V 
 
 JUL 19 1932 
 
 9> 
 
 THE V<V 
 
 €fyti®tim% ffip&mimv. 
 
 Vol. IV.] July and August, 1827. [No. IV. 
 
 against .1 riotous, licentious and profane use of the Lord's Supper, in which 
 the Corinthian-; had been guilty of excess, and even of intemperance. It be- 
 longs, therefore, to the Corinthian church, and to no other, until, indeed, 
 another shall he found which is guilty of the same Sacrilege.' pp. 11, 12. 
 
 We recommend these discourses as throwing much light upon 
 the sacred pages, and tending to the correction of many popular, 
 but mischievous errors. 
 
 HutcUtsettce. 
 
 Dr Beecher and Mr Benton's Convention on Revivals. — We 
 
 republish the following document without hope that it will afford 
 gratification to any of our readers. We should be sorry to be- 
 lieve it would. But though a most melancholy, it is a most in- 
 structive display of the state of religious character in a portion 
 of our community. On this account it deserves to be read at- 
 tentively. 
 
 In order fully to understand it, we must recollect that the Rev. 
 Mr Beman was a leader in those exhibitions of hypocrisy, pro- 
 faneness, and folly, which lately occurred in the western part of 
 New York, and were called a ' revival of religion.' Of these we 
 gave some account in our last number. Others interested in pro- 
 ducing ' revivals of religion,' were alarmed lest the indecencies 
 and wickedness displayed in these should bring odium upon the 
 whole system of proceedings which they were endeavouring to 
 organize. The Rev. Dr Beecher of this town wrote, in conse- 
 quence, the noted letter concerning the Rev. Mr Beman's revival, 
 which we presume most of our readers have seen. A schism, 
 accordingly, took place ; and the two parties met in the Conven- 
 tion, the account of whose proceedings we are about to copy. It 
 was called, as will be perceived, by the Rev. Dr Beecher and the 
 Rev. Mr Beman, conjointly. To one acquainted with the trans- 
 actions which previously occurred, it will be obvious that most of 
 the motions made were only concealed attacks of the two parties 
 upon each other. And all this was mixed up with ' seasons of 
 
358 Intelligence. — Revivals. 
 
 prayer,' ' interspersed with singing,' and preceded by a vote ! 
 ' that the brethren present should be requested to spend as much 
 of their time as may be convenient, in special prayer for the di- 
 vine blessing on the proceedings of this meeting.' The docu- 
 ment was first published in a newspaper called the New York 
 Observer, for August 4th. We retain the prefatory remarks of 
 the editor of that paper, which are every way worthy to intro- 
 duce it. 
 
 < IMPORTANT CONVENTION.' 
 
 ' It is generally known to the christian public, that a Conven- 
 tion of Presbyterian and Congregational ministers have been 
 several days in session at New Lebanon, to consult on certain 
 differences of opinion which were supposed to exist among them- 
 selves and their brethren, in respect to revivals of religion. Not 
 that any doubted the reality and unspeakable importance of these 
 refreshings, or had ceased to pray that they might become coex- 
 tensive with the earth ; for here, let the enemy know, there has 
 been, and is, a perfect unanimity. Indeed, it is on account of 
 this strong feeling in favor of revivals, that so tender an anxiety 
 has been awakened to preserve them from all extravagances. 
 
 1 When the project of such a Convention was first rumored, 
 there were many who prophesied evil rather than good from its 
 deliberations ; because, they said, it would be perfectly easy, by 
 inviting men of a particular stamp, to make its results just what 
 the projectors might please. Concerning this we remark, in the 
 first place, that no such partiality appears to have been observed 
 in selecting the members, — and secondly, that though this were 
 the case, still the meeting would have accomplished one import- 
 ant good, by showing to the public what are the real sentiments 
 of this and that man, this and that party, if such they may be 
 called, on the points in dispute. But we trust other benefits will 
 result from the measure ; and that the spirit of christian tender- 
 ness and supplication, which seems to have pervaded the meet- 
 ing, will be diffused through all our congregations, allaying every 
 improper excitement, and preparing them for new blessings from 
 
 the overflowing Fountain of Mercy.' 
 
 < New Lebanon, July 18, 1827. 
 
