hait, Ben- jamin Woodruff, Alexander McWhorter, James Caldwell, William Mills, Israel Reed, William Kirkpatrick, Enoch Green, Richard Treat, Andrew Hunter, Charles Beatty, William Ramsey, Benjamin Chesnutt, John Clark, John Ewing, Patrick Alison, John Blair, Elihu Spencer, Robert Smith, John Miller, Matthew Wilson, Joseph Montgomery, Alexander Huston, Andrew Bay, George Duffield, Alexander McDowell, James Fiuley, William Mc- Kennan, James Hunt, Aaron Richards, Thomas Lewis, Francis Peppard, Azel Roe, John Hanna, John Rosborough, John Siemens, Robert Cooper, John Simonton, James Latta, John Roan. — 42. Elders : Messrs. Thomas Jackson, Nathaniel Camp, Thomas Bourne, John Reeves, Lazarus Pine, John Walker, Dr. Hugh Williamson, John Smith, James Gilliland, William Hamilton, ]Mills Shankland, John Maxwell of Mary- land, James Jack, John Maxwell of New Jersey, Francis Campbell, Benjamin Junkin, John Greer, Richard Walker. — 18. Ministers absent : Messrs. John Pierson, Timothy Jones, Joseph Treat, Jona- than Elmore, Abner ])rush, Abner Reeve, Simon Horton, Jacob Green, John Darbe, ]Moses Tuttle, John Moffat, Samuel Parkhurst, Nathan Kerr, John Maltby, Hugh Knox, Ebenezer I'rime, Sylvanus White, James White, James Brown, Nehemiah Barker, Benjamin Talmage, Benjamin Goldsmith, David Rose, Sampson Occam, Adam Boyd, John (yarmichael, Charles Tennent, William Tennent, James McCrea, John Guild, Charles iMcKnight, Samuel Kennedy, Thomas Smith, Amos Thompson, James Lyon, Job Prudden. The 1767.] NEW YORK AND PHILADELPHIA^ 365 wliole Presbytery of Dutchess county absent; and the whole Presbytery of Hanover also; of Donegall the llev. Mr. John Hogg. — 37. Last year's moderator opened the Synod by a sermon from Rev. ii. 10. Mr. Hunter is chosen moderator for the ensuing year, who, after receiving the usual charge from the last year's moderator, took the chair; and Messrs. Kirkpatrick and Ramsey were chosen clerks. The reasons of the absence of the Rev. Messrs. Alexander McDowell, James Finley, William McKennan, James Hunt, John Roan, Aaron Richards, Francis Peppard, John Hanna, John Rosborough, and John Siemens, from our last Synod, sustained. Theophilus Alexander, Mr. Finley's elder, is now come. New York Presbytery report, that they have ordained Mr. Jedidiah Chap- man to the work of the ministry since our last, who being present took his seat; and also that they have licensed Mr. James Tuttle. Suffolk Presbytery report, that they have ordained Mr. Elam Potter and Mr, John Close, who being present took their seats ; also, that Mr. Thomas Pain is removed by death since our last. Bethuel Pierson, Mr. Chapman's elder, is now come. New Brunswick Presbytery report, that Dr. Finley was removed by death on the seventeenth of July last; and that they have licensed Mr. Alexander Mitchell. The second Presbytery of Philadelphia report, that the Rev. Mr. Robert Cross was removed by death in the month of August last. New Castle Presbytery report, that they have licensed Messrs. John Mc- Crery, James Boyd, John Craighead, Joseph Alexander, and William Forster. That Mr. Samuel Blair was dismissed from their body, and has removed to Boston since our last. That Mr. Alexander Hutchinson was removed by death in the month of October, 1766. The Synod appoints for a committee of overtures, the Rev. Messrs. Lewis, Hait, Reed, Beatty, Simonton, McKennan, Roan, and Miller ; and elders, Messrs. Thomas Jackson, Thomas Bourne, John Maxwell of Maryland, and Richard Walker, to meet to-morrow morning at six o'clock, and by adjourn- ments from time to time, as occasion may require, during the present session. New York Presbytery further report, that they have taken Mr. Thomas Jackson, a licensed candidate from Scotland, under their care. Mr. Montgomery and Mr. Duffield, are appointed a committee to examine New Brunswick Presbytery book. Mr. Robert Smith and Mr. Azariah Horton, are appointed a committee to examine Philadelphia first Presbytery book. Mr. Caldwell and Mr. Ramsey, are appointed a committee to examine Phila- delphia second Presbytery book. Mr. Rodgers and Mr. Mills are appointed a committee to examine Donegall Presbytery book. Adjourned to nine o'clock, to-morrow morning. Concluded with prayer. 21st day, nine o'clock, A. 31., the Synod met according to adjournment. Post preces sederunt qiu supra. Dr. Alison, and Messrs. Nehemiah Greenman, John Strain, and John Griffith, are now come, and the reasons of their coming no sooner, sustained ; and their respective elders, John Johnson, Joseph Vanmeter, Hugh Whiteford. and Abel Griffiths, are also come. Messrs. Samuel Buel and Jacob Kerr, are also come, and the reasons of their coming no sooner, sustained. The committee appointed for the disposing of the interest of the fund in the hands of the treasurer of the college of New Jersey, for the education of pioua 366 MINUTES OF THE SYNOD OF [17G7. youth, report, that they disposed of the whole of the interest due from said fund oil the first of October last. And the Synod appoint as a committee for disposing of said money for the present year, Messrs. William Tennent, Guild, Braincrd, Kirkpatrick, Ewing, Beatty, Caldwell, and Heed, to meet for that purpose at Princeton on the third Wednesday of August next, and that Mr. Kirkjjutrick lay the minutes of the proceedings of the several committees appointed on that business, before us at our meeting next spring. The Synod appoint for a commission for the ensuing year, the Rev. Messrs. Richard Treat, Dr. Alison, Buel, Azariah Ilorton, Jones, William Tenncntj Reed, Kirkpatrick, Beatty, Ewing, Spencer, Blair, Roan, Robert Smith, IMiller, and Montgomery, with the moderator; and elders, Messrs. Thomas Jackson, Richard Walker, Dr. Williamson, and John Smith, thirteen of whom to be a quorum ; but if the moderator die or be absent, the first on the roll mentioned in the minute, shall have power to call the commission and preside. The order of last Synod for transcribing the minutes of Synod since the union, and sending them to the respective Presbyteries, was not complied with, on account of some difficulties that came in the way. And the Synod now order, that the stated clerk give copies of the said minutes to such Presbyteries as shall make application for them, and recommend it to the several Presby- teries, each to take care to furnish themselves with said copies. Ordered, That Mr. Brainerd receive for the current year, the interest of the fund for Indian affairs, in the hands of the treasurer of New Jersey college. The affair of Mr. Rowan's appeal deferred. The first Presbytery of Philadelphia report, that they have deposed Mr. John Murray since our last. Adjourned to three clock, P. M. Concluded with prayer. 21 day, three d clock, P. M. The Synod met according to adjournment. Pod preces sederunt qui supra. The members of Donegall Presbytery here present, report, that they com- plied with the order of Synod, for restoring that Presbytery into its former state, but that the dissatisfied brethren, viz. Messrs. Steel, Tate, Thompson, Sampson Smith, McMurdie, Elder, and Board, refused to meet with them, though duly notified ; and that they have been informed, that said dissatisfied brethren have proceeded to form themselves into a separate body, and have acted in a Presbyterial capacity every since. A letter was brought into the Synod, directed to the moderator, signed by the Rev. Messrs. John Elder, and John Steel, as moderator and clerk of a Presbytery which they call the Presbytery of Donegall, representing that they had been forced by sundry petitions to ajjply to Synod to be erected into two Presbyteries, which petitions not having had desired success, they were laid under the disagreeble necessity of entering a declinature from the jurisdiction of the Synod ; and declaring withal their readiness to return into communion with the Synod, provided they might be erected by them into a separate Pres- bytery ; which letter was read, and ordered to lie on the table for a second reading. From all which the Synod observe that the brethren of Donegall Presbytery, who petitioned for being erected into a separate Presbytery, in the year 1765, adopt the declinature entered last year, by Messrs. Beard and Tate, and consequently must not now be considered as members of this body. The committee appointed to meet at Huntingdon report, that they complied with the order of Synod, and issued the affair to the satisfaction of the parties concerned. Dr. Williamson informs the Synod that the address to his Majesty was 1767.] NEW YORK AND PHILADELPHIA. 367 presented by Mr. De Berdt, and graciously received. And the Synod desire Dr. Williamson to present their"thanks to Mr. De Berdt for his kind services in that affair. The Synod also order the moderator to give Dr. Williamson their thanks for his services in the care of the same address. Ordered, That each Presbytery bring in to-morrow morning an account how their several members have complied with the order of last Synod for taking subscriptions, and making collections in their respective congregations, and the vacancies in their bounds, to raise a fund for the propagation and support of the gospel in such places as cannot otherwise enjoy it. Ordered, That Messrs. Ewing and Treat be called upon to give an account of the moneys they have received in consequence of an order of last Synod for con- gregations that had not collected the year before, to make collections for the support of the Indian school under Mr. Brainerd's care. New York Presbytery report, that Mr. Nathan Kerr gave a negative answer to the calls from Carolina, put into his hands by order of Synod. Messrs. Lewis and Caldwell complied with the order of Synod in going to the southward ; and Messrs. Bay and Chesuutt gave reasons for not going, which were sustained. Adjourned to nine o'clock, to-morrow morning. Concluded with prayer. 22d day, nine o^cloch, A. 31. The Synod met according to adjournment. Uhi post 2^rcces sederunt qui supra. Mr. Samuel Kennedy is now come, and he is oi-dered to give at next sederunt, the reasons of his absence from our Synodical meetings since the year 1762. His elder, John Carl, is also come. The letter signed by Messrs. Elder and Steel, was ordered to be read a second time, and the Synod agree to enter upon the consideration of it ; and after much time spent in reasoning on the subject, the Synod find they cannot admit said brethren in the manner they have requested ; but, as we would gladly take every step we can, consistent with a good conscience and the interests of reli- gion, to remove the uneasiness of our brethren, and promote harmony and peace ; we appoint Messrs. Buel, Rodgers, Horton, Kirkpatrick, Beatty, Ewing, Blair, and Miller, a committee to bring in an overture to-morrrow morning relative to the aforesaid petition. Adjourned to three o'clock, P, M. Concluded with prayer. Three o'clock, P. M. Tlie Synod met according to adjournment. Ubi post jjreces sederunt qui supra. Mr. Eliphalet Ball is now come, and the reasons of not coming sooner sus- tained. Also, William Norcross, Mr. Kirkpatrick's elder, is now come. Mr. Kennedy gave the reasons of his absence from Synod for five years past, which were sustained. In consequence of an order of yesterday, each Presbytery brought in an ac- count how their respective members complied with the order of last Synod for making a collection to establish a fund for the propagation of the gospel among the poor, &c. And the Synod are obliged to declare that it is matter of real grief to them to find that so many of their members have paid so little regard to the authority of Synod, enjoining a liberality for so pious and important a purpose. The account of moneys collected for the purpose aforesaid, and the persona by whom, is as follows : 868 MINUTES OF THE SYNOD OF [1767. Of Suffolk Presbytery. Mr. White, . . . York currency; £1 10 0 Mr. Rose, 19 0 Mr. Brown, 5 0 0 Mr. Barker, 1 10 0 Mr. Close, 5 0 0 Mr. Mills, 4 2 0 Total, . . . 18 11 0 Equal to Pennsylvania currency, . . £17 12 7i Of New York Presbytery. Mr. Rodgers, £42 9 2 Yk. currency. Mr. Richards, 1 6 2J Mr. Peppard, ... . 100 44 15 4^ Equal to £41 4 2 Pennsyl. cur. Of New Brunswick Presbytery. Mr. Reed, £1 10 0 Mr. Hanna, 10 0 Mr. Kirkpatrick, 2 17 1 Mr. Rosborough, 10 0 £6 7 1 Pro. cur. Of Philadelphia First Presbytery. Mr. Hunter, £3 7 10 Mr. Beatty, 3 17 5 Mr. Richard Treat, . . . . 2 10 9 Mr. Ramsey, 3 4 0 Mr. Clark, 1 16 6 Philadelphia Second Congregation, . . 13 11 11 J Total, . . . £28 8 5i Of Philadelphia Second Presbytery. Mr. Ewing, £12 0 0 Of New Castle Presbytery. Mr. Blair, £0 16 7 Mr. McCarman, . . . . 1 12 4 £2 8 11 Of Donegall Presbytery. Mr. Robert Smith, . . . . £2 10 0 Of Lewestown Presbytery. Mr. Montgomery, . . . .£100 An unknown hand, . . . . . 0 10 0 Amounting in the whole to, . . £112 1 3 Pro. cur. The account of moneys received by Messrs. Ewing and Joseph Treat, deferred till next sederunt. 1767.] NEW YORK AND PHILADELPHIA. 369 Mr. Richard Treat reports, that he paid into the hands of Mr. Brainerd the sum of twenty-one pounds, sixteen shillings and one penny, which appears to be the sum put into the hands of Mr. Treat, jun'r. last year, for the support of the Indian school under Mr. Brainerd's care. Adjourned to nine o'clock to-morrow morning. Concluded with prayer, 23c? day, nine dcloch, A. M. The Synod met according to adjournment. Ubi post preces sederunt qui supra. Mr. William Tennent is now come, and the reasons of not coming sooner sus- tained. Mr. p]lias Bailey, Mr. Mills's elder, is also come. Ordered, That Mr. Ewing pay to Mr. Brainerd the sum of two pounds eighteen shillings, which he reports is the whole he has received for the Indian school ; and it is also ordered, that Mr. Joseph Treat pay to Mr. Brainerd the whole of the money he has in his hands at the disposal of the Synod. The committee appointed to bring in an overture this morning, relative to the petition of Messrs. Elder, Steel, &c. report that they have not had time to complete it, and pray that they may have till next Monday morning for that purpose. The aifair of Mr. Brainerd's school deferred. The Synod order, that every Presbytery belonging to this body, be careful that those ministers in their bounds, who have not made a collection for pious uses, as it was appointed last year, make a collection before the first of August ; and that it be put into the hands of the moderator of the respective Presbyte- ries, and sent without delay to the treasurer appointed by the Synod. But we desire that such ministers, whose reasons for not complying with the Synodical order, have been sustained, be urged no further at this time. Thomas Tobin, Mr. Spencer's elder, is now come. An overture from the Presbytery of New York, relative to collections and subscriptions for pious purposes, was brought in and read. The Synod appoint Dr. Alison, and Messrs. DufSeld and Williamson, to correct the overture, and prepare an introduction to said plan, to be submitted to the Synod at their next sederunt. Mr. Brush did not fulfil his appointments, either to the vacancies in the neighbourhood of Mr. Brainerd's congregation, or to Neshaminy, but not being present the Synod could not inquire into the reasons of it. Messrs. Miller's and Kirkpatrick's reasons for not going to Virginia, sus- tained. The appointments of last Synod, for supplies to the second Presbyterian church in Philadelphia, fulfilled. Messrs. Beatty and Duffield complied with the order of last Synod, in going on a mission to the frontiers. Adjourned to nine o'clock, A. M., on Monday nest. Concluded with prayer. 25ih day, nine o'clock, A. M. the Synod met according to adjmrnment. Uhi post preces sederunt qui supra. Mr, Chauncey Graham is now come, and the reasons of not coming sooner, sustained. The committee appointed to bring in an overture, relative to the letter sent from Messrs. Elder and Steel, have not yet brought it in. The afi"air of Mr. Brainerd's school further deferred. The committee appointed to correct the overture from New York Presbytery, 47 870 MINUTES OF THE SYNOD OF [1767. relative to a collection for pious purposes, and to prepare an introduction to the same, brought it in, which being read and approved, is as follows, viz : The Synod laying to heart the unhappy lot of many people in various parts of our land, who at present are brought up in ignorance, and that they and their fomilies are perishing for lack of knowledge, who, on account of their poverty or scattered habitations, are unable without some assistance to support tbe gos- pel ministry among them ; considering also, that it is their duty to send mis- sionaries to the frontier settlements, who may preach to the dispersed families there, and form them into societies for the public worship of God, and being moved with compassion towards the Indians, especially those under our care, who are extremely poor and unable to teach their children to read, or to instruct them in the knowledge of the Holy Scriptures, have resolved to attempt their relief, and to instruct such as may be willing to hear the gospel. But as such purposes must be carried on at a considerable expense, we, in imitation of the laudable example of many other societies, recommend a public collection to all the congregations under our care; and that such collection may the more effectually answer the above design, with such other pious uses as frequently occur, they have agreed on the following regulations : 1. That an annual collection be made in all the congregations under our care, as well in the vacant congregations, which the Presbytery may judge able to contribute, as in the congregations that have stated ministers, which shall be disposed of for pious uses at the discretion of the Synod. 2. That each Presbytery under our care appoint a treasurer, who is to receiva the money collected from the minister or elder of each congregation within the bounds of said Presbytery, and who shall keep a fair account how much he re- ceives from each congregation by name, with an account of such congregations as have neglected to contribute. 3. That there be a general treasurer appointed by the Synod, who shall re- ceive the collected money from each of the Presbyterial treasurers, which Sy- nodical treasurer shall also take a fair account of all the money received with the names of the several congregations, as returned him by the Presbyterial treasurers. 4. That the Synod every year during their session, cause to be printed a faif account of the money they have received that year from each congregation, also of the disbursements of the money received the foregoing year, with an account of the purposes to which it was applied ; and that each minister in the Synod get one of said printed accounts to communicate to his people and to the neigh- bouring vacant congregations, that so they may have the satisfaction of know- ing to what purposes their donations were applied. Ordered, That Dr. Williamson take care to get the above regulations printed. Mr. llichard Treat is appointed general treasurer, to receive the aforesaid bene- factions for the present year. The order of last Synod respecting societies for the reformation of manners, was not generally complied with, which was occasioned by their not having copies of the order or plan. The further consideration of this deferred. Also the consideration of the correspondence proposed with the associate churches in Connecticut, is deferred. The committee appointed to meet with the corporation of the widows' fund, did not attend except Mr. Kirkpatrick. Their reasons for not attending were sustained. The appointment of another committee, and the further considera- tion of this matter deferred. The committee appointed to consider the address of the lay elders and others, brought in their report last year, the further consideration of which was then deferred to the present sessions ; but through mistake was transcribed in the 1767.] NEW YORK AND PHILADELPHIA. 371 minutes of last year. The Synod entered upon the consideration of the over- ture they brought in, and have adopted it, as it stands in our book. Adjoftrned till three of the clock, P. M. Concluded with prayer. 2bth day, three o'clock, P. M. The Synod met according to adjournment. Uhi post preccs sederunt qui sxijyra. Mr. Brainerd is now come, and the reasons of not coming sooner are sus- tained. The overture respecting the Donegall brethren, not yet brought in. The affair of Mr. Brainerd's school came to be considered, and the Synod agree to allow Mr. Brainerd the sum of thirty pounds per year, for the last three years, for defraying the expenses of the Indian school, which sum he acknowledges he has already in his hands. And it is further agreed, to allow Mr. Brainerd the sum of thirty pounds for the support of the Indian school for the current year, and the sum of twenty pounds, as an addition to his salary for his extraordinary services in forming societies, and labouring among the white people in that large and uncultivated country. The affair of forming societies for the reformation of manners, came under consideration, and a member brought in a plan for the purpose, which the Synod recommend to the several members to obtain copies of, and to adapt to their particular circumstances, and that the several Presbyteries use their utmost influence to promote such societies in their respective bounds. The consideration of the correspondence with the associate churches of Con- necticut, further deferred. Ordered, That Messrs. Montgomery, Ramsey, Latta, and Kirkpatrick, be a committee to inspect into some papers in the hands of Mr. Beatty, i-elative to the corporation for the widows' fund ; that Mr. Beatty attend with them, and that they bring in their report to-morrow afternoon. The committee appointed to examine New Brunswick Presbytery book, brought it in, and after some remarks it was approved. The committee appointed to examine Philadelphia second Presbytery book, brought it in, and after some remarks it was also approved. Adjourned to nine o'clock to-morrow morning. Concluded with prayer. 26f7i day, nine o'clock, A. M. The Synod met according to adjournment. Uhi post preces sederunt qui supra. (Except the Rev. Mr. John Griflith and John Smith ; Mills Shankland and Benjamin Junkin, elders, who are absent without leave, and we are informed are gone home.) The committee appointed to bring in an overture relative to the dissatisfied Donegall brethren, brought it in, the substance of which is as follows, viz. That the Synod declare themselves highly offended at these brethren, for not only abiding by their declinature, but acting in a hostile manner since, in alienating the minds of people under their influence, from the Synod, and so forming and prosecuting a schism. That, though the Synod declare they might justly refuse their admission to membership until they acknowledge their oflence, and submit to censure, yet out of tenderness to the societies in those parts, and to put an end to this schism, it is humbly overtured, that the Synod consent that Messrs. Steel, Elder, Tate, McMordie, Sampson Smith, and Beard, be a Presbytery, by the name of the Presbytery of Donegall, bounded on the west by the river Susquehannah, including Mr. Steel's congregation while he is their minister : provided, nevertheless, that when any of these brethren shall remove out of the bounds of said Presbytery, they shall become members 372 MINUTES OF THE SYNOD OF [1767. of the Presbytery into whose bounds they shall remove. And that the Pres- bytery of Carlisle shall be revived, to which Messrs. Roan, Thompson, and Lang, shall belong. • And after much reasoning, whether the Synod should adopt, the overture or not, the further consideration of it was deferred to the afternoon. Adjourned to three o'clock, P. M. Concluded with prayer. Three o'clock, P. 31. The Sijnod met according to adjournment. Post preces sederunt qui supra. ]Mr. Huston had leave to go home. The consideration of the overture respecting the dissatisfied Donegal! breth- ren, resumed, and after all the members that desired to speak, had been fully heard, and the matter maturely considered, it was put to vote, whether the overture should be admitted or not, and it was carried in the negative by a con- siderable majority. In the mean time, though the Synod cannot grant the request of said breth- ren, to be formed into a distinct I'resbytery, yet we declare, that upon their avoiding divisive and hostile measures, and acting in a peaceable and Christian manner, we shall stand ready to hear any reasonable proposal for their return- ing into membership with us. The committee appointed to inspect some papers in the hands of the corpo- ration for the widows' fund, brought in their report, which is as follows, viz : That agreeable to an act of the General Assembly of the Church of Scot- land, passed in the year , the money raised by collections in the several congregations of that church, shall be disposed of by the charitable corporation in conjunction with a committee of the united Synod of New York and Phila- delphia, for the support and relief of such ministers as are, or may hereafter be called to preach the everlasting gospel among the benighted Indians, or to such congregations as cannot afford them sufficient maintenance, and that the com- mittee cannot ascertain the sura. The Synod appoint the same committee, with the addition of Messrs. Spencer and McWhorter, to wait on the corporation aforesaid, to-morrow morning at nine o'clock, in order to have the aforesaid sum ascertained, and the power of the committee in disposing of it, and all other matters relating to it. Adjourned to nine o'clock, to-morrow morning. Concluded with prayer. ^Ith day, nine o'clock, A. M., the Synod met according to adjournmer.t- Post preces sederunt qui supra. The consideration of the correspondence with the associate churches of Con- necticut further deferred. Having gone through the business upon our minutes, ordered, to proceed to consider those matters brought in by the committee of overtures. A supplication was brought in from Albany, respecting some difficulties in the congregation in that city, which was read; and upon finding that the mat- ter had not been laid before the Pres])ytery, we refer it to them, and order them to meet and consider it as soon as possible. But as it is represented to the Synod, that there are many vacancies in the neighbourhood of Albany, where, it is probable, sundry important congrega- tions may be formed, we do appoint the Rev. Mr. Kennedy as a missionary through those parts, and that he take as particular account as he can of the State of that country, and lay it before our next Synod ; and that he supply also some time at the direction of Dutchess Presbytery, if it may be convenient, 1767.] NEW YORK AND PHILADELPHIA. 373 and that New York Presbytery supply Mr. Kennedy's pulpit seven Sabbaths in his absence. An appeal was brought in by Mr. John Lawrence, from a judgment of the Presbytery of Dutchess respecting Mr. Ball, and the said Mr. Lawrence re- quested that the Synod would appoint a committee to meet at Bedford to hear his appeal, as he could not prosecute it at this distance. In order that the Synod might be able to judge whether the matter com- plained of to the Presbytery, from which the appeal was brought, is an object of sufficient importance to induce the Synod to send a committee there, agree- ably to the prayer of the appellant, it was agreed that Mr. Lawrence should lay before the Synod his complaint, and that Mr. Ball should be heard in what he had to say by way of defence ; and that the Presbytery of Dutchess should give all the light they could in the affair, by producing the minutes of their Presby- tei'y on that head, &c. And after hearing all that the several parties had to offer, the Synod judge, that it is by no means worthy of so much notice as to appoint a committee to go there to determine it; because if there were evidences present to prove all the matters alleged against Mr. Ball by Mr. Lawrence, yet they are of so trivial a nature, that they could not be the foundation of any judicial censure, and eon- sequently that the conduct of Mr. Lawrence and others in the society, in ab- senting themselves from public worship, on so slender a foundation, can by no means be justified. Adjourned to three o'clock, P. M. Concluded with prayer. Three o'clock, P. 31., the Synod met according to adjournment. Post preces sederunt qui siqira. (Except Mr. Slemmons, who we are informed has gone home, though liberty for that purpose was denied him when he asked it.) The consideration of the correspondence with the associate churches of Con- necticut further deferred. An appeal from a judgment of the Presbytery of Suffolk, respecting Mr. Mills's removal from Jamaica on Long Island to the second Presbyterian church in Philadelphia, was brought in and read. After reading of which, a supplication from the second Presbyterian church in Philadelphia prosecuting the appeal, and urging Mr. Mills's removal ; like- wise a long remonstrance from the congregation of Jamaica, together with an address from the Presbytery of Suffolk, and a letter from the Hev. Mr. Prime, remonstrating against Mr. Mills's removal, were brought in and read. The Synod then proceeded fully to hear what the respective commissioners and the Presbytery of Suffolk had further to say, for and against Mr. Mills's removal, and having heard Mr. Mills himself on the affair, the Synod not hav- ing time now to issue it, refer the further consideration of it till to-morrow morning. Adjourned to nine o'clock, A. M. Concluded with prayer. 28^7i dai/, nine o'clock, A. 31., the Synod met according to adjournment. Post p7-eces sederunt qui sujira. The consideration of Mr. Mills's removal resumed. The Synod having carefully considered all the arguments that were offered against Mr. Mills's removal from Jamaica, together with the arguments on the other hand, for bringing him to this city, having also heard Mr. Mills's own judgment on this subject, that he esteems it his duty to remain in Jamaica; upon the whole, the Synod do confirm the judgment of the Presbytery of Suffolk on that head, 374 MINUTES OF THE SYNOD OF [17G7. beinreces sederunt qui supi-a. The consideration of the request of several gentlemen who call themselves the Presbytery of Donegall was resumed, and after much conversation and rea- soning ois the head, it was agreed to defer it till to-morrow morning. Adjourned till to-morrow morning at nine o'clock. Concluded with prayer. 2Ath day, nine of the o'c/ork, A. M. the Synod met according to adjourn- ment. Post jii'cces sederunt qui supra. The affair of Mrs. Tennent further deferred. The Synod resumed the consideration of the report of their committee ap- pointed last year to examine the state of the accounts of some money put into the hands of the corporation, for the relief of poor and distressed Presbyterian ministers, &c. by the General Assembly of the church of Scotland, to be dis- posed of by said corporation in conjunctien with a committee of the Synod, and do approve of the above queries put to said corporation by their commit- tee; but judge that the answers given by the corporaticm are not fully satis- factory in these following points, viz : That the total sum of the money col- lected by the Church of Scotland is not specified, and secondly, that no account is given how this money has been disposed of since it came into their hands; and also, that the corporation seem to insinuate that they have a power to dispose of said money if the committee of the Synod neglect or otherwise 1768.] NEW YORK AND PHILADELPHIA. 383 do not attend them ; and therefore do appoint the following gentlemen a com- mittee to attend upon said corporation this year, to transact all affairs relative to said money, viz : Messrs. Spencer, McWhorter, Ramsey, Kirkpatrick, and Montgomery, three of whom are to be a quorum. The Synod resumed the consideration of the request of the gentlemen who call themselves the Donegall Presbytery, and after much reasoning on the sub- ject the further consideration of it is deferred till the afternoon. Adjourned till three o'clock, P. M. Concluded with prayer. Three o'clock, P. M. the Synod met according to adjournment. Post preces sederunt qui supra. Mr. Philip Wynkoop, Mr. Richard Treat's elder, having gone home on Saturday, and not being able to return, Mr. Thomas Bourne, another elder of the same congregation, is permitted to take his place. Messrs. Hugh Huston and Samuel Culbertson are gone home without leave. The request of the gentlemen who call themselves the Presbytery of Done- gall, was resumed, and after much time spent in hearing all that was said upon the subject, it was voted whether their request should be granted or not, and it was carried in the negative by a great majority. There being nothing in their petition but what was requested by them last year and then denied, and there now appearing no new light upon the subject, the Synod judge that the door is still open for them to return in a regular manner by becoming members of the Presbytery of Donegall, and as such taking their seats in this house, which if they will do, the Synod hereby declare that they are still willing to receive them, and upon their becoming members, to hear all complaints and as far as in their power to redress all grievances, and to attend to all proposals that may be made to heal differences and promote the Mediator's kingdom, and then to new model Presbyteries if it should be judged necessary by this Synod. Adjourned till nine o'clock, to-morrow morning. Concluded with prayer. Ibth day, at nine o'clock, A. 31., the Synod met according to adjournment. Post preces sederunt qui supra. (Except Mr. Sparks, Mr. Chesnutt's elder, who is gone home without leave.) Mr. Fithian has leave to go home. Mrs. Teunent's complaint came under consideration, which the Synod remit to the Presbytery of Lewes, and at their particular request appoint the Rev. Messrs. Spencer, Finley, McKennan, Enoch Green, and Ramsey, to meet with said Presbytery as correspondents, and assist them in all their determina- tions on said affair, to meet at Buckingham on the third Wednesday of Novem- ber next. Upon reading the minute of yesterday concerning the brethren who call themselves the Presbytery of Donegall, Mr. Tate said, that he and his brethren with him were not authorized to make any other proposals to the Synod beside those mentioned in their petition, yet he believed that if the Synod would allow the Rev. Messrs. Sampson Smith and Beard to join the Presbytery of New Castle, Mr. Thomson that of Donegall, and the Rev. Messrs. Steel, Elder, and McMordie, the second Presbytery of Philadelphia, it might heal the breach ; in the mean time he desired liberty to join the second Presbytery of Philadel- phia. The Rev. Mr. Lang being present, being asked whether he was willing to be joined to the Presbytery of Donegall, answered, that he rather chose to belong to the second Presbytery of Philadelphia, but if the Synod judged it the 884 MINUTES OF THE SYNOD OF [1768. best expedient for peace, and the rest of his dissatisfied brethren would come into the general plan, he would consent. Therefore, after due deliberation the Synod came to this conlusion, viz : That although they highly disapprove of the conduct of these brethren since their departure from the Synod, yet for the sake of peace they authorize the above mentioned Presbyteries to receive them in the following manner, viz : the Rev. Messrs. Thompson and Lang into the Presbytery of JJonegall, the llev. Messrs. Beard and S. Smith into the Presby- tery of New Castle, and the llev. Messrs. Steel, Elder, Tate, and McMordio, into the second Presbytery of Philadelphia, provided that they apply for admis- sion the first convenient opportunity. But the Synod agree that this regulation is not intended to subject these vacancies that now are or hereafter shall be in the bounds of the Presbytery of Donegall to any other Presbytery, nor shall they apply at any time to any other without express leave obtained from that Presbytery, And it is further agreed, that if any of said brethren comply with said regulations, they shall previously and expressly withdraw their declinature entered at New York, 17G6, and without this they shall not be admitted as members of this Synod or any of its Presbyteries. Ordered, That the clerk give Mr. Tate a copy of this minute. Adjourned till three o'clock, P. M. Concluded with prayer. Three o'cloch, P. M. the Synod met according to adjoiirnnient. Post 2^rcccs sederunt qui supra. Mr. Peppard had leave to go home, and Mr. John Whitehill, Mr. Robert Smith's elder. Mr. Strain brought in a protest against the above determination of the Synod in these words, viz : I enter my protest against the above written determination of Synod for the following reasons. 1. Because 1 look upon said determination to be the erecting a monument of the former division of this church. 2. I apprehend that the foresaid determination, aficcting the state of those three Presbyteries, in the bounds of which the people have been most divided formerly, will have nearly the same efiect in reviving and confirming the preju- dices of the people, that a division of this Synod would have. Therefore, 3. I apprehend it will have a tendency greatly to obstruct the success of the gospel of our dear Lord Jesus Christ. 4. The foresaid determination appears to me too much to approve the schis- matical conduct of those gentlemen who declined, and so far as it does so, the Synod adopts their schismatical practices and lies uuder the heavy guilt of the same. 5. Although I am persuaded, that the Synod does in this act seek the peace of the church, yet the act itself tends to make the true peace of the chvirch, and in some lueasure the success of the gospel, a sacrifice to appease the wrath of a few, and so it opens the door for unrestrained passion to demand from this body whatever satisfaction it chooses. And as I think the exoneration of conscience, a freedom from the Synod's guilt in this affair, and bearing a testimony for the cause of Christ, are the motives which excite me to my present conduct ; that these ends may be an- swered I humbly pray this Synod to insert this my protest and reasons in their minutes. Signed by John Strain. The dissent of the Rev. IMcssrs. Roan, Cooper, Slemmons, and Duffield, from the same determination of Synod, was brought in and read in the following words, viz : 1768.] NEW YORK AND PHILADELPHIA. 385 To the Reverend Synod of New York and Philadelphia : It is with much real concern and distress of mind we find ourselves obliged to inform this body that we can by no means approve the determination of this Synod disposing of a number of members formerly belonging to the Donegall Presbytery, as expressed in said determination. Our reasons are, 1. The only reason ever offered by the gentlemen now new modelled, for any 'such step being taken, was bad temper and want of brotherly love, which tem- per they prayed the Synod to indulge, and the Synod have in our opinion, con- trary to the spirit of the Christian religion, granted them that indulgence. 2. The petition of those gentlemen for separation from their brethren of Do- negall, did contain by necessary implication very heavy charges against their brethren; and the Synod have, by allowing them separation, confirmed those charges without ever allowing their brethren so charged, the privilege of a fair hearing, but positively refusing it, though repeatedly and earnestly prayed for by the brethren thus charged. 3. The Synod have for three several years insisted that these gentlemen should return and sit with their brethren ; this they have loudly complained of and represented the Synod's conduct as tyrannical, and on this entered a declina- ture in the year 1766, and have adhered to it ever since. The Synod have, by their present act, declared that charge to have been well founded, and have therefore themselves proposed as the very foundation of having that declina- ture withdrawn, their renunciation of that sentiment, and approached to an ex- pedient proposed by some of those gentlemen. 4. Those gentlemen have been in the judgment of this Synod and in the face of the world, most zealously engaged in spreading schism, rending congrega- tions as far as in their power, and openly reproaching the Synod as arbitrary and cruel ; all which conduct, we apprehend the Synod does patronize by this determination of admitting them to membership without any proper acknow- ledgment of their having acted wrong herein. 5. This determination, in our opinion, is a departing from and counteracting the very spirit and design of the plan of union, as it is in a great part built on the very footing of party, and instead of demolishing a Presbytery, which in the judgment of many members of this house, ought not to be allowed an ex- istence, it is increased and strengthened. 6. This determination is, in our opinion, formed also on the subversion of discipline in the church, as it respects ministers, inasmuch as, according to this determination, those gentlemen are as we apprehend covered over from being called to account for any past mal-conduct, and brought into good standing under the bare mention in the minute of sy nodical disapprobation for their irregularity. 7. It is, in our opinion, setting a most pernicious precedent, as what has been granted to them cannot consistently be refused to any others who may at any time request it. But a request of disunion from their brethren thrice con- demned by the Synod, and yet obstinately persisted in though never supported by any one approved reason, has, in this determination, been granted them, and consequently any other repeatedly denied and unsupported request must here- after be granted also. 8. This determination manifestly erects a monument of division, in the body, as a number of those brethren are not only granted separation from their breth- ren of Donegall, but brought through another Presbytery and joined to a third at the distance of more than one hundred miles from some of the members, to the great abuse of much precious time which might be better employed in some other service. On the whole, the step taken by the Synod, however specious it may at first view appear, is, in our opinion, subversive of good order, derogatory to this 49 386 MINUTES OF THE SYNOD OF [1768 reverend body, prejudicial to the interests of religion, and evidently tending to division, anarchy, and confusion, and as such we bear our open testimony against it, and solemnly declare our dissent from it, and pray that this our dissent, and the reasons of it, be entered in the records of this Synod. John Eoan, John Slejimons, Robert Cooper, George Duffield, Adjourned to nine o'clock, to-morrow morning. Concluded with prayer. 26 day, at nine o'clock, A. M. Tlie Synod met according to adjournment. Fo&t preces sederunt qui supra. (Except Mr. McKinley, Mr. Rodgers' elder, who is gone home without leave.) The Synod proceeded to hear and consider a Latin letter to the Church of Geneva, which was approved, and ordered to be transcribed, and signed by the moderator. A letter directed to the Synod of North Holland was also read and approved ; and the Synod do appoint the following gentlemen to prepare letters to the fol- lowing churches, viz. Mr. Rodgers, a letter to the Church of Holland; and Mr. Ewing, to the Church of Geneva; Mr. Joseph Treat, to the Church of Switzerland; the moderator to the Church of Scotland; Mr. Robert Smith, to the Synod of seceding ministers in Scotland; Dr. Williamson, to the ministers in and about London ; Dr. Alison, to the Synod of Ireland ; Mr. McWhorter, to the Churches in South Carolina; and Mr. Kirkpatrick, to the ministers in and about Dublin. And these letters are ordered to be prepared and ready to be laid before the Synod early in their session nest year. Adjourned till three o'clock, P. M., to meet at the second Presbyterian Church. Concluded with prayer. Second Preshyferian Church, three o'clock, P. M. The Synod met accord- ing to adjournment. Post preces sederunt qui supra. A supplication was brought in from the honourable board of trustees of the New Jersey College, praying assistance in supporting a Professor of Divinity from the last year's collection, and was fully considered, and the Synod judge, that they cannot give any part of the money collected last year towards the support of a professor of Divinity in the said college, but do agree, and hereby order, a general collection to be made for this purpose, in all our congregations ; and that the money raised by this separate collection be applied particularly by this Synod yearly, for this purpose, till expended; and in the mean time, in order to assist in supporting a Professor of Divinity in said college, the Synod do agree to give the present Professor the sum of fifty pounds out of the money now in the hands of our treasurer, to be refunded next year. Ordered, That Mr. Treat, our treasurer, pay this sum to the trustees of New Jersey College. Mr. McWhorter obtained leave to go home. A supplication from Sussex, on Delaware, for missionaries, was brought in and read. An application on the behalf of several distressed societies on the frontiers of Pennsylvania, and the South Branch of Potomac, was made by a member, for missionaries to be sent among them. Application was also made by a member on the behalf of Great Egg Har- bour, and parts adjacent, for missionaries to be sent among them. 17G8.] NEW YORK AND PHILADELPHIA. 387 Ordered, That Lewestown Presbytery appoint their candidates to supply the Forest, in Sussex, on Delaware, eight Sabbaths, at the most convenient places, for which the Synod order that their treasurer pay said candidates eight pounds. Application was made by a member on the behalf of the back parts of Balti- more and Frederick counties, in Maryland, requesting a missionary to be sent among them. The Synod order that the Presbytery of New Castle supply said parts by some of their candidates, or members, four Sabbaths, for which the Synod allow four pounds. Ordered, That Mr. Boyd supply at Great Egg Harbour, and parts adjacent, four Sabbaths, viz. the three last Sabbaths of October, and the first of Novem- ber, for which, together with his expenses in going there, the Synod allow him five pounds. Also, that Mr. Thomas Smith supply them three Sabbaths at discretion, taking care to notify them in due time, for which the Synod allow him three pounds. Ordered, That ]\Ir. Roan supply at the South Branch of Potomac, three Sabbaths at discretion, for which the Synod allow him four pounds ten shil- lings. Ordered, That Jlr. Halsey supply two Sabbaths in Sherman's Valley, and one at Bullskin, at discretion, for which the Synod allow him three pounds. Ordered, That Mr. Jackson supply four Sabbaths north of the Kittatinning Hills, for which the Synod allow him four pounds ; and that Mr. Balch supply four Sabbaths north of the Kittatinning Hills, for which the Synod allow him four pounds. Ordered, That Mr. Hunt supply the vacancies north of the city of Albany, five Sabbaths, at discretion, for which he is allowed five pounds. A call for Mr. McCreary, a candidate under the care of the New Castle Pres- bytery from the inhabitants of Long Canes Settlement, in South Carolina, was brought in and read ; as also a supplication to the Reverend Synod, requesting their concurrence in presenting said call, and urging his acceptance thereof. Also, another supplication from said place, requesting, (providing Mr. McCreary should reject their call,) to grant them a stated supply for six months, of some skilful minister. The Synod gave said call into the hands of Mr. McCreary, requiring his answer to it, who replied, that he had not clearness at present to determine either in favour or against the said call, and requested time to deli- berate on it, which is granted, and the Synod recommend it to Mr. McCreary to determine the matter as soon as conveniently he can, and give his answer to New Caatle Presbytery, who are desired in case of his accepting the said call, to ordain him as soon as they can. A supplication from Cathey's Settlement, and Fourth Creek, North Caro- lina, requesting supplies, especially by Mr. McCreary, was brought in and read. A supplication also from Coddle Creek for supplies, especially by Mr. McCreary, was brought in and read. A supplication also from the Three Creeks, and upper part of Catawba River, for supplies, especially for Mr. Bay, was brought in and read; also, an appli- cation by Mr. Bay, for supplies in behalf of Spotsylvania, in Virginia, Upper Haw River, Deep River, Anson County, Bush River, Fair Forest, Indian Creek, the forks of Tiger River, LTnion congregation, Bullock's Creek, Clark's Forest, Bethel congregation, Fishing Creek, Hitchcock Creek, upon Pee Dee River, Pine Tree Hill, and Stephen's Creek. A supplication from Steel Creek and Providence, in Mecklenburg county. North Carolina, for supplies, was brought in and read, especially for Mr. Lewis, Mr. McCreary, or Mr. Potter, to continue some time with them in order to settlement. 388 MINUTES OF THE SYNOD OF [1768. A supplication also from Timber Eidge, in Virginia, for supplies. A memorial from Col. Alexander McNatt, in Nova Scotia, setting forth the deplorable state of that new part of the Church, and earnestly requesting two ordained ministers, to continue some time to ordain elders and organize the churches. Also an application by Mr. Jackson, on the behalf of several congregations in Augusta county, Virginia, for supplie.s. Adjourned till to-morrow morning, eight o'clock, to meet at Market-street meeting-house. Concluded with prayer. 27 day^ ei(jht o'clock, A. M. The Synod met according to adjournment. Post preces sederunt qui supra. The second Presbytery of Philadelphia report, that they have received Mr. Joseph Tate, having withdrawn his declinature, and promising subjection to the jurisdiction of this Synod, and he being present, took his seat. A letter was read from the Rev. Mr. Sacket, praying that the Synod would take under their consideration the unhajipy difference betwixt him and the Presbytery of Dutchess county. A supplication was also brought in and read from Bedford, in "West Ches- ter county, praying that a committee of this Synod may be appointed to meet at said place to settle all differences in the congregation, and after due delibe- ration, the Synod do appoint the following gentlemen to be a committee of this Synod to meet at Bedford the last Wednesday of August, to hear all affairs relative to both the above petitions, and finally settle all differences, viz. Messrs. John Bodgers, Caldwell, McWhorter, William Tennent, Lewis, Mills, Close, Kerr, Reeve, Jones, Halt, and Joseph Treat. A supplication was brought in and read from the Presbyterian Church in the city of Albany, setting forth their distressed condition on the account of a heavy debt contracted by building their church, praying assistance. The Synod do sincerely pity their distressed condition, but find it is not in their power at present to help them. A petition was brought in by Messrs. Robert Knox and Anthony Pearson, in behalf of themselves and fifty-one other persons, complaining of the second Presbytery of Philadelphia, as Dr. Alison, Mr. Ewing, 3Ir. Patrick Alison, they judge, are not competent judges in the affair of presenting a call to the Rev. Patrick Alison, to the pastoral charge of the first IVesbyteriau Church in this city, and was read, and fully considered, and the Synod judge that the affair does not regularly come before this judicature, as there is now a sufficient number of members to constitute a Presbytery, if these gentlemen, before men- tioned, should be set aside as improper to judge in this affair. Adjourned to three o'clock, P. M. Concluded with prayer. Three o'clock, P. M. The Synod met according to adjournment. Post preces sederunt qui supra. Mr. Horton, Mr. Kerr, Mr. Kirkpatrick, Mr. Spencer, obtained leave to go home. Ordered, That the treasurer of the Synod pay to the janitor who attended us last year, the sum of three pounds, and the same sum to the janitor for this year. Mr. Montgomery has leave to join the New Castle Presbytery, obtaining a regular dismission from Lewes, but it is ordered he attend with the Lewes Presbytery at Buckingham, the third Wednesday of November. The Synod do appoint the Rev. Mr. Buy to pay a visit to the vacancies 1769.] NEW YORK AND PHILADELPHIA. 389 above the city of Albany, for six Sabbaths, as soon as convenient, for which he is to receive six pounds. The Synod do appoint jMr. Jackson, a licensed candidate in the Presbytery of New York, to take a journey to the southern provinces; and in order more fully to answer the end of his mission, the Synod do recommend it to either -the Presbyteries of Donegall or Hanover, to ordain the said Mr. Jackson as soon as possible. Mr. Halsey is also appointed to take a journey to the southern provinces, Mr. Tate is appointed also to take a journey to the western parts of Virginia, and to North Carolina, in the fall of this year, if the state of his congregation will permit. And the moderator and clerk are ordered to give the above gentlemen proper credentials ; and also to Mr. Lewis, if he should think proper to go to North Carolina next fall ; also to Mr. Bay. The Synod can send no missionaries to Nova Scotia this year, but determine to consider it next Synod. Mr. Anderson is appointed to take a tour on the Western frontiers of this Province, to set off as soon as possible, and preach in the vacancies on these frontiers at least twelve Sabbaths, for which he is to receive twenty shillings for every Sabbath that he preaches on the other side of the Kittatinning Moun- tains, and to take his directions from the Donegall Presbytery. Mr. McCreary is also appointed to preach over these mountains four Sab- baths, at the directions of the Donegall Presbytery, for which he is to receive four pounds. The Synod order Jlr. Strain to supply the Second Presbytei-ian Church in Philadelphia the first Sabbath of June ; Mr. Green, the second ; Mr. Eakin, the third and fourth Sabbaths ; Mr. Carmichael, first Sabbath of July ; Mr, Hunt, the third of July ; Mr. Chapman, the last of July and first of Au- gust; Mr. Hunter, the second Sabbath; Mr. Richards, third and fourth of August; Mr. Bay, first and second September; Mr. Carmichael, third Sep- tember ; Mr. Robert Smith, fourth of September and first of October ; Mr, Montgomery, second and third of October; Mr. Woodrufi", fourth and fifth of October. Ordered, That the moderator sign all letters to the foreign churches. Adjourned to the third Wednesday of May next, 10 of the clock, A. M. to meet at the Second Presbyterian Church in Philadelphia. Concluded with prayer. 1769. Philadelphia, May 17 th, 1769 The Synod of New York and Philadelphia met according to adjournment at the second Presbyterian church in this city. Uhi post preces sederunt From the Presbytery of Donegall : the Rev. George Duffield, John Strain Robert Cooper, John Slemmons, John Craighead. Of Lewestown Presbytery : the Rev John Miller, Matthew Wilson, Of New Castle Presbytery : the Rev. Alexander McDowel, Robert Smith William McKennan, John Montgomery, James Finley, John Carmichael. Of first Philadelphia Presbytery : the Rev. Richard Treat, Andrew Hunter, John Brainerd, Benjamin Chesnutt, William Ramsey, John Clark, Enoch Green. Of second Philadelphia Presbytery : The Rev. Dr, Alison, John Simonton John Ewing, James Latta, Patrick Alison. 890 MINUTES OF THE SYNOD OF [1769. Of New Brunswick Presbytery : the Rev. Johu Blair, William Kirkpatrick, John llosborough. Of Suffolk Presbytery : the Rev. John Close. Of New York Presbytery : the Rev. Azariah Horton, Dr. Rodgers, Aaron Richards, Benjamin Hait, James Caldwell. Elders : Messrs. Benjamin Blaith, Thomas Conary, Robert Macky, William Brown, Maskel Ewing, Isaac Abraham, James Sterret, James Rolston, John Brooks, William P. Smith, Christopher Hughs, John Maxwell, Az. McClane, Dr. Williamson. Absent of Hanover Presbytery : the Rev. Messrs. Blaith, Craig, Zancky, Brown, Todd, McCadden, Rice, Patillo, Criswell, D. Caldwell, Cummins, Wad- dle, Alexander, Leak. Donegall Presbytery ; the Rev. Mr. Samuel Thomson, John Rowan, John Hogg, James Plunt, James Lang. Lewestown Presbytery : the Rev. Charles Tennent, John Harris, Alexander Huston, James McCrakin, John Bacon. New Castle Presbytery : the Rev. Elihu Spencer, Andrew Bay, John Mc- Creary. First Philadelphia Presbytery : the Rev. Charles Beatty, Nehemiah Green- man. Second Philadelphia Presbytery : the Rev. John Elder, John Steel, Robert McMordie. New Brunswick Presbytery : the Rev. Charles McKnight, James Read, John Hannah, Samuel Kennedy, Jer. Halsey, James Lyon, Job Prudden. Suffolk Presbytery : the Rev. Messrs. Prime, Buel, White, Brown, Barker, Goldsmith, Talmage, Rose, Lewis, Mills, Potter, Occum. The whole Presbytery of Dutchess County. New York Presbytery : the Rev. Messrs. John Pierson, Jacob Green, John Moffat, John Elmer, John Darby, Abner Reeve, Nathan Kerr, Benjamin Woodruff, Azariah Roe, Francis Peppard, John 3Laltby, Hugh Knox, Simon Horton, Abner Brush, Alexander McWhorter, Joseph Treat, J. Chapman, James Tuttle, Timothy Jones. Mr. Johu IBlair, the last year's moderator, opened the Synod by a sermon from Rev. iii. 2, last clause. Mr. Kirkpatrick was chosen moderator. Mr. Caldwell and Mr. Patrick Alison were chosen clerks. Mr. Halt's and Mr. Latta's reasons for being absent last year, sustained. Donegall Presbytery report, that Mr. Samuel Thompson and Mr. James Lang have joined them, according to the minutes of the last Synod. Lewestown Presbytery report, they have ordained to the work of the gospel ministry Mr. Johu Brown. New Castle Presbytery report, the Rev. Mr. Adam Boyd was removed by death, Nov. 20, 17(58. That they ordained to the work of the gospel ministry, Mr. John McCreary, William Forster, and Mr. Joseph Smith, the two last of whom being present took their seats with jNIr. James Htiston, Mr. Smith's elder. And they further report, they have licensed to preach as candidates, Mr. John Wocidhull, xMr. Josiah Lewis, Mr. Hezekiah Balch ; that Mr. Samp- son Smith and Mr. John Baird had joined their Presbytery, according to the minutes of the last Synod ; and that they have suspended from the exercise of the gospel ministry, Mr. Sampson Smith, and that they h:ive received the Rev. Daniel jNIcClclland as a member of their Presbytery, who being present took his seat. The first Philadelphia Presbytery report, they have ordained to the work of the gospel ministry, Mr. Alexander Mitchell, and received the Rev. Mr. James Sproat, late a member of the association of New Haven, in Connecticut 1769.] NEW YORK AND PHILADELPHIA. 391 who being present took their seats with their elders, Mr. Kobert Patterson and Mr. Gunning Bedford. The second Philadelphia Presbytery report, that Mr. John Elder, Mr. John Steel, and Mr. Robert McMordie, joined them, according to the minute of the last Synod. New Brunswick Presbytery report, that they have received the Rev. Dr. John Witherspoon, late member of the Presbytery of Paisley, in Scotland, who being present took his seat. That the Rev. Mr. James McCrea was removed by death the tenth day of this instant, and that they have licensed Mr. Jacob Van Arsdalen to preach as a candidate. New York Presbytery report, that they have ordained to the gospel ministry, Mr. James Tuttle, and that Mr. Moses Tattle has withdrawn himself from our jurisdiction. By a minute laid before us, signed by the moderator of the Presbytery of Hanover, we are informed that Mr. Thomas Jackson and Mr. Samuel Leak were ordained by that Presbytery to the work of the gospel ministry. Mr. Jackson being present took his seat. The Synod appoint for a committee of overtures, the Rev. Mr. Cooper, Mr. Wilson, Mr. Fiuley, Mr. Ramsey, Mr. Latta, Mr. Blair, Mr. Hait, Mr. Close, and Mr. Jackson, with Mr. Maxwell, Mr. Sterret, and Maskel Ewing, elders, to meet here to-morrow morning at six o'clock, and as often afterwards as busi- ness may require. Adjourned till to-morrow morning, nine o'clock. Concluded with prayer. 18/^ day, mne d'cloch, A. M., the Si/nod met according to adjournment. Post preces sederunt qui supra. With the Rev. William Tennent, John Hogg, and Alexander McWhorter, who gave sufficient reasons for not attending yesterday. Also, Dr. Burnet, Jo- seph Cowen, and Hugh Whiteford, elders, are now present. Mr. Miller and Mr. Brainerd are appointed a committee to examine the Pres- bytery book of Donegall. Mr. Wilson and Mr. Montgomery are appointed a committee to examine the first Philadelphia Presbytery book. Dr. Rodgers and Mr. McWhorter are appointed a committee to examine the Presbytery book of New Brunswick. Mr. Robert Smith and Mr. Duffield are appointed a committee to examine the Presbytery book of New York. The Presbytery books of Hanover, Lewestown, New Castle, the second Pres- bytery of Philadelphia, Suffolk and Dutchess County, are not present. Ordered, That those books be brought next Synod. Mr. Tate is now come, and his reasons for not attending sooner are sustained. The committee appointed last year to prepare a plan for propagating the gos- pel among the Indians, report, that it appeared to them as yet inexpedient to enter on that important work. Ordered, That Dr. Alison, Dr. Witherspoon, Dr. Rodgers, Mr. Brainerd, and Mr. Ewing, be a committee to consult whether any plan can yet be de- vised_ for the purpose aforesaid, and make report to the Synod next Tuesday morning. The Synod appoint for their commission for the ensuing year, the Rev. Messrs. Richard Treat, Dr. Alison, Dr. Witherspoon, Sproat, Blair, Lewis, Mills, Azariah Hortnn, Jones, William Tennent, Reed, Hunter, Ewing, Spen- cer, Roan, Robert Smith, Miller, Montgomery, Duffield, and Close, with the moderator; with elders. Dr. Burnet, Dr. Williamson, Gunning Bedford, Wil- liam P. Smith, and Muskel Ewing, thirteen of whom to be a quorum; but if 392 MINUTES OF THE SYNOD OF [1769. the moderator die or be absent, the first mentioned on the roll in the minute shall have power to call the commission and preside. Mr. Spencer is now come, his reasons for not coming sooner, sustained ; his elder, Valentine Duchene, is also present. Mr. Richard Treat is appointed treasurer for the Synod, and the several Presbyterial treasurers are desired to give him in their accounts by Saturday morning. Mr. Jackson and Mr. Joseph Tate complied with the appointment of last Synod to supply to the southward. Adjourned till three o'clock. Concluded with prayer. Three dcloch, P. M. the Synod met auccording to adjournment. Post preces sederunt qui supra. (With Mr. Steel.) The committee appointed to meet at Bedford, report, they accordingly met and their minutes being produced were read, and the Synod approve of what they did except that part of their judgment which disunited Mr. Sackct from the Presbytery of Dutchess and annexed him to the Presbytery of New York, the propriety of which being debated, the question was put approve or not ? which was carried in the negative by a great majority; and Mr. Sacket is there- fore returned to the Presbytery of Dutchess county. From Mr. Brainerd's report respecting the school under his inspection, which the Synod agreed to support, we find it hath not been kept up more than half the last year, for which we therefore allow him fifteen pounds, which is half of ■what was voted last year. But as he expects he shall be able to continue that school the current year, having provided a master for that purpose, voted that he be allowed thirty pounds for the support of it. . Ordered also. That Mr. Brainerd shall receive for the current year the sum of eighteen pounds, being the interest of the money in the hands of the trea- surer of the college of New Jersey for the support of an Indian mission, and that he also have twenty pounds from the Syuodical treasurer for the continu- ance of his labours in the year past, in those desolate parts where he has been usefully employed, and the Synod desire Mr. Brainerd to supply in these parts as formerly. The delegates appointed to meet the Rev. Greneral Convention at Elizabeth- town last October, laid before the Synod the minutes of the convention agree- able to a standing order for that purpose. As the next general convention is to meet the fourteenth of September at New Haven, the Synod appoint to attend on that occasion the following mem- bers, viz : the Rev. JMessrs. John Strain, Richard Treat, James Sproat, John Brainerd, Joseph Montgomery, John Craighead, Jacob Kerr, Elihu Spence, John Ewing, Patrick Alison, Dr. Witherspoon, William Tennent, Dr. Rodgers, Alexander McWhortcr, James Caldwell, John Close, Samuel Buel, Solomon Mead, and Wheeler Case; Dr. Witherspoon is appointed to open the conven- tion, or in case of his absence Dr. Rodgers. Mr. Azariah Horton has leave to go home. Adjourned till to-morrow morning nine o'clock. Concluded with prayer. 19 day, nine o'clock, the Synod met according to adjournment. Post preces sederunt qui suj^ra. Mr. Carmichael, elder, has leave to go home. The committee appointed to dispose of the interest of the money in the hands of the treasurer of the New Jersey College, for support of poor and pious youth in said college, laid their proceedings before us, and it appears 1769.] NEW YORK AND PHILADELPHIA. 393 that they have disposed of twenty pounds for the purpose mentioned. There ■will be in the hands of the treasurer to be disbursed next October, sixty-two pounds, and the Synod appoint as a committee for the present year to attend at the New Jersey college the third Wednesday of August, and dispose of said sum, the Rev. Messrs. l3r. Witherspoon, William Tenuent, Brainerd, Guild, Ewing, Blair, Caldwell, Reed, and the moderator. The order of Synod respecting a plan laid down by some lay elders at a for- mer session and adopted by this Synod, came under consideration, and it appears from the report of several Presbyteries, that only a few of them have en- deavoured to execute this plan; the Synod renew their last year's order with relation to so useful an overture, and earnestly recommend to all their Presby- teries to use their utmost endeavours to secure the success of it before our meeting in May next. To the question concerning the business and power of the committee of over- tures proposed last year, the Synod answer, that committee is intended to introduce business into the Synod in an orderly manner, that they may give advice concerning either the matter or manner of overtures brought to them, but have not power to suppress any thing that comes regularly before them from inferior judicatures according to our known rules, or such overtures and petitions as inferior judicatures or particular persons desire to have laid before this Synod. A proposal was made last Synod and the consideration of it deferred to this, that we should endeavour to agree upon some plan to prevent irregularities in respect of marriage. And after some conversation on said proposal, agreed to defer it to the next Synod, and it is expected every member will be prepared to give his sentiments on said proposal at that time, stating what irregularities he imagines prevail, and what method he would propose to prevent them. From the representations that have been made to us concerning the situation of Nova Scotia, we are of opinion that it is not expedient to appoint any mis- sionaries to that province at this time. A petition from the congregation of Little Britain was brought in and read, requesting to be set off from the Donegall Presbytery and put under the care of the New Castle Presbytery, which is more convenient to them. The Synod grant their petition, but as there are some matters depending between Mr. Hunt and said congregation now before the Donegall Presbytery, the Synod order, that these be there judged and determined notwithstanding this regu- lation. Adjourned till three clock, P. M. Concluded with prayer. Three d clock, P. 31. the Sj/nod met according to adjournment. Post preces sederunt qui supra. Joseph Cowan, Mr. Horton's elder, has leave to go home. A motion was introduced from the committee of overtures, that the Synod should consider what they would do in case of persons who, breaking off from their body, are not subject to the inspection of any Presbytery, and yet may by their conduct bring a reproach on them, as being supposed to continue still in connexion with them. It was particularly represented that Mr. Kin- kaid is by many given out to be a Presbyterian minister, though his conduct is no way cognizable by us. The Synod, after inquiring into the facts, find that he had not only gone off of himself, but was publicly disowned by the Presbytery of Philadelphia, and has never been a member of any Presbytery of this Synod since the union of the Synods of New York and Philadelphia, and therefore they are persuaded that this conduct cannot, by any candid per- son, be considered as having any influence on them whether good or bad. 50 394 MINUTES OF THE SYNOD OF [1769. On this account they see no necessity of either inquiry or vindication as to him, but recommend it to Presbyteries to be precise and accurate in making the dates of the desertion or separation of any of their members, and to give sentence definitely as to the continuance or dissolution of their relation. Adjourned till to-morrow morning, at nine o'clock. Concluded with prayer. 20ih day, nine o'clock^ tlie Synod met accordhvj to adjournment. Postprcces sederunt qui svpra. (With Mr. John Montgomery, Mr. Steel's elder.) Mr. Maxwell, Mr. Montgomery's elder, has leave to go home. Mr. Halsey is now come, and the reasons given by him for his not coming jsooner are sustained. Mr. McClelland has leave to go home. Mr. Thomas McCrakin and Mr. John Creary are now come, and their reasons for not coming sooner are sustained. The committee of overtures have brought in an appeal of Mrs. Jane Ten- nent, from a judgment of the Presbytery of Lewestown upon several com- plaints prosecuted by her before them, against her husband the Rev. Mr. Charles Tennent, but as the minutes of the Presbytery are not here, the Synod cannot proceed to hear the appeal now, but order it to lie over till next year, when both parties are recjuired to be ready for trial. Mr. Robert Patterson has leave to go home. Adjourned till Monday morning ten o'clock. Concluded with prayer. Monday, ten o^doch, the Synod met according to adjournment. Post preces sederunt qui supra. The Rev. IMr. James Long, together with his elder, Mr. William Alison, are now come ; Mr. Long's absence from Synod till this time, excused. The supplies ordered at our last session were fulfilled as follows, Mr. Boyd complied with his appointment to Egg Harbour. Mr. Roan complied with his to the branches of Potomac, and communicated in a letter to Mr. Dufllield, which was read, a circumstantial account of the situation of that desolate country and his itinerating there. The Synod agree to give Mr. Roan for his great labours in that part eight pounds ten shillings, in addition to what they voted him last year. Messrs. Halsey, Hezekiah James l^alch, and McCreary, have complied with theirs ; in consideration of Mr. McCreary's great services on his mission to the western frontiers of this province, the Synod vote him an additional allowance of five pounds. A paper signed by Alexander Miller, containing various matters of complaint against the Presbytery of Hanover, who deposed him May 8d, 1765, was brought in and read, he being present, which is as follows : To the Rev. Synod of New York and Philadelphia : Rev. Gentlemen — Be pleased to attend to the ca,se and redress the grievances of a member injured by some members of Hanover Presbytery. The case is as follows : Mr. Rice brought an affidavit (in what manner proved I know not) to a cer- tain meeting of Ilanover Presbytery, insinuating some reflections on my conduct at a certain place. Though the paper was formed extra-judicially, yet I was willing, and even urged, for an appointment to be made to go and inquire into the rise and ground of said report, which was granted and made. In consequence hereof I rode 1769.] NEW YORK AND PHILADELPHIA. 395 four hundred miles to the phice, but found no Presbytery, and that Mr. Todd, by his sole authority, prevented the same. Sometime afterwards, and on the very day our Presbytery was judicially appointed to meet at another place, at a very considerable distance, Mr. Todd ■with two other members went to this, (without judicial appointment) assumed - the name and authority of Hanover Presbytery, and even ordained a man, re- ceived charges against me, and judged me in my absence, and appointed the time and place of the next meeting : but incapacitated and prevented by their conduct the meeting of the Presbytery according to appointment. At the time appointed for next meeting I attended, and, after reasoning on their conduct, it was mutually agreed, on certain conditions, to nullify what was past, and that the Presbytery be full at the trial. I attended at the time and place, but that Presbytery having foiled in the performing the conditions stipulated on their part, and finding them resolved to proceed to judgment, contrary to their engagements, I gave in a declinature and appealed to the Synod, and gave them the reasons, and left them. After which, as appears by their minutes, they judged the validity of my reasons of appeal, examined witnesses against me, formed, published, and or- dered a libel to be publicly read against me, and assumed a power to depose me from the ministerial office in my absence, and after I had appealed to the Synod. The next meeting of Presbytery I apj^lied to the moderator and clerk to have a testimonial of my declinature, reasons of appeal, and a copy of their minutes, but was refused. This prevented me from applying to you in a way I thought orderly until the third instant, I got a copy of some of their proceedings, of which I com- plain of the following things, viz : 1. That the Presbytery did not meet to do me justice, according to appoint- ment, Mr. Todd preventing the first, and many of the members not attending or fulfilling their engagements at the last, and that they have acted presbyterially without appointment. 2. That they received accusations, administered oaths to persons against me, and condemned me in my absence, and made themselves judges and parties in some cases. 3.^ That they judged my reasons of appeal, and appear to blame me for ap- pealing. In this I complain they have acted contrary to the fifth article of the plan of union. 4. That their minutes are dark and imperfect, containing, &c. &c. &c., in- stead of facts and full history. 5. For saying that the evidences were of unblamable reputation when they knew, or might have known, the contrary, by inspecting their oaths and various representations they have given. . 6. That they assumed a power not granted them by warrant from Christ, or ceded to them in the plan of union. These are some of my complaints, to which I can add many more, and will make it apparent to impartial judges that they are not without foundation; and if you please to do me justice and redress my grievances occasioned by these men, it will very much redound to your credit in the world, the honour of this judicatory, and oblige a sufferer. (Signed by) Alex. Miller, M. A. As also an attested copy of the Presbytery's minutes relating to his trial and deposition. After some time spent on this business the further examination of it is de- ferred till the afternoon. Adjourned till three o'clock, P. M. Concluded with prayer. 396 MINUTES OF THE SYNOD OF [1769. Three o'doclc, P. M. The Synod met according to adjournment. Post pre- ces sederunt qui supra. The consideration of Mr. Miller's case resumed. Mr. Miller was asked, whether he was a member of this Synod and subject to its authority and juris- diction. He answered he was, and referred to the introduction of the paper he laid before the Synod, signed with his name, which is in these words, " Be pleased to attend to the case and redress the grievances of a member injured by some members of Hanover Presbytery." After Mr. Alexander Miller's complaint was heard, it was deferred till to- morrow morning. Mr. Hart has leave to go home. Adjourned till to-morrow morning, nine o'clock. Concluded with prayer. 23c? day, at nine o'cIocJc. The Synod met according to adjournment. Post preces sederunt qui supra. The consideration of Mr. Alexander Miller's complaint resumed, and upon full inquiry the Synod conclude, that as the Presbytery of Hanover are not present, and it has not been made appear before us that they were cited to be present, or informed that Mr. Alexander Miller intended to lodge a complaint against them before the Synod, at this time, we cannot now enter u^jon the con- sideration of the merits of the complaint, but order both the Presbyteiy and Mr. Alexander Miller to attend our next Synod prepared for a full hearing, and, in the mean time, on account of Mr. Miller's unjustifiable delay for some years to enter his complaint before us, the irregularity of his proceedings dur- ing that time, and the atrocious nature of the crimes laid to his charge, we do hereby declare him suspended from the exercise of the ministerial office till his complaint can be fully heard. Mr. Alexander Miller was called in, and the above determination of the Sy- nod read in his hearing, whereupon he gave in a paper, renouncing the authority of the Synod. Upon which the Synod find, that as Mr. Miller was deposed by the Presbytery of Hanover he declined the judgment of that Presbytery and appealed to this Synod : and while we were taking measures to try and issue his complaint, he, in the paper aforesaid, hath renounced our authority. The Synod therefore declare be is not a member of this body, and forbid all their Presbyteries and congregations to employ him. An application from the Trustees of the College of New Jersey was brought in and read, requesting the assistance of the Synod to raise money for the ne- cessary support of the said College. The Synod looking upon this as a matter of great importance, appoint Dr. Witherspoon, Mr. Blair, and Mr. William P. Smith, a committee to make a suitable representation of the state of the col- lege to lay before this Synod, which we may recommend for the information of our several congregations. And the Synod agree, that certain particular per- sons be appointed to go through our bounds and use their utmost endeavours to obtain subscriptions, in part, and after they have done all they can they shall leave the several subscriptions opened by them with the most convenient minis- ters, or other proper persons, to have them filled up where any thing more can be done; and each Presbytery is enjoined to take care that every member be active and diligent to forward and complet-e those subscriptions, of which they are to give an account at our next Synod ; and the persons appointed to this business, and the bounds assigned them, are as follows, viz : Mr. Duffiold and Mr. R. Smith to York and Cumberland and parts of Lan- caster county above the town ; Mr. Spencer and Mr. McDowell to Chester county, and the lower parts of Lancaster county ; IVIr. Ramsey and i^L-. John Miller to Kent, Sussex, and the Eastern Shore of Maryland; Mr. Montgomery 1769.] NEW YORK AND PHILADELPHIA. 397 to New Castle county; Dr. Witherspoon, Mr. Ewing, and Mr. Sproat to Bucks county and Philadelphia ; Mr. Brainerd to Burlington, Gloucester, and Cape May counties; Mr. Tennent, Mr. Read, and the moderator, to Middle- sex, Monmouth, Hunterdon, Somerset and parts adjacent; Dr. Rodgers to Essex, Morris, and Sussex counties, and Mr. McWhorter to the bounds of - Dutchess Presbytery, provided there appears proper encouragement for an ap- plication there; Mr. Blair and Mr. Kerr to Goshen, and parts adjacent; Mr. Craig and Mr. Jackson to the upper parts of Virginia ; Mr. Waddle to the lower parts of Virginia; Mr. Patrick Alison and Mr. Montgomery to the West- ern Shore of Maryland ; Mr. Kirkpatrick to Charleston, South Carolina, and such other places as may be expedient for him to apply to ; and we appoint to supply his pulpit, New Brunswick Presbytery the month of December ; Mr. Watt the month of January ; the Presbytery of New York the month of Febru- ary; Mr. Latta the two first Sabbaths in March, and the first Philadelphia Presbytery the rest of the month of March ; Mr. Close the two first Sabbaths of April; Mr. Mills the third and fourth, and Mr. Lewis the fifth Sabbath of April. ^ Dr. Witherspoon and Mr. Caldwell are appointed to go and endeavour to obtain subscriptions for the college in the lower parts of Virginia, and their respective Presbyteries are required to supply their pulpits in their absence, and the Synod order, that the above-mentioned persons to make collections for the college, do make report of their success to the trustees of said college at next commencement, except those who are sent upon such distant missions that they cannot finish them before that time. Adjourned till three o'clock, P. M. Concluded with prayer. Three o'clock, P. M. ^ The Synod met according to adjournment. Post preces sederunt qui supra. Agreeable to a former resolution of this Synod to correspond with foreign churches, the following letters were brought in by the gentlemen appointed for that purpose, viz : one by Dr. Rodgers to the Synod of New Holland, another by 3Ir. Ewing to the church of Geneva, another by Mr. Blair to the church of Scotland, another by Mr. Wilson (who was appointed instead of Mr. Joseph Treat) to the church of Switzerland, another by Mr. McWhorter to the churches in South Carolina, another by Mr. Kirkpatrick to the churches in and about Dublin, another by Mr. Robert Smith to the Synod of seceding min- isters in Scotland. Dr. Witherspoon, Mr. Duffield, Mr. Halsey, and Mr. Montgomery, with the aforesaid gentlemen who have made the drafts of those letters, are appointed a committee for correction, that a fair draft of them may be laid before us to- morrow. Messrs. Mitchell and Foster have leave of absence. A petition from the congregation of Allentown, in the forks of Delaware, to be taken from under the care of the first Presbytery of Philadelphia, and to be put under the care of the Presbytery of New Brunswick, was brought in and read. After the committee on behalf of the congregation and both Presbyte- ries concerned were heard, it appeared not expedient for the present to grant the prayer of the petition. But the Synod order the first Presbytery of Phila- delphia to inquire more particularly into the state and connection of that con- gregation, and empower said Presbytery to set them ofi" to the Presbytery of New Brunswick if it should appear expedient; or if it should appear more ex- pedient to set off the congregation of Greenwich to the first Presbytery of Phil- adelphia, the Presbytery of New Brunswick are empowered to set them off. Mr. Conary and Mr. Maskell Ewing have leave to go home. Adjourned till to-morrow morning, nine o'clock. Concluded with prayer. 398 MINUTES OF THE SYNOD OF [1769. 24ith dm/, nine o'clock. The Si/nod met according to adjournment. Post preces sederunt qui supra. The Presbytery book of Donegall was revised and approved, except their meddling with matters of divorce The first Philadelphia Presbytery book was revised and approved. The Presbytery book of New York was revised and approved. The committee appointed to prepare a representation of the college, brought it in, which, after it was read, amended, and approved, was committed to Dr. Witherspoou, to take care that five hundred copies be printed for the use of the Synod. At the request of Seceding ministers, Dr. Witherspoon moved to have a com- mittee appointed to converse with them, with a view to bring about an union betwixt them and this Synod. Also a petition from several inhabitants about Marsh Creek was brought in, praying this Synod would use their endeavours to form an union with the Seceders, upon which ordered, that Dr. Witherspoon, Dr. Rodgers, Mr. Blair, Mr. William Tennent, Mr. McDowell, Mr. Robert Smith, Mr. McWhorter, and Mr. Caldwell, three of whom to be a quorum, be a committee for said purpose, and that Dr. Witherspoon be empowered to call the committee at such time and place as may be convenient, and that they have power to adjourn themselves from time to time. A petition was introduced requesting supplies for Great Egg Harbour, to which place Mr. Clark is appointed the two first Sabbaths of July, and as much longer as he can, and Mr. Van Arsdalen the month of September, and as much longer as he can. Adjourned to three o'clock, P. M. Concluded with prayer. Three o'clock, P. M., the Synod met according to adjournment. Post preces sederunt qui supra. The congregation of Chesnut Level, formerly under the care of the Done- gall Presbytery, are, at their own request, put under the care of the New Cas- tle Presbytery. The committee of the Synod appointed to attend the corporation for the re- lief of poor Presbyterian ministers, etc. to dispose of a certain sum of money in the hands of that corporation, which was raised in Scotland, and to be laid out by the corporation, in conjunction with the Synod's committee, laid a re- gular account of their proceedings before the Synod, which was approved. The Synod agree to continue the same committee the present year. The New Brunswick Presbytery book was received and approved, except the recording some letters wrote to a distant member. Mr. Amos Tliompson, a minister of the Presbytery of New Brunswick, liv- ing in Virginia, is joined to the Presbytery of Donegall. The Synod taking into tbeir serious consideration the prevalence of irreli- gion and immorality, the lamentable decay of vital piety, and the threatening aspect of our public affairs, appoint the last Thursday of June to be observed as a day of fasting, humiliation, and prayer. Should this day be found incon- venient for any of our ministers, they are allowed to fix on any other day that may suit them better. As 3Ir. Oliver Demming, a licensed candidate from an association in Con- necticut, and inclining to supply some time in our vacancies, projjoses taking a ride to Connecticut, where he informs us it is probable he may stay till he receives ordination, the Synod order should he return ordained, or recom- mended by any association in that colony, and prosecuting his intention of 1769.] NEW YORK AND PHILADELPHIA. 399 visiting the Carolinas, that Mr. Caldwell, one of our clerks, furnish him with properly authenticated testimonials as a missionary from the Synod. Or should Mr. Demming choose to put himself under the care of one of our Presbyteries for ordination, such Presbytery finding him qualified upon trial, are hereby au- thorized to ordain him, pi-ovided he undertakes this mission. Mr. Caldwell had leave to go home. Adjourned till to-morrow morning at nine o'clock. Concluded with prayer. 25i/i day, nine d'docJc, A. M. The Synod met according to adjournment. Post preces sederunt qui supra. The Synod order their treasurer to pay the sexton of the second Presbyte- rian church in this city three pounds, for his attendance during the present session. The Synod vote the Rev. Mr. John Blair moderator, fro temjxj7-e, in order to his signing a certificate for the present moderator, who is appointed on a mission to Charleston. This being done the former moderator resumed the chair. The persons appointed to write to the several churches, as mentioned in a former minute, brought in letters which were read, approved, and some of them signed by the moderator, who is authorized to sign the others before he leaves town, they yet being not fairly transcribed. Dr. Eodgers is appointed to trans- mit the letters to the churches of Holland, Geneva, and Switzerland; and Dr. Alison, Dr. Witherspoon, and the moderator, to transmit the rest. The Synod agree to give the honourable board of trustees of the New Jersey College, towards supporting a Professor of Divinity in that institution, sixty pounds for the last year, and sixty pounds for the current year, out of the collections made in our congregations for this purpose, agreeable to an order of last session. The fifty pounds lent that honourable board last year is refunded. The Synod proceeded to the consideration of supplies, but deferred making any appointments till the afternoon. Adjourned till three o'clock, P. M. Concluded with prayer. TJiree o'clock, P. M. The Synod met according to adjournment. Post preces sederiint qui supra. The consideration of supplies was resumed, and the following appointments made for the present year. The Rev. Messrs. John Harris, John Clark, Jeremiah Halsey, James Latta, Jonathan Elmore, Thomas Lewis, and Josiah Lewis, a licensed candidate, are appointed to supply in the vacancies of Virginia, North Carolina, and those parts of South Carolina under our care, to set oif as soon, and spend as much time among them as they conveniently can on this important mission. Mr. Hezekiah James Balch, a licensed candidate under the care of Donegal! Presbytery, is appointed on the same mission, and the Presbytery to which he belongs are authorized to ordain him, if upon trial he acquits himself accord- ing to their satisfaction, and accepts a call from Carolina. Ordered, That our stated clerk give these missionaries proper testimonials. Mr. James Anderson, a licensed candidate, is appointed to supply at discre- tion in N. Virginia. As it is probable that ministers, or licensed candidates from New England, or other parts, may ofier themselves to undertake a southern mission, the Synod hereby appoint, should any such offer, the Rev. Dr. Alison, Messrs. Treat, 400 MINUTES OF THE SYNOD OF [1770. Ewing, and Sproat, to be a committee to examine their testimonials, and upon obtaining sufficient satisfaction respecting their character and qualifications, to furnish them with proper certificates as missionaries from the Synod to the southward. The Synod agree to pay those missionaries who supply in poor congregations, thirty shillings each Sabbath they preach. Ordered, That the New York Presbytery supply the poor vacancies on the frontiers of New Jersey and New York, ten Sabbaths; that Donegall Presby- tery supply the western frontier of this province, ten Sabbaths ; that Mr. Car- michacl supply four Sabbaths on the South Branch of Potomac, and parts ad- jacent, and Mr. Long three. Adjourned till the third Wednesday in May, ten of the clock, A. M., to meet at the first Presbyterian Church in New York. Concluded with prayer. 1770. New York, May \%th, 1770. The Synod of New York and Philadelphia met according to adjournment. Ubi post preces sederunt From the first Philadelphia Presbytery : The Rev. Richard Treat, Benjamin Chesnutt, James Sproat, Charles Beatty, John Clark. From the Second Philadelphia Presbytery : The Rev. John Ewing, Patrick Alison. From the Presbytery of New Castle : The Rev. Joseph Montgomery. From the Presbytery of Lewestown : The Rev. John Bacon. From the Presbytery of Donegall : The Rev. Robert Cooper. From the Presbytery of Hanover : The Rev. Joseph Alexander. From the Presbytery of New Brunswick : The Rev. Israel Reed, Jeremiah Halsey, William Tennent. From the Presbytery of New York : The Rev. John Blair, Dr. Rodgers, Azariah Horton, Benjamin Hait, Benjamin Woodruif, Alexander McWhorter, Joseph Treat, Aaron Richards, Azel Roe, Nathan Kerr, Abner Brush, James Caldwell. From the Presbytery of SuflPolk : The Rev. William Mills, John Close, Elam Potter. Elders : Messrs. John McCalley, Garrett Noel, Samuel Allen, Peter V. B. Livingston, James Manning, Robert Ogden, Elias Bailey, Aaron Mattison. Absent : Of the first Presbytery of Philadelphia : The Rev. Andrew Hun- ter, William Ramsey, Enoch Green, Nehemiah Greenman, John Brainerd, Alex- ander Mitchell, John Griffiths. Of the second Philadelphia Presbytery : The Rev. John Steel, John Elder, Joseph Tate, John Simonton, Robert McMordie, James Latta. Of New Castle Presbytery : The Rev. Alexander McDowell, James Finley, William McKennan, Robert Smith, John Beard, John Carmichael, William Forster, Andrew Bay, John McCreary, Joseph Smith, Elihu Spencer. Of Lewestown Presbytery : The Rev. John Miller, Matthew Wilson, Jacob Kerr, Alexander Huston, John Harris, Thomas McCracken. Of Donegall Presbytery : The Rev. Samuel Thompson, John Roan, George Dufficld, John Hogg, John Strain, Amos Thompson, John Slemmons, John Craighead, James Long, James Hunt. Of Hanover Presbytery : The Rev. John Todd, James Waddel, David Rice, Richard Zanchy, James Black, John Brown, Charles Cummings, Craig, Thomas Jackson, Henry Patillo, Thomas McCadden, James Crisswell, David Caldwell, Samuel Leak. 1770.] NEW YORK AND PHILADELPHIA. 401 Of New Brunswick Presbytery : The Rev. Dr. John Witherspoon, Charles McKnight, John Guild, John Hanna, Thomas Smith, John Rosborough, James Lyon, Job Prudden. Of New York Presbytery : The Rev. John Pierson, Simon Horton, Joha Moffat, John Darby, Timothy Jones, Jonathan Elmer, Hugh Knox, Jedediah Chapman, Jacob Green, James Tuttle, Thomas Lewds, Francis Peppard. Of Dutchess Presbytery : The Rev. John Smith, Chauncey Graham, Wheeler Case, Samuel Sacket, Eliphalet Ball, Elihu Kent, Solomon Mead, Samuel Dun- lop, and Joseph Peck. Of Suffolk Presbytery : The Rev. Ebenezer Prime, Sylvanus White, Samuel Buel, James Brown, Nehemiah Barker, Benjamin Talmage, Samson Occum, David Rose, Benjamin Goldsmith. By reason of the death of Mr. Kirkpatrick, our last year's moderator, the Synod was opened by Mr. Johil Blair, who was moderator the year before, with a sermon from 2 Cor. iv. 2. The Rev. Mr. Alexander McWhorter was chosen moderator, and Messrs. Joseph Treat and Jeremiah Halsey clerks. Adjourned till to-morrow morning at nine o'clock. Concluded with prayer. 17^^ day, nine o'clock, the Synod met according to adjournment. Post preces sederunt qui supra. The Rev. Dr. Alison and Samuel Kennedy are now come, and their reasons for not attending yesterday were sustained. Mr. William Arman, Mr. Ken- nedy's elder, is also come. The reasons which were given by the Rev. Messrs. Joseph Alexander, John Bacon, Charles Beatty, Israel Reed, Samuel Kennedy, Nathan Kerr, Benjamin Woodruff, Azel Roe, Abner Brush, Joseph Treat, and William Mills, for their absence from the last session of the Synod, were sustained. The first Philadelphia Presbytery report, since our last Synod they have ordained to the work of the gospel ministry Mr. James Boyd and Mr. James Watt. Mr. Boyd being present took his seat. Second Philadelphia Presbytery report, they have ordained Mr. Samuel Eakin. New Castle Presbytery report, they have licensed to preach as candidates Messrs. James Wilson and Daniel Jones ; and Mr. Daniel McCleland was dis- missed from them to go into New England. Lewestown Presbytery report, that they have licensed to preach as a candi- date Mr. William Mackey Tennent ; and have suspended from the work of the gospel ministry Mr. Charles Tennent. The Presbytery of Donegall report, they have ordained Messrs. Hezekiah James Balch and John King ; and have licensed to preach as a candidate Mr. Hugh Vance. Hanover Presbytery report, they have ordained Mr. Hezekiah Balch. New Brunswick Presbytery report, that the Rev. Mr. William Kirkpatrick was removed by death September 8, 1769. New York Presbytery report, they have ordained Mr. William Woodhull ; and that Mr. Abner Reeve has withdrawn himself from their Presbytery, and declared himself an Independent; and that Mr. John Maltby is dismissed to join the Presbytery of South Carolina; and that they have received Mr. A. Lewis, a candidate from the Association of New Haven in Connecticut. The Synod appoint for a committee of overtures the Rev. Messrs. Sproat, Beatty, Patrick Alison, Montgomery, Bacon, Alexander, Kennedy, Cooper, Richards, Roe, and Mills; with elders, Messrs. Allen and Mattison, to meet 51 402 MINUTES OF THE SYNOD OP [1770. to-morrow morning here, at six o'clock, and afterwards as business may re- quire. Mr. Thomas Smith is now come, his reasons for not coming sooner, and also for his absence from the last Synod, sustained; his elder is Mr. Lucas Covenhoven. Dr. Rodgers and Mr. Blair are appointed a committee to examine the second Philadelphia Presbytery book. Messrs. Ewing and Patrick Alison, are appointed a committee to examine the New Brunswick Presbytery book. The Presbytery books of Hanover, Lewestown, Donegall, New Castle, first Philadelphia, New York, Suffolk, and Dutchess, are not present. Ordered, That these Presbyteries take care that their books be brought in next Synod. The commission of the Synod for the last year report, that they have met and will lay their minutes before the Synod as soon as the Synod shall call for them. The Synod appoint for a commission for the ensuing year, the Rev. Messrs. Richard Treat, Dr. Alison, John Ewing, Dr. Witherspoon, James Sproat, John Blair, Thomas Lewis, William Mills, Azariah Horton, Timothy Jones, William Tennent, Israel Reed, Andrew Hunter, John Roan, Robert Smith, John Miller, Joseph Montgomery, George Duffield, Wheeler Case, and Charles Beatty, with the moderator; with elders, Messrs. Robert Ogden, Peter V. B. Livingston, Samuel Allen, and Aaron Mattison, thirteen of whom to be a quorum ; but if the moderator should die or be absent, the first men- tioned on the roll in the minute shall have power to call the commission and preside. Dr. Witherspoon is now come, and his reasons for not coming sooner sus- tained. The Synod agrees to enter on the consideration of supplying the distant vacancies, to-morrow in the afternoon. Adjourned till three o'clock, P. M. Concluded with prayer. Three o'clock, P. M. The Synod met according to adjournment. Post preces sederunt qui supra. The treasurer for the Synod is continued, and he is ordered at some conve- nient time to lay before the present Synod his accounts for the last year. The order of Synod respecting the execution of the plan laid by some lay- elders, at the session in ITGO, and adopted by the Synod, came again under consideration; and it appears from the reports of the several Presbyteries, that some of them have been considerably successful in endeavouring to carry the said plan into execution, and others have been deficient in their endeavours to execute the same. The Synod orders, that the several I'resbyteries take care once every year to make a particular inquiry of their members respecting the execution of every article contained in this so useful a plan, and make report to the next Synod of the same. The proposal that was made to the Synod of 1766, that we should endea- vour to agree upon some plan to prevent irregularities that occur in marriage, which was deferred to this session, came under consideration. The members according to an order gave their sentiments on this subject, and Messrs. Blair and Halsey are appointed to bring in a minute respecting this affair at our next sederunt. Adjourned till to-morrow morning nine o'clock. Concluded with prayer. 1770.] NEW YORK AND PHILADELPHIA. 403 ISth day, nine o'docJc, the Synod met according to adjournment. Post preces sederunt qui supra. Messrs. Woodhull and Spencer are now come, and their reasons for not coming sooner are sustained. Dr. Williamson, Mr. Ewing's elder, and Dr. Boyd, Mr. Alison's elder, are also come. The committee appointed to prepare a minute respecting the irregularities that occur in marriages, brought in the same, which being read and maturely examined, it appears that the difficulties that will probably attend the execution of any general plan for the prevention of said irregularities, were so great and numerous that they may be expected to render it abortive; it was therefore con- cluded by a great majority to dismiss the whole affiur. Mr. McKnight is now come, his reasons for not coming sooner, and also for his absence from the last Synod sustained. The commission of the Synod for the last year reported that they had met, and they laid before the Synod the minutes of their proceedings; after the reading of said minutes, Mr. Montgomery, one of the members of the com- mission who dissented from their first judgment, prayed leave to bring in his complaint against said judgment, whicli, after mature consideration, was carried in the negative. Messrs. Tennent's and Read's reasons for not attending the commission, sus- tained. Adjourned to three o'clock in the afternoon. Concluded with prayer. Three o'clock, P. M. The Synod met according to adjournment. Post preces sederunt qui supra. Ordered, That Mr. Treat, the treasurer of the Synod, pay Mr. Montgomery twenty shillings for copying the minutes of the commission of Synod, which met in Philadelphia. The treasurer is ordered to pay the expenses for bringing the Synod's book from Woodbridge to New York. The Synod entered on the consideration of supplies for the distant va- cancies in the Carolinas and Georgia. Inquiry was made whether the las:t year's appointments of supplies for the southern colonies were fulfilled, and it appears that Mr. Josiah Lewis had complied with said appointment, but that none of the others had complied with the same. The reasons of Messrs. Clark and Halsey, (who were the only members of those appointed last year that were present,) for not complying with the said appointments were sus- tained. A supplication was brought in from Long Cane, in South Carolina, that Mr. Josiah Lewis, or some other, may be appointed to supply them a twelve-month, in order to a settlement among them. A call for Mr. Josiah Lewis from Centre congregation and Hopewell, in North Carolina, was brought in and read. A supplication for supplies from Hitchcock and Cartridge Creeks, in Anson county, North Carolina, was also brought in and read. A supplication from Briery Biver, in Virginia, for supplies, was also read, A supplication from Carthy's Settlement and Fourth Greek, in North Caro- lina, was also read. A supplication to the Synod for stated supplies from Briar Creek, in G-eor- gia, was read. Mr. Josiah Lewis, a licensed candidate, of New Castle Presbytery, is ap- pointed to supply at Long Cane settlements six months; three months at 404 MINUTES OF THE SYNOD OF [1770. Briar Creek, iu Georgia ; aud three months at discretion in North and South Carolina; and the Presbytery of New Castle is ordered to ordain him, if the way is clear, as soon as convenient. Mr. Azel Roe is appointed to itinerate in Virginia and the Carolinas ; to preach the gospel, ordain elders, and administer the sacraments of baptism, and the Lord's Supper; and the Presbytery of New York is ordered to supply his pulpit during his absence. Mr. John Close is also appointed to itinerate in Virginia and the Carolinas, for the same purposes, and the Synod order the Presbytery of Suffolk to sup- ply his pulpit during his absence. Mr. Manning, Mr. Roe's elder, has leave to go home. Adjourned until nine o'clock to-morrow morning. Concluded with prayer. 19t7i daT/, nine o'clock, A. 3f., the Synod met according to adjournment. Post j^reces sederunt qui supra. Mr. Hunter, Mr. Blair's elder, is now come. Mr. Chauncy Graham is now come, and his reasons for not coming sooner are sustained. The Presbytery of Dutchess report, that they have ordained the Rev. Messrs. Ichabod Lewis, and Samuel Mills, to the work of the gospel minis- try since our last, and have dismissed the Rev. Mr. Joseph Peck from their body. Ordered, That the Presbytery of Dutchess call upon Mr. Bay, now residing •within their bounds, to produce a regular dismission from New Castle Presby- tery, and to join their Presbytery. Ordered, That the call from Centre congregation and Hopewell, in North Carolina, to Mr. Josiah Lewis, be put into the hands of Mr. Montgomery, in order to be presented by New Castle Presbytery to 3Ir. Lewis. Dr. Rodgers is desired by the Synod to write to the Rev. ]Mr. Prime, at Huntingdon, giving him an account of the distressed state of the churches to the southward, and pray him to supply the congregation as much as he can in Mr. Close's absence. Mr. Bay is now come ; his reasons for not coming sooner, and also for his absence last year, sustained. Mr. Robert Henry, Mr. Bay's elder, is also come. Mr. McCreary is appointed to supply in the Carolinas for six months, to set off as soon as possible ; aud it is recommended that he spend a considerable part of his time at Carthy's Settlement, and Fourth Creek ; and the Presbytery of New Castle is ordered to supply his pulpit during his absence. And inasmuch as appointments in times pawt have been too frequently not fulfilled according to expectation, it is enjoined on each of these gentlemen, who are appointed to supply to the southward, that they fulfil said appoint- ments on pain of the Synod's censure. And if Mr. Josiah Lewis should not fulfil his appointment to Long Cane, Messrs. Roe and Close are ordered to supply at Long Caue, each of them three months. Mr. Beatty is ordered to supply Mr. McCreary's pulpit two Sabbaths; Mr. Chesnutt two; Mr. Hunter two; and Mr. Ramsey one Sabbath. Mr. Thomas Smith is also appointed to supply Mr. Close's pulpit the first and second Sabbaths in September. Mr. William Tennent is also appointed to supply Mr. Roe's pulpit two Sabbaths; Dr. Rodgers the first Sabbath in July ; aud Mr. Joseph Treat the first Sabbath in August ; and Mr. Simon Horton three Sabbaths between thia and our next Synod ; and Dr. Witherspoon the second Sabbath in August. 1770.] NEW YORK AND PHILADELPHIA. 405 ^ Mr. Patrick Alison is appointed to supply in Virginia and the Carolinas, if circumstances admit, and to go out upon bis mission in the fall. Mr. Nathaniel Niles, a candidate licensed by Berkshire association, in New England, who proposes to put himself under the care of the New York Pres- bytery, is appointed to spend the summer and fall seasons in the western frontiers of New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania, and the winter in the Carolinas ; and he is ordered to keep an exact account of what moneys he re- ceives from the several vacancies that he may supply in said western frontiers, and if the said moneys should not amount to thirty shillings provincial currency, per Sabbath, the Synod agree to make up the deficiency out of the moneys in the hands of their treasurer. Messrs. Elder, Tate, and Steel are appointed to supply between Augusta Fort and Juniata, and places adjacent, each two Sabbaths before next Synod. Mr. Covenhoven has leave to go home. The moderator is ordered to furnish the members appointed to supply to the southward the necessary credentials. Adjourned to ten o'clock, on Monday morning. Concluded with prayer. May 1\st. Ten o'clock, A. M. The Synod met according to adjournment. Post preces sederunt qui supra. The first Presbytery of Philadelphia reported, that in compliance with an order of Synod last year, they had, in conjunction with the Presbytery of New Brunswick, inquired particularly into the state and connections of the congrega- tion of Allentown, in the forks of Delaware, and it is the unanimous opinion of both Presbyteries that it is at present most subservient to the interests of religion in those parts, for the Presbytery of New Brunswick to take under their care, not only the congregation of Allentown, but also the congregation of Mount Bethel, both w^hich are in the forks of Delaware, and both which have been under the care of the first Philadelphia Presbytery. The Synod therefore order the Presbytery of New Brunswick to take both the said con- gregations under their care for the future. The consideration of supplies resumed. Mr. Harris is ordered to supply at Hitchcock and Cartridge Creek, in An- son county. North Carolina, three months ; in Virginia, and other parts of the Carolinas, at discretion, as much as he conveniently can. The consideration of the report of the Synod's commission deferred till three o'clock in the afternoon. The Rev. Mr. Samuel Sacket is disunited from the Presbytery of Dutchess county and annexed to the Presbytery of New York. Mr. Ogden, Mr. Caldwell's elder, not being able to attend, Mr. Cornelius Netfield takes his seat, who was chosen by the session in his place. Doctor Alison, Messrs. Ewing, Sproat, Richard Treat, and Beatty, are ap- pointed a committee to visit Mr.^Brainerd's school next fall, and Mr. Brainerd is desired to meet the committee on the second Wednesday of June in Phila- delphia, and are impowered to draw upon the treasurer for such moneys as they shall judge the exigencies of the school shall require, and make report to our next Synod. ^ It is ordered, that Mr. Brainerd receive for the ensuing year, the sum of eighteen pounds, being the interest of the money in the hands of the treasurer of the college of New Jersey for the support of the Indian mission, and that he have also twenty pounds from the Synodical treasurer for the continuance of his labours the ensuing year, in those desolate parts where he has been so use- fully employed. 406 MINUTES OF THE SYNOD OF [1770. Doctor Witlierspoon reports, that the committee appointed at our last Synod to converse with the Seceders, in order to an union betwixt them and us, by reason of several disappointments have not met. The Synod therefore appoint Dr. Withcrspoon, Dr. llodgers, Messrs. Blair, Tennent, 11. Smith, McWhorter, Caldwell, Mills, and Joseph Treat, three of whom to be a quorum, to be a committee for the same purpose, to meet on the second Wednesday in August at New York, and that they have power to adjourn themselves from time to time. The delegates appointed to meet the Rev. General Convention at New Haven iu September last, laid before the Synod the minutes of the con- vention. As the next general convention is to meet at Elizabethtown, the first Wed- nesday of October, at eleven o'clock, the Synod appoint to attend on that occa- sion, the Rev. Messrs. Beatty, Sproat, Brainerd, Ewing, Montgomery, William Foster, Bacon, Spencer, Miller, Duffield, King, William Tennent, Dr. Withcr- spoon, Halt, Ilulsey, Jones, Horton, Dr. llodgers, Treat, McWhorter, Blair, Caldwell, Graham, Lewis, Mills, and Tallmage. Adjourned till three o'clock in the afternoon. Concluded with prayer. Three o'clock, P. 31., the Si/nod met according to adjournment. Post preccs sederunt qui supra. Mr. John Moore, Mr. Richard's elder, is now come. The Synod proceeded to consider the report of the commission of the Synod. Mr. Ewing brought in a complaint against the judgment of the said com- mission, which was in part debated, and the further consideration of it was deferred till to-morrow morning. Adjourned till to-morrow morning, at nine o'clock. Concluded with prayer. 22(i day, nine a* clock, the Synod met according to adjournment. Post preces sederunt qui supra. Mr. Woodhull is gone home. Mr. Ewing's complaint against the judgment of the commission, resumed. Mr. Ewing complains against the commission ; that they received charges against him which were vague and indeterminate. The Synod agrees that these charges are rather deficient in point of specialty, but are of opinion that the commission acted with prudence and integrity iu receiving said charges, inasmuch as they endeavoured to reduce them to a specialty, and as Mr. Ewing submitted so far as to plead to them, and as the particular circumstances of the first and third Presbyterian congregations in Philadelphia were viewed by them as so critical as in their judgment required an immediate discussion of the affair. Yet the Synod orders, that all their judicatures shall, for the future, be par- ticularly careful not to receive or judge of any charges but such as shall be seasonably reduced to a specialty in the complaint laid before them. The further consideration of Mr. Ewing's complaint deferred till the after- noon. Mr. Close has leave to go home. Adjourned till three o'clock iu the afternoon. Concluded with prayer. Three o'clock, P. M. the Synod met according to adjournment. Post preces sederunt qui supra. Mr. Roe has leave to go home. Mr. William Tennent, jun'r. being present, is desired to sit as a correspondent. Mr. Hunter, Mr. Blair's elder, has leave to go home. 1770.] NEW YORK AND PHILADELPHIA. 407 The Synod proceeded to the further consideration of Mr. Swing's com- plaint. Mr. Ewing and the members of the commission were fully heard upon the subject of this complaint. The further consideration of this aifair deferred till to-morrow morning. Adjourned till nine o'clock, to-morrow morning. Concluded with prayer. 23c? day^ A. M. nine dclock, the Synod met according to adjournment. Post preces sederunt qui supra. The consideration of Mr. Ewing's complaint resumed. The issue of this affair deferred till the afternoon. Adjourned till three o'clock in the afternoon. Concluded with prayer. Three o^cIock, P. 31. the Synod met according to adjournvfient. Post preces sederunt qui supra. Messrs. Potter and Bacon are gone home without leave. Mr. Ewing's complaint resumed. The first clause of the judgment of the commission, which is in the following words, " that Mr. Ewing has, to several persons, called Mr. Eakin a liar, a dirty liar, or some such opprobrious terms, that he did this without being able to assign a sufficient reason for the same," was maturely considered, and after a careful examination of all the evidence laid before us, the Synod concludes that there was sufficient foundation for this first clause in the commission's judg- ment, and therefore they approve the same. The second clause in the aforesaid judgment which is as follows, ^' that he has shown in this matter so much untenderness towards the truth, as to give too much ground to impeach his veracity," was also maturely considered, and all the evidence laid before us duly weighed, and upon the whole it does not appear to the Synod that there is sufficient reason to impeach Mr. Ewing's ve- racity. Therefore this clause of their judgment is not approved. The third clause of the aforesaid judgment, which is in the following words, " that he has shown a degree of resentment which the commission highly dis- approve," was also duly considered and approved. And therefore, although there does not appear sufficient reason to impeach Mr. Ewing's veracity, yet it is the unanimous judgment of this Synod, that Mr. Ewing has, by his unchristian treatment of Mr. Eakin, and the resentment he has shown in this affiiir, merited the censure of this body, and they appoint the moderator to admonish him from the chair. Mr. Mattison has leave to go home. The minutes of the committee appointed to dispose of the interest of the moneys in the hands of the treasurer of New Jersey college, for the support of poor and pious youth, having been forgot, it is reported that they disposed of twenty-five pounds, and that there will be in the treasurer's hands next Octo- ber, sixty-seven pounds ; and the Synod appoint for a committee for the present year, to attend at New Jersey college, the third Wednesday of August next, and dispose of said sum, or as much as shall be deemed necessary, the Rev. Dr. Witherspoou, William Tennent, John Guild, John Ewing, Elihu Spencer, James Caldwell, Jeremiah Halsey, and Israel Reed, any three of whom to be a quo- rum, and to have full powfer to act. It appears by the accounts of the Synod's treasurer that there is in his hands seven pounds, seventeen shillings and eight pence, belonging to the college, which is ordered to be paid to the treasurer of New Jersey college. 408 MINUTES OF THE SYNOD OF [1770. It appears, also, by the same accounts, that there is in the hands of our trea- surer two hundred and twelve pounds, eight shillings and ten pence of the mo- neys collected for the use of the Synod. The gentlemen of the commission and Mr. Ewing were called in, and the judgment of the Synod respecting Mr. Ewing's complaint was read to them. All concerned acquiesced in this judgment, except Mr. Ewing, and he is allowed time, till the beginning of next sederunt, to deliberate on this alFair. Inquiry was made, whether the gentlemen appointed to set on foot subscrip- tions for the college of New Jersey had complied with that appointment. And it appears that the members appointed to this service had been very diligent and successful in the same. But as no application has yet been made in some places, and in others a more universal application than has yet been made might probably be successful, the Synod orders the members appointed to this service to continue the subscriptions already begun, and also begin others where none has yet been set on foot, and that the several Presbyteries take care that this order be executed, and that the moneys subscribed be duly collected and trans- mitted to Dr. Witherspoon, or to the treasurer of New Jersey college, and the clerk is ordered to furnish such Presbyteries as desire it with copies of this minute. Ordered, That Mr. Ewing's appeal against the second Philadelphia Presby- tery be considered to-morrow morning. Adjourned till to-morrow morning, at nine o'clock. Concluded with prayer. 3Iay 2ifh, at nine d clock, A. 31., the St/nod met according to adjournment. Fost preces sederunt qui siq^ra. Mr. Graham has leave to go home. Dr. Boyd has leave to go home. Mr. Ewing having deliberated on the judgment of the Synod respecting him, declared his readiness to submit to the same. He was, therefore, according to the order, admonished from the chair. Mr. Ewing signified to the Synod that he desired his appeal from the judg- ment of the second Philadelphia Presbytery might be withdrawn. Dr. Alison moved, that if this was agreed to, a protest might be admitted at his instance, as representing the said Presbytery ', the appeal was withdrawn, but the pro- ceedings of that Presbytery had been injuriously treated upon the occasion, both in conversation and by papers put upon record, and that Dr. Alison him- self had been particularly blamed, and therefore the Synod should not only de- clare the appeal fallen from, but give him. Dr. Alison, an extract of this min- ute, that the fact as it stands may be recorded in the Presbytery's book. Mr. Ewing and Dr. Alison have leave to go home. Mr. Boyd has gone home without leave. Ordered, That Mr. Ewing, the stated clerk of the Synod, state his accounts, and lay them before the next Synod. Mr. Alison has leave to go home. The members appointed to transmit the letters to foreign churches report, that the letters have been transmitted according to order, but no answers are yet received. Messrs. Elihu Spencer, William Ramsey, Alexander McWhorter, Joseph Montgomery, and James Caldwell, are appointed a committee for the present year to attend the corporation for the relief of poor Presbyterian ministers and their widows. Ordered, To pay the Sexton forty shillings for his services during the present session of Synod. A letter from the Presbytery of South Carolina, signifying their desire to unite with this Synod, and requesting to be informed of the terms on which such 1770.] NEW YORK AND PHILADELPHIA. 409 union may be obtained, was brought in and read. It was agreed to send them the following letter in answer to their proposal : " Rev. and dear Brethren : — We received your letter by the Rev. Mr. Cald- well, proposing an union of your Presbytery with this Synod, and asking the conditions on which it may be obtained. The Synod took your proposal into consideration, and are unanimously of opinion that the union would be for the interest of religion and the comfort of the whole body, and therefore agreed that it should take place for all ecclesiastical purposes, and expect that your Presbytery will attend the meeting of the Synod with all the regularity that your situation will admit. The conditions which we require, are only what we suppose you are already agreed in, viz., that all your ministers acknowledge and adopt as the standard of doctrine, the Westminster Confession of Faith and Catechisms, and the Directory as the plan of your worship and discipline. The Church of Scotland is considered by this Synod as their pattern in general; but we have not as yet expressly adopted by resolution of Synod, or bound ourselves to any other of the standing laws or forms of the Church of Scotland, than those above mentioned, intending to lay down such rules for ourselves upon Presbyterian principles in general, as circumstances should from time to time show to be expedient. "■ The only difficulty that has been made in this matter is, that we are not certain whether the corporation of the Widows' Fund will think it safe to admit the members of your Presbytery, from their distance and other circum- stances. It is, however, the opinion of the members of this Synod, that you either do not intend to ask admission to this fund, which is not mentioned iu your letter, or that you are both able and willing to come in upon such terms as will not in the least injure the stock or embarrass the management of that corporation. <' After receiving this letter, we expect you will send your answer by such of your members as may attend the next meeting of our Synod, which is to be at Philadelphia the third Wednesday of May, 1771." The moderator is ordered to make out a copy of this, properly attested, and deliver it into the hands of Dr. Rodgers and Mr. Caldwell, to be transmitted to the moderator of the Presbytery of South Carolina by the first safe op- portunity. A petition from some members of Hanover Presbytery, requesting that they may be erected into a distinct Presbytery, was brought in and read. The Synod agree to grant the prayer of the said petition, and the Rev. Mr. Hugh McCadden, Henry Pattillo, James Criswell, Joseph Alexander, Hezekiah James Balch, and Hezekiah Balch, are erected into a Presbytery, to be known by the name of the Presbytery of Orange, in North Carolina, and that their first meeting be at Hawfields, the first Wednesday of September next, and that the Rev. Henry Pattillo open the Presbytery with a sermon. But the vacancies in these parts are allowed the same liberty of applying to the Synod for supplies as they have had in several cases heretofore. A petition from the congregations of Lancaster and Lcacock, requesting that they may be set off from the Presbytery of Donegall, and be put under the care of New Castle Presbytery, was brought in and read. The Synod agree to grant the prayer of the said petition, and the Presbytery of New Castle is ordered to take the care of those congregations for the future. A request from the Presbytery of New Castle for advice in an afi'air respect- ing Mr. Sampson Smith, was brought in, and after it was maturely considered, the Synod is of opinion that Mr. Sampson Smith ought to be continued under suspension till it appears to the Presbytery that he has taken all proper pains to clear himself from all suspicions respecting his conduct at Chestnut Level. A reference from the first Presbytery of Philadelphia respecting this ques- 52 410 MINUTES OF THE SYNOD OF [1771. tion, viz. Whether a man may lawfully marry his wife's brother's daughter, was brought in and read, and the consideration of it deferred till the afternooa. Adjourned till three o'clock in the afternoon. Concluded with prayer. Three o'cIocJc, P. M. The Sijnod met according to adjournment. Post preces sederunt qui supra. An application was made in behalf of the Presbyterian church in Albany, representing that they are deeply involved in debt, and praying that the Synod would recommend them to the assistance of charitable and well disposed per- sons within their bounds. The Synod referred it to Messrs. P. V. B. Livin-g- ston and Elihu Spencer, as a committee to examine and make report of the state of their accounts. The said committee reported, that it appears by the papers produced to them by Mr. Robert Henry, one of the elders of said church, that they had erected a building for the public worship of God, the expense of which amounted to £2813 9s. Sd. York currency, that they re- ceived from sundry subscribers £811 10s. Sd. for that purpose, which left the sum of £2001 18s. Gd. deficiency, to be paid by three persons only, of which Mr. Henry has paid out of his own pocket £1086 13s. Gd , and is liable for part of what still remains unpaid of said debt. The Synod, therefore, cheerfully and cordially recommend them to the assistance of all well disposed charitable persons within their bounds. The further consideration of the reference from the fii'st Philadelphia Pres- bytery deferred till next year. The Donegall Presbytery petitioned the Synod for supplies. Mr. Alexander Miller is appointed to supply, next fall, eight Sabbaths in the bounds of that Presbytery. The Presbytery of New York are appointed to supply on the frontiers of New Jersey and New York, and the Synod agree to pay those who supply them, out of their funds. The Synod agree to grant to the Presbytery of Donegall and New York, each fifteen pounds, and they are required to husband the money, and improve it to the best advantage. The committees appointed to examine the Presbytery books, not haying opportunity to examine them, they are referred to next Synod. Mr. Bay requested to review a former minute respecting him, which is defer- red till next Synod. Adjourned to meet at the first Presbyterian Church in Philadelphia, on the third Wednesday in May next, at ten o'clock, A. M. Concluded with prayer. 1771. Philadelphia, 3Iay \^th, 1771, at 3 oWock in the afternoon. The Synod of New York and Philadelphia met according to adjournment. Ministers present, of the Presbytery of New York : the Kev. Dr. llodgers, Messrs. Azariah Ilorton, James Caldwell, Azel lioe, John Blair, Francis Pep- pard, Jedidiah Chapman, Alexander McWhorter. Of the Presbytery of New Brunswick : the Rev. Messrs. William Tcnnent, Charles McKuight, Jeremiah Ilalsey. Of the first l*resbytery of Jl^hiladelpliia : the Rev. Messrs. Richard Treat, Charles Beatty, James Sproat, Andrew Hunter, William Ramsey, Benjamin Chesuutt, Alexander Mitchell, James Boyd. Of the seco)id I'resbytcry of Philadelphia: the Rev. Messrs. Joseph Treat, Tohn Evviug, James Latta, John Simonton, Dr. Francis Alison. 1771.] NEW YORK AND PHILADELPHIA. 411 Of the Presbytery of New Castle : the Rev. Messrs. Alexander McDowell, Ivobert hmith, John Carmichael, William McKennan, Joseph Montgomery, John McCreary, Joseph Smith, Elihu Spencer, William Foster. Of the Presbytery of Lewestown : the Rev. Mr. John Miller. Of the Presbytery of Donegall : the Rev. Messrs. John Roan, John Strain, -John Craighead, Robert Cooper. Elders present : Dr. William Burnet, Messrs. Matthias Hatfield, Thomas Bourne, Richard Walker, Joseph Ogden, James McNair, John Johnson, John McElroy, John Wilson, William Patterson, Moses Scott, Thomas McCall. _ Ministers absent, of New York Presbytery : the Rev. Benjamin Halt, Ben- jamin Woodruff, Joseph Treat, Aaron Richards, Nathan Kerr, Abner Brush Simon Horton, John Moflat, John Derby, Timothy Jones, Jonathan Elmer, Hugh Knox, Jacob Green, James Tuttle, Thomas Lewis. Of New Brunswick Presbytery : the Rev. Dr. John Witherspoon, Messrs. Ihomas Smith, Israel Reed, Samuel Kennedy, John Guild, John Hanna, John Rosborough, James Lyon, Job Prudden. Of first Presbytery of Philadelphia : the Rev. Messrs. Nehemiah Greenman, Enoch Green, James Watt. Of second Presbytery of Philadelphia: the Rev. Messrs. John Steel, John Elder, Robert McMordie, Samuel Eakiu. Of Suffolk Presbytery, the whole absent. Of New Castle Presbytery: the Rev. Messrs. James Finley, Andrew Bay, John Beard. "^ •^' Of Lewestown Presbytery : the Rev. Messrs. Matthew Wilson, Jacob Kerr, Alexander Huston. Of Donegall Presbytery : the Rev. Messrs. Samuel Thompson, George Duf- faeld, John Hogg, Amos Thomson, James Long, John Slemmons, Joseph Bay, James Harris. "^ Of Dutchess Presbytery, the whole absent. The Synod was opened with a sermon by the Rev. Mr. McW^horter, the last year s moderator, from Acts xx. 24. Mr. Ramsey was chosen moderator, and Mr. Roe and Mr. Latta, clerks. Adjourned till nine o'clock to-morrow morning. Concluded with prayer. 16/A day. The Synod met according to adjournment. VU post preces sederunt qui supra. The first Presbytery of Philadelphia report, that the Rev. Mr. John Griffith is removed by death since our last. The New Castle Presbytery report that they have ordained Mr. John Wood- hull and Mr. Josiah Lewis, who being present took their seats ; and have licensed Mr. Thomas Smith to preach the gospel, and have restored the Rev. Mr. Sampson Smith, who being present took his seat. New Brunswick Presbytery report, that they have licensed to preach the gospel, John Simpson and William Shank. The Presbytery of Donegall report, that they have received as a member the Rev. Mr. Joseph Reah, lately from Ireland. Mr. Joseph Lewis reports that Mr. Samuel Black is dead. The Presbytery of New York report, that the Rev. John Pierson was removed by death, August 23, 1770; and the Rev. James Tuttle, December 25, 1770; and that they have ordained the Rev. Alexander Miller, Oliver Dunning, and John Murdoch. The Lewestown Presbytery report, that the Rev. Charles Tennent and Thomas McCrackin have been removed by death since last Synod, and that Mr. John Bacon is dismissed from them, and removed to Boston. 412 MINUTES OF THE SYNOD OF * [1771. The Suffolk Presbytery report, that they have licensed to preach the gospel, Mr. Joseph Avery. Messrs. Hunter, Tate, Robert Smith, John Miller, Cooper, McKnight, Hor- ton. Close, ministers, and Dr. Burnet, Joseph Ogden, Mr. Patterson, and Richard Walker, are appointed a committee of overtures, and ordered to meet here to-morrow morning at six o'clock. Mr. Montgomery and Mr. Roe are appointed a committee to examine the second Philadelphia Presbytery book. Mr. Blair and Mr. Chapman are appointed to examine the New Brunswick Presbytery book. Mr. McWhorter and Mr. John Miller to examine the book of the Presbytery of Donegall. Dr. Rodgers and Mr. Sproat to examine the Presbytery book of New Castle. Mr. Roan and Mr. Strain to examine the book of the fii'st Presbytery of Philadelphia. Mr. Treat and Mr. Foster to examine the Presbytery book of New York. The Synod appoint as a commission for the ensuing year, the RcA^ Messrs. Richard Treat, Patrick Alison, John Ewiug, Alexander McWhorter, James Sproat, John Blair, Thomas Lewis, William Mills, Azariah Horton, Timothy Jones, William Tennent, Israel Read, Andrew Hunter, Elihu Spencer ; and elders. Dr. Burnet, Captain Bourne, Dr. Lyon, Messrs. Ogden and McCullough, thirteen of whom shall be a quorum ; but if the moderator should die or be absent, the first mentioned on the roll in the minute shall have power to call the commission and preside. Mr. Treat is continued treasurer for this ensuing year, and desired to be ready to lay his accounts, for the last year, before the Synod. Messrs. Lewis, Roe, and Close complied with their appointments to the southern mission. The order of the Synod last year, that Mr. Bay should be dismissed from New Castle, and join Dutchess County Presbytery, was not complied with. Mr. McCreary's reasons for not supplying, according to the order of last Synod, were sustained. Mr. Patrick Alison reports, that it was not convenient for him to take a journey to the southward to supply the vacancies there. Mr. Nilcs undertook the mission assigned him by the last Synod, but was prevented by sickness from fulfilling it. Mr. Tate was prevented by indisposition from fulfilling his appointment. The Synod are informed Mr. John Harris fulfilled his appointment to the southward. The committee appointed to visit Mr. Brainerd's school, report that they did not meet, because they understood that the school was broke up for the present. Ordered, That an exact list of the members of the Synod, with the several candidates and congregations under their care, be printed, with an account of the disbursements of money collected to be disposed of by the Synod ; and for this purpose the following persons arc appointed a committee to prepare said list, Messrs. Treat, Caldwell, John Miller, Cooper, Halsey, Latta, Roe, Carmichacl, Close, and Josiah Lewis, to meet to-morrow morning at half after eight o'clock, at this place. Adjourned till three o'clock, P. M Concluded with prayer. 1771.] NEW YORK AND PHILADELPHIA. 413 16^/i day., three ddoch, P. M. The Synod met according to adjournment. Ubi post preces sederunt qui supra. As Dr. Rodgers has received letters from some of the foreign churches, he is ordered to lay them before the Synod to-morrow morning, and any other members who may have received such letters are ordered to do the same. The committee appointed to meet the corporation for the widows' fund report, that they have been unable from indisposition, inclemency of weather, or igno- rance of the time of the corporation's meeting, to form a quorum to meet with said corporation since our last Synod. Messrs. Elihu Spencer, Alexander McWhorter, Joseph Montgomery, James Caldwell, and the moderator, are appointed a committee to meet with the com- mittee of the corporation for the widows' fund, and are empowered to settle with said corporation, and ordered to make a report of their transactions to the Synod before the end of their present sessions. Dr. Rodgers reports that he sent the Synod's letter to the moderator of the Presbytery of South Carolina, but has received no answer. It is reported to us that the brethren of North Carolina, who requested last Synod to be set off as a Presbytery by the name of the Orange Presbytery, have met and proceeded to business agreeably to the order of Synod. Mr. Alexander Miller's reasons for not complying fully with the appointment of last Synod, are sustained. The Synod think it expedient that, agreeably to their request, the New Cas- tle Presbytery ordain Mr. Thomas Read, a candidate residing.in their bounds. Adjourned to meet to-morrow morning, at nine o'clock. Concluded with prayer. Vlth day, nine o'cloch, A .M. The Synod met according to adjournment. U hi post preces sederunt qui supra. The Rev. Mr. John Slemmons is now come, and his reasons of absence since the beginning of our present sessions, sustained. Dr. Rodgers, agreeable to the order of our last seder^mt, delivered into the Synod a letter from the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, and an- other letter from the Synod of North Holland, which were read. A letter was also received from the Rev. Mr. Elam Potter, an absent mem- ber of this body, signifying his readiness to go upon a mission to Virginia and Carolina, and requesting the Synod to furnish him with credentials for that purpose. A reference from the second Presbytery of Philadelphia was brought in, in the following words : " The Presbytery took Mr. Eakin's affair under consideration, and as he has deserted his pastoral charge, and his character labours under grievous re- ports of gross immoralities, and he has not thought proper to attend this judi- cature, though twice cited to appear and vindicate his character and conduct, but by a letter sent to Dr. Alison, to be communicated to this Presbytery, de- sired that his name might be struck out of their book, as he was determined never hereafter to have any pastoral charge under the care of this Presbytery, or under the care of the Synod of New York and Philadelphia, the Presby- tery calling to mind the difficulties in which they have already' been involved by his conduct, judged it most expedient to refer his case to the Synod, and desire this reference may be laid before them as soon as there is a convenient opportunity." The above reference was taken under consideration, and the Synod, after mature deliberation upon it, appoint Tuesday next, at three o'clock, for hear- 414 MINUTES OF THE SYNOD OF [1771. ing and issuing that matter, and order that Mr. Eakin be cited, and that Dr. Rodgers prepare a citation, specifying the charges against him, Mr. Eakin, to be signed by the moderator, and bring it in at our next sederunt ; and ap- point Messrs. Blair, Caldwell, and Dr. Burnet, a committee to prepare matters and cite witnesses, and order the committee to take care that Mr. Eakin be served with the citation. A letter from the Ilev. Mr. Ebenezer Prime, directed to the moderator, sig- nifying the difficulty which he, together with some of his brethren of Suffolk Presbytery, labour under on account of an order of Synod respecting the ordi- nation of ministers, sine titulo, and requesting some relief in that matter, was brought in and read, and the consideration of it was deferred. Adjourned to meet at three o'clock in the afternoon. Concluded with prayer. Vltli dm/, three d clock, P. M. The Sijnod met according to adjournment. Uhi post preces sederimt qui supra. Mr. Boyd obtained leave to go home. Dr. Alison brought in a letter from the Synod of Geneva, which was read. The Synod entered upon the consideration of Mr. Ebenezer Prime's letter, and after maturely deliberating thereon, the Synod appoint Dr. Francis Alison, Dr. Rodgers, and Mr. McWhorter, as a committee to draw up a minute in answer to said letter, and to lay it before the Synod to-morrow morning. Mr. Blair brought in an overture in writing, proposing a committee to in- quire into the 'state of religion, and means for promoting it, in our bounds, which was ordered to lie upon the table for further consideration. Dr. Rodgers, according to the order of last sederunt, prepared and brought in a citation for Mr. Eakin, which was signed by the moderator, and is as follows : '' Sir : — The second Presbytery of Philadelphia have referred your case to the Syuod, who have taken it under their consideration ; have appointed Tues- day next, at three o'clock, P. M. to hear and issue it, at which time you are hereby cited to attend, at the first Presbyterian Church in this city, and al- though we presume you cannot be ignorant of the scandalous reports spread abroad respecting you, as you have been twice cited to attend the Presbytery to vindicate your character in those instances, yet that you may have another opportunity for this purpose, we hereby inform you, they are the following, viz. antenuptial fornication ; lying with respect to your marriage ; suborning witnesses ; and deserting the work of the ministry, in direct violation of your ordination vows. Your attendance is expected at the above time and place to answer to the said charges. " You are to consider this as the last citation you are to expect on this head ; the Synod will therefore proceed to hear and issue the matter whether you attend or not. Signed by order. "Mai/17th, 1771." Adjourned to meet to-morrow morning at nine o'clock. Concluded with prayer. 18^A dai/, nine o'clock, A. M. The Synod met according to adjournment. Ubi post preces sederunt qui supra. Dr. Witherspoon is now come, and the reasons he gave for not attending earlier in the session, arc sustained. Mr. Pcppard obtained leave to go home. The committee appointed yesterday to draw up a minutein answer to Mr. Prime's letter, brought it in. It was approved, and is as follows : " In answer to the Rev. Mr. Prime's letter, it appears, that he and hiir 1771.] NEW YORK AND PHILADELPHIA. 415 brethren, in whose name he writes, are agreed with this Synod in sentiments, that in sending forth ministers to labour in Christ's vineyard, we should lay hands suddenly on no man, but should use all Scriptural methods to be satis- fied of their piety, learning, prudence, and aptness to teach. And they are further agreed with us to make trial by hearing candidates for the work of the ministry preach, pray, and expound the Scriptures, previous to ordination, at least before their ordination, that we may be satisfied in our minds, that they have ministerial gifts to qualify them for their duty in that sacred charac- ter : that we should endeavour by private conversation, and a continuance of such trials, to come to a greater satisfaction of their aptness to teach, and other necessary qualifications. And the Synod are firmly persuaded that our me- thod of licensing them to preach, by way of probation for the gospel ministry, before ordination, is grounded on general directions given by the apostle, that we should lay hands suddenly on no man, but should commit this to faithful men who are known to be able to teach others. But as Mr. Prime, and the two brethren in whose name he writes, seem to difiier from this Synod only in the mode of making these necessary trials before ordination, the Synod, after a serious consideration of their request, w^hich they are persuaded is made from a conscientious regard to what they think their duty, have agreed to lay no burden on them, or on those young men whose consciences will not allow them to preach the gospel without ordination, and therefore, though the Synod cannot repeal the act referred to in the above letter, respecting the ordaining ministers, sine titulo, as they judge it still expedient and useful, yet they al- low the Presbytery to ordain those gentlemen referred to by Mr. Prime in his letter, in case they shall be found on trial, to be qualified for the work of the sacred ministry, not doubting but they will take due care on this important head." Mr. Bay is now come, and his reasons for not coming sooner are judged suf- ficient ; his elder, Mr. Robert Henry, is also come. Mr. Halsey's elder has leave to go home. Upon inquiry how far the several Presbyteries had complied with the order of Synod respecting the plan of the lay elders, it was found that all the Pres- byteries present have paid due attention thereto, and have made some consi- derable progress in executiug said plan, except the Presbyteries of New Bruns- wick and Suffolk, to whom it is earnestly recommended that they pay that regard to the above order of Synod which the importance of the case demands, as what may greatly conduce to the prosperity of the churches under their care. Mr. Brainerd reports, that he has had under his care an Indian school since the 24th of December, which he expects to continue through the summer and possibly through the winter also. Ordered, That the treasurer for the Synod pay Mr. Brainerd fifteen pounds for the half year which shall end the 24th of June. And Dr. Alison, Dr. Witherspoon, Messrs. Ewing, Sproat, Treat, and Beatty, are appointed a committee, who are to meet the last Wednesday of August, at ten o'clock, who shall visit the school and judge whether it shall be continued the winter half year ; and if it appears to them that the school has been continued through the summer, that may draw upon the treasurer for fifteen pounds more ; and then determine whether it is expedient to continue the school through the winter, and to engage with Mr. Brainerd in behalf of the Synod, to allow him fifteen pounds also for that term, in case it be continued. It also appears to this Synod, that Mr. Brainerd has laboured very diligently in the numerous destitute vacancies to which he was appointed the last Synod. The treasurer is therefore ordered to pay Mr. Brainerd the twenty pounds voted him last year for the said service. And it is also agreed, to allow Mr. Brainerd 416 MINUTES OF THE SYNOD OP [1771. twenty pounds for the ensuing year, provided it shall appear at the next Synod, that he continues to preach the gospel in the numerous and destitute vacancies in his neighbourhood. Adjourned to meet on Monday next, at ten o'clock. Concluded with prayer. 20th dai/, ten o'clock, the Synod met accordiwj to adjournment. Vhi pout preces sederunt qui supra. Mr. James Lang is now come, and his reasons for not attending sooner, judged sufl&cient; and his elder, John McClelland, is also come. Mr. Brainerd requested that some members of this body should be ap- pointed to inspect the journal of his last year's labours, in the destitute places in his neighbourhood, and to report the state of his ae^'ounts with respect to that service, and Messrs. Hunter and Spencer are ordered a committee for that purpose. Dr. "Witherspoon and Dr. Rodgers are appointed to draw up a letter in an- swer to the letter which the Synod received from the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland. Mr. Robert Smith and Halsey are appointed to draw up a letter in answer to the letter from North Holland. Dr. Alison and Mr. Blair are appointed to draw up an answer to the letter from Geneva. And it is ordered, that these letters be laid before the Synod next Wednesday morning. The committee appointed last year to dispose of the money in the hands of the treasurer of New Jersey college, for the education of poor and pious youth, report, that they have disposed of the sum of thirty-two pounds, and that there will be in the hands of the treasurer next October, the sum of sixty-five pounds. And the Synod appoint for a committee for the present year, to attend at New Jersey college the third Wednesday of August next, and dispose of said sum, or as much as may be deemed necessary, the Rev. Dr. Witherspoon, Messrs. Tenuent, Guild, Ewing, Spencer, Beatty, Caldwell, Halsey, Reed, and Hunter, any three of whom shall be a quorum. The delegates appointed to meet the Rev. General Convention at Elizabeth- town in October last, brought in the minutes of their proceedings, which were read. As the next general convention are to meet at Norwalk the first Wednesday of September next, at eleven o'clock, the Synod appoint as delegates to attend upon that occasion, the Rev. Messrs. William Tennent, Jeremiah Halsey, James Sproat, John Brainerd, Dr. Francis Alison, Dr. John Rodgers, Alex- ander McWhorter, James Caldwell, Azel Roe, Elihu Spencer, J. Treat, Joseph 3Iontgomery, John Blair, John Close, Jedidiah Chapman, John Wood- hull, Dr. John Witherspoon, Charles Beatty, Solomon 3Iead, and Samuel Mills. And the Rev. Mr. John Blair, or in his absence, the Rev. Joseph Montgo- mery, is appointed to open the convention by a sermon. The committee appointed to confer with the Associate Presbytery, brought in the minutes of their proceedings, which were read, and the conduct of the committee was highly approved. Adjourned till three o'clock in the afternoon. Concluded with prayer. 20th day, three o'clock, P. M. The Synod met according to adjournment. Post p)reces sederunt qui supra. Mr. Boyd is now returned to the Synod. Inquiry was made with respect to the diligence of the several Presbyteries 1771.] NEW YORK AND PHILADELPHIA. 417 in forwarding the subscriptions for the New Jersey College, and it appears that the Presbyteries have exerted themselves with considerable succesSj and still expect to be able to obtain further contributions. It is ordered, that the several Presbyteries continue to exert themselves for this purpose, and be prepared to lay before the Synod, at our meeting next year, an exact account in writing of all the contributions and subscriptions they shall be able to obtain, and particularly specify what hath been collected, and what still remains yet to be collected ; and it is ordered that the clerks of every Pres- bytery furnish themselves with a copy of this minute. Mr. McDowell and Mr. Treat are appointed a committee to inquire into and report the management of the money formerly belonging to the Synod of Philadelphia. Adjourned to meet to-morrow morning, at nine o'clock. Concluded with prayer. 21st dai/, nine o'docJc, A. If. The Synod met according to adjournment. Ubi post preces sederunt qui supra. The appointment of supplies to the southward, agreeably to a previous order of Synod, came to be considered. A supplication from Steel Creek, in North Carolina, for supplies, particu- larly for Mr. J. Lewis, was brought in by the committee of overtures, and read. A supplication for supplies from Cathy's Settlement, North Carolina, was brought in and read. Also, a supplication for supplies from Cubb Creek, Vir- ginia, was brought in and read. A supplication from Manahawkin, in East Jersey, was likewise brought in and read. A call from the united congregations of Briar Creek and Queensborough, in Georgia, for the Rev. Mr. Josiah Lewis, was brought in and read. In this it was also requested, that in case the call was not accepted, other supplies should be appointed them. Application was also made on behalf of Ligonier, and the vacancies beyond the Allegheny mountains, on behalf of the settlements on the south branch of Potomac, and on behalf of a numerous people living on Hudson's river, in the province of New York, and also on behalf of Hanover and Cumberland coun- ties, in Virginia. Application was also made on behalf of two united congre- gations in Dorset county, Maryland. In consequence of these applications, Mr. James Finley is appointed to supply over the Allegheny mountains for two months at least, as soon as may be con- venient for him. Mr. Sampson Smith is appointed to spend six months in the settlements on the south branch of Potomac and the other parts on the frontiers of Virginia. Mr. Schank, a candidate under the care of the New Brunswick Presbytery, is appointed to spend four months in the settlements on Hudson's river, and parts adjacent, and the Presbytery are directed to ordain him as soon as maybe, if they find their way clear, in order to his going on that mission. Mr. Alexander Miller and Mr. Eliphalet Ball are also appointed to visit those settlements, and to continue there six weeks or two months each, if con- venient. Mr. Elam Potter, agreeably to his request, is appointed to visit the southern vacancies of North and South Carolina and Georgia, and to spend at least six months in this mission, and to tarry in every congregation of importance which he shall visit, three weeks or a month, and carefully catechize the people. Ordered, that Mr. Roe give notice of this appointment to Mr. Potter. 53 418 MINUTES OF THE SYNOD OF [1771. Mr. Joseph Smith is appointed to visit the southern vacancies, and particu- larly to spend five weeks at Steel Creek congregation, and two months and three weeks beyond the Catawba river ; that he pay particular attention to Dunkin's Creek congregation, and spend as much time there, and at Bullock's Creek, as he possibly can. The rest of the time at discretion, and he shall carefully catechize the people of these congregations. Mr. John McCreary is appointed to visit the settlements betwixt the Yadkin and Catawba rivers, and to continue among them three months, and to spend three or four Sabbaths at Cubb Creek, in his way. The first Philadelphia Presbytery are appointed to supply Mr. McCreary's pulpit the three first Sabbaths in August and the two first in November. Mr. Simonton is appointed to supply i\Ir. Smith's pulpit the two first Sab- baths in October, and Mr. Tate the two first Sabbaths in November. The further consideration of supplies deferred. Adjourned till three o'clock. Concluded with prayer. 21st dai/, three o'clocJc, P. M. The Synod met according to adjournment. Ubi post preces sederunt qui supra. The Synod proceeded, according to an order of a former day, to consider the case of Mr. Eakin, referred to them by the second Presbytery of Phila- delphia. Mr. Eakin appeared agreeably to the citation issued ; and being interrogated from the chaix', made an open and free confession of the crimes with which he was charged, and declared himself unfeignedly sorry and deeply penitent for his very ofl'ensive conduct. The Synod, after reasoning, and prayer to God for direction in this impor- tant matter, are of opinion, that the crimes he had been guilty of did fully deserve deposition; but in respect to his humble and penitent carriage, do agree, that he be suspended from the exercise of his ministry sine die; and they do prohibit him, under pain of the highest censures of the church, from exercising the same, or any part thereof, within the bounds of this Synod, or anywhere else, and discharge any inferior judicatory from taking off this sus- pension, and from receiving any application for that purpose ; and the Synod do also dissolve his pastoral relation to the third Presbyterian congregation in this city. They do further suspend him from sealing ordinances in the mean time, but leave it to the second Presbytery of Philadelphia, or any other Presbytery in which he may reside, to restore to Christian communion, upon his application, when they shall see proper. The Synod do also appoint the moderator solemnly to rebuke him from the chair, and order that this whole sentence be read from the pulpit of that church of which he was pastor, the next Lord's day. , Adjourned till to-morrow morning at nine o'clock. Concluded with prayer. 2'ld dai/f nine o'clock, A. M., the Synod met according to adjournment. Vli post p)reces sederunt qui supra. The committee to examine ]\Ir. Brainerd's accounts from the year 1760 to the year 1770 inclusive, reported, that Mr. Brainerd had received from the several congregations he hath from time to time supplied in the neighbourhood of Nanohawkin and Egg Hai-bour, only the sum of fifty-nine pounds nineteen shillings, though he had preached upwards of five hundred times among them, and that his accounts respecting the Indian school stand fair. The committee appointed to draw up a letter in answer to a letter received from the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, brought it in and it wae read. 1771.] NEW YORK AND PHILADELPHIA. 419 The committee appointed to draw up a letter in answer to a letter from the Synod of North Holland, brought one in, which was read. And Dr. Witherspoou, Dr. llodgers, Messrs. Robert Smith, Ewing, Patrick Alison, Blair, and McDowell, are appointed a committee to review and correct the forementioned letters, and bring them in to-morrow moruino-. - The committee to inquire into the management of the money formerly be- longing to the Synod of Philadelphia, are not prepared to make their report. The case respecting marriage was taken under consideration, and after deli- berating upon it some time, it was deferred till next Synod. Mr. Ewing is appointed to furnish the southern missionaries with proper certificates, and to sign them in the name of the Synod. The affair of appointing supplies was resumed. Mr. Horton is appointed to supply Mr. Boyd's pulpit the third and fourth Sabbaths of September, while Mr. Boyd, agreeable to the order of Synod, sup- plies for Mr. McCreary. The New York Presbytery book was brought in by the committee appointed to examine it, and it was approved. Mr. Caldwell requested in the name of the Presbytery of New York, that some of the money in the hands of the Synod's treasurer to assist poor and destitute congregations, be allowed them for supplying the frontiers of that province and New Jersey, and the Synod agreed, that there be allowed them for the ensuing year, the sum of fifteen pounds, and at the request of Mr. Cooper, the like sum is allowed to the Presbytery of Donegall for supplying on their frontiers. Adjourned till three o'clock, P. M. Concluded with prayer. 22tZ day, tliree o'clock, P. 31. the Synod met according to adjournment. Uhi post preces sederunt qui sujyra. The committee appointed to examine into and report the management of the money formerly in the hands of the Synod of Philadelphia, have not yet been able to complete that business. The committee appointed to examine the Donegall Presbytery book, brought it in, and with remarks it was approved. The committee appointed to examine the New Brunswick Presbytery book, brought it in and it was approved. The first Philadelphia Presbytery book was brought in by the committee ap- pointed to examine it, and it was approved. Ordered, To proceed in reading the minutes of the committee of overtures. Application was made by Mr. Alexander Miller in fiivour of the Presbyterian congregation in Schenectady, in order to assist them in finishing a church, which was not complied with. A scheme for the education of poor and pious youth, formed and adopted by the Presbytery of New Castle, and transmitted by the committee of overtures, was brought in and read, and is as follows : " A scheme for supporting young men of piety and parts at learning for the work of the ministry, that so our numerous vacancies may be supplied with preachers of the gospel, &c. " 1st. That every vacant congregation in our bounds, who ask this Presbytery for supplies, do annually at our fall meeting pay into the hands of a treasurer to be chosen, the sum of two pounds. " 2d. That every minister belonging to this Presbytery, pay into the hands of said treasurer, at the said time, the sum of one pound. " 3d. That any gentleman willing to contribute to this pious design, may have an opportunity of subscribing to pay annually. 420 MINUTES OF THE SYNOD OF [1771. "4tli. That at every spring meeting of this Presbytery, there shall be a treasurer chosen, (a member of Presbytery,) who shall keep a fair stated ac- count of all the money received, and the disbursements, and shall pay no mo- ney •without a written order, an act of the Presbytery signed by their moderator and clerk for the time being. " 5th. That every member of this Presbytery may recommend any young man they think proi^er, who, after such an examination as shall be thought convenient, shall receive or be refused the benefit of this donation, by the major vote of this Presbj^tery. *' 6th. That after any young man is thus received, the Presbytery shall look upon themselves as the guardians of his education, and as such shall give all orders relative thei'eto, and in case of any difference of opinion the major vote shall always determine. " 7th. That every young man thus educated, shall be looked upon as na- tively belonging to this Presbytery, and when introduced into the work of the ministry, shall continue at least one j'ear preaching in the vacancies within the bounds of this Presbytery. " 8th. That every young man thus educated, and afterwards not inclining to the work of the ministry, shall give a bond to some minister of this Presby- tery, to the amount of all the money expended by this Presbytery in his educa- tion, payable in five years after date." The Synod do highly approve of this plan, and do most earnestly recom- mend it to the several Presbyteries to fall upon that or the like scheme, for the excellent purpose above mentioned, and order that inquiry be made at the next meeting of Synod, how far the several Presbyteries have been able to proceed in executing said plan, and that they be required to give an account of their diligence in this matter. An overture was made that the general fast be observed in all our bounds in consideration of the aspect which matters, both civil and religious, bear. The overture was cheerfully accepted, and the Synod earnestly recommend it to the several ministers and congregations under their care, to spend the third Thursday in June in fasting and prayer : excepting those Presbyteries who may have lately observed a fast for the same purpose. An application from the trustees of the Academy at Newark, to obtain the countenance and approbation of the Synod for a general collection through their bounds in behalf of said Academy, was overturcd and read. The Synod considered the prayer of said petition, and cheerfully agree to countenance it; and do recommend it to the charity of the various congregations within their bounds. The letter in answer to a letter from Geneva not being ready to be delivered in with the other letters on Tuesday morning, was now brought in by the committee appointed to prepare it, and read, and ordered to be put into the bands of the committee appointed to revise and correct the other Synodical letters. Adjourned to nine o'clock, to-morrow morning. Concluded with prayer. 2dd day, nine o^ clock, A. M. the Sj/nod met according to adjournincnt. Uhi post preces sederunt qui sxqyra. The committee appointed to examine into and report the management of the money formerly in the hands of the late Philadelphia Synod, and, in conse- quence of the union, belonging to the united Synod, report, that on account of the multiplicity of business in which Dr. Alison is involved nothing can be done in this affair this session. It is therefore ordered, that Mr. Treat, Mr. Beatty, and Mr. Sproat, be a committee to examine into and report the state of said money, and that they prepare an exact account in writing of the 1771.] NEW YORK AND PHILADELPHIA. 421 management of said money, and lay it before the Synod at its meeting next year. The committee appointed to examine the books of the second Presbytery of Phihidelphia and of the Presbytery of New Castle, brought them in, and they were approved. A proposal being made for reviving the annual collection, in order to assist weak and destitute places in supporting the gospel, as was agreed upon in a former Synod, the Synod considering that a sum of money yet remains in the hand of their treasurer, and that there are, or will be, several collections for other purposes on foot in the current year, agree to defer it till the next meet- ing of Synod. Adjourned till three o'clock this afternoon. Concluded with prayer. 2Sd day, three o'docJc, P. 31., the Synod met according to adjournment. Vll post preces sederunt qui supra. The consideration of appointing supplies was resumed. Mr. Halsey is appointed to supply Mr. Jos. Smith's pulpit, the first, second, and third Sabbaths of January, and it is ordered that the New York Presbytery supply his pulpit two of those Sabbaths. Mr. Thomas Lewis is appointed to supply Mr. Jos. Smith's pulpit the three first Sabbaths of December, and the New York Presbytery is ordered to supply his pulpit two of those Sabbaths. Mr. Mitchell is appointed to supply Mr. Smith's pulpit the two first Sabbaths of February. Mr. Chapman is appointed to supply Mr. Smith's pulpit the third and fourth Sabbaths of November. The letters to the foreign churches were brought in by the committee ap- pointed to revise them, and approved ; and it was ordered, that the moderator sign them, and that Dr. Witherspoon take care to transmit the letter to the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland ; Dr. Eodgers to transmit that to the Church of North Holland, and Dr. Alison the letter to the Church of Geneva. The committee appointed to meet the corporation laid their minutes before the Synod, who highly approve of their proceedings in the business committed to their care, commend the settlement made respecting the money deposited in the hands of the corporation by the church of Scotland, to be disposed of by said corporation, in conjunction with the Synod's committee, in the disposal of which they are concerned, and vote them their thanks for their fidelity and diligence. A copy of some regulations made by the corporation for the relief of poor and distressed Presbyterian ministers, their widows and children. " A committee was appointed to consider and propose some regulations for the admission of ministers who may come from Europe or from the neighbour- ing colonies and join our Synod, and who may desire to become contributors to this fund. The members of the committee last appointed, and the other mem- bers of this board, having at this time freely and deliberately considered this matter, have thus determined : "That if any minister come from a distant place and join with the Synod of New York and Philadelphia, and settle in any of the middle colonies, viz. New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Maryland, and choose to become a contributor to this fund, he may be admitted on the following terms, viz. " 1st. He shall be allowed one whole year after his arrival among us, and no longer, to deliberate whether he will become a contributor or not. " 2d. If he was ordained a minister before the fund was constituted, and be 422- MINUTES OF THE SYNOD OF [1771. under forty years of ago, he shall pay a sum of money equal to the sum paid by any minister who has chosen the same rate with him, and has been a contri- butor from the beginning, counting the interest thereon as it would have arisen from year to year. " 3d. If he was ordained since the commencement of the fund, and under thirty years of age when ordained, he shall pay on his becoming a contributor a sum of money equal to what would have been paid by him had he been intro- duced into the ministry by the Synod; but if he was ordained when above thirty and under forty years of age, he shall pay a sum equal to what would have been paid by him had he been ordained at the age of thirty years. Pro- vided always, and on all these suppositions, that he be not in such a declining state of health as would render his life more precarious than might be expected from a man of his years; of which this corporation shall be the judges. "4th. But if he be above forty years of age, he shall not be admitted on any terms, as the corporation cannot in consistence with their trust allow him this privilege. *' It was found on revising our records that several laws have been enacted respecting the time when young men were to become contributors to this fund, which, when compared, occasioned some difficulties. To remove which for the time to come, it is agreed and enacted, that every young man that shall hereaf- ter apply to be admitted as a contributor, shall bring a certificate from a Pres- bytery, mentioning the time of his ordination, and of his settlement in a con- gregation, and shall at the next yearly meeting of this corporation but one in the month of May, after his ordination and settlement in a congregation, pay down one year's rate or contribution, and then entering into bonds shall be ad- mitted to all the privileges arising from this fund. But it shall be lawful for him to pay his money, and become a contributor socner if he thinks it for his advantage, as his family can expect no benefit unless he has paid one year's rate, and entered into bonds. " The secretary is ordered 'to give a copy of this regulation to the moderator of the Synod, respecting the admission of young men as contributors to this fund, and to request the Synod, in the name of this corporation, to take such measures as they may think most proper, that every minister belonging to any of their Presbyteries may know these rules, and that no young man be deprived of the benefit of this fund who is willing to become a contributor. " Enacted at a meeting of the corporation, held at the first Presbyterian church in this city, December 19th, 1770, and continued by adjournments. '' A true copy, Francis Alison, Secretary." Mr. William IMackey Tennent, a licensed candidate under the care of the Lewestown Presbytery, is appointed to supply the month of November at the direction of the New Castle Presbytery, and Mr. John Simpson, a licensed can- didate belonging to the New Brunswick Presbytery, is appointed to supply in the month of December, at the direction of said Presbytery. The Synod appoint the Rev. P. Alison to supply in Virginia, the Carolinas, and Georgia, to set off as soon as he conveniently can. The settlement of the committee of Synod with the corporation of the Wi- dows' Fund, is as follows : " The corporation having laid their accounts respecting the money granted them by the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland before the committee of the Synod, the committee finding it difficult to understand the propriety of allowing some articles in said accounts, and having conferred with the com- mittee of the corporation, who, on the strictest examination, exhibited this ac- count, they still declared that they were in some things not fully satisfied ; therefore to end all debates, and for the sake of peace, the corporation agreed to make them the following proposals, though they are persuaded that the ac- 1772.] NEW YORK AND PHILADELPHIA. 423 counts exhibited to tliem are just and reasonable, and such as they can on a just and sure foundation exhibit to the world. " 1st. That thirty pounds free of all deductions shall be yearly paid by the treasurer of the corporation to a committee of the Synod of New York and Philadelphia, on the 24th day of May ; the first payment to commence on the 24th of May, 1772, to be applied by them, for the uses and purposes hereafter mentioned, and for none else; these uses, as we apprehend, being agreeable to the pious intentions of the donors. " 2d. That in consideration of the application of said sum of thirty pounds, the committee of the Synod, in the name of that reverend body, do acquiesce in and approve of such application of the money, entrusted by the Scotch Church for the use of the widows' fund, and all such other pious uses as have been hitherto made of it by the corporation. ^' 3d. That this sum of thirty pounds shall be expended by the committee of the Synod in assisting poor and distressed Presbyterian ministers, or their families ; or to pay ministers or probationers to preach the gospel to weak or frontier congregations in the bounds of Pennsylvania and the lower counties, New Jersey, and Maryland, and to assist them when weak and distressed, to erect places of worship, and to preach to and assist the Indians who live among said inhabitants or contiguous to the frontiers of said provinces. "4th. The committee hereby covenant, agree, and engage to and with the corporation, that they shall never claim a right or power to break on the capi- tal whence the said thirty pounds are to arise by way of interest, nor shall the committee of the Synod employ it for any other uses than those above specified, upon the pain of having it withheld or employed by the corporation in conjunc- tion with the committee ; but if it be found necessary in the judgment of this corporation to employ the whole capital, which is considered by this board as equal to six hundred pounds, or any part thereof in the support of the widows' fund, it is hereby agreed to use it for that purpose ; and if a part of it be so employed, the committee of the Synod shall have the disposal of the interest of the sum remaining at five per cent., clear of all deductions.' The committee and corporation are by this agreement bound, never to touch said capital of six hun- dred pounds, but only and in such case, as the annuities due from the corpora- tion cannot be paid without breaking on the capital as is stipulated in the thirteenth article of the agreement made between the contributors and this cor- poration. And it is hereby stipulated that this agreement shall prevent and put an end to all debates between this corporation and the committee of the Synod, respecting the money entrusted to our care by the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland. " Signed in behalf of the corporation by their president, secretary, and trea- surer, viz : John Ewing, Francis Alison, William Humphreys." Adjourned till the third Wednesday in May next, to meet at ten o'clock in the second Presbyterian church in Philadelphia. Concluded with prayer. 1773. Philadelphia, May 20th, 1772. The Synod of New York and Philadelphia met according to adjournment. JJhi i^ost preces sederunt From the Presbytery of Donegal : The Rev. John Roan, John Strain, James Hunt, Robert Cooper. From the Presbytery of Lewestown : The Rev. John Miller, Matthew Wil- son, Alexander Huston. 424 MINUTES OF THE SYNOD OF [1772. From New Castle Presbytery : The Rev. Robert Smith, William McKennan, Joseph Montgomeryj Joseph Smith, James Finley, William Fostcrj Josiuh Lewis. From the first Philadelphia Presbytery : The Rev. Richard Treat, James Sproat, John Rraiucrd, Andrew Hunter, James Boyd, Enoch Green, James Watt. From the second Philadelphia Presbytery: The Rev. Dr. Alison, John Ewing, John Simonton. From the New Brunswick Presbytery : The Rev. William Tennent, Elihu Spencer, John Rosborough. From the New York Presbytery : The Rev. Azariah Horton, Timothy Jones, Jonathan Elmer, Alexander McWhorter, James Caldwell, Joseph Treat, Azel Roe. From the Suffolk Presbytery : The Rev. William Mills. From the Dutchess county Presbytery: The Rev. Chauncey Graham. Elders : Messrs. James Pearse, CI eorge Craighead, John Bayard, John Wil- son, William Sterrett, Joseph Wilday, John Johnston, Robert Ogden, Aaron Mattison, Ralph Hunt. Ministers absent : Donegal Presbytery : The Rev. Samuel Thompson, John Hogg, Amos Thompson, John Slemmons, James Long, John King, Hugh Vance, George Duffield, John Craighead. Lewestown Presbytery : The Rev. Jacob Kerr. New Castle Presbytery : The Rev. John Clark, Alexander McDowell, John Carmichael, Sampson Smith, John McCreary, James Latta, John Wood- hull. First Philadelphia Presbytery : The Rev. Nehemiah Greenman, Benjamin Chesnutt, Charles Beatty, Alexander Mitchell. Second Philadelphia Presbytery : The Rev. John Elder, Joseph Tate, John Steel, Patrick Alison, Robert McMordie. New Brunswick Presbytery : The Rev. Dr. Witherspoon, Charles McKnight, Thomas Smith, John Guild, James Lyon, Job Prudden, Jeremiah Halsey, Alexander McClean, Israel Reed, John Hannah. New York Presbytery : The Rev. Simon Horton, Dr. Rodgers, Jacob Green, John Moffatt, Aaron Richards, John Darby, Hugh Knox, Benjamin Hait, Benjamin Woodruff, Thomas Lewis, Nathan Kerr, Abuer Brush, Francis Pep- pard, William WoodhuU, Jedidiah Chapman, Samuel Sacket, Alexander Miller, Oliver Deeming, Jonathan Murdock. Suffolk county Presbytery : The Rev. Ebenezer Prime, Sylvanus White, James Brown, Samuel Buel, Benjamin Talmage, Benjamin Goldsmith, John Close, Elam Potter, Sampson Occum, Joshua Hart. Dutchess county Presbytery : The Rev. Elisha Kent, Samuel Dunlap, Ben- jamin Strong, Solomon Mead, Eliphalet Ball, Wheeler Case, Ichabod Lewis, Samuel Mills. The whole Presbytery of Hanover. And the whole Presbytery of Orange in North Carolina The Synod was opened by a sermon from Luke xvii. 26, by the Rev. Mr. McWhorter, the last year's moderator being dead. Mr. Joseph Treat was chosen moderator, and Messrs. Spencer and Caldwell clerks. The reasons given by IMessrs Jones, Joseph Treat, Elmore, Rosborough, Enoch Green, Watt, Finley, Wilson, Houston, Hunt, Mills, and Graham, for their absence last year, were sustained. The first Philadelphia Presbytery report, that tlie Rev. Mr. William Ramsey hath been removed by death, November r)th, 1771. The New Castle Presbytery report, that they have ordained since last Synod, 1772.] NEW YORK AND PHILADELPHIA. 425 Messrs. Thomas Read, James "Wilson, James Anderson, who being present took their seats ; and that they have deposed Mr. John Beard. New Brunswick Presbytery report, that they have ordained Mr. William Schank, and Mr. Jacob Vanarsdalen, since the last Synod, who, being present, .took their seats; also, that they have received the Rev. Mr. Alexander McClean, recommended to them from Scotland. Donegal Pi-esbytery report, that they have ordained since last Synod, Mr. Hugh Vance, and licensed Mr. William Tom. New York Presbytery report, that the Rev. Mr. John Blair hath been re- moved by death, December 8th, 1771 ; and that they have ordained Mr. Amzi Lewis since the last Synod. Suffolk Presbytery report, that the Rev. Mr. Nehemiah Barker was removed by death, March the 10th, 1772; and that they have ordained Mr. Joshua Hart, and licensed Mr. John Blydenburgh since last Synod. Second Philadelphia Presbytery report, that they have licensed to preach as a candidate, Mr. John McClean. Dutchess County report, they have licensed Mr. David Close to preach as a candidate ; and that the Rev. Mr. John Smith was removed by death, more than a year ago ; and have received the Rev. Mr. Benjamin Strong, from the Western Association of Fairfield county. The Rev. Messrs. Israel Read, John Elder, Joseph Tate, and John Craig- head, are now come, and gave sufficient reasons for not coming sooner. Also, Mr. Thomas Walter, Mr. Simonton's elder, Mr. Robert Finney, Mr. James Wilson's elder, and Mr. Philip Tanner, Mr. Finley's elder, are now come. Messrs. John Roan, Huston, Foster, Sproat, Tate, Yanarsdalen, Elmer, Mills, and Graham, ministers, Messrs. Philip Tanner, Mattison, George Craighead, and Finney, elders, are appointed the committee of overtures, to meet here to-morrow morning, at six o'clock, and as often afterwards, by ad- journment, as may be necessary. Messrs. Matthew Wilson and Montgomery are appointed a committee to examine the Presbytery book of Donegal. Messrs. Ewing and Sproat to examine the book of the Lewestown Pres- bytery. Messrs. McWhorter and Robert Smith to examine the book of the first Phi- ladelphia Presbytery. Messrs. Strain and Roe to examine the book of the second Philadelphia Presbytery. The books of the other Presbyteries are not brought to Synod. The Synod appoint as their commission for the ensuing year the Rev. Messrs. Richard Treat, James Sproat, Dr. Alison, John Ewing, Elihu Spen- cer, William Tennent, Dr. Rodgers, Alexander McWhorter, William Mills, John Close, Solomon Mead, Ichabod Lewis, Robert Smith, Joseph Montgo- mery, Matthew Wilson, John Miller, George Duffield, John Roan, with the moderator, and Robert Ogden, John Bayard, John Johnson, Aaron Mattison, elders, thirteen of whom to be a quorum ; but if the moderator should die, or be absent, the first in order in the minute shall have power to call the commis- sion and preside. The Presbyteries of New Brunswick and Suffolk report, they have complied with the order of last Synod by endeavouring to execute the plan of the lay elders, &c. The committee appointed to dispose of money in the hands of the treasurer of New Jersey College, for the education of pious youth, report, that they met and disposed of all the money due October last, except thirteen pounds. Messrs. James Finley, Sampson Smith, Schank, Elam Potter, John Mc- 54 426 MINUTES OF THE SYNOD OF [1772. Creary, fulfilled their appointments for supplies. Mr. Joseph Smith was sick, and could not fulfil his. Inquiry was made how far the several Presbyteries executed the plan recom- mended to them last year for raising money to educate pious youth for the ministry; and it appeared some Presbyteries had complied with the recommen- dation, and others had not. It is again earnestly recommended to the several Presbyteries to take the most convenient and expeditious methods to raise mo- ney for the purposes aforesaid, and be ready to render an account to the next Synod what they have done. Adjourned till to-morrow morning, nine o'clock. Concluded with prayer. 21st day, nine 6'cloch A. M. The Synod met according to adjournment. Post preces sederitnt qui supra. (Witb the Rev. Messrs. George Duffield, Patrick Alison, Jeremiah Halsey, John Hannah, Thomas Smith, John "Woodhuli : and John Boyd, "William Clingan, William Patterson, James Lindsay, David AA^atson, elders.) The Presbytery book of New Brunswick is brought in, Messrs. Jones and Elmer are appointed to examine it. Messrs. Duffield, Thomas Smith, and Hannah, their reasons for absence the two last years sustained. Mr. Halsey is now come, and his reason for not coming sooner is sus- tained. The Synod appoint as a committee for the present year to dispose of the money in the hands of the treasurer of New Jersey College, for the education of pious youth, the Rev. Dr. Witherspoon, the Rev. Messrs. William Ten- nent, John Guild, Ewing, Elihu Spencer, James Caldwell, Jeremiah Halsey, and Israel Reed, to attend at New Jersey College the third Wednesday of August next. The Synod taking into their serious consideration the low state of vital and practical religion, the great prevalence of vice and infidelity in this laud in general, and the manifold dispensations of Divine Providence which appear at this time, loudly to call for her deep repentance and humiliation before God, do recommend it in the most earnest manner to every Presbytery under their care, to observe the first Thursday in August next, as a day of public fasting and prayer, excepting such Presbyteries, or congregations, as may find an in- convenience in observing that day, in which case it is recommended that they appoint another day for the same purpose, as they judge convenient, hoping that a gracious God may hear the united supplications of his people, and return attain to visit this land with his fatherly blessings. And the Synod for the future recommend to their several Presbyteries to ao-ree upon days to be observed annually through their bounds, for public thanksffiving, or fasting and prayer, as the dispensations of Divine Providence may require. The minutes of the last General Convention were laid before the Synod, which were read; and as the next General Convention is to meet at Eliza- bethtown the fourth Wednesday in September next, the Synod appoint as dele- gates to attend upon that occasion, the Rev. Messrs. George Duffield, James Hunt, John Miller, Joseph Montgomery, William Poster, John Carmichael, Richard Treat, James Sproat, John Brainerd, Dr. Prancis Alison, John Ewing, Dr. John Witherspoon, William Tennent, Elihu Spencer, Jeremiah Halsey, Dr. John Rodgers, Alexander McWhorter, James Caldwell, Joseph Treat, AVil- liam Mills, Jolin Close, Samuel Mills, Ichabod Lewis. The Synod entered upon the consideration of the business and powers of the 1772.] NEW YORK AND PHILADELPHIA. 427 commission of Sjnod, and after considerable discourse upon the subject, tbey appointed Messrs. Ewing and Montgomery to draw up an overture, and lay it before the Synod on Saturday morning. Messrs. John Steel, Robert McMordio, and Benjamin Chesnutt, are now come, and their reasons for not coiuing sooner are sustained. Adjourned till three o'clock, P. M. Concluded with prayer. Three o^cloch, P. M. The Synod met according to adjournment. Post pi'eces sederunt qui supra. The case referred to this Synod by the last, respecting marriage, came to be considered, and after some time spent in the affair, it was deferred till to-mor- row morning, and Messrs. McWhorter, Strain, Matthew AVilson, and George Duffield, are appointed a committee to prepare a minute on the case, and bring it in to-morrow morning. Adjourned till to-morrow morning, nine o'clock. Concluded with prayer. 22d day, nine o'cIocJc, A. 31. The Synod met according to adjournment. Post j)'>"<^ces sederunt qui supra. (With the Rev. Messrs. Benjamin Woodruff, John Close, Hugh Vance, and John Slemmons, who gave sufficient reasons for not coming sooner ; also Mr. Thomas Woodruff, an elder.) The committee appointed yesterday upon the case respecting marriage, brought in a minute, which after being corrected was approved, and is as follows : "After mature deliberation, the Synod declare their great dissatisfiiction with all such marriages as are inconsistent with the Levitical law, which in cases matrimonial we understand is the law of our nation, and that persons in- termarrying in these prohibited degrees, are not only punishable by the laws of the country, but ought to suffer the censures of the church; and further judge, though the present case is not a direct violation of the express words of the Levitical law, yet as it is contrary to the custom of protestant nations in gen- eral, and an evidence of great untenderness, and so opposite to such precepts of the gospel, as require Christians to avoid things of ill report and all ap- pearance of evil, and what is offensive to the church, that the persons referred to in this instance ought to be rebuked by the church session, and others warned against such offensive conduct, and in case these persons submit to such rebuke and are in other respects regular professors, that they be not debarred of Chris- tian privileges." And Mr. Hunter is ordered to read this minute publicly in his congregation, •where the persons live referred to in the above case. The Synod order every Presbytery to procure copies of the regulations and tei'ms of admission into the widows' fund, entered upon our minutes last year, and to enter them upon their Presbytery books, and read them to every new member which shall be admitted into the Presbytery. The Synod appoint for their committee to dispose of money in the hands of the corporation for the widows' fund, Messrs. Spencer, McWhorter, Montgo- mery, Sproat, and Caldwell, to meet when and at such times as they may judge convenient. Mr. Brainerd's Indian school appears to have been successfully continued since our last Synod, six months, for which it is agreed to allow him fifteen pounds. And we further desire him to continue the school this year at the expense of the Synod, and we appoint Messrs. Spencer, Hunter, and Green, to visit the school twice before next Synod, or oftener if convenient. 428 MINUTES OF THE SYNOD OF [1772. It appeared also to the Synod, that Mr. Brainerd had very fully complied with the order of last Synod in supplying the numerous vacancies in his neighbourhood, therefore the treasurer, agreeably to the order of last year, is directed to pay him twenty pounds. Ordered also, that Mr. Brainerd receive for the ensuing year the sum of eighteen pounds, being the interest of the mo- ney in the hands of the treasurer of the College of New Jersey for the support of an Indian mission. The Synod finding the money collected some years ago for defraying the ex- pense attending the missions appointed on our frontiers, is nearly expended, agree to have a collection this year through their bounds upon the same plan with the former. And as it is judged it might be useful to extend this public charity to purchase such religious books as the Synod may approve of, to be given to poor congregations; the following members are appointed to consider this matter, and bring in an overture to be subjected to the Synod as soon as they conveniently can, viz : Messrs. McWhorter, Montgomery, and Ogden. Mr. George Brown, Mr. Duffield's elder, is now come. Ordered, That the several Presbyteries be ready on Monday morning to ren- der an account of subscriptions obtained for New Jersey college, agreeably to the order of last year. The minutes were called for from the committee of overtures. A petition was presented from Mr. Samuel Eakin, praying to have the sus- pension from the exercise of his ministry, which was laid upon him by the last Synod, taken off. The consideration of the petition is deferred till the afternoon. Adjourned till three o'clock. Concluded with prayer. TJiree dclocJc, P. M. The Si/nod met according to adjournment. Uhl •post preces sederunt qui siipra. ("With Dr. Witherspoon and Mr. Alexander McDowell.) The consideration of Mr. Eakin's petition was resumed, and after much de- liberation upon it, and every member being required to speak in the order of the roll, the final discussion of it was deferred till to-morrow morning. Adjourned till to-morrow morning, nine o'clock. Concluded with prayer. 23c? day, nine d'clocJc. The Synod met according to adjournment. Post preces sederunt qui supra. Messrs. Ewing and Montgomery, agreeably to order, brought in an overture to state the business and powers of the commission of Synod, which was con- sidered, and upon a vote was rejected. The consideration of Mr. Eakin's petition resumed; and after mature deli- beration, it was voted and carried by a large majority, that he should be re- stored to the work of the ministry for one year, under the particular care of the New Castle Presbytery; and JMr. McDowell is appointed to give him a solemn exhortation with respect to his future conduct. Mr. Eakin was called in, and having received the exhortation, takes his scat as a member of Synod. The treasurer for the Synod laid his accounts before us, which were ap- proved, and there appeared to be a balance in his hands of forty-one pounds, thirteen shillings and eleven pence half penny, and he is ordered to print two hundred copies of said account. Adjourned to three o'clock, P. M. Concluded with prayer. 1772.] NEW YORK AND PHILADELPHIA. 429 Three o'clock, P. M. The S>/nod met according to adjournment. Post preces sederunt qui supra. (Except Messrs. Craighead, Matthew Wilson, Joseph Smith, Anderson, Latta, Richard Treat, Boyd, Spencer, Woodruff, and Mills, with the mode- - rator, who had leave of absence, and Mr. McWhorter was desired to take the chair.) A petition came in by the committee of overtures from Mr. John Beard, praying a relief from the judgment of the New Castle Presbytery, whereby he was deposed from the exercise of the gospel ministry, in which he desires the Synod would consider the matter, though he cannot be present. Mr. Beard's petition and other papers which he desired to be communicated were read, also the minutes of the Presbytery, respecting his trial; and after hearing the Presbytery, and duly considering the petition, we do unanimously approve of the judgment of the Presbytery. A reference from the Presbytery of New Castle inquiring whether marrying by license be lawful, was brought in and read, which was dismissed. Adjourned till nine o'clock, Monday morning. Concluded with prayer. 25;A day, nine dcloch. The Synod met according to adjournment. Post 2)reces sedei-unt qui supra. (With the Rev. Jacob Kerr, who is now come and gave reasons, which were sustained, for not coming sooner, and for his absence for several years past.) The committee appointed last Friday to draw up an overture with respect to the general collection and the distribution of books, brought one in, which after correction is as follows : " 1. That the Synod recommend a general collection in all the churches under their care. " 2. That the Synod write a pastoral letter, in which they shall return thanks to their several congregations for their former generosity, and solicit their future favours. " 3. That the Synod particularly desire the charity of the public for those purposes, viz : For defraying the expenses of sending missionaries to the fron- tiers, and such other places as are unable to support the gospel ; for purchasino- useful books to distribute in said places under the direction of committees to be appointed for that purpose ; for propagating Christian knowledge among the Indians ; and for such other pious uses as may occur from time to time." The following books were proposed and agreed to be procured and distri- buted, viz : Bibles, Westminster Confessions of Faith, small edition of Vin- cent's Catechism, Doddridge's Rise and Progress of Religion, A Compassionate Address to the Christian World, Allein's Alarm to the Unconverted, Dr. Watts's Divine Songs for Children, and the Assembly's Catechism. And for the purpose of procuring and distributing those books we appoint for a committee at Philadelphia, Dr. Alison, Mr. Sproat, Mr. Montgomery, Mr. Bayard, and Mr. Jonathan Smith ; and at New York, Dr. Rodgers, Mr. Treat, Mr. McWhorter, Mr. Caldwell, Mr. Y. B. Livingston, and Mr. Robert Ogden. And the committees are restricted not to lay out this year above ten pounds pro. currency each for the purposes aforesaid. But if any well disposed persons will send the committees books or pamphlets which they judo-e will answer the intention of the Synod to promote Christian knowledge, they are desired to distribute these also. The committee then laid before us the draught of a pastoral letter, which, as corrected, was approved, and is as follows : 430 MINUTES OF THE SYNOD OF [1772. ''Dearly Beloved — We take this method in our public capacity as convened in the general Synod, to return you our thanks for the readiness with which you concurred in our application to you in the year 17G6, for the pious purposes then mentioned, and we trust the accounts we have from time to time trans- mitted to you of the manner in which your contributions were laid out, and the salutary effects which arose from the distribution of them, have not f;iiled of giv- ing you due satisfaction. These contributions being nearly expended, we again solicit your charity, not only for the important purposes before mentioned, but for the further design of purchasing and distributing religious books in such places, and among such people, as are destitute of the ordinary means of instruc- tion by the regular preaching of the gospel. We apprehend little need be said to recommend this last object to your countenance. The success which hath attended schemes of the same kind for spreading Christian knowledge in other parts of the world, and the very peculiar state of some parts of our country and the poor people under our care, render this undertaking at the present juncture both promising and necessary. " We think it our duty, at the same time, to call upon you to bewail the de- clension of vital religion ; and while we remind you of your many civil and re- ligious privileges — of the blessings of peace and ample security in the posses- sion of all the sacred rights of conscience, together with the faithful ministry of the gospel, which you have long enjoyed, we earnestly pray that you would not provoke God to deprive you of them, but to take warning by the judg- ments which he inflicted upon his unfruitful churches of Asia, Africa, and Rome, lest he remove your candlesticks out of their places. We therefore re- commend to you frequent and fervent addresses to the throne of Almighty God for the Holy Spirit to be sent down upon his churches. This alone will lead you in the way of truth and life, and render our labours for your comfort and edification effectual. " We recommend likewise a steadfast regard to the pure and simple doctrines of the gospel, which have been the powerful means in all ages of enlightening and reforming the world. And therefore we earnestly beseech you not to be carried away by any opinions, however specious, which are not founded iipon the Scriptures, but in all things which relate to doctrine and practice to be strictly guided by those sacred oracles of truth. "We recommend further, that you would cultivate that spirit of love and Christian union among one another which is so frequently enjoined by the gos- pel of our Lord Jesus Christ, that it may appear to the world that you are not only one body, but of one mind. We exhort you in a particular manner to diligence and faithfulness in instructing your children and servants in the doc- trine of the Holy Scriptures, an excellent summary of which is contained in the Westminster Confession of Faith, larger and lesser catechisms. "In the last place, we recommend to you a punctual attendance upon all the public ordinances of religion, and earnestly request that you would strive to promote that regard for the Sabbath — that reverence for the holy name of God — that temperance, sobriety, chastity, charity, humility, decency, and universal benevolence and love, which are so essential to Christianity, and so strongly inculcated in every part of the word of God. Finally, brethren, pray for us, be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace, and the God of love and peace shall be with you." Mr. iMontgomery is desired to have three hundred copies of this letter printed and given to the several Presbyteries before the Synod breaks up. Mrs. Jane Tennent brought in an appeal from the judgment of the first Phila- delphia Presbytery, which was read, and after liearing her and the Presbytery, the Synod confirm the judgment of the Presbytery. And further judge, that however deficient the certificate was which was given to the said Mrs. Tennent 1772.] NEW YORK AND PHILADELPHIA. 431 by the session of the second Presbyterian Church in Philadelphia, yet if she produces sufficient certificates from the other places where she has resided since her marriage with the Eev. Mr. Charles Tennent, at which time she removed from the church in Philadelphia, that then she may be received into communion with the church where she resides. Adjourned till three clock, P. M. Concluded with prayer. Three o'cloch, P. 31. The Synod met according to adjournment. Post preces sederunt qui supra. With the members who had leave of absence on Saturday last, who are now returned, and Mr. Treat again took the chair. Mr. Robert Finney and William Clingan have leave of absence. An appeal was brought in by the third Presbyterian Church in Philadel- phia, from a judgment of the second Philadelphia Presbytery, which, with the judgment of the Presbytery, was read, and after the Presbytery was heard in part, Adjourned till to-morrow morning, nine o'clock. Concluded with prayer. IQth day, nine o'clock, the Synod met according to adjournment. Post preces sederunt qui supra. Ordered, To proceed in hearing the appeal entered upon yesterday. The Presbytery proceeded further in the defence of their judgment, and after both parties were fully heard, the Synod adjourned till three o'clock, P. M. Concluded with prayer. Three o'clock, P. 31. the Synod met according to adjournment. Post preces sederunt qui supra. The consideration of the appeal resumed ; and after much deliberation upon the subject, it was voted, affirm or reverse the judgment of the Presbytery, and it was carried reverse, by a large majority. Mr. McDowell, Mr. Matthew Wilson, Mr. Miller, and Mr. Latta, desired liberty to enter their dissent from the judgment, which was granted, and they are to bring in their reasons to-morrow morning. It was then voted, whether the third Preshytci-ian congregation of Philadelphia have liberty to prosecute their call for Mr. Duffield, before the Presbytery of Donegal, which was carried by a large majority that they have. Mr. Chauncy Graham and Mr. Eakin have liberty to go home. Adjourned till to-morrow morning, at nine o'clock. Concluded with prayer. 0,1 th day, nine o'cloch, the Synod met according to adjournment. Post jireces sederunt qui swpra. With the Rev. Mr. Charles McKnight, who gave sufficient reasons for not coming sooner. An appeal was brought in by the congregation of St. George's and the Forest, from a judgment of the Presbytery of New Castle, August last, which affected said congregations. After the parties were fully heard, and withdrawn, and the Synod had maturely deliberated upon the affair, it was moved that a com- mittee be appointed to draw up a minute to express the sense of the Synod relative to the whole matter. It was also moved that it be voted, reverse or affirm the judgment of the Presbytery. The previous question was then put, which of these should be the state of the vote, and the former was carried, and 432 MINUTES OF THE SYNOD OF [1772. accordingly Mr. Miller, Mr. McWhorter, and Mr. Bayard, were appointed a committee for that purpose. Adjourned till three o'clock. Concluded with prayer. Three o'clock, P. M. the Synod met accordhvj to adjournment. Post preces sederunt qui siipra. Petitions were presented for supplies ; one in behalf of Long Canes, Rocky Creek, and places adjacent, in South Carolina; another from the inhabitants near Monongahela and Youghiogeny ; another from the Forks of James River, Virginia, and one from the head of Christina Creek, for supplies in the absence of Mr. McCrcary, who was sent to Carolina by the Synod, and by sickness is prevented returning. Mr. George Craighead had leave to go home. A call was put into the Synod from the Long Canes, for Mr. Joseph Smith, which was given to the Presbytery of New Castle, to present to him. Mr. Elmer was proposed for the southern mission, and he chose to consider of it till to-morrow. The Presbytery of Donegal are appointed to send cither Mr. Craighead or Mr. King, to Monongahela, and places adjacent, to supply as long as they con- veniently can. Mr. Robert McMordic is appointed to Virginia, and the Carolinas, for sis months. The Presbytery of New Castle inform the Synod, it is probable they will have a candidate this summer, who they think may conveniently spend some time at Monongahela, and places adjacent, and the Forks of James' River. The Presbytery is ordered, if that should be the case, to send him to those places. Mr. Sampson Smith is appointed to supply two months on the South Branch of Potomac. The Presbytery of New Castle are directed to appoint the above candidate two months at the Forks of James' River. The first Philadelphia Presbytery inform us, it is probable they will have two candidates whom they can send this summer to Virginia and the Carolinas. The Presbytery is ordered, accordingly, to send them as soon as they judge it expedient. The Rev. Joshua Hart, of Suffolk Presbytery, is appointed to Virginia and the Carolinas, for six mouths, and as much longer as he can conveniently. A remonstrance from the first Presbyterian Church in Philadelphia, relating to the judgment of the Synod passed yesterday with respect to the appeal from the third Presbyterian Church, was brought in and read, and ordered a second reading to-morrow morning. A petition was presented by Mr. Robert Taylor, signed by sundry members of Cedar Spring and Tuscarora congregations, praying that those congregations should be set off from under the care of Donegal I'resbytery, and put under some other. And after due consideration, the prayer of the petition was denied, by a nearly unanimous vote. Adjourned till to-morrow morning, nine o'clock. Concluded with prayer. 2'^th day, nine o'cIocJc. The Synod met according to adjournment. Post prcces sederunt qui supra. (Excepting Mr. Schank, who went home without asking liberty.) Mr. Elmer informs the Synod he is still unable to determine with any cer- tainty whether he can undertake the southern mission, but engages to go if 1772.] NEW YORK AND PHILADELPHIA. 433 he can make it convenient, and lie is accordingly appointed if that should be the case. Messrs. McDowell, Matthew Wilson, and Latta, brought in the reasons of their dissent from the judgment, with respect to the third Presbyterian Church in this city, which are as follows : "We enter our dissent from the two votes of the Synod, reversing the judg- 'ment of the second Presbytery of Philadelphia, and giving a liberty to the peo- ple, who call themselves the congregation of Pine-street, to prosecute a call in the Presbytery of Donegal, for these reasons following, among others: "1. Because we apprehend that a vote forwarding a call to any minister of the gospel, without any concurrence of the eldership, and much more in oppo- sition to their solemn caution, a call that was voted when not half the people of Pine-street were present, the session, and others, in the mean time objecting against it, is indeed among us a new mode of proceeding, that might introduce a dangerous precedent, and cause anarchy and confusion, and occasion endless appeals from turbulent and factious parties and persons. "2. Because the votes referred to, though in appearance against the judg- ment of Presbytery only, yet take in and decide the cause of the commissioners of Market-street congregation, without giving them a fair hearing, contrary to assurance from the Synod. " 3. Because these votes do, as far as the Synod could, destroy a solemn and express stipulation, entered in the united congregation of Market and Pine street, first proposed by their own committee, as appears by their records before us, then prepared with deliberation, and publicly read in, and approved by, the congregation convened for that purpose, on notice fi-om the pulpit, which stipu- lation, whatever was pretended to the contrary, must either have been the first, and authentic, or superseded whatever was before it. This authentic contract, we apprehend, it is not in the power of the Synod either to dispense with, or violate. This strange judgment seemed to be chiefly founded on the erroneous supposition that the stipulations gave one society domination over the other, whereas it appears to be agreed that the ministers of both houses should preach in rotation, and be equally chosen by a majority of both. "4. Because these votes are directly the reverse of what the Synod judged in a similar case of New Castle and Christina congregations, where the diffi- culties wei-e not so great as in the present case, which we think appears evi- dently partial. " 5. Because the votes referred to were hurried on precipitately, and in a way not usual here, occasioning some confusion, and plainly calculated to stop further reasoning, when the greater part of the members were not heard on the subject. '♦ 6. Finally, because these votes which we dissent from, carried in such a manner, evidently tend to injure the civil property of the people of Market- street ; to take away their house, which they evidently begun and carried on at a vast expense, without any reparation, or otherwise force them into lawsuits, kindle the flames of discord, and unnecessarily destroy the peace of the Presby- terian churches in this city. Alexander McDowell, Matthew Wilson, James Latta." And Dr. Witherspoon and Mr. Richard Treat are appointed a committee to consider those reasons, and if thought necessary to draw up an answer to them, to be laid before the Synod. In a reference to the above paper of reasons of dissent, the Synod observe that although their brethren, who signed that paper, have a right to offer their own reasons in their own words, yet the Synod does claim it as their privilege to say, that the brethren have proceeded upon a mistaken view of facts, and have misrepresented the same, particularly in respect to the dissolving solemu 55 434 MINUTES OF THE SYNOD OF [1772. contracts, and determining civil property, both which the Synod disavow, and do think there is no need of any further remark thereupon. The Presbytery book of Lewestown was revised and approved. The Presbytery of New Brunswick inform the Synod they have two candi- dates, Mr. Simpson and Mr. WaUacc, who probably can go to Virginia and the Carolinas, in the fall. The Synod accordingly appoint these candidates to sup- ply six months, and as much more as they can conveniently, - Mr. Simonton has leave to go home. The several Presbytei-ies were called to render an account agreeably to the order of last year, of the subscriptions for the New Jersey College, and Mr. Halsey was appointed to receive their reports; but finding only Donegal and New Brunswick Presbyteries were prepared to render them, the others are di- rected to send explicit accounts, according to the order of last year, to Mr. Halsey before September next, that he may lay the whole account before the trustees of said college. The committee appointed yesterday morning to draw up a minute with re- spect to the appeal of the Forest congregation from a judgment of the New Castle Presbytery, brought in the following, which, as amended, was approved, and is as follows : '^ The Synod judge that the Forest congregation have an undoubted right to a copy of whatever papers relate to their congregational aifairs, as united with St. (xeorge's; that it is reasonable the people of St. George's should adjust the accounts respecting the glebe money, with the Forest congregation, let them know their dividend thereof, according to the line mentioned in their subscription paper, and allow them their share of all the advantages that have accrued from their common stock, in proportion to their subscriptions ; never- theless the money to continue in the hands of the present trustees until the Forest congregation are erected into a separate society, and have a minister settled among them ; that the Forest people complete the line as agreed to between them and St. George's ; that as there are yet some of the Forest peo- ple who still pay rent for pews at St. George's, it is but equitable that the members of the latter, possessing pews in the Forest church, should do the same there, in order that the Forest people may be able to ascertain what pro- portion they should have of a minister's labours among them, while they con- tinue united with St. George's. And if there arise any dispute about civil property, the Synod recommend it to them to choose suitable arbiters to settle the same between them. Upon the whole, the Synod do earnestly recom- mend that they should all cultivate the strictest harmony with each other, and study the things that make for peace and tend to promote their mutual edification." The remonstrance of the first Presbyterian church in this city, was read a second time, and the committee who brought it in were heard, and after some time and discourse they reduced to writing their request, which is as follows : " The members of Market street church being informed that the reverend Synod have been pleased to reverse a late judgment of the Presbytery relating to the call of the Rev. Mr. Duffield to their church in Pine street, by which they are like to be affected in some of their most important interests, desire a clear and explicit answer in writing to the following questions : First, whether they are to understand the judgment of the reverend Synod, touching this matter, to be final, and whether the members of said church are hereby precluded from any further hearing in it. Second question, whether the call of the Rev. Mr. Duffield is to their church in Pine street as a minister to officiate in that house, and whether the reverend Synod approve of his being called to officiate there." After these questions were duly considered, the following answer was voted : 1772.] NEW YORK AND PHILADELPHIA. 435 " Gentlemen : I am ordered by the Synod to signify tliat they reckon their minutes a sufficient answer to both the within questions, and they recommend to both parties if they have any disputes upon temporal property, not to go to law, but to refer their differences to the decision of arbiters mutually chosen. '' Signed by the clerk." - Adjourned till three o'clock, P. M. Concluded with prayer. Three o'clock. The Synod met according to adjournment. Post preces sede- runt qui sxipra. The Presbytery of Donegal expressing some uneasiness with the late con- duct of the second Philadelphia Presbytery respecting Mr. Kennedy, the Synod agreed to hear the cause by way of free conference, and all parties having been fully heard, they came to the following conclusion. That as Mr. Kennedy was not under the particular care of any Presbytery when he came into the bounds of Donegal Presbytery, he ought while he preached there to have been under their care, and accountable to them for his conduct; that the uneasiness with the conduct of the second Philadelphia Pres- bytery, arose for want of a proper information concerning it, and that Mr. Ken- nedy be ordered to put himself immediately under the care of the Donegal Presbytery until they shall have proper time to hear and determine any com- plaints made against him in those parts. The Presbytery of New Castle expressing some uneasiness at the conduct of the second Philadelj)hia Presbytery for having received and licensed a certain Mr. John McClean, who they apprehend most properly belonged to the Pres- bytery of New Castle, and had applied to them to be licensed ; and while they were taking the proper steps for obtaining more full satisfaction concerning his church membership and Christian character, he, in the mean time, removed from them and applied to the second Philadelphia Presbytery, and was licensed by them; both the Presbyteries were fully heard in a free conference on this subject, and withdrew. The Synod, after mature deliberation, order Mr. McClean to be* cited before the Presbytery of New Castle, with power to them to hear the charges against him and issue the affair in a regular manner, and report to the next meeting of Synod. And the Synod do prohibit the second Philadelphia Presbytery from employing him to preach till the affair shall be concluded. A petition from the members of the session of the third Presbyterian church in this city, asking advice of this Synod with respect to the execution of their office, in consequence of the judgment of the -Synod respecting that church, after it was duly considered they returned the following answer, viz : The Synod advise them to continue to act as elders, but in case they cannot consis- tently with what they apprehend to be their duty, continue as such, and act upon the decisions of Synod, that they may resign their office, and the congre- gation proceed to choose other elders who may have freedom to act according to the determinations of the Synod. In answer to the petition for supplies from Christiana and White Clay creek, we appoint to supply there Dr. Alison the first Sabbath in June, Mr. Hunter the third ; jMr. Thomas Read the first Sabbath in July, Mr. Simonton the third ; Mr. Green the first Sabbath in August, Mr. Boyd the third, and Mr. John Simpson the fifth. Overtured, whether the state of the Presbyteries belonging to this Synod is such as contributes most to the interest of religion and the honour of this body. Deferred till next year. Liberty was asked for ordaining Mr. Daniel Jones, whose state of health 43G MINUTES OF THE SYNOD OP [1773 seems to make it necessary he should take a voyage to sea; tliis was referred to the Presbytery to which he belongs. Answers to several questions proposed by a committee of the Synod to the Associate Presbytery were brought in ; but as the Synod had not time to read them they refer the consideration of them to the following committee, Dr. Witherspoon, Dr. llodgers, Messrs. McWhorter, Joseph Treat, AVilliam Mills, Caldwell, and Halsey, who are to meet the sixteenth of June at Elizabeth- town. Mr. Sproat is appointed stated clerk to the Synod, to transcribe the minutes and preserve the papers belonging to it, who is ordered to give proper certifi- cates to those appointed upon distant missions. Adjourned till the third Wednesday of May next, to meet in the first Pres- byterian church in this city, at ten o'clock, A. M. Concluded with prayer. 1773. Philadelphia, May 19^7i, 1773. The Synod of New York and Philadelphia met according to adjournment. ITbi post preces sederunt From the Dutchess county Presbytery : The Rev. Ichabod Lewis. From the Presbytery of New York : The Rev. Azariah Horton, Alexander McWhorter, James Caldwell, Joseph Treat, Aaron Richards, Benjamin Hait, Jonathan Murdoch, Dr. Rodgers. From the Presbytery of New Brunswick : The Rev. Elihu Spencer, Jeremiah Halsey, William Schanck, Jacob Vanarsdalen, and Dr. Witherspoon. From the first Philadelphia Presbytery : The Rev. Richard Treat, James Sproat, John Brainerd, Andrew Hunter, James Boyd, James Watt, Benjamin Chesnutt, Alexander Mitchell. From the second Philadelphia Presbytery: Dr. Alison, and the Rev. John Ewing, John Simonton, John Elder, Joseph Tate, and Patrick Alison. From the New Castle Presbytery : The Rev. Joseph Montgomery, William Foster, James Wilson, James Anderson, Samuel Eakin, John Carmichael, James Latta. From the Lewestown Presbytery : The Rev. John IMiller. From the Donegal Presbytery : The Rev. John Roan, John Strain, John Craighead, Hugh Vance, Robert Cooper, John King. Elders : Messrs. James Edgar, Thomas Beard, William Clark, Matthias Boyd, George Curry, Benjamin Branon, John McCalla, Thomas Reeve, Abraham Van- middlesworth, John Johnson, James Jackson, William Peartrce Smith, Esq'r. Thomas Waters, Garret Noel, John Smilic. Ministers absent : Of Dutchess county Presbytery : The Rev. Chancey Gra- ham, Eli.sha Kent, Samuel Dunlap, Benjamin Strong, Solomon 3Iead, Eliphalet Ball, Wheeler Case, and Samuel Mills. Of New York Presbytery : The Rev. Timothy Jones, Jonathan Elmer, Azel Roe, Benjamin Woodruff", Simon Horton, Jacob Green, John iMoifat, Hugh Knox, Thomas Lewis, Nathan Kerr, Abner Brush, William Wood- hull, Jedidiah Chapman, Samuel Sacket, Alexander Miller, Oliver Deeming, Amzi Lewis. Of New Brunswick Presbytery : Tlie Rev. William Tennent, John Ros- borough, Israel Reed, John Hannah, Thomas Smith, Charles 3IcKnight, John Guild, James Lyon, Job Prudden, Francis Peppard. Of first Philadelphia Presbytery : The Rev. Enoch Green, Nehemiah Green- man. 1773.] NEW YORK AND PHILADELPHIA. 437 Of second Philadelphia Presbytery : The Rev. Robert McMordie and John ' Steel. Of New Castle Presbytery : The Rev. Robert Smith, William McCannon, Joseph Smith, James Fmley, Josiah Lewis, Thomas Read, John Woodhull, Alexander McDowell, John Clark, Sampson Smith, John McCreary. Of Lewestown Presbytery : The Rev. Matthew Wilson, Alexander Huston, Jacob Kerr. Of Donegal Presbytery : The Rev. James Hunt, John Slemmons, Samuel Thomson, John Hogg, Amos Thomson, James Long. Absent, the whole Pi-esbyteries of Hanover, Orange, and Suffolk counties. The Rev. Mr. Joseph Treat opened the Synod by a sermon from 1 Cor. iv. 2. Mr. Sproat was chosen moderator, Messrs. Spencer and Caldwell clerks. Dutchess county Presbytery report, that they have ordained Mr. David Close since the last Synod. New York Presbytery report, Mr. John Darby has withdrawn from their Presbytery. New Brunswick Presbytery report, they have licensed Mr. Caleb Wallace to preach as a candidate ; and that Mr. Alexander McClane is dismissed from them and removed from the bounds of the Synod. First Philadelphia Presbytery report, the Rev. Mr. Charles Beatty was re- moved by death on the thirteenth of August last, and that they have licensed to preach as candidates Mr. Daniel McCalla and Mr. William Hollingshead. The Second Philadelphia Presbytery report, they have received the Rev. Mr. Hugh McGill from L-eland. But it being objected that he was suspended from his ministry in Ireland by the Associate Presbytery, of which he had been a minister, which was confessed by himself; and the second Philadelphia Presbytery not appearing to us to have had sufficient evidence of the grounds of that suspension, thus virtually to reverse it, nor otherwise to have received satisfactory testimonials in his favour, the Synod therefore reverse that part of the judgment of the Presbytery by which he was received. New Castle Presbytery report, they have licensed Messrs. Samuel Stan- hope Smith, Nathaniel Irwin, Robert Davidson, Samuel Dougal, and James Power. Donegal Presbytery report, they have ordained Mr. William Thom and licensed Mr. Thomas McFerrin, and received the Rev. Mr. Robert Huey from the Presbytery of Derry in Ireland, and the Rev. Messrs. David Maclure and Levi Frisby from New England. But it appearing to the Synod that these two last mentioned were under the direction of the board of correspondents from the society of Scotland and appointed to an Indian Mission, and are not dismissed from the ecclesiastical council by which they were ordained in New England, the Synod reverse the judgment of the Presbytery receiving them into full membership, but approve of their taking them under their care while they are labouring occasionally in the bounds of the Presbytery. Adjourned till to-morrow morning at nine o'clock. Concluded with prayer. 2()th day, nine o'clock, the Synod met according to adjournment. Post jpreces sederunt qui supra. (With Robert Smith, Charles McKnight, John Slemmons, Joseph Smith, ministers; and Mr. Robert Armour, elder.) It was moved that the dismission or reception of members and candidates be made matter of report by our several Presbyteries, which was agreed to. In consequence of which the Presbytery of New York report, they had dis- missed Mr. Francis Peppard to the Presbytery of New Brunswick, and the 438 MINUTES OF THE SYNOD OF [1773. Presbytery of New Brunswick report, they have received hiin, and that they have dismissed Mr. Caleb AVaUace to join one of the southern Presbyteries in the bounds of which he may labour. The Presbytery of Donegall report, they have dismissed Mr. George Duffield, who had accepted a call to a congregation under the care of the second Phila- delphia Presbytery. The Rev. Mr. William Stuart produced a certificate and recommendation from the Presbytery of Perry in Ireland, of which he had been a member, and as he proposes to travel to the southern provinces, he desired the Synod would give him such recommendation as they might judge expedient, without his being considered as a member, which he does not yet choose till he can determine the place of his settlement. Dr. Withcrspoon, ]\Ir. Miller, Mr. Latta, and Dr. Podgers, are appointed to converse with Mr. Stuart and make report to the Synod. Messrs. Lewis, Hait, Joseph Treat, Richards, Halsey, McKnight, Hunter, Chesnutt, Patrick Alison, Simonton, Foster, Latta, Miller, Roan, Craighead, William Clark, James Jackson, and John McCalla, are appointed a committee of overtures, to meet here to-morrow morning at six o'clock, and as often after- wards by adjournment as they may judge expedient. Mr. Montgomery and ]Mr. Patrick Alison are appointed a committee to ex- amine the New York Presbytery book. Dr. Rodgers and Mr. Robert Smith to examine the Presbytery book of New Brunswick. Mr. Ewing and 3Ir. Tate to examine the book of the first Philadelphia Pres- bytery. Mr. Joseph Treat and Mr. Foster to examine the second Philadelphia Pres- bytery book. Mr. Cooper and Mr. King to examine the Presbytery book of New Castle. The other Presbytery books are not brought in. The Synod appoint as their commission for the ensuing year, the Rev. Messrs. Richard Treat, Dr. Alison, John Ewing, Elihu Spencer, William Tennent, Dr. Rodgers, Alexander McWhorter, William Mills, John Close, Solomon Mead, Ichabod Lewis, Robert Smith, Josej^h Montgomery, Matthew Wilson, John Miller, George Duffield, John Roan, with the moderator ; and Messrs. William Peartree Smith, John McCalla, Garret Noel, John Johnson, James Jackson, and William Clark, elders; thirteen of whom to be a quorum, to be called by the moderator; but if the moderator should die, or be absent, the first in order in the minute shall have jjower to call the commission and preside. Incjuiry being made at the several Presbyteries, how far they had complied with the recommendation of the Synod in raising money for the education of poor pious youth, it was found the Presbyteries of New York, New Brunswick, and the members of the second Philadelphia Presbytery, had complied fully, and had several young men at education ; some of the other Presbyteries have done something, but have not answered the design of the Synod. They are now ordered to prosecute this important plan, as speedily as possible, and be ready to make a particular report to tlie next Synod. The committee appointed to dispose of money in the hands of the treasurer of the College of New Jersey, for poor and pious youth, report, they met ac- cording to appointment, and disposed of the money in hand last year. And the Synod appoint for a committee to dispose of such money as shall be due October next. Dr. Withcrspoon, Messrs. Tennent, (luild, Ewing, Spencer, Cald- well; Halsey, Richard Treat, Israel Read, McWhorter, any three of whom to 1772.] NEW YORK AND PHILADELPHIA. 439 be a quorum, to attend at New Jersey College the third Wednesday of August Adjourned till three o'clock, P. M. Concluded with prayer. Three o'clock, P. 31, the Synod met according to adjournment. Post preces sederunt qui supra. (With Messrs. Matthew Wilson, William Thorn, Alexander McDowell, and Kobert Huey, ministers; and Messrs. William Denny, and Anthony Tate, elders.) j i The Presbytery of Donegal complied with the appointment of last year, to supply Monongahela. The Presbytery of New Castle did the same. Mr. McMordie complied with his appointment and went to Carolina. The first Presbytery of Philadelphia found it inexpedient to send the can- didates to Carolina, which they mentioned last year. Mr. Joshua Hart of Suifolk Presbytery, did not comply with the appoint- ment of the Synod last year to go to Carolina. Mr. Schank gave sufficient reasons for leaving the Synod last year without IGRVG. Mr. Elmer did not comply with the appointment of Synod last year. Mr. Simpson complied with the appointment of the last Synod, and supplied seven months in the southern provinces. Mr. Wallace was providentially prevented going according to his appoint- ment. ^ ^^ 3Ir. John McClean did not attend the Presbytery of New Castle accordin^^ to the appointment of last Synod, to answer the charges exhibited ao-ainst°his moral character, but hath gone to Carolina, and is preaching contrary to order, and under the pretence of being a candidate in reijular standing with one of our Presbyteries. The Synod is also informed, that Mr. John Beard, who was de- posed trom the work of the ministry, is also preaching in Carolina. Mr. Montgomery and Mr. Caldwell are appointed to bring in a draught of a letter to the Presbyteries of Hanover, in Virginia, and Orange, in Carolina, with respect to these gentlemen. And as we are informed," Mr McCleau shows a certificate signed with Mr. Tate's name as clerk to a committee of the second Presbytery of Philadelphia, which Mr. Tate says is foro-ed • he is therefore desired to write to the Presbytery aforesaid to inform them' of the imposition. Adjourned till to-morrow morning, nine o'clock. Concluded with prayer. 21st day. Nine o clock. The Synod met according to adjoxmimeyit. Post preces sederunt qui sujira. (With the Picv. Mr. Thomas Read.) _ Mr. Brainerd reports the Indian school under his care has not been con- tinued the last year, he not being able to obtain a proper master, but that he had as often as consistent with his other business, attended to the instruction of the children. _ And he further reports, that he preaches in seven places, besides the two In- dian societies under his special care. For these services the Synod allow Mr. Brainerd twenty-five pounds. Ordered, that the treasurer pay the same. Mr. Brainerd is also allowed the eighteen pounds, interest of money in the hands of the trustees of New Jersey College, for an Indian mission. Agreed that the treasurer for the Synod, for the future give bond to three members, chosen by the Synod, for all the money in his hands, and that he allow for it three per cent, per annum interest. 440 MINUTES OF THE SYNOD OF [1778. The Synod then made choice of Dr. Witherspoon for their treasurer, and Dr. Alison, Mr. Richard Treat, and Mr. Sproat, are directed to take a proper bond from Dr. Withcrspoon for the money which shall be in his hands at the end of this session of Synod, payable to them in one year for the use of the Synod. And Mr. Treat, our late treasurer, is ordered to pay to Dr. "Witherspoon the money now in his hands belonging to the Synod. Messrs. IMontgomery and Caldwell brought in a draught of a letter to the Presbyteries of Hanover and Orange, according to the order of yesterday, which was approved of. Ordered, That the clerks make out fair copies of said letter, and that the moderator sign them, and send one copy to each Presbytery aforesaid, as soon as possible. The stated clerk is ordered to record this letter in the Appendix. The minutes of the last General Convention were brought by Dr. Rodgers, their stated register, and read ; and as the convention is to meet again at Stan- ford, in Connecticut, the first Wednesday in September next, at eleven o'clock, we appoint to attend there, and to act as members from the Synod, the Rev. Dr. Francis Alison, Dr. John Witherspoon, Dr. John Rodgers, Andrew Hunter, Elihu Spencer, John Brainerd, Benjamin Hait, John Ewing, Benjamin Ches- nutt, Joseph ^Montgomery, Alexander McWhorter, James Caldwell, Joseph Treat, John Carmichael, William Mills, John Close, Jeremiah Halse}', Samuel Mills, and Ichabod Lewis ; and Dr. Witherspoon to open the convention with a sermon, but in case he should fail, Mr. McWhorter is appointed in his room. The committee appointed in behalf of the Synod to dispose of money in the hands of the corporation of the widows' fund, read their minutes before the Synod, which were approved ; and we appoint as a committee for the same pur- pose this year, Messrs. Spencer, Sproat, Montgomery, McWhorter, and Cald- well, to meet to-morrow morning, at six o'clock, at Mr. Sproat' s, and as often afterwards as expedient. Mr. Samuel Eakin being by last Synod restored to the exercise of his min- istry for one year, and put under the particular care of New Castle Presbytery, the Presbytery was now called upon, and reports as follows : " That immediately after the last session of Synod they received the Rev. Samuel Eakin under their care, and since that time he has laboured in the work of the ministry, at their direction, and that he has behaved himself in a becoming and regular manner as far as is known tp them." The Synod hoping the censures inflicted upon Mr. Eakin have had their proper influence, and that from his conduct the year past, his repentance is sincere, do therefore now fully restore him to the exercise of the ministry ; and do earnestly recommend to him the greatest humility, circumspection, and meekness, through the remaining part of his life. And as Mr. Eakin has the prospect of labouring at present chiefly in the bounds of the first Philadel- phia Presbytery, he is therefoi'c joined to that. Adjourned till three o'clock, P. M. Concluded with prayer. Tliree o'clock, P. 31. The Si/nod met according to adjournment. Post preces sederunt qui sup>ra. (With the Rev. Mr. James Long, who gave sufficient reasons for not coming sooner.) Upon inquiry being made of the several Presbyteries concerning their com- pliance with the order of last Synod, to collect for the charitable uses then mentioned, it was found that some Presbyteries, through mistake or neglect, 1773.] NEW YORK AND PHILADELPHIA. 441 have not complied. Those who have collected are ordered to pay the same into the hands of the Synod's treasurer immediately ; and those Presbyteries who have not collected, are ordered to do it speedily; as also those who have done it in part, are ordered to complete what is yet unfinished. And they are now directed to make those collections in vacancies as well as congregations which have settled ministers. And that this may be done more thoroughly, we order the several Presbyteries to make this known at their first session, and then take proper care to have the collections made in their bounds, and pro- vide that a complete list be made out, of ministers and congregations, with their collections, to be laid before and examined by the respective Presbyteries, at some session previous to the meeting of the Synod, and prepared for printing next year, without taking up the time of the Synod. Those ministers who have not read the Pastoral Letter to their congregations, are directed to do it, and also in the vacancies. Dr. Rodgers is appointed to acquaint the Presbytery of Suffolk of this matter, and the clerks to send attested copies of this order to the Presbyteries of Hano- ver and Orange, and to send them some of our Pastoral Letters by Mr. Wallace, a candidate going to the southward. For the purpose of procuring books to bestow on the poor : in Philadelphia, Dr. Francis Alison, Mr. Sproat, Mr. Montgomery, Mr. John Bayard, and Mr. Jonathan Smith ; and in New York, Dr. Rodgers, Mr. Treat, Mr. McWhorter, Mr. Caldwell, and Mr. Noel, are appointed as committees, and that they do not exceed the sum of twenty pounds, pro. cur., to be laid out by each committee; and that they draw on the treasurer for this sum. The Presbytery of New York applied to the Synod for the whole or part of the money collected by them this year, to be applied towards the rebuilding the Presbyterian church in the island of Saba, which was destroyed by the hurricane last year. The petition from Saba to the Presbytery was read, and the Presby- tery offered their reasons for appropriating said money. The Synod remitted to the Presbytery to determine what part of said money should be allowed to Saba ; and the Presbytery, after consulting, reported that they determined fifty pounds should be allowed for that purpose, which is accordingly agreed to, and the treasurer is ordered to pay that sum into the hands of Dr. Rodgers, to be remitted to Saba. The Presbyteries of New York, New Castle, Suffolk, Dutchess, and the first Philadelphia Presbytery, which have not complied with the order of last Synod to transmit to Mr. Halsey an account of the money subscribed in their bounds to the college of New Jersey, are ordered to comply as speedily as possible. Mr. Samuel Kennedy, a candidate, did not comply with the order of last Synod, to put himself under the care of Donegal Presbytery, although he hath continued to preach in their bounds. Mr. Kennedy gave in a paper to the Synod, assigning the reasons of his conduct. The consideration of this affair is deferred. Adjourned till to-morrow morning, nine o'clock. Concluded with prayer. 21d day, nine o^ clock, the Synod met according to adjournment. Post preces sederunt qui supra. Except Mr. Thomas Waters, who is gone home. The consideration of Mr. Kennedy's conduct resumed. Mr. Kennedy was fully heard, and as he had in offering his reasons blamed the Presbytery, they were also heard. After due consideration, the question was put, Is Mr. Ken- nedy excusable or not ; and it was carried, not. Adjourned till Monday morning, ten o'clock. Concluded with prayer. 5Q 442 MINUTES OF THE SYNOD OF [1773. 2ith dai/, ten o'docJc. The S^nod met according to adjournment. Post prcccs sederunt qui supra. With Mr. John Golden, an elder. It was moved what censure should be inflicted upon Mr. Kennedy, in con- sequence of the judgment of Saturday last, and after it was considered and debated, ordered that he be rebuked from the chair for not complying with the order of last Synod to put himself under the care of Donegal Presbytery, and be remitted to the Presbytery, who are required to give him, before the Synod break up, a copy of such charges as they have now against him, and cite him to appear before them, to take his trial, the last Tuesday in June next, at Caughnawaga. The Presbytery of Donegal requested that some members of Synod might be joined with thcra on the trial. Ordered, That Mr. Robert Smith, Mr. Latta, Mr. Eorster, and Mr. Woodhull, be added to them for that purpose. And Mr. Cooper is appointed to cite such evidences as the Presbytery may judge necessary, and to give Mr. Kennedy citations for such evidences as he may require. Mr. Kennedy was then called in, submitted to the judgment, and was rebuked by the moderator. The committee appointed last Synod to consider the answers given by the Associate Presbytery to sundry questions which had been proposed by the Synod's committee, report : they met, and did read and consider said answers, and did not think it necessary to make any remarks upon them, nor to give any other answer to the Presbytery than as follows : that as the Associate brethren had not given any answer to the proposal of the committee from the Synod the year before, viz., that if anything was to be done further toward a coalition between the Associate brethren and the Synod, the proposal must come from the former, which they, the committee, should be ready to receive any time before next Synod. But that no such proposal has been made to them. Adjourned till three o'clock, P. M. Concluded with prayer. Three d'chcJcj P. 31. The Synod met according to adjournment Postpreces sederunt qui supra. With jMr. Thomas Bourne, Mr. Eichard Treat's elder. An overture respecting the regulation of the Presbyteries referred from the last Synod, is referred till the next year. A petition and complaint from Mr. Alexander Alexander, against the second Philadelphia Presbytery, was brought in by the committee .of overtures, and read. But it appearing to the Synod the matter of which he complains had not been decided by the Presbytery, ordered, that it be referred to the Presby- tery, who are required to hear it this evening or to-morrow. An overture was brought in by Mr. lloan in the following words : " Whereas, there have been repeated comj)laints from serious persons of the degeneracy of many of the Presbyterian denomination in Great Britain and Ireland, and their falling off from the great doctrines of the Keformation, so that it is very possible there may be Presbyteries the majority of which would not be unwilling to license, ordain, or recommend ministers unsound in the faith ; it seems to be of moment to guard against the admission of strangers into this body, before their principles and character are thoroughly ascertained : Therefore it is overtured, that no Presbytery be permitted to receive any stranger under the character of minister or candidate, or to give him appoint- 1773.] NEW YORK AND PHILADELPHIA. 443 ments in the congregations under our care, until the Synod that shall meet next after their arrival, that the whole testimonials and credentials offered by such persons be laid before the Synod, to be by them considered and judged of, in order to their admission or rejection. "John Koan." Which after full consideration was voted and admitted by a small majority. Several members desired liberty to enter their dissent, with their reasons, against the preceding vote, which was granted. Their reasons are in the following words : " The second Presbytery of Philadelphia unanimously dissent from, and pro- test against, the injurious law recorded above. " 1. Because it takes away from the Presbyteries some of their essential rights, restraining them from performing the duties of ordaining and admitting ministers agreeably to the Scriptures and the constitution and practice of the Presbyterian churches. Christ has vested his ministers with certain powers for the edification of his church, which they may not surrender or deliver up to the dominion of any man, or any body of men, whatever. If they err in the exercise of their powers they are accountable to the higher judicatures of the church, but they are not to be deprived of them merely because they may err in the exercise of them. '''2. Because it insinuates a strong suspicion that Presbyteries are unfaith- ful or unsound, and therefore not to be trusted in this matter, which is fixing an unjust reproach on their judicatures, and only serves to lessen their credit and influence. " 3. Because it is highly uncharitable and inconsistent with the love, respect, and fellowship which we owe the Protestant churches abroad, as it brings a promiscuous charge of unsoundness against, and lays an heavy reproach upon all the judicatures of their churches, contrary to all justice and modesty, and to the peace and harmony which should be promoted among the churches of Christ. ''4. Because unfriendly, unequal, and ofiensive treatment of ministers and candidates who are strangers, tends to fill them with prejudices against this body, as acting in an arbitrary, uncharitable manner, and inconsistent with the known rules of Presbyterianism, which will deter them from uniting with the Synod, and induce them to erect Presbyteries independent of it, to the great dishonour and injury of religion. " 5. Because the precedent hereby established is not only wrong in itself, as it divests our Presbyteries of their inherent rights, but extremely pernicious in its consequences. If the Synod is allowed this power with respect to ministers or probationers from Europe, why may it not at any time be pleaded with re- spect to those from every other part of the world ? Why may not the Synod, claiming thus far, extend their authority to the ordination of all our American probationers under some plausible pretences, such as, that the Synod is more faithful, or more learned, or fitter to judge of the piety of those who are to be received ? " 6. Because we have rules of proceeding as a Presbyterian church, re- specting this matter, which from long experience have been found suflBcient to preserve this Synod pure and free from errors ; these rules are agreeable to our Presbyterian plan, and consistent with the several rights of our respective judicatures, whereas the present one is useless, unwarranted, and anti-Presby- terial. "■ 7. As the agreements of 1764 and 1765 were repeatedly alleg-cd to be, and evidently are, for the same purpose pretended in the overture now made a re- ligious law, in which the northern provinces are expressly named, and as these provinces were repeatedly mentioned in the course of the debate, and nothing 444 MINUTES OF THE SYNOD OP [1773. said, or even insinuated, that they were excluded, during the whole time in which this matter was argued, nor when the overture was read before it was voted, it must appear equivocation to explain the meaning of the law in a sense that would except the American Continent, to relieve some dissenting brethren, leaving others deeply grieved and afflicted. " Against the aforesaid law, therefore, we, the second Presbytery of Phila- delphia, do protest in our Presbyterial capacity, and hereby enter our reasons upon record, to relieve our consciences, and testify our opposition to what is so partial, so uncharitable, so unjust and oppressive. " Francis Alison, John Elder, Joseph Tate, John Ewing, John SiMONTON, Patrick Alison." Dissentient : Dr. Rodgers, Joseph Montgomery, Alexander McWhorter, John Miller, Alexander McDowell, James Anderson, Thomas Read, James Caldwell. Reasons of dissent from an overture formed into an act of Synod, ordaining that no minister or candidate from foreign parts shall be admitted to member- ship by any Presbytery, but by the Synod alone. " Dissentient, 1. Because this overture tends to overthrow the essential rights of a Presbytery, the radical judicature of our church, unwarranted in Scripture, and from which we derive our name, Presbyterians. The power of ordination, of receiving and rejecting members, evidently belongs, according to God's word, to this judicature only. But this overture takes it away from it, and gives its work and power to a Syond, which is only a voluntary association of diflferent Presbyteries, or a council to give advice in difficult matters, and to secure peace, orthodoxy, edification, and mutual confidence, and has no power to make any arbitrary decisions, to which Presbyteries can only submit when their arbitrations are for the good of the whole. " 2. Because this overture is very uncharitable and contrary to the dictates of the humble and afiectionate temper of the gospel, which ' esteems others better than ourselves,' and ' thinketh no evil.' It strongly implies that our Presbyteries are either so ignorant as not to know, or so degenerate as not to regard, the qualifications of their own members, and would ' lay hands suddenly on any man,' and admit to the ministry or to the rights of membership, without proper testimonials and authentic recommendations. *' 3. Because it discovers great want of candour in judging of other churches of Christ, as if all the reformed churches, solemnly subscribing or assenting to the same Confession of Faith, the same Catechisms, and the same directory or plan of discipline and government, were wholly corrupted in faith or prac- tice, notwithstanding their solemn assent or subscription to the forms of sound doctrine. "4. Because this overture is founded on very unjustifiable reasoning, viz. that because some individuals, or perhaps some judicatures, in the foreign churches have been branded, and perhaps justly, with Socinian and other dan- gerous errors, that therefore their whole associations are corrupted; which mode of judging would condemn equally every Christian association in the world. " 5. Because the explanatory clause added, in order to exempt all preachers or ministers coming from any part of America, seems to be a mere subterfuge and equivocation, and calculated to relieve only a few members of the Synod. For before tlie votes confirming this overture, the New England churches were more than once mentioned as an objection against it, and it could scarcely have been forgotten by the voters; but suppose they had been forgotten, whence arises this partiality ? May not ministers who are pious and sound in the faith come from Great Britain or Ireland ? And are not Presbyteries by the consti- 1773.] NEW YORK AND PHILADELPHIA. 445 tution of our church and the authority of its great Head, the only judges of their admission ? '' 6. Because this overture evidently tends to produce contentions, confusion, and anarchy in the churches, for if the Synod will assume these high, unscrip- tural powers, it may be expected that some Presbyteries will resign their con- nection with a power they esteem tyrannical, and returning to their original state claim the enjoyment of their own inherent privileges. " 7. Because, finally, this overture evidently tends to stigmatize and throw scandal on the British and Irish churches, to the breaking the bonds of peace, union, charity, and mutual love between them and us, to represent us to them as narrow, factious bigots, and may provoke them to send into America new Presbyteries of their own, to erect new judicatures, altar against altar, to the great injury of the work of God, and edification of souls, to the grieving the Holy Spirit of God, and giving distress of mind to the sincere followers of the Prince of Peace. *' Matthew Wilson, James Latta, John King, James Lang." With respect to the reasons of protest against and dissent from the judgment of Synod about the admission of ministers and candidates from some of the foreign churches, offered by a number of the members, the Synod judge it suf- ficient briefly to observe : That neither in the overture presented to the Synod, nor in our judgment consequent upon it, is there any claim of power inconsistent with those rights of Presbyteries which the dissenting brethren suppose are radically in them, and essential to them. The powers of licensure and ordination are not so much as mentioned in the ovei'ture, nor in the least infringed upon in the judgment, and it would be a difficult task for them to undertake the proof, even upon their own principles, that the right of admitting persons already licensed or ordained belongs to Presbyteries exclusively. The dissenting brethren seem to have wholly mistaken the main ground of the overture, which does not at all appear to have arisen from a suspicion of unfaithfulness in any of our Presbyteries, or that the ministry in Britain and Ireland are wholly corrupted, but only that there is so great a degeneracy in those churches as renders it peculiarly neces- sary that the greatest care be taken in the admission of ministers and candi- dates coming from thence, and that the several Presbyteries neither have, nor can have, those means of information respecting the characters and orthodoxy of those ministers and candidates the Synod has, nor indeed such means as are necessary to enable them to judge with any sufficient degree of certainty re- specting them. Nor can the overture by any means be allowed to be inconsist- ent with the charity due to the churches of Britain and Ireland, as it is not so severe with respect to foreigners, as the Synods of Scotland are with respect to their own candidates, and as the degeneracy of those churches, which was one of the principal facts upon which the overture was founded, has not been denied by any of the dissentients. And, finally, we observe, that as the over- ture only held up to view the churches of Britain and Ireland, it is most unfair to infer that the explanatory clause annexed to the judgment " seemed to be a mere subterfuge and equivocation, and calculated to relieve only a few mem- bers of Synod." At the same time it was agreed that it should be put upon record that the word strani/ers in the preceding overture should not be extended to any persons from any part of the continent of America. Adjourned till to-morrow morning, nine o'clock. Concluded with prayer. 446 MINUTES OF THE SYNOD OF [1773, 25ih den/, nine 6'cloclc, A. M. The Synod met according to adjournment. Post prcces sederunt qui supra. It was moved by Dr. Rodgers, and seconded by others, that the operation of the above overture should be suspended till next year ; which, being opposed, the consideration of the motion is deferred till Thursday morning. The second Philadelphia Presbytery referred to the Synod the appeal of Mr. Alexander Alexander from a judgment of the session of the third Presby- terian eongregation in this city, which is agreed shall be considered to-morrow afternoon. A complaint was brought in by the Rev. Mr. George Duffield against the second Philadelphia Presbyteiy, that they had by one of their members ob- structed his entrance into a church in this city under their care, to which he had accepted a call, and had also refused to receive him as a member, although be was dismissed from, and recommended by, the Presbytery of Donegal, which was read. The minutes of the second Philadelphia Presbytery with respect to the complaint of Mr. Duffield were also read, assigning the reasons of their con- duct. A petition and remonstrance from the incorporated committee of the Pres- byterian churches in Market and Pine streets in this city, was also brought in and read, setting forth that Mr. Duffield, by the assistance of a part of the congregation of Pine street, had taken forcible possession of their church in Pine street, on the twenty-seventh day of September last, and praying we would take proper care to afford them such relief as the nature of the case required from us. The address and representation of the committee of the third Presbyterian church in Pine street in this city, was brought in and read, stating their con- duct in obtaining and introducing Mr. Duffield into the church. After the Presbytery had stated the case and the reason of their conduct, Mn Duffield was fully heard, and the Presbytery replied. The parties being fully heard were ordered to withdraw, and the Synod agreed to proceed to judg- ment in the afternoon. Adjourned till three o'clock, P. M. Concluded with prayer. Three o'cIocJc, P. M. The Si/nod met according to adjournment. Post preces sederunt qui supra. Ordered, To proceed 'agreeably to the agreement of the forenoon, to form a judgment in the cause depending between Mr. Duffield and the second Phila- delphia Presbytery. And after having maturely considered this matter, the Synod judge that Mr. Duffield had just cause of complaint against the conduct and judgment of the second Philadelphia Presbytery, who ought to have ad- mitted him to membership with them and allowed him a fair trial, wherefore we now declare him to be minister of the Pine street or third Presbyterian congregation in this city, and order, that he be put upon the list of the afore- said Presbytery. JMr. Schank asked leave to go home. Adjourned till to-morrow morning, nine o'clock. Concluded with prayer, IQth day, nine o\-IocJc, the Synod met according to adjournment. Post preces seilerunt qui supra. (With the Rev. Mr. John Woodhull, who gave sufficient reason for not coming sooner; and also the Hon. Richard Stockton, Dr. Witherspoon's elder.) 1773.] NEW YORK AND PHILADELPHIA. 447 A request from Lewestown Presbytery was presented, that the Rev. Mr. Thomas Reed, the Rev. Mr. Josiah Lewis, and Mr. Thomas Smith, a candidate under the care of New Castle Presbytery, should be set off from New Castle Presbytery and annexed to them. The Synod, after considering the matter, concluded only to set off Mr. Josiah Lewis for the present, who is hereby dis- missed from the New Castle Presbytery, and joined to them. A petition and remonstrance from the incorporated committee of the Pres- byterian churches of Market and Pine streets in this city, was brought in and read, alleging that the Rev. Mr. Greorge Duffield had taken possession of their church in Pine street in a violent manner, and praying he might be prohibited by this Synod from persisting in his conduct, and dismissed from their church. Mr. George Bryan appeared and informed the Synod, in the name of the corporation, that they withdrew their cause from our bar for reasons which he mentioned, and was directed to deliver to us in writing. The committee appointed to converse with Mr. Stuart, report, that they had done so at considerable length, and were fully satisfied with the testimonials produced with respect to his character and morals, and well pleased with the modesty and candour of his conversation, but that they did not find his views as to the ministry or employment in future life so fixed as that it could be of any importance to us or unto himself to join with this Synod under the char- acter of a minister, nor did he himself desire it, so withdrew his request. An appeal was brought in by several members of the second Presbyterian congregation in this city, from a judgment of the first Philadelphia Presbytery, confirming the judgment of the session of the second Presbyterian church, with respect to the introduction of Dr. Watts's imitation of the psalms into pub- lic worship ; and as the moderator was a member of the Presbytery from whose judgment they appealed, he left the chair, and Mr. Joseph Treat took his place. The case was stated, the minutes of Presbytery read, and the parties fully heard and withdrew. The Synod, after considering the matter, declare that with respect to the judgment of the Pi'esbytery, although it appears to be drawn up with great caution and tenderness, yet they do not think it proper finally to judge and decide upon it at present, but appoint Dr. Witherspoon, Dr. Rodgers, Mr. Strain, and Mr. McWhorter, a committee to converse with the parties in the congregation, who differ about psalmody, and make report to the Synod to-morrow afternoon. Adjourned till three o'clock. Concluded with prayei'. Three d clock, P. 31. the Synod met according to adjournment. Post preces sederu7it qui supra. Ordered, To hear the reference by the second Philadelphia Presbytery of Mr. Alexander Alexander's appeal from the judgment of the session of the third Presbyterian church in this city. After stating the cause and reading the judgment of the session and the ap- peal, both parties were fully heard. And the Synod finding, that as the ses- sion had not a minister of the word to preside through the course of the trial, and that a minister was the accuser of the appellant, it was judged it was at least inexpedient to proceed to trial, and upon the whole we think it best, and do remit the matter back to the Presbytery, to be heard and judged of by them de novo. Adjourned till to-morrow morning at eight o'clock. Concluded with prayer. 448 MINUTES OF THE SYNOD OF [1773. 27(h day, eujlit dcloclc, the Synod met according to adjournment. Post preces sederunt qui supra. The order of the morning being called for, Dr. Rodgers withdrew the motion made by him on Tuesday last, and another member moved in the following words : " Whereas many brethren are dissatisfied with the act of Synod respect- ing the non-admission of ministers and candidates into our Presbyteries from foreign parts, it is proposed, that the Presbytery to which any such gentlemen may offer themselves, may be allowed, if they see their way clear, to employ them in their vacancies, but that they be not admitted to full membership until the next Synod, when their testimonials and recommendations shall be laid be- fore the Synod." Which being considered was agreed to by the Synod, and is to regulate the conduct of the Presbyteries, notwithstanding the overture pro- posed and voted on jMonday last. A petition from the Presbyterian congregation in Pine street in this city, was brought in, praying to be taken from under the care of the second Phila- delphia Presbytery, and put under some other. Mr. Duffield, the minister of said congregation, being present, and requesting for himself to be annexed to the first Philadelphia Presbytery ; the Synod do grant their requests, and set off Mr. Puffield, and the congregation aforesaid, from the Presbytery to which they now belong, and annex him to and put them under the care of the fij'st Philadelphia Presbytery. The Presbytery books of New Castle, the first and second Philadelphia Pres- byteries, and of New Brunswick, were brought in and approved. Applications were presented for supplies from the Hawfields and Eno in North Carolina, and from St. Paul's parish in Georgia ; in answer to which we appoint Mr. John Simpson and Mr. Caleb Wallace, candidates, to supply in the former places as much as they conveniently can before next Synod ; and Mr. Wallace from thence to visit St. Paul's parish in Georgia, and preach there some time, and the remainder of their time in the other vacancies in the southern provinces. As the Presbytery of New Castle have sundry candidates under their care, some of whom probably can take appointments to the southern provinces, the Presbytery are desired to consider this matter as soon as possible, and send such and as many as they find expedient. The moderator is appointed to give proper recommendations to those who go on those missions. Adjourned till three o'clock, P. M. Concluded with prayer. Three o^ clock, P. M. The Synod met according to adjournment. Post i^reces sederunt qui supra. The committee appointed to converse with the parties in the second Pres- byterian church in this city, differing about psalmody, report, that they have taken opportunities of conversing with both parties, so fiir as the time and cir- cumstances would permit, and that they do not think the Synod should directly judge of the merits of the appeal, so as to affirm or disapprove the several distinct propositions laid down by the Presbytery in their judgment; but as there is not now time to consider fully the different versions of the psalms in question, and there are minutes of Synod formerly, which countenance congre- gations in determining this matter according to their own choice, they cannot make any order to forbid the congregation to continue the practice now begun. Which being considered was approved, and the Synod on this occasion think proper earnestly to recommend to both parties peace and harmony, and to for- bear all harsh sentiments and expressions, and in particular that neither of 1774.] NEW YORK AND PHILADELPHIA. 449 them intimate that either of the versions in question is unfit to be sung in Christian worship. Mr. George Bryan, by the hands of the janitor, delivered into the Synod a paper containing the reasons of the corporation's withdrawing their petition and remonstrance, which are as follows : " The complainants, after opening in a general manner the matters they could have proved, in order to enforce the prayer of their remonstrance before the lleverend Synod, do say we purposed to have gone fully into these matters, but from what passed here yesterday it appears to us that many of the members, without having then entered on our complaint, though upon the eve and in full prospect of so doing, have declared themselves very fully as to the irregularities and violences imputed to the Rev. Mr. Duffield and some of his adherents, and that Mr. Duffield hath been established, as far as the Synod can do it, pastor of Pine street church, against the very prayer of our supplication. Whilst our complaint is thus manifestly prejudged, we cannot but observe that ridicule is set up by some of the members as the test of truth, and characters wantonly attacked in a manner unbecoming the gentleman and the Christian. What then have we to do but to retire from your bar ?" After much conversation and great deliberation, it is overtured, that as George Bryan, Esq. and William ^liller, in the name of the incorporated committee, presented a petition and remonstrance, charging Mr. Duffield with sundry high crimes and misdemeanors, and praying that he might be removed from the pulpit and church in Pine street; but some time after those gentlemen with- drew their said petition, and assigned their reasons therefor, which are ordered to be recorded on our minutes, the Synod therefore finding no accusers, do acquit him, the said Mr. Duffield, from all charges contained in the aforesaid petition and remonstrance. Application was made from the two Presbyteries of Hanover and Orange, that every Presbytery to the eastward, should transmit to them with all con- venient speed, the suspension or deposition of any member or candidate from their bodies, to prevent the Presbyteries aforesaid being imposed upon by such persons. The Synod cheerfully comply with their request, and order the Presbyteries to regulate themselves accordingly. Adjourned to meet at Philadelphia the third Wednesday in May next, at ten o'clock, at the second Presbyterian church. Concluded with prayer. 1774. Philadelphia, May 18 sederunt qui supra. Mr. James Finley is now come, his reasons for not coming sooner, sustained ; his elder is Mr. Amos Alexander. The Kev. Messrs. Elder, Rosborough, Latta, and Mitchell, are now come, their reasons for not attending sooner, sustained. The Synod proceeded to choose a moderator and clerks, accordingly Mr. Cooper was chosen moderator, and Mr. Forster and Mr. Chapman clerks. Dr. Witherspoon and Mr. Carmichael are now come, their reasons for not coming sooner, sustained. Mr. Samuel Holliday, Mr. Carmichael's elder, and Mr. John Whitehill, Mr. Robert Smith's elder, are now come. Those of the members now present, who did not attend at the last meeting of Synod, gave reasons for their non-attendance, which are sustained. Mr. Rosborough's elder, Mr. John Walker, is now come. New Brunswick Presbytery report, that since our last they have ordained Mr. Diboa to the work of the gospel ministry, who being present took his seat; and that they have licensed Messrs. John Worford and Hugh White. The first Philadelphia Presbytery report, that the Rev. Messrs. Andrew Hunter and Benjamin Chesuutt were removed by death; Mr. Chesnutt the twenty-first day of July, and Mr. Hunter the twenty-eighth day of July, 1775; and have ordained Mr. Israel Evans and Mr. William Lynn to qualify them to act as chaplains in the army, to which they had been appointed ; and have licensed Mr. James Greer since our last ; Mr. Lynn being present took his seat. Donegal Presbytery report, that the Rev. Mr. John Roan was removed by death the second day of last October; and have ordained Mr. John Black and Samuel Dougal to the work of the gospel ministry. They also report that they have received the Rev. Mr. McFarquhar from Scotland, and laid [the credentials upon which they received him before the Synod, with which the Synod being satisfied, Mr. McFarquhar being present, took his seat. New Castle Presbytery report, that they have dismissed Mr. Samuel Stan- hope Smith, to join Hanover Presbytery, and Mr. Ebenezer Brooks, to join Lewestown Presbytery, and Mr. John McMillan, to Donegal Presbytery. Mr. Tennent is now come, and his reasons for not coming sooner, sustained ; his elder, Peter Firmin, is also come. Mr. Halsey is now come, his reasons for not coming sooner, sustained. Messrs. Benjamin Halt, Schanck, Mitchell, Finley, WoodhuU, ^IcFarqu- bar, and Craighead, with elders, Messrs. AVilliam Davidson, John Whiteliill, and John Walker, are appointed a committee of overtures; to meet in this 1776.] NEW YORK AND PHILADELPHIA. 473 place to-morrow morning, at six o'clock, and by adjournments from time to time. The minutes of the last Convention were brought in and read. The Synod considering the distracted situation of our public affairs, judge that an attendance on the Convention by any of their members the ensuing appomtment will be impracticable, and order Dr. Rodgers to inform the Gene- ral Association as early as possible thereof, together with their design of send- ing members to attend at the place appointed, on the third Wednesday of Sep- tember, 1777. The Synod appoint Dr. Rodgers, Dr. Witherspoon, and Messrs. William Tennent, John Guild, Elihu Spencer, Jeremiah Halsey, Richard Treat, Israel R'^ad, Alexander McWhorter, and Azel Roe, to be a committee, any three of whom to be a quorum, to meet at Princeton, the third Wednesday in August, to dispose of the sum appropriated to the education of pious youth, for the pre- sent year; and also to inquire into the state of the three hundred pounds hitherto appropriated to the Indian mission, and report to the Synod at their next meeting. The Synod agree to allow Mr. Brainerd the interest of the three hundred pounds m the hands of the College of New Jersey for the Indian mission, the ensuing year. Ordered, That the several Presbyteries present, give in a list of their absent members to-morrow morning. Mr. Patrick Alison, and Mr. McPherrin, are appointed a committee to ex- amine the New York Presbytery book. Dr._ Witherspoon requested leave to go home, which request is granted. Adjourned till to-morrow morning. Concluded with prayer. Nine o'clock, A. M. The S>/nod met according to adjournment. Post preces sederunt qui supra. (Except Dr. Witherspoon, who had leave of absence.) The Synod have no account whether Mr. Brooks fulfilled his appointment of the last year. Messrs. Debow, Keith, Hunter, Fithian, Ichabod Lewis, Nathan Kerr, and Alexander Miller, fulfilled their missions as appointed at our last. Ordered, That the minutes of the committee of overtures be brought in and read. The Synod proceeded to take in supplications for supplies. A supplication of the Presbyterian Society of Buffalo, Warrior's Run, and Penn's Valley, was brought in and read. Application was made by Mr. Debow, in behalf of North Carolina, for sup- plies. Application was made by the moderator, in behalf of the vacancies in the western parts of this province. The Synod made inquiry of their missionaries, Messrs. Keith and Hunter, respectmg the support they received during their mission, and find that Mr. Keith received for the term of one year, the sum of forty-two pounds; Mr. Hunter, for eight months, the sum of nineteen pounds ten shillings. The Synod not being able now to ascertain the state of their fund for the supply of missiona,ries, leave the further consideration of this matter until the afternoon. The Synod proceeded to appoint supplies. The first Philadelphia Presbytery applied to the Synod for their concurrence to ordain Mr. Keith, a licensed candidate under their care, sine titulo, in case of his going out to supply at Canetuck, to which the Synod agreed, if they find their way clear to proceed to his ordination. 60 474 MINUTES OF THE SYNOD OF [1776. The Synod received the Rev. jMr. Hugh McGill, as a member of the second Presbytery of Philadelphia. The .Synod appoint Mr. McGill to supply in the western parts of this pro- vince for the space of eight months, between this time and our next meeting, under the direction of the Donegal Presbytery. \ The Synod also appoint Mr. Hugh White, a candidate under the care of New Brunswick Presbytery, to supply four months within the bounds of Done- gal I'rcsbytery, at their direction, and the remaining part of his time, until our next, in the southern provinces. The Synod also appoint Mr. Carmichael to supply the two months of Octo- ber and November, in the northern and western parts of this province. Ordered, That the Presbytery of New Castle supply his place four Sabbaths during his absence. "Whereas the Synod cannot, at this time, make sufficient provision for the vacancies under their care, they recommend it to the first Philadelphia Pres- bytery, and Presbytery of New Castle, as they have a number of candidates under their care, to afford what supplies they can until our next, to the western and southern parts. Ordered, That the missionaries be furnished with proper testimonials by the stated Synodical clerk. The Presbytery of New Castle applied to the Synod for their concurrence in case their way should appear clear, to ordain 3Ir. I'ower, a licensed candidate under their care, as he purposes to remove to the western parts of this province. The Synod agree to grant the request. The Synod appoint as a commission for the present year, the Rev. Messrs. Richard Treat, John Miller, Matthew Wilson, John King, Joseph Montgo- mery, David Caldwell, John Todd, James Finley, William Porster, George Duf- field, Dr. Alison, Patrick Alison, William Tenueut, Dr. Witherspoon, Elihu Spencer, Jeremiah Halsey, Alexander McWhorter, Azariah Horton, Dr. Rod- gers, James Caldwell, David Roe, Wheeler Case, James Sproat, John Simon- ton, John Brainerd, Israel Read, Dr. Ewing, and Thomas Lewis, with the moderator; and elders, Messrs. Thomas Bourne, John Whitehill, Amos Alex- ander, Benjamin Snodgrass, John Walker, James Ewing, Samuel Ilolliday, William Davidson, and Anthony Tate, twenty of whom shall be a quorum, and in case of the death of the moderator, the first on the above list shall be mode- rator, and shall call the commission if necessary. Adjourned till three o'clock. Concluded with prayer. Three o'cIocJc, P. M. The Si/nod met accordwg to adjourninent. Post prcces sederunt qui svpra. Mr. Alexander Miller informed the Synod that he had siipplied for eight Sabbaths in the neighbourhood of Schenectady, for which he received the sum of two pounds nine shillings and four pence, and further proposes, if any moderate compensation should be allowed from the Synod's fund, he would still continue to spend a fourth part of his time in those places. The Synod ajipoint the Rev. Messrs. Halsey and Latta a committee, to ad- just and lay before them, against to-morrow morning, the sums to be allowed the several missionaries appointed at our last. An appeal was brought in by Mr. Bay, from a judgment of the Presbytery of New York, of June the 20th, 1775, by which the pastoral relation between him and his congregation was dissolved, and was read. After having fully heard all parties, the Synod defer the consideration thereof till to-morrow. Adjourned till nine o'clock to-morrow morning. Concluded with prayer. 1776.] NEW YORK AND PHILADELPHIA. 475 Nine o clock, A. M. the Synod met according to adjournment. Post preces sederunt qui supra. The Synod resumed the consideration of Mr. Bay's affair, and after some time spent thereon, agreed to defer the final determination of it till next sederunt. Messrs. Spencer, Carmichael, and Forster, have leaA'e of absence. Adjourned till ten o'clock, Monday morning. Concluded with prayer. May Titli, ten d'chclc, A. 31. The Synod met according to adjournment. Post preces sederunt qui supra. The New Castle Presbytery applied for the opinion of Synod concerning a marriage, the circumstances whereof were particularly related, whether it was to be held incestuous or not, and the Synod resolved that it was not inces- tuous. The Synod renewed the consideration of Mr. Bay's appeal, and after mature deliberation, confirmed that part of the Presbytery's judgment which dissolves the union between Mr. Bay and his congregation; and with respect to the latter part of said judgment, the Synod are of opinion that it would have been proper to have recommended to the parties, to leave the settlement of all matters re- specting the glebe and its appurtenances, to arbitrators mutually chosen; and they further advise, that if any disagreement should hereafter arise between Mr. Bay and the congregation of Newtown, respecting said glebe and appurte- nances, that they decide them in the same way. Adjourned till five o'clock, P. M. Concluded with prayer. Five o'cloch, P. M. The Synod met according to adjournment. Post preces sederunt qui siqyra. But as a sufficient number to do business did not attend, it was thought proper to adjovirn till to-morrow morning at nine o'clock. Concluded with prayer. May 2Sih, nine o'cIocJt', A. M. The Synod met according to adjournment. Post p)reces sederunt qui supira. The decision of the Synod on Mr. Bay's appeal was read, both parties being present. Dr. Rodgers in the behalf of the Presbytery of New York, requested an at- tested copy of the above judgment, which is granted, and the clerk is ordered to give it. 5lr. Bay, in a solemn manner, declared his declining the jurisdiction of this Synod for the future, and against having any further connection with it. The reference from the Presbytery of New Castle, respecting the propriety of admitting young men upon trials for the ministry without their having ob- tained a college diploma, was taken into consideration, in answer to which the Synod observe, that the superior advantages attending an education in public seminaries, render it highly expedient to encourage tlie young men to finish their academical studies in such institutions as means of securing a learned ministry ; and Presbyteries are ordered to promote this end by warmly recom- mending it to those who have the ministry in view. Yet as Presbyteries are the proper judges to determine concerning the literary and other requisite qua- lifications for the ministerial ofiice, it is not intended to preclude from admission to trial, those who have not had the opportunity of obtaining public testimo- nials or degrees from public seminaries. 476 MINUTES OF THE SYNOD OF [1777 The report of the committee appointed last year to meet with the corpora- tion of the widows' fund, and dispose of the money in their hands, not yet brought in. The Synod appoint for the same purpose this year, the Rev. Messrs. Richard Treat, Dr. Rodgers, Halsey, Patrick Alison, and Duffield, to meet with the corporation as soon as convenient. The committee appointed to receive an account of the sums received by tlie missionaries appointed by the Synod, and consider what additional sums may be allowed to any of them, recommend that Messrs. Hunter and Fithian be allowed each of them ten pounds in addition to what they received in their mission, which the Synod approve of, and direct to the stated clerk to furnish them, when re([uired, with an order on the Synodical treasurer for that sum. A letter from the Presbytery of Orange was brought in and read, informing that they have since last Synod licensed Messrs. Robert Archibald, Thomas Harris McCalla, and James Hall, to preach the gospel, and request the Synod to send as many supplies as they can to the relief of the numerous vacancies in those parts. The committee formerly appointed at Philadelphia for the purpose of buying and distributing among the frontier inhabitants, books of practical religion, re- port that they have executed the trust committed to them. The committee appointed to review the New York Presbytery book make no report. The committee appointed to review the first Philadelphia and Donegal Pres- bytery books, brought in those books approved, except a few omissions in transcribing. Adjourned to the third Wednesday of next May, to meet at ten o'clock, A. M. at the Second Presbyterian church in this city. Concluded with prayer. 1777. PhiladeJjyhia, 3[ay 21st, 1777. The Synod of New York and Philadelphia met at the Second Presbyterian church according to adjournment. Ubi jMst j^feces sederunt Present : From the Presbytery of New York : Rev. Dr. Alexander Mc- Whorter, Messrs. James Caldwell, Jacob Vanarsdalen. From the Presbytery of New Brunswick : Rev. Dr. John Witherspoon, Mr. Elihu Spencer. From the fii'st Philadelphia Presbytery : Rev. Dr. Richard Treat, Messrs. James Sproat, John Brainerd, Alexander Mitchell, Nathaniel Irwin, Daniel McCalla. From the second Philadelphia Presbytery : Rev. Dr. Francis Alison, Dr. John Ewing, Mr. Robert McMordie. From the Presbytery of New Castle : Rev. Messrs. Robert Smith, Joseph Montgomery, John Carmichael, James Anderson, Thomas Read, Joseph Smith, Robert Davidson. From the Presbytery of Donegal : The Rev. Messrs. Robert Cooper, Collin McFarquhar, James Martin. From the Presbytery of Lcwestown : Rev. Mr. Ebenezer Brooks. From the Presbytery of Hanover : Rev. Mr. Samuel Stanhope Smith. Absent : Of the Presbytery of New York : Rev. Dr. Rodgers, Dr. Knox, Messrs. Jones, Green, llorton, Hait, Woodruff, Thomas Lewis, Treat, Elmer, Richards, Brush, Roe, Chapman, Kerr, Close, Woodhull, Miller, Burnet, Grover, Bradford, Amzi Lewis, and Moffat. Of the Presbytery of New Brunswick : Rev. Messrs. McKnight, Thomas 1777.] NEW YORK AND PHILADELPHIA. 477 Smith, Schenck, Guild, Israel Keed, Kennedy, Halsey, Peppard, Prudden, Lyon, Debo^Y, Worford, and Gurley. Of the first Philadelphia Presbytery : Ptev. Messrs. Greenman, Duffield, Boyd, Watt, Hollingshead, Keith, and Evans. Of the second Philadelphia Presbytery : Kev. Messrs. John Steel, Elder, .Simonton, Patrick Alison, and McGill. Of the Presbytery of New Castle : Rev. Messrs. McDowell, Finley, McKen- nan, Latta, Clark, Forster, McCreary, John Woodhull, James Wilson, and Joseph Smith. Of the Presbytery of Donegal : Rev. Messrs. Samuel Thompson, Hunt, Hogg, Amos Thompson, Rhea, Slemmons, Craighead, King, Lang, Vance, McFerran, Black, Dougal, Linn, McMillan, McKnight. The whole Presbyteries of Suffolk, Hanover (except the Rev. Mr. Samuel Stanhope Smith), Orange, and Dutchess. The whole Presbytery of Lewes, except Mr. Brooks, %it supra. Elders present : The Hon. Peartree Smith, Esq., Messrs. James Thomson, William Faulconer, William Ramsey. Mr. Robert Cooper, moderator for the last year, opened the Synod with a sermon from John v. 35. Mr. John Carmichael was chosen moderator, and Dr. Ewing and Mr. MeCalla, clerks. First Philadelphia Presbytery report, that the Rev. Mr. Enoch Green is re- moved by death since our last, likewise Mr. Philip Fithian, a licensed candidate; and that they have ordained Mr. Robert Keith, to qnalify him to act as a chap- lain in the army, to which he had been appointed. New Castle Presbytery report, that they have ordained Mr. James Power to the work of the gospel ministry ; and licensed Messrs. William Smith, James Armstrong, and George Lucky, to preach the gospel. Donegal Presbytery report, that they have ordained to the work of the gospel ministry, Messrs. John McMillan and John McKnight ; and licensed to preach, Messrs. David Bard, Samuel Waugh, and John Linn. New Brunswick Presbytery report, that the Rev. Mr. William Tennent de- parted this life March 8th, 1777 ; and that the Rev. Mr. John Rosborough was barbarously murdered by the enemy at Trenton on January second ; they fur- ther report, that they have ordained to the work of the sacred ministry, Mr. John Worford ; and licensed to preach the gospel, Mr. John Zelyne. New York Presbytery report, that the Rev. Mr. Azariah Horton was removed by death since our last Synod. Messrs. Robert Smith, Spencer, McFarquhar, with Mr. James Thomson, elder, are appointed a committee of overtures, to meet in this place to-morrow at eight o'clock, A. M., and by adjournments afterward, as occasion may require. The Synod are of opinion that they cannot send any members to meet the general convention on the third Wednesday of September next, and order Mr. Sproat to give notice thereof to the General Association of Connecticut, and that the Synod will cheerfully appoint members to attend said convention when- ever the situation of public affairs will admit of it. The Synod appoint as a commission for the present year, the Rev. Dr. Richard Treat, Messrs. John Miller, Matthew Wilson, Dr. John Ewing, Jo- seph Montgomery, David Caldwell, John Todd, James Finley, William Foster, George Duffield, Dr. Francis Alison, Patrick Alison, Dr. John Witherspoon, Elihu Spencer, Jeremiah Halsey, Dr. Alexander McWhorter, Dr. John Rodgers, James Caldwell, Azel Roe, Wheeler Case, James Sproat, John Simonton, John Brainerd, Israel Reed, and Thomas Lewis, with the moderator; and eldera, James Thompson and William Faulconer, thirteen of whom shall be a quorum ; 478 MINUTES OF THE SYNOD OF [17T7. and in case of the death of the moderator, the first on the above list shall bo moderator, and shall call the commission, if necessary. Ordered, That the Presbytery of New Castle bring their minutes respecting the case of a marriage referred b}' them to the last session of Synod, and entered on the Synod's minutes, page 475, at the next meeting of Synod, that they may be enabled to explain or correct the decision then given by them. Adjourned till nine o'clock to-morrow morning. Concluded with prayer. 22d day, nine o'clock, A. M. The Synod met according to adjournment. Post preces sederunt qui supra. (Together with the Rev. Messrs. John Brainerd, Joseph Smith, and Alex- ander Mitchel, whose reasons for not attending at the opening of Synod, are sustained.) The Rev. Messrs. Dr. IMcWhorter, Nathaniel Irwin, James Caldwell, and Robert Davidson, are now come, their reasons for not attending sooner, deemed sufficient. Mr. Irwin's elder, Mr. William Ramsay ; Mr. Caldwell's elder, the Hon. Peartree Smith, Esquire. The Rev. Mr. James Martin, a member of the Associate Presbytery of Penn- sylvania, appeared before us, and signified his desire to converse with the Synod, with a view to his being received as a member of our body ; and the Synod having conversed with him, and heard at considerable length his sentiments on the doctrines of the gospel, and terms of Christian and ministerial communion, and having had sufficient testimonials of his moral character, and his good standing in the ministry, in the church of which he has been a member, do unanimously agree to receive him as a member of this body, and appoint him a member of the Presbytery of Donegal. Dr. McWhorter, Messrs. Montgomery, Spencer, James Caldwell, and Thomas Read, three of whom to be a quorum, are appointed the Synod's committee, to meet th^ corporation for the widows' fund, to dispose of the money in the hands of said corporation for charitable uses, said committee to meet to-morrow morn- ing, at six o'clock, at this place. Adjourned till three o'clock, P. M. Concluded with prayer. Eodem die, three o'clocJc, P. M. The Synod met according to adjournment. Post preces sederunt qui supra. The Synod taking into consideration the low and declining state of religion among us, and the abounding of iniquity, for which an holy and jealous God yet continues to visit our country with his righteous judgments, appoint the second Thursday of June, to be observed by the churches under their care, as a day of public humiliation, fasting, and prayer. And the Synod earnestly recommend it to them, to improve a part of the last Thursday in every month for public or social prayer, as their circumstances may allow. A petition from the second congregation of Wilmington, in conjunction with Brandywine congregation, was brought before the Synod through the hands of the committee of overtures, recjucsting the Synod to review a judgment of theirs in the year 1774, respecting the said second congregation. But as the parties arc not present the Synod judge that they cannot, at present, enter into the consideration of it, but order it to be laid before the I'resbytery of New Castle, who are desired by this Synod to notify the parties to attend, and to issue the whole afiair, any thing in the minute of the Synod to the contrary notwithstanding. Adjourned till nine o'clock, to-morrow morning. Concluded with prayer. 1778.] NEW YORK AND PHILADELPHIA. 479 23c? day^ nine o'clock, A. M. the Synod met according to adjournment. Post preces sederunt qui supra. The Synod appoint the interest of three hundred pounds in the hands of the corporation of the College of New Jersey, for an Indian mission, to be given to .JNIr. Brainerd for his last year's services. _ The Synod do agree to take the three hundred pounds appointed for an In- dian mission, out of the hands of the corporation of the College of New Jersey, and put it into the hands of Dr. Ewing as their treasurer, who is to put it into the continental loan office, and manage the same. Mr. Samuel Stanhope Smith is now come, and his reasons for not attending sooner are sustained. A petition from the congregation of Deep Run, in Bucks county, request- ing that they may be set oflF from the second Presbytery, and put under the care of the first Presbytery of Philadelphia, was brought before the Synod through the hands of the committee of overtures, and read. The Synod hav- ing conversed upon it, do grant the prayer of the said petition, and the first Philadelphia Presbytery is ordered to take the care of that congregation for the future. By the committee of overtures, a supplication from the congregation of Allen- town, in the forks of Delaware, requesting that they may be set otf from the Presbytery of New Brunswick, and put under the care of the first Presbytery of Philadelphia, to whom they formerly belonged, was brought in and read. The Presbytery of New Brunswick freely concurring, the Synod grant the sup- plicants' request, and the first Philadelphia Presbytery is ordered to take said congregation under their care. A supplication from a society of Highland Scots, at Southerland, was brought in by the committee of overtures, and read, requesting that the Synod would supply them with books, and appoint Mr. McFarquhar to preach and administer gospel ordinances amongst them. This Synod taking their request into consideration, do order a collection of books to be made throughout their Presbyteries for those people, and appoint Mr. McFarquhar to supply them some time, and administer gospel ordinances as he sees proper ; and also to supply the adjacent vacant congregations, in Northumberland, four Sabbaths ; and tliey order the Presbytery of Donegal to supply Mr. McFarquhar's pulpit in the mean time. Dr. Witherspoon reports that there is a balance of £58 6s. 9^^^., in his hands, due to the Synod. Mr. Ebenezer Brooks is now come, and his reasons for non-attendance sooner, are sustained. ^ Adjourned to meet at Philadelphia the third Wednesday in May next, at ten o'viiock, A. M., at the First Presbyterian Church. Concluded with prayer. 1778. Bedminster, May 20f7i, 1778. The Synod of New York and Philadelphia met at Bedminster, in Somerset county. New Jersey, in consequence of an advertisement in the newspapers by the moderator, agreeably to the advice of a number of the members, it not bemg practicable to meet in Philadelphia according to the adjournment of last year, as that city is now in the possession of the enemy. Ubi post preces sederunt ' Of New York Presbytery : The Key. Messrs. Timothy Jones, Dr. Alexander McVVhorter, and Jacob Vanarsdalen. 480 MINUTES OF THE SYNOD OF [1778. Of New Brunswick Presbytery : The Kev. Messrs. Eliliu Spencer, Israel Read, Samuel Kennedy, Francis Peppard, and Jeremiah Halsey. Of the first Philadelphia Presbytery : The Rev. Mr. James Boyd. Of the New Castle Presbytery : The Rev. Mr. John Carmichael. Elders : Messrs. Jehu Adams, Philip Condit, and William Annan. Absent : Of New York Presbytery : The Rev. Messrs. Pr. John Rodgers. Dr. Hugh Knox, Joseph Treat, James Caldwell, Azel Roe, Benjamin Hait, Jonathan Ellmer, Benjamin Woodruff, Aaron Richards, Jacob Green, Jedidiah Chapman, Joseph Grover, Simon Horton, William Woodhull, Nathan Kerr, Lewis, John Moiliit, Andrew King, John Close, Abner Brush, Mathias Burnet, Alexander Miller, and Ebenezer Bradford. Of New Brunswick Presbytery : The Rev. Dr. John Witherspoon, and the Rev. IMessrs. John Guild, Thomas Smith, William Scheuck, John Hanna, John Warford, and James Lyon. Of the first Presbytery of Philadelphia : The Rev. Dr. Richard Treat, and the Rev. Messrs. James Sproat, John Brainerd, Nehemiah Greenman, James Watt, William Hollingshead, George Dufiield, Alexander Mitchell, Nathaniel Irvine, Daniel McCalla, Robert Keith, and Israel Evans. Of New Castle Presbytery : The Rev. Messrs. Alexander McDowell, Ro- bert Smith, Joseph Smith, Thomas Smith, William Foster, John Woodhull, James Latta, John Clark, John McCreary, William McKennan, James Fin- ley, James Wilson, Joseph Montgomery, Thomas Reed, and James Anderson. And the whole of the Presbyteries of Dutchess, Suffolk, the second Phila- delphia, Lewistown, Donegal, Hanover, and Orange. The Synod was opened by the Rev. Mr. John Carmichael, moderator last year, by a sermon on John iii. 30, first clause. The Rev. Mr. Jones was chosen moderator, and the Rev. Mr. Halsey clerk. Neither the Synod book nor the minutes of last year being present, the Sy- nod agreed to proceed on such business as may now come before them. The Presbytery of New York report, that the Rev. Thomas Lewis is deceased since our last; and that they have ordained to the work of the ministry, the Rev. Mr. Thaddeus Dod, sine titulo, in consequence of liberty obtained from the Synod for that purpose. New Castle Presbytery report, that they have licensed Mr. George Luckie to preach the gospel, and ordained the Rev. Mr. James Armstrong to the work of the ministry, sine titulo. As the New Castle Presbytery book is not present, the consideration of the propriety of Mr. Armstrong's ordination is deferred till next Synod. New ]Jrunswick Presbytery report, that the Rev. Mr. Charles McKnight de- parted this life last January ; and that they have licensed Mr. George Faitout to preach the gospel. The first Philadelphia Presbytery report, that they have licensed Mr. Hugh Montgomery JJrackenridge to preach the gospel. The reasons assigned by Messrs. Jones, Read, and Halsey, for their ab- sence from last Synod, and by 3Iessrs. Kennedy and Peppard for their absence from Synod for several years, were sustained. As none of the Presbytery books, except that of New Brunswick, are pre- sent, the examination of that book is deferred till next Synod. The Synod appoint the Rev. Messrs. Van Arsdalen, Peppard, Boyd, and Carmichael, with iMessrs. Adams and Annan, a committee of bills and over- tures, to meet here to-morrow morning, at eight o'clock. Adjourned till nine o'clock to-morrow morning. Concluded with prayer. 1778.] NEW YORK AND PHILADELPHIA. 481. 21si day, nine, A. M. Post preces sederunt qui supra. The Synod appoint as a commission for the ensuing year, the Rev. Dr. McWhorter, the Rev. Messrs. James Caldwell, Azel Roe, Elihu Spencer, Israel Read, Jeremiah Halsey, Dr. Richard Treat, James Sproat, James Boyd, Dr. Alison, Alexander McDowell, Robert Smith, William Forster, John Carmi- chael, Robert Cowper, John Craighead, and Thomas McFervin, with the mode- rator; and Messrs. John Adams, William Anuin, and Philip Condict, elders, thirteen of whom to be a quorum. The commission to be convened by the moderator, (as occasion may require,) who is also to preside ; and in case of his death or disability, the first surviving member on the roll to call the meeting ; and the first on the roll of the members, when met, to preside. Mr. Warford is now come, his reasons for non-attendance last year, and not sooner now, sustained. Mr. Warford informs the Synod, that a certain David Allen, some time ago deceased, in the Forks of Delaware, did, as he has been informed, bequeath a considerable sum to the Synod, for the education of poor and pious youth for the ministry. Mr. Warfurd is ordered to inquire into this afiair, and to receive the money, if to be had, and make report to next Synod. The committee appointed last year to dispose of the interest of the charita- ble fund in the hand of the trustees of the college of New Jersey, for the edu- cation of poor and pious youth for the ministry, report, that they met accord- ing to appointment, but as no objects offered, no distribution was made of any part of it. The Sjnod appoint the Rev. Messrs. Spencer, Read, Halsey, Caldwell, and Dr. McWhorter, a committee to meet at Princeton, the last Wednesday of next September, to dispose of the interest of said fund. The committee appointed last year to dispose of the interest of the money belonging to the Synod, in the hand of the corporation for the widows' fund, report, that they met as appointed, and made disposition. The appointment of a committee to dispose of the interest of the above money for the past year, was deferred till the meeting of next Synod. The committee of bills and overtures report, that they have no business to lay before the Synod. The Synod, taking into their most serious consideration, that the lamentable decay of vital piety, for which we have had so much reason to mourn for sev- eral years past, still continues ; that gross immoralities are increasing to an awful degree ; and that the calamities of war are yet permitted to afflict our land, do therefore agree to renew the recommendation of last Sj'nod to all our congregations, to spend the last Thursday of every mouth, or a part of it, in fervent prayer to God, that he would be pleased to pour out his Spirit on the inhabitants of our land, and prepare us for deliverance from the chastenings he hath righteously inflicted upon us for our sins ; that he would graciously smile on our arms, and those of our illustrious ally, by land and sea ; and grant a speedy and happy conclusion to the present war. And it is earnestly recom- mended to the several Presbyteries, to take care that this recommendation be complied with. And the clerk is ordered to transmit a copy of this minute to the moderator of every Presbytery, to be communicated. The Synod taking into their consideration the non-attendance of many of our members upon Sy nodical sessions for some years past, and especially the present, are sincerely atiected therewith, as it appears to them there is a crimi- nal neglect in this matter, a forgetfulness of their ordination obligation, and a want of that public spirit and benevolent care of the church with which min- isters of the gospel ought ever to be filled ; and do therefore order the several Presbyteries belonging to this body to be reminded of their negligence herein, 61 482 MINUTES OF THE SYNOD OP [1779 and to encleavour to influence them to a more punctual discbarge of tliis im- portant duty of attending the meetings of the judicatures of the church. Ordered, that the clerk transmit a copy of this minute to the moderator of each Presbytery, to be by him laid before them. Adjourned to meet at Philadelphia, on the third Wednesday of next May, at 10 o'clock, A. M. — but if that place be in the enemy's hand, then to meet here Concluded with prayer. 1779. PliiladclpMa, May 19/A, 1779. The Synod of New York and Philadelphia met according to adjournment. Ubi post preces sederunt Of the New York Presbytery : The Rev. Messrs Timothy Jones and Joseph Treat. Of New Brunswick Presbytery : The Rev. Dr. John Witherspoon. Of the first Philadelphia Presbytery : The Rev. Messrs. John Brainerd, James Sproat, G-eorge Duffield, Alexander Mitchell, and Nathaniel Irwin. Of the second Philadelphia Presbytery : The Rev. Drs. Francis Alison and John Ewing. Of New Castle Presbytery : The Rev. Messrs. Alexander McDowell, Robert Smith, John Carmichael, William Foster, James Anderson, John McCreary. Thomas Read, John Woodhull, and Robert Davidson. Of Hanover Presbytery : The Rev. Mr. Samuel Stanhope Smith. Elders : Messrs. Jonas Phillips, Gunning Bedford, Lewis Grant, Richard Walker, Arthur Park, William Harris, David Forman. Absent : Of the New York Presbytery : The Rev. Messrs. Jacob Green, Dr. John Rodgers, Dr. Alexander McWhorter, Benjamin Hait, Benjamin Wood- ruff, James Caldwell, Azcl Roe, Aaron Richards, Nathan Kerr, Samuel Sacket, John Moffat, John Close, Joseph Grover, Dr. Hugh Knox, Jonathan Elmer, Abner Brush, and William Woodhull. Of the New Brunswick Presbytery : The whole, except the Rev. Dr. John Witherspoon. Of the first Philadelphia Presbytery : The Rev. Messrs. Nehemiah Green- man, James Watt, James Boyd, William Hollinshead, Daniel McCalla, Israel Evans, Andrew Hunter, and Robert Keith. Of the second Philadelphia Presbytery : The Rev. Messrs. John Steel, John Elder, John Simontou, Robert McMordie, and Patrick Alison. The whole of Lewestown Presbytery. Of the New Castle Presbytery : The Rev. Messrs. James Latta, John Clark, William IMcKennan, James Finley, Thomas Smith, Joseph Montgomery, James Wilson, Joseph Smith, James Power, Samuel Eakiu, and James Arm- Btrong. Absent, the whole of Donegal Presbytery. The whole of Hanover Pres- bytery, except the Rev. Mr. Samuel Stanhope Smith. The whole of Orange Presbytery. The Synod was opened by the Rev. Mr. Jones, the last year's moderator, with a sermon on Rom. xiii. 14. The Rev. Dr. Ewing chosen moderator, and the Rev. Mr. Duflield, clerk. Messrs. McDowell, Jones, Treat, and Duffield, their reasons for absence from the Synod in 1777, sustained. Ordered, That ;dl the Presbyteries bring in their reports to-morrow morning. Messrs. Mitchell, Treat, and McCreary, with Messrs. Grant and Park, elders, 1779.] NEW YORK AND PHILADELPHIA. 483 are appointed a committee of overtures, to meet here to-morrow morning, at eight o'clock, and afterwards by adjournment, as occasion may require. The Synod appoint as a commission for the ensuing year, the Rev. Dr. Me- Whortcr, Messrs. James Caldwell, Azel Roe, Elihu Spencer, Israel Read, Jere- miah Halsey, James Sproat, Alexander Mitchell, James Boyd, John Simonton, Alexander McDowell, Robert Smith, William Foster, John Carmichael, Robert Cooper, John Craighead, and Thomas McFerrin, with the moderator, and the following elders, viz. Messrs. Gunning Bedford, Lewis Grant, Richard Walker, and William Harris; thirteen of whom to be a quorum, and that the moderator convene the commission as occasion may require, and preside in the meeting; or, in case of his death or disability, that the first surviving member on the roll call the meeting, and the first on the roll of the members convened to preside. The Synod appoint the Rev. Messrs. Read, Brainerd, Foster, and Woodhull, a committee to dispose of the money in the hands of the corporation for the widows' fund. The Synod taking into consideration the great and increasing decay of vital j)iety, the degeneracy of manners, want of public spirit, and prevalence of vice and immorality that obtains throughout our land, and that the righteous God, by continuing still to afflict us with the sore calamity of a cruel and barbarous war, is loudly calling the inhabitants to repentance and reformation, and as a means thereto, to deep humiliation, frequent and fervent prayer, do therefore appoint Thursday, the 17th day of August next, to be observed by all under our care, as a day of humiliation, fasting, and prayer; and do also renew the recommendation of former Synods to all their congregations, to spend a part of the last Thursday in every month, in social prayer, as their circumstances may admit. Adjourned till nine o'clock, A. M. to-morrow. Concluded with prayer. 20'cces sederunt qui stqyra. Mr. Samuel Doak, of Hanover Presbytery, is now come, his reasons for not attending for several years past, nor sooner now, were sustained. No report has been made from Hanover Presbytery. Mr. John Burton, who was reported by New York Presbytery to have been taken under their care, produced his testimonials, which were approved. The committee appointed yesterday, on a part of the report of New Castle Presbytery, brought in a draught, which was read and approved, and is as fol- lows, viz : " The Synod disapprove of the conduct of the Presbytery of New Castle, in striking the name of Mr. Montgomery oif their roll for the reasons given in their report, neither of which, nor both together, seem to be sufficient; and in future recommend to all Presbyteries, when any ministers under their inspection resign their charge, or discontinue the exercise of their office while they remain in the same bounds, to pass a regular judgment on the reasons given for such conduct ; and continue their inspection of those who shall not have deserved to be deprived of the ministerial character, though they may be laid aside from immediate usefulness. An application was made from the corporation of the widows' fund by a de- putation from that body, requesting the Synod to urge such of their members as have become contributors to the said fund, to be punctual in their payments, that the benevolent designs of the fund may not be prevented ; and to recommend it to such of their members, and especially those lately ordained, as have not become contributors and may yet be admitted, to apply as speedily as possible for that purpose, as the corporation have agreed that if the number of ministers contributing to the fund do not soon amount to a sufficiency for preserving the fund, they will be under the disagreeable necessity of admitting as many laymen as may be necessary to complete that number, at the same time fixing it as a rule to be invariably observed, to give a preference to ministers when any offer; reserving always to young ministers the privilege of becoming contributors. The Synod agree to recommend, and do hereby recommend to all their mem- bers who have become contributors to the said fund, to observe the greatest punctuality in paying their annual rates, that the benevolent designs of the in- stitution may not be prevented; and to such as have not already become contri- butors, and have it yet in their power, that they embrace without delay so fa- vourable an opportunity of providing for their families after their- decease. The Synod also earnestly recommend to their Presbyteries to represent to young men that may be under their care, the advantage of becoming contributors, and to endeavour to engage them thereto. ])r. McWhorter obtained leave of absence for the remaining part of the sessions. Adjourned till three o'clock, P. M. Concluded with prayer. 20th day, three o clock, P. M. Post preces sederunt qui supra. Mr. Doak laid before Synod an application, signed by Messrs. Hezekiah Balch, Charles Cummings, and Samuel Doak, members of Hanover Presby- tery, reijucsting that that part of Hanover l>resbytery lying south of New River, might be erected into a separate Presbytery, by the name of Abingdon Presbytery ; to be bounded by New River, on the side next to Hanover Pres- bytery, and by the Apalachian Mountains on the side next to Orange Presby- tery. A certificate of the concurrence of Hanover Presbytery with the above request being produced. 1786.] NEW YORK AND PHILADELPHIA. 511 Resolved, That the Synod grant the request ; and they do hereby constitute those members of Hanover Presbytery who are settled within the above de- scribed bounds to be a distinct Presbytery, to be known by the name of the Presbytery of Abingdon, and appoint their first meeting to be held at Salem church, the first Tuesday of next August, and that Mr. Doak preside as mode- rator in the said meeting ; and that they make report to the Synod at our next session. Mr. Clark had leave to go home. On motion, ordered, that Dr. Sproat, Mr. Duffield, and Mr. Daniel Jones, be a committee to revise the records of Synod from its earliest meeting, and point out such inaccuracies and improprieties as may occur, and select the re- gulations made by Synod from time to time, that they may be transcribed into a book to be provided for that purpose, and lay the whole before Synod at their next meeting. Adjourned till nine o'clock, A. M. to-morrow. Concluded with prayer. 21st day, nine o'clock, A. 31. Post jjreces sederunt qui supra. An application was made from the Presbytery of New Castle for leave to ordain Mr. Barr, a licensed candidate under their care, in order that he may travel through the vacancies in the southern states, which was granted. Mr. John Hiddleson, an ordained minister from the Presbytery of Belfast, in Ireland, produced his credentials to the Synod, and prayed to be received into this body as a member of New Castle Presbytery. Ordered, That Dr. Witherspoon, Messrs. Robert Smith, John Miller, Mc- Farquhar, Cooper, and WoodhuU, be a committee to examine into the authenti- city of the said credentials, and to enter into free conversation with the young gentleman, and to report their opinion upon the whole to the Synod on Monday morning. Ordered, That the Synod books of the old Synods of New York and Phila- delphia, before the union of the said Synods, as well as the Synod book of the united Synod of New York and Philadelphia, and all other necessary papers, be deposited in the hands of the stated clerk of the Synod, that it may be easy to have recourse to them on all occasions. Mr. William McKee, an ordained minister from the Presbytery of Belfast, in Ireland, who had been received as a member of the first Presbytery of Phila- delphia, produced his credentials to the Synod, agreeably to order, which being examined and approved, Mr. McKee took his seat in Synod as a member of said Presbytery. An overture was brought in, in the following terms, viz : " Whether in the present state of the church in America, and the scarcity of ministers to fill our numerous congregations, the Synod, or Presbyteries, ought therefore to relax, in any degree, in the literary qualifications required of intrants into the ministry?" And it was carried in the negative by a great majority. An appeal was brought in by Mr. Francis Hindman, from a judgment of the Presbytery of Donegal, expressed in the following words, viz : "Mr. Hindman having appealed from a judgment of the session of Han- over, because he was not regularly cited ; because the session did not take be- fore them the merits of the cause ; because he considered them as his accusers ; and because he was refused the privilege of introducing witnesses in his de- fence. The minutes of the session were read, and Mr. Hindman heard in sup- port of his appeal, and, upon a full view of the whole, the Presbytery are of opinion, that the reasons of the appeal are entirely unsupported ; that the pro- ceedings of the session were regular, and their judgment well founded ; and 612 MINUTES OF THE SYNOD OF [1785. therefore judge, that the said Francis Hindman, before he be admitted to the distinguishing privileges of the church, shall publicly acknowledge his fault in treating the Hev. Mr. Woods, a member of Presbytery, and Mrs. Woods, his wife, in an injurious, abusive, and insulting manner ; profess his repentance for it, and be rebuked and admonished for the same in the presence of the con- gregation of Hanover on a Sabbath day after sermon. — Extract of the minutes of the Presbytery of Donegal. Joseph Henderson, Presbytery clerk. Mr. Hindman was called upon to produce to Synod the reasons of his appeal ; after a long and full hearing of which, the hearing of the Presbytery in justifi- cation of their decision, was deferred till Monday morning. Adjourned till Monday morning ten o'clock. Concluded with prayer. 23f? day.) Monday, ten o'chcJi, A. M. Post prcces sederunt qui supra. The committee appointed to examine Mr. Hiddleson's credentials, and to converse with him, brought in their report in the following terms, viz. " Your committee report it as their opinion, that Mr. Hiddleson ought not, at present, to be annexed as a member, to any Presbytery belonging to your body ; but that, if he choose, he may be committed to the care of some Presbytery, who may proceed with him as they may judge best, and make report to the Synod at their next meeting :" which was approved. The affair of Mr. Hindman's appeal was resumed; and after the minutes of the session of Hanover were read, together with the judgment of the Pres- bytery on the aifair, and the Presbytery were heard in their defence, as also Mr. Hindman's reply, the Synod proceeded to consider the matter, and after some time spent in debating on the case, the question was put to affirm or re- verse the judgment of the Presbytery, and was carried to affirm it, by a very great majority. Adjourned till four o'clock, P. M. Concluded with prayer. 23c7 day, /our o'clock, P. M. Post preces sederunt qui supra. A motion was made and seconded, that no person be admitted on trials as a candidate for the ministry, until he shall have employed two years at least in the study of Divinity, after his having passed the usual course of a liberal edu- cation; and after some time spent on the subject, the further consideration of it was deferred till our next meeting. On motion, Ordered, That it be enjoined, and it is hereby enjoined, on every Presbytery to subject every candidate on trials for the ministry, to an accurate examination on the discipline of the Presbyterian Church. On motion. Ordered, That Dr. Witherspoon, Dr. Rodgers, Mr. Robert Smith, Dr. Alison, Dr. Smith, Messrs. Woodhull, Cooper, Latta, and Duffield, with the moderator, Mr. Wilson, be a committee to take into consideration the constitution of the church of Scotland, and other Protestant churches, and agreeably to the general principles of I'resbyterian government, compile a sys- tem of general rules for the government of the Synod, and the several Presby- teries under their inspection, and the people in their communion, and to make report of their proceeding herein at^the next meeting of Synod. It was moved and seconded, that the Synodical clerk be required to trans- mit annually to each Presbytery belonging to the Synod, an attested copy of all general regulations of Synod, as well as of those that more immediately regard any Presbytery in particular, and that each Presbytery be required to enjoin on their clerk to furnish each member of the Presbytery with an au- thentic copy of the same, that by a general intelligence of the acts of the su- 1785.] XEW YORK AND PHILADELPHIA. 513 preme judicature being, thus communicated to all, the wliole body may be brought to operate with concert and vigour, and that none may have ignorance as a plea for the neglect of duty. The consideration of this was deferred till our next meeting. An overture was brought in, that for the better management of the churches under our care, this Synod be divided into three Synods, and that a General 'Synod, or Assembly, be constituted out of the whole. The Synod agree to enter on the consideration of this overture, on the first Friday after their next meeting, and appoint Dr. Smith to transmit a copy of this overture to such of the Presbyteries as are not at present represented in Synod, and earnestly urge their attendance at our next meeting. The Synod considering the education of youth, and their being early in- structed in just principles of religion, as one of the most useful means of pro- moting the influence of the gospel in our churches, Kesolved, that it be en- joined on every Presbytery, in appointing supplies to their vacant congregations, to take order that every vacant congregation within their limits be carefully catechized at least once in the year, in the same manner as is required by the order of our church, in congregations supplied with regular pastors, and that the ministers appointed to this duty be required at the nest meeting of the Presbytery, to render an account of their fidelity in this respect, and that the Presbyteries be required to render an account of their attention to this order at the next meeting of Synod. Resolved, also, that it be enjoined on all congregations to pay a special regard to the good education of children, as being intimately connected with the in- terests of morality and religion ; and that, as schools under bad masters, and a careless management, are seminaries of vice rather than of virtue, the session, cor- poration, or committee of every congregation, be required to endeavour to establish one or more schools in such place, or places, as shall be most conve- nient for the people ; that they be particularly careful to procure able and vir- tuous teachers ; that they make the erection and care of schools a part of their congregational business, and endeavour to induce the people to support them by contribution, being not only the most efiectual, but, eventually, the cheapest way of supporting them ; that the Presbyteries appoint particular members, or if possible committees, to go into vacant congregations to promote similar institutions; that the corporation, session, or committee of the congregation, visit the school, or schools, at least once in three months, to inquire into the conduct of the master, and the improvement of the children, and to observe particularly his care to instruct them, at least one day in the week, in the prin- ciples of religion; that the Presbyteries, in appointing ministers to supply vacant congregations, require it as an indispensable part of their duty, to visit at the same time the schools, and require at the next meeting of the Presby- tery, an account of their fidelity in this respect, and of the state of the schools ; and that, in these schools effectual provision be made for the education of the children of the poor; and that, at the visitations of the schools, one or two of the most ingenious and virtuous of the poor children be annually selected, in order to give them a more perfect education, and thereby qualify these inge- nious charity scholars, to become afterwards useful instructors in our congrega- tional schools. A motion was made in the following terms, viz. " Whereas the nearest uni- formity that is practicable in the external modes of Divine worship is to be desired, and the using different books of psalmody is matter of offence, not only to Presbyterians of different denominations, but also to many congregations un- der our care ; it is cperied, if the Synod might not choose out, and order some of their number to take the assistance of all the versions in our power, and compose for us a version more suitable to our circumstances and taste than any G5 514 MINUTES OF THE SYNOD OF [17S6. we yet have ; wliich, having been read, and seconded, after some conversation thereon, the question was put, whether to appoint a committee, or defer, and was carried by a small majority to appoint. Whereupon Dr. Alison, Dr. David- son, Dr. Ewing, Mr. Blair, and Mr. Jones, were appointed a committee for that purpose, who are to make report of their diligence herein at our next meeting. Adjourned till nine o'clock to-morrow morning. Concluded with prayer. 2Ath day, {Tuesday^ nine o'clock, A. M. Post preces sederunt qui supra. (Except Messrs. Boyd, Schenck, Mitchell, Irwin, Grier, Jones, Monroe, Slemmons, and William Lynn, who have left the Synod without leave.) New Brunswick Presbytery book was examined as far as to page 227, and approved, except a few inaccuracies of expression, and their appointing an exe- gesis in English. The Second Philadelphia Presbytery book was examined as far as page 164, and approved, except some inaccuracies, and omitting on their records their in- quiry into the religious character of a young man taken on trials for the work of the ministry. Donegal Presbytery book was examined as far as page 325, and approved, except a few inaccuracies. Dr. Sproat requested that he might be allowed to resign his office as stated clerk of the Synod, which was granted, and Mr. Duffield was appointed in his stead to take charge of the records of Synod, as their stated clerk. Adjourned till the third Wednesday of next May, to meet in the First Pres- byterian Church in this city, at eleven of the clock, ante meridiem. Concluded with prayer. 17S6. Philadelphia, May 17th, 178G, 11 o'clock, A. 31 The Synod of New York and Philadelphia, met according to adjournment, in the First Presbytery Church. Ubi post preces sederunt Present : Of the Presbytery of New York : The Rev. Dr. John Eodgers, the llev. Messrs. Alexander INliller and William Lynn. Of the Presbytery of New Brunswick : The llev. Messrs. John Woodhull, Joseph Hue, James Armstrong and Jospeh Clark. Of the First Presbytery of Philadelphia : The Rev. Drs. James Sproat and George Duffield, Rev. Messrs. Francis Peppard, Samuel Blair, James Boyd, James Grier, William Mackey Tcunent, George Faitout, Andrew Hunter, and W^illiam McKee. Of the Second Presbytery of Philadelphia : The Rev. Drs. John Ewing and Patrick Alison, and Rev. Messrs. John Simonton and Robert McMordie. Of the Presbytery of New Castle : The Rev. IMessrs. Robert Smith, James Latta, Nathaniel Welshard Semple, William Smith, and John Edwards Finley. Of the Presbytery of Donegal : The Rev. IMessrs. John Hoge, James ]Mar- tin, John Lynn, Samuel Waugh, and James Johnston. Of the Presbytery of Lewestown : The Rev. Messrs. Matthew Wilson and John jMillcr. Of the I'rcsbytery of Hanover : The Rev. Messrs. William Graham, John Blair Smith, Moses Iloge, and Samuel Carrick. 1786.] NEW YORK AND PHILADELPHIA. 515 Of the Presbytery of Abingdon : The Rev. Mr. Samuel Houston. With the foUowing ciders : Messrs. William Irwin, Kennet Hankerson, Isaac Suowden, Jacob Mulford, John Burling, Robert Taggart, John Whitehill, James Biggams, and James Mercer. Absent : The whole of the Presbyteries of Dutchess and Suffolk. Of New York Presbytery : The Rev. Drs. Timothy Jones, Hugh Knox, and Alexander McWhorter, and Rev. Messrs. Jonathan Elmer, Nathan Kerr, Azel Roe, Benjamin Woodruff, Aaron Richards, Jedidiah Chapman, William Wood- hull, John Moffatt, John Close, Abner Brush, Jiicob Vanarsdalen, Andrew King, John Joline, and John McDonald. Of New Brunswick Presbytery : The Rev. Drs. John Witherspoon and Samuel Stanhope Smith, and Rev. Messrs. John Guild, Samuel Kennedy, Israel Read, John Hannah, Thomas Smith, John Warford, Philip Stockton, Peter Wilson, and William Boyd. Of the first Philadelphia Presbytery : The Rev. Messrs. James Watt, William Schenck, Nathaniel Irwin, Daniel McCalla, and Israel Evans. Of the second Philadelphia Presbytery : The Rev. Mr. John Elder. Of New Castle Presbytery : The Rev. Messrs. William McKennan, John McCreary, James Anderson, Thomas Smith, Thomas Read, Alexander Mitchel, Daniel Jones, George Luckey, and James Monroe. Of Donegal Presbytery : The Rev. Dr. Robert Davidson, and Rev. Messrs. Samuel Thomson, Colin McFarquhar, John Slemmons, Amos Thompson, James Lang, James Hunt, John King, Robert Cooper, John Craighead, Hugh McGill, Hugh Vance, Thomas McFerren, Samuel Dougal, John Black, John McKnight, David Beard, Joseph Henderson, Stephen Balch, and Matthew Stephens. Of Lewestown Presbytery : The Rev. Messrs. Jacob Kerr, John Rankin, and Samuel McMasters. Of Hanover Presbytery : The Rev. Messrs. Richard Zanchy, John Todd, John Brown, James Waddel, William Irwin, Archibald Scott, Edward Craw- ford, James McConnell, John Montgomery, William Wilson, Benjamin Irwin, John McCue, Samuel Shannon, Andrew McClure, and James Mitchel. Of the Presbytery of Orange : The Rev. Messrs. Henry Patillo, David Cald- well, Samuel McCorkle, Robert Archibald, Thomas Craighead, John Casson, James McKee, David Barr, and Jacob Lake. Of Redstone Presbytery : The Rev. Messrs. John Clark, James Power, James Finley, Joseph Smith, John McMillan, Thaddeus Dodd, and James Dunlap. Of Abingdon Presbytery : The Rev. Messrs. David Roe, Charles Cummings, Hezekiah Balch, Samuel Doak, and Adam Rankin. And the whole of the South Carolina Presbytery. The Synod was opened by the Rev. Mr. Matthew Wilson, the last year's moderator, by a sermon on 1 Corinthians i. 17. Mr. Alexander Miller was chosen moderator, and Messrs. William Tennent and William Lynn, clerks. Mr. Roe was excused for not attending our last meeting. Messrs. Francis Peppard, John Simonton, James Latta, John E. Finley, Moses Hoge, Samuel Waugh, William Graham, John B. Smith, and Samuel Carrick, gave reasons for their absence from last Synod, which were sus- tained. Rev. Messrs. William Lynn, Clark, Blair, Simonton, Latta, Hoge, Wilson, Graham, Houston, with Messrs. Isaac Snowden, Robert Taggart, and John Whitehill, elders, were appointed a committee of overtures to meet here to-mor- row morning, at six o'clock, and afterwards by adjournment. The Presbytery of New York reported, that they had, since our last meet- 516 MINUTES OF THE SYNOD OP [1786. inf, licensed 3Ir. Joseph Lindly to preach the gospel, and ordained Mr. James Wilson to the work of the gospel ministry as co-pastor with Dr. llodgers in New York, and Mr. McDonald to the work of the ministry in the city of Albany ; that they had received Mr. William Lynn as a member with them on a dismission and testimonial from the Presbytery of Lewcstown ; that they had received Mr. James Glassbrook, lately from England, as a member of their Presbytery on proper testimonials ; that they had dismissed Mr. Matthias Burnet from their body to join the association of the western district of Fair- field county, in the state of Connecticut ; and that they had received Mr. James Wilson, an ordained minister from Scotland, on testimonials produced by him from the Presbytery of Irvine ; Mr. Glassbrook's and Mr. Wilson's testi- monials were laid before Synod and approved, and they being present took their seats. The Presbytery of New Brunswick reported, that they had, since our last, licensed Messrs. Ashbel Green, Ira Condict, and Asa Dunham, to preach the gospel ; and have received as a member of their body, the Rev. James Muir, of the Island of Bermudas. The first Presbytery of Philadelphia reported, that they had, since our last, licensed Mr. James Snodgrass and Mr. Nathan Grier, and had received the Rev. Mr. John Johnston from the Presbytery of Belfast, in Ireland ; and that they had received the Ilev. Mr. William Pickles, who had been ordained to the work of the ministry by a number of dissenting ministers in England. Adjourned till nine o'clock to-morrow morning. Concluded with prayer. TJmrsdai/, ISth dai/, at nine o'cIocJc, A. M. the Synod met. Post preces sederunt qui supra. Messrs. McCreary, Keith, James Finley, and James Halt, being now come, gave their reasons for not attending sooner, which were sustained. The testimonials of the Ilev. Mr. John Johnston, and of the Ilev. Mr. Wil- liam Pickles, were laid before Synod and approved, they being present took their seats as members of this body. The Presbytery of New Castle reported, that they had, since our last, or- dained to the work of the ministry, Mr. John Burton 5 that Mr. John Carmi- chael had been removed by death upon the 15th of November last; that they discontinued Mr. Joseph Montgomery in their roll ; and had dismissed Mr. James Armstrong to join the Presbytery of New Brunswick ; that they had in consequence of permission obtained last year, ordained Mr. Barr, sine (ifu/o, and no longer considered Mr. Andrew Wilson as being under their care. Mr. Bur- ton and Mr. Barr being present took their seats. The Presbytery of Donegal reported, that they had, since our last, admitted Mr. Hugh Morrison, a licensed candidate, from the IVesbytery of Root, in Ire- land, to preach in their bounds, but his testimonials are not here to lay before Synod; and had installed INlr. Matthew Stephens as pastor of the united con- gregation of Derry and Wayne, on Juniata. The Presbytery of Hanover reported, that the Rev. Mr. James McConncl is a member of their Presbytery, though omitted in a report made by the Rov. Samuel I. Smith, in 1780; that they had ordained Messrs. Moses Ilogc, John McCue, Samuel Houston, Samuel Carrick, Adam Rankin, Andrew McClure, James Mitchell, Samuel Shannon, and John D. Blair, to the work of the gospel ministry, to particular charges, since May, 1782 ; and that they have licensed Ut. William Mahan to preach the gospel. Mr. Hoge, Mr. Carrick, Mr. Hous- ton, and Mr. Blair, being present, took their scats. The I'rcsbytery of Suffolk reported, by a letter, that since they were last represented in Synod, the Rev. Messrs. Ebenezer Prime, of Huntingdon, Syl- 1786.] NEW YORK AND PHILADELPHIA. 517 vanus White, of Southampton, and Benjamin Talmage, of Brook Haven, had departed this life ; that they had ordained Mr. Joshua Williams to the charge of the Church of Christ at Southampton, and Mr. Nathan Woodhull to the pastoral charge of the Church of Huntingdon. Mr. Woodhull and Mr. Armstrong were appointed to examine the first Phila- delphia Presbytery book, aud Mr. John Lynn and Mr. Waugh to examine the Lewestowu Presbytery book. The testimonials of the Ptev. Mr. James Thompson, late of the Presbytery of Dundee, in Scotland, were laid before Synod, and approved, whereupon he ■was admitted to join himself to any Presbytery belonging to this body as he may see meet, and, being invited, sat as a correspondent. Adjourned till three o'clock, P. M. Concluded with prayer. 18^7i daij, three o'cloch, P. M. Post preces sederunt qui supra. The Synod finding that Mr. Treat had not joined the Presbytery of New Brunswick, agreeably to the design of his dismission from the Presbytery of New York, ordered, that the Presbytery of New Brunswick call upon Mr. Treat to give the reasons of his conduct, and take order accordingly. The committee ordered at our last to revise the records of Synod, &c. reported, that they had not performed that business, the Synod therefoz'e agreed that the order be renewed, except that instead of pointing out inaccuracies and impro- prieties, which was enjoined in the former order, an index be made of all the principal transactions contained in the records. Adjourned till to-morrow morning at nine o'clock. Concluded with prayer. Friday, V^tli day, nine o^doclc, A. M. Post ptreces sederunt qui siqjra. Mr. Thomas Bead, Dr. Smith, Mr. McKennan, Mr. Nathan Kerr, Mr. War- ford, Dr. Witherspoon, and Mr. William Boyd, being now come, gave reasons for not attending sooner, which were satisfactory. Mr. John Piukerton, Dr. Duffield's elder, is now come. Agreeably to the order of the day, as stated in the minutes of the last year, the Synod proceeded to consider whether '*" this Synod shall be divided into three Synods, and that a General Synod, or Assembly, be constituted out of the whole." On motion, Resolved, That instead of the words " into three Synods," the words " into three or more Synods," be adopted. Mr. Anderson being now come, gave reasons for not attending sooner, which were sustained. The following motion was made and seconded, viz : the Synod considering the number and extent of the churches under their care, and the inconvenience of the present mode of government by one Synod, resolved, that this Synod will establish, out of its own body, three or more subordinate Synods, out of which shall be composed a General Assembly, Synod, or Council, agreeably to a system hereafter to be adopted. Upon the question being put, Will the Synod adopt the resolution aforesaid, or not ? it was carried in the affirmative. Mr. Pickles obtained leave of absence. The following gentlemen were appointed to prepare and report a plan for the division of Synod into three or more Synods, viz : Dr. llodgers. Dr. Smith, Dr. Duffield, Dr. Alison, Mr. Latta, Mr. Martin, Mr. Matthew Wilson, Mr. Graham, Mr. Houston, ]\Ir. James Finley, and Mr. Hall. Adjourned till three o'clock in the afternoon. Concluded with prayer. 518 MIXUTES OF TIIE SYNOD OF [1786. 19<7i day^ three o'clock, P. M. Post preces sederunt qui supra. The committee appointed by the Synod last year, to meet with the committees of the Low Dutch Kcformed Synod of New York and New Jersey, and of the Associate Reformed Synod, made report of their proceedings, which is as fol- lows, viz : I T T^ 1 <' Proceedings of the committees appointed by the Synod of the Low Dutch Reformed Church of New York and New Jersey, of the Presbyterian Synod of New York and Philadelphia, and of the Associate Reformed Synod, met at New York the 5th day of October, 1785. " The meeting was opened with prayer by the Rev. David Telfair. " The members present : Of the committee appointed by the Dutch Reformed Synod : Dr. John IL Livingston, the Rev. Messrs. J. K. Ilardenbergh, — Ro- meyn, Solomon Freligh, and Dr. Westerlo. Elders : Messrs. Philip Nagle, Henry Kennedy, and William Schermerhorn. " Of the committee appointed by the Synod of New York and Philadelphia : Drs. John Rodgers, Alexander McWhorter, Samuel Smith, the Rev. Messrs. Nathan Kerr, and John Woodhull. " Of the committee of the Associate Reformed Synod : the Rev. Messrs. John Smith, David Telfair, John Mason, and Robert Annan. « The Rev. David Telfair was chosen moderator, and Dr. Samuel Smith, and Mr. Solomon Freligh, were chosen clerks. " A motion was made by Dr. Rodgers, and seconded by Mr. Hardenbergh, that the respective committees produce their commissions, which being produced and approved, were ordered to lie on the table. " The respective committees communicated to each other in writing, or ver- bally, an explicit detail of the standards, both in regard of the doctrine and discipline observed in the respective churches they represent. " On motion, a committee of two from each committee, was appointed to meet this evening, to converse on, and digest the several subjects to be laid before the Convention. The gentlemen appointed were Messrs. John K. Har- denbergh, Dr. Westerlo, Dr. McWhorter. Dr. Samuel Smith, Robert Annan, and John Smith. " The Convention adjourned till to-morrow at five o'clock, P. M. " Thursday, five o'clock, P. J/! " The Convention met, according to adjournment, and was opened with prayer. " The Rev. Dr. Witherspoon appeared and took his seat. " The committee of six made report of what had been digested and deter- mined by them, in conformity with the spirit and intention of their commission, being as follows, viz : ''The inquiries proposed by the committee of the Dutch Church were read. ''The first contained a request to know what the formulas of doctrine and worship are, to which each of the Synods respectively adhere, and the mode in which they testify that adherence, and prevent or punish any departure from them. The answer, on the part of the Reformed Dutch Synod, was contained in the representation given in by their committee in writing, to the convention. " On the part of the Synod of New York and Philadelphia, it is contained in the representation given in by their committee, articles first and fifth, viz : "Article 1st: The Synod of New York and Philadelphia adopt, according to the known and established meaning of the terms, the Westminster Confes- sion of Faith as the confession of their faith, save that every candidate for the 1786.] NEW YORK AND PHILADELPHIA. 519 gospel ministry is permitted to except against so much of the twenty-third chapter as gives authority to the civil magistrates in matters of religion. The Presbyterian Church in America considers the Church of Christ as a spiritual society, entirely distinct from the civil government, having a right to regulate their own ecclesiastical policy, independently of the interposition of the magistrate. "The Synod also receives the directory for public worship and the form of church government recommended by the Westminster Assembly as in substance agreeable to the institutions of the New Testament. This mode of adoption we use, because we believe the general platform of our government to be acreeabie to the sacred Scriptures ; but we do not believe that Grod has been pleased so to reveal and enjoin every minute circumstance of ecclesiastic government and dis- cipline as not to leave room for orthodox churches of Christ, in these minutise, to diifer with charity from one another. ''Article 5th: The rules of our discipline and the form of process in our church judicatures, are contained in Pardovan's (alias Stewart's) collections in conjunction with the acts of our own Syuod, the power of which, in matters purely ecclesiastical, we consider as equal to the power of any Synod or General Assembly in the world. Our church judicatures, like those in the church of Scotland, from which we derive our origin, are Church Sessions, Presbyteries and Synods, to which it is now in contemplation to add a National and General Assembly. " On the part of the Associate Keformed Synod, the answer was given in a verbal representation, by the Rev. IMr. ^lason, and is, in substance, very analogous to that made by the Synod of New York and Philadelphia. " Resolved, That the formulas and standards adopted by the respective repre- sentations, are mutually satisfactory, and lay a sufficient basis for the fraternal correspondence and concord of the several Synods. " To the second inquiry, whether the corresponding Synods, in order to lay the foundation of entire confidence in each other, were willing to give solemn and mutual assurances of their vigilance and fidelity in requiring of their eccle- siastical officers an explicit and unequivocal assent to their present formulas or standards of discipline and faith ; and will take such measures as to them re- spectively shall seem most reasonable and effectual to secure the same fidelity and orthodoxy in all time to come ; the answer was unanimously given in the affirmative. " Resolved, That the nature of these assurances be left to be determined by the convention. " The third inquiry was, whether the Synods will agree mutually to watch over each other's purity in doctrine and discipline, and whether they will agree mutually to receive complaints that may be made by either of the others against particular members of their respective bodies, who may be supposed to be departing from the faith, or from the exactness of their church discipline. Agreed in the affirmative, but that the mode shall be referred to the general convention. " The fourth inquiry was, whether the Synods would mutually promise to in- troduce and maintain in their church the most exact discipline, according to their several standards, that the circumstances of the country and the spirit of the people will bear. ''Resolved, That this is an article of the utmost importance; and resolved, moreover, that it be recommended to the convention to consider of, and adopt, proper means for aiding the exercise of discipline by discouraging fugitives from it out of any of the churches ; and especially by not receiving any persons to church membership without sufficient credentials of their good moral character 520 MINUTES OF THE SYNOD OF [1786 and orderly behaviour frota the church to which they now immediately belong, or have lately belonged. " The fifth inquiry relates to grievances or causes of complaint that may have arisen between the luiuisters or congregations of the respective Synods. " Resolved, That they ought to be candidly heard, and the most speedy and effectual measures taken as far as possible to redress them. " The sixth and last inquiry or proposition respects some mode of establish- ing a visible intercourse and permanent correspondence between the several Synods. " Resolved, That this subject be referred to the consideration of the conven- tion : but that it be recommended to the convention to endeavour to establish an annual convention of the three Synods, by their delegates, which may con- sist of at least three ministers and three elders from each, and that the general objects of this annual convention be, to strengthen each other's hands in the great work of the gospel ministry; to give, and to receive, mutual information of the state of religion within their respective churches ; to consider of, and adopt, the most prudent means to prevent or remedy any causes of dissension that may happen to arise between our respective congregations, agreeably to the instructions that may be given by the respective Synods ; and to concert measures for uniting our efforts to defend and promote the principles of the gospel, and oppose the progress of infidelity and error ; and to adopt plans for effectually assisting the exercise of discipline in our churches, and encouraging each other in its execution ; and for such other purposes as the convention may think proper. " Resolved, To recommend that the first meeting of the above convention shall be held on the second Tuesday of October, 1786, at New York, and afterwards at such time and place as shall be appointed at the preceding con- vention. " AVhich report being read and ordered to a second reading, was thereupon or- dered to be read by paragraphs. Whereupon resolved, that the report of the committee be approved and adopted. " With relation, however, to those matters referred by said committee to this convention, as being by them left undetermined, " Resolved 1st. On the second inquiry, that the manner in which the Synods shall give a solemn pledge to each other of the formula of their faith which they have here openly professed, and of their strict attachment to the same, shall be by an act of each Synod, wherein an accurate recital of such formula shall be made, with a positive declaration, that it is their sincere determination before Grod always to abide by the same, for which purpose they honestly pledge themselves to the two other Synods ; which declaration and promise shall be signed by the president or moderator of the Synod, and at the first convention to be formed by delegates from the respective Synods, be read and entered upon the records of the convention, and copies of all the declarations be transmitted to each Synod, and entered upon their respective records; which records shall remain a perpetual witness against either party who shall ever deviate there- from. And also, that each Synod shall communicate by their respective dele- gates the form of testimonials or credentials given to their candidates, and of those to ordain ministers, which copies shall also be entered on the records of the respective Synods. " 2d. On the third inquiry, that we will mutually watch over each other's purity in doctrine and discipline, and be ready to receive complaints against any of our ministers upon these subjects, and that the mode in which such complaint shall be preferred and prosecuted, shall be either by individuals, who may prosecute in their own name, ni7H jycrictih; or by a classis. Presby- tery, or Synod of a sister church, in which case it shall be taken up as a Jama 1786.] NEW YORK AND PHILADELPHIA. 521 cJamosa, and prosecuted by the classis, Presbytery, or Synod, to which the oflFender or offenders may belong ; and the whole proceedings on the subject shall be transmitted, properly authenticated by the moderator, the prjeses, the scribe, or the clerk, to the informing body for their satisfoction. "3d. On the fourth inquiry, resolved, that in order to aid the exercise of, - discipline, and discourage fugitives from it, every Classis, Presbytery, or Synod, shall officially communicate to its neighbouring Presbytery, Classis, or Synod, the name or names of every minister or candidate subject to censure, either of a lesser or higher nature, after which such Presbytery, Classis, or Synod, shall be held to view, and treat such ministers or candidates as lying under ecclesias- tical censure, to all intents and purposes as if they belonged to their own body, until such person or persons shall be regularly acquitted or restored by the judicatory who had inflicted such censure. " 4th. With reference to the fifth, relating to such grievances as may here- after arise in congregations under the jurisdiction of the different corresponding Synods, it is determined that such differences shall be referred to the considera- tion of a future convention. But as it is possible that some contingencies may arise, which will render a call of the convention before the stated time of meeting necessary, so it is resolved, that a power be lodged in the moderator of the con- vention, with the consent of one member of the convention at least from each Synod, by circular letters to call an extraordinary convention, provided such a call be not more than once in one year. ''5th. The convention thought proper to amend the resolution of their com- mittee, by agreeing to a biennial instead of an annual convention. " On motion to ascertain and limit the powers of the convention in all times to come, resolved, that those powers shall be merely of counsel and advice, and that it shall on no account possess judiciary or executive authority, and every subject that shall come regularly before the convention, shall, after being pro- perly digested, be referred to the respective Synods, together with the opinion of the convention, and the reasons on which it is founded, for their judiciary and ultimate decision. 'I Agreed, that the convention shall, when met, set apart a certain portion of their time for social and fervent prayer to Almighty God, for his blessing on their counsels and the churches they represent; and that said convention, when- ever circumstances appear to them to require public and general humiliation or thanksgiving, shall recommend to the corresponding Synods to set apart the same day to be observed throughout all their churches. " Resolved, That Dr. Rodgers, Dr. Livingston, and Mr. Mason, be a committee to draw out three fair copies of the above minutes, in order that each of the corresponding Synods may be furnished with one. " Concluded with prayer." The consideration of the above report was deferred till to-morrow morning. ^ The Synod took into consideration the motion made last year, respecting the time to be employed in the study of divinity by such as design to offer them- selves for the work of the ministry, previous to their being taken on trials ; and considering the present circumstances of our churches, determined it in the negative. Adjourned till nine o'clock, to-morrow morning. Concluded with prayer. 20th dai/, nine o'clock, A. 31. Spwd met. Post 2»'cces sederunt qxd supra. The consideration of the report of the committee to meet with the committees of the Low Dutch Reformed Synod of New York and New Jersey, and of the Associate Reformed Synod, resumed. It appears by the report of said com- 522 MINUTES OF THE SYNOD OF [1786. mittee, that thoy have conversed fully and freely with the brethren of the above Synods on the subject of an union with them, and the Synod approves their diligence and fidelity in this matter, and agree to appoint a committee to meet such delegates as may be appointed by the above Synods on this business, in the city of New York on the second Tuesday of October nest. Dr. Witherspoon, Mr. Matthew Wilson, and IMr. Woodhull, were ap- pointed a committee to draw up instructions to regulate the conduct of the delegation which may be appointed to meet the committees of the Low Dutch Reformed Synod of New York and New Jersey, and of the Associate Reformed Synod. The committee appointed to consider of a plan for the division of the Synod, reported, that they had met and made some progress in the business, but that they were not yet prepared to lay their plan before Synod, and therefore re- quested, that they might have leave to meet again, which was granted. Ou motion ordered, that Mr. John Smith be added to the committee appointed to consider of a plan for the division of the Synod. On motion ordered, that Dr. Witherspoon, Mr. William Linn, and Mr. James "Wilson, be a committee to select such parts of the proceedings of the present sessions of the Synod as they may judge will be of general advantage to the church, and report them to the Synod for their concurrence, that they may be printed. The committee appointed to prepare a selection from the different versions of the psalms to be used in our churches, which might give more general satis- faction than any one version now used, report that they had paid attention to the affair but had not yet completed it. Ordered, That the same committee be continued to carry into effect the busi- ness assigned them, and make report next Synod. Adjourned till Monday next, (22d,) nine o'clock in the morning. Concluded with prayer. Monday, 22(7 dai/, at nine d'cloch, A. 31. the Sijnod met. Post prcces sede- runt qui supra. jNIr. McDonald being now come gave reasons for not attending sooner, which were satisfactory. The testimonials of Mr. Walter Monteith, a licensed candidate from the Pres- bytery of Dunbarton in Scotland, were laid before Synod by the Presbytery of New York and approved. The committee appointed to prepare and report a draught of a plan for the division of the Synod into three or more Synods, brought in their report, which is as follows, viz : " Your committee beg leave to report, that they conceive it proper, previ- ously to the division of the Synod, to divide some of the Presbyteries which are now too extensive in their limits, and to new-model some others, so as to render them more convenient than they are at present ; and, therefore, recom- mend to Synod to institute the following arrangement, viz : " 1st. That Abingdon Presbytery be divided into two Presbyteries, the one to be bounded by New River on the north and east, by the Apalachian 3Ioun- tains on the south, and by Cumberland Mountain on the west, consisting of the Rev. Charles Cummings, Ilezckiah Raich, John Casson, Samuel Doak, and Samuel Houston, to be known by the name of the Presbytery of Abing- don, and to hold their first meeting agreeably to adjournment of the late Pres- bytery of Abingdon. The other to comprehend the district of Kentucky and the settlements on Cumberland River, consisting of the Rev. David Rice, Thomas Craighead, Adam Rankin, Andrew McClure, and James Crawford, to 1786.] NEW YORK AND PHILADELPHIA. 523 be known by the name of the Presbytery of Transylvania, and to meet for the first time at Danville, in the district of Kentucky, on the third Tuesday of next October, the Rev. David Rice to preside, or in case of his absence, the senior minister present. " 2d. That the Presbytery of Hanover be divided into two Presbyteries, the one to be bounded by the Apalachian Mountains on the north-west, by the Presbytery of Orange on the south, by the Presbyteiy of Donegal on the north and east, and by the Chesapeake and Atlantic on the south-east, con- sisting of the Rev. Richard Zanchy, John Todd, James Waddel, William Irwin, John Blair Smith, James Mitchel, John D. Blaii-, and Daniel McCalla, to be known by the name of Hanover Presbytery, and to hold their first meet- ing at Hampden Sidney, in Prince Edwards county, on the third Tuesday of September next, the Rev. Richard Zanchy to preside, or in his absence the senior minister present. The other to be .bounded by the Presbytery of Red- stone and Carlisle on the North, by the south-eastern ridge of the Apalachian Mountains on the east and south, and by New River on the west, consisting of the Rev. John Brown, William Grraham, Archibald Scott, James McConnel, Edward Crawford, Benjamin Irwin, John Montgomery, William Wilson, Moses Hoge, John McCue,' Samuel Carrick, and Samuel Shannon, to be known by the name of the Presbytery of Lexington, and to meet for the first time at Timber Ridge, in Rock Bridge county, on the last Tuesday of September next, the Rev. John Brown to preside, or in his absence the senior minister present. " 3d. That the Presbytery of Donegal be divided into two Presbyteries, one of which to consist of the Rev. John Slemmons, James Hunt, Stephen Balch, and Isaac Keith, with the Rev. Dr. Patrick Alison from the late second Presbytery of Philadelphia, and the Rev. George Luckey from the Presby- tery of New Castle, to be known by the name of the Presbytery of Baltimore, and to meet for the first time in Baltimore town on the last Tuesday of Octo- ber next, the Rev. Dr. Alison to preside, or in his absence the senior minister present. The other to consist of the Rev. Samuel Thompson, John Hoge, Hugh McGill, Robert Cooper, James Martin, James Lang, John Craighead, John King, Hugh Vance, Thomas McFerren, John McKnight, Dr. Robert Davidson, John Black, Samuel Dougall, John Lynn, David Beard, Samuel Waugh, Joseph Henderson, Matthew Stevens, and James Johnston, with the Rev. John Elder and Robert McMordie, from the late second Presbytery of Philadelphia, to be known by the name of the Presbytery of Carlisle, and to hold their first meeting agreeably to the adjournment of the late Presbytery of Donegal. "4th. That the Rev. Colin McFarquhar, late of the Presbytery of Donegal, be annexed to the Presbytery of New Castle. " 5th. That the distinction of first Presbytery and second Presbytery of Philadelphia, shall henceforth cease, and that the members of these two Pres- byteries, except those that are annexed to the Presbyteries of Baltimore and Carlisle, be united into one Presbytery to be known by the name of the Pres- bytery of Philadelphia, to hold their first meeting on the third Tuesday of October next in the city of Philadelphia, and the Rev. Dr. Sproat to preside, or in his absence the senior minister present. " Your committee beg leave further to report, that they conceive it will be most conducive to the interests of religion that this Synod be divided into four Synods, and therefore submit to the Synod the following plan for dividing the Synod of New York and Philadelphia into four distinct Synods, subordinate to a General Assembly to be constituted out of the whole. " 1st. That one of the said Synods shall consist of the Presbyteries of 524 MINUTES OF THE SYNOD OF [178G. Dutchess county, Suffolk, Now York, and New Brunswick, to be known by the name of the Synod of New York and New Jersey. <' 2d. That another Synod shall consist of the Presbyteries of Philadelphia, Lewestown, New Castle, Baltimore, and Carlisle, to be known by the name of the Synod of Philadelphia. " 3d. That another Synod shall consist of the Presbyteries of Redstone, Hanover, Lexington, and Transylvania, to be known by the name of the Synod of Virginia. " 4th. That another Synod shall consist of the Presbyteries of Abingdon, Orange, and South Carolina, to be known by the name of the Synod of the Carolinas. " 5th. That out of the body of these Synods a General Assembly shall be constituted in the following manner, viz : That every Presbytery shall, at their last stated meeting preceding the meeting of the General Assembly, depute to the General Assembly commissioners in the following proportion ; each Pres- bytery consisting of not more than six ministers shall send one minister and one elder ; each Presbytery consisting of more than six ministers and not more than twelve, shall send two ministers and two elders, and so in the same pro- portion for every six ministers. And these commissioners or any fourteen of them, whereof seven to be ministers, being met on the day and at the place appointed, shall be competent to enter upon business. And the judicatory thus constituted, shall bear the style and title of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in the United States of America." Adjourned till three o'clock, P. M. Concluded with prayer. At three dcloch, P. M. the Si/nod met Post preces sederunt qui supra. The committee appointed at our last meeting to compile a system of disci- pline and church government, brought in their report, part of which was read. Adjourned till to-morrow morning at nine o'clock. Concluded with prayer. 23f? day, nine dcloclc, A. 31. Sijnod met. Post preces sederunt qui supra. (Except Dr. Bodgcrs and Mr. John Miller, who had leave to go home.) The committee appointed to draw up instructions to regulate the conduct of the delegates, to meet with the delegates of the Low Dutch Reformed Synod of New York and New Jersey, and of the Associate Reformed Synod in conven- tion in the city of New York in October next, laid them before Synod, which with some amendments were approved, and are as follows, viz : " The delegates on the part of this Synod are to inform the convention that this body is about to divide itself into four Synods, subordinate to a General Assembly. That they have now under consideration a plan of church govern- ment and discipline, which it is hoped will, when completed, be sufficient to answer every query of the convention upon that head ; and that the mutual assurances mentioned in the minutes of the last convention, may, as far as they respect this Synod, be made with much more propriety after the intended system is finished than at present. " They are to assure the convention of the readiness and desire of this body in the mean time to unite, in a consistent manner, their influence with that of the other Synods, in order to promote the spiritual interest and best good of the whole. And the delegates from this Synod are to enter into a friendly conference with those of the other Synods, and in conjunction Avith them to concert such measures as shall appear best calculated to dilluse harmony and 1786.] NEW YORK AND PHILADELPHIA. 525 brotherly love through the several churches, and promote the interest of the Redeemer's kingdom, and to make report of the whole to this Synod at their meeting in May next. On motion resolved, that the Rev. Drs. John Wither- spoon, John Rodgers, Alexander McWhorter, Messes. Israel Read, John Woodhull, Nathan Kerr, with the moderator, be appointed, and they are hereby appointed delegates on behalf of this Synod for the purposes above mentioned. " On motion resolved, that the book of discipline and government be recom- mended to a committee to meet in the city of Philadelphia on the second Tues- day of September next, who shall have powers to digest such a system as they shall think to be accommodated to the state of the Presbyterian Church in Ame- rica, that they shall procure three hundred copies to be printed and distributed to the several Presbyteries in proportion to the number of their members under the engagement of this Synod, to have the expense of printing and distribution reimbursed to the committee at their next meeting ; and every Presbytery is hereby required to report, in writing, to the Synod at their next meeting, their observations on the said book of government and discipline." The committee appointed to attend to the above business, were Drs. Wither- spoou, McWhorter, Rodgers, Sproat, Duffield, Alison, and Ewing; Mr. Mat- thew Wilson, and Dr. Smith, with Isaac Snowden, Esquire, Mr. Robert Tag- gart, and Mr. John Pinkerton, elders. The Synod being informed that several disorders and disagreeable circum- stances have taken place in some of the churches in the western parts, espe- cially within the bounds of the Presbytery of Abingdon, to the great prejudice of the interest of religion in those parts, did appoint Mr. McCorkle, Mr. Scott, Mr. Moses Hoge, Mr. Francis Cummings, Mr. John Smith, and Mr. Vance, or a majority of them, with an elder to accompany each, as a committee, in the name of the Synod, to meet at Salem Church, on the waters of Nola Chucky, on the second Wcdnesdcxy of October next, with power to them to call before them such persons concerned in these disturbances, as are members of, or under the authority of this Synod, to hear and consider what shall be represented to them, and take proof of disputed allegations, if necessary ; to endeavour, with prudence and meekness, to accommodate differences; where this cannot be wholly effected, and matters appear to them to be ripe for decision, and they be unanimous, to give judgment; if not unanimous, that they cite all whom they think necessary, to appear before the Synod, or General Assembly, at the next meeting, to have the matter fully judged, only taking care in any case where proof is necessary, that it be taken upon the spot, that there may be no unneces- sary delay of a final and effectual settlement. They are also empowered, if there appear to them any urgent, or very doubtful censures inflicted by any of the parties upon others, to suspend the execution till the meeting of the Synod, or General Assembly. The members of the Presbytery of Abingdon are required by Synod to read the above appointment publicly in their congregations, at least four weeks before the meeting of the committee, and this reading shall be considered as a citation to all parties concerned, to appear; and if any fail to appear, the committee, however, shall proceed to take evidence as they shall see cause ; and no evidence pretended to be produced afterwards, shall be admitted to invalidate the mea- sures of the committee, or to prevent the decision of Synod. Adjourned till three o'clock, P. M. Concluded with prayer. Three d clock, P. M. The Si/nod met. Post preces sederunt qui supra. The minutes of the Presbytery of Lewestown were reviewed by the commit- tee appointed for that purpose, to page 122, who reported a number of omis- sions and inaccuracies upon their records, which appear to Synod to have been 526 MINUTES OF THE SYNOD OF [1786. occasioned by the tumultuous state of the country during the revolution, and the hasty manner in which they were obliged to transact business. Whereupon, the Synod gave orders, that that Presbytery in future have their minutes care- fully revised before they are recorded. The minutes of the First Presbytery of Philadelphia were reviewed by the committee appointed for that purpose, unto page 13, and were approved. In consequence of an overture which was brought in, the Synod earnestly recommend to all the vacant congregations under their care, to meet together every Lord's day, at one or more places, for the purposes of prayer and praises, and reading the Holy Scriptures, together with the works of such approved divines as they may be able to procure, and that the elders be the persons who shall pray, and select the portions of Scripture and other books, to be read by any proper person whom they may appoint. The Synod considering the education of youth, and their being early in- structed in the principles of religion, as the most useful means of promoting the influence of the gospel in our churches, resolved, that it be enjoined ou every Presbytery, in appointing supplies to their vacant congregations, to take order that every vacant congregation within their limits, be carefully catechized at least once in a year, in tlie same manner as is required by the order of our church in congregations supplied with regular pastors, and that the ministers appointed to this duty be required, at the next meeting of the Presbytery, to render an account of their fidelity in this respect, and that the Presbyteries be required to render au account of their attention to this order at the nest meet- ing of Synod. On motion made and seconded. Ordered, Th&t every Presbytery take eff'cctual measures to raise from each congregation under their care, whether supplied with a pastor or vacant, a collection, previous to the next meeting of Synod, for defraying the expenses of printing the public acts of Synod, and for print- ing and distributing the book of government and discipline, and for such other purposes as to the Synod shall seem proper, and that each Presbytery send said collections with some one of their members who shall attend Synod next year, and the Synod agree to render to the people au account of the dis- bursements. In consequence of a request from the Presbytery of New York for some ministers, or probationers, to be sent to preach the gospel in their vacancies above Albany, the Synod appointed Mr. Burton to supply in those parts as much as he conveniently can through the ensuing summer, and recommended to Mr. Thompson to pay a visit to those vacancies for the same purpose, at such time as he may find most convenient. The Synod proceeded to consider the report of the committee on a plan for dividing the Synod into three or more Synods, and adopted it so far as respects the arranging of Presbyteries; and the Synod do hereby establish the arrange- ment therein contained. The consideration of the remaining part of the report was deferred till our next stated meeting, at which time the several Presbyteries are desired to attend prepared to determine respecting it. Adjourned till nine o'clock to-morrow morning. Concluded with prayer. Wednesday, 24ost 2'>reces sederunt qui supra. Ordered, To proceed in considering the draught, and made some progress. The testimonials of Mr. John Young, a probntioner from the Presbytery of Irvine, in Scotland, accompanied with corroborating evidential letters, were laid before Synod, and approved, and he has leave to put himself under the care of the Presbytery of New York. Adjourned till nine o'clock to-morrow morning. Concluded with prayer. 2Bd May, 1787. The Synod met according to adjournment. Ubi j^ost j^reces sederunt qui supra. Dr. Samuel Smith and Mr. James Muir having now come, their reasons for not coming sooner were sustained. Mr. lloe and Mr. Bloomfield had leave to ('O home. 1787.] NEW YORK AND PHILADELPHIA. 535 Oi'dcred, To proceed in considering the draught, and made considerable progress. Adjourned till three o'clock, P. M. Concluded with prayer. Three dcloch^ P. 31. Synod met according to adjournment. U hi post preces sederunt qui supra. Mr. James Finley has gone home without leave. An address from the corporation of the widows' fund was brought in and read, particularly stating the deficiency of a number of contributors to the fund in their annual payment, which prevents the corporation from paying the an- nuities to their widows ; requesting the interposition of Synod with them, to procure a greater punctuality in their contributors, or the proposal of some plan, whereby the fund may be secured in receiving the annual rates stipulated by them ; and also stating the distress which the want of this punctuality in the cases of the Rev. Mr. Huston and the Eev. Mr. Carmichael hath occasioned, whereby they were reduced to the disagreeable necessity of withholding the annuity from their families. The corporation were also heard in explaining at large for the satisfoction of the members of Synod, the fundamental principles of their institution, upon which they have proceeded in their determination in the case of the fomily of Mr. Carmichael. At the same time a petition from Mrs. Carmichael was brought in, requesting the interposition of the Synod with the corporation to procure for her the annuity which has been held from her by them. Ordered, That these papers lie on the table. It was moved and carried, that the form of process in Stewart of Pardovan's Collection be read and considered as a basis of deliberation, along with the draught. Adjourned till nine o'clock to-morrow morning. Concluded with prayer. 24:t7i May, 1787. Synod met according to adjournment. Uhi post preces sederunt qui supjra. Mr. Woodhull obtained leave of absence from Synod. The Synod re-considered the vote of yesterday respecting Pardovan's Collec- tion, when the former vote was agreed to. Ordered, to proceed in considering the draught, &c., and made some j)rogress. Adjourned till three o'clock, P. M. Concluded with prayer. Three 6' clock, P. M. Synod met agreecdjly to adjournment. Uhi post preces sederunt qui supra. Mr. Longstreet obtained leave to go home. The Synod did allow, and do hereby allow, that Dr. Watts's imitation of Da- vid's Psalms, as revised by Mr. Barlow, be sung in the churches and families under their care. Ordered, to proceed in considering the draught, and concluded reading para- graph by paragraph. Adjourned till nine o'clock to-morrow morning. Concluded with prayer. Ibth May, 1787. Synod met according to adjournment. Uhi p>ost preces sederunt qui supra. (Except Messrs. Vanarsdalen, Farquhar, Blacky Dynn, Waugh, and Dr. Alison.) Mr. Barr had leave to go home. 536 MINUTES OF THE SYNOD OF [1787. Ordered, To put off till the afternoon the further consideration of the draught of a plan of government and discipline, in order to inquire into certain disturb- ances which have taken place in the ■western parts of the church, and especially within the bounds of the Presbytery of Abingdon ; for the settlement of which a committee was appointed at the sessions of Synod, in 178G, to meet at Salem, in Nola Chuckey, last October. Mr. Hoge, one of the committee, informed the Synod, that he was the only member who attended ; the reasons given by the other members of that com- mittee present in Synod for their not attending, were sustained. The committee of overtures also reported a petition from several elders and members of the Presbyterian Church in Nola Chuckey, setting forth that they were in distressed circumstances, principally on account of some irregular pro- ceedings of the Presbyter}^ of Abingdon, and requesting the interposition of the Synod in the premises. Upon inquiring into the nature of the uneasiness subsisting in the churches there, as referred to in the petition, and confirmed by the minutes of last Synod, it appeared that the Presbytery of Abingdon was charged with having taken upon trial, and licensed, Mr. James Balch, under improper circumstances, and particularly while under suspension by Orange Presbytery • that some members of Abingdon Presbytery were also charged with having countenanced certain violent proceedings of a tumultuous mob, contrary to the ministerial and Christian character, and that several other irregularities in that district occasioned an interruption of the peace of the churches. The Synod, upon a full and careful investigation of the subject, resolved, that the said James Balch, having been restored to the communion of the church by the Presbytery of Hanover, after a period of several years, upon a certificate exhibited to them from the Presbytery of Orange, became a proper candidate for presbyterial trials, and at his licensure, the Presbytery, then met according to adjournment, was competent to that business, and that, therefore, the proceedings of the Presbytery be sustained. With regard to the other subjects of difference existing within these bounds, inasmuch as several of the parties concerned were present, it was resolved, that Drs. Witherspoon, Rod- gers, Sproat, Ewing, Dufiield, McAYhorter, and Messrs. Vangelder, Snowden,- and Taggart, elders, should be a committee to meet in the afternoon, to en- deavour to bring the aforesaid parties to an amicable compromise, and to lay the foundation, if possible, to prevent all disputes on the subjects alleged in future ; and that the said committee make report to Synod on the result of their endeavours. Adjourned till three o'clock, P. M. Concluded with prayer. Three o'clock. P. M. Si/nod met accorcling to adjournment. Uhi j^ost j^^^ces sederunt qui supra. The committee appointed to review the Presbytery book of New York made report, and the book was approved to the one hundred and sixteenth Adjourned till nine o'clock to-morrow morning. Concluded with prayer. 26 May, 1787. Si/nod met accordinr/ to adjournment. Ihi j^ost preces sederunt qui svjyra. (Except Messrs. Latta, Watt, Semple, and Mitchell.) The committee appointed yesterday to converse with the brethren of Abing- don Presbytery, who wore present, and to endeavour to accommodate the 1787.] NEW YORK AND PHILADELPHIA. 537 matters of uneasiness among them, met agreeably to order, and report as fol- lows : " That they heard the Abingdon brethren more fully than they had been heard before Synod, and find one source of uneasiness in addition to what had been mentioned in their country, and among themselves, was about psalm- ody; and the committee, after hearing them fully, recommended to those brethren, in a spirit of Christian love, to forgive one another, and bury in ob- livion all that had passed ; and they readily and cheerfully complied with the recommendation, and in evidence of their peace and amity took each other by the right hand; and they promised forbearance towards each other in those matters wherein they had diifered in judgment, and to encourage, strengthen, and support each other, in advancing the common cause of their Divine Re- deemer. It gave your committee the highest pleasure to see these differences and dissensions terminated in so happy an issue, and they doubt not it will have a salutary influence upon the peace of the Church in those parts ; and in order to accomplish this desirable end, that there may be peace and bro- therly love among the people as well as the ministers, your committee pro- pose the following resolutions, which the Synod adopted, and resolved accord- ingly : " 1st. That in respect to political differences in that part of the country which occasioned a mob or riot, the Synod highly disapprove of, and condemn all such tumultuous and riotous proceedings ; but as it appears by a paper signed by a number who acknowledge themselves the authors of the tumult, and also from the testimony of Colonel Cook, that Mr. Balch had no hand in that affair, and that he did take some pains to restrain those unhappy proceed- ings from going so far as they did, therefore, all things considered, we do not think him blamable in that matter. "2d. In respect to the psalmody; the Synod have allowed the use of the imitation of the Psalms of David for many years, to such congregations as choose them, and still allow of the same, but they are far from disapproving of Rouse's version, commonly called the Old Psalms, in those who were in the use of them and chose them, but are of opinion that either may be used by the churches, as each congregation may judge most for their peace and edification, and therefore highly disapprove of public, severe, and unchristian censures being passed upon either of the systems of psalmody, and recommend it to all ministers in those parts of the Church, to be more tender and charitable on these heads. " 3d. In regard to the Presbytery's excluding two elders from sitting in the judicature at a certain time, the Synod are of opinion, that the Presbytery had some support for so doing from common custom and usage, but that there was too scrupulous an exactness attended to in that matter, and hope that such events will be guarded against in future. <' 4th. In respect to the letter addressed to Mr. Balch, through the medium of the press, and supposed to be written by the Rev. William Graham, of Rockbridge county, Virginia, the Synod look upon the same as very unchris- tian and unwarrantable treatment of a brother ; and the Synod do order the Presbytery of Lexington to cite Mr. Graham before them, and make due in- quiry whether he be the author, and into the reasons of his conduct in that matter, and censure or acquit him as the nature of the case may appear ; and report their proceedings herein to the next Synod. " Ordered, That the whole of the proceedings had upon the affairs of Abing- don Presbytery, both at last Synod and at the present sessions, be inserted in the Presbytery book of Abingdon, and that the ministers of that Presbytery read them from their pulpits." 68 538 MINUTES OF THE SYNOD OF [1787. Agreed to postpone the further consideration of the draught until Monday morning. The committee appointed to review the Presbytery book of South Carolina made report, and the book was approved to the thirtieth page. The committee appointed to examine the Presbytery book of Abingdon made report, and the book was approved to the session held March 27th, 1787, inclusive. The committee appointed to examine the Presbytery book of New Castle made report, and the book was approved from the session held April 23d, 1782, to the session held August 18th, 1782, inclusive. The committee appointed "to examine the Baltimore Presbytery book made report, and the book was approved to the eighty-first page. The committee appointed to examine the Presbytery book of Philadelphia made report, and the book was approved to page fiftieth. Mr. Doak obtained leave to go home. Adjourned till three o'clock, P. M. Concluded with prayer. Three ddoch, P. M. The Synod met according to adjournment. Ubi post preces sederunt qui supra. The account of Mr. Robert Aitken for Bibles was given in to the Synod, and it appearing that there was a balance due to him of eight pounds, ten shillings, and seven pence. Synod ordered their treasurer, the Kev. Dr. John "Wither- spoon, to pay said balance. The committee appointed to examine the Presbytery book of Dutchess county reported, and the book was approved to the one hundred aud tenth page. The committee appointed to receive the collections made by Presbyteries made report, that they received — From Dutchess county Presbytery, " New York " " New Brunswick " - « Philadelphia " " New Castle " - " Lewes " . - " Carlisle " - " Baltimore " . - " Redstone " - " Lexington « - - " Hanover " - " South Carolina " " Orange " - " Abingdon « - . Total sum. The Synod ordered a list of all the congregations to be printed, which have made collections, specifying the collections made by each of them. The Synod considering that it will be necessary to print several pieces for the consideration of the churches, which are of the highest importance to them, agreed to appoint a collection to be made in all the congregations under their care, and do hereby order the respective I'resbytcries to take order that this be put duly in execution, and to bring up their cresbyterial, 319, 321. Avery, Dr., of I.,ondon, England, 300. Averv, Mr. Joseph, 412. Ayre's, Rev. Enos, 240, 242, 244, 247, 2.50, 251, 258, 2.59, 263, 270, 277, 285, 291, 298, 307, 313, 342. BACK COUNTRY, pulpit supplies for, 212. Bacon, Rev. John, 378, 390, 400, 401, 406, 407, 411. Bailey, Mr. Elias, 351, 369, 400. Baird. See Beard. Baker's Settlement, 226. Balch, Rev. Hezekiah. 390, 401, 409, 449, 4.55. 4.58, 461, 462, 489, 493, 510, 515, 528, 542. Balch, Rev. Hezekiah James, 378, 394, 399 401, 409, 450. Balch, Mr. James, licentiate, 531, 536, 537. Balch, Rev. Stephen, 491, 496, 498, 501. 506, 515, 523, 528, 542. Bald Eagle Settlement, Pa., 4.54. Baldwin, Eev. Moses, 291, 298, 307, 333, 348. Baldwin, Mr. Nehemiah. 341, 348. Ball, Rev. Eliphalet, 259, 269, 277, 280, 285, 291. 298, 307, 331, 351, 367, 373, 374, 377, 401, 4] 7, 424, 436, 461. Ball, Mr. Nathaniel, 461. Baltimore Co., Md,. 39, 387. Baltimore Presb., formation of. 523. Bangor Presb., Ireland, 101. Baptism, form to be used, 255. by impostor invalid, 249. infant, 250, 260. minors and slaves, 527. parental qualifications, 115, 267, 527. Baptisms, register of, 3.59. Baptist Church. 91, 93. Barclav, Mr. Hugh, 541. Bard, Rev. David, 477, 489, 491, 492, 496, 528. Barker, Mr. (Elder), 341. Barker. Rev. Nehemiah, 333, 341, 351, 364, 377, 390, 401, 425. Barlow, Revision of Dr. Watts' Psalms, 535. Barnegate, N. J., 326. Barnet, Mr. William, 313, 314. Barr, Eev. David, 4b6, 494, 496, 502, 503, 515, 542. Barr, Rev. Samuel, 507, 511, 516, 526, 528, 530, 542. Barret, Rev. , 471. Basis of representation, 524. Basking Ridge, N. J., congregation of, 104, 106, 138. 145. Bay, Eev. Andrew, 2.36, 238, 239, 242, 244, 247, 250, 259, 263, 270, 277, 280, 285, 291, 297. 306. 314, 3.32, 334, 351. 355, 356, 361, 364, 367, 375, 377, 379, 387, 388, 389, 390, 400, 404, 410. 411, 412, 415, 450, 451. 454. 461, 46.3, 474, 475. case of, 340, 342. 343, 348, 349. Bay, Rev. Joseph, 411. Bayard, Col. John, 324, 425, 429, 432, 441, 484, 501, 528, 529, 531. Bavlev, Mr. Robert, 463, 497. Beard" Rev. David, 501, 506, 515, 542. Beard. Rev. John, 306, 307. 313, 318, 323. 334, 341, 343, 351, 356, 357, 358, 360. 366. .371. 383. 390. 400, 411. case of, 425, 429, 439. Beard, Mr. Thomas, 4.36. Beart. Mr. Elisha. 461. Beatty, Eev. Charles, 233. 235, 236, 237, 242, 244, 247, 250, 2.58, 263, 270. 280, 28.5. 288, 291, 294. 29.5, 296, 297, 301. 303, 306, 310. 313, 315, 322, 323, 326. 333, 334, 335, 336, .3.37, 340, 341. ol.'^. 351, 353, 3.56, .362, 364, 365, 366, 367, 369, 371, 374, 376, 377, 3i)0, 400, 402, 404, 405, 406, 410, 415, 416, 420, 424, 437. missionarv iourney, 362, .369, 375. Bedford Churcii. N. Y.. 388. 5.30. Bedford, Mr. Gunning, 297, 300, 313, 314, 322, 323, 324. 391, 482. INDEX. 551 Bedminster Church, N. J., 274, 279, 479. Belcher, Mr. , 341. Belfast Presbytery (Irelaudj, 516. Bell, Mr. Xathaniel, :i")l Bell, Eev. Hamilton, 149, 164, 165, 172. case of, 175, 178. Bergen. Mr. John, 496 Berkshire Association (New Eug.), 405. Bertram, Rev. William, 101, 103. 107, 112, 122, 130, 136, 143, 149, 161, 165, 172, 177, 184. Bethel Church (Xew Castle Presby.), 507 Bethel Church, N. C, 346, 374, 387, 503. Bethlehem Church, N. Y., 119, 120, 122. Bewel. See Buel. Bible, Aitken edition, 500, 503, 538. fund for distribution, 269, 429, 500, 503, .506, 538. reading of, on Lord's Day, 10, 11. Biggams, Mr. James, 515. Big Spring, Pa., 331, 543. Bills and Overtures, committee on, 17, 49, 51, 55, 57, .58, 59, 60, 61, 65, 66, 67, 68, 69, 75, 262, .323, 393, 394, 401, 412, 419. 425, 438, 451, 453, 462, 464, 472, 477, 479, 480, 481, 483, 486, 488, 489, 493, 497, 499, 502, 506, 515, 529, 539, • 542. Birmingham, 61, 68. Births, register of, 359. Black, Eev. James, 400, 451. Black, Rev. John, 450, 471, 472, 477, 489, 492, 493, 494, 496, 497, 501, .506, 515, 528, 542. Black, Rev. Samuel, 1.30, 135, 143, 149, 161 , 164, 172, 177, 184, 190, 197, 199, 201, 205, 209, 211, 214, 220, 224, 230, 285, 289, 291, 292, 298, 307, 314, 341. Bladensburg, Md., 274, 361. Blair, Rev. John, 233, 235, 236, 238, 239, 242, 244, 247, 251, 259, 263, 270, 277, 280, 285, 291, 296, 297, 306, 307, 311, 313, 314, 315, 320, 322, 32.3, 324, 334, 335, 340, 341, 344, 351, 353. 355, 356, 364, 366, 367, 374, .375, 377, 378, 380, 381, 386, 390, 396, 397, 398, 399, 400, 402, 406, 410, 412, 416, 419, 425. Blair, Rev. John D., 516, 529, 542, 543. Blair, Rev. Samuel (East Jersey Presb.), 109, 112, 114, 122, 123, 130, 131, 135, 141, 143, 148, 1.50, 154, 155, 156, 233, 234, 235, 236, 238, 2.39, 240, 242. Blair, Rev. Samuel (Lancaster Presb.), 342, 352, 360, 365, 460, 463, 486, 492, 496, 498, 501, 506, 514. 528, 541, 545, 546. Blaith, Mr. Benjamin, 390. Blaith, Rev. (Hanover Presb.), 390. Bloomfleld, Dr., 377, 378, 379. Blydenburgh, Mr. John, 425. Boggs, Mr. Robert, 501, 504. Bonds for funds, 88, 189, 2G2. Bonnell, Mr. Benjamin, 306. Book of Discipline. See Discipline. Books, for public schools, 219. religious, distribution of, 428, 429, 441, 452, 463, 476, 479. Boston, Mass., 15, 16, 84, 149, 152, 155. Association of. 187. new erection, 99. Bostwick, Rev. David, 235, 236, 238, 239, 244, 247, 250, 2.55, 256, 258, 259, 261, 262, 263, 269, 270, 271, 272, 273, 277, 278, 280, 281, 282, 285, 291, 297, 298, 306, 307, 309, 310, 311, 313, 322, 323, 324, 325, 331, 334. Boundaries, adjustment of, 340. Bound Brook, N. J., 138. Bourne, Mr. Thomas, 322, 324, 364, 365, 383, 411, 412, 442, 471. 485. Boyd, Rev. Adam, 80, 85, 88, 92, 96, 99, 101, 103, 107, 112, 122, 130, 135, 143, 149, 155, 161, 164, 171, 177, 184, 190, 192, 194, 196, 199, 201, 205, 209, 211, 214, 220, 224, 230, 285, 291, 295, 297, 298, 300, 306, 308, 314, 322, 323, 334, 335, 341, 345, 353, 364, 377, 387, 390. Boyd, Mr. James, 306. Boyd, Rev. James, 365, 401, 408, 410, 414, 416, 419, 424, 429, 435, 436, 449, 458, 461, 465, 477, 480, 482, 486, 489, 491, 492, .501, 505, 514, 527. 528, 541. Boyd, Dr. John (Elder), 403, 408, 426, 492. Boyd, Rev. John, 9, 10, 11, 14. Boyd, John, case of, 121, 124. Boyd, Mr. Matthias, 436. Boyd, Rev. William, 498, 503, 507, 515, 517, 528, 541. Boyse, Rev. John (Dublin), 52, 53. Brackenridge, Mr. Hugh M., 480, 483. Bradford, Rev. Ebenezer, 462, 465, 476, 480, 490. Bradner, Rev. Benoni, correspondent, 334, 338. Bradner, Rev. John, 36, 38, 42, 48, 50, 55, 59, 64, 69, 75, 78, 85, 92, 95, 96, 97. 100, 101, 102, 103. Brainerd, Rev. David, 235, 236. Brainerd, Rev. John, 236, 237, 240, 244, 247, 248, 250, 258, 262, 269, 273, 277, 278 280, 285, 291, 294, 297, 299, 300, 304, 307, 308, 310, 311, 313, 316, 318, 322, 323, 324, 326, 333, 334, 335, 336, 339, 340, 341, 343, 347, 348, 350, 351. 353, 3.54, 356, 361, 366, 369, 371, 376, 377, 380, 331, 389, 392, 400, 405, 406, 412, 415, 416, 418, 424, 426,427, 429, 436, 440, 4150, 453, 461, 464, 471, 473, 476, 478, 480. 482, 483. 485, 487, 490. Brandywine, Pa., 185, 4.58, 478, 530, 543. Branon, Mr. Benjamin, 4.36. Bratton, Rev. Thomas, 25, 31. Brechin Presb., Scotland, 530. Brewster, Mr. Francis, 313, 314, 318. Briar Creek, Ga., 360, 374, 403, 417. Briery River, Va., 403. Britain, Church in, 290. friends in, 187. letter to, 55. North, 194. Brizben, Mr. William, 496. Broad Creek, people of, 80. Broad River, N. C, 360. Brook Haven, N. Y., 517. Brooks, Rev. Ebenezer, 462, 470, 472, 476, 479. Brooks, Mr. John, 390. Brown, Rev. David, 192, 194, 195. Brown, Mr. George, 428. Brown, Rev. James, 2.38, 242, 244, 247 250 259, 269, 277, 280, 285, 289, 291, 295' 297, .300, .307, .308, 333, 335, 341, 351, 364, 377, 390, 401, 424, 543. Brown, Rev. John (Hanover Presb.), 259, 263, 270, 277, 280, 285, 289, 291, 292, INDEX. 298, 307, 314, 341, 390, 400, 450, 485, 515, 523. 528, 542. Brown, Kev. .Tohn (Lewiston Presb.), 390. Brown, Mr. Thomas, 291. Brown, Mr. William, 390. Brown's Meeting- J louse, Va., 198, 200. Brown's SLtlk'nuiit, Va., 226. Brush, Eev. Abncr, 2K3, 291, 294, 297, 300, 307, 313, 322, 323, 331, 333, 335, 338, 341, 351, 352, 362, 364, 369, 377, 378, 379, 390, 400, 411, 424, 436, 450, 461, 476, 480, 482, 489, 492, 496, 501, 505, 515, 528, 541. Brvan, Mr. Andrews, 457. Bryan, Mr. George, 315, 317, 324, 326, 447, 449. Buckingham, Md., 172. Bucks Couutv, Pa., 176. Buel, Eev. Samuel, 236, 242, 244, 247, 251, 258, 269, 277, 280, 285, 291, 298, 307, 333, 341, 351, 352, 365, 366, 367, 374, 377, 390, 401, 424, 541. Buffalo, Pa., 473. Buflalo Settlement, 199. Buffalo Valley, Pa., 543. Buffler's Settlement, X, C, 226. Bullock's t.'reek, N. C, 360, 387, 418. Bullskin, N. J., 387. Bunnel, Mr. Benjamin, 351. Burials, register of, 359. Burley, Mr. John, 492. Burling, Mr. John, 515. Burnet, Dr. William, 377, 378, 379, 391, 411, 412, 414. Burnet, Eev. Blackleech, 461, 525, 541. Burnet, Eev. Matthias, 451, 462, 471. 476, 480, 496, 501, 505, 516. Burr, Eev. Aaron, 136, 143, 149, 161, 164, 177, 202, 233, 235, 236, 237, 239, 242, 244, 247, 250, 258, 262, 269, 274, 277, 281. Burrit. See Burnet. Burton. Eev. John, 507, 510, 516, 526, 528, 529, 541. Burvet. See Burnet. Burying ground, 134. Busii Eiver. N. C, 387 Business rules. 298, 302, 303, 304, 512. Byram, Eev. Eliab, 233, 235, 236, 238, 239, 244, 247, 250, 259. CALAMY, DR., 63. Caldwell. Mr. David, 306, 308. Caldwell, ]Mr. James, of Wicomico, Md., 33. Caldwell, John. 138. Caldwell, Joseph, probationer, 543, .544. Caldwell, Eev. David, 334, 339, 346, 352, 353, .354, 361, 390, 400, 449, 450, 455, 486, 502, 515, 542. Caldwell, Eev. James, 306, 307, 311, 313, 314, .322, 323, 333, 334, 3.37, 341, 343, 346, 351, 356, 364, 365, .366, 367, 374, 377, 380, 381, 388, 390, 398, 3i)9, 400, 406, 407, 408, 409, 410, 412, 413, 414, 416, 419, 424, 426, 427, 429, 436, 4.37, 440, 441, 444, 4.50, 4.54, 4.56, 461, 471, 476, 478, 480, 482, 484, 489, 493. Caldwell, Tliomas. case of, 98. Calf Pasture Settlement, Va., 226. Calls. See PdMoral Calln. Calvinistic Dutch churches, 176. Cameronians, 188. Camp, Mr. Nathaniel, 364. Camp, Mr. Samuel, 333. Campbell, , Hanover Presb., 451. Campbell, Eev. Benjamin, 103, 107, 112. Campbell, Mr. Francis, 364. Campbell, Mr. Patrick, 314, .322. Campbell, E(-v. James (New Castle Presb.), 235, 236, 237 240, 244, 247, 250, 259, 263, 270, 277, 280, 281. Campbell, Eev. James (Orange Presb.), 450, 451, 486, .503. Campbell, Eev. John, 244, 247, 251. Candidates for ministry : attendance at Presb. and Synod, 325. care of, by ministers, 309 certificate of Standing Committee to take place of college diploma, 141, 142, 146. clerk of Presbytery, 25. college diploma, 141, 146, 465, 475, 499. college education, 28, 141, 146. Committee for examination, 22, 23, 141, 146, 183, 184, 198, 199, 204, 271, 278, 281, 282. dismission of, 437. education of, 28, 141, 167, 171, 17.5, 246, 265, 266, 269, 271, 278, 281, 282, 290, 305, 309, 319, 337, 338, 475, 499, 511, 512, 521. examination and qualifications of, 17, 22, 23. 28, 32, 38, 39, 77, 110, 111, 115, 141, 142, 146, 148, 151, 154, 173, 183, 184, 198, 199, 202, 204, 243, 271, 278, 281, 283, 287, 310, 313, 317, 318, 319, 320, 321, 357, 475, 499, 504, 512, 514, 529. examination by Synod or its Commis- sion, 204. exceptional cases, 289, 290. experience examination, 310, 317, 318, 321. first received, 18. foreign, 119. fund' for, 246, 265, 266, 269, 271. 276, 278, 281, 282, 290, 298, 314, 323, 342, 343, 419, 426, 4.38, 473, 484, 490, 494. licensure, 338, 504. ordination, 116, 150, 320. plan for education. 419, 420, 438, 451. preaching of, 135, 151, 153. Presbytery to care for and recommend, 3.37.' 338,' 512. Presbytery of New Castle ordered to examine, 202. private education, 153, 154. reception of, .52, 110, 115, 119, 133. regulations for, 337. rejection of, 77. seminary or school for, 170, 227. Standing Committees to examine, 141, 142, 1.51, 154, 271, 278, 281, 282. subscription to Confession, 94, 98, 116, 150, 287, 339. supervision of, 25. supplies, appointed as, 340, 387. Synod as Committee of the Whole for examination, 183, 184. theology, course in, 512. See also New Jersey. College of. Canetuck, N. C, supplies for. 473. Canterbury. Archbisliop of, 311, 312. Cape May,"N. J., people of, 36, 237. 243, 245. INDEX. 553 Captives among Indiaus, 312, 317. Carl, Mr. John, 367. Carlile, Eev. Hush, 112, 114, 122, 130, 135, 143,150, 155, 161. Carlisle congregation, 297, 331, 345. Carlisle Presbytery, 348, 349, 350, 351, 352, 356, 357, 372. reestablished, 523. Carmichael, Eev. John, 298, 302, 306, 307, 311, 313, 316, 318, 320, 322, 329, 333, 335, 341, 343, 351, 355, 364, 377, 378, 389, 400, 411, 412, 424, 426, 436, 440, 449, 455. 458, 464, 472, 474, 475, 476, 477, 480, 482, 485, 489, 492, 496, 499, 505, 516. Carmichael, Mrs. John, 535. Carmikle. See Carmichael. Carolinas, the, supplies for, 210, 293, 311, 399, 403, 405, 432, 434, 439. Carolinas, the. Synod of, 524, 548. Carrick, Rev. Samuel, 514, 515, 516. .528. Carthy's .Settlement, N. C, 403, 404. Cartridge Creek, N. C, 403, 405. Case, Eev. Wheeler, 352, 353, 377, 378, 379, 381, 401, 402, 424, 436, 461, 471, 528, 541. Casson, Eev. John, 494, 502, 515, 528, 542. Catawba, forks of, N, C, 374. Catawba River, N. C, stations beyond, 210, 418. Catechising, 111, 417, 418, 513, .532. Catechism, Assembly's, 429 Catechism, Vincent's, 429. Catechisms, Westminster, 94, 97, 98, 100, 102, 109, 110, 114, 127, 172, 195, 233, 245, 260, 286, 331, 344, 351, 409, 430. 547. Cathcart, Eev. Eobert, 101, 103, 107, 112, 122, 129, 130, 131, 135, 143, 150, 155, 161, 164, 171, 177, 184, 190, 192, 194, 196, 199, 201, 205, 209, 2U. Cather's Settlement, N. C, 226. Cathy's Settlement, N. C, 346, 374, 387, 417, 4.54. Catoba Eiver. See Gatmvba. Caven, Eev. Samuel, 149, 150, 15.5, 161, 164, 172, 177, 184, 190, 192, 194, 196, 199. Cedar Creek, Del., people of, 36. Cedar Spring, Pa., congregation of, 38, 44, 237, 432. Cemetery, 134. Censors appointed, 118. Censures. See Church censures. Centre Church, Eoan Co., N. C, 548. Centre. N. C, congregation of, 346, 360, 374, 403, 404. Certificates, of approval, 184. dismission, 92. forged, 439. foreign ministers, 25, 26, 31, 94, 99, 1.38, 200, etc. ordination, 25, 109. ofSynod to qualifications, 141, 142, 146. Chalker, Isaac, 112, 114, 120, 122, 130, 136, 143, 149, 161, 165. Chalmers, Mr. Alexander, 322. Chanceford church. Pa., 544. Chandler, Dr. Samuel, 3.33, 361. Chaplain, 273, 275, 294, 295, 302, 477. not to be pastor, 294. ordination not sh}e titulo, 484. Chapman, Eev. Jedediah, 352, 365, 377, 389, 390, 401, 410, 416, 421, 424, 436, 450, 454, 4()4, 471, 472, 476, 480, 489, 492, 496, 501, 505, 515, 528, 529, 541. Charge to moderators, 341. Charges referred by Synod back to Pres- b.vtery, 156. vague, 406. Charitable contributions, 237. Charity scholars, 513. Charleston, S. C, church, 503, 530, 543. mission to, 399. Charlotte Co., N. Y., 470. Chase. See Ca.se. Chesuut, Eev. Benjamin, 244, 247, 250, 258, 263, 270, 277, 280, 285, 291, 297, 304, 306, 307, 308, 311, 313, 316, 322, 326, 334, 341, 351, 361, 364, 367, 375, 378, 379, 389, 400, 404, 410, 424, 427, 436, 438, 440, 449, 461, 472, Chesnut Level, Pa., 295, 300, 320, 398, 409. school, 219, 227. Chichester, Mr. Eliphalet, 541. Children, baptism, 115, 527. catechising. 111. Divine Songs for. Dr. Watts, 429. education of, 513. See also Baptism. Chowan Co., N. C, supplies asked, 454. Christian Knowledge. See Knowledge. Christian Societies, organization of, 10, 11. " Christian World, Address to," 429. Christiana, Del., congregation of, 354, 435. Christina Creek, N. C, 432. Christine Bridge, Del., 346, 347. Church censures, 115, 117, 339, 547. See, also. Ministers, Polity, Repentance, Sen- tence, Slander. Church of England. See England. Church of Scotland. See Scotland. Churches, erection, contributions to, 134, 161, 201, 419. inquiry as to condition, 25, 34, 39, 115. records, .359. temporalities, 249, 347. trustees, 249. Churches, 1787, list of, .531. foreign, 336, 356, 364, 376. See, also, Correspondence. General Synod's authority over, 121, 122, 126,133, 134. Citations, witnesses, 320, 318. ministers, .396, 414, 442, 504. Presbytery, 396. Civil government, paper on, censured, 165 Civil magistrate, 95, 127, 237. Clark, Mr. Daniel, 4.50. Clark, Mr. John (Elder), 492. Clark, Mr. William (Elder), 436, 438. Clark, Mr. (N. Y. Presb.), 261, 267. Clark, Eev. John, 298, 304, 306, 307, 311, 313. 316, 322, 3.34, 341, 348, 351, 364, 378, 389, 398, 399, 400, 403, 424, 437, 449, 460, 461, 471, 477, 480, 482, 48.5, 489, 491, 492, 494, 496, 502, 515, 528, 541, 542. Clark, Rev. Joseph, 498, 507, 514, 528, 541. Clark, Thomas, 149. Clark's Forest, 387. Clement, Eev. John, .52, .55, 56, 59, 64, 65, 69. case of, 61, 62, 65, 66, 70. 554 INDEX. Clerks- Presbytery of Philadelphia : 1707, George McNish, 9. 1708, 1709, Joseph Smith, 14. 1710, John Ilaiuptou, 17. 1711, Jedidiah Audrcws, 21. 1712, David Evaus (a candidate), 25. 1713, James Anderson, 30. 1714, James Anderson, 34. 1715, David Evans, 38. 171H, James Anderson, 42. Synod of I'hiladelphia : 1717, Eobert Wotherspoon, 48. 1718, Samuel Gelston, 50. 1719, Jedidiah Andrews, 55. 1720, Jonathan Dickinson, 59. 1721, David Evans, 64. 1722, David Evans, 69. 1723, Robert Cross, 75. 1724, Eobert Cross, 78. 1725, Jedidiah Andrews, 81. 1726, Joseph Webb, 62. 1727, Thomas Evans, 85. 1728, Adam Rovd, 88. 1729, Thomas Evans, 93. 1730, Joseph Houston, 96. 1731, Jedidiah Andrews, 100. 1732, Jonathan Dickinson, 101. 1733, Thomas Evans, 103. 1734, Daniel Elmer, 107. 1735, Kichard Treat, 112. 1736, John Thomson, 122. 1737, Thomas Evans, 130. 1738, Francis Alison, 136. 1739, Robert Cross, 143. 1740, Richard Treat, 150. 1741, Adam Bovd, 1.56. 1742, Francis Alison, 162. 1743, Francis Alison, 165. 1744, Alexander McDowell, 172. 1745, Alexander McDowell, 177. 1746, Timothv Grithth. 184. 1747, John Dick, 190. 1748, John Steel, 193. 1749, John Guild, 195. 1750, Joseph Tate, 197. 1751, Hector Alison, 199. 1752, Sampson Smith, 205. 1753, Richard Zanchy, 209. 17.54, Sampson Smith. 211. 1755, William Donaldson, 214. 1756, Sampson Smith, 220. 1757, Sampson Smith. 224. 17.58, Alexander Millar. 2.30. Synod of New York : 174.5, Ebenezer Pemberton, 234. 1746, Samuel Finley, 235. 1747, Richard Treat, 236. 1748, John P.lair, 2.36. 1749, Samuel Finley. 2.38. 17.50, Thonnis Arthur, 240. 1750, Caleb Smith, 242. 1751, Eliivb Byram, 244. 17.52, Samuel Finley, 247. 17.53, David Bostwick, 251. 1754, Charles Beattv. 2.59. 17.55, Samuel Davies. 263. 17.56, Richard Treat, 270. 17-57, Richard Treat. 277. 1758, John Rodgers, 280. Clerks- Synod of Xew York and Philadelphia : 1758, Alexander McDowell, 2S5. 1759, John Blair, 291. 1760, Thomas Ewing, 298. 1761, John Rodgers, 307. 17(i2, George Duffield, 314. 1763, John Roan, 322. 1764, James Caldwell, 334. 1765, John Ewing, 341. I-,.,, f Alex. McWhorter ) „., 1 ( bo i T> • • rn 1 r , 3o2. I Benjamin Talmage J ' ,-,p_ f Wm. Kirki)atrick ) „/— ^'^' (Wm. Ramsey | ' 2^^- 1768 -I Jf • ^I«"tgomery | I Wm. Ramsey J ' 1769 f James Caldwell ( Patrick Alison ^„„„ I .Joseph Treat !■ 390. 401. 1771 1771 1775 I, 411 , 424. ,437. 461. Jeremiah Halsey < Azel Roe ( James Latta ,, — .-, f Elihu Spencer "~ I James Caldwell ■,'—■> f Elihu Spencer ' ' i .Tames Caldwell < George Duffield . .-^ ( William Forster ' ' "^ " I Joseph Treat ) Rdbert Cooper ,„„^ f William Forster ] .,-o i Jedidiah Chapman j .„„„ fl)r. John Ewing ] ,-.- ^"' ] Daniel ^IcCalla )''*"• 1778, Jeremiah Halsey, 480. 1779, George Duffield, 482. 1780, Alexander Mitchell, 486. 1781 |J^''*^^^"V'4"1^^'^';"|,489. ( Samuel S. Smith j ' f Nathaniel Irwin ) .qo I Samuel S. Smith I '^^''^• 1782 ,„oo I Nathaniel Irwin ] ,n~ 1'^^ 1 John Black i'"^^'' 1-q_4 f William Linn "■ ] Nathaniel Irwin ,„„- f George Dufiield 50-.: ,506. 1786 515. ( Wm. Mackay Tennent f William Tennent I William Linn ^-o7 J .Tames F. Armstrong ) .„„ ^'^' 1 James Wilson f ' '''^^• 1788, James F. Armstrong, 542. Clerks, assistant, 322, 334, 341. duties of, 58. payment of, 112. stated. See Stated Clerks. Cleverly, Mr., 121. Clingan, Mr. (Jeorce, 314. Clingan, Mr. William, 426, 431. Close, Rev. David, 425, 4.37, 461, 471. Close, Rev. John, 353, 365, 375, 377, 381, 388, 390, 400, 104, 406, 412, 416, 424, 425, 426, 427, 438, 440, 4.50, 451, 464, 471. 476, 480, 482, 489, 492, 501, 505, 515, 528, 541. Clove. See Close. Coddle Creek, N. C, people of. 310. 387. Cohanzy. N. J., 11, 14, 22, 27, 34, 35. 71, 72. Coldin. Rev. Alexander, 10, 11. Collections, Sessions to take up, 215. See, also, Fninl, lurlion mixxions. New Jersey College, and Widow's Futid. INDEX. 555 College diplomas aud degrees, 141, 14G, 465, 475. College of New Jersey. See Neio Jersey. College of Philadelphia, 219, 227. College, proposal for, 149, 151. Collius, Mr. Joseph, 31.3. Colonies, union of, 466, 468. Commissions of Synod, early, 64, 68, 70, 71, 74, 76, 77, 79, 81, 82, 85, 86, 88, 93, 97. 100, 102, 103, 104, 107, 112, 113, 116, 117, 121, 122, 123, 124, 131, 136, 144, 149, 150, 151, 154, 160, 163, 164, 166, 172. Synod of Philadelphia, 178, 184, 190, "191, 192, 193, 195, 197, 199, 202, 205, 209, 210, 212, 214, 220, 223, 224, 229, 230. Synod of New York, 234, 235, 236, 239, 243, 248, 251, 259, 263, 270, 278, 281. After Eeuuion of 1758, 289, 290, 295, 300, 305, 308, 314, 323, 324, 335, 343, 353, 366, 379, 388, 391, 402, 403, 406, 412, 425, 426, 428, 438, 452, 457, 459, 463, 474, 477, 481, 482, 483, 486, 489, 493, 497. See, also, Fund, and Eeimion of 1758. Commissioner to Synod, chosen by session, 405. Commissioners of Synod. See Commissions. General Assembly, 524. Scotch General Assembly, 98, 99. Commissions, Judicial. See Judicial Com- missions. Committees, appointed by Presbytery, 17, 26, 34, 36, etc. appointed by Synod, 86, 132, 295. authority to call, 295. powers of, 255. See, also. Candidates, Fund, Indian School, New Jersey College, Widows' Fu)ul. Committee meeting, authority to call, 295. Communicants, religious experience, 110, 115. Communion, church, 92. free, with other churches, 245. table linen, 99. Complainants, rights of, 92. Complaints, 25, 26, 92, 180, 388, 396, 403, 456. See, also. Appeals. Conary, Mr. Thomas, 390, 397. Condict, Eev. Ira, 516, 543. Condit, Mr. Philip, 480. Conestoga, Pa., German settlement, 227 Conference, committee of. New Side, 234, 275, 279, 282. Old Side, 279, 282. with ejected members, 162. minutes of, 240, 241. Confession of Faith, 91, 93, 94, 95, 195, 202, 205, 238, 239, 243, 286, 305, 338, 344, 539, 545, 546. adoption, 94. amendments, 539. committee on, 539. exceptions to, 95. interpretation of subscription, 127. subscription to, 91, 93. 94, 98, 102, 109, 114, 118, 127, 159, 160, 338. Congregations, rights of, 292. censured, 148. division of, 12. Congregations, expenses of delegates, 117. free to choose pastors, 132. irregular division, 84 list of, 453, 538, 542, 544. meeting-houses, 84. supplies for, 261. transfer of, 108, 144, 332. 347, 393, 397, 409. vacant, 135. See, also. Churches. Congregational churches, 234, 374. plan of union with, 374, 381. Congress. See Continental Congress. Conn, Mr. Edward, probationer, 544. Conn, Eev. Hugh, 39, 42, 43, 48, 50, 55, 59, 64, 69, 75. 76, 78, 82, 85, 92, 96, 100, 101, 103, 107, 112, 122, 130, 136, 143, 150, 161, 164, 209. Connecticut, churches of, 364, 370, 371, 372, 373, 374, 381. letter to, 13. licentiate from, 398. union with, 73, 76, 77, 79. See, also. General Convention. Consanguinity and marriage, 295, 309, 312. Conscience, case of, 290, 294, 295, 312. freedom of, 142, 321. Constitution, Presbyterian Church U. S. A., 68, 86, 94, 108, 160, 170, 245, 275, 286, 305, 460, 546, 547. adopted, 546. amendments to, 546. committees on, appointed, 512, 547. Constitution, Church of Scotland, 512. Continental Congress, 464, 468, 471. Continental Loan Office, 479, 487. Contingent expenses. See Synod. Controversial Publications, Committees on, 118. Contumacy, 66, 117, 531. Convention. See General Convention. Cookson, Thomas, Esq., 163. Cooke, Mr. W., 492. Cook's Creek, Va., congregation of, 206, 223, 225. Cool Spring, Del., 289. Coon, Mr. Thomas, 291. Cooper, Eev. Robert, 342, 351, 352, 364, 376, 377, 381, 384, 389, 390, 393, 400, 401, 402, 411, 412, 419, 423, 436, 442, 440, 550, 461, 471, 472, 476, 480, 489, 492, 494, 495, 496, 501, 505, 515, 528, 541, 542. Cooperation. See Congregational Churches, Dutch Reformed, etc. Co-pastor, 516. Cornwell, Eev. Wait, ordained sine fittdo, 543. Correspondence, committee of, 290, 295, 301, 302, 309, 315, 321, 336, 343, 353, 354, 355, 356, 364, 374, 376, 397. plan of, 343, 355. Corresponding members, 151, 234, 263, 270, 272, 301, 383, 486. Covenant of Grace, false doctrine, 329. Covenanters, 188. Covenhoven, Mr. Lucas, 402, 405. Cowan, Catharine, case of. 206. Cowell, Eev. David, 130, 131, 135, 140, 143, 144, 14.5, 148, 150, 151, 152, 161, 165, 177, 184, 190, 192, 194, 196, 199, 205, 209, 211, 214, 220, 224, 229, 240, 273, 285, 288, 291, 298, 299, 307. 556 INDEX. Coweii, Mr. Joseph, 891, 393, 450 Craig, Rev. John. 15.5, 160, Ifil, 1()4, 171, 177, 184, 190, 19-2, 196, 199, 201, 205, 209, 211, 214, 220, 224, 225, 229, 285, 289, 291, 292, 298, 307, 314, 341, 390, 400, 451. Craighead, Eev. Alexander, 122, 123, 130, 1:35, 143, 149, 155, 156, 165, 251, 259, 263, 270, 277, 280, 285, 289. 291, 298, 307, 314, 352. Craighead, Mr. George, 425, 432, 484. Craighead, Eev. John, 365, 378, 389, 400, 411, 424, 425, 429, 4.32, 436, 438, 450, 461, 471, 477, 489, 492, 493, 495, 496, 501, 506, 515, 528, 541. Craighead, Eev. Thomas (Donegal Presh.), 78, 80, 82, 85, 88, 92, 96, 99, 101, 103, 107, 112, 122, 130, 136, 143. Craighead, Eev. Thomas (Orange Presb.), 487, 494, 502, 515, 542. Crane, Mr. John, elder, 351. Crane, Mr. Joseph, elder, 351. Crawford, Mr. Andrew, 322. Crawford, Eev. Edward, 485, 515, 529, 530, 542. Crawford, Eev. James, 485, 542. Creary. See McCreanj. Credentials, Standing Committee on, 119. See, also. Certificates and Minutes. Creswell, Eev. James, 342, 350, 390, 400, 409, 450. Cross, Eev. John, 101, 102, 103, 107, 112, 122, 130, 135, 143, 150, 155. case of, 103, 104, 107, 115. Cross, Eev. Eobert, 49, 55, 59, 64, 69, 75, 78, 82, 85, 88, 92, 96, 97, 99, 100, 101, 103, 107, 108, 109, 112, 121, 122, 128, 129, 130, 131, 132, 133, 134, 136, 137, 143, 150, 155, 161, 165, 171, 184, 190, 192, 194, 196, 199, 201, 205. 209, 211, 214, 220, 224, 229. 285, 289, 290, 291, 295, 296, 297. 301, 306, 308, 313, 321, 324, 336, 341; 351, 352, 365. case of, 63, 64, 65, 67. Croswicks, N. J., 70, 99, 138. Cub Creek, Va., 374, 417, 418. Culbertson, Mr. Samuel, 3/i, 383. Culptipper Co , Va., 374. Cumberland Co.. Va., 417. Cummings, Eev. Charles, 390, 400, 450, 485, 510, 515, 529, .542. Cummings, Eev. Francis, 494, 502, 503, 504, .542. Cummins, Eev. Alexander, 237, 238, 242, 244, 247, 249, 2.50, 258, 263, 270, 277, 280, 285, 291, 293, 294, 295, 297, 298, 307, 390. Cunningham, bond, 191, 193, 196, 197, 199. Cunningham, Mr. Samuel, 322. Currituck Co., N. C, 4.54. Curry, Mr. George, 436. 4,50. Curtisc. Mr., student, 231. DAGGETT, REV. NAPHTALI, 244, 247, 251, 2.59. Dancing, promiscuous, 91. Dan River, N. C, 26.5. Darbv. Eev. John, 285, 291. 294, 298, 307, ■ 313. 3.33, 341, 351, 364, 390, 401, 411, 424, 437. Dauphin of France, address on birth of, 495. Davenport, Rev. James. 235, 236, 237. 239, 244, 247, 250, 258, 263, 269, 277 281. Davenport, Eev. John, 462, 527, 530. 541. Davidson, Eev. Eobert. D.D., 437, 450, 451, 476, 478, 482, 485, 486, 489, 492, 496. 501, 506, 507, 514, 515, 528, 542. Davidson, Mr. William, 471. Davidson's Creek. N. C, people of, 310. Davies, Mr. David, 306. Davis, Eev. Samuel, of Lewes, 9, 10, 11, 14. 25, 38, 40, 42, 50, 55, 59, 62, 64, 67, 69, 75, 81. Davies. Eev. Pres. Samuel. 236, 238, 239, 244, 2.50, 252, 259, 263, 270, 280, 285, 289, 290, 291, 292, 293, 297, 298, 299, 300. 307. Days, special, 268, 273, 280, 282, 324. Deacons, 249, 534. Dead, burial of. 260. Dean, Eev. William. 208, 235. 236. Debate, church, methods, 250. De Berdt. Mr., 367. Debow, Eev. John, 451, 459. 463, 470, 472, 473, 477, 486, 503. Deceased wife's sister, marriage with, 301, 484, 487, 488, 490, 491, 495. 499, 500. 502. Deeming, Rev. Oliver, 398, 424, 436, 451. Deep Eiver. N. C, 387. Deep Eun, Bucks Co., Pa., congregation of, 479. Deer Creek, Md., people of, 340. .349. Deerfield. N. J., people of. 1.52, 503. Defendant, notified of action. 83, 92, 284. Degrees, college, 141, 465, 475. university. 146. Delaware, Forks of. Pa., 405 Delaware Nation, 376. Delegated bodv, proposal to make Svnod a. 80, 236, 238. Delegates, expenses of, 43, 117, 494. Demission of ministry. 23, 84, 497, 507. Demming. See Deeming. Denny. Mr. William, 439. Depositions of ministers : Beard. Eev. John, 425. Bell, Eev. Hamilton, 178. Harker, Rev. Samuel, 330. Lainir, Robert, 76. Miller. Alexander, 396. Murray, Eev. John. 366. Smith, Rev. Sampson, 462. Derry, Pa., people of, 126, 516. Dcrry, Presbytery (Ireland), 437, 507. De.sk", reading in, 275. Dick, Eev. John. 190, 192. Dickinson, Mr. Daniel, 306. Dickinson. Eev. Jonathan, 48, 50, 53, 55, 56, 59, 64, 69, 75, 78, 80, 85, 88, 92, 96, 100, 101, 103, 107, 112, 121, 122, 130, 135, 143, 149, 161, 164, 177, 185, 186, 2.33, 235, 236. Dickinson, Eev. Moses, 69, 75, 78, 79, 80, 96. Digest, preparation for, 511, 517. Dimon. Mr. Nathaniel, 291. Diploma required, 146, 465, 475, 499. Directory for worship. See Worship. Discipline. Book of, 95, 522, 524, 525, 526, 539, 540. 545. conformity with, advised, 504. INDEX. 557 Discipline, form of, 546. See Pardovan ; also Government. instructiou iu, 340. rules of (Pardovau's), recognized, 519, 535. standard of, 547. Dismission of ministers, 404, 437. church members, certificates of, 92. Dissent from acts of Synod, 64, 122, 318, 350, 385, 386, 433, 443, 500, 502. conscientious, recognized, 74. Dissenters in Virginia, 74. Dissolution, pastoral, by Synod, 273, 292. Divine Songs for Children, 429. Divinity, professor of, 303, 309, 386, 399. students, 305, 309, 521. study of, 512. Division of 1745, 58. See New York Synod. Divorce, 398, 509. Doak, Eev. Samuel, 485, 510, 515, 528, 542. Doctrine, deliverance on glory of God, 148. covenant of grace, 329. of election, 329. standard of, 547. of universalism, 540. Dodd, Rev. Thaddeus 480, 491, 496, 502, 515, .528, .542. Doddridge's Rise and Progress, 429. Donaldson, Rev. Mr., 210, 215. Donegal, Presbvtery of, 84, 102, 103, 107, 109, 111, 112, 116, 121, 123, 124, 131, 135, 136, 139, 143, 144, 149, 150, 1.52, 1.53, 155, 156, 161, 162, 164, 172, 175, 176, 178, 184, 190, 192, 193, 194, 195, 196, 199, 201, 205, 206, 209, 211, 212, 213, 220, 224, 226, 229, 289, 292, 300, 302, 306, 307, 310, 313, 320, 321, 322, 325, 328, 332, 338, 341, 344, 345. 348, 349, 350, 356, 357, 360, 365, 366, 367, 369, 371, 372, 375, .377, 383, 384. 389, 400, 409, 410, 411, 419, 423, 431, 432, 4.36, 449, 4.57, 46] , 462, 471, 476, 493, 494, 495, 503, 507, 512, 523. protest, 357. restored, 359, 366. schism in, 366, 371, 383. Donegal Presbytery, so-called, 381, 382, 383. Donnell, Mr. Thomas, 486, 494. Dorset Co., Md., congregation of, 288, 417. Dorsius, Rev. Mr., 177. Dougal, Rev. Samuel, 437, 459,471, 472, 477, 489, 492, 496, 501, 506, 515, 528, 542. Douglass, Mr. Samuel, 315. Dublin, Ireland, books from, 219. churches of, .397. ministers, 356, 386. Dublin Presbytery, letter to, 19, 53. Duchane, Mr. Jerome, 341. See also Du- .9h(iHe. Duffield, Rev. George, 277, 280, 285, 291, 297, 299, 301, 302, 306, 307, 308, 309, 313, 314, 322, 323, 324, 329, 330, 334, 340, 341, 343, .346, 350, 351, 353, 354, 356, 362. 364, 365, 369, 374, 375, 378, .379, 381, 384, 389. 394, 397, 400, 402, 406. 411, 424, 425, 426, 427, 431, 4.38, 446, 448, 449, 4.50, 4.55, 461, 471, 476, 477, 480, 482, 485, 488, 489, 492, 496, 501, 505, 506, 514, 528, 541. missionary journev, 362, 369, 375. Duffield, William, Jr., case of, 494, 495. Dugal, Mr. Samuel, 463. Duuagall. See Donegal. Duuagor, session of (Ireland), 123. Dunbarton Presbytery, Scotland, 522. Duncan's Creek, N. C, 374, 418. Dunegall. See Donerial. Dungannon, Synod of (Ireland), 219. Dunham, Rev. Asa, 516, 543. Dunlap, Rev. James, 491, 493, 496, 501, 515, 528, 542. Dunlap, Rev. Samuel, 351, 353, 377, 401, 424, 436, 461. Dunning, Rev. Oliver, 411. Dushane, Anthony, case of, 484, 491, 495, 500, .502. Dushane, Eliza, 502. Dushane, Mr. Valentine, 322, 323, 392, 452, 458. Dutch Reformed churches, 176, 24.5, 505. Dutch Reformed Svnod, correspondence, 508, 518, 521, 522, 524, 527, 541, 547. Dutch students, 219. Dutchess Preshvterv, 331, 338, 349, 351, 352, 365, 372, 373, 377, 388, 390, 404, 411, 424, 436, 450, 461, 470, 471, 477, 480, 485, 489, 492, 502, 506, 515, 527, 528, 541. adopts Confession, 351. EAKIN, REV. SAMUEL, 378, 3S9, 401. 407, 411, 431, 436, 449, 461, 482, 484, 485, 489, 492, 496, 503. case of, 413, 414, 418, 428, 440. East Hanover, N. J., people of, 104. 106, 140, 145. East New Jersey, Presbvtery of, 106, 107, 108, 112, 114, 115; 119^ 123, 131, 132, 136, 1.37, 141. Edentoii, N. C, supplies for, 374, 375. Edgar, Mr. James, 436. Edmeston. See Edmiston. Edmiston, Mr. Samuel, 451. Edmiston, Mr. William, 322. case of, 3.32, 338, 339, 348, 354, 376. Edmunds. Rev. James, 450, 451, 486, 496, 501, .504, 529, 542. Edsal, Mr. Philip, 351. Education, standing committees, 141. Scotland, appeal to. 171. See, also. Candidates, Ministers, New Jersey College. Edwards, Rev. Jonathan. 247, 249, 263. Egg Harbor, N. J., 249, 376. 394, 418. Elders, absentee, 43, 256, 491. absent without leave, 117. additional, 17. alternate admitted, 383, 405. appointment ordered. 37, 41, 250, 252. attendance desired, 132, 150, 160, 172, 235, 462. committee of Fund, 143, 172, 195, 197 199, 205, 209, 212. consent necessary to service, 345. election, 37, 2.50, '2.52. exclusion from judicatories, 537. expenses, 177, 491 lay, 350, 3.56, 358, etc. members of committees, 162, 166, 178, 184, 190, 193. members of commission. 150, 160, 172. with ministers iu judicatories. 17, 42. New York church, 250, 252. 558 INDEX. Elders, nomination by committee of Synod, •250. -^rii. obey or resign, 435. ordination of, o.iO, 337, 340, 345, 534. plan for chnrch administration, 350, 353, 356, 358, 359, 364, 370, 376, 38C, 393.402, 415, 425. reports, 18, 21, 22, 40, 45. representatives in absence of minister, 42. roll at first meeting, 9. subscription of Standards, 160. vote for, 2.')2. Elder, Kev. Jolin, 143, 144, 149, 1.5.5, 161, 164, 171, 177, 184, 190, 192, 194, 196, 199, 201, 205, 209, 211, 214, 220, 224, 230, 285, 291, 294, 297, 298, 300, 307, 308, 314, 323, :?34, 335, 340, 341, 344, 348, 349, 351, 353, 366, 367, 369. 371, 383, 390, .391, 400, 405, 411, 424, 425, 436, 444, 4.50, 453, 472, 477, 482, 485, 489, 492, 496, 501, 506, 515, 528, 542. Election, false doctrines, 329. Elizabeth liiver, Va., 28. Elizabcthtown, N. J., First Church, 333, 380, 436, 4.o4. convention at, 374, 381, 392, 416. Elk River, Md.. congregation of, 84, 86, 87, 91, 170, 201. Elko. Sec Ilico, Itico, Hico. Elliott, Andrew, Esq., 333. Elliott, William, aid for, 297. Elmer, Rev. Daniel, 92. 96, 97, 100, 101, 103, 107, 112, 130, 135, 143, 150, 155, 161. 165, 171, 177, 184, 190, 192, 194, 196, 199, 205, 209, 211, 214. Elmer, Rev. Jonathan, 244, 247, 250, 259, 263, 270, 277, 280, 285, 291, 298,' 301, 306, 31.3, 333, 341, 351, 352, 364, 377, 390, 399, 401. 411, 424, 425, 432, 436, 439, 450, 454, 461, 462, 470, 471. 476, 480, 482, 489. 492, 496, 501, 502, 505, 515, 528,541. Elmore. See Elmer. Emmilt, Abraham, case of, 56, 57, 61, 63, 65. England, act of toleration, 147. Church of, 37 (note), 111, 306. Parliament of, 225. war with Sjiain. 151, 187. Enno River, N. ('., 265, 283, 310, 448, Episcopalians, 111, 306, 311, 312, 313. Erasure from records, 546. Erwin. See Irwin. Europe, 149, 1.52. European churches, 295. Evan. See Eraus. Evans, Rev. David. 17, 18, 21, 22, 23, 25, 27, 28, .34, .35, 36, 38, 42, 48, 50, 55, .59, 64, <)8. ()9, 75, 78. 80. 82, 85, 92, 97, 99, 101, 103. 107. 112, 122, 130, 135, 143, 150, 161, 16.5, 172, 177, 184, 190. 192, 194, 196, 199. Evans, Rev. Israel, 462, 472, 477, 480, 482, 485, 489, 492, 496, 501, .50(), 515, 5.30. Evans, Mr. James, 306, 308. Evans, Joel (prol)ationer), 165. Evans, Mr. Robert, 297, 300, 4.50. Evans, Rev. Samuel, 161, 162, 16.5, 171, 177, 184, 190. case of, 199, 200. Evans, Rev. Thonjas, 75, 78, 82, 85, 92, 96, 100, 101, 103, 107, 122, 130, 136, 143, 150, 155. 161, 165. Evidence, insnthcient, 26. See also Cita- lions, Witnesses. Ewing, Mr. James, Elder, 4,50. Ewiug, Rev. John, 294, 297, 298, 300, 301, 302, 306, 307, 308, 309, 311, 312, 313, 314-317, 320, 321, 322, 323, 324, 326, 327, 335, 336, 341, 347, 348, 3,50, 351, 353, 3,54, 356, 357, 361, 364, 366. 367, 368, 374, 376, 377, 379, 380, 381, 389, 397, 400, 402. 405, 406, 407, 408, 410, 412, 415, 416, 419, 42.3, 424, 425. 426, 427, 42r<, 436, 438, 440, 444, 4.50, 471, 476, 477, 479, 482, 483, 485, 486, 489, 492, 495, 496, 501, 505, 514, 528, 541, 548. Ewing, Mr. Maskell, 390, 397. Ewing, Mr. Thomas, 297. Examination. See Candidate.'i. Excommunication, 91. 92, 117, 396, 531. Excuses for absence, frivolous, 49. Exetresis, Latin, 43, 116. Exeil, Rev. Mr., 22. Exjjenses. See Delegates. Experience, religious, of candidates. 318, 319, 320, 321. FAGG'S MANOR, Pa., 255, 256. Fairfield church, 73. Fairfield Co., Conn., Eastern Association, 239. Western Association, 425, 516. Fair Forest, N. C, 387. Faith, See Confession of Faith. Faitout, Rev. George, 480, 486, 492. 493, 496, 501, 505, 506, 514, ,528, .542. Falconer, Mr. William, 477, 496, 505. Falling Spring, Pa., 2.37. Family worship, 105, 107, 2.50. Fasting at ordinations, 32, 35, 38, 39. public, days, 161, 181, 215, 218, 228, 229, 268, 273, 276, 280, 282, 289, 290, 292, 305, 310, 315, 340, 398, 420, 426, 460, 463, 464, 471, 478, 481, 483, 488, 527, 529. Faulkner. See Falconer. Ferry, the, Md., 172. Finch, Peter, candidate, 80. 81. Fin lev, Rev. James, 247, 2.50, 259, 263, 270, '277, 2S0, 285, 291, 292, 294, 301, 303, 306, 313, 322, 323, 334, 341, 343, 345, 351, 364, 365, 375, 377, 380, 381, 389, 400, 411, 417, 424, 425, 437, 450, 452, 461, 472, 477, 480, 482, 487, 489, 492, 494, 495, 496, 498, 500, 501, 502, 507, 515, ,527, 528, 535, 542. Finley, Rev. John Evans, 483, 492, 493, 496, 501, 506, 514, 515, .527, 528, 542. Finlev, Rev. Robert, .503, 529, 531, 541. Finlev, Rev. Samuel. D. D., 233, 235, 236. '238, 2411, 242, 244, 247, 2.50, 259, 263, 270' 277, 280, 285, 291. 295, 296, 297, 298, 300, 302, 304, 308, 309, 312. 313. 314, 31.5, 316, 317, 320, 322, 323, 324, 332, 33.3, 334, 335, 336, 337, 338, 341, 344, 345, 347, 351, 3.53, 365. Finney, ]Mr. Robert, 425, 431. Firm in, ]Mr. Peter, 472. Fish. Mr., 490. Fishing Creek, S. C. 374, 387. Fithian, Mr. Joseph, 377, 383. INDEX. 559 Fithian, Mr. Philip Vicars, 462, 470, 473, 477. Flemming, Mr. David, 306, 308. Flint, Mr. John, 291. Ford, Col. Jacob, 306, 378. 379. Fordham, Mr. Lemuel, 490, 543. Foreign Churches, correspondence with, ^290, 295, 315, 321, 355, 356, 374, 376, 386. 389, .397, 399, 408, 413, 416, 419, 421, 453, 518, 519, 520, 521, 541. Foreign ministers. See Ministers. Foreign missions, collections, 246, 248,266. Africa, 456. See, also, Indians. Foreman, Mr. David, 482, 541. Forest, Del., 387, 434. Forks of Brandywiue, Pa., 255, 256. Form of government. See Government. Form of process. See Sentence. Forman. See Foreman. Forster. See Foster. Fort Pitt, Pa., 376. Foster, Rev. William, 365, 375, 390, 397, 400, 406, 411, 424, 425, 426, 436, 438, 442, 449, 450, 456, 459, 461, 463, 471, 472, 475, 477, 480, 482, 485, 490. Fourth Creek, N. C, 346, 374. 337, 403, 404. Frame, John, 121. France, address to Minister of, 495. Francis, Mr. Thomas, .306. Frazier, Rev. James, 486, 502, Frederick Co., Md., missionary for, 387. Free schools, 175, 176, 178. Freehold, X. J., people of, 12, 13. French Churches, free communion with, 245. Frisby, Rev. Levi, 437, 461. Frontier, missions, etc.. 326, 332, 3.3.5, 339, 354, 362, 369, 375, 376, 400, 405, 410, 419, 428, 429, 4.59, 463, 464. Fullerton, Mr. Alexander, 541. Fulton, Mr. David, 315. Fund for German Emigrants. See German ScJwoIs. Fund, contingent. Synod New York, 251, 262, 268. Fund for Pious Uses, 49, 51, 52, 55, .57, 57, .59, 60, 64. 74, 80, 84, 96, 99, 100, 102, 103, 107, 108, 109, 110, 111, 116, 117, 123, 127, 1.30, 131, 133, 134, 136, 139, 144, 14.5, 146, 147, 151, 153, 1.54, 156, 174, 175, 176, 177, 18.3, 185, 186, 191, 192, 194, 196, 198, 200, 201, 203, 206, 210, 211, 213, 214, 215, 220, 223, 224, 226, 228, 231, 262, 301, 302, 303, 309, 315, 324, 335, 339, 376, 453, 460, 465, 479, 486, 487, 490, 493, 494, 497, 538. account of, 112. 121, 123, 126, 127, 131- 134, 137, 138, 142, 144, 147, 1.50, 152, 154, 160, 45.3. annual collection for, 57, 65. 82, 85, 88, 97, 99, 100, 102, 103, 123, 1.36, 144, 195, 197, 199, 215, 246, 248, 299, 300, 308, 311, 315, 316, 361, 367, 368, 369, 370, 376, 380, 419. assessment for, 194. auditing committee, 52, 56. borrowers from, 183. church erection, gifts for, 134, 161, 201, 419. commission of Synod, 64, 68, 77, 82. See, also. Commission. Committee of Conference with Widows' Fund, 332, 3.33, 339, 347, 364, 370, 371, 372, 375, 376, 381, 382, 383, 408, 409, 413, 427, 440, 4.52, 469, 476, 478, 481, 483, 484, 486, 490, 493, 494, 497, 508, 510, 535, 547. contingent, 353. contribution from Scotland, 56, 57, 58. debtors to, 84, 88, 170, 189, 191, 193, 195, 196, 197, 199. 202, 205. discretion to dispose of collections, 99, 100, 246. division of, refused, 177. donations and grants from, 53, 58, 63, 65, 68, 77, 79, 81, 100, 104, 106, 134, 139, 147, 155, 161, 171, 176, 187, 189, 194, 196, 201, 219, 223, 231, .371, .387, 388, 389, 394, 410, 419, 441, 457, 470, 476. loan from, 386, 399. members, committee, 56, 61, 69, 75, 78, 8] , 82, 85, 88, 93, 136, 143, 150, 160, 163, 106, 172, 178, 184, 190, 193, 195, 197, 199, 202, 205, 209, 212, 219, 230, 302, 315, 324. 335, 339, 347, 371, 380, 408, 417, 420, 464, 481. merged with Widows' Fund, 309, 315, 347. non-contributors, 65, 70, 75, 78, 136, 144. power of Synod over, 289. revival of, 421, 428, 429, 460, 465, 538. Treasurer, 49, 50, 52, 58, 88, 134, 155, 189, 202, 439, 440, 463, 479, 483. 531, 539. See, also. Candidates, Indian Missions, New Jersey College, Widows' Fund. Funds of congregation, 249. Funerals, liquor at, 359. prayer at, 260. GALE, MR. BENJAMIN, 501. Gallacher, Mr. William, 313, 318. Garduer, Mr. Francis, 306, 311. Garner, Mr. Francis, 498. Gelston, Rev. Samuel, 40, 41, 44, 46, 48, 49, 50, 51, 55, 56, 59, 64, 69, 75, 78, 80, 82, 85, 88, 92, 96, 97, 98, 99, 101, 103, 112, 116, 123. debt of, 191, 193, 196, 197, 199, 205. General Assembly, Church of Scotland, 105, 106, 256, 356, 386, 413, 418. General Assemblv, Presbvterian Church in the U. S. A., 513, 517, 523, 524, 548. General Convention for religious libertv. 364, 374, 381, 392, 406, 416, 426, 440, 453, 464, 473, 477. General Convention, Reformed Dutch Church, etc., 518, 524, ,540, 547. General Presbytery, 9, 10. 13, 14, 16, 17, 20, 21, 30, 31, 34, 38, 42. division of. 45. self-formed. 9, 13, 16, 20. See, also, Philadelphia Presbytery. General Rules for Judicatories, 512. General Synod, successor to General Pres- bytery, 45, 46, 48. Presbyteries of, 45, 46. See, also, f!i/nod. Geneva, (Jhurcii of, 356, 386, 397, 399, 416, 420, 421. Geneva Platform, 245. Geneva, Synod of, letters, 386, 414. 560 INDEX. George II., 142, 276. George III., 310, 312, 313, 320, 325, 333, 339, 360, 361. George, Mr. Marcus, probationer, 542. Georgia, supplies for, 361, 375, 403, 423. German caudidate received, 133. miuisters, educated iu church school, 227. German schools, fund for, 219, 223, 226, 227, 228, 231, 290, 295, 301, 315. trustees, 228. Gill, Mr., 311. Gillespie, Rev. George, 26, 27, 28, 31, 32, 34, 38, 42, 48, 50, .52, 55, .57, 59, 63, 64, 65, 67, 68, 69, 75, 78, 80, 85. 88, 92, 99. 101, 103, 107, 112, 122, 130, 13.5, 139, 143. 1.50, 155, 171, 177, 190, 192, 194, 196, 199, 201, 202, 205, 209, 211, 214, 220, 224. 229, 285, 291, 298. Gilliland. Mr. James, 364. Givens, Mr. Eobi'rt, 297. Glassbrook, Kev. James, 510. 528, .541, .544. Glascow, Rev. Patrick, 122, 130, 136, 143, 150, 155. Glaseu, Eev. Patrick, 124. Glasgow Presbytery, Scotland, 69. Glasgow, Synod of, 19, 34, .52. gift from, 56, 57, 58, 63, 64. Glasgow University, 56, 63, 230. Glebe, 359, 475. Gloucester, N. J., people of, 60, 61, 63, 65, 120. God, glory of, deliverance on, 148. Godliness, revivals of, 105, 107. Goetschius, Mr. Ilenricus, 133. Golden, Mr. John. 442. Goldsmith, Eev. Benjamin, 323, 341 342, 351, 304, 377, 390, 401, 424, 541. Gooch, Hon. Wm., 142. 147, 183, 185. Goold, Eev. Ebenezer. 96, 99, 101, 103, 107, 112, 122, 130, 143, 150, 156. Goshen, people of, 101, 102, 116, 374. Gospel, propagation of. See J/iswotis. Gourley, Eev. James, 462. 463, 477. Government and Discii)line, Directory for, approved, 95, 245. book to be printed, .525, .539. Committee on, 512, .524. Presbyteries to report upon, 525. proposed book referred, 525. reports, etc., 531, 532, 533, 535, .536, 538, 539, 540, 544, 545, 546. 547. Graham, Eev. Chauncey, 244, 247, 250, 259, 263 270, 277, 280, 285, 291, 297, 307, 313, 331, 352, 354, 369, .374, 378, 401, 404. 406, 408. 424, 425, 431, 436, 461. Graham, Mr. Jared, .306. Graham. Eev. William, 514, 515, .528, 537, 542. Grand Jurv, charge to, Virginia, 181. Grant, EeV. John, 235, 236, 2.38, 240, 242, 244, 247. 2."1. Grant, Mr. Lewis, 482, 485, 489. Great Britain, allegiance to, 468. Protestant succession to throne, 95, 127. Great Canawaga, Pa., church of, 493. Great Cove, Del., supjilies for, 457, 468. Great Egg Harbor, N J., 386, .387, 398. Great Valley. Pa., peojile of, 27, 37, 175, 195, 197. 198, 200. 211, 226. Green, Kev. Ashbel, 516, 530, 541. Green, Eev. Enoch, 314, 316, 320, 322, 325, 329, 333, 335, 340, 341, 351, 353, 364, 389, 400, 411, 424, 436, 450, 461, 471, 477. Green, Eev. Jacob, 235, 236,239,242,244, 247, 2.50, 258, 262, 2()9, 277, 280, 285, 291, 297, 301, 307, 313, 322, 329, 333, 341, 348, 351, 364, 377, 378, 381, 390, 401, 411, 424, 427, 435, 436, 450, 453, 461, 476, 480, 482. Greeuman, Eev. Nehemiah, 241, 258, 263, 270, 277, 280, 285, 288, 291. 297, 293, 306, 313, 334, 341, 351, 365, 377, 390. 400, 411, 424, 436. 450, 461, 471, 477, 480, 482, 486. Greenwich (Conn.), CDUgregation of, 397, 493. Greer, Mr. John, 313, 364. Gregg. Mr. Andrew, 306. Grier, Eev. James, 472, 483, 485, 489, 492, 496, 498, .501, 500, 509, 514, .527, 528. Grier, Rev. Nathan, 516, ,530, 541, 543, 545. Griffin, Mr. Jonathan, 351. Griffith. Eev. John. 289, 291, 297, 298, 313, 322, 334, 341, 351, 365, 371, 378, 400, 411. Griffith, Eev. Timothy, 171, 177, 184. 190, 190, 192, 194, 196. 199, 202, 205, 209, 211. Griffiths, Mr. Abel, 322, 365. Grover. Joseph, 451, 462, 471, 476, 480. 482, 490. Guild, Eev. John, 161, 162, 165, 177, 184, 190, 192, 194, 199, 201, 20.5, 207. 209, 211, 214, 220, 224, 229, 285, 288, 291, 293, 295, 298, 299, 300, 307, 308, 313, 314, 323, 332, 333, 335, 337, 340, 341, 348, 351, 353, 364, 366, 377, 380, 401, 407 411, 416, 424, 426, 436, 450, 461, 471, 477, 480, 485, 489, 492, 490, 501, 506, 515, 528, 543. HAIT, REV. BENJAMIN, 209, 277, 280, 285, 291, 293 , 297, 299, 300, 307, 312, 313, 316, 322, 323, 334, .335, 341, 348, .351. 360, 364, 305, 374, 375, 377, 388, 390. 396, 400, 406, 411, 424, 436, 438, 440, 4.50, 454, 461, 470, 471, 476, 480, 482, 490. Hall, Eev. James. 476. 486, 494. .502, 542. Hall. Eev. Robert, .503. .529, .531, 542. Hall's meeting house. Va., 4.54, Halsev, Eev. Jeremiah. 378, 387, 389, 390, '394, 397, 399, 400, 401, 402. 403, 406, 407, 410, 416, 424. 426, 436, 440, 4.50, 4.53, 456, 461, 463, 469, 472, 474, 476, 480. 485, 487, 490. Halsey, Eev. William, 412, 416, 421, 436, '438. Hamilton, Mr. Hugh. 297, 300. 315. Hamilton, Eev. John, 184, 190, 192, 194, 196, 199, 202, 205, 209, 211, 214. Hamilton. Mr. William, 364. Hampsev, Rev. William, 351. Hampto'n, Rev. John. 9, 10, 11, 14, 17. 21, 25, 31, 34, 38, 42, 49, 50, 53, 55, 56, 59, 64. Hands, Liying on of, 32. 35. 38, 39. Hankerson, Mr. Kennet, 515. Hauna. Rev. John, 298, 307, 313, 314, 3.34, 335 3.37. 341, 348. 351, 3.53, 304. 36.5, 377^ 390, 401, 411, 424, 426, 436, 450, INDEX. 561 461, 463, 471, 480, 485, 489, 492, 496, 501, 506, 515, 528, 541. Hanna, Rev. William, 351, 378. Hannah, Mr, John, 297, 313. Hanover, House of, 142. Hanover, N. J., 104, 107, 108, 110, 121, 140, 145. Hanover, Va., people of, 235, 256, 261, 263, 269. 293, 299, 307, 312, 329, 348, 374, 417, 543. Hanover Presbytery, 264, 265, 270, 277, 279, 289, 292, 293, 294, 299, 306, 307, 310, 313, 320, 322, 3.34, 339, 341, 342, 351, 365, 377, 395, 396, 400, 409, 424, 437, 440, 441, 449, 459, 461, 471, 476. division of, 510, 523. Hardman, Mr. John, 291. Hardwick, N. J., church, 543. Harker, Rev. Samuel, 251, 259, 263, 270, 277, 280, 291. 302, 306, 308, 313, 322. case of, 283, 284, 297, 301, 308, 315, 325, 328, 329, 333. Harriott, Mr. David, 351. Harris, Dr. Isaac, 485. Harris, Mr. John, appeal of, 340. Harris, Mr. William, 482. Harris, Rev. James, 411. Harris, Rev. John, 270, 277, 280, 285, 288, 291, 298, 306, 308, 314, 334, 341, 345, 351, 377, 390, 399, 400, 405, 412, 450, 451, 486, 502, 504, 529, 542. Harrison, Sir Edmund, 15, 16. Harrison, Joseph, 82. Hart, Rev. Joshua, 424, 425, 432, 439, 541, 543. Haste of pastor reproved, 83. Hatfield, Mr. Matthias, 411. Hawfield's Settlement, N. C, 226, 265, 283, 310, 346, 409, 448. Haw River, N. C, 374. Hazlett, Mr. William, .322. Heatlien, missions to. See Indian Missions. Hebrew, studv of, 458. Hedges, Mr. Gideon, .333. Hemphill, Rev. Samuel, 107, 109, 116, 117, 118, 119. Henderson, Rev. Joseph, 491, 492, 493, 496, 501, 506, 512, 515, ,528, 542. Henderson, Mr. Thomas, 528. Hendrickson, Mr. Gilbert, 306. Henkinson, Mr. Kenith, 492. Henry, Rev. Hugh, 244, 247, 250, 259, 263, 270, 277, 280, 285, 288, 291, 295, 298, 306, 307, 313, 322. Henrv, Rev. John, 17, 18, 25, 30, 31, 38, 42, 48. Henry, Mr. Robert, 404, 410, 415. Henry, Rev. Robert, 249, 251, 258, 263, 270, 277, 280, 285, 289, 291, 298, 307, 314, 378. Hico. N. C, 310. Hiddleson, Rev. John, 511, 512. Highland Scots, congregation of, in Pa., 479. Hill, Rev. John, 496. Hill, Rev. Thomas, 502, 531. Hill, Rev. William. 494. Hillyer, Mr. Asa, .543. Hindman, Mr. Francis, appeal of, 511, 512. Hindman, Rev. John, 165, 172, 177, 184. Hitchcock Creek, X. C. 387, 403, 405. Hodge, Mr. Hugh, 492. 36 Hoge, Rev. John, 263, 265, 270, 277, 280, ■ 285, 291, 292, 298, 307, 314, 334, 341, 351, 365, 377, 378, 390, 391, 400, 411, 424, 437, 450, 461, 471, 477, 489, 492, 496, 501, 514, 526, 528, 542. Hoge, Rev. Moses, 514, 515, 516, 528, 536, 442. Hogg. See Hoge. Holland, Church of, letters, 176, 178, 356, 399, 419, 421, 453. Holliday, Mr. Samuel. 472, 483. Hollingshead, Rev. William, 437, 450, 451, 464, 471, 477, 480, 482, 485, 489, 492, 493, 496, 503. Holmes, Mr. Jonathan, 315. Home missions, 361, .367, 368, 370, 419, 421, 428, 441. See, also. Fund for Pious Uses and Widows' Fund. Hook, Rev. Henry, 50, 55, 56, 59, 64, 69, 75, 78, 80, 85, 93, 96, 97, 99, 101, 103, 107, 112, 122, 123, 130, 135, 143, 162. case of, 71, 72, 73, 76. Hope, Mr. Thomas, 450. Hopewell, N. C, 360. Hopewell, N. J., congregation, 14, 24, 132, 138, 147, 148, 346, 403, 404. Hopkins, Rev. Samuel, 456, 458. Horn, Mr. Frederick, 352. Horsfield, Mr. Israel, 252. Horton, Rev. Azariah, 161, 162, 164, 177, 233, 235, 236, 238, 239, 240, 242, 244, 247, 251, 258, 262, 269, 277, 280, 285, 291, 292, 295, 298, 300, 301, 306, 308, 310, 313, 314, 320, .323, 333, 335, 341, 351, 352, 35.3, 360, 304, 365, 366, 367, 377. 378, 379, 388, 390, 392, 400, 402, 406, 410, 412, 419, 424, 436, 450, 454, 461, 476, 477. Horton, Rev. Simon, 112, 114, 122, 130, 136, 149, 161, 164, 171, 233, 2.35, 236, 238, 240, 242, 244, 247, 250, 258, 262, 269, 277, 280, 285, 291, 298, 306, 307, 308, 310. 311, 313, 333, 341, 351, 355, 360, 364, .377, 390, 401, 404, 411, 424, 436, 450, 461, 480, 489, 492, 496, 501, 505, 530. Houston, Rev. Joseph, 80, 82, 84, 85, 86, 87, 88, 92, 96, 97, 100, 101, 103, 107, 112, 122, 1.30, 1.35, 143, 149, 156. bond remitted, 170. Houston, Rev. Samuel, 515, 516, 528, 542. Houston. See, also, Huston. Hubbell, Rev. Nathaniel, 8.5, 101, 103, 107, 112, 122, 12.3, 130, 143, 149, 161, 164, 177. Hucheson. See Hutchinson. Hudson's River, N. Y., settlements on, 417. Huev, Rev. Robert, 437, 439, 4.50. Hughs, Mr. Cliristopher, 390. Humphreys, Mr. William, 326, 350, 353, 423. Hunt, Rev. James, 306, 307, 311, 314, ,322, 3.32, 333, 334, 337, 340, 341, 344, .3.51, 364, 365, 377, 378, 381, 387, 389, 390, 393, 400, 423, 424, 426, 437, 4.50, 461, 471, 477, 489, 492, 496, 501, 506, 515, 528, 542. Hunt, Mr. Ralph, 484. Hunter, Mr. (Elder), 404, 406. Hunter, Rev. Andrew, Sr., 235, 236, 239, 244, 247, 2.50, 258, 263, 270, 277, 280, 285, 288, 289, 291, 297, 304, 306, 311, 562 INDEX. 313, 31G, 320, 322, 323, 326, 333, 334, 335, 341, 351, 353, 3(J4, 365, 375, 377, 378, 379, 381, 389, 400, 402, 404, 410, 412, 416, 424, 427, 435, 436, 438, 440, 449, 455, 461, 472. Hunter, Eev. Andrew, Jr., 462, 470, 473, 482, 483, 485, 489, 492, 496, 501, 506, 508, 514, 528, 541. Hunter, Mr. Heury, case of, 126, 128, 129, 131, 132, 139. Huntingdon. L. I., 366, 404, 516. Huston, Kev. Alexander, 322, 342, 351, 364, 372, 377, 381, 383, 390, 400, 411,423, 424, 425, 429, 437, 450, 485, 497, 501, .506, 508. family of, 535. Huston, Mr. Hugh, 383. Huston. See Houston. Huston, Mr. James, 390. Hutchinson, Kev. Alexander, 69, 75, 78, 82, 85, 92, 96, 99, 101, 103, 107, 112, 122, 130, 136, 143, 150, 155, 175, 236, 251, 285. 291, 298, 306, 314, 334, 341, 365. Hutton, Mr. John, 492. Hyde, Kev. Simeon, 498, 503. I LI CO, N. C, 265. lUsley, John, case of, 22. 23, 24. Index, Minutes of Synod, 517, 531, 542. Indian Creek, N. C, 374, 387. Indian Schools and Missions, 245, 248, 278, 282, 283, 293. 294, 299, 310, 311, 315, 335, 336, 337, 343, 347, 354, 356, 366, 369, 371, 375, 376, 380, 391, 392, 405. 412, 415, 418. 427, 428, 439, 453, 464, 473, 479, 483, 487. collections for. 300, 308, 316, 324, 350, 361. contributions from Great Britain, 266, 267, 269. See, also. New Jersey CoUege. Indian treaty, 299. Avar. 3.35. Indians, captives among, 317. missionaries to, 162, 273, 299, 324, 376. Oneida, 311, 324. Instalment, formal, not always necessary, 127. See, also. Ministers. Iiiterdenominational cooperation, 176, 508. Interest on bond, 88. Interlocutory meetings, 62, 6.3, 162, 198, 318. Intolerance, minute on, 499. Ipswich, England, Independent Congre- gation of, 266. Ireland, Svnod and Church of. 55, 101. 109, 118," 121, 123, 127, 135, 138, 142, 187, 211, 223, 290. .356. 386. Irvine Presb., Scotland, 516, 534. Irvine. See Trwin. Irwin, Rev. Benjamin, 485, 515. 529, 542. Irwin, Mr. Moses, 306, Irwin, Rev. Nathaniel, 437, 461. 462, 463, 470, 471, 476, 478, 480, 482, 485, 488, 489, 492, 493, 494, 496, 497, 501, 502, .505, 515. .528, 541. Irwin. Mr. William (Elder), 322, 515. Irwin. Rev. William, 450, 485, 515, 529, 542. Itinerant ministers and preaching, 105, 1.54, 167, 173, 179, 185, 189, 361, 404. Itico, N. C, 283. JACK. MR. JAMES, 364. Jack, Samuel, 121. Jackson, Mr. James. 4.36. 438. Jackson. Mr. Thomas (Elder), 351, 356, 364, 365, 366. Jackson, Rev. Thomas, 365, 375, 387, 388, 389, 391. 392, 400. Jamaica, L. I., congregation of, 22. 108, 129, 130, 131, 132, 133, 177, 256, 26>, 267, 268, 271, 272, 273, 283, 373, 454. James River, Va., congregation of, 237, 432. Jameson, Rev. Robert, 107, 109, 112, 122, 130, 135, 143. 150, 155, 161, 164, 172. Jameson. See Jamison. Janitor, 129, 134, 155, 171, 177, 449, 488, 491, 495, 500. 505. 527, 547. Jersey Settlement, N. C, 374. Jersey Settlement, N. Y., 454. Johns, Timothy. See Jones. Johnson, Rev. Diodati, bequest of, 453, 463. 483, 487. Johnson, Mr. John, 365, 411, 425, 436, 438. Johnson, Rev. Stephen, of Conn., 453. Johnson. See, also, Johnston. Johnston, Rev. James, 498, 504, 507, 514, 528, 542. Johnston, Rev. John, 516, 528, 542. Joline, Eev. John, 489. 490. 492, 496, 501, 505,515,528, 541. Jones. Rev. Daniel. 401, 435, 491, 492, 493, 496, 505, 514, 515. ,528, 542. Jones, Rev. Malachi, 37, 38, 42, 48, 50, 52, 55, 56, 59, 64, 69, 75, 78, 80, 82, 85, 93. Jones, Rev. Timothy. 166, 233, 235, 236, 238, 240, 242, 244, 247, 250, 258, 262, 269, 277, 280, 285, 291, 297, 298, 301, 306, 313, 333, 335, 341, 351, 352, 353, 360, 364. 366, 378, 379, 381, 388. 390, 401, 402, 406, 411, 424, 436. 4.50, 454, 461, 462, 470, 471, 476, 479, 480, 482, 489, 492, 496, 501, 505, 515, 528, 541. Jorsey's Settlement, Atkin, N. C, 226. Joseph, Indian interpreter, 376, 380. judgment, attested copy of. 475. review of requested, 478. Judicatories, General Rules for, 304, 512. pro re nata meetings. 305. Judicial cases, retrial. 328. Judicial Commissions a])i)oiuted, 62, 74, 109, 121, 210, 294. 300, 311, 320, 340, 348, 360, 456. Judicial process. See Process. Juniata River, 405. Junkin, Mr. Benjamin, 364, 371. KAHLS. REV. JOHN W., letter from, 458. Keitii. Kev. Isaac, 470. 473, 48.3, 488.489, 490, 492, 49S, 501, 505. 528, 542. Keith, Rev. Robert, 462, 477, 480, 482, 486, 489, 491, 492, 496, 499, 501, 507. Kennedy, Samuel, of Ireland. 435, 441, 452. 460, 469, 470. Kennedy, Rev. Samuel, 244. 247, 250. 2.58, 263. 269. 277, 280, 281. 285, 291, 297, 298, 301, 307. 313. 315, 333, 351. 3()4, 367, 372, 377, 379. 390. 401. 411, 436, 4.50. 461, 471, 477. 480. 485, 489, 492, 496. ,501. 506, 515. ,528. 543. Kent on Delaware, congregation of, 288 Kent, Md. congregation of, 288, 310. INDEX. 56c Kent, Eev. Elisha, 351, 356, 364, 377, 381, 401, 424, 436, 461, Keut County, Del., people of, 41, 43, 44, 48, 80, 224. Kerr, Eev. Jacob, 322, 329, 333, 334, 336, 341, 351, 355, 365, 375, 377, 400, 411, 424, 429, 437, 450, 485, 489, 497, 501, 505, 515, 528, 542, 545. Kerr, Eev. James, 381. Kerr, Mr. Joseph, 333, 334, 335. Kerr, Eev. Nathan, 322, 330, 334, 336, 341, 345, 346, 347, 351, 353, 355, 360, 361, 364, 367, 377, 378, 390, 400, 411, 424, 436, 450, 464, 473, 476, 480, 482, 489, 492, 496, 501, 505, 515, 517, 528, 541. Kerr, Walter, case of, 18. 21, 25. Kersley, Mr. Jouathan, 322, 323, 333. Kettletas, Eev. Abraham, 280, 285, 289, 291, 293, 294, 295, 297, 298, 300, 302, 307, 312, 333, 342. case of, 311, 316. King, addresses to the. See George II. and III. Kins, Eev. Andrew, 480, 488, 492, 496, 501, .505, 515, 528, 541. King. Eev. James. See Rev. John King. King, Mr. John, 306. King, Eev. John, .378, 401, 406, 424, 4.32, 436, 445, 450, 455, 461, 471, 477, 489, 492, 493, 495, 496, 501, 506, 515, 528, 542. King, Mr. Thomas, 378. Kiukead, Eev. John, 206, 210, 211, 214, 224, 229, 285, 288, 295, 297. case of, 295, 297, 393, .394. Kirkpatrick, John, 109, 113. Kirkpatrick, Eev. William, 293, 297, 298, 299, 302, 303, 306, 310, 311, 317, 318, 320, 322, 323, 326, 333, 334, 335, 340, 341, 348, 351, 353, 364, 365, 366, 367, 369, 371, 374, 376, 377, .379, 380, 381, 383, 386, 390, 397, 399, 401, Kittatiuniug Hills, Pa., 387, 389. Kuox, Eev. Hugh, D. D., 201, 263, 270, 277, 280, 285, 291, 298, 307, 313, 333, 341, 344, 351, 364, 377, 390, 401, 411, 424, 436, 450, 461, 476, 480, 482, 489, 492, 496, 501, 505, 515, .528, 541. Knox, Pearson, et ah, complaint of, .388. Knowledge, Christian, Society for Propa- gation of, 299, 300. LAING, REV. ROBERT, 69, 75,76, 78, 80,84. Lake, Mr. Samuel, 494, Lake. See Leake. Lamb, Eev. Joseph, 50, 55, 59, 64, 69, 75, 143, 233, 235, 236, 238, 240. Lancaster, Pa., 302, 409. Lancaster County, Pa., 102, 165. Lancaster Presbytery, 350, 351, 352, 354, 360. Lang. Eev. David, 372, 383. Lang, Eev. James, 390, 416, 445, 4.50, 461, 477, 489, 492, 496, 501, 506, 515, 528, 542. Larger Catechism, 127, 159, 233. See, also, CatecMsm. Latin exegesis, 43, 116 Latin, letters in, 176, 386. Latta, Eev. James, D. D., 293, 294, 297, 298, 299, 300, 302, 306, 311, 313, 316, 320, 321, 341, 346, 351, 354, 364, 371, 375, 377, 389, 390, 400, 410, 411, 412, 424, 429, 431, 433, 436, 438, 442, 44.5, 450, 459, 461, 463, 472, 474, 477, 480, 482, 487, 489, 492, 493, 496, 501, 506, 514, 515, 526, 528, 542. Latta, Eev. James, South Carolina, 352, 378, 399. Laurel Hill, Pa., church, 491. Lawrence, Eev. Daniel, 235, 236, 238, 239, 242, 244, 247, 250, 259, 263, 270, 277, 280, 285, 288, 291, 297, 302, 303, 306, 313, 315, 322, 323, 333, 340, 341, 352. Lawrence, Mr. Hosea, 501. Lawrence, Mr. John, appeal, 373. Lawrence, Mr. Jouathan, 297, 301. Lawson, Eev. Eobert, 31. 33, 35. Law suits discountenanced, 96, 359, 435. Lay Elders, plan of, 350, 356, 358, 370, 393, 402, 415. Laying ou of bauds, 32, 35, 38, 39, 290. Lay preaching censured, 17 Leacock, Pa., people of, 144, 150, 151, 152, 153, 302, 409. Leake, Eev. Jacob, 486, 487, 515, 542. Leake, Eev. Samuel, 390, 391, 400, 450. Leave of absence, 17, 21, 117. See, also, Absentee Members. Leavit, Eev. Jonathan, 347, 350, 353. Lebanon Township, N. Y., 242 Lee, Mr. Joseph, 351. Leechman, Eev. William, D. D., 230. Leng, Mr. James, 342. Leonard, Eev. Silas, 143, 144, 149, 161, 164, 177, 238, 250, 259, 297, 307, 314, 322, 323, 335. Leslie, James, student, 281. Letter-book, 14, 31. Letterkeuny, Presb. of (Ireland), 211, 219. 507. Letters, General Presbvtery, 11, 13, 14, 18, 19, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 29, 32, 33, 34, 37, 39, 40, 41, 43, 44. Synod of Philadelphia, 68, 199, 212, 213, 214, 219, 223, 226. Synod of New York, 235, 259. Svnod of New York and Philadelphia, '386, 408, 415, 416, 419, 420, 421, 440, 506, 509. See, also. Foreign Churches. Lewes, Eev. Isaac, 361. Lewes, Presbyterv of. 117, 126, 131, 136, 141, 143, 144, 150, 155, 156, 161, 162. reestablished, 288, 289, 302, 306, 307, 310, 313, 314, 320, 322, 333, 341, 351, 376, 387, 388, 394, 400, 411, 423, 436, 447, 449, 461, 471, 476, 487, 490, 507, 508, 525. united with New Castle, 164. Lewis, Eev. Amzi, 401, 425, 436, 450, 461, 471, 476, 480. Lewis, Eev. Icliabod, 404. 424, 425, 426, 436, 438, 440, 461. 470, 473, 528, 541. Lewis, Eev. Josiah, 390, 399, 403, 411, 412, 417, 424, 437, 447, 450, 487. case of, 485, 490. Lewis, Eev. Thomas, 236, 2.39. 242, 244, 247, 250, 258, 263, 269, 277, 280, 285, 291. 293, 298, 307, 333, 334, 339, 341, 345. 347, 351, 3.53, 364, 365, 367. 374, 377, 378, 379, 381, 387, 388, 389, 390, 399, 401, 402, 406, 411, 412, 421, 424, 436, 438, 4.50, 461, 465, 476, 480. Lewistown, Del., people of, 10, 40, 44, 199. 564 INDEX. Lewistowu Presbytery. See Lewes. Lexington Presbytery, formation of, 523. Liberal education. See Education. Liberty, civil and religious, 142, 258. See, also, General Coiiveutioii. Librarian, 219. Library, public, 219. Licensure, required, 18, 249, recalled, 4tl2. temporary, disapproved, 339. disapproved, o32. by a committee, 3<) not at same meeting as ordination, 339. regulations concerning, 305, 319, 338, 339, 344, 43."), 445, 475, 499. Licentiates, 17, 26, 34, 36, 135, 137, 309. foreign, 52, 118, 119, 338, 344, 398, 399, 405, 529, 544. list of, 527, 531, 542, 544. vacant churches, 135, 137, 138, 146, 151, 15.3, 154. See, also, Ministers, Foreign. Light, Eev. Johannes, 270, 272. Ligonier, Pa., supplies for, 417 Lindley, Mr. Joseph, 516. Lindsay, Mr. James, 426 Linn. See Lynn. Liquor at funerals, 359. Literature, religious, plan for distribution, 429, 441, 452. Little Britain, Pa., 328, 332, 338, 339, 348, 393. Little, Mr. John, 313. Little River, N. C, supplies for, 346. Little Eiver Settlement, S. C, 360, 374. Livingston, Mr. Peter V. B., 351, 353, 356, 400, 402, 410, 429. Loan office, continental, 479, 487. Logue, Mr. Manasseh, 377. London, Bishop of, 127. dissenting ministers of, 52, 54, 63, 356, 386. Londonderry Presbytery, Ireland, 542. sub-synod of, 211. Long Canes, N. C. 374, 387. Long Canes. S. C. 360, 403, 404, 432. Long Island, X. Y., 120. Long Island Presbvterv, 46, 48, 56, 59, 60, 67, 75, 78, SI, 82, 87, 88, 93, 136, 244. Long, Eev. James, 394, 400, 410, 411, 424, 429, 437, 440, 4.53, 454, 471. Long, Mr. John, 322, 394, Long Lanes. S. C, sujiplies for, 346. Lord's Day. violation of, 70. Lord's Suj)i)er, administration of, 99, 191, 192, 193, 194. admission to, 92, 110, 111. See, also. Communion and Suspension. Lot, decision by, 104, 110, 140, 14,5, 241. Lottery di.scountenanc^ed. 241. Louden Co.. Va., supplies for, 339. Love, Mr. .John, 291. Lowdcn, Lord, 274, 279. Low Dutch, 176. See, also. Reformed Dutch. Lower Long Cane, S. C, church of, 531 Lower Settlement, N. C, peoi>le of, 310 Luckev, Eev. George, 477, 480, 506, 507, 515. .542. Lynn, Eev. John, 477, 489, 491, 492, 496, 501, 503, 505, 514, 528, 542. Lynn, Rev. William Adolphus, 462, 472, 477, 489, 492, 496, 501, 502, 505, 507, 515, 516, 530. Lyon, Dr. (Elder), 377, 378, 379, 412. Lyon, Eev. James, 322, 330, 336. 342, 364, 377, 390, 401, 411, 424, 436, 450, 471, 477, 480. Lyon, Mr. Joseph, 291, 294. McADAM, REV. HUGH, 277, 280, 285. McAdeu. See 3[cCadden. McBride, Mr. John, 378. McCaddan, Eev. Hugh, 291, 298, 307, 313, 314, .341, 390, 409, 450, 486. McCadden, Eev. Thomas, 400. McCade, Eev. Thomas, 494. McCall. Mr. Thomas (Elder). 411. McCall, Eev. Thomas, 486, 496, 502. McCall, Eev. Thomas H., 529, 530, 542. McCalla, Eev. Daniel, 437, 461, 462, 471, 476, 477, 4S0, 4^2, 485, 489, 492, 496, 501, .5()(), 515, .530. McCalla, Mr. John, 436, 438, 450, McCalla, Mr. Thomas Harris, 476. McCalley, Mr. John, 400. McCalmont, Mr. John, 4.")6. ISIcCannan. See McKennan. McCaule. See McCall. McClanaghan, Eev. Mr., .311. 312. McCIane, Mr. Azariah, 390. McClaiie, Mr. Joseph, 541. McClean, Eev. Alexander, 424, .525, 437. McClean, IMr. John, 425, 435, 439. McCleland, Margaret, 326. McClelland, Eev. Daniel, 390, 401. McClelland, Elizabeth, case of, 320, 325, 32(), 328. McClelland, Mr. John, 416, McClure, Mr. Alexander, 343. McChire, Eev. Andrew. 515, 516, 542. McCIure, Mr. David (Elder), 505. McClure, Eev. David, 437, .504. McConkey, Mr. William, 343. McConnell, Eev. James. 402, 515, 510, 529, 542. McCook, Eev. Archibald. 85, 88, 93. McCooml), Mr. Eobert, 297. McCorkcl, Eev. James, 486, 496. McCorkle, Eev. Samuel, 451, 459, 494, 502, 515, 542. McCracken, Eev. Thomas, 342, 378, 390, 394. 400, 411. McCrea, Eev. James, 233, 235. 236, 239, 244, 247, 250, 258, 263, 20}), 277, 280, 285, 291, 298, 306, 308, 313, 314. 334, 341, 351, .364, 377, 391. case of. 274, 279. McCrea, William, 255, 291, 297, 300. McCrca, Eev. Jlr. (Orange Presb.), 487. McCrearv, Eev. John, 365, 375. 387, 389, 390, 394, 400, 404, 411, 412, 418,419, 424, 426, 432, 437. 4.50, 458, 461, 477, 480, 482, 485, 489, 492, 496, 497, 501, 505, 515, .528. 542. McCue, Eev. John. 515, 510, .529, 542. McCnllough, Mr. Hugh (Elder), 412, 541. McDonald, Eev. John, .507, 515, 516, 522, .52S, .541, .542. McDowell, Eev. Alexander, 161, 162, 164,. 170, 171, 17.5, 177, 184, 190, 192, 194, 196, 199, 202, 205, 208, 209, 210, 211, 212. 214, 220, 224. 2.30, 285,290, 291, INDEX. 565 298, 302, 303, 306, 303, 309-316, 320, 322, 323, 324, 334, 335, 341, 344, 350, 351, 353, 364, 365, 377, 389, 398, 400, 411, 417, 419, 424, 428, 431, 433, 437, 439, 444, 450, 461, 477, 480, 482, 485, 489, 493. McElroy, Mr. John, 411. McEweu, Mr., licentiate, 480, 487. McFarquiiar, Eev. Collin, 462, 472, 476, 479, 489, 492, 495, 496, 501, 506, 515, 528, 542. McFerrin, Kev. Thomas, 437, 462, 471, 473, 477, 492, 496, 506, 515, 528, 542. McGill, Eev. Daniel, 31, 34, 38, 42, 50, 55, 57, 59, 60. 64, 69, 75, 79. McGill, Rev. Hugh, 437, 477, 489, 492, 496, 501, 506, 515, 528, 542. case of, 437, 456, 465, 474. McHenry, Rev. Francis, 150, 155, 161, 165, 172, 177, 184, 190, 192, 194, 196, 199, 201, 205, 209, 211, 214, 220, 224. Mcllroy, Mr. Hugh, 306. Mcllvaine, Mr. Ferguson, 541. Mclntyre, Mr. William, 496. McKean, Mr. Thomas, 341. McKee, Rev. James, 494, 502, 503, 515, 542. McKee, Eev. William, 514, 528, 541. Mackey, Mr. Robert, 380, 390. McKennan, Eev. William, 210, 220, 224, 230, 285, 291, 297, 306, 313, 320, 322, 323, 3.34, 341, 351, .364, 365, 377, 389, 400, 411, 424, 437, 449, 457, 458, 461, 477, 480, 482, 485, 489, 492, 496, 501, 506, 515, 517, 528, 542. McKinlev, Mr. Nathaniel, 322, 323, 324, 377, 386, 452, 458. McKnight, Agnes. 326. McKuight, Eev, Charles, 233, 235, 236, 238, 239, 244, 247, 250, 259, 263, 269, 277, 280, 285, 291, 294, 297, 299, 300, 304, 306, 307, 310, 311, 312, 313, 322, 323, 326, 333, 341, 348, .351, 355, 364, 376, 377, 390, 401, 403, 424, 431, 436, 437, 438, 450, 461. 471, 476, 477, 480. McKnight, Mr. John, 291. McKnight, Rev. John, 462, 477, 489, 492, 496, 501, 506, 515, 528, 541. McKnight, Rev. William, 323, 410, 412. Macky, Rev. John, 28. Macky, Mr. Robert, 390. McMasters, Rev. Samuel, 485, 487, 489, 496, 501, 506, 515, 528, 542. McMillan, Rev. John, 462, 472, 477, 489, 491, 496, 502, 515, 528, 542. McMordie, Eev. Eobert, 210, 211, 214, 220, 224, 230, 285, 291, 297, 298, 306, 308, 314, 334, 341, 343, 346, 349, 351, 353, 366, 371, 383, 390, 391, 400, 411, 424, 427, 432, 437, 439, 450, 476, 482, 485, 489, 492, 496, 501, 504, 505, 514, 528, 542. McNair, Mr. James, 411. McNalt, Col. Alexander, 388. McNeal, John, case of, 119, 120. McNish, Rev. George, 9, 11, 13, 14, 15, 17, 21, 22, 30, 31. 32, 37, 38, 42, 48, 50, 52, 55, 56, 59, 64, 69, 77. estate of, 84, 88. McPherran. See McFerrin. McWhorter, Rev. Alexander, 293, 297, 298, 299, 302, 304, 313, 322, 323, 333, 340, 341, 343, 344, 346, 348, 349, 351, 352, 354, 356, 360, 364, 372, 374, 375, 376, 377, 380, 383, 386, 388, 390, 391, 397, 398, 400, 401, 402, 406, 408, 410, 412, 413, 414, 416, 424, 425, 426. 427, 428, 429, 432, 436, 438, 440, 441, 444, 447, 450, 454, 456, 457, 461, 471, 476, 478, 479, 482, 486, 489, 491, 492, 494, 496, 499, 501, 505, 510, 515, 528, 541, 543. Madowell, John, 123. Magaw, Rev. Samuel, 314, 346, 347. Magill. See McGill. Mahafley, Andrew, appeal of, 331. Mahou, Rev. William, 516. Maidenhead, N. J., congregation, 24, 132, 137, 138, 147, 148, 197, 235, 237, 239, Maidenhead Presbytery, 70. Majority to rule in call of minister, 24, 28, 274, 295. vote to decide questions, 168, 233, 239, 243, 286, 296. Makemie, Rev. Francis, 9, 10, 11. Maltby, Rev. John, 251, 259, 263, 270, 277, 280, 285, 291, 297, 307, 313, 333, 341, 351, 364, 377, 390, 401. Manahawkin, X. J., 326, 417, 418. Manners. See Reformation. Manning, Mr. James, 400, 404. Manse, to be provided, 359. Marlborough, Md., 40, 41, Marriage, case of conscience, 300, 303. clandestine, 116. deliverance concerning, 427. of divorced persons, 509. forms of. 111. judgment in case, 427. laws, Levitical and civil, concerning, 50, 290, 295, 300, 301, 303, 309, 312, 410, 427, 499, 500, 502. licenses. 111, 115, 110, 429. ministers censured, 198. ministers enjoined, 500. Pennsylvania licenses. 111. promise of, 198. registers, 359. regulations concerning, 115, 295, 300, 3C9, 311, 312, 381, 393, 402, 403, 410, 419, 427, 475, 478. right of Presbytery to declare void, 509. See, also. Deceased Wife's Sister. Marsh Creek, people of, 398. Marshall, Rev. William, 460, 488. Martin, Eev. Henry, 258, 263, 270, 277, 280, 285, 288, 291, 297, 302, 306, 308, 311, .313, 316, 318, 334. Martin, Rev. James (Lewes Presb.), 107, 109, 112, 122, 130, 135, 143, 150, 155, 161, 16.5. Martin, Rev. James (Donegal Presb.), 476, 478, 489, 492, 496, 501, 505, 506, 514, .526, .528, 541. Martin, Eev. John, 280, 285, 289, 291, 298. Marvland, supplies for, 237, 239. Mather, Eev. Cotton, 15, 16, 28. 29. Matthews, Mr. John, 313. Mattison, Mr. Aaron, 322, 377, 400, 401, 402, 407, 425, 484. Maxfield, Mr. John, 341. Maxwell, Mr. John, Md., 364, 365, 390, 394. Maxwell, Mr. John, N. J., 351, 353, 356, 364, 374. 566 INDEX. Mead, Rev. Solomon, 351, 377, 3S1, 401, -IKJ, 4-J4, 425, 436, 438, 461, 471, 489, 528, 541. Meas, Mr. John, 324, 326. llcchlin, Kev. Robert, 503, 529, 531, 542 Mectiiifjs, i)laces, aud dates: General Presbytery : Freehold, N. J., 1706. New Castle, Del., 1713, 1715, 1717. Philadelphia, Pa., 1707-1712, 1714, 1716. General Synod : Philadelphia, Pa., 1717-1744. Synod of Philadelphia: Philadelphia. Pa.. 1745-1758. Synod of Ne\v York : Elizaliethtowu, N. J., 1745. New York. 1746. JIaidenhead, N. J., 1747-1750, 1757. Newark, N. J., 1751, 1752, 1754, 1756. Philadelphia. Pa., 1753, 1755, 1758. Synod of New York and Philadelphia : BeduiiiLstcr, N. J., 1778. Elizabc'thtown, N. J,. 1764. New York, N. Y., 1766. 1770. 177.5. Philadelphia, Pa., 1758-1763, 1765. 1767-1769. 1771-1774. 1776, 1777, 1779-1788. See, also. Next Meeting. Meeting-house, separate, decision as to, 84, 87. location of, settled, 86, 87, 91, 97, 98, 101, 297. Meetings, interlocutory, 62, 63, 162, 234. 2)ro re vatu, 71, 124. Member, church, received by act of Synod, 98. inspection and discipline, 25, 34, 37. See, also, Susi)ension. Members of Svnod assessed for expenses of meeting, 68, 70, 529. lists of, 156, 412. qualifications of, 153, 154. rules of business, 298, 302, 304. See. also, Absentees, Presbytery, Synod. Mendham, N. J., 297. IMercer, Mr. James, 515. ISIiddle Octorara, Pa., congregation of, 156. Middleton, congregation of, 213, 290. Millar. See Miller. Miller, Rev. Alexander (Hanover Presb.), 230, 231, 285, 289, 291, 292, 298, 307, 314, 320. case of, .394. .395, 396. Miller, Rev. Alexander (New York Presb.), 410, 411, 41.3, 417, 419, 424, 436, 450, 451, 458, 461. 471, 47.3, 474, 476, 480, 489, 492, 493, 495, 496, 497, 501, 503, 505, .508. 514, 528, 531, 541. Miller, Rev. John. 224, 226, 228, 230, 285, 288, 291, 292, 294, 295, 297, 298, 300, 306, 308, 313, 314, .320, 322, 323, 329, .334, 335, 3.36. 340, 341, 342. .351, 352, 353, 360, 362, 364, 366, 367, 369, 374, .375, .377, 378, 379, 381, 389, 391, 396, 400, 402, 406, 411, 412, 423, 425, 426, 431, 4.36, 4.38, 444, 449, 451, 4.52, 453, 456, 4.57. 458, 4.59. 463, 474, 477, 485, 486, 489, 492. 496, 497, 501, 505, 506, 511, 514, .524, .528, 542, Miller, John Peter, 99. Miller, Rev. William. 4.36, 438. Mills, Rev. SanuRi, 4U4, 416, 424, 426, 436, 440, 461, 471, 528. 541. Mills, Rev. William. 29«, 299, 307, 314, 322. 323, 333, 340, 341, 346, 351, 362. .364. 365, 373, 374, 377, 379, 381, 388, 390, 400, 401, 402, 40(), 412, 424, 425, 426, 429, 436, 438, 440, 451. Minisinks, N. J., 138. Ministers and ministry, absent, received on certificate, 28. added to Presbytery to make up quorum, 211. admission, 17, 25, 109, 110, 111, etc. admission refused, 60. and the Adopting Act. 1729, 94, 98. annual rejjort to Presbytery, 18, 21, 22, 40, 45, etc. assistants to, 37, 41. call, candidate rejected, 77. censured. 111, 115. 339. conditional ordination, 399. credentials of, 17, 2.5, 26, 31, 57, 59, 94, 99. 135, 13j<, 200. demission of. 84. deserting, 394. dismission and reception to be re- ported, 437. disowned, 200. duties of, 10, 11. education of, 21, 511. erased from roll, 123, 156, 507, 510. exercise of. 132. faithfulness, annual inquiry as to. Ill, 115. etc. fugitive, ]2.3. inquiry as to relations, etc, 25, 34, 39, 111, "115. irregular change of field disapproved, 11.5, 206. itinerant, 105, 154, 167, 173, 179, 185, 189, 361, 404. life allowance, 105. lists of. 156. 412. 526, 529, 531, 542, 544. See, also, lioll. location of, 28. maintenance of, 93, 104, 105, 106, 359, 405, 499. majority vote to rule in call of, 24, 28, 274, 295. names, according to seniority of ordi- nation, 526. ordered to cease from service in a par- ticular place, 28. preaching out of bounds, 137. protest against persecution of, 105. pulpit supplies, 1.3.5, 1.38, 146, 154, etc. qualifications for, 77, 234. rece])tion of. (iO, 98, 102, 109, 128, 144, 334, 344. 3.50, 437, 465, .504. regulations concerning. 24, 77, 98, 115, 119, 123, 133, 135, 136, 137, 138, 146, 151, 153, 154, 160, 162, 249, 305, 345, 447, 511. resumption, conditions of, 84. salaries, 3.59. separation of, 394. settlement of, 274. 279. supervision and discipline of, 25, 34, 37, 111, 11.5, .504. 510. translation of, 108, 109, 129, 133, 267, 345. INDEX. 567 Ministers, visiting of families, 105, 107, 111, 260. without charge, reasons to be given, 510. See, also, Candidates, Confession, Disso- lution, Excommunication, Laying on of hands. License, Licensure, Licentiates, Ministers (foreign). Ordination, Pas- toral call. Pastoral relation. Plagiar- ism, Preaching, Probationers, Qualifica- tions, Restoration, Salaries, Subscrip- tion, Suspension, Trial. Ministers, Foreign, and Probationers: certificate alone insufficient, 344. corroborative evidence necessary, 51, lis, 119, 12.3, 338, 4.37, 455, 542. credentials approved, 49, 51, 52, 60, 118, 123, 133, 172. credentials not ap|)roved, 60, 128. pastoral call to, 172. probation required, 119. reception of, great care to be taken in, 305, 358, 443-445. reception reversed by Synod, 4.37. regulations concerning, 118, 119, 338, 344, 4.55. review by Svnod, 135, 442, 443, 448, 455, 456, 463, 507, 517, 542, 544. standing committee of Presbytery, 119. subscription necessary, 118. subscription alone insufficient, 338. Minority to be peaceable, 233, 286, 296. Minutes, alteration of, 67, 498. annual distribution, 3.52, 3.53, 366. committee to review, 487, 488, 490, 511, 531. extracts furnished, 81. not to be expunged, 499. last session, 93, 108, 109, 110, etc. publication of, 538, 542, 544, 545. reading of, 35, 38, 48, 55, 59, 75, 78, 82, 85, 88, etc. review of, 77, 488. transcribed into book, 242. See, also, Records. Miscellaneous business, committee on, 17. See, also. Bills and Overtures. Missionaries, maintenance of, 340, 400, 473, 476. negro, 456, 458, 4.59. to North Carolina, 340, 344, 349. testimonials of, 399. See, also, Indians and 3Iissions. Missions, bequest of Rev. Diodati Johnson to, 452. frontier, etc., .326, 332, 335, .339, 340, 354, 362, 369, 375, 376, 400, 405, 410, 419, 428, 429, 459, 463, 464. Indian, collection for, 350. to South and West, 448, 484. Mitchell, Rev. Alexander, 365, 390, 397, 400, 410, 421, 424. 436, 449, 455, 461, 471, 472, 476, 478, 480, 482, 485, 486, 492, 493, 496, .501, 506, 515, 528, 542. Mitchell, James, 61, 62. Mitchell, Rev. James, 495, 515, 5i6, 529, 542. Moderator, admonition by, 35. authority of, 304, 472. chooses place of meeting, 277, 479. election deferred, 472. first General Assembly, 548 Moderator, last moderator to act in ab- sence or death of, 336, 401. leaves chair in judicial case, 447. leet for, 75. letters signed by, 19, 58. meeting, no power to alter time, 472. member, Bills and Overtures Commit- tee, 55, 59, 65, 69, etc. new, charge to, 304, 322, 334, 341, etc. pro tern., 281, 399. reelection of, 310. retiring, address to Synod, 304. retiring, nominates candidates for suc- cession, 50, 55. rules for, 304. sermon by last year's, 46, 48, 51, 55, 59, 65, etc. Synod's commission, 281, 305. tenure of office, 310. Moderators : General Presbytery : 1706, Francis Makemie, 9. 1707, John Wilson, 9. 1708, Samuel Davis, 11. 1709, Jedediah Andrews, 14. 1710, George McXish, 17. 1711, John Wilson, 21. 1712, Jedediah Andrews, 25. 1713, John Henry, 30. 1714, Jedediah Andrews, 34. 1715, John Hampton, 38. 1716, George McNisb, 42. General Synod (Philadelphia) : 1717, Jedediah Andrews, 48. 1718, Daniel McGill, 50. 1719, John Thompson, 55. 1720, Malachi Jones, 59. 1721, Jonathan Dickinson, 64. 1722, John Thomson, 69. 1723, Malachi Jones, 75. 1724, George Gillespie, 78. 1725, David Evans, 81. 1726, Thomas Craighead, 82. 1727, John Pierson, 85. 1728, Jedediah Andrews, 88. 1729, James Anderson, 93. 1730, William Tenuent, 96. 1731, Joseph Morgan, 100. 1732, William Stewart, 101. 1733, .Joseph Houston, 103. 1734, Ebenezer Pemberton, 107. 1735, Robert Cross, 112. 1736, Adam Bovd, 122. 1737, Henry Hook, 130. 1738, Richard Treat, 136. 1739, James Anderson, 143. 1740, John Pierson, 150. 1741, Jedediah Andrews, 1.56. 1742, .Jonathan Dickinson, 162. 1743, David Cowell, 165. 1744, Francis McHenry, 172. 1745, Robert Cathcart, 177. 1746, Francis Alison, 184. 1747, Alexander McDowell, 190. 1748, John Elder, 193. 1749, Timothy Griffith, 195, 1750, John Steel, 197. 1751, Robert Cross, 199. 1752, David Cowell, 205. 17.53, Hector Alison, 209. 17.54, Francis McHenry, 211. 1755, Joseph Tate, 214. 568 INDEX. Moderators : General Synod (Pliiladelphia) : 1756, John Guild, -J-io. 1757, Adaui Hoyd, ^■^4. 1758, Samj)Son .Suiitii, 2'M. Synod of >ie\v York: 1745, Jonatlian Dickinson, 234. 174(j, Ebenuzer Pemberton, 235. 1747, Gilbert Teiinent, 236. 1748, .Tosepli Lamb, 236. 1749, John I'ierson, 238. 1750, William Tunnent, 240. Ebeuezer Prime, 242. 1751, John Blair, 244. 1752, Richard Treat, 247. 1753, Samuel Fiuley, 251. 1754, James Davenport, 259. 1755, Aaron Burr, 263. 1756, William Teunent,270. 1757, l.^avid Bostwick, 277. 1758, Samuel Davies, 280. Synod of New York and Philadelphia : 1758, Gilbert Tennent, 285. 1759, Kobert Cross (resicined). Richard Treat, 291, 1760, Samuel Davies, 298. 1761, Eliliu Spencer, 307. 1762, John Braiuerd, 314. 1763, John Rodgers, 322. 1764, Charles Beatty. 3.34. 1765, John Miller, .341. 1766, Elihu Spencer, 352. 1767, Andrew Hunter, 365. 1768, John Blair, 378. 1769, William Kirkpatrick, 390. 1770, Alexander McWhorter, 401. 1771, William Ramsev, 411. 1772, Joseph Treat, 424. 1773, .Tames Sproat, 437. 1774, Robert Smith, 4.50. 1775, Benjamin Hait, 461. 1776, Robert Coo])er, 472. 1777, John Carmichael, 477. 1778, Timothy Jones (Johns), 480. 1779, Dr. John Ewing, 482. 1780, John Miller, 486. 1781, George Duffield. 489. 1782, James Latta, 493. 1783, John McCrearv, 497. 1784, Jonathan Elmer, 502. 1785, Matthew Wilson, 506 1786, Alexander Miller, ,515. 1787, Jedediah Chapman. ,529. 1788, .Tohn Woodhull. 542. Moffat, Rev. John, 244, 247, 2.50, 258, 263, 270, 280, 285, 291, 297, 298, 307, 313, 333, 341, 351, 364, 377, 390. 401, 411, 424, 436, 4.50, 461, 471, 476, 480, 482, 489, 496, .501, .505, 515, .528, .543. Moffett, Moffort. See 3rofat. Monokin, Md., people of, 13, 18, 20, 23, 25, .33. 35, .52, 124. ^lonongahela, Pa., people of, 4.32, 439. Monroe. See Munro. Monteith, Rev. Walter, 522, .528. 530, 541, 547. Montgomcrv, Rev. John, 34.5, 389, 394, 495, 515, .528, 542. Montgomery, Rev. Joseph, 298, 302. .304, 314, 316, 318, 320, 322, 333, 334, 337, 338, 339, 340, 341, 347, 348, .3.50, 351, 354, .3.56, 364, 365, 366, 371, 375, 376, ,377, 378, 379, 381, 383, 388, 389, 397 400, 402, 403, 404, 406, 408, 411, 412 413, 416, 424, 425, 426, 427, 428, 429, 430, 436, 4.38, 439, 440, 441, 444, 450 455, 456, 464, 471, 476, 4b0, 482, 485 489, 492, 494, 496, 501, 507. erasure from roll, 507, 508, 510, 516. Monthlv collections, 106. Moor. John, 109, 114. Moor and Cunningham, bond, 191. Moore, Mr. John, elder, 377, 406. Morehead, James, case of, 60, 65, 66. Morgan. Rev. Joseph, 17, 18, 25, 31, 38, 42, 48, 50, 55, 59, 64, 69, 75, 78, 82, 85, 88, 93, 96, 97, 99, 101, 103, 107, 112, 122, 143, 1.50. case of, 90, 91, 1.32, 137, 129, 144. Morison's Settlement, N. C., 226. Morrison, Rev. Evander, 2.50, 259, 263, 270. Morrison, Rev. Hugh, 516, 529, 543. Mottison. See Mnttiaon. Mount Bethel, Pa., 405, 543. Mount Holly, N. J., 376. Muir, Rev. James, 516, 528, 541, 545. Mulford, Mr. Jacob, 515. Munro, Rev. Harry. 2fil, 294, 295, 296. Munro, Rev. James, 507, 515, 528, 542. Murdoch, Rev. Jonathan. 411, 424, 436, 451. Murrav, Mr. Humphrev, will of, 213. Murrav, Rev. John, case of, 334, 340, 352, 3.53, 354, 355, 366. Muskingum River, mission on, 376, 380. Mustard, Mr. John, 291. NANOHAWKIN. See Mnnalia%L-¥vn. Narrative. See KeJi(jio)i. Nassau Hall. See j\'e«' Jersey College. Nealy, Samuel, case of, 95. 97, 100, 101, 102, 104. Necrology, ministerial, 14, 23, 31, 35, 48, 50, 64, 77, 79, 82, 93, 103. 112, 143. 150, 156, 162, 165, 172, 177, 184, 190, 193, 197, 199, 2p9, 211, 214, 220, 224, 235, 236, 238, 240, 242, 244, 248. 251, 259, 281, 298, 307, 322, 334, 3.35, 342, 352, 365, 378, 390, 401, 411, 424, 425, 437, 4,50, 451, 462, 472, 477, 480, 483, 486, 490, 493, 503, 508, 516, 529, 530, 543. Neely, Mr. Joseph, 505. Negro missionaries, 456, 4.58, 459. Negro slavery. 458, 487. Negroes, instruction of, 539, 540. Nesbit, Rev. Charles, D. D., 528, 530, 541. Nesbitt, Rev. John. 63. Neshaminv, Pa., congregation of, 25, 26, 127," 133, 311, 3i5, 316, 379. Netfield, Mr. Cornelius, 405. Newark, Academy, 420. Newark, N. J., congregation of, 166, 242, 269, 280, 283, 294, 299, 300. 454. retirement of Mr. Braiuerd, 294, 299. Newbern, N. C, 361, .374. 375. New Brunswick, Chassis of, 505. New Brunswick, Presbytery of, 138, 14.3, 144, 14.5, 146, 147, 1,50, 1.52, 154, 1.56, 163. 166, 168, 170, 172, 173, 174, 176, 177, 233, 2.35, 2.37. 241, 244, 245, 248, 2.50, 258, 263, 268, 269, 273, 274, 275, 277, 281, 282, 283. 284, 288, 293, 298, 303, .306, .307, 312, 313, 314, 320, 322, 333, 339, 340, 341, 343, 351, 352, 365, INDEX. 569 371, 377, 400, 410, 424, 436, 450, 464, 471, 476, 479. changes in, 462, 486, 490, 493. 503, 507. churches put i u charge of, 407. division of, 246. ejected members, 158, 159, 162. proposals for agreement, 168, 172, 179^ protests against exclusion, 150, 155, 163, 167,'" 172. Eowland case, 148. New Castle County, 224. New Castle, Del., people of, 11, 13, 15, 30, 65, 346, 347, 354. New Castle Presbytery, 45, 49, 56, 59, 60, 68, 70, 74, 75, 76, 78, 79, 80, 81, 82, 83, 84, 85, 88, 93, 96, 97, 98, 100, 103, 107, 111, 112, 114, 116, 117, 123, 131, 136, 139, 143, 144, 150, 156, 161, 164, 166, 170, 171, 172, 175, 176, 177, 178, 189, 190, 191, 192, 193, 194, 195, 196, 197, 199, 200, 201, 202, 205, 206, 208, 209, 210, 212, 213,214,220,224,229, 233, 235, 237, 244, 250, 255, 259, 261, 263, 270, 273, 275, 277, 279, 281, 282, 295, 298, 302, 303, 306, 307, 310, 313, 322, 332, 333, 340, 341, 345, 346, 347, 348. 349, 365, 377, 383, 387, 388, 389, 400, 404, 409, 411, 424, 429, 431, 436, 449, 4.56, 458, 461, 471, 480. alteration of, 384, 447, 487, 493, 498, 507. First Presbytery of, 289, 292, 294. remodeling of, 356. restored, 360. scheme for education, 419, 420. school committee, 210. Second Presbytery of, 289, 292. New England, churches of, 96, 100, 338, 356. ministers from, 187, 399. will of Dr. Williams. 99. New England Company, Loudon, 300. New Haven, Conn., Association of, 401. New Haven College, 67, 68, 70, 71, 73. New Holland, Synod of, 397. New Jersey, effort to move Synod meet- ings, 225. Indian lands, 299. New Jersey, College of, 244, 247, 248, 251, 252, 256, 264, 265, 266, 269, 270, 271, 276, 278, 281, 283, 292, 298, 299, 300, 307, 308, 309, 314, 323, 335, 337, 342, 353, 354, 365, 366, 379, 380, 386, 393, 396, 397, 398, 399, 408, 417, 428, 434, 441, 4.52. appointments of ministers to service, 283, 292. collections and subscriptions for, 248, 251, 252, 2,59, 264, 267, 270, 271, 276, 278, 408, 417, 428, 434, 441. committee on funds, 244, 256, 343, 353, .365, 379, 392, 396, 398, 408. Davies, President, release from pas- torate, 292. divinity, professor of, 386, 399. education fund, 265, 271, 276, 278, 281, 293, 298, 314, 335, 343, 353, 365, 379, 392, 407, 416, 425, 426, 438, 451, 462, 473, 481, 484, 486, 487, 490, 494. education fund, exhibit of, 293, 323, .335, 342, 407, 416, 425, 438, 451. Indian fund, 343, 405, 428, 439. 453, 464, 473, 479, 480, 483, 486, 487. New Jersey, College of, power of Synod over funds, 289. receipts, 278, 281, 293. "representation" printed, 398. Scotland, petition to Church of, 256. treasurer's accounts, 293, 342, 3.53. trustees, petitions of, 244, 247, 248, 256, 266, 292, 386, 396. See, also. Candidates and Fund for Pious Uses. "New Light," the, disapproved, 338. New London, Pa., congregation of, 95, 96, 210. New London, school at, 175, 176, 187. New Providence, congregation, N. C, 237, 346, 360, 498, 544, 548. New Eiver, 510. New Eochelle, N. Y., 471. New Side, committee for agreement with, appointed, 162. demand for part of the Synodical fund, 177. members of, withdraw from Synod, 1.59. protest against action of Synod, 146, 153. protest against exclusion of the Pres- bytery of New Brunswick, 163. protestation against members of, 157. protestation against protest, 164. proposal for peace, 167, 172. propo.sal for a new Synod, 168. proposal for agreement, 179. reply of Synod to demand, 177. See, also. New York, Presbytery and Synod. Newton, Mr. James, 503. Newtown, L. I., 41, 46, 49, 154, 177, 475, 543. New York, congregation of, 49, 56, 59, 61, 64, 76, 79, 83, 84, 86, 87, 88, 97. 99, 248, 2.50, 256, 261, 264, 267, 268, 272, 274, 277, 345, 400, 454. commission appointed hy Synod, 255. decisions as to property, etc., 249, 252, 255, 260, 265. division of, 73, 267. minutes of committee, 89. New York, Dutch ministers in, 242. New York, Highlands of, 116, 120, 122, 123. New York Presbytery, 1.36, 1.38, 143, 144, 149, 1.50, 152. 1.5,5, 1.56, 161, 162, 166, 167, 171, 172, 177, 178, 188, 221, 236, 241. 244, 248, 2.50, 2.58, 2.59, 261, 262, 267, 268, 269, 270, 273, 275, 277, 280, 281, 282. 283. 288. 298, 306, 307, 311, 313, 314, 316, 319, 322, 333, 339, 340, 341, 352, 361. 365, 373, 377, 400, 410, 424, 436, 4.50, 453, 454, 461, 462, 470, 471, 476, 479. changes in, 490. commission from. 178. grant of funds, 410. members, 174.5, 233. ministers of, 143, 149, 164, 179, 180, 181, 233. overture as to the divisions in the Synod, 167. request from, for agreement, 178. request for a new Synod, 181. New York, Synod of. See Synod. 570 INDEX. New York and New Jersey, Svnod of, 524, 548. New York and Philadelphia, Synod of. See Synod. Next meeting, place of, General Presby- tery, 13, 17, 21, 34, 38, 42. General Synod, 68, 77, 80, 81, 85, 88, 96, yi), ioi, 102, 112, 127, 135, 149, 154, 164, 171. Synod of New York, 2.34, 2.35, 236, 2.37, 239, 242, 244, 247, 250, 258, 262, 269, 277, 280. Synod of New York and Philadelphia, 306, 313, 322, 333, 341, 351, 364, .377, 389, 400, 409. 410, 423, 436, 449. 460, 471, 476, 479, 482, 485, 488, 492, 495, .501, 505, 514, 527, 541. change of place, 479. moderator to choose place, 277. Nicholl, Dr. John, 83. 85, 86, 89, 99. Niles, Rev. Nathaniel, 405, 412. Noel, Mr. Garret, 333, 334, 335, 341, 400, 436, 438, 441, 461. Nola Chucky, 525, 536. Norcross, Mr. William, 367. Norfolk, Va., 545. Norrington, Pa., people of, 149, 155, 161, 200, 210, 211, 226, 498. North Britain, 172, 194. North Carolina, back country of, 212. people of, 175, 210, 212, 214, 215, 220, 224, 226, 262, 2()3, 264, 265, 274, 283, 310, 339, 340, 344, 346, 349, 353, 361, 374, 375, 399, 422. 473. North Holland, Church of, 419, 421. Synod of. 38(5, 413, 453. Nortli Mountain, Va.. 206, 226. North of Ireland, Synod of, 142. North Eiyer, Va., 206. Northern Neck, Va., 311. Northumberland Co., supplies for, 479. Northumberlandtown, Pa., Church, 543. Norton, Mr., 297. Notice to parties at issue, 87, 108, 328. public, as to elders, 252. timely, to congregation, 210. Nottingham, Pa., congregation of. 109, 113, 170, 175, 301. Nottingham Sermon, "Mr. Tennent's, 169. Noya Scotia, missionaries for, 3S8, 389. .393. Nutman, Rev. John, 103, 106, 107, 108, 109, 110, 112, 122, 130, 136, 143, 149, 161, 164, 177. OBJECTIONS, opportunity for expression of, 108. Occum. Rev. Samson, 324, 333, 336, 341, 351, 364. 377, 390, 401, 424, 541. Octorara, Pa., 206. Offenses, private course in, .327. Ogden, Col.inel. 110, 115, 121. Ogden, Mr. Joseph, 411, 412. Ogden, ;Mr. Robert, 322, 351, 3.53, 3.56, 400, 402, 405, 425, 428. 429, 461, 484. Ogden, Mr. Thomas. 306, 313, 318. Old House, N. J., 246. Old Psalms. See Psalms. Old Side. See New Side and Synod. Oliver, Mr. John, 333. Oneida Indians. See Iiulians. <^peken, Del., supplies for, 237. Orange Co., Va., 374. Orangedale, N. Y., church, 544. Orange Presbvterv, 409, 413, 424, 437, 440, 441, 449, 4.59, 461,462, 471. boundary line, 504. division of, 504. Order, church, rules of, 160. 304. Orders of Synod, execution of, insisted on, 404. Ordinances, scaling, 41, 249, 340. See, also, Baptism and Lord's Supper. administration by impostor invalid, 249. Ordination of ministers, 9, 18, 21, 22. 23, 25, 26, 28, 32, 35, 36, 38, 39, 44, 249, 319. by committee, 11, 26, 32, 34. 35, 36, 38, 39, 43, 44, 45, 46, 48, 52, 55 llti, 117. conditional, .399. at distance from charge. 120. hasty, 120. licensure not to be at same meeting, 339. mnst be licensed first, 339. praver, fasting, laying on of hands at, 32, 36, 38, 39. qualifications, 287, 511. right of Presbytery, 154, 445. sermon, 44. sine titulo. 119, 314, 321, 330, 336, 337,. 361, 414, 415, 465, 473, 480, 488, 491, 494, .507. 511, 516, 543. Synod, submitted to, 465. validity of. 154. without trials, disapproved, 339. See, also. Elders and Chaplain. Orme, Rev. John, 59, 60, 64, 69, 75, 78, 92, 96, 100, 101, 102, 103, 107, 112, 122, 130, 136, 143, 1.50, 164. Orr, Rev. Robert, 39, 42, 43, 48, 50, 55, 57, 59. Orr, Rev. William, 101, 103, 107, 112, 113,. 123. Osborn's Settlement, N. C, 226. Overtures, 10, 11, 27, 43, 53, 08, 83, etc. method of presenting, 68. Overtures, Committee of, 17, 49, 51, 55, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61, 65, 06, 67, 68, 69, 75, 78, 79, 81, 82, 83, 85, 88, 93, 96, 100,. 102, 103, 104, 107, 112, 12.3. 131, 136, 143. 150. 160, 262, 270, 273, 279, 292, 298, 307, 314. 334, 342, 346, 347, 3.53, 360, 365, 378, 391, 401, 412, 425, 428, 438, 451, 462, 472, 477. 480. 483, 486, 489, 493. 497. 502, 506, 515, 529, 542. minutes of. 419, 428, 453, 458. New Side, 262, 264, 279, 281. powers of, 393. status of, 381. See, also. Acts. Oxam, Scotland, 10, 11. Oxford. N. J., church, 543. PAC K H U RST. See Parkhurst. Paine, Rev. Thomas, 333. .341. 351, 365. Paisley, Presbytery of, Scotland, 172, 391. Pardovan's Collections recognized, 519, 535. Park, Mr. Arthur, 482. Park, Rev. Joseph, 251, 2.59. Parker, Mr. Gilbert Belcli(>r. 344. Parkiiurst, Rev. Samuel. .307. 314. 333, 338, 341, 351. 3.52. 364, 378. Parris, Rev. Noyes, 80, 82, 8.5, 88, 93, 96. INDEX. 571 Parsons, Robert, 322. Pasquotauk Co., N. C, 4,54. Pastor, assistant to, approved, 104, 106. haste reproved, 8'S. See, also. Ministers. Pastoral call, churches encouraged to make, 10. approved, 10, 11, 32, 44, 49, 84,126, 431. church free to make, 126. no persons to vote who do not con- tribute, 24. to foreign minister, 172. meeting for advertisement, 11. majority sustained in making, 296. , regulation for meetings, 119. left with recipient for consideration, 10. Synod declines jurisdiction over, 3S8. Pastoral dissolution refused, 133. by General Presbyterv, 23, 26, 28. by Synod, 260, 273, 292, 345, 418, 494. by commission, 49, 53, 83, 210. haste reproved, 83, 115. must be by Presbytery, 115. Pastoral installation ordered by Synod, 131. Pastoral letters of Synod, 276, 362, 429, 430, 441, 460, 463, 465, 466, 469, 500. Pastoral relation, chaplain not to accept, 294. Pastoral translation, 49, 108, 115, 120, 129, 133, 134, 135, 292, 345. Pastoral visitation recommended, 105. Patillo. Rev. Henry, 291, 298, 307, 314, 341, 390, 400, 409, 450, 454, 486, 502, 515, 542, 548. Patomake. See Potomac. Patteu, Mr David, 343. Patterson, Mr. Robert, 391, 394, 501. Patterson, Mr. William, 411, 412, 426. Patuxent, Md., people of, 22, 23, 24, 25, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, .57. Paul, Rev. John, 122, 123, 130, 135, 143, 150. Paxton, Pa., people of, 126. Payne. See Paine. Pearse, Mr. .Tames, 424. Peck, Rev. James, 377. Peck, Rev. Joseph, 401, 404. Pecked Mountain, Va., congregation of, 223, 225. Pee Dee River, N. C, 387. Pembertou, Rev. Ebenezer, 86, 87, 89, 90, 93, 96, 97, 100, 101, 103, 107, 112, 122, 130, 135, 143, 149, 161, 164, 177, 202, 233, 235, 236, 239, 242, 244, 247, 250, 259. Pencader, Del., congregation, 330. Penn, Richard, 224. Penn, Hon. Thomas, 224. Penn's Valley, Pa., 473. Pennsylvania, addresses to Governor and Assembly of, 76, 165, 171, 190, 191, 192, 222, 225, 293, 294, 297, 312. 317, 321. chaplains, 273, 275, 295, 302. proprietors of, petition to, 224, 225. request for captives among Indians, 317. supplies for frontier. 386, 459. Peppard. Rev. Francis, 3.34, .341, 342, 351, 364, .365, 377, .384, 390, 401, 410, 414, 424, 436, 437, 4.50, 471, 477, 480, 485, 489, 492, 496, ,501, 503, 506, 514, 515, .527, 528, .541, 546. Pepper. See Peppard. Pequally, N. J., 1.38. Pequea, Pa., congregation of, 139, 144, 152, 153. Periam, Mr. Joseph, licentiate, 451, 462. Perquimons Co., N. C, supplies for, 454. Perth Amboy, N. J., congregation of, 79, 80, 106. Pew rents, payment of, 267, 275. Philadelphia, Pa., churches : separate congregations, 121, 122, 126, 129, 130, 131, 137. First Church, 108, 121, 137, 142, 252, 255, 294, 295, 296, 297, 298, 313, 314, 321, 341, 377, 388, 406, 410, 414, 432, 434, 435, 436, 471, 479, 485, 492, 501, 514, 541, 54S. Second Church, 291, 306, 307, 322, 323, 331, 361, 362, 364, 369, 373, 374, 375, 377, 379, 389, 399, 423, 430, 447, 449, 476, 488, 495, 505, 527, 530, 548. Third Church, 406, 418, 431, 433, 435. Market St. Church, 388, 433, 446, 447. Pine St. Church, 433, 446, 447, 448. Philadelphia, College of, 219, 227. Philadelphia, lav elders, petition, 350, 356, 358, 370, 393, 402, 415. Philadelphia Presbytery, 45, 56, 60, 65, 75, 78, 81, 82, 88, 91, 92, 93, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99, 100. 102, 103, 106, 107, 112, 120, 121, 127, 131, 1.32, 135, 136, 137, 138, 139, 143, 147, 148, 149, 150, 152, 154, 155, 156, 161, 162, 105, 166, 171, 172, 174, 175, 176, 177, 190, 191, 192, 193. 194, 195, 196, 199, 200, 201, 205. 206, 209, 210, 211, 212, 214, 220, 224, 229, 288, 290, 293, 294, 298, 302, 306, 307, 313, 314, 354, 355, 528, 530, 532, 541, 542, .543, 545, 546. division of, 313, 320, 321, 354, 355. reorganization, 523. Philadelphia First Presbvterv, 321, 322, 333, 340, 341, 351, 352, 377, 389, 400, 409, 410, 424, 430, 436, 449, 461, 471, 476, 480. changes in, 448, 479, 486, 493, 503, 523. consolidation, 355, 523. Philadelphia Second Presbyterv, 321, 322, 3.30, 334, 336, 341, 351, 352, 354, 355, 357, 365, 371. 383, 388, 389, 400, 408, 410, 413, 424, 431, 436, 443, 446, 448, 449, 461, 471, 476. changes in, 383, 384, 479, 486, 507, 523. consolidation, .355, 523. members of, .321. See, also, PhiladelpMa Prexbj/fery. Philadelphia, school at. See School. Philadelphia, Synod of. See Synod. Philips, Rev. George, .50, 55, 59, 64, 69, 75, 143, 1.50. Phillips, Mr. Jonas, 482. Pickles, Rev. William, 516, 517, 528, 543. Pierson, Mr. Bethuel, 365, 377. Pierson, Rev. John, 41, 43, 45, 48, 50, 55, 56, 59, 64, 68. 69, 75, 78. 80, 85, 88. 92, 96, 99. 101, 103, 107, 112, 122, 130, 135, 143, 149, 161, 164, 177, 202, 233, 23.5, 236, 239, 242, 244, 247, 250, 258, 262, 269, 280, 285, 291, 297, 298, 301, 307, 313, .333, 336, 341, 351, 364, 390, 401, 411. Pilesgrove, N. J., people of, 60, 61, 63, 152. 572 INDEX. Piue, Mr. Lazarus, 364. Pine Tree Hill, 387. Pinkerton, Mr. Johu, 496, 50.5, 517, 528. Pious u.ses. fund for. See Fuud. Piscatua, X. J., 138. Pittsburg. See Fort Pitt. Plagiarism, 139. Playhouse, petition against. 293. Pocomoke, Md., people of, 52. Polity. See Absentee. Marriage. Acts. Meetini). Adjourned. Members. A dm onition. 3Iini.sters. Adopting Act. Minority. Amendment. Minutes. Anthems. Moderator. Appeals. Narrative. Arbitration. Notice. Autonomy. Objections. Baptism. Offenses. Basis. Orders. Bills. Ordinances. Burials. Ordination. Candidates. Overtures. Catechising. Pardovan. Catechism. Pastoral. Censors. Pew rent. Certificates. Plagiarism. Chaplain. Prayer. Charges. Preaching. Church. Presbytery. Citations. Process. Civil. Pro re nata. Clerics. Protest. Commissio7is. Psalms. Committees. Pulpit. Communicants. Qualifications. Communion. Quorum. Complaints. Records. Confession. Reference. Congregations. Removal. Constitution. Reports. Contumacy. Reproof. Corresponding. Restoration. Credentials. Retrial. Delegates. Reversal. Demission. Roll. Discipline. Rules. Dissent. Salaries. Elders. Scrttples. Erasure. Secrecy. . Evidence. Sentence. Excommunication. Sermon. Excuses. Session. Exegesis. Slarws. Expenses. Societies. Family. Standards. Fasting. Stated Clerk. Government. Statistical. Hands. Suspension. Itinerant. Synod. Judgment. Trial. Judicial. Trustees. Latin. Union. Jmw Suits. Vacant. Lay. ' ]'ote. Leave. Voters. Licentiates. Whole, Com. of. Lord's Supper. Widows' Fund. Lot. Witnesses. Majority. Worsh ip. Poplar Tent, N. C, people of, 346, 374. Poor, care of, 359. Porter, Mr. James, 496. Porter, Mr. Robert, 4s5, 4fc9, 492, 496, 501. Potomac, people of, .58, 59, 60, 61, 391. South liraueh of. 199, 375, 386, 387, 400, 417, 432. Potomoke. Set Potomac. Potter, Rev. Elam, 361, 365, 375, 377, 387, 390, 400, 407, 413, 417, 424, 425, 541. Potter, Mr. Isaiah, 377, 378. Powell, Rev. Howell, 32, 34, 35, 36, 38, 42, 48. Power, Rev. James, 437. 474, 477, 482, 485, 489, 491, 492, 493, 495, 496, 502, 6lo, 528, 542. Prayer, burial of the dead, 260. closing, 31, 51, 52, 53, 77, 78, 80, 81, 85, 92, etc. opening, 42, 69, 78, 82, 85, 88, 92, 108, etc. meetings, 491. occasional and public, 547. secret, 107 special by Synod, 108, 109, 151. See, also. Fasting. Preaching, regulations concerning, 138, 146, 147, 151, 154, IbO. without licens(% censured. 17, 18. See, also. Ministers, itinerant. Preachers ajipoiuted before Presbvtery, 9, 10, 11, etc. Presbyterian Church, U. S. A., Constitu- "tioii of, 68, 74, 86. 94, 108, 160, 170, 245, 275, 286, 305, 460, 546, 547. not intoleratit, 499. See. also. Confession, Constitution, Polity, Presbytery, Standards and Synod. Presbyterian Ministers' Fund. See Relief, and Widows' Fund. Presbyteries: erected, Abingdon (1785), 511, 522, 542. Ahington (1751), 246. Baltimore (1786). 52.3. .542. Carlisle (1765), 348, .523, 541. Donegal (1733), 102. 2^9. Dutchess County (1766), 352, 541. East Jersey (1733), 106. Hanover (17551,26.5, 542. Lancaster (1765), 350. Lewes (1735), 117, 124, 288, 541, 542. Lexington (171-6), .523, 542. Long Island (1716), 46. New Brunswick (1738\ 1.38. 541. New Castle (1716), 45, 28!), .541, 542. New York (1738). 136, 288, 541. Oraime (1770), 409, 542. Philadelphia (1716), 45, 288, 541, 542. Philadelphia Second (1762), 321. Redstone (1786), 515, 542. Snow Hill (1716), 46. South Carolina (1768), 408, .541, 542. Sufl'olk (1749), 2.36, 288, 541. Transylvania (1786), 523, 542. consolidated, 136. 3.50,523. dissolvt-d, 348, 360, 523. divided. 45. 106, 117, 138, 246, 321, 409, 511, 522, 523. restored, 359, 360, 366. INDEX. 573 Presbytery aud Presbyteries, polity, etc.: admouitiou, 'Sr,. autonomy, 319, 321, 445. bouuds, alteration of, 287, 288, 357, 359, 383, 384, 391, 398, 405, 437, 438, 522, 526. candidates to be reported, 437. censured, 148, 510. churches, list of, 526. collections, to receive, 212. collections, report of, 538. competent number required, 49. corresponding members, 383. credentials, 135. defamation. 18. delegates, 236, 238. dismissions to be reported, 437. disregard of, censured, 83. division of, refused, 292. exercises, 21, 22, 25, 27, 32, 42, 43. expenses of, 43. expenses of Synod, 526. inquiry as to ministers and churches, 25, 34, 39, no, 111. judge of qualifications of candidates, 475. letter to, on absentee members, 509. letter to be recorded, 14. minister added to make up quorum, 211. minister received, etc., 394. ministers, list of, .526, 531, oversight, 137, 138. 337, .393, 465, 495. places for meeting fixed, 292. powers of, 154, 443. pro re nata meetings, 71, 124, 289, 290, 305. quorum, 132, 136. receptions to be reported, 437. records, regulations for, 46, 59, 526. regulation of, 48, 60, 64, 65, 66, 67, 68, 70, 80, 214, 442. reports of, 322, 394, 437, 461, 542, etc. representation by delegates not al- lowed, 236. stated meetings, 115, 292. statistical reports, 526. statistics, 437. subordinate meetings, 45. supplies, 400. union of, 292. See, also. Records, Synod, etc. Price, Eev. David, 485 . Prime, Eev. Ebeuezer, 236, 238, 242, 244, 247, 250, 258, 269, 277, 280, 285, 291, 298, 307, 333, 341, .351, 364, 373, 377, 390, 401, 404, 414, 424, 517. Princeton, N. J., 271, 278, 293, 299, 300, 307, 317. Princeton College. See New Jersey. Private Christian societies encouraged, 10, 11. Probationers, rules for, 135. See, also. Candidates and Licentiates. Procedure. See Process and Judicial. Process, forms must be observed, 243, 316, 406. de novo, 328. irregular, 396. must be regular, 243, 546. Pardovan's forms of, 535. Professor of divinity. See New Jersey, Col- lege of. Promises. See Marriage. Propagation of Gospel, fund for, 361, 367, 368, 369, 370, 421. Pro re nata meetings, 71, 124, 290. Presbytery to ordain candidate, 289. rules governing, 305. Protest, against better government, 74. answer of Synod, 445. Cross case, 64, 67. foreign ministers, 443. Presbytery, New Brunswick case, 164.' recorded, 74, 163, 164, 3.55, 384, 433, 445. right to, 218, 286. See, also. Protesta- tion. Protestant succession, 95, 127, 142. Protestation of 1741, 1.57, 167, 170, 172, 179, 218, 222, 223, 241, 243, 253, 279, 286. See, also, New Side. Providence, N. C, peoi)le of, 387. Prudden, Eev. Job, 236. 238, 242, 244, 247, , 251, 259, 263, 270, 280, 285, 297, 307, 313, 334, 341, 351, 364, 377, 390, 401, 411, 424, 436, 4.50, 477. Prudden, Mr. Joseph, 333, 335. Psalms, Barlow edition, 535. congregation to decide use, 255, 448, 537. liberty to use, 2.52, 267, 275, 331, 338, 344,' 448, 513, 537. new version, committee on, 513, 514, 522. Eouse's version, .5.37. Scotch version, 267. Watts' version, 250, 252, 260, 275, 331, 338, 344, 345, 447, 535. Public fasting and prayer. See Fasting. Public library, 219. Public school, 227. Publications, religious censors appointed, 118. See, also. Books. Pulpit, reading in, 275. Pulpit supplies by General Presbytery, 12, 14, 23, 24, 34. by Synod, 54. 58, 74. 76, 95, 155, 220, 261, 302. 346, 404, 470, 526, etc. instructions to, 220. power allowed congregation, 196. See, also. Licentiates, Ministers, Presby- tery. Pumry, Eev. Samuel, 41, 42, 46, 48, 49, 50, '52, 55, -57, 59, 61, 64, 65, 69, 75, 78, 85, 88, 92, 96, 100, 101, 103, 107, 109, 112, 122, 123, 130, 136, 143, 161, 164, 172, 177. QUALIFICATIONS. See Candidates, Mem- hers, and 3rinisters. Queen Anne's, Md., congregation of, 288. Queensborough, Ga., people of, 417. Questions, debated, majority vote, 168, 233, 239, 243, 286, 296. Quorum, adjournment for lack of, 25. 59, 68, 475. commission of Synod, 68, 150, 160, 166, 172, 178, lS4.'l90, 192, 193, 19.5. 197. 199, 202, 205, 209, 212, 224. 230, 29.5, 300, 314, 324, 335, 343, 353, 366, 379. 391, 402, 412, 425, 438, 4.59, 463, 474, 477, 481, 482, 489, 493, 497. 574 INDEX. Quorum, of committee, 132, 179, 296, 308, 312, 320, 328, 383, 398, 407, 438, 478. of three necessary for Presbytery, 132, 136. RAMSEY, MR. DAVID, 313. Kaiusey, Mr. James, 377. Kamsey, Mr. William, 477, 478. Kamsev, KeV. William, 277, 280, 285, 288, 291, 297, 304, 306, 307, 312, 313, 322, 333, 334, 339, 340, 341, 346, 347, 351, 353, 364, 365, 371, 374, 375, 376, 377, 378, 383, 389, 400, 404, 408, 410, 411, 424. Rankin, Rev. Adam, .515, ,516, 542. liaukiu, Rev. John, 485, 487, 469, 497, 501, .506, 515, 528, 542. Raritan River, N. J., 138. Read. See Eeed. Read, Rev. James, .390. Read, Rev. Thomas, 378, 413, 425, 435, 437, 439, 444, 447, 449, 461, 471, 476, 480, 482, 485, 489, 492, 496, 501, 505, 506, 515, 517, 527, 528, 542, 545. Reader. See Reeder. Reading in desk, 275. Reah. See Ehea. Records of Presbyteries : annual review by Synod, 46. approved, with comment, 371, 374, 419, 458. book of minutes, 39. censure for not producing, 190, 214, 220, 224, 315, 323. 334. committee appointed to procure, 334. committee appointed to review, prior to meeting of Synod, 375. committees to review, 52, 56, 60, 65, 69 75, 78, 81, 82, 85, 88, 93, 96, 100, 102, 107, 112, 123, 131, 1.36, 143, 1.50, 1.56, 166, 172, 178, 190, 193. 195, 209, 251, 259, 270, 281, 331, 312. 353, 365, 378, 381, 391, 402, 412, 425. 426, 438, 451, 462, 473, 498, 502, 506, 517, 531, 533, .544. exceptions to, 147, 282, 330, 339, 398, 476, 510. 514, 525. form nf, 54, 59. letter-book ordered, 14. marginal room. .59. ordered brought to next Synod, 48, 103, 107, 172, 178, etc. ordered sent to Synod, in absence of members of Presbytery, 498. not produced, 48, 75. 7S, 82, 96, etc. not produced, reasons sustained, 85, 88. punctuality insisted on, 462. record-book ordered. 46, .54. reports of committees, 74. 77, 80, 81, 83 99. 139. 147. 2.59. 261. 262, 330, 339, 349, .371. 374. 398, 410. 419, 421, 434, 448, 476, .500, 510, 536, 538. See, also, Minntcn. Records of sessions ordered, 37, 41. revised, 41, 46. Records of Synod : absence of, does not prevent business, 236. 240, 480. amendment, 172. committee appointed to review, 487, 488, 490, 511, 531. Records of Synod : committee appointed to revise, 251, 511, 517, 531, 542. distribution of, 3.52, 353, 366. expense of distribution, 353. extracts from, 81, 277, 306. minutes to be entered in record-book, 242. printing of, 512, .531, 544. record-book, 68, 291. refusal to alter, 67. Stated Clerk to be annually paid for transcribing, 251. See, also. Minutes. Rednum, Dr., 326. Redstone, Presbytery, 491, 493, 494. changes in, 498, 507. Reed, Rev. Israel, 192, 239, 242, 244, 247, 250, 258, 263, 277, 280, 285, 291, 293, 298, 306, 312, 313, 316, 322, 323, 333. 334, 33(i, 341, 351, 3.52, 353, 364, 365, 366, 374, 377, 379, 380, 400, 402, 403, 407, 411, 412, 416, 424, 425, 426, 436, 450, 454, 464, 471, 477, 480, 485, 492, 494, 496, .501, 506, 515, 528, 541. Reed, Rev. Joseph, 489, 493. Reeder, Mr. Jacob. 291, 377. Reedy Creek, supplies for, 199, 455. Reese, Oliver, 451. Reese, Rev. Thomas, 450, 451, 486, 502, 504, .529, .542. Reeve. Rev. Abner, 270, 277, 280, 285, 291, 298, 307, 333, 341, 351, 364, 377, 388, 390, 401. Reeve, Rev. Ezra, 307, 333, 341, 351. Reeve, Mr. Thomas, 436. Reeves, Mr. John, 364. Referees. See Arbitration. Reference to higher judicatory, 67, 82, 91, 92. to committee on overtures, 69. Reformation of manners, societies for, 359, 363, 370, 371. Reformed Dutch Church, cooperation with, proposed, 176, 508, 518, 521, 527, 541, 547. corresjionding member, 272. free communion, 245. misrepresentations removed, 245. Reformed German Church, 176. See. also, German. Regeneration, false doctrine of, 329. Register of births, marriagi's, etc., 359. Rehoboth, Md., congregation of, 55, 61. Reid. See Heed. Relief of needy minister, 84. Relief, charitable, referred to civil magis- trate. 237. Relief Fund. See Widows' Fund. Religion, propagation of, 10. annual inquiry into state of. 10. 11, 18. 21. 25, 34, 37, .39. 40, 45, 105, 111, 1 1.5, 414, 435, etc. See, also. 3Lissions. Religious books, distribution of, 428. 429, 441, 4,52, 463, 476, 479. Religious experience. See Candidates. Religious liberty. See Liberty and Gen- eral Conrention. Removal of parties pending decision, 70. Removal of pastors. See Pastoral dissolu- tion. Eenock, George, et al, case of, 91, 92. INDEX. 575 Repentance, sufficient evidence of, re- quired, 73, 139. Reports, annual, 21, •2-2, 40. Presbyterial, ordered written, 527. See, also, Presbyteries and Records. Representation, basis of, 80, 524. Restorations, judicial : Balch, James, 536. Cross, Rev. Robert, 65. Dushane, Anthony, 495. Eakin, Rev. Samuel, 440. Em mitt, Abraham, et al., 63, 65. Hook, Rev. Henry, 76. Laing, Rev. Robert, 76. Morgan, Rev. Joseph, 144. Nealy. Samuel, et ux., 97. Renock, George, et al, 92. Sharp, William, 24. Smith, Rev. Sampson, 411. Retrial, 328. Reunion of 1758. Plan of union, 285, 286, 287, 288, 292, 319, 321. See, also, New Side and Synod. Reversal of decision, 24, 122. Revision of Records. See Records. Revival, Great, queistions as to, 207, 208, 234, 238, 244, 254, 287. Reynolds, Rev. Thomas, 33, 35, 37, 39. Rhea, Rev. Joseph, 411, 450, 461, 471, 477. Rice, Rev. David, 322, 341, 342, 390, 400, 450, 542. Richards, Rev. Aaron, 238. 239, 242, 247, 250, 258, 263, 269, 277, 280, 285, 291, 297, 302, 307, 313, 333, 334, 341, 351, 364, 365, 377, 381, 389, 390, 400, 401, 411, 424, 436, 438, 450, 454, 461, 470, 471, 476, 480, 482, 489, 492, 496, 501, 505, 515, 528, 541. Richardson, Rev. William, 291, 298, 307. Richey, Jean, 328. Richey, William, 328. - Ricker, Mr. Peter, 541. Riggs, Mr. Joseph, 351, 353, 462. Right, Rev. John, 259. Ringo, Mr. Philip, 39. Roan, Mr. John, 235, 236, 239, 244, 247, 251, 259, 277, 280, 285, 291, 294, 297, 298, 302, 306, 308, 314, 322, 323, 334, 340, 341, 343, 348, 351, 354, 364, 365, 366, 372, 376, 377, 379, 384, 389, 390, 394, 400, 402. 411, 423, 425, 436, 438, 442, 450, 461, 472. Roanoke, Va., people of, 199. Roberts, Eev. Mr., 316. Robinson, Rev. William, 233, 235. Robison, Mr. James, 313, 314. Rockflsh, N. C, 294. Rocksiticus, N. J., congregation of, 138, 144. Rockway, N. J., Dutch congregation, 242, 245, 248, Rockv Creek, S. C, 432. Rocky River, N. C, people of, 265, 310, ' 360, 374, 531. Rodgers, Rev. John, D. D., 239, 244, 247, 250, 259, 263, 270, 277, 280, 291, 292, 293, 297, 298, 301, 304, 306, 307, 308, 309, 311, 312, 313, 314, 315, 316, 317, 320, 322, 323, 333, 334, 335, 336, 340, 341, 345, 346, .351, 353, 356, 360. 364, 365, 367, 374, 375, 376, 377, 379, ,380, 381, 386, 388, 390, 397, 398, 399, 400, 404, 406, 409, 410, 413, 414. 416, 419, 421, 424, 425, 426, 429, 4.36, 438, 440, 441, 444, 446, 448, 450, 454, 456, 457, 458, 461, 463, 471, 473, 475, 476, 480, 482, 489, 492, 496, 501, 505, 514, 516, 527, 541, 548. Roe, Eev. Azael, 298, 314, 322, 323, 333,341, 351, 352, 353, 362, 364, 375, 377, 379, 390, 400, 401, 404, 406, 410, 411, 412, 416, 417, 424, 436, 450, 454, 464, 471, 476, 480, 482, 489, 492, 496, 501, 505, 515, 528, 541. Roe, Rev. David, 515. Roe, Rev. Joseph, 507. Rogers, Mr. Alexander, 322. See, also, Rodgers. Roll, erasure from, 123, 156, 507, 508, 510. Roll, General Presbytery, 9, 10, 14, 17, 21, 25, 30, 34, 38, 42. General Synod, 48, 50, 55, 59, 64, 68, 75, 78, 80, 82, 85, 88, 92, 96, 99, 101, 103, 107, 112, 122, 130, 135, 143, 149, 155, 161, 164, 171, 177, 184, 190. 192, 194, 196, 199, 201, 205, 209, 211, 214, 220, 224, 229. Svnod of New York, 233, 235, 236, 237, '239, 244, 247, 250, 258, 262-, 269, 277, 280. Synod of New York and Philadelphia, 285, 291, 297, 301, 306, 313, 322, 333, 341, 351, 364, 377, 3fc9, 400, 410, 423, 436, 449, 461, 471, 476, 479, 482, 485, 488, 492, 496, 501, 505, 514, 527, 541. Roll-call, 25, 48, 55, 59, 318, etc. Rolston, Mr. James, 390. Root Presbytery (Ireland), 543, 544. Rosborough, Rev. John. 334, 342, 351, 364, 365, 374, 377, 390, 401, 411, 424, 436, 450, 461, 472, 477. Rose, Rev. David, 351, 352, 355, 364, 377, 390, 401, 541. Ross, Rev. Mr., 261, 291. Ross, Mr. Simon, 333. Ross, Mr. William, 497, 499. Rotterdam (Holland), Scotch ministers in, 176. Rouse's version, 537. See, also. Psalms. Rowan. See Roan. Rowland, John, 148. Eoxborough. See Rosborouqh. Rue, Rev. Joseph, 506, 514, 528, 541, 543. Rules of business, 298, 302, 303, 304, 512. Ruling elders. See Elders. Russel, Rev. Thomas, 543. Ryker, Mr. Peter, 461. SABA, ISLAND OF, 441, 452. Sacket, Rev. Mr., 24. Sacket, Rev. Samuel, 235, 236, 239, 244, 247, 251, 258, 269, 271, 280, 285, 298, .301, 307, 331, 351, 353, 401, 424, 436, 450, 476, 482, 529. case of, 378, 388, 392, 405, 470. St. George, Md., congregation of, 255, 345. 346, 431, 434. St. Paul's parish, Ga.. 448. Salaries, ministers', 13, 14, 21, 92, 93, 359, 495, 499. Salem church (Abingdon Presb.), 511, .525, 5.36. Salem (Mass.), congregation of, 464. Salisbury, N. C, supply for, 374. 576 INDEX. Saluda, S. C, church. 531. Sanchy. See Zanchy. Saudy Kivor cliuich (Orange Presb.), 503. Sart;eaut. Sec Senjeaut. Scandal uot to be siiread, 327. Scheuck, liev. William, 411, 417, 425, 432, 43(5, 439, 441), 450, 454, 461, 477, 479, 480, 485, 486, 488, 492, 496, 501, 505, 515, 528, 530, 541. Schenectady, N. Y., church of, 419, 471. School iSyuod's) for Youth, 149, 1.51, 155, 171, 175, 176. 17S, 185, 186, 187, 190, 191, 192, 193. 194, 195, 196, 198, 199, 200, 201, 202, 206, 208, 209, 210, 212, 214, 219, 220, 223, 224, 227, 228, 231, 299. Schoolmasters, 513. Schools, reliarious iustruction iu, 359, 513, 526, 5i32. Scotland, Church of, constitution, 245, 512. letters, 87, 98. 100, 105, 106, 256, 356, 386, 413, 416, 418. ministers, supply of, 151, 164, 170, 171, 174, 255, 256. New York church edifice, 99, 249. relief fund, 225, 372, 381. seceding ministers of, 386, 397. unity with. 142, 22S, 245, 256, 409. Williams' bequest, 99, 100. Scott, Kev. Archibald, 485, 515, 529, 542. Scott, David, 457. Scott, Dr. (Elder), 545, 546. Sc(jtt, :\Ir. Josiah, 306. Scott, Mr. Moses. 411. Scott, Mr. Patrick, 496. Scott, Mr. Thomas, 291. Scougal, Kev. James, 172, 177, 184. Scruples, as to doctrine, 94. 97, 127. concerning the Lord's Supper, 191, 192, 19:C 194. Scuddcr, Dr. Nathaniel (elder), 351, 353, 3.56, 487. Sealing ordinances. See Baptism, Lord's Supper, .^cruples, and Siispension. Seceders, Scotch Svuod of, 356, 386, 397, 398, 408. Secrecy, pending decision, 140. Secular education, 141, 146. Seminary. See School. Semple, Eev. Nathaniel, 483, 492, 497, 501, 506, 514, 526, 528, 542. Sentence to be definite, 394. form of words for reversal, 22. must be adequate to otl'encc, 339. read from pulpit, 418. Sergeant, Mr. .Jonathan, 299, 308, 317, 324. Sermon, admission, 18, 21. by candidates, 9, 11, 45. by last moderator of Svnod, 46, 48, 49, 51, 69, n5, 88, 230, 23,5, 291, 515, etc. by members of Presbytery, 9, 10, 13, 'l4, etc. omission, Synod, .59. reading of, from pulpit, 310. substitute for last moderator, 75. Session, church, cannot oppose orders of Synod, 84. care of poor, 359. chooses commissioner to Synod, 405. elders from, 2.56. funerals, 359. innovations, 255, 260. Session, church, minister to preside at trials, 447. qualifications of voters, 347. records of, 37, 41, 46. See, also, Elders. Sexton, 399, 408, 541. See, also, Janitor. Shank. See Scheuck. Shankland, Mr. Mills, 364, 371, 492, 515. Shannon. Kev. Samuel, 495, 515, 516, 530. Sharp, William, case of, 22, 24. Sharpe, Mr. .!., 492. Sherman's Vallev, N. J.. 387. Shields, Mr. Thomas, 297. Shorter Catechism, 94, 127. 1.59, 233, 286, 547. See, also. Catechism, Confession, and Presbyterian Church. Simonton, Rev. John, .306, 307, 313, 316, 320, 321, 325, 333, 341, 348, 351, .364, 365, 377, 378, 389, 400. 410, 418, 424, 434, 435, 436, 438, 444, 4.50. 471, 477. 482, 485, 489, 492, 493, 494, 496. .501, 506, 514, 51.5, 527, 528. 531, 542. Simpson, Kev. John, 411, 422, 4.34, 435, 439, 448, 450, 451, 452, 486. 502, 504, 528, 542. Sine titulo. See Ordination. Six Mile Spring, N. C, 346. Skervin, Mr. William, 341. Slander, against minister, 63. case of, referred to minister, 18. not to be spread, 243. Slate Eidge, Pa., church, 544. Slavery, negro, overture on, 458, 4S7. abolition of, recommended, 539, 540. See, also, Africa. Slaves, Christian, baptism of children of, 527. education of, 540. Slemmons, Rev. John, 322, 351, 352, 364, 365, 373, 377, 379, 384, 389, 400, 411, 413, 424, 427, 437, 449, 455, 461, 477, 489, 492, 497, 501, 506, 515, 528, 542. Small-pox, 102, 235, 277. Smilie, Mr. John, 436. Smith, Rev. Caleb, 238, 239, 242, 244, 247, 250, 258, 263, 270, 277, 280, 285, 291, 29,5, 297, 298, 300. 301, 306-314, 322. Smith, Rev. Charles Jeflrcy, 334. 339, 352. 361. Smith, Janet, 294, 300. Smith, Mr. JeflVy (Elder), 351. Smith, Mr. John (Elder), 122,322,324,364, 366, 371. Smith, Rev. John (N. Y. and Dutchess Co. Presb.), 244, 248, 2.50, 258, 263, 269. 277, 280, 285, 291, 297, 313, 331, 351. 364, 377, 401. 425. Smith, Rev. John Blair, 485, 489, 495, 514, 515. .528, 542. , Smith, Mr. Jonathan. 429, 441. Smith, Rev. Joseph, 11, 14. 84. Smith. Rev. Joseph, 378, 390. 400, 411, 418. 421, 424, 426. 429, 437. 4.50. 4.52, 456. 4.58, 461, 47(i, 477, 478, 480, 482. 485, 489, 491, 496, 498. 502, 515, 528, 542. Smith, Rev. Robert, 247, 250, 259, 263, 270, 277, 280, 285. 291, 29.5, 298, .300. 301. .302, 305, 306, .308. 313. 314, 315. 322. 323. 330, 333. 334. 335, 338, 340. 341, 351, 353, 3.55. .SfiO. .3()4. 3()5, 3)>6. 374, 375, 376, 377, 378. 379. 381. 386, 3b9. 397, 398, 400, 402, 406, 411, 412, 419, INDEX. 577 424, 425, 437, 438, 441, 449, 450, 461, 471, 476, 480, 482, 487, 489, 492, 496, 501, 505, 514, 528, 542. Smith, Eev. Sampson, 199, 205, 209, 214, 219, 220, 224, 230, 285, 291, 295, 297, 298, 301, 306, 307, 308, 311, 312, 314, 315, 322, 328, 334, 338, 339, 341, 349, 351, 366, 371, 383, 417, 424, 425, 432, 437. cases of, 390, 409, 411, 451, 462. Smith, Eev. Samuel Stanhope, 437, 459, 463, 465, 472, 476, 479, 482, 485, 486, 488, 489, 492, 493, 494, 496, 504, 506, 515, 516, 517, 528, 541, 545. Smith, Eev. Thomas (New Brunswick Presb.), 334, 338, 341, 351, 364, 377, 378, 387, 401, 402, 404, 411, 424, 426, 436, 450, 452, 460, 461, 471, 477, 480, 482, 485, 489, 492, 496, 501, 506, 515, 528, 541, 542. Smith, Eev. Thomas (New Castle Presb.), 411, 447, 451, 461, 480, 482, 485, 489, 492, 496, 501, 506, 515, 528, 542. Smith, Mr. Walker, 504. Smith, Hon. William Peartree, 390, 396, 436, 438, 477, 478. Smith, Eev. William, 477, 487, 489, 492, 496, 501, 505, 506, 514, 528, 542. Smithbury, N. J., people of, 108. Smithtown, L. I., N. Y., church of, 543. Snodgrass, Mr. Benjamin, 528. Snodgrass, Eev. James, 516, 543. Snodgrass. Mr. Thomas, 471. Suowden, Isaac, Esq., 324, 515, 527, 539, 541, 544. Snowdon. See Snowden. Snow Hill, Md., people of, 10, 11, 12, ,53, 172. Snow Hill Presbytery, 45, 46. Societies to be organized in churches, 10, 11, 359, 363, 370, 371. Society. See Knowledqe and 3Iissions. Somerset Co., Md., 124, 288. South Carolina, independent Presbvtery of, 307, 356, 386, 397, 401, 408, 409, 413, 451. supplies for, 274, 361. Synod's Presbytery, 504, 506, 515, 528, 529, 530, 542. See, also, Carolinas. Southampton, L. I., N. Y., church, 44, 517. Southerland, Highland Scot congregation, 479. South Mountain, Va., 206, 226. Spain, war with England, 151, 187, 315. Sparks, Mr., 383. Spear, Mr. Eobert, 297. Special days. See Days, Fasting, and Prayer. Special meetings. See Meetings and Pro re nata. Spencer. Eev. Elihu, 240, 242, 244, 247, 250, 259, 262, 269, 277, 280, 285, 291, 295, 298, 300, .306, 307, 308, 310, 313, 314, 315, 323, 333, 334, 335, 337, 339, 340, 341, 343, 344, .347, .348, 349, 351, 352, 353, 354, .364, 366, 374, 375, 376, 377, 379, 381, 383, 388, 390, 392, 400, 403, 406, 407, 408, 410, 411, 412, 413, 416, 424, 425, 426, 427, 429, 436, 437, 438, 440, 450, 452, 454, 455, 456, 457, 461, 37 475, 476, 480. 485, 488, 492, 493, 494, 495, 496, 501, 507. Spencer, Eev. Samuel, 346. Spotsylvania, Va., supplies for, 387. Sproat, Eev. James, D. D., 390, 400, 402, 405, 406, 410, 412, 415, 416, 420, 424, 425, 426, 429, 436, 437, 438, 440, 441, 449, 461, 470, 471, 476, 480, 482, 485, 488, 492, 496, 501, 505, 514, 528, 530, 541. Stamford, Conn., General Convention, 440. Stamp Act, repeal of, 360. Standards, The, adoption by Svnod, 94, 127, 223, 233, 245, 286, 518, 539, 546, 547. alterations and amendments, 546. defined, 547. exceptions to, 95, 97, 98, 127. See, also, Presbyterian Church. Standards, subscription to : considered, 91. ordered, 94, 118, 159, 202, 204, 207, 239, 243, 275, 305, 338, 344. bv Elders, 160. bv licentiates, 275, 287, 290, 399. bv ministers, 94, 97, 98, 100, 101, 102, 'l09, 116, 120, 123, 124, 127, 350. annual report, 109, 114, 131, 136, 144, 150, 171, 195. neglect to report censured, 339. by Presbyteries, 331, 351, 409, 413. Standing order (catechising), 532. State of religion. See Religion. Stated clerks of Synod : Incumbents : 1750, Eev. Eichard Treat. 1766, Eev. John Ewing. 1773, Eev. James Sproat. 1786, Eev. George Duffield. Duties: custodian of papers and records, 436, 488, 490, 511, 514. to issue credentials, S77, 399, 436, 470. to record letters, 440. to transmit letters, etc., 244. to transcribe minutes, 242, 353, 366, 436. as treasurer, 251, 408. Stated supplv. See Pulpit. Staten Island, N. Y., 138. Statistical reports, 526, 527, 544. See, also. Presbytery. Steel, Eev.'.Tohn, 171, 177. 184, 190, 192, 194, 196, 199, 201, 205, 209, 211, 214, 220, 230, 285, 291, 294, 295, 297, 298, 306, 308, 309, 314, 315, 316, 318, 334, 341, 343, 345, 349, 351, 366, 367, 369, 371, 383, 390, 391, 400, 405, 411, 424, 427, 437, 450, 4.53, 458, 471, 477, 482, 486. Steel, Mr. William, 314. Steel Creek, N. C, church of, 360, 387, 417, 418, 503. Stephen's Creek. N. C, supplies for, 387. Stephens, Eev. Matthew, 507, 515, 516, 528, 542. Stephenson, Eev. Hush, 92, 96, 100, 101, 103, 105, 107, 112, 122, 130, 136, 143, 150, 1.55, 156, 164, 165, 166, 172. Sterling, Eev. Andrew, 236, 238, 240, 242, 244, 247, 251. 2.59, 263, 270, 277, 280, 285, 291, 297, 306, 314, 334, 341, 342. 578 INDEX. Stcrret, Mr. James, 390. Stcrrett, Mr. William, 484. Steuart ol' I'avdovaii. See Pardovan. Stevens, Mi-. Samuel, 30(i. See, also, Stephens. Stewart, Mr. David, 291. Stewart, Kev. Eobert, 82. Stewart, Mr. Walter, 306, 343. Stewart, Eev. William, 52, 55, 59, G4, 69, 70, 75, 78, 80, 81, 85, 93, 90, 100, 101, 102, 103, 107, 112. Stiles, Kev. Ezra, D. D., 456, 458. Stilwell, Mr. Daniel, 313. Stirliii}!. Dr., Glasjjow, Scotland, 52, 54, 63. Stockton, Rev. I'liilip, 462, 4«5, 469, 492, 496, 501, 506, 515, 528. 541. Stockton, Hon. Eicliard, 446. Strain, Rev. John, 210, 270, 298, 306, 307, 313, 322, 324, 332, 334, 341, 343, 348, 351, 365, 377, 384, 389, 400, 411, 423, 427, 436, 447, 450, 462. Strong, Rev. Benjamin, 424, 425, 436. Stuart, Rev. W'illiam, 438, 447. Students, allowance for, 106. See, also, Candidates and Nciv Jersey College. Sturgeon, Eev. Eobert, 233, 235, 236, 238, 240. Subscription. See Standards. Succession, Protestant, 95. Suffolk, Presbvterv of, 236, 238, 244, 2.50, 256, 258, 263, 268, 269, 273, 277, 283, 288, 307, 311, 314, 315, 322, 323, 324, 333, 339, 341, 352, 360, 361, 365, 373, 400, 411, 414, 415, 424, 437, 441, 450, 454, 461, 471, 532, 544. Sugar Creek, N. C, 265, 360, 374. Sunbury, Pa., church, 543. Sunday. See Lord's Day. Supplies, pulpit. See Pulpit. Support of ministers. See Salaries. Suspension : cases of, ' Archbold, Rev. Andrew, 124, Balch, Rev. James, 536. Bell, Rev. Hamilton, 175, 178. Clement, Rev. John, '0. Cross, Rev. Robert, 63. Dushane, Anthony, 484. Eakin, Eev. Samuel, 418. Emmitt, Abraham, 57, 63. Evans. Rev. Samuel, 200. Hanna, Rev. William, 378. Harker, Eev. Samuel, 330. Hook, Eev. Henry, 73. Kennedy, Rev. Samuel, 452. Laing, Rev. Robert, 76. ISIcGill, Rev. Hugh, 437, 465. Miller, Eev. Alexander, 451. Morehead, James, 66. Morgan, Eev. .Tose])li, 132. Nealy, Samuel, et ux., 95. Smith, Eev. Sampson. 390, 409, 450. Van Dyke, Andrew, 50. Van Vieck. Rev. Paul us, 31, 37. Walton. .Tohn. 72, 75. 78. continued, 31. .37, 178, 409, 437, from communion, 50, 57, 63, 95, 110, 312, 418, 484. indefinite, 73. limited, 63, 72. removal of, 65, 73, 75, 76, 92, 132, 137, 144, 428. Suspension : pending trial, 178, 396. Susquehanna, West Branch of, 459. German Settlement, 227. Sussex County, Delaware, 224, 288, 386. Switzerland, Church of, correspondence, 356, 386, 397, 399. Sympsou, Mr. John, 297, 300, 301. See, also, Simpson. Syms, Rev. Timothy, 235, 236, 238, 240, 242 244. Synod, as a judicatory. Acts of, authoritv, 68, 7.3, 180, 519, 520, 531. adjournment, 48, 51, 55, 177, 548, etc. admission to membership, 94, 98, 180. See, also. Standards, Suh.'icription to. attendance, 268, 491. See Absentees. churches, oversight of, 121, 122, 126, 133, 134. committee of the whole, 179, 186, 198. contingent expenses, assessment for, 68, 70, 526, 529. delegated body, 80, 236, 238. digest of proceedings, 531. documents, care of, 488, 490, 511. index to Acts, 517. jurisdiction of, 211, 234. Lord's Day and meetings of, 268. majoritv to rule, 168, 180, 233, 239, 243, 286, 296. meeting to bo annual, 46. meeting delayed, 59, 68, 475. meetings changed, 277, 479, 548. meetings, interlocutorv, 62, 63, 162, 234. ■members, expenses of, 491, 494. members, qualifications of, 153. 157. overtures to be submitted, 68. powers of, 74, 148, 153, 154, 443, 444. prayer, 48, 53, 80, 85, etc. Presbytery censured, 148. protest against overtures, 68, 73. quorum, lack of, 59, 68, 475. respect for, enjoined, 296. records in care of Stated Clerk, 511. superior to Presbytery, 215. superior to Session, 215. See, also. Bills and Overtures, Commis- sions, Committees, Members, Ministers. Minutes, Polity, Presbytery, Pecords, etc. Synod, General, commonly known as Synod of Philadelphia : successor to General Presbyterv, 46, 48, 49, 68. addresses of, to Governors. 76, 77. 165, 171, 182, 183, 185, 190, 192, 222, 225. corresi)ondence and action as to union with Svnod of New York, 203, 204, 207, 209, 213, 214, 215, 218, 221, 222, 225, 230, 231, 232. erection of, 48. funds of, 419, 420. minutes, 46-232. New Side, protests, etc., 157, 167, 170, 172, 179, 181. 188,189. 19.-). 197, 200. 201, 202, 204, 207, 209, 210, 213, 214, 218, 221, 223, 225, 2.30. pastoral letter, .58. Synod of New York : adherence to Standards. 245. articles of agreement, 233. INDEX. 579 Synod of New York : correspoudeuce and actiou as to union with General Synod, 231, 238, 239, 240, 241, 242, 243, 246, 248, 253, 259, 261, 263, 268, 275, 279, 282, 284, 286, 319. erection of, 233. declaration of principles, 233. funds of, 269, 272, 278, 283, 289, 293. minutes, 233-284. proposals for establishment, 168, 181. Synod of New York and Philadelphia : addresses of, to Governors and Assem- blies, 293, 294, 297, 312, 317, 321. addresses of. to King, 311, 312, 313, 320. 325, 333, 339, 361, 366. dissolution of, 548. division of, 460, 513, 517, 522, 523, 526, 539, 540, 541, 547. formation of, 285. funds, 440, 441, 483. list of members, 412. minutes, 285-548. pastoral letters, 429, 430, 466. plan of union, 286, 319. See, also, Clerks, Commissions, Fund, Meetings, Moderators, Polity, Records, Boll, etc. TAGGART, MR. ROBERT, 515, 528. Tait. See Tate. Talmage, Eev. Benjamin, 270, 277, 280, 285, 291, 297, 307, 333, 334, 338, 339, 341, 351, 3.52, 354, 364, 377, 390, 401, 406, 424, 517. Tanner, Mr. Philip, 322, 323, 425. Tate, Mr. Anthony, 306, 313, 318, 439, 450. Tate, Rev. Jacob, 351. Tate, Eev. Joseph, 194, 195, 196, 199, 201, 205, 209, 214, 220, 224, 230, 285, 291, 295, 297, 298, 300, 302, 303, 306, 308, 314, 322, 323, 331, 334, 335, 340, 341, 342, 349, 353, 356, 357, 358, 360, 366, 371, 383, 384, 389, 391, .392, 400, 405, 412, 418, 4>4, 425, 436, 444, 450, 452, 455, 456, 462. Tate, Mr. Matthew, 433, 540, 543. Taylor, Rev. Nathaniel, 9. 10, 11, 14. Taylor, Mr. Robert, 432. Tehicken, Pa., congregation of, 241, 246. Temple Patrick Presbvtery (Ireland), 545. Templeton, Rev. James, 486, 494, 496, 502, 528, 530, 542, 545. Templin, Mr. Terah, 485. Temporalities, church, 249,347. Tennent, Rev. Charles, 135, 136, 143, 1.50, 155, 233, 235, 236, 238, 240, 244, 247, 250, 259, 263, 270, 277, 230, 285, 291, 292, 295, 297, 298, 306, 313, 314, 322, 334, 341, 343, 351, 364, 377, 381, 390, 394. 401, 411. Tennent, Eev. Gilbert, 83, 85, 88, 92, 96, 99, 101, 103, 107, 110, 112, 122, 123, 130, 131, 1.35, 140, 143, 144, 145, 148, 150, 151, 152, 154, 177, 197,201, 202, 203, 233, 235, 236, 240, 244, 247, 2.50, 2.52, 259, 263, 270, 277, 280, 285, 288, 290, 291, 293, 295, 296, 297, 298, 300, .301, 302, 306, 308, 313, 314, 322, 323, 324, 333, 334, 335, 336, 339, 340, 342. controversy with Mr. Cowell, 152. Tennent, Jane (Mrs. Charles), case of, 382, 333, 394, 4.30. Tennent, Rev. William, 51, 54, 55, 59, 64, 69, 75, 78, 79, 30, 81, 82, 85, 88, 92, 96, 99, 101, 103, 107, 109, 112, 122, 130, 135, 143, 150, 155. bond of, 84, 88, 134, 191. case of, 127, 133. Tennent, Eev. William, Jr., 109, 112, 122, 130, 135, 143, 150, 155, 233, 235, 236, 238, 239, 240, 242, 244, 247, 250, 258, 263, 269, 277, 280, 291, 295, 297, 298, 299, 300, 302, 306, 307, 308, 309, 310, 311, 313, 314, 315, 316, 322, 323, 326, 333, 334, 335, 341, 343, 345, 350, 351, 353, 355, 360, 364, 366, 369, 376, 377, 379, 380, 381, 338, 391, 398, 400, 402, 403, 404, 406, 407, 410, 412, 416, 424, 425, 426, 436, 438, 450, 454, 465, 473, 477. Tennent, Rev. William, 3d, 314, 320, 322, 325, 329, 333, 335, 340, 343, 345, 352, 406. Tennent, Rev. William Mackav, 401, 422, 493, 496, 498, 501, 505, 506, 514, 515, 528,541. Testimony, insufiicient, 26. competent to be admitted, 326. ex parte of no weight, 211. protest against admission of, 327. answer to protest, 328. See, also. Citations. Thacher. See Thatcher. Thane, Rev. Daniel, 242, 244, 247, 250, 258, 263, 269, 277, 280, 285, 289, 291, 297, 306, 311, 314, 334. Thanksgiving Dav, 324. See, also. Fasting. Thatcher, Rev. Daniel, 486, 494, 496, 502, 507, 542. Theologv. See Divinity. Thom, Rev. David, 184, 190, 192, 197. Thom, Rev. William, 425, 437, 439, 450. Thomas, Mr. Joshua, 306, 308. Thompson, Rev. Amos, 307, 334, .339, 341, 351, 364, 377, 378, 381, 398, 400, 411, 424, 437, 450, 461, 471, 477, 489, 492, 496, 501, 506, 515. Thompson, Eev. James, 517, 528, 530, 543. Thompson, Mr. John (Elder), 456. Thoms, Mrs., 328. Thomson, :Mr. Charles (Elder), 379, 380. Thomson, Mr. James (Elder), 477. Thomson, Rev. John, New Castle, 40, 44, 48, 49, 50, 55, 59, 64, 69. 75. 78, 80, 82, 85, 88, 92, 96, 99, 101, 103, 107, 112, 122, 130, 135, 143, 149, 155, 156, 161, 164, 171, 177, 184, 190, 192, 194, 196, 199, 201, 205, 209. Thomson, Rev. John, Jr., 143, 144. Thomson, Rev. Samuel, 149, 150, 155, 161. 165, 172, 177, 184, 190, 192, 197, 199, 211, 214, 220, 224, 230, 235, 291, 298, 307, 314, 333, 334, 340, 341, 351, 366, 372, 383, 390, 400, 411. 424, 437, 450, 461, 471, 477, 489, 492, 496. 501, 506, 51.5 530 Three Creeks, N. C, 387. Tiger River, forks of, N. C, 387. Timber Grove, Va., 206. Timber Ridge, Va., congregation of, 237, 388, 454. 580 INDEX. Time of meeting not to be postponed, 12. niodenitor i-;innot change, 472. Tiuiciim. Pa., congregation of, 154, 246. Tobacco subscription, 11. Tobiu, Mr. Tlionias, 297, 369. Todd, Eev. John, 241, 243, 244, 247, 2.')0, 259, 2(J3, 270, 277, 280, 285, 289, 291, 295, 298, 30G, 308, 314, 322, 323, 329, 341, 390, 395, 400, 449, 454, 485, 515, 529, 542. Toleration, Act of, 147, 258. Tom. See Thorn. Tongue, Dr., of London, England, 19. Ti-anslation. See Pastoral translation. Transylvania Presbytery, 523, .529, 542. Tre Dyffrvn. Pa., congregation of, 74, 77, i9],'l93, 195. Treasurers, Presbyterial, 392. Treasurers of Synod : Incumbents: Jedediah Andrews. 49. Kichard Treat, 251, 392. John Witherspoon, 440. Isaac Snowdcn, 539. funds, orders, etc., 52, 58, 106, 134, 155, 171, 251, 262, 282, 392, 403, 412, 428, 440, 495, 501, 505, 538, 544, 547. accounts of, 50, 52, 59, 402, 408, 412, 428, 4.53, 479, 483, 491, 531, 539, 544. bond of, 439. book for, 52. security for legacy, 463, 487. See, also. Fund for Pious Uses. Treat, Rev. Joseph, 307, 312, 314, 333, 334, 33.5, 341, 351, 356, 357, 359, 360, 361, 364, 367, 309, 375, 377, 378, 381, 386, 388, 390, 397, 400, 401, 404, 406, 410, 411, 416, 424, 425, 426, 429, 431, 436, 438, 440, 447, 461, 476, 480, 482, 489, 492, 496, 501. 507. 517, 529. Treat, Rev. Richard, 101, 103, 107, 112, 122, 130, 135, 143, l.")0, 155, 233, 235, 236, 239, 242, 244, 247, 250, 258, 263, 270, 277, 280, 282, 285, 288, 289, 290, 291, 295, 296, 297, 298, 299, 300, 301, 302, 304, .306, .307, 308, 309, 311, 31.3, 314, 316, 317, 320, .322, 323, 324, 326, 332, 333, 334, 3.36, 340, 341, 351, 353, 356, 359, 364, 366, 370, 375, 377, 379, 380, 381, 389, 392, 399, 400, 402, 403, 405, 410, 412, 415, 417, 420, 424, 425, 426, 429, 433, 436, 438. 440, 441, 449, 450, 456, 461, 471, 476, 480, 483. Trenton, X. J., commissioners of Synod at, 201, 240, 2.53 Trenton, X. J., church of, 104, 134, 195, 197, 245, 275, 295. Trial, new, 328, 447. must be before judicature having jurisdiction, 173, minister to preside over session at, 447. Trustees of congregation, 249. ministers not eligible. 249. See, also, German Sehonh, New Jersey College, and Widows' Fund. Trvon Co.,"N. Y., 470. Tucker. Eev. Nathaniel, 235, 236. Tudor, Mr., 117, 124. Turkev, N. J., congregation of, 138, 144, 155. Turkev Creek, N. C, 360. Tuscarora, Pa., congregation, 432. Tuttle, Rev. James, 365, 377, 390, 391, 401, 411. Tuttle, Rev. Moses, 270, 277, 280, 285, 288, 291, 297, 298, 307, 313, 314, 333, 341, 351, 364, 377, 390, 401, 411. UNION, PLANS OF. See Associate Peformed Synod, Congregational churches. New Side, Reformed Dutch Church, Synod. Union congregation, N. C, 387. United States of America, loyalty to, 464, 468, 471, 479, 481. 483, 488, 495. See, also. General Convention. Univcrsalist doctrines, 540. Universities. See Candidates, Degrees. Upi)er Creek, X. C. congregation of, 455. Upper Elk, Pa., congregation of, 95. Upper Haw River, X. C, 387. Upper Hico. N. C, 374. Upper Long Cane, S. C, church, 531. Upper Marlborough, Md., 3(il. Upper Octarara, I'a., 121, 124. VACANT CONGREGATIONS: annual catechising, 513, 526, 532. annual contributions. 192. basis of representation, 534, 539. collections, 178. exemption from contributions, 192. list of, 526, 529. and probationers, 135, 137, 138, 146, 151, 153, 154. regulations concerning, 137. . supply of, 402. 474. worship in, 526. See, also. Pulpit. Vanarsdale. See Vanar.^dalen. Vanarsdalen, Rev. Jacob, 391. 398, 425, 436, 4.50. 454, 461, 463. 471, 476, 479, 489, 492, 496, 501, 505, 515, 528, 541. Vance, Rev. Hugh, 401, 424, 425, 427, 436, 450, 4(il, 471, 477, 492, 496, 501, 506, 515, 528, 542. Vandreron, Rev. Mr., 245. Van Dyke, Andrew, case of, 50, 51. Vangeider, Mr. Abraham. 528. Van Horn, Mr. David, 252. Vanmeter, Mr. Joseph, 365. Yanmiddlesvvorth, Mr. Abraham, 436. Van Vleck. Rev. Paulns. 21, 23, 25. case of, 17, 26, 31, 35, 37, 40. Versians. See Psalms. Vice, suppression of, 359, 363, 370, 371. Vincent's Catechism, 429. Virginia, addresses to Governor of, 76, 77, 81, 183, 185. __ ____ correspondence with people of. 76, 77, 79, 80, 195, 236, 237, 261, 374, 432, 484. delegates to Synod ordered. 191, 193. delegation of "Svnod to Governor and Council of, 139, 142, 147. dissenters in, 74, 247, 2.58. letter of Synod to Fairfield Associa- tion. 239. letters of Svnod to General Assembly, Scotland," 10.5, 164, 170, 171, 174. missionaries, 484. new Presbytery erected. 264. persecutions in, 105, 258. INDEX. 581 Virginia, society for managing Indian missions in, 283, 300. supplies for, Tfcl, 79, 193, 194, 196, 199, 205, 206, 209, 210, 212, 214, 215, 220, 224, 226, 234, 236, 237, 238, 241, 243, 248, 249, 256, 262, 263, 265, 293, 299, 335, 361, 369, 374, 375, 399, 404, 422. 432, 434, 459. Virginia, Svnod of, 524, 548. Voorhees, Mr. John, 377, 378. 379, 381. Vote, majority to decide questions, 168, 233, 239, 243, 286, 296. by roll call, 318. in pastoral calls, 10, 24, 28, 274, 275. qualifications for, in congregations, 347. WADDEL, REV. JAMES, 307, 322, 341, 390, 400, 450, 485, 515, 529, 542. Wade. Kev. Nathaniel, 21, 25. case of, 12, 13, 17, 22, 23, 24, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30. Wales, Rev. Eleazer, 100, 101, 103, 107, 112, 122, 136, 143, 150, 235, 236, 238, 242. Wales, principality of, letter to, 175, 178. See, also, Evans, Tre Dyffryn, and Welsh. Walker, Mr. John, 364, 450, 472. Walker, Mr. Richard, 291, 322, 323, 324, 3fi4. .365, 366, 411, 412, 482. Walker, Mr. William, 306, 457. Wallace, Rev. Caleb, 434, 437, 438, 439, 441, 44S, 451, 452, 485. Wallace, Mr. John, 297, 300, 302, 322, 323, 324, .341. Wallace, Mr. Robert, 297. Wallace, Mr. William, 306. Wallkill, N. Y., people of, 95, 120. Walter, Mr. John, 341. Walter, Mr. Thomas, 425. Walton, John, case of, 70, 71, 72, 74, 75, 78, 81. War between England and Spain, 151. Warford, Rev. John, 472, 477, 480, 481, 485, 489, 492, 501, 506, 515, 517, 528, 540, 541,54.3. Warrior's Run, Pa., 473. Waters, Mr. Thomas, 436, 441. Watson, Mr. David, 426. Watt, Rev. James, 378, 401, 411, 424, 436, 450, 461, 477, 480, 482, 485, 489, 492, 496, 501, 506, 515, .528, 542. Watts, Dr. Isaac, 331, 3.38, 345, 429, 447, 535. See, also, Psalms. Waugh, Rev. Samuel, 477, 489, 491, 492, 496, 501, 506, 514, 51.5, .528, 542. Wayne, Pa., on Juniata, 516. Waxhaws, N. C, church, .504, .530, .531. Webb, Rev. Joseph, 59, 64, 69, 75, 78, 79, 82, 85, 93. 96, 97, 99, 101, 103, 107, 122, 130, 136, 143, 149. Weeks. See Wilks. Weld, Rev. Ebenezer. Welch, Mr. John, 463. Welsh people, supplies for, 17, 18, 175, 178, 289. Welsh Tract, Pa., people of, 18, 27, 34, 37, 38. Westhampton, L. I., N. Y., church of, 543. West Hanover, N. J., people of, 104, 106, 140, 145. Westminster Catechisms. See Larger and Shorter Catechism. Westminster Confession of Faith. See Adopting Act, Confession, Standards. Westminster Directory for Worship. See Government and Discipline and Wor- ship. Westmore, Rev. Noah, 541. West Nottingham, Pa., congregation of, 292, 332, 347. Wexaws. See Waxhaivs. Weymouth, Mass., church, 530. Whitaker, Rev. Nathaniel, D. D., 269, 277, 280, 285, 291, 295, 297, 298, 307, 461. White, Mr. Hugh, 472, 474. White, Rev. James, 364. White, Rev. Sylvanus, 242, 244, 247, 250^ 259, 270, 277, 280, 285, 291, 298, 307, 333, 341, 351, 364, 377, 390, 401, 424, 517. Whits t;iay Creek, Del., people of. 11, 12, 26, 27, 66, 67, 70, 170, 200, 255, 435. Whiteford, Mr. Huerh, 365, 391. Whitehill, Mr. James, 322, 323, 324. Whitehill, Hon. John, 377, 384, 472, 505, 515. White Plains. N. Y., 471. Whole, committee of the, 179, 186, 318. Wicomico, ]\Id., people, of, 13, 58. Widows and orphans, care of, 359. Widow of minister, relief of, 58. See Wil- son, Mrs. John, and Widows' Fund. Widows' Fund: account of, 296, 303, 422, 423. beneficiaries, meeting of, 308. charter, 222, 224, 225, 296. clerk of, 222. committees of Synod on, 332, 333, 339, 364, 370, 376, 383, 427, 440, 452, 469, 476, 478, 481, 483, 484, 486, 490, 493, 494, 497, 508, 510, 535, 547. corporation accepts trust, 315. corporation book. 303. delinquent members of, 508, .535. investigation ordered, 494, 497. lay members of, 510. missionaries, provision for, 326, 332, 339. 362, 375, 476. Now York Synod fund, 269, 273, 278, 282. petition for charter, 224. Philadelphia Synod fund. 309. plan, 213, 215-217, 222, 421, 422, 427, 508. plan of settlement, 422. power of Svnod over, 347, 370, 371, 372, 375, 381, 382, 398, 422. regulations, 309, 409, 421, 427, 509, 547. request from corporation, 326. Scotland, gift from, 372, 382, 421, 422, 423. trustees of, 213, 217, 222. Wigton, Mr. John, 341. Wikofi-, Mr. Jacob, 505. Wilday, Mr. Joseph, 484. Wilden, Mr. .Tames, 306. Wilks, Mr. Elnathan, 333, 339. William, Mr. Daniel, 306. Williams, Rev. Daniel, D. D., will of, 99, 100. Williams, Mr. John, 306, 308, 489. 06-^ INDEX. Williams, Mr. Joseph, 313. Williams, Kev. Joshua, 517, 541. Williams, Mr. Simon, '3i2. Williamshurg, Vu., Ml, 374, 375. Williamson, George, case of, 70, 77, 79. Williamson, Mr. Hugh, 305, 311. Williamson, Dr. Hugh (Elder), 364, 366, 367, 369, 370, 374, 376, 377, 379, 380, 386, 390, 403. Wilmington, Del., First Church, 160, 189, 191, 457. Second Church, 458, 478. Wilmington, N. C, 3(51, 375. Wilmot, Rev. Walter, 136, 143, 149, 161, 164, 177. Wilson, Andrew, 516. Wilson, Mr. Hugh. 341. WiLson, Kev. James, Scotland, 51G. Wilson, Eev, James (New Castle Presb.), 401, 4-24, 436, 449, 471, 477, 480, 482, 483, 516, 528, 529, 543. Wilson, Mr. James, Jr., 507, 543. Wilson, Mr. John, 411, 484. Wilson, Rev. John, 9, 10, 14, 17, 18, 21, 25 (died 1712). widow of, 58, 68, 77, 80, 81. Wilson, Rev. John, New Castle, Del., 92, 93, 96, 215, 220, 224, 230. case of. 98, 99. Wilson, Rev. Matthew, D. D., 285, 288, 291, 297. 298, 300, 306, 308, 309, 312, 313, 314, 315, 318, 320, 322, 323, 334, 335, 341, 346, 351, 353, 354, 3-57, 364, 374, 377, 389, 397, 400, 411, 423, 424, 425, 427, 429, 431, 433. 437, 438, 439, ■ 445, 450, 455, 460, 485, 489, 497, 501, 505, 506, 514, 528, 542. Wilson, Rev. Peter, 490. 506, 507, 515, 528, 541. Wilson, Eev. Samuel, 567, 543. Wilson, Eev. William, 485, 495, 515, 529, 542. Wilton, S. C, church of, 543. Windham, N. H., i)eople of. 302. Witherspoon, Rev. John, D. D., 391, .396, 397, 398, .399, 401, 402, 404. 406, 407, 408, 411, 414. 415. 416, 419, 421, 424, 426, 428, 433. 436, 438. 440, 447. 450, 453, 454, 455^ 456. 464, 472, 473, 476, 470, 480, 482, 485, 487, 488, 492, 494, 495, 496, 501, 505, 515, 517, 528, 531, 533, 539, 541, 545. 548. See, also. Wotherspoon. Witnesses. See Citations and Testimony. Wood. Mrs. Catharine, case of, 91, 93, 97, 98. Woodbridge, N., J., people of, 12, 14, 18, 23, 24. 26, 41. 43. 48. 6B. Woodhull, Rev. John. 390, 411, 416, 424, 426, 437, 44(5. 449, 461, 4(i4. 470, 471, 477, 480, 482, 483, 485, 486, 489, 492, 493, 494, 496, 501, 505, 506, 514, 528, 541. 548. Woodhull, Rev. Nathan, 517, 541. 546. Woodhull, Rev. William, 378, 401, 403,406, 424, 436, 442, 450, 464, 476, 480, 482, 494, 497, 501, 503, 505. 515, 528, 541. Woodroff. Mr. John, 291, 333. Woodrotf, Mr. Samuel, 333, 334, 335, 337, 341, Woodrufl", Rev. Benjamin. 291, 333, 334. 341, 351, 364. 375. 377, 378, 389, 390, 400, 411, 424, 427, 429, 436, 450. 454, 461, 471, 476, 480, 482, 489, 492, 496, .501, .505, 515, 528, 541. Woodruft", Mr. Thomas, 427. Woods, Rev. Matthew, 491, 496, 498, 501, 507. Woolworth. Rev. Aaron, 543. Worcester, Md., 172, 288. Worford. See Warford. Worship, Directorv for, adoption of, 95, 233, 286, 547" committee apjiointed to revi.se, 539. completion referred to Assembly, 547. part of Constitution, 547. title of, 540. See, also. Psalms. Worship, public, absence from. 373. uniformity desirable, 513. Worts, Rev. Conradus, 247. 24H. 250. 259, 263, 270, 277, 280, 285, 291, 298, 307. Wotherspoon, Rev. Robert, 33, 34, 35, .38. 42, 48,50, 51. Wright, Rev. John, 251, 270, 277, 280,285, 289, 291, 298, 307, 314, 322. Wyukoop, Mr. Pliilip, 377. YADKIN, N. C. FORKS OF, 374. Yadkin River, N. C. settlements, 418. Yale College. 67. 68, 70, 71, 73, 1H5, 186, 192. Yarmouth, England, congregation, 266. Youghiogeny, Pa., people of, 432. Young, Mr. John, 5.34. Young, Rev. Samuel, 52, 54, 55, 56, 59, 64. Youngs, Eev. David, 233, 235, 236, 242, 244, 248. Youth, education of pious, scheme for, 419, 420. fund for, 426. 438, 451. See, also, Candidates, Education, Fnnd, German Schools, New Jersey College, and School ZANCHY. REV. RICHARD, 139, 143. 144, 149. 155, 161, 164, 172, 177, 184, 190, 192, 194. 196, 199, 201, 205, 209, 211, 214, 220, 224, 2.30, 285, 291, 298, 306, 307, 308, 314, 390, 400, 450, 471, 485, 515. .529, 542. ,548. Zelyne. Mr. John, licensed, 477. Zury, Joseph, case of, 456. MINUTES GENERAL CONVENTION OF DELEGATES APPOINTED BY THE Synod of New York and Philadelphia General Association of Connecticut 1766 TO 1775. WITH AN INTRODUCTION BY THE Rev. WM. H. ROBERTS, D.D., LLD. PHILADELPHIA, PA. PRESBYTERIAN BOARD OF PUBLICATION AND SABBATH-SCHOOL WORK 1904 TABLE OF CONTENTS, Introduction . PAGE . 5 Preliminary Proceedings 10 Proceedings of the Appointing Judicatories. Minutes of the General Convention : Elizabethtown, N. J. (1766) New Haven, Conn. (1767) Elizabethtown, N. J. (1768) New Haven, Conn. (1769) Elizabethtown, N. J. (1770) Norwalk, Conn. (1771) Elizabethtown, N. J. (1772) Stamford, Conn. (1773) Elizabethtown, N. J. (1774) Greenfield, Conn. (1775) Religious Exhibit of the Population of Connecticut in 1774 12 17 21 24 27 27 31 34 37 39 40 42 INDEX 45 INTRODUCTION The Minutes printed in this publication are those of a Convention appointed by the General Synod of the Presbyterian Church in the Ameri- can Colonies, and the General Association of Connecticut, and meeting from 1766 to 1775. The moving causes of the appointment of the General Convention were the preservation of the religious liberties of the Colonies, the spread of the Gospel on the American Continent, and the promotion of Christian fellow- ship between the respective Churches. The first step toward cooperation was taken by the Synod of New York and Philadelphia, the supreme judi- catory of the Presbyterian Church in the Colonies. The Overture of the Synod is printed in this volume as a part of the Preliminary Proceedings. This Overture was submitted to the General Association of Ministers in the Colony of Connecticut, at Guilford, on Tuesday, June 3, 1766. The action taken is recorded in the Preliminary Proceedings. The places of meeting of the Convention were Elizabethtown, N. J., in the years 1766, 1768, 1770, 1772, and 1774; New Haven, Conn., in 1767 and 1769 ; Norwalk, Conn., in 1771 ; Stamford, Conn., in 1773 ; and Green- field, Conn., in 1775. The outbreak of hostilities between the American Colonies and the English Government led to the termination of the Conven- tion, the Revolutionary War having made the maintenance of religious liberty the common work of the Colonies. The Minutes of the Convention show that the first and second meetings were mainly given to the work of framing and completing a Plan of Union, and that the subsequent Conventions earnestly engaged in the devising and executing of measures for the preservation of the religious liberties of Con- gregationalists, Presbyterians, Baptists and other Christians, threatened at the time by the schemes of some Episcopalians in the Colonies, aided by their friends in Great Britain. These latter endeavored in every way possible to secure the appointment of diocesan Bishops in America. To this Episcopal movement the vast majority of American Christians were opposed. As has been well said, " To Bishops merely to superintend the concerns of Episcopal churches they did not object, if they might be duly restrained from going farther ; but were apprehensive, should Bishops be appointed, that they would come clothed with all the powers of diocesans in the mother country, or that they would acquire these powers and exercise them in violation of the Charters of the Colonies, and greatly to the injury of other denominations of Christians." To nullify the efi"orts of the extreme party in the Episcopal Denomination, the Convention, there- fore, entered into correspondence with committees in England, and some of the letters, with the replies, will be found in this volume. The Convention also made arrangements for gathering the laws and customs of the Colonies respecting religious liberty ; for collecting the statistics of non-Episcopalians, with a view to showing that the prelatical element was greatly in the minority in America ; and also for a report of the number and condition of colleges and other institutions of learning. The reports made by the subcommittees of the Convention do not appear in the Minutes, and for the most part have been lost. The extracts, how- 5 6 INTRODUCTION ever, made by the Rev. Elizur Goodrich, D.D., of Durham, of the laws of Connecticut, and the statistics which he gathered were fortunately preserved. They were printed in 1848 by a Committee of the General Association of Connecticut. The statistics show that out of a population in the Colony in 177-4 of 190,487, only 996() were Episcopalians. Estimates given for the other New England and the Middle Colonies make about the same showing.* It was only in certain of the Southern Colonies that Episcopalians were in a majority. The Minutes in their original form in the possession of the Stated Clerk of the General Assembly, are in certain places illegible, but in the main are in a fair state of preservation. They were received from the Stated Clerk of the Presbytery of iniiladelphia, the Rev. Willard M. Rice, D.D., in whose custody they had been for many years. An edition was pu])lished in 1843 by the General Association of Connecticut, under the superintend- ence of a Committee, of which David 1). Field was Chairman, but is now out of print. The only copy in the Library of the Hartford Theological Seminary was loaned to the editor, for which helpful courtesy due acknowl- edgment i^ hereby made. The minutes in this edition are printed verbatiniy and are somewhat fuller than in the previous publication. The Proceedings of the Convention are worthy of close attention from all persons interested in the history of the American Colonies, and have a marked bearing upon the trend of both political and religious movements prior to the Declaration of Independence. In a letter written to England in 1773, dealing with religious liberty, and signed by John Witherspoon, reference is made to " the great struggle we may be called to make in this glorious cause in which the happiness of thousands yet unborn is so deeply interested." f The apprehensions that an Episcopal hierarchy might be established in the Colonies was one cause of the American Revolution. To this fact the elder President Adams bore testimony. " ' Where is the man to be found,' says he, ' at this day [1815], when we see Methodistical Bishops, Bishops of the Church of England, and Bishops, Archbishops, and Jesuits of the Church of Rome with indifference, who will believe that the apprehension of Episcopacy contributed fifty years ago, as much as any other cause, to arouse the attention not only of the in(juiring mind, but of the common people, and urge them to close thinking on the constitutional authority of Parliament over the Colonies ?' This, nevertheless, was a fact as certain as any in the history of North America. The objection was not merely to the office of a Bishop, though even that was dreaded, as to the authority of Parliament, on which it must be founded. The reasoning was this : The Archbishops and Bishops in England can neither locate and limit dioceses in America nor ordain Bishops in any part of the dominions of Great Britain, out of the realm, by any law of the kingdom, or of any of the colonies, nor by any canon law acknowledged by either. The king cannot grant his conge d'elire to any people out of his realm. There is no power or pretended power, less than Parliament, that can create Bishops in America. But if Parliament can erect dioceses and appoint Bishops, they may introduce the whole hierarchy, establish tithes, forbid marriages and funerals, establish religion, forbid dissenters, make schism heresy, impose penalties extending to life and limb, as well as to liberty and property." [See Morse, Annals of the American Jievolufion, pp. 197-203.] The second President of the United States of America realized clearly what many secular historians have failed to apprehend in an adequate manner — the power of religion in connection with great national movements. * See pp. 38, 42. t See p. 38. INTllODUCTION 7 There can be no question that in those American Colonies which were founded by evangelical Christians, one of the principal forces which brought about the Kevolution of 1770 was ineradicable opposition to even the possi- bility of ecclesiastical tyranny in the New World. The determination was widespread among the Calvinists of every name that they would not submit to even a suggestion of the persecutions and restrictions from which their ancestors had suffered. With this position of the membership of the Protestant Churches the political leaders of the Colonies fully sympathized. P]ven among the Episcopal laity the opposition was strong to any proposal for an episcopate in the Colonies which should result in an establishment of religion.* Religious liberty was not a feature of the government of a majority of the Colonies at their first settlement. In some of them, as already indicated, the religious establishment was that of the Episcopal Church. In others the Episcopalians were dominant to the degree that they were able to repress the religious opinions and practices of so-called dissenters. The imprison- ment of the Rev. Francis Makemie and the Rev. John Hampton, in 1704, by Lord Cornbury, Governor of New York ■ and New Jersey, is historic, and the former was submitted to a trial, though acquitted by a jury. Further, in several of the New England Colonies, the Congregational Establishments for a time limited the rights of conscience. Connecticut, in 17-12, for instance, passed an offensive law, aimed at the ministers engaged in the great revival under George Whitefield, and Dr. Trumbull, in his second volume of The History of Connecticuf, censures the act in very strong lan- guage. The Rev. Elizur Goodrich of that Colony, a member of the Con- vention whose Minutes are herein printed, well says in a paper on the Colonial laws : " It is certain that for a considerable time there was too much of a coercive uniformity in the laws of the Colony, but this by degrees disappears and an equally universal Protestant liberty is established in its room. Those laws which were inconsistent with freedom of thought and liberty of conscience are either wholly repealed and set aside, or so modeled that none can be oppressed by them. Whatever oppressive measures have been heretofore adopted, we recollect with regret and disapprobation. We rejoice that these have ceased, and that there is such freedom of religious inquiry and worship that no man need be in bondage." In the effort to secure full religious liberty for the American Colonies the Presbyterian Church bore a leading part. In 1729 its General Synod denied to the civil magistrate what the Westminster Assembly permitted, a controlling power over Synods with respect to the exercise of their minis- terial authority. The Synod also denied to the civil magistrate " the power to persecute any for their religion."' These acts appear to be the first declaration by an organized Church on American soil, of the freedom of the Church from control by the State, and of absolute liberty of conscience. The Presbyterian Church was favored in its struggles for religious liberty by the Constitution of the Colony within which it was first fully organized, and where, in the providence of God, it had for years, and still has, a great number of adherents. The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania was established to secure for all who might settle within its borders both civil and religious liberty. Persecution for religion's sake was contrary to the principles of the founder, and absolute freedom of conscience was the law of the land. Twenty-five years before 1776, the Liberty Bell was placed in the city hall at Phila- delphia with the inscription upon it, " Proclaim liberty throughout all the land unto all the inhabitants thereof." It was in a State free from its first * See pp. 26, 32. 8 INTRODUCTION settlement that the death knell of religious intolerance was sounded, that the Presbyterian Church was organized and attained to its full develop- ment, and that the Declaration of Independence was adopted. And it is greatly to the credit of the founders of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and of those Christians of whatever Church who sympathized with their views, that these convictions became, through their efl'orts, at last dominant in a majority of the Colonies, and after the achieval of independence became the guiding principles of the relations of Church and State and of Christian Churches one to another in the American Kepublic. Among the names of the members of the Convention appear those of several persons who became prominent in the struggle of the Colonies for independence, notably, Francis Allison, D.D.. of Philadelphia; John Kodgers, D.D., of New York; and John Withcrspoon. D.D., President of Princeton College and signer of the Declaration of Independence. It is appropriate here to state the fact that Dr. "Witherspoon was the author of the pastoral letter sent out in 1775 by the Synod of New York and Philadelphia, to all its ministers and congregations, in which the following paragraph appears: — " Be careful to maintain the union which at present subsists through all the Colonies ; nothing can be more manifest than that the success of every measure depends on its being inviolably preserved, and therefore we hope that you will leave nothing undone which can promote that end. In par- ticular, as the Continental Congress, now sitting at Philadelphia, consists of delegates chosen in the most free and unbiased manner by the body of the people, let them not only be treated with respect and encouraged in their difficult service — not only let your prayers be offered up to God for his direc- tion in thoir proceedings — but adhere firmly to their resolutions ; and let it be seen that they are able to bring out the whole strength of this vast country to carry them into execution. We would also advise, for the same purpose, that a spirit of candor, charity, and mutual esteem be preserved and promoted toward those of different religious denominations. Persons of probity and principle of every profession should be united together as servants of the same Master, and the experience of our happy concord hitherto in a state of liberty should engage all to unite in support of the common interest ; for there is no example in history in which civil liberty was destroyed and the rights of conscience preserved entire." (Records of Synod, 1775, p. 468.) In connection with the Minutes of the Convention attention is drawn to certain facts connected with the history of the General Association of Connecticut. These f;icts will explain why the General Synod and that Association readily entered into cooperation one with another, both prior to and after the American Revolution. The General Asso- ciation met first in 1709, and was organized as a result of the Church principles adopted by the Synod at Saybrook, Connecticut, hold in 1708. Under the plan adopted by that Synod, commonly knoAvn as the "Saybrook Platform," the parish churches of Connecticut were organized into Consociations for mutual counsel and help, and the ministers of the churches were organized into Associations for consulta- tion, ministerial licensure, ordination, and recommendation. In addition, the ministerial Associations elected delegates to an annual General Associa- tion of the whole Colony. The Church government of the Connecticut Churches, therefore, was an approach to the Presbyterian Government. Further, both the Presbyterian and the Congregational Churches through- out the Colonies in the eighteenth cfentury were supporters of the Westmin- ster Confession. In creed and in government there was much, therefore, to Imid the churches of Connecticut to the Presbyterians of the Middle Colonies. INTRODUCTION 9 The fellowship existing between them found expression in many ways, both before and after the Ke volution of 177<). The Calvinists of Connecticut and Western Massachusetts, as Prof. Williston Walker states in his History of^ the Congregational Churches in the United ^States, had, for the latter half of the eighteenth century, been drawn " into closer affiliation with the Presby- terians of the Middle States, who largely sympathized with their doctrinal views. The elder Edwards, who was president of Princeton College, and nearly half the trustees of that institution at the time of Edwards' incum- bency, had had their education at Yale." Further, the Churches of Con- necticut increasingly inclined to the conviction that they were akin in government to the Presbyterians. The Hartford North Association in 1799 declared by formal Resolution that the constitution of the Connecticut Churches contained " the essentials of the Church of Scotland or Presby- terian Church in America." The General Association of Connecticut in 1788 spoke of the plan of union then offered as " a scheme for an union of the Presbyterians in America," and in 1805 called the Saybrook Platform " the Constitution of the Presbyterian Church in Connecticut." The parish churches of that Colony were often designated, and are still in many cases known as, Presbyterian churches. All this suggests why from 1766 down to 1837 the General Association of Connecticut and the Supreme Judica- tory of the Presbyterian Church, whether General Synod or General Assembly, were associated together, first for the welfare of the American Colonies and afterwards for the religious advancement of the United States of America. The expense of the publication of these Minutes is borne by the Presby- terian Board of Publication and Sabbath-school Work, upon the recom- mendation of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church. The thanks both of the Church and of the general public are due to the Board and its ofiicers. Wm. Henry Roberts. PRELIMINARY PROCEEDINGS The proceedings preliminary to the General Convention for the preserva- tion of the religious liberties of the Colonies began with the action of the Synod of New York and Philadelphia, of the Presbyterian Church in America, at its sessions in the City of New York, in 1706. On May 30th of that year the (ieneral Synod, having given the subject careful considera- tion,, took action which is recorded in its Minutes as follows : — ACTION OF THE GENERAL SYNOD. " An Overture was brought in to endeavor to obtain some correspond- ence between this Synod and the Consociated Churches in Connecticut. A copy of a letter from this Synod to them was also read and approved, and the Rev. Messrs. John Ewing, Patrick Allison, and the moderator, are desired to present this letter and confer with our brethren upon this affiiir. And in case it shall seem meet to our reverend brethren to attend to this our proposal, so far as to appoint commissioners from their body to meet with commissioners from ours, we appoint the Rev. Dr. Allison and the Rev. Messrs. Timothy Jones, William Tennent. Sr., John Rodgers, Elisha Kent, John Smith, John Blair, and Samuel Buel, to meet with them at such time and place as the reverend brethren of Connecticut shall agree. Mr. Rodgers is appointed to give the Committee notice of what the associated brethren will do relative to this matter." (Records of Synod, pp. 363, 364.) LETTER- OF THE GENERAL SYNOD. " Rev. and Dear Brethren :— The Synod of New York and Philadelphia at their annual meeting in Mav, 1766, have, among many other expedients to promote tlie in- terests of the Redeenu'i-'s kingdom, concluded, uiion the most mature deliberation, that a general meeting of dele.trates botli from your Chm-clies and our Presbyteries would answer this important iiurposc. Our earliest desire to accomplish so good an end has engaged us to embrace this opportunity of your next General Association, to propose the matter to vour serious deliberation, and to invite you to a general consultation about such things as may have a hopeful tendency to promote and defend the common cause of religion against the attacks of its various enemies ; as we are all brethren, embarked in the same interest, perfectly agreed in doctrine and woi-ship, substantially pui-suing the same method of discipline and church government, and we trust all ani- mated with the same laudable zeal to advance the kingdom of our coiuuum Lord, we can- not but hope for your readv concurrence with our invitation. ^ our good sense and general accpiaintance witli human nature must necessarily lead you to see that a more intimate accpiaintance witli each others' views and designs will enable us witli greater harmony and consistence, and of consequence with greater success to support the com- mon cause, in which we are all equally engaged. A general agreement in any measures that mav be ada]ited to iireserve our religions liberties against all encroacli- ments, and to bless the benighted heathen on our borders witli tlie glorious light ot the Gospel, must promise desiral)le success. From tlie best information we can obtain about the constitution of vour churches we are perstiaded that our pro]Hisal is not impracticable, and it will give us sensible pleasure to fmd that your extensive cliaritv and readiness to promote the kingdom of Christ have inchiced you to concert sucb measures as will be best adajited to accomplish so impcn-tant an end. We June appointed tlie Rev. Mr. Elihn Spencer, Mr. John Ewing, and Mr. Patrick A lison to wait upon you at your next General Association, to deliver you our letter, and to con- vei-se with "you at "large on the subject of this proposal. " Signed, bv order of Synod, " " Ei.iiir Spexcer, Moderator." 10 PRELIMINARY PROCEEDINGS 11 The Minutes and letter of the General Synod were presented and con- sidered by a meeting of the General Association of the Ministers in the Colony of Connecticut, at Guilford, June 17, 17G6, at the house of the Rev. Mr. Thomas Ruggles. The reply of the General Association was as follows : — REPLY OF THE GENERAL ASSOCIATION. " Whereas a proposal has been made to this General Association by the Rev. Synod of New York and Philadelphia, representing that they are strictly united with us in doctrine and wor.ship, as contained in the ^\'estminster Confession of Faith and Catechisms, and that the great and general in- terests of the Redeemer's kingdom would be happily promoted, the common cause of religion and virtue strengthened and defended, whilst mutual benevolence and brotherly love would be cultivated by a general union, agreement, and correspondence with us, so far, and in such manner as is consistent and in no degree interfering with their and our respective internal state and order of government and discipline ; and that it will give them great satisfaction to meet a number of our ministers at a suitable time and place, to converse with them upon a plan and articles of such desired union. " We, therefore, having maturely considered their proposal, are unanimously agreed to use our influence to promote a compliance with it through this Colony, and we do in order thereto advise the several Associations to appoint one or more of their body to meet commissioners from the Synod before mentioned, at New York, the first Wednesday in November next [Nov. 5], to converse with them upon a plan and articles of such desired union, to be laid before the several Associations for their concurrence, and to be pre- pared for the consideration of the next General Association, and then to be completed. Voted in the affirmative." [Records of Association, June, 176G.] The foregoing reply was enclosed in a letter from the Rev. Thomas Ruggles, Moderator of the General Association, and sent to the Rev. Mr. Rodgers, of New York. The letter is as follows : — " Guilford, June 17, 1766. " With gratitude we have received the friendly proposal from your Rev. Synod relative to a general union, and our ready compliance with it comes enclosed ; and we shall rejoice if the design may be liappily carried into execution and answer the good and valuable ends in view. And may the glorious and blessed time approach when love and union may prevail among all denominations of Christians through the world. We are, reverend sir, your affectionate brethren. " Signed, by order of the Association, " Thomas Ruggles, Moderator." At an adjourned session of the General Association at the Chapel Hall, in New Haven, September 11, 1766, the following order was taken: — " This Association met according to adjournment, and upon the unani- mous motion and desire of the large Convention of ministers present on occasion of the commencement, the Moderator of this Association is re- quested by writing to desire the Rev. Mr. Rodgers that the intended inter- view of delegates from the Rev. Synod of New York, etc., and the- several Associations of this Colony, may be at Jamaica, on Long Island, and not at New York, as was at first proposed, where it could not be attended without danger of the small-pox. Voted in the affirmative." Edward Eells, Scribe. The contemplated meeting was finally appointed to be at Elizabethtown, New Jersey. PROCEEDINGS OF THE APPOINTING JUDICATORIES 1. SYNOD OF NEW YORK AND PHILADELPHIA. The proceedings taken by the Synod of New York and Philadclpliia of the Presbyterian Church in America, from 1767 to 1775, in connection with the Joint Convention are as follows : — 1767. " The consideration of the correspondence with the associate churches of Connecticut resumed. " The 31inutes of a Convention held at Elizabethtown, the fifth of November last, by delegates from the consociated churches in Connecticut and from this Synod were read, and a plan of union proposed between the Congregational, consociated, and Presbyterian Churches formed at that Con- vention was seriously considered and amended ; and the ibllowing gentle- men, with any other ministers of this reverend body that please to attend, are appointed to meet with the delegates or commissioners from the Con- gregational and consociated, or any Presbyterial bodies, at New Haven, the tenth day of next September, and there finally, on the part of this body, to complete the plan of union, and transact all other business that shall be found necessary in consequence thereof. " The gentlemen appointed are the Rev. Messrs. Lewis, Buel, Mills, McWhorter, Rodgers, Hait, Kirkpatrick, Reed, Ramsey, Beatty. Dr. Alli- son. Fiwing, Blair, Spencer. Wilson, Miller, DuiKeld, Robert Smith, Graliam, and Ball." (Records of Synod, p. H7o.) 1768. " The members of this Synod, appointed to meet the Convention at New Haven last year, report that many of them did meet according to order, and the plan laid before the Synod last year was accepted ; and that they have appointed another Convention the first Wednesday of October, at Elizabethtown, and the following gentlemen are now appointed by this Synod to be delegates from this body to meet at said convention, viz. ; Messrs. Case, Kent. Lewis, ^Nlills, Rodgers. Jones. Jacob Green, Caldwell, William Tennent, Kirkpatrick, Blair, Spencer, Robert Smith. Miller, JNIont- gomery, Duffield. Hunt, Richard Treat, Hunter, Kwing, Joseph Treat, Dr. Allison, Mead, Close, Brainerd, Allison, Fiidey, James Kerr, and Cooper. "The Synod does order Dr. Allison to write to the General Association of Consociated Churches in Connecticut to appoint one of their members to open with a sermon at Elizabethtown ; and the Synod orders that the Minutes of said Convention be laid before this body every year." (Records of Synod, pp. 380 and 381.) 12 PROCEEDINGS OF THE APPOINTING JUDICATORIES 13 17«9. " The delegates appointed to meet the Rev. General Convention at Eliza- bethtown last October, laid before the Synod the Minutes of the Conven- tion agreeable to a standing order for that purpose. " As the next General Convention is to meet the fourteenth of September at New Haven, the Synod appoints to attend on that occasion the following members, viz. ; the Rev. Messrs. John Strain, Richard Treat, James Sproat, John Brainerd, Joseph Montgomery, John Craighead, Jacob Kerr, Elihu Spencer, John Ewing, Patrick Allison, Dr. Witherspoon, William Tennent, Dr. Rodgers, Alexander McWhorter, James Caldwell, John Close, Samuel Duel, Solomon Mead, and Wheeler Case ; Dr. Witherspoon is appointed to open the Convention, or, in case of his absence, Dr. Rodgers." (Records of Synod, p. 392.) 1770. " The delegates appointed to meet the Rev. General Convention at New Haven in September last laid before the Synod the Minutes of the Con- vention. " As the next General Convention is to meet at Elizabethtown the first Wednesday of October, at eleven o'clock, the Synod appoints to attend on that occasion the Rev. Messrs. Beatty, Sproat, Brainerd, Ewing, Mont- gomery, William Foster, Bacon, Spencer, Miller, Duffield, King, William Tennent, Dr. Witherspoon, Hait, Halsey, Jones, Horton, Dr. Rodgers, Treat, McWhorter, Blair, Caldwell, Graham, Lewis, Mills, and Tallmage." (Records of Synod, p. 406.) 1771. " The delegates appointed to meet the Rev. General Convention at Elizabethtown, in October last, brought in the Minutes of their proceedings, which were read. " As the next General Convention is to meet at Norwalk the first Wednesday of September next, at eleven o'clock, the Synod appoints as delegates to attend upon that occasion the Rev. Messrs. William Tennent, Jeremiah Halsey, James Sproat, John Brainerd, Dr. Francis Allison, Dr. John Rodgers, Alexander McWhorter, James Caldwell, Azel Roe, Elihu Spencer, J. Treat, Joseph Montgomery, John Blair, John Close, Jedidiah Chapman, John AVoodhull, Dr. John Witherspoon, Charles Beatty, Solomon Mead, and Samuel Mills. " And the Rev. Mr. John Blair, or, in his absence, the Rev. Joseph Montgomery, is appointed to open the Convention by a sermon." (Records of Synod, p. 416.) 1773. " The Minutes of the last General Convention were laid before the Synod, which were read ; and as the next General Convention is to meet at Elizabethtown the fourth Wednesday in September next, the Synod appoint as delegates to attend upon that occasion the Rev. Messrs. George Duffield^ James Hunt, John Miller, Joseph Montgomery, William Foster, John Car- michael, Richard Treat, James Sproat, John Brainerd, Dr. Francis Allison, John Ewing, Dr. John. Witherspoon, William Tennent, Elihu Spencer, Jeremiah Halsey, Dr. John Rodgers, Alexander McWhorter, James Cald- well, Joseph Treat, William Mills, John Close, Samuel Mills, and Ichabod Lewis." (Records of Synod, pp. 426 and 427.) 14 PROCEEDINGS OF THE APPOINTING JUDICATORIES 1773. " The Minutes of the last General Convention were brought by Dr. Rodgers, their stated register, and read ; and as the Convention is to meet again at Stamford, in Connecticut, the first Wednesday in September next, at eleven oclock, we appoint to attend there and to act as members from the Synod, the Rev. Dr. Francis Allison, Dr. John Witherspoon, Dr. John Rodgers, Andrew Hunter, Elihu Spencer, John Brainerd, Benjamin Hait, John Ewing, Benjamin Chesnutt, Joseph Montgomery, Alexander McWhorter, James Caldwell, Joseph Treat, John Carmichael. William Mills, John Close, Jeremiah llalsey, Samuel Mills, and Ichabod Lewis ; and Dr. Witherspoon to open the Convention with a sermon, but in case he should fail, Mr. McWhorter is appointed in his room."' (Records of Synod, p. 440.) 1774. " The Minutes of last General Convention were brought in by Dr. Rodgers, their stated register, and read ; and as the next Convention is to meet at Elizabethtown, the third Wednesday of September, at three o'clock, P. jM., we appoint the Rev. Messrs. Dr. Francis Allison, Dr. John Witherspoon. Dr. John Rodgers, Richard Treat, William Tennent, James Sproat, Jacob Green, Andrew Hunter, Benjamin Chesnutt, Israel Read, Elihu Spencer, John Miller, Benjamin Hait, Jeremiah Halsey, Alexander McWhorter, James Caldwell, John Woodhull, Jedidiah Chapman, and George Duffield to attend there as members of the said Convention from this body. ' (Records of Synod, pp. 453 and 454.) 1775. " The Minutes of the last General Convention were brought in by Dr. Rodgers, their stated register, and read. " The Synod appoint as delegates for the next Convention, Messrs. Dr. Witherspoon, Dr. Allison, Dr. Rodgers, Wheeler Case, Ichabod Lewis. Samuel Mills, David Rose, John Davenport, Joseph Treat, Thomas Lewis, Benjamin Woodruff, John Close, Benjamin Hait, Jeremiah Halsey, Elihu Spencer, Israel Read, John Brainerd, James Sproat, Nathaniel Irwin, Robert Davison, Joseph Montgomery, and John Woodhull, to meet at Greenfield in Connecticut, the first Wednesday of next September. Mr. Jo.seph Treat to open the Convention with a sermon, and in case of Mr. Treat's absence Mr. Hait to preach the sermon." (Records of Synod, p. 464.) 1776. " The Minutes of the last Convention were brought in and read. " The Synod, considering the distracted situation of our public affairs, judge that an attendance on the Convention by any of their members the ensuing appointment will be impracticable, and order Dr. Rodgers to inform the General Association as early as possible thereof, together with their design of sending members to attend at the place appointed, on the third Wednesday of September, 1777." (Records of Synod, p. 473.) 1777. " The Synod are of opinion that they cannot send any members to meet the General Convention on the third Wednesday of September next, and order Mr. Sproat to give notice thereof to the General Association of Con- PROCEEDINGS OF THE APPOINTING JUDICATORIES 15 necticut ; and that the Synod will cheerfully appoint members to attend said Convention whenever the situation of public aifairs will admit of it." (Records of Synod, p. 477.) II. GENERAL ASSOCIATION OF CONNECTICUT. The proceedings of the General Association of Connecticut as reported in the edition of the Minutes of the Convention, published in 1843, were as follows : — 1707. " The Association being informed by the delegates that the several partic- ular Associations in the Colony have considered and approved the design of a Convention at New Haven next September, agreeable to the motion made at the Convention in Elizabethtown last November, and have appointed delegates to attend it, desire the Moderator to signify the same to the Rev. Synod by a letter to the Rev. John Rodgers of New York, which is as follows : — " Rev. Sir : — By order of the General Association now regularly con- vened at Middletown, I am desired to inform you, and by you, the Rev. Synod of New York and Philadelphia, that the proposed Convention at New Haven in September next has been considered and approved by the particular Associations through the Government, and they have appointed delegates to attend the Convention agreed to by the Rev. Convention at Elizabethtown in November last ; and to assure you that with great respect we are your brethren in the faith and fellowship of our common Lord Jesus Christ." (The Rev. Thomas Ruggles was the Moderator.) 1768. " Voted, that Mr. Dickinson, who is appointed a delegate to the General Convention at Elizabethtown in October next, be desired to preach at the opening of the Convention ; and in case of his failing, Mr. Williams, another of our delegates, is desired to attend that service." There are also entries of a concurrence of the General Association with the Synod about the admission of members to the Convention, and about voting, which will appear in the Minutes of the next Convention, and need not therefore be inserted in this place. 1769. " In the brief Records of the General Association of Connecticut for 1769 nothing is said about the General Convention." 1770. " The Rev. Mr. Lockwood of Wethersfield is appointed to preach the sermon in the public Convention at Elizabethtown, and in case of his fail- ure, Mr. Ross." 1771. " The Rev. Mes.srs. Taylor and Ross, according to the appointment of the last General Convention, laid before this body the importance of punctually attending every General Convention, particularly the nest at Norwalk, and 'tis hereby earnestly recommended to the delegates now chosen that they do attend." 16 PROCEEDINGS OF THE APPOINTING JUDICATORIES 1772. " Instructions to the delegates of the several Associations to attend the next General Convention to meet at Elizabetlitown the last Wednesday but one in September, 1772. " Rev. Brethren : — Whereas some of the clergy of the Church of England have shewed great assiduity in soliciting an American Episcopate, and petitions (as we are informed) have been preferred to his Majesty, the Archbishop of Canterbury, &c., by Messrs. Cooper and Horrax, requesting the same, we inform you that 'tis the advice of this Association that you heartily concur with the Southern gentlemen in counteracting any motions that have or shall be made for said Episcopate, in such manner as may seem most convenient in said Convention. " Voted, That the Rev. Samuel Clark, who is appointed delegate to the next General Convention at Elizabethtown, be desired to open said Conven- tion with a sermon ; and in case of his failing, Mr. Cotton M. Smith, another of our delegates, is desired to perform that service. " Voted, To desire the Rev. Noah Wells, standing Register of the General Convention, annually to lay before this Board the doings of said Con- vention." 1773. The Records of the General Association of Connecticut for 1773 do not notice the General Convention. 1774. " The Rev. Samuel Lockwood is appointed to preach the sermon at the opening of the next General Convention at Elizabethtown, and in case of his failure, the Rev. Mr. Baldwin is appointed. " The doings of the last General Convention were read before this Association, and were well accepted." 1775. In the recorded Minutes of the General Association of Connecticut, in June, 1775, there is no notice of the doings of the General Convention the preceding year, nor reference to the then succeeding meeting the same year. 1776. The original Minutes of the General Association of 1776 are lost, and it is not known whether any report of the General Convention of 1775 was made to the Association at that time. j^oTE.— While the General Convention did not meet after the year 1775, and while the success of the American arms made unnecessary any united effort against the establishment of a Diocesan Episcopacy in tlie new world, yet the cooperation of the Synod of New York and Philadelphia and the General Association of Connecticut for the spiritual welfare of the American people was continued, and is referred to iu the Introduction.* * See p. 5. MINUTES OF THE GENERAL CONVENTION 1766. Elizahethtown, New Jersey, Nov. 5th, 1766. The Convention of the Rev. the Delegates from the several Associations in Connecticut, and the Rev. Committee of the Synod of New York and Philada. met according to agreement. Present from Connecticut : the Rev. Messrs. Noah Welles, Samuel Newel, James Sproat, Eliezer Goodrich, Benjamin Boardman, and William Tennent, Jr. Members of the Synod : Rev. Messrs. William Tennent, Sr., Dr. Francis Allison, John Blair, Timothy Jones, John Brainerd, Samuel Buel, Azariah Horton, Charles Beaty, William Mills, Alexander McWhorter, Benjamin Hait, Jonathan Elmer, Israel Read, John Guild, Benjamin Woodruff, Azel Roe, Joseph Treat, Patrick Allison, Jedidiah Chapman, and John Rodgers. Mr. Welles opened the Convention with a sermon from Rom. iii. 31, after which Mr. AVelles was chosen Chairman, and Mr. Rodgers, Scribe. Adjourned till 9 o'clock to-morrow morning. Concluded with prayer. Nov. 6, 17G6. 6th day, 9 oclocli, A. M. Post preces sederunt qui supra. Ordered that the Minutes of the last sederunt be read. Present also this day from Connecticut : the Rev. Messrs. Joseph Bellamy, Robert Ross, and Nathaniel Taylor ; and of the Synod, the Rev. Mr. Enoch Green. The Minutes of the Synod respecting this Convention, and their letter to the associated brethren of Connecticut, inviting them thereto, were read ; as also the commission of the several brethren from that Colony, given them by their respective Associations. The design of this Convention was then opened, and two papers on the subject were read. Agreed that they be taken into consideration, which was accordingly done, and after some consideration on their several articles, adjourned till three o'clock, P. M. Concluded with prayer. 3 o'clock P.M. P. P. S. Q. S. Ordered that the Minutes of the last sederunt be read. Mr. John Carmichael, a member of Synod, is also present. The Conven- tion proceeded to consider the articles of the papers read the last sederunt, and the following general articles were agreed to, to be laid before our respective constituants : — A plan of union humbly proposed to the Commissioners from the Con- sociated Churches in Connecticut, and the United Synod of New York and Philadelphia, met at Elizabethtown, Nov. 5, 1766. 1st. That a General Convention be formed of the Pastors of the Con- gregational, Consociated, and Presbyterian Churches in North America, consisting of delegates, chosen by each of these respective bodies, to be held annually, or as often as may be thought necessary, and that the first 2 17 18 MINUTES OF THE [1766. Convention be held at New Haven the next day after their public com- niencement, whicli will be the lOth day of" Sept., 17G7. 2d. That this General Convention shall not be invested with, nor shall it at any time hereafter assume any power, dominion, jurisdiction, or authority over the Churches or Pastors, or any other Church or Pastor. And it is particularly agreed that the Congregational, Consociated and Presbyterian Churches shall subsist intire and independant of each other, notwithstanding this union, retaining their peculiar usuages and forms of government ; nor shall ever attempts be made, nor any authority directly or indirectly used by this General Convention to change or assimulate the same. 3rdly. That the general design of this Convention be to gain information of the public state of this united cause and interest ; to collect accounts relating thereto ; to unite our endeavors and counsels for spreading the Gospel and preserving the religious liberties of our Churches ; to diffuse liarmony and keep up a correspondence throughout this united body and with our friends abroad, to recommend, cultivate, and preserve loyalty and allegiance to the King's Majesty, and also to address the King or the King's Ministers from time to time with assurances of the unshaken loyalty of the pastors comprehended in this union and the churches under their care, and to vindicate them if unjustly aspersed. 4th. That summary accounts of all the informations and transactions in this General Convention be from time to time duly transmitted to all the Associations, Presbyteries, or any other bodies that shall accede to, or be included in, this Union. It is also agreed that letters be wrote to the Eev. the ministers of the Congregational and Presbyterian Churches of the Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Rhode Island governments, informing them what we have done at this General Convention, and inviting them in the warmest manner to meet us by proper deligates at New Haven on the day agreed on ; as also that letters of the same nature or tenor be wrote to the Rev. brethren of the Dutch Pieformed Churches in the Provinces of New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania ; and Mr. Bellamy, Mr. Beaty, and Mr. McWhorter are desired to prepare drauglits of said letters, to be brought in to-morrow morning ; and inasmuch as there are three Associations in Connecticut who are not represented in this Convention, Mr. Sproat is desired to communi- cate a copy of this Plan to the IModerator of the two Associations in New London county, and Mr. Newel is desired to communicate one to the Moderator of the Association of Windham. Adjourned till 9 o'clock to-morrow morning. Concluded with prayer. Nov. 7, 17GG. 7th day, 9 o'clock, A. M. P. P. S. Q. S. Ordered that the Minutes of the last sederunt be read. The Committee appointed to prepare the draught of a letter to the Brethren of the INIassa- chusetts, New Hampshire, and Rhode Island governments and of the Dutch Churches, brought it in, which was read, approved, and is as follows : — To the Reverend, the, &c., Convention of the CongroRational pastors in jVIassa- chnsetts Bay: — The Kev'd Delegates from the Associated Pastors in Connectieiit and the Kev'd Committee of the Synod of New York and IMiiladclphia, convened at I'^lizabetlitown, November o, 1766. Rev. Brethren :— The Synod .>f New York and Philadelphia, at their last session in May, takins: into serious consideration the many valuable ]mrposes, botli for promoting tbe kiiiguoni of Clirist and preserving our religious liberty, that might be answered by a general union of tbe Congregational, Consociated, and Presbyterian Ministers in these Colonies of North America, proposed their thoughts to the Rev. Associated Pastors of Connecticut, who ajipointed delegates from each of their Associa- tions to meet with a Committee of said Synod, to concert some plan wherein they 1706.] GENERAL CONVENTION VJ might unite, and tlien lav said plan before their respective constituents, who accord- ingly met and drew up siich a plan of iniion as appeared to them expedient, which, if approved by our constituents, will be confirmed at our first General Convention, which is to be at New Haven the 10th of Sept., 1767. And as we greatly desire that your union should extend tli rough all the Colonies, we embrace this first opportunity to inform our brethren of it in the other Provinces, that, if agreeable to them, they may send delegates to this General Convention, to unite in this important design and assist in iinishing and compleating the plan, of which we enclose you a copy, that you may have time to deliberate upon it, and if you think proper to unite with us, may have opportunity to make such emendations as you shall judge expedient. Your presence with us, by such gentlemen as you shall appoint from your Rev. body, in such way and manner as appears to you most convenient, will be very acceptable to your brethren in our common Lord. Per order of the present Convention, Noah Welles, Chairman. It is agreed that these letters be signed by the Chairman, in the name of the present Convention. Adjourned till 3 o'clock, P. M. Concluded with prayer. 3 o cinch, P. M. Post preces sederunt qui supra. Ordered that the Minutes of the last sederunt be read. The letters to the several brethren to the eastward invited to join with us in this union were properly signed, and sent together with the plans enclosed. The Scribe is desired to send proper copies of this letter to the pastors of the Dutch Reformed Churches, together with a plan of the proposed union. Concluded with prayer. PROPOSED LETTER. (The following proposed letter is annexed to the foregoing Minutes, as found in the edition of 1843. It is stated to have been written by the Register of New Haven East Association, and is here inserted as throwing light upon the general situation in 1766.) ,. J ■ T J Suppose a gentleman in the Colonies should write to his correspondent in London -as follows : — " Sir : — We understand sundry petitions have been sent home by some of the Episcopal Clergy in these Colonies in order to obtain the appointment of a Bishop here ; and that it is a determined point on your side of the water to embrace the first favorable opportunity for that pur{)0se. This affair we must confess gives us much anxietv, not that we are of intolerant principles; nor do we envy the Episcopal Churches tiie privileges of a Bishop for tlie purposes of ordination, confirmation, and inspecting the morals of their Clergy, provided they have no kind of superiority over, nor power any wav to affect the civil or religious interests of other denominations. Let this be but settled by an act of Parliament, and such Bishops divested of the powers annexed to that office bv the common law of England, and then we shall be more easy. Without this the introd'uction of a Diocesan into the Colonies would throw us into the utmost confusion and distraction. For though it is alleged that no other than the above hinted moderate Episcopacy is desired or designed ; yet should it not be fixed by Parliamentary authority, we have no security that matters will be carried no farther ; yea, from the restless spirit, which some here have discovered, we have reason to apprehend that there is more in view. Our forefathers, and even some of ourselves, have seen and felt the tvrannv of Bishops' Courts. Many of the first inhabitants of these Colonies were obliged to "seek an asylum among savages in this wilderness in order to escape the ecclesiastical tyranny of Archbishop Laud and others of his stamp. Such tyrannv, if now exercised in America, would either driveus to seek new habitations among the heathen, where England could not claim a jurisdiction, or excite riots, rebellion, and wild disorder. We dread the consequences as oft as we think of this danger. Gentlemen acquainted with the law inform us that a Bishop is a public minister of state, known in the common law of England, and invested with a power of erecting courts to take cognizance of all affairs testamentary and matrimonial, and to enquire into and punish for all offences of scandal. Might he not plead, as well as anv man, that the common law of England is his birth-right, and that the laws 20 MINUTES OF THE [1766. in force before the settling of the Colonies were bronght hither and took place with the first .settlei-s. What is to hinder him to claim all the powers exercised by Archhishop Laud and his P>clesiastical Omrts? All acts made in England since that lime to lessen the power of Uisliops and their Courts can be of no service to us, for it is not mentioned in any of tht-m tliat tliey are extended to the Colonies, and the reason is plain ; no such exorl)itant powers were claimed or exercised among us. Now can any- thing else than the most grievous convulsion in the Colonies be expected from such a revotution ? Will it all go down with us to have the whole course of business turned into a new channel? Would it be yielded that the Register's office, the care of orjihans, etc., should be transferred from the present oihcers to such as a Bishop mio-ht appoint? Would not the Colonies sutler the last extremities before they would submit to have tlie legality of marriages and matters respecting divorce tried in an Ecclesiastical Court ? It is not easy to conceive what endless jtrosecutions under the notion of scandal may be multiplied. A covetous, a tyrannical, and domineering I'relate or his Chancellor would always have it in their power to harass our country, and make our lives bitter by lines, imprisonments, and lawless severity. Will the numerous Colonies, who came" hither for the sake of freedom from ecclesiastical oppres- sion, and by whose toil a great increase of dominion and connnerce hath arisen to the mother country, bear to iind themselves divested of the ecjiiality and liberty they have so long enjoyed, and brought under the power of a particular denomination ? And see them monopolize all important places of trust in order tosecure that power? That the Episcopal Churches should enjoy all the privileges of their own discipline and govern- ment is a matter we have nothing to object against, but let Bishops be by law confined to the care ofthepeojjle and clergy of their own Church, and stript of all their for- midable power over other denominations, and let us be secured against the burden of their su))port ; but without this we shall look upon ourselves reduced to the most abject state, enslaved to the power of those whose interest or ambition may lead them to oppress us, without the advantage of being near the throne to beg relief, while they would be supported by all the power and influence of the Bishops at home. We have no more to object to a B.isliop over the Episcopal Churches in America than among the Canadians and ^Moravians, provided they have no more to do with us. AVe only desire the interests of our friends, that if ]5ishops must be sent, which we fear will be attended with bad consecpiences, they may be imder such restraints as are consistent with our present state of peace and iil)erty, and beg their influence to prevent these evils, which will incvitablv disturb the peace of our Colonies without doing any real service to religion or the Episcopal Churches. Do us the justice to assert that we love our most gracious King and the British Constitution, that we are upon jirinciple loyal as well as profitable subjects, and that our importance to Great Britain will become everv dav more evident, and take jiroper opportunities to lay these dangers before our friends with you, which will oblige thousands in America, and in particular, &c." LETTER OF FRANCIS ALLISON. Among the files in the hands of the Register of New Haven East Association is the following letter, relating to the same subject as the foregonig document, and which was publislied in 1843 : — "To Mr. Sproat, , , . , . . " Rev. Sir :— Yon desired me to let you know why we are persuaded in this city that there is a determination or a fixed resolution to send Bishops to America. " Bv a letter from Dr. Cli. [Chandler] which I have by me I was informed that the Bishop of Canterburv, in a conference with him, said with some vehemence that it was hard to denv that i)rivilege to the Church of p:ngland in America that she allowed to all Dissenters'— viz., libertv of con.science. And they were determuied, as he said, in a proper time to send Bishops. The Doctor said he desired he might know before thev were sent, which the Archbishop promised him. Dr. Samuel Provost of our Colonv told me that it was the last thing the Archbishop gave his clergy in charge, not to' tease the Bishop and others with petitions from the clergy ot the Colonies, lor thev would watch the oi>portunity and make a point of sending Bishops without any further trouble. He also told a irentlcman (^f great veracity of the tliat he [Dr. Smith] had given in a plea for establishing Bishops, which w.nild certainly take place. The Bishop of Canterburv, 1 was told bv Mr. William 8. [Smith] of New \ork, in his answer to Dr. Mavhew, declares that thev would send Bishops as soon as it would be found agreeable to' the P., and that mav be easily accomplished by the Governor and Assembly of some of our Colonies, which would be taken for the voice of the people before the petition ; and Doctor S. told me that the leading Quakers in this 17G7.] GENERAL CONVENTION 21 Province oifered to sign a certificate that they are willing to admit a moderate Episcopacy. " I saw two petitions from the Clergy of the Episcopal Church in New York and Jersey governments, petitioning for a Bishop or Bishops, complaining that more than a million (in the other near a million) of petitioners or parishioners of Episcopalians (of persons of the of Epis.) are without Bishops, while all other religious de- nominations hatl their forms of government full and complete. These were written the '2d October, 1765, and sent home, and with them five others — viz., two to the Archbishops of York and Canterbury ; two to the two Universities ; one to the Bishop of London, one to the Society for Propagating the Gospel, and one to the King — seven in all. And in them or these they reilect on other denominations as disaffected to monarchical government, and allege that the King's power (or privilege) and theirs is inseparably connected. In that city it is the subject of conversation in the coflee- house and in the most public companies as an atiair that must take place ; and as an afllxir that it would be disloyal and intolerant to oppose. One of their petitions above mentioned was found among Dr. Chandler's papers, as Mr. Stockton informed Mr. William Smith of New York, by a letter which 1 heard him read. " In the Annual Register for the year 1765 Mr. Allen of that city showed me the plea proposed by Dr. Boulter (who was a Bishop) for sending Bishops to America. And Dr. S. told me that tliey would have Bishops settled in America in spite of all the Presbyterian opposition, and added that the Quakers and Baptists would join with them against us. They say that their Bishops are only to have the power of ordaining, confirming, and taking care of the morals of their Episcopal Clergy. To such few would make objections. That is the Archbishop's proposal and Bishop Boulter (or Butler's) scheme. As a Bishop is a state affair, known in the common law of England, by that law he has a right to establish courts, to take cognizance of all afiairs matri- monial, testamentary, and relating to scandals ; and no denomination is free from his jurisdiction. That power they have a right by common law to exercise ; as we are informed by gentlemen as well skilled in the law as any on the Continent ; and under one of these three heads we must feel the severity of a spiritual court. The friends of Episcopacy say that their power in England cannot take place in America, for it is local and confined. We know that in New England governments, tabellions or notaries public are appointed by the Archbishop of Canterbury, wliich shows that he claims this {)ower by the common law. In New York we are told that all the marriage licenses granted by the Governor are stamped with the mitre, which shows that the Bishops claim the power there in affairs matrimonial ; and I am told that the Governor of New Jersey holds a commission from the Archbishop to act for him in some things relating to affairs testamentary or matrimonial, or both. Hence it is evident from the conduct of the Archbishop that they claim this power, and that they will erect such courts to ruin and oppress us unless they be restrained by an act of Parliament ; and that every friend of liberty should plead for, if Bishops must be sent among us. Thus have I briefly laid before you what I know in that affair, and wishing you safe to your family and connections, I am, dear sir, your aftectionate friend and humble servant, Philadelphia, Nov. 15, 1766. "Fra. Allison." 1767. Neio Haven, Sept. 10, 1767. The General Convention met. Ubi post preces sedet. Of the Rev'd Synod of New York and Philadelphia : the Rev. Dr. Francis Allison, Messrs. William Ramsey, William Kirkpatrick, Benjamin Hait, Alexander McWhorter, Azel Roe, John Ewing, Patrick Allison, Thomas Lewis, Nehemiah Bacher, Chauncey Graham, Eliphalet Ball, Solomon Mead, John Rodgers, and Jedediah Chapman. Of the Rev'd the Presbytery of Boston : Messrs. Jonathan Parsons and David McGregory. Of the Rev'd the Associated Pastors of Connecticut : Messrs. Nathaniel Eells, Joseph Fish, Philemon Robbins, Ebenezer Devotion, Benj'n Throope, Benj'n Pomroy, James Cogswell, Timothy Pitkin, Edward Dorr, James Lockwood, William Russel, James Sproat, Noah Welles, Daniel Farrand, Nathaniel Bartlett, John Devotion, Robert Ross, Hezekiah Gold, and Enoch Huntington. 22 MINUTES OF THE [1767. The Convention was opened with a sermon by Dr. Francis Allison from 1 Cor. xii. 27. Dr. Allison was chosen Chairman and Mr. Welles, i?cribe. After prayer the Convention adjourned to 3 o'clock, P. M. - 3 o'clock, P.M., met according to adjournment, and opened wit/b j^ra^f^r. Voted, That the thanks of the Convention be returned to the Kev. Dr. Francis Allison for his sermon delivered at the opening of it. and that he be desired to give a copy of it that it may be printed. The Minutes of the Convention at Elizabethtown, in Nov. last were read in Convention; as also the Kesolves* of the Convention in Boston, the Associated Pastors of Rhode Island and Providence, and of one Associa- tion in New Hampshire, in answer to the letters of invitation sent them from the Convention in November last. After some conversation and debate upon the above Kesolves ; Voted, That Messrs. Ebenezer Devotion, Parsons, McGregory. Ewing, McWhorter, Sproat, and Dorr be appointed a Committee to bring in a plan for continuing the Convention. Adjourned to 9 o'clock to-morrow morning. Concluded with prayer. [Sejjt. 11, 1707.'] 11th day. Met according to adjournment, and opened icith p>rayer. Moved that the Resolves of the Convention in Boston, in answer to the letter of invitation, be considered ; the same were accordingly read, and a free conference had upon the contents of them. A Plan for continuing this Convention, prepared by the Committee appointed for that purpose, was brought in and read in the Convention, and after some debate and consultations upon the contents of it, the Convention adjourned to 3 o'clock, P. M. Concluded with prayer. 3 o^ clock P. M. : met according to adjournment, and opened icitli prayer. After some particular conference upon the plan of union drawn up in Nov. last, it was agreed by this Board that the following addition be made to the 2d Article, viz. : immediately after the words " or any other Church * The Resolves here referred to are supposed to be the votes in the following Extract from the Eeeords of the Convention of Congregational Ministers in JIassaehusetts. Boston, Maj' 27, 1767. "A letter from the Eev. Delegates from the Associated Pastors in Connecticut, and the Rev. Committee of the Synod of New York and Philadelphia, convened at Elizahethtown, Nov. nth, 17(i(), to the Rev. Convention of the Congrega- tional Pastors in Massachusetts Bay. inviting them to send their Delegates to the pro- posed General Convention at New H.aven, on September 10th. ]7(i7, was communicated to the Convention, together with a Plan of Union, drawn uj) by the Delegates afore- said ; to take place among the Pastors of the Congregational and Presbyterian Churches in North America." May 28. " Voted, &c. Whereas we have received a letter from the Rev. Delegates [aforesaid], &c., »fec. That although we are not prepared to send Delegates to the pro- posed Convention, yet we take this occasion to declare our sincere aft'ection to our Brethren and fellowship with them in the Gospel, and our readiness at all times to unite our counsels and endeavors with them for the spreading of the Gospel, defend- ing the liberties of the.se Churches, for cultivating love and harnumy among ourselves, and with our friends abroad, and for promoting the kingdom of our common Re- deemer." "Voted, That the aforesaid Pastors of the town of Boston with," &c., "be a Com- mittee to make a resi)ectful an.swer to the aforesaid letter, and also to maintain a friendly correspondence with our Brethren aforesaid ; said Committee to make a report at our next meeting. " Voted. "That [the aforesaid Committee] be desired in the name of the Convention, to write to the Committee of Dejiutation of Dissenters in England, to thank tliem for the concern they have expressed for our religious liberties; and to desire that they would give us their assistance, and use their influence for the preservation of the same, and in particular, that a Bishop may not be sent among us." 1707] GENERAL CONVENTION 23 or Pastor," — these words, " nor shall any counsel or advice be asked or given, in this General Convention, relative to any internal debates subsist- ing, or that may subsist, in any of those bodies." Voted, That letters be wrote in the name of this Convention, to the several Rev'd Bodies in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Rhode Island, in answer to those received from them : And that Dr. Allison and Mr. Ewing be appointed to prepare and send a letter to the Convention in Boston ; Messrs. Elles and Fish, to our Brethren in Rhode Island ; and Messrs. McGregory and Parsons, to our Brethren in New Hampshire. Voted, That the following gentlemen be appointed as Committees to carry on an epistolary correspondence with our friends in Great Britain, particularly Dennis Dubert, Esq., and Mr. Samuel Smith, merchant in London ; with our Brethren in the Massachusets, &c., and with each other, viz. : in Pennsylvania — the Rev. Dr. Francis Allison, Messrs. Richard Treat, and John lowing ; in New York and New Jersey — Messrs. John Rodgers, Joseph Treat, Alexander McWhorter, and Benjamin Halt ; in Connecticut — Messrs. Noah Hobart, James Lockwood, Naphtali Daggett, I]dward Dorr, and Noah Welles. Ordered that the next meeting of the General Convention be at Eliza- bethtown, on the first Tuesday of October, which will be in the year 1768, unless the Chairman, with the advice of the Committee of correspondence, shall see it necessary to order a meeting sooner. The Convention concluded with prayer by the Chaii'man. The above are the doings of the Convention. Test, Noah Welles, Scribe. LETTER FROM THE CONVENTION IN BOSTON. Boston, June 21, 1767. R. D. B. : — Your Plan of Union among the Presbyterian and Congregational Cluirches in North America, was laid before the Convention at their general meeting at Boston, May 28. The Convention with Pleasure embrace tlie opportunity of declaring their sincere affection to our Bretliren engaged in this extensive Design and assure them of our readiness to unite our counsels and endeavor witli them in every metliod which may have a tendency to promote the Honour of Religion, extend the Kingdom of our Divine Master, establish Harmony among the Churches of Christ and defend them in the full enjoyment of their religious liberties. With this view we shall at all times employ our Interest with our friends at home and abroad and upon every occasion manifest our fellowship with you in the Faith and hope of the Gospel. But upon mature deliberation we cannot but fear the inconveniences which may probably arise from the proposed Plan of Union, will counter ballance the advantages which are expected from it. You are all sensible that the Congress at New York last year tho' assembled upon an important occasion, was viewed in a very disadvantageous light on the other side of the Atlantic, and represented as a design to force the Colonys into an independent State. It seems as if the British Parliment considered that transaction as a greater insult upon their authority than any other measures which were taken to oppose the Stamp Act. It is not improbable that the Ecclesiastical authority in our Mother Country will look upon so extensive a Confederacy as now proposed in something of a similar "light. You well remember the Episcopal Clergy in their late Petition for a Bishop made a piteous lamentation over their own distressed situation, that while all the dissenters from the Church of England in North America enjoy their religious establishments, they are deprived of an essential part of their Constitution ; we fear that the intended General Convention will furnish them with a more plausible argument to inforce their petition than they would otherwise have had. Our wise and judicious friends in London assure us that there is no danger pt present, that an American Bishop will be appointed. If any project of this nature should be revived and meet with encourage- ment we shall doubtless have seasonable notice from a Committee of the Deputation in London, with whom we keep a correspondence ; and we shall unite with our breth- 24 MINUTES OF THE [1768. ren in tlie most vigorous methods to render the attempt abortive. Till danger appears it is best not to give an alarm ; it is wise not to awaken jealousy lest we feel its unliappy Committee meet at New Haven, Sept. 10th, 1767. J 1768. ElirMhethtrncn, New Jersey, Oct. 5, 1768. The Rev. General Convention of Delegates from the Associated Churches of Connecticut, and from the Synod of New York and Pliiladelphia, met according to adjournment. U. P. P. S. Kev'd William Tennent, sen'r, Wheeler Case, William Mills, John Eodgers, Thomas Lewis, Timothy Jones. Joseph Treat, James Caldwell, William Kirkpatrick, John Blair, Robert Smith, Joseph Montgomery. Richard Treat, Andrew Hunter, John Ewing, Solomon Mead, John Close, John Brainerd, Jacob Green. From Connecticut, Rev. Messrs. Elnathan Whitman. Eliphalet Williams, Nathaniel Whitaker, Mark Leavenworth, W^arham Williams, Enoch Hunt- ington, John Smalley, Joseph Bellamy, and Moses Mather. The Rev. Mr. Elnathan W^hitman was chosen Chairman, and the Rev. Messrs. Enoch Huntington and John Ewing were chosen Scribes. The Convention was opened by the Rev. INIr. Eliphalet Williams by a sermon from Psalm 122: the four last verses. Ordered that the ]Minutes of the la.st General Convention be read. A Minute of the General Association was brought in and read, which is as follows : — " At a General Association of the pastors of the Consociated Churches in the Colony of Connecticut convened by delegation at Coventry, June 21, 1768, . " Whereas some dispute arose in the last General Convention concerning the admission of members to vote in said Convention ; and whereas we under- stand that the Rev. Synod of New York and Philadelphia in order to put an end to that dispute for time to come, did at their last meeting agree that though any gentlemen who should think proper may ])e freely permitted to be prescntin Convention, yet none but the Delegates shall be allowed to vote : this Association heartily concurs with the above limitation, and more- over give it as our opinion and advice that none but the Delegates shall be admitted publicly to debate any ease before the Convention, unless partic- 1768.] GENERAL CONVENTION 25 ularly requested so to do. And it is further declared as the opinion and advice of this body, that it is not expedient for the future, that any of our Associations delegate more than two members to the General Convention. " Finally, we think it may be advisable that in a future General Conven- tion, nothing be an act of said Convention, considered as the voice of the united body, but what has the major vote of the respective members that shall be present, both from the Synod and from the Consociated Pastors in Connecticut." A letter from the Association of the Western District in the County of New London, giving reasons for their declining to send delegates, and moving that an annual correspondence by letters between the Synod of New York and Philadelphia and the General Association be substituted, instead of the Annual Convention, was brought in and read. After considering these affairs the Convention resolved to continue in their present form and acquiesce in the advices received from the General Association. Ordered, That the Rev. Messrs. Ewing, Smalley, and Blair be a Com- mittee to prepare a draught of a letter to the Deputies for managing the affairs of Dissenters in England, in order to open a correspondence with them ; and lay it before the Convention to-morrow morning. Adjourned till 8 o'clock to-morrow morning. Concluded with prayer. Oct. 6', 1768. 6fh dai/, at 8 o clock A. M., the Convention met. U. P. P. S. Q. S. Together with the Rev. Mr. Robert Ross, of Stratfield, in Connecticut. Ordered that the minutes of the last sed't be read. The Committee appointed last night to prepare a draught of a letter to the Dissenting Committee in England, brought in one, which, being read and corrected, was approved, and is as follows : — Gentlemen, The pastors of the Consociated Churches of Connecticut have agreed with the Synod of New York and Philadelphia to meet annually by Delegates in General Con- vention on tlie most catholic foundation ; to give information of the public state of our united interests ; to join our counsels and endeavoi-s together for spreading and preserving the religious liberties of our Churches ; to recommend, cultivate and pre- serve loyalty and allegiance to the King's Majesty, and to keep up a correspondence through this united body and with our friends abroad. This we have apprehended to he our duty, especially in our present circumstances, not only that we might strengthen our influence in suppressing and discouraging any measures that might be fallen upon by the people committed to our care ; that would be inconsistent with our character as peaceable and loyal subjects, or detrimental to the public peace and tranquillity, but also that we might as faithful otficers in the Church of Christ, watch over her rights and privileges to endeavor more effectually to prevent any attempts of any other denomination of Christians to oppress us. The late attempts of the Episcopalian Missionaries among us to introduce an American Episcopate have given a very general alarm to our Churches, who fled from the unmerciful rigor and persecution of Diocesan Bishops in our mother country to settle in an uncultivated wilderness ; the recollection of the cruelties and hardships which our fathers suflei'ed before this peaceful retreat was opened for us, fills our minds with an utter abhorrence of every species of ecclesiastical tyranny and pei-secution. And therefore we would guard with special care against admitting any just suspicion that we would suffer that to take place among ourselves which we so much condemn in othei-s. We oppose not, there- fore, the introduction of Diocesan Bishops into America from any apprehension that we have any exclusive privilege above others, or from any right we have to endeavor to prevent them from enjoying the same liberties with any other denomination of Christians in the Colonies. We oppose the scheme from very different motives and principles. Our fears would not be so much alarmed could any rational method be devised for sending over Bishops among us stripped of every degree of civil power, and confined in the exercise of their ecclesiastical function to their own societies : and could we have sufficient security that the British Parliament, that could send them 26 MINUTES OF THE [l768. over to us thus limited, to gain a peaceable settlement here, would never be induced by their complaints for the want of power to enlarge it at any future period. But it is very evident it is not that harudess and inoliensive IJislmp which is designed f^)r us, or the missionaries among us recjuest ; and therefore, we cannot but be apprehensive of danger from the jjroposed Episcojjate, however jjlausible the scheme may be repre- sented. We well know the jealousy of the Bishops in England concerning their own power and dignity, sutTeriug by the example of such a limited Bishop in America, and we also know the force of a British act of Parliament ; and have reason to dread the establishment of Bishop's courts among us. Should they claim the rights of hold- ing these courts, and of exercising the power belonging to their office, l)y the connuon law of England, [which is esteemed the birth-right of a British subject,] we could have no counterbalance to this enormous power in our Colonics where we have no nobility, or proper courts, to check tiie dangerous exerti(ms of their authority ; and where our governors and judges may be the needy dei)endents of a prime minister, and therefore afraid to disoblige a person who is sure of being supported by the whole Bench of Bishops in England; so that our civil liberties appear to us to be in inmii- nent danger from such an establishment. Besides, nothing seems to have such a direct tendency to weaken the de[)endence of the Colonies upon Great Britain and to separate them from her; an event which would be ruinous and destructive to both, and which we, therefore, pray God long to avert. And we have abundant reason to believe that such would be the jealousies and uneasiness of all other deuonunations of Christians among us tiuit we cannot but trendjle at the prospect of the dreadful con- sequences that could not be prevented from taking jdace upon the establishment of an American Episcopate. "We have so long tasted the sweets of civil and religious liberty, that we cannot be easily prevailed upon to submit to a yoke of bondage which neither we nor our fathers were able to bear. Besides all this we can assure you that the Episcojjal Provinces of Maryland and Virginia do not appear to desiie i>ishops among them ; it is only the recjuest of a few discontented missionaries in the Middle Colonies; the laity of their communion, [a few high flyers excepted,] dread the power of a Bishop's court as nuich as any other denomination, and have a high sense of liberty, civil and relif,aous. It, therefore, appears to us highly mireasonable to gratify these persons in a matter that is evidently dangerous to the rights and privileges of so many of his Majesty's most dutiful loyal subjects. These are some of the many reasons which we have for our opposition to the proposed Episcopate, and the views by which we are actuated in this matter. We have reason to believe from the best intelligence we can collect, both on your and our side of the Atlantic, that although the design of sending over Bishops to America mav be laid aside for the present, yet the Bishops in p:ngland have the matter much at heart, and are daily watching for a favorsible oi)i)ortunity of carrying it into execution, which is further "confirmed by the large appi-opriations of land and money both here and elsewhere, for the sujijiort of them in all their pomp and splendor. It therefore apjiears to us our duty to be constantly on our guard ; but as our distance from the throne and Parliament renders us unable to do any thing to prevent it, until it be too late, we are o>)liged to depend upon the interest and vigilence of our friends in Great Britain who are engaged in the same common cause with ourselves. Permit us, therefore, Gentlemen, to recpicst the favour of you to unite your vigilance and endeavors with ours: and to open and continue a correspondence with us; and to transmit to us from time to time the earliest intelligence you can get relative to this or anv other matter which vou mav judge either necessary or advantageous to us ; and direct vour letters to the Eev. Dr. Allison and Rev. Mr. Ewing in Philadelphia, to the Rev. Dr. Rodgers and Rev. Mr. Treat in New York, and to the Rev. Mr. M hit- man and Rev. ^Ir. AVelles in Connecticut. To the Dissenting Committee. ]\Ir. Kod.irers is roquestcd to transmit a copy of this letter to our Brethren in lihode Island, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire. Adjourned till 3 o'clock P. M. Concluded with prayer. 3 o clock P. M., the Convention met according to adjonnimciif, and P. P. S. Q. S. The Rev. Messrs. Ross. Welles, Whitman, Smalley, and James Lock- wood arc appointed a Committee in Connecticut to carry on epistolary correspondence with our friends in London, with our Brethren in Massa- chusetts, Rhode Island, New Hampshire, the Presbytery of Boston, etc.; the Rev. Messrs. Rodgers, Joseph Treat, and Caldwell a similar Com- 1770.] GENERAL CONVENTION 27 mittee in the Province of New York and the Jerseys, and the Rev. Dr. Allison, with the Rev. Messrs. Treat and Ewing, another Committee in Pennsylvania for the same purpose. Adjourned till Thursday, the 14th day of Sept. next, which will be in the year 1769, to meet at New Haven, Connecticut. Concluded with prayer. 1769. New Haven, Connecticut, Sejjt. IJ/., 1769. The Rev'd General Convention of Delegates from the Consociated Churches of Connecticut, and from the Synod of New York and Phila- delphia, met according to adjournment. l/bi post j^reces sed't. From the Churches in Connecticut, the Rev. Mr. Nathaniel Taylor, the Rev. Mr. Edward Dorr, the Rev. Mr. Joseph Perry, the Rev. Mr. Samuel Lockwood, the Rev. Mr. Elijah Lathrop, the Rev. Mr. Jedidiah 3Iills, the Rev. Mr. Noah Whetmore, the Rev. Mr. Benjamin Woodbridge, the Rev. Mr. Nicholas Street, the Rev. Mr. Jonathan Ingersol, the Rev. Mr. Samuel Sherwood. From the Synod of New York and Philadelphia, the Rev. Mr. Richard Ti'eat, the Rev. Mr. John Craighead, the Rev. Mr. James Sproat, the Rev. Mr. William Tennent, the Rev. Dr. Rodgers, the Rev. Mr. James Caldwell, the Rev. Mr. Solomon Mead. Dr. Rodgers opened the Convention by a sermon from Acts 11 : 24r. Mr. Richard Treat was chosen Chairman, and Mr. Dorr and Mr. Caldwell, Scribes. Voted, That the Rev. Dr. Rodgers, of New York, and the Rev. Noah Welles, of Stamford, be standing Registers, appointed by this Convention, to receive all papers belonging to them, and to transmit to all future Con- ventions the Minutes of the preceding ones. On looking over the Minutes of the last Convention, it appears that there was a letter agreed upon to be sent to the Committee of Dissentdrs in London, requesting their kind interposition in favour of these Churches, and this Convention, apprehending their letter has unhappily miscarried, desire the Rev. Dr. Rodgers to take a copy of the same and sign it as our Register, and transmit it to the Committee of Dissenters in London accord- ing to the desire of the last Convention. Voted, That the Rev. James Sproat be added to the Committee of corres- pondence in Philadelphia, and the Rev. Dr. Rodgers, and the Rev. Joseph Treat be a Committee in New York, that the Rev. Dr. Witherspoon, and the Rev. William Tennent be a Committee in New Jersey, and that the Rev. Messrs. Noah Welles and Moses Mather be a Committee in Connecti- cut, and that the Committee in Connecticut correspond with the ministers of Boston and New Hampshire ; the Committee at New York with the ministers of Rhode Island and South Carolina ; the Committee in New Jersey with the ministers of Scotland ; and the Committee at Philadelphia with the ministers in England and Ireland. Adjourned till the first Wednesday in October, at 11 o'clock, which will be in the year 1770, to meet at Elizabeth Town in New Jersey. Concluded with prayer. 1770. EUzahethtoivn, Oct. 3, 1770. The Rev. General Convention of Delegates from the Consociated Churches of Connecticut, and fi-om the Synod of New York and Philadelphia, met according to adjournment. Post preces sederunt. From Connecticut, the 28 MINUTES OF THE [1770. Rev. Messrs. Nathaniel Taylor, Noah Benedict, Stephen Hawley ; from the Synod, the Rev. Messrs. John Blair, Charles Beaty, Alexander McWhorter. James Caldwell, Azariah Horton. The General Convention was opened with a sermon by the Rev. Mr. Taylor, from Ezek. -AT : 9-11. The Rev.d Gent.n from Connecticut produced certificates testifying they were delegates by their respective Associations to be members of the General Convention. The Rev.d Gent.n from the Synod of New York and Philada. through the neglect of their clerk, on whom they depended for the certificate of their delegation, could not procure it, but the General Convention received satisfactory evidence that those whose names have been mentioned were delegated by the Synod. Mr. Taylor was chosen Chairman, and Mr. McWhorter and Mr. Hawley were chosen Scribes. Adjourned till to-morrow morning 9 o'clock. Con- cluded with prayer. Oct. 4, 1770. Oct. 4. Met according to adjournment. P. P. S. Q. S. The Rev. Mr. Robert Ross and the Rev. Mr. William Tennent. Jun., from Connecticut, and the Rev. Mr. John Ewing, Dr. Witherspoon. William Tennent, Sen'r, the Rev. Mr. Halsey, and the Rev. Mr. Beaty, from the Synod of New York and Philadelphia, are now come. Ordered that the Minutes of the last sederunt be read. Ordered that the Minutes of the last Convention be read. It was inquired whether Dr. Rodgers had complied with the appointment of the last General Convention at New Haven : to transmit a letter from them to the Committee of Dissenters in London. x\nd we are informed that he complied with the said appointment; and has in answer a letter from said Committee, signed by Thomas Cotton, Secretary, which was pro- duced and read, and is as follows, Eev.d Sir : " The favor of your letter, signed as Register, in the name and by order of the Reverend General Convention of Delegates from the Consociated C'lmrches of Con- necticut, and from the Synod of New York and Philadelphia, met at New Haven, 14th September, 1769, did not come to the hands of Jasper Mauduit, Escj. [Chairman of the Committee for managing civil affairs of the Dissenters] for upwards of nine months, and he having "summoned a meeting of the said Connnittee they took your letter into consideration, and have ordered me [who have the honor of being their Secretary] to accpiaint you that the Committee is fully sensible of the many civil and religious inconveniences that would arise from the introduction of Diocesan Bishops into America ; and therefore beg leave to a.ssure you of their most vigilant attention to oppose and frustrate any such design ; at the same time they have the pleasure of infonning y^^\\ that they have made the strictest in(|uiries, and are al)le from the very best authorities to assure you that tiiere is no such design on iooX, at ])resent : and that they hope government are so sensible of the confusion such a steji would make among our" American brethren, that however warmly some of our Bishops may wish for it, and express their desires in their sermons on public occasions, yet the Committee verily believe they will never be able to accomplish them. But that however as you and they are engaged in one connnon cause, the defence of civil and religious liberty, you may depend upon it, that if any attempts are made to revive this design, the Com- mittee will carefully watch and exert their utmost endeavors to prevent the carrying it into execution. I am. Sir, further directed by the Committee to acquaint you that they shall be very ready and willing to continue a correspondence with you, and from time to time to transmit to you the earliest intelligence they can get relative to this matter. And if hereafter you have occasion to conununicate anything to them, you will please to direct your lettei-s to Jasper Mauduit, Esq., in Hackney near London, or to Mr. Thomas Cotton, Attorney at Law, in Hackney. Signed in "the name and by the order of the said Committee, Thomas Cotton, Secretary. 1770.] GENERAL CONVENTION 29 4th August, 1770. I have sent letters of the same tenor and date to the Eev. Dr. Allison, and Mr. Wliiteman. A letter of same tenor and date from said Committee, was received by the Committee of the Greneral Convention in Philada. Mr. Beaty, Mr. Ewing, and Mr. Benedict are appointed a Committee to prepare an answer to the Committee of Dissenters in London, and bring it in, in the afternoon. After the General Convention had maturely con- sidered the expediency of having an agent in London, concluded that it was useful and important. And it is recommended to all the members of the General Convention, and in particular to Dr. Witherspoon, Dr. Rodgers, Mr. Welles, Mr. Ewing, Dr. Allison, and Mr. Beaty to endeavor to find out a proper person in London, for that purpose to propose to the next General Convention. The General Convention upon reading the Minutes are informed that the Committee in Connecticut, viz., Mr. Welles and Mr. Mather have wrote to the ministers in Boston and New Hampshire, but their answers, if there be any, are not come to hand. It being represented to the General Convention, that the design and im- portance of it are not understood by many ministers at a distance, by which means, it is not so extensive as it might be, and as is necessary to its greater usefulness ; wherefore the General Convention request the Rev. Dr. Witherspoon, as he is now on his journey to the eastward, that he take all proper opportunities to represent to our Brethren in the Massachusetts Bay, New Hampshire, and Rhode Island, the utility of the Convention, and the importance of their uniting with us. And it is ordered that he be furnished with a copy of the plan of the General Convention by the Scribes. Mr. Blair, Mr. Ross, Mr. Taylor, and Mr. Caldwell, are appointed by the General Convention, to wait upon the General Association of Con- necticut, which is to meet at Reading on the od Tuesday in June next — to converse with said Association and endeavor to impress upon them the utility of continuing the General Convention, and the importance of a punctual attendance upon it. And also Mr. Beaty and Mr. Hawley wait upon the Synod of New York and Philadelphia, [which is to meet at Phila- delphia, the third Tuesday of 3Iay next,] for the same purpose. And Dr. Bellamy and Mr. Trumbull, of North Haven, are requested to join these gentlemen for the same purpose. Adjourned to 3 o'clock, P. M. Con- cluded with prayer. 3 o'clock P. M. met according to adjournment. P. P. S. Q. S. Ordered that the Minutes of the last sederunt be read. The Committee appointed to prepare an answer to the Committee of Dissenters in London, accordingly brought in a draught of a letter, which being read, corrected, and approved, is as follows : Sir: Your favors of the 4th of August, 1770, in answer to oui-s of the 14th Sept. 1769, came safe to the hands of Dr. Allison and Dr. Rodgers, and were laid before the General Cxjnvention of Delegates from the Consociated Churches of Connecticut, and from the Synod of New York and Philadelphia. It gives us particular satisfaction to find you embarked in the same cause with us, and that you are so sensible of the many inconveniences that would attend the introduction of Diocesan Bishops into America as to engage your most vigilant attention to oppose and frustrate such a design. It is no less pleasing to us to be assured from so good authority that such a scheme is laid aside for the present. Yet we have sufficient reason to believe that the measure is so desirable to the Bishops in England and the Episcopal clergy with us that they will lose no oppoilunity of carrying it into execution, and therefore will privately as well as publicly countenance every measure and improve every advantage that has even a remote and distant tendency to subjugate the colonies to Episcopal domination, as this 30 MINUTES OF THE [1770. will easily pave the way for the destruction of our civil liberties. "We have but too much reason to know "tliat Diocesan liishops with their inferior clergy have always been the tools of arbitrary power, and ready to fall in with and promote the views of a minister of state, however delrinieiUal they may be to other denominations of Christians. In this point of light we view the Society for Projiagating the Gospel in Foreign Parts, in procuring grants of land vested in them for the purpose of support- ing the Episcopal clergy in the townships laid out in New Hampshire of late years although few or no Episcopalians reside in them, and in granting considerable salaries to missionaries in the most populous parts of our colonies, even where there are faith- ful ministers of other denominations settled and but a few families of their religious persuasion, while at the same time they are neglecting to supply great numbers of their clergy not only in Scotland but even in England. The reason is plain ; the form of church government is fixed in those places, but here they have hopes by their bounties to be able to form and tix the government to their own minds, and in time subject us to Episcopal jurisdiction. Their partiality also appears very flagrant in neglecting to send missionaries among the poor benighted Indians on our borders, although their money was partly designed for their relief, and the many distressed inhabitants on our frontiers who are perishing for want of knowledge, having few to break the bread of life among them. The peculiar care of the Episcopalians among ourselves where they have any influence, to fill all the places of power and trust in our various governments with those of their own denomination, or at least those who are in their interest, seems to us evidently calculated to promote their grand design, and therefore fills us with uneasy apprehensions. Upon the whole, these considera- tions make it evident to us that their views are not so much to promote Christianity as the establishment of Episcopal church government in the colonies, and therefore engage our constant watchfulness lest they should take advantage of our being off our guard to accomplish a design, which, however pleasing to them, will be attended with the most lamentable consequences to the interests of true religion and liberty among us. As we shall always look upon oui-selves greatly obliged by your continued corre- spondence, please todirect any intelligence or advice you may think proper to trans- mit to us, to the Rev. Dr. Allison in Philadelphia, Dr. John Rodgei-s in New York, and Mr. Whiteman in Hartford, Connecticut. Signed by order of the General Convention Nathaniel Taylor, Chairman Elizabethtown, October 3d, 1770. P. S. We also herewith send you an account of only one instance of Episcopal oppression in the colony of Georgia, which may show what we are to expect in case their wished for plan should be carried into execution, and that Mr. Zubly whose con- gregation has been thus treated, is a gentleman of an established reputation for learn- ing, prudence and piety. [-See Appendix, No. 2.*] Ordered, that the letter be transcribed and signed by the Chairman, and sent to Dr. Rodgers and a duplicate to Dr. Allison, to be transmitted to Jasper Mauduit, Esq., in Hackney, near London ; or to Mr. Thomas Cotton, attorney at Law in Hackney. Appointed that Mr. Halsey, Mr. Caldwell, and Mr. McWhorter, be a Committee, to write to gentlemen in Maryland, Virginia, Georgia, and the Carolinas, in order that they may obtain all the instances of Episcopal oppression in said Colonies they can, and prepare them to be laid before our next General Convention. Mr. Chairman, Mr. Ross, and Mr. Hubbard are desired to collect the instances of the lenity of their government with regard to the Episcopal Dissenters therein. And the Comiuittee in Connecticut, viz., Mr. Welles and Mr. jNLather, are desired to write to such ministers in the eastern governments, as they may think proper, to obtain instances of the same nature. Adjourned till the first Wednesday in Sept., at 10 o'clock, which will be in the year 1771, to meet at Norwalk. Concluded with prayer. * This record has not been found in the Appendix to the Minutes. 1771.] GENERAL CONVENTION 31 1771. Norwalk, Sept. 4, 1771. The Rev. the General Convention of the Delegates from the several Associations in Connecticut, and of the Rev. Synod of New York and Philadelphia, met according to adjournment. Ubi V. P. Sedt. : From the ■ Association of the Western District of Fairfield, the Rev. Mr. Moses Dickinson and the Rev. Mr. William Tennent ; from the Eastern District of Fairfield, the Rev. Mr. Robert Ross and the Rev. Mr. Nathaniel Bart- lett ; from the Association of Litchfield County, the Rev. Mr. Nathaniel Taylor and the Rev. Judah Champion ; from the North Association of Hartford County, the Rev. Mr. TheodoVe Hinsdale ; from the Association of New Haven County, the Rev. Mr. Elizur Goodrich and the Rev. Mr. Amos Fowler. From the Synod, the Rev.d Dr. Francis Allison, the Rev. Dr. John Rodgers, Rev. Mr. Joseph Montgomery, Rev. Mr. John Close, Rev. Mr. Jedediah Chapman, Rev. Mr. John Woodhull, Rev. Mr. Charles Beaty, Rev. Mr. James Sproat, Rev. Mr. James Caldwell, Rev. Mr. Solomon Mead, Rev. Mr. William Mills. The Convention was opened with a sermon by the Rev. Mr. Joseph Montgomery, from Ps. 2. (J. The Rev. Dr. Rodgers was chosen Chairman. The Rev. 3Iessrs. Caldwell and Champion were chosen Scribes. Dr. Allison reports, that he had received a letter from Mr. Thomas Cotton, Secretary to the Committee of Dissenters in London, in answer to the letter sent by the Convention last year, which is not present, but that the substance of it was, — that the Committee did not know of any par- ticular attempts making on their side of the water to introduce an American Episcopate, at present ; they would however carefully observe the motions of the friends of that scheme, and they desired us to do the same on this side, and communicate to them whatever attempts are making here. The appointment of an agent in London, which was referred from the last Convention, was now considered, and after mature deliberation it was unanimously determined for the present not to appoint an agent, but to continue our correspondence with the Committee of Dissenters as before. And Dr. Allison and Mr. Dickinson are desired to bring in the draught of a letter to the said Committee. Adjourned till to-morrow morning, 8 o'clock. Concluded with prayer. SejJt. 5, 1771. 5th day : 8 o'clock, the Convention met according to adjournment. P. P. S. Q. S. Also the Rev. Mr. John Brainerd and the Rev. Mr. Jere- miah Halsey from the Synod of New York and Philadelphia are now come. Ordered to read the minutes of the last sederunt. It is now reported to this Convention that Dr. Witherspoon complied with the appointment of last year in representing to the ministers in Boston the necessity of extending this Convention, but we are not yet fully informed what success he met with. Mr. Ross and Mr. Taylor report that they waited upon the General Association, agreeable to the appointment of last year, and were favorably received. Mr. Beaty also fulfilled his appointment to the Synod, and was also received in like manner. Mr. Welles, one of the standing Registers for this Convention is desired to lay the Minutes of the several meetings of this General Convention 32 MINUTES OF THE [l77l. before the General Association of this Colony of Connecticut at their next meeting, and afterward from year to year, if desired. The Committee appointed last year to collect instances of oppression or lenity with respect to religious denominations in the several governments, appear to have taken considerable pains to answer the ends of their appointment, and related many instances and facts to this purpose. But as the good intention of the Convention in this affair is not yet completed, and inasmuch as it would be of great advantage to this Convention, and the common interest of mankind to be acquainted with the religious con- stitutions of the several governments on this continent — we do appoint for that purpose, for the colony of Nova Scotia, the Ilev. Dr. Allison ; for the colony of New Hampshire, the R*ev. Mr. William Tennent, of Norwalk ; for the colony of Massachusetts, the Rev. Mr. Noah Welles ; for the colony of Rhode Island, the Rev. 31r. Robert Ross ; for the colony of Connecticut, the Rev. Mr. Elizur Goodrich ; for the province of New York, the Rev. Dr. Rodgers ; for the province of New Jersey, the Rev. Mr. John Erainerd ; for the pi-ovince of Pennsylvania, the Rev. Mr. James Sproat ; for the government of New Castle and province of ^laryland, the Rev. ^Ir. Joseph Montgomery; for the dominion of Virginia, the Rev. ^Ir. James Caldwell^ for the province of North Carolina, the Rev. Mr. Jeremiah llalsey ; for the province of Georgia, the Rev. Mr. Alexander jNIcWhorter: who are desired respectively to obtain the Charters, Laws, and Statutes of those Colonies, and to extract from them whatever respects ecclesiastical affairs ; also the usages and customs of those Colonies, by which the religious liberties of any denomination have been, or now are, either enlarged or abridged, and lay the result of their inquiry before our next Convention. And the Rev. Mr. John Maltby, of South Carolina, who is present i.s desired to collect materials agreeable to the above resolution, from the Charter, Laws, and usages of that province, and transmit the same to Dr. Allison in Philadelphia, by him to be prepared for, and laid before the next Convention. Dr. Allison brought in the draught of a letter to the Committee of Dis- senters in London, which being read, was approved, and the Chairman is desired to sign two copies, of which he is to send one and Dr. Allison the other, to Jasper Mauduit, Esq., near London. The letter is as follows : Norwalk, in Connecticut, 5 Sept., 1771. " Sir We are informed that a letter in answer to ours of the 3d of Oct. 1770, liy favor of Mr. Cotton, came to Dr. Allison, who entrusted tlie oarc of it to a person wliu lia.s neglected to lav it before this Convention, and that you therein jjromised to liave a watchfid care of our liberties, and to fjive us timely notice if attempts were still con- tinued to establish Diocesan Episcopacy in the Colonies; and as you desired us to give you the earliest intelligence of any attempts that might be made in the Colonies for this piu-pose, with thesincerest gratitude we acknowledge your friendship, and beg leave to inform von that we are still greatly alarmed. The whole Bench of Bishops, and many bigots with you are constanllytiezed by our missionaries to procure an American Episcopate. The late Arch-Bisho]> Seeker, if we remember right, promised that if any province petitioned for a Bishoj), it would be granted; and great pains liave been taken to engage the cleryv in Virginia and Maryland to ]ietition for this favour. That some of tlie clertrv in'Virginia formed petitions for a Bishop, and that four out of twelve that were cimvened at that time jirotested against the measure, nuist be facts now well known in London, as the del)ates on this subject among the Kiiiscopal clergv them- selves run high, and are printed in the public papers in Williamsburgh and riiiladel- phia;* two of the protestors are professors in the College of William and Mary,t » Philadelphia Gazette, August 8. 1771. t These professors were the Rev. Messrs. Gwatkin and Henly. Tliey hotli jirotested against au American Episcopate in the Ecclesiastical Convention of Virginia in 1771, 1771.] GENERAL CONVENTION 33 and the house of Burgesses m that colony, nemine contrndlcenfe, publicly voted their thanks to the protesters for making this seasonable stand for liberty. What the issue of this affair may be in the province is hard to determine, but we are informed that Mr. Horrax, a clergyman, is sent to England with these petitions, and the people of the colony are greatly alarmed lest he be sent back to them as their Bishop. The petitioning clergy affirm in the course of their public debates with their brethren, that all opposition among the Dissenters has ceased, and that the people of New England, of all others are now most anxious to have a BLshop established among them, than whicli assertion nothing can be more false, unless they mean by the people of New England, the missionaries and a few of their warm adherents. So far from this, that from the best information we can collect, the colonies of Massachusetts and Connecticut have given instructions to their agents to oppose an American Episcopate, the certainty of which you may easily learn. A petition was likewise presented by eight of the clergy of Maryland to their Governor, requesting his interest, both in England and his own colony for establishing an Episcopate ; and they inform hLs Excellency that they have prepared petitions for the throne, the Arch-Bishop of Canterbury, Lord Baltimore, and the Bishop of London for the same purpose. The petition to the Governor is something extraordinary ; a copy of which we will send you, and copies of the other petitions, if we can procure them. The Governor refused to admit the petition as an act of the whole clergy of Maryland, and told them that as an American Episcopate must be attended with many and very important consequences he would lay it before the House of Representatives, which greatly mortified them, as they had mentioned that body in it with some dis- respect. A circular letter was sent by the petitio)iei-s to the other clergy of the prov- ince to obtain their permission to put their names to the petitions to be sent to Eng- land, which was obtained from a great number without knowing all that was in the petitions ; but ten of them laid a remonstrance before the Governor complaining of this conduct. But notwithstanding that neither the Governor nor Assembly have given their approbation, it is said the petitions are sent home. From this account you may clearly see the great industry of these gentlemen, and much more we have reason to suspect is done by them, in the other provinces, which has not so fully come to our knowledge ; but from a disagreement among themselves, what we now write you has become matter of public notoriety. We now stand in need, if ever, of the assistance of all our friends to use their utmost skill and interest to avert this impending blow that so surely threatens our civil and religious liberties, and which if not prevented, must again inflame all our colonies, that have so lately regained the blessings of peace. We would by no means be understood as if we would endeavor to prevent an American Bishop or Arch-Bishop or Patriarch, or whatever else they would see fit to send, provided other denominations could be safe from their severity and encroach- ments; but this we think impossible: for no act of Parliament can secure us from the tyranny of their jurisdiction, as an act of Parliament may, and no doubt will be repealed at the importunate solicitations of the Bishops and othei-s, nor can we have any security against being obliged, in time, to support their dignity, and to pay taxes to relieve the Society in paying their missionaries ; and the Governors of our several colonies must either be submissive in all things to their will and pleasure, or be harassed and persecuted with continual complaints to all in power on your side of the water. In a word, we think Ecclesiastics vested with such powers dangerous to our civil and religious liberties ; and it seems highly probable that it will in time break that strong connection which now happily subsists between Great Britain and her colonies, who are never like to shake off their dependence on the mother country until they have Bishops established among them. As we shall always acknowledge that we are under the greatest obligations to you for your friendship in this important afiair, and earnestly desire the continuance of your correspondence, please direct any intelligence you may think proper to trans- mit to us, to the Rev. Dr. Francis Allison in Philadelphia, or to the Rev. Dr. John Rodgers in New York, or to the Rev. Mr. Elnathan Whiteman, Connecticut. Signed in the name and by order of the General Convention, by John Rodgers, Chairman. P. S. — We have with pleasure observed that some of our friends on your side of the water have made some just remarks, in the London Chronicle, on the Bishop of and afterwards the former published a pamphlet with the same view, under the follow- ing title: ' A Letter to the Clergy of New York and Philadelphia, occasioned by an Address to the Episcopalians in Virginia. By the Rev. Thomas Gwatkin, Professor of Mathematics and Natural Philosophy in William and Mary College, Williamsburgh, 1772, pp. 28.' — Miller's Memoirs of the Rev. John Rodgers, D. D. 3 34 MINUTES OF THE [177-. Oxford's .sermon before the Society last February. Tliey liiylily merit tlie thanks of the American cohinies, and as we esteem oui'selves indebted to your friendship for this favor we beg you will be pleased to present our thanks to the pereon or pei-sons that did so much justice to our cause. To Ja-sper Mauduit, Esq., Chairman of the Dissenting C'onunittee — to be com- municated." Adjourned to meet at Elizubetbtown, the hist Wednesday but one in September, 1772, at 3 o'clock in the afternoon. Concluded with prayer. EUzahethtowti,Sept. 23, 1772. The G-eneral Convention met according to adjournment. II. P. P., present from Coniuicticut, tlie Rev. Messrs. Noah Welles, Samuel Clark. Cotton Mather Smith, Noah Williston, Thomas "\V. Rray, Hezekiah Kipley. Asahel Hart, Ebenezer Baldwin ; from the Synod of New York and Phila- delphia, the Kev. Mr. Josei)h Montgomery, Rev. Mr. William Foster, Rev. Mr. James Sproat, Rev. 3Ir. John Brainerd, Rev. Mr. AVilliam Tennent, Rev. l)octr. Allison, Rev. Doctr. Witherspoon Rev. 3Ir. John Ewing. Rev. Mr. Jeremiah Ilalsey. Rev. Doctr. Rodgers, Rev. Mr. Alexander McWhorter, Rev. Mr. James Caldwell, Rev. Mr. Joseph Treat, Rev. Mr. William jMills, Rev. Mr. John Close. Mr. Clark opened the Convention with a sermon, from 2 Cor. 4. 1. The Rev. Mr. Cotton Mather Smith was chosen Chairman, and ]Mr. Ewing and Mr. Baldwin were chosen Scribes. The Rev. Mr. Welles informed the Convention, that agreeable to the instructions of the last session, he sent to the General Association of the colony of Connecticut, the Records of this General Convention, which was well approved by the General Association, who also desired that the pro- ceedings of this Convention be from year to year laid before them. Dr. Allison produced the letter from the Deputation of the Dissenters in England, which was referred to in the Minutes of the last sessions ; which letter is ordered to be recorded in the Appendix to the Minutes of the Con- vention. [The letter is as follows:] Kev. Sir: — Your favor to our Secretary, IMr. Cotton, dated October lOtli last, he produced and i-ead to our Committee who refei'red to us to give an answer thereto. AVc V)eg you will depend upon it that the Connnittee will ever carefully watcli against any attempts that may be made to intr(i(bice Diocesan IJishops into Ameriia. We are sensible indeed the Society for rr(>i)agating the (rospel in Foreign Farts and the Episcopal clergy are very desirous of it, but at the same time, are fully persuaded that adminis- tration have no such intention at present, and that no steps relating thereto have been taken by them since our last. If any petition for that jMU-jiose should !)e agitated in your or in any other of the colonies, we desire you will endeavor to counterw(nk it. and if such a one should come over here, the Connnittee will be sure to oppose it. With regard to the atliiir yon desired our thoughts of, as to your having an agent liere, it is the o)Mnion of tlie Connnittee that a pro])er jierson <]ualilied to be your agent in the manner s])cciHed in yom- letter, would be wvy ditiicult to lie foimd ; and if such a one could bo found, would not answer your end, as he would not have the weight with administration as this Committee wouhl ; for whatever he might at any time say, they would look u])on him as an agent for the colonies and imder their influence, whereas no such bias could be imputed to this Connnittee. We hope you will lest assured that we will always exert ourselves for your benefit, in defence of your religious liberties: And are, Kev. Sir, Your most Innnble servants, Richard Cooke, Edward Hunt, Jasper Mauduit Robert Lewin Jas. Bay French Wm. Bowdcn The Rev. Dr. Allison Thomas Lucas January 22, 1771. 1772.] GENERAL CONVENTION 35 Dr. Allison laid before the Convention another letter from the Committee of Deputation of Dissenters in England, in answer to the letter of this Convention, dated Sept. 5, 1771, to Jasper Mauduit, Esq., which is as follows : Eev. Sirs, Your letter of the 15th of Nov. last, directed to our late worthy Chairman, Jasper Mauduit, Esq., now deceased, and therein enclosing one from the General Couventiou, dated 5t]i of Sept. hist, was delivered to our Secretary Mr. Cotton ; who laid it before our Committee, and they have referred it to us to return you an answer thereto, which we embrace the first opportunity of doing. We are not ignorant, and are sorry that you have any reason to be alanned from the restlessness of the missionaries and their bigoted adherents, but hope you will depend upon the constant attention of our Committee to your interest to prevent, as much as in us lies, a Bishop from being sent over to you. And we do verily believe, that if Mr. Horrax comes over with such a view, he will go over without his errand, for we can with pleasure inform you, that since the receipt of your last, we have again made the strictest inquiry, and are able from undoubted authority to assure you, that though petitions have been presented, yet we do not believe they will meet with any success ; that however the Bishops and clergy may labor the point, the persons in power do not seem to be at all for it at present, and we hope never will. And we must remind you, that in our last we desired you, if you found any petitions were handed about to be signed, you would send over counter petitions, signed by as many respectable persons as you could, which we think you should do as soon as possi- ble, that they may be made use of, if needful. And we beg you would rest assured of our continued endeavors to oppose the carrying such a design into execution. We have sent a letter, to the same purport as this, to the Rev. Dr. Kodgers, that they may be communicated by you or him, to the General Convention. And whenever you are ■disposed to correspond with us, be pleased to direct your letters to our present Chair- man, Thomas Lucas, Esq., at Gray's Hospital, London. We are, with great esteem. Rev. Sir, your most obedient servants, 1st March, 1772. Thomas Lucas Wm. Bowden Jas. Bogle French Robert Maitland Richard Cooke Benjamin Bond, Jr. E. Lewin Edward Httnt Dr. Allison produced extracts from the laws of Nova Scotia, relative to religious liberty, agreeable to the order of the last Convention. Mr. Welles also laid before the Convention similar extracts from the laws of the Province of Massachusetts Bay. The Scribes with the Rev. Mr. Halsey, are appointed to prepare a draught of a letter to the Committee of Deputation of the Dissenters in London, and to bring it in to-morrow morning. Adjourned to 8 o'clock to-morrow morning. Concluded with prayer. Sept. 24: 8 o'clock, met according to adjournment; post preces sederunt ■qui supra, except Dr. Witherspoon. The Minutes of the last sederunt were read. Dr. Rodgers then produced extracts from the laws of New York ; Mr. Brainerd from the laws of New Jersey ; Mr. Sproat from the laws of Pennsylvania ; and Mr. Caldwell from the laws of Virginia, respecting religious liberty, all which were read. x\s the Convention have not received any extracts from the Charters, laws, etc., of the province of New Hampshire, the colonies of Rhode Island and Connecticut, the provinces of North and South Carolina, Maryland and G-eorgia, the gentlemen appointed for that purpose the last sessions are still desired to prosecute that business, excepting that by reason of Mr. Tennent's removal, Mr. Baldwin is appointed for New Hampshire, and by reason of the death of Mr. Maltby, Mr. Halsey is desired to make extracts for South Carolina. As it is apprehended that the accounts of the state of religious liberty in the various colonies, may be made more complete, if longer time was allowed to the ministers who have drawn them up, it is therefore 36 MINUTES OF THE [l772. agreed, that they review, and make such alterations and additions as they shall judge necessary to answer the design of this Convention, and have them in readiness fur their inspection at their next sessions. And it is par- ticularly recommended to them, to ascertain the number of the inhabitants in each of the colonies, with tlie proportion of the Episcopalians to the Non-Episcopalians. The draught of a letter to the Committee of Dissenters in England was read, and after amendments, was approved by the Convention and is as follows : Gentlemen : — Your letter of 1st March last, directed to the Eev. Dr. Francis Allison, [a dupli- cate of which was also directed to the Rev. Dr. Rodgei-s,] was oomnnmicated by him to the General Convention, now sitting at P>lizabethtown, New Jersey. The assiu'ances you give us that the Kiiiscopalians are not likely to succeed for the present, in their applications for an American Episcopate, aflbrd us great satisfaction. We shall depend upon the constant attention of your Committee, to prevent as far as lies in your power, the establisliment of Diocesan Episcopacy among us; and we shall always acknowledge with gratitude, your zeal for the cause of religious liberty on this extensive continent. We have abundant reason to believe, that the bigoted P^jusco- palians on this side the water, have by no means dropt the jn-oject, but will ever be restless in their attempts to accomplish their purpose, till they either obtain their design, or repeated disajipointments oljlige them to abandon it : thougli it has not come to our knowledge, that anything new of this kind has been attempted in America the year past. In your last you advise that if any petitions should be handed about to be signed, we should send over counter petitions, by as many respectable persons as we can, which you think ought to be done as soon as possible. But the late rejection and mis- carriage of their petition to the throne, [of which we have lately been assured,] happily relieves us from the necessity of this measure for the jnesent. We must beg leave to suggest to you that we cannot but tliink tliat if the numbers of the Non-Episco- palians in the several colonies on this continent, and their vast superiority to the Epis- copalians in this resjjcct were better known in (ireat Ihitain, than perha])s they now are, it might be of very considerable service to the cause of religious liberty among us. We are sorry that it is not in our power to state this matter accurately at present ; but we determine as s(jon as possible, to furnish oui-selves with such materials as shall enable us to do it witli sufficient exactness, which we hope to accomplisli bv our next Convention, and we shall take care to comnnmicate to you the result of our inquiries; from which you will easily see what credit is to be given to the magnified accounts the missionaries frequently send home of the numbers of their adherents. And we cannot but tiiink it would be greatly advantageous to the common cause, to hold u}) to the view of the pulilic oui' numliers and importance as often as there shall be a convenient opportunity. If the intelligence we propose to send you should be communicated to the public through the channel of some of your newspapers or magazines, which circulate farthest through the kingdom, we presume it might give more just ideas of the true state of thingsOn this continent, that it is jn-obable many at present have. You have writers of abilities among you, and we cannot doubt their ivadiness to serve so important a cause as that of religious liberty. If some of ihem would undertake to lay this matter before the public on your side of the water, they will merit t)ur gr.iteful acknowledgments, and we sl\all take care to furnish them with materials that may be depended upon. Please to direct your letter to "the Kev. Dr. F. Allison, in Philadelphia, or the Rev. Dr. John Rodgers in New York. Signed in the name and by order of the General Convention Cotton Mathek Smith, Chairmfin. Mr. Welles is desired to obtain intelligence concerning the number of the Episcopalians and Non-Episcopalians in the province of Nova Scotia. Adjourned to meet at Fairfield, in Connecticut, on the first Wednesday in 8ept. 1778, at 11 o'clock in the forenoon. Concluded with prayer. 1773.] GENERAL CONVENTION 37 1773. [^Stamford, Sept. i, 1773.'] The General Convention of Delegates from the Rev. Associations in Connecticut, and from the Rev. Synod of New York and Philadelphia, met according to the time of adjournment, Sept. 1, 1773, at Stamford it being found inconvenient to meet at Fairfield, as appointed. Post preces sederunt, from the Synod of New York and Philadelphia, the Rev. Dr. John Witherspoon, Dr. John Rodgers, Messrs. Elihu Spencer, Alexander McWhorter, James Caldwell, Benjamin Halt, John Close, Icha- bod Lewis, Jeremiah Halsey, Samuel Mills. From Connecticut, the Rev. Messrs. Moses Dickinson, Jonathan Lee, Cotton Mather Smith, Samuel Lockwood, Robert Robbins, Robert Ross, Nathaniel Bartlett Elizur Good- rich, William Russel, Joseph Strong, and Noah Welles. Dr. Witherspoon opened the General Convention with a sermon, from 2 Cor. 4. 1.3. Dr. Witherspoon was chosen Chairman, and Mr. Russel and Mr. McWhor- ter, Scribes. The Registers reported that the proceedings of last year's General Con- vention at Elizabethtown, were laid before the General Association of Con- necticut, and before the Synod of New York and Philadelphia, and were well accepted. Dr. Rodgers and the two Scribes are appointed a Committee to prepare a draught of a letter to the Committee of Deputation of Dissenters in England, to be brought in next sederunt. Proceeded to inquire of the gentlemen appointed to make extracts from the Charters, Laws, &c., of the several colonies respecting the state of religious liberty in them, and finding some progress is made in this matter, it is ordered that these extracts be laid before the General Convention to-morrow morning. Adjourned to 8 o'clock to-morrow morning. Concluded with prayer. Sept. 2, 1773. Sept. 2, 1773 : 8 o'clock A. M. P. P. S. Q. S. Ordered that the Minutes of the last sederunt be read. Messrs. James Cogswell and Joseph Huntington, of Connecticut are now come. According to the agreement of last year, that the gentlemen who had made extracts from the Charters, &c., should review them, render them more complete, and ascertain the proportion of Episcopalians to Non-Epis- copalians, Dr. Rodgers laid before us extracts from the laws of the province of New York ; Mr. Goodrich from the laws of Connecticut ; Mr. Welles from the laws of Massachusetts Bay — and with respect to the number of Episcopalians in proportion to Non-Episcopalians, Mr. Welles, who was appointed to this matter in Nova Scotia, has not been able to accomplish it, and requests that some other gentleman be appointed to this business in his room : accordingly Mr. Huntington is desired to obtain an account of this matter, and lay it before the next General Convention. Mr. Baldwin, who was appointed to make the extracts from the laws of New Hampshire, has not yet accomplished it, but proposes to do it, and therefore his appointment is continued, and he is requested to lay his extracts before our next Convention. Mr. Ross, who was appointed for Rhode Island, has not yet obtained proper materials for the history desired, wherefore his appointment is con- tinued. 38 MINUTES OF THE [l773. Mr. Sproat and ^Ir. ^lontgomery, who were appointed for the provinces of Pennsylvania and Maryland, not being here, we are not favored with the extracts, and their appointments are continued. Mr. Caldwell s appointment is continued to make additional extracts from Virginia. Mr. Halsey, who was appointed for North and South Carolina, has not yet accomplished it, and his appointment is continued with respect to North Carolina ; and the llev. Mr. William Tennent of Charlestown, being here present, is desired to make extracts from the laws of South Carolina, and give us an history of the progress and state of religious liberty in that colony, and send them to our next General Convention. Mr. Brainerd sent extracts which he had made fi'om the laws of the colony of New Jersey ; and Mr. Spencer is desired to complete that matter accord- ing to the design of the Convention. Mr. McWhortcr laid before us extracts from the laws of Georgia. Dr. Rodgers is re