 ' At a Convention of Ministers of the Gospel, assembled at the 
 house of Mr Betts, by letters of invitation from Mr Beman and 
 Dr Beecher, Rev. Heman Humphrey, D. D. was chosen Moder- 
 ator ; and Rev. William R. Weeks and Rev. Henry Smith, 
 Scribes. 
 
 ' The meeting was opened with prayer by the Moderator. 
 
 * After some conversation respecting the list of persons who had 
 been originally agreed upon to compose this meeting, voted to 
 have a recess, till half past two o'clock. 
 
 ' After recess, met and proceeded to business. 
 
Intelligence, — fit rivals. 359 
 
 ■B 
 
 'Of the brethren who were considered as duly invited, there 
 were present, Rev. Asahel S. Norton, 1). 1). of Clinton, V N . Ly- 
 man Beecher, D. D. Boston, Mass. Moses Gillet, Rome, N. ^ 
 Nathan IS. S. Beman. Troy, X. V. Duck ('. Lansing, I). I). Au- 
 burn, N. V. Neman Humphrey, D. D. Amherst College, Mass. 
 John L'rost, Whitesborough, N. Y. Asahel Nettleton, Connecti- 
 cut, William R. Weeks, Paris, N. Y. Justin Edwards, Andover, 
 Mass. Henry Smith, Camden, N. Y. and Charles G. Finney, 
 Oneida Co N. Y. Absent] Re?. David Porter, I), i). Catskill, N. 
 
 Y. Alvan Hyde, D. D. Lee, Mass. Samuel Tomb, Salem, N. 
 Y. Joel T. Benedict, Chatham, N. Y. Eliphalel Nott,D.D. Union 
 College, N. Y. Thomas McAuley, D. D. New fork, Gardiner 
 Spring, D. D. New York, James Patterson, Philadelphia, Henry 
 R. Weed, Alhany,N. Y. Samuel C. Aikin,Utica, N. Y. Thomas 
 II. Skinner, D. D. Philadelphia, and Edwin Dwight, Richmond, 
 Mass. 
 
 ' The Rev. Caleb J. Tenney, of Wethersfield, and the Rev. 
 Joel Hawes, of Hartford, Conn, being present by invitation from 
 Dr Beecher, the Rev. George W. Gale, of the Oneida Academy, 
 N. Y. being present by invitation from Mr Frost, and the Rev. 
 Silas Churchill, minister of the place, it was voted that they be in- 
 vited to take a seat as members of this Convention. 
 
 ' The Convention united in a season of prayer, interspersed 
 with singing. 
 
 ' Voted, that those of our brethren who are in the place, be re- 
 quested to spend as much of their time as may be convenient, in 
 special prayer for the divine blessing on the deliberations of this 
 meeting. 
 
 1 After the brethren who had called the meeting, had made an 
 exposition of its origin, it was moved and seconded, that we pro- 
 ceed to see in what respects there is an agreement between 
 brethren from different sections of the country, in regard to prin- 
 ciples and measures in conducting and promoting revivals of reli- 
 gion ; which motion was under discussion till seven o'clock, when 
 the Convention adjourned to meet tomorrow morning, at. eight 
 o'clock. Concluded with prayer. 
 
 ' Thursday Morning, July 19. — Met according to adjournment, 
 and opened with prayer. Present the same as yesterday, with the 
 addition of the Rev. Mr Aikin. 
 
 ' The minutes of yesterday were read. 
 
 1 The motion under discussion yesterday was taken up, and af- 
 ter further discussion, it was carried, fourteen voting in the af- 
 firmative, one in the negative, and two declining to vote, as fol- 
 lows : For the affirmative. Moms. Norton, Beecher, Churchill, 
 Gillet, Tenney, Lansing, Humphrey, Nettleton, Hawes, Weeks 
 Gale, Edwards, Smith, and Finney. For the Jiegatice, Mr Be- 
 man. Declined voting, Messrs. Frost and Aikin. 
 
360 Intelligence. — Revivals. 
 
 1 Mr Frost entered the following as his reason for declining 
 to vote ; " That he understood the object of the meeting to be, to 
 correct misapprehensions, and restore peace among brethren." 
 
 ' The Convention then proceeded to attend to the subject pro- 
 posed : and on motion of Mr Edwards, the following propositions 
 were agreed to : 
 
 1 " That revivals of true religion are the work of God's spirit, by 
 which, in a comparatively short period of time, many persons are 
 convinced of sin, and brought to the exercise of repentance to- 
 wards God and faith in our Lord Jesus Christ. 1 ' — Voted in the af- 
 firmative unanimously. 
 
 * " That the preservation and extension of true religion in our 
 land have been much promoted by these revivals." — Voted unani- 
 mously. 
 
 ' " That according to the bible, and the indications of Provi- 
 dence, greater and more glorious revivals are to be expected, 
 than have ever yet existed." — Voted unanimously. 
 
 ' " That, though revivals of religion are the work of God's 
 spirit, they are produced by means of divine truth and human in- 
 strumentality, and are liable to be advanced or hindered by mea- 
 sures which are adopted in conducting them. The idea that 
 God ordinarily works independently of human instrumentality, or 
 without any reference to the adaptation of means to ends, is un- 
 scriptural." — Voted unanimously. 
 
 1 " There may be some variety in the mode of conducting re- 
 vivals, according to local customs, and there may be relative im- 
 perfections attending them, which do not destroy the purity of the 
 work and its permanent and general good influence upon the 
 church and the world ; and in such cases, good men, while they 
 lament these imperfections, may rejoice in the revival as the work 
 of God." — Voted unanimously. 
 
 1 Recess till three o'clock. Then met, and resumed the consid- 
 eration of general principles. On motion of Mr Edwards the 
 following propositions were agreed to. 
 
 ' " There may be so much human infirmity, and indiscretion, 
 and wickedness of man, in conducting a revival of religion, as to 
 render the general evils which flow from this infirmity, indiscre- 
 tion, and wickedness of man, greater than the local and tempo- 
 rary advantages of the revival : that is, this infirmity, indiscre- 
 tion, and wickedness of man, may be the means of preventing 
 the conversion of more souls than may have been converted dur- 
 ing the revival." — Voted unanimously. 
 
 ' " In view of these considerations, we regard it as eminently 
 important, that there should be a general understanding among 
 ministers and churches, in respect to those things which are of a 
 dangerous tendency, and are not to be countenanced." — Voted 
 unanimously. 
 
Intelligence. — Revivals. 301 
 
 'Mr Edwards then introduced the following proposition: 
 
 '"In social meetings of men and women, for religious wor- 
 ship, females are not to pray."' 
 
 ' Alter Minic discussion, adjourned to meet tomorrow morning, 
 at eight o'clock. Concluded with prayer. 
 
 ' Friday, .In hi "JO. — Met according to adjournment, and open- 
 ed with prayer. 
 
 1 Present the same as yesterday. The minutes of yesterday 
 
 read. 
 4 The consideration of the proposition under discussion yester- 
 day, wa< resumed. After further discussion, united in a season 
 of prayer. Then attended further to the discussion of the •sub- 
 ject, till one o'clock, and adjourned to meet at half past two 
 o'clock. Concluded with prayer. 
 
 * Friday Afternoon, — Met according to adjournment, and 
 opened with prayer. 
 
 1 The consideration of the proposition which had been under 
 discussion, was resumed. 
 
 * It was moved by Mr Aikin,and seconded by Mr Finney, that 
 the further consideration of the proposition be postponed, till we 
 shall have gone into an inquiry into matters of fact 
 
 ' After some discussion, united in a season of prayer. 
 
 'After further discussion, Mr Aikin asked and obtained leave 
 to withdraw his motion for postponement, and it was withdrawn. 
 
 ' The Rev. Mr Weed appeared in Convention, and took his 
 seat as a member. 
 
 'After further discussion, the question was taken, and nine vot- 
 ed m favor of the proposition, and nine declined voting as follows: 
 For the proposition, Messrs Norton, Beecher, Tenney, Hum- 
 phrey, Nettleton, Hawes, Weeks, Weed, and Edwards. Declin- 
 ed voting) Messrs Churchill, Gillet, Beman, Lansing, Frost, Gale, 
 Aikin, Smith, and Finney. 
 
 ' It was moved by Mr Frost, and seconded by Mr Finney, that 
 the following question be answered, to wit: 
 
 ' " Is it right for a woman in any case to pray in the presence of 
 a man V 
 
 ' After some discussion, it was moved by Mr Edwards that the 
 further consideration of this question be indefinitely postponed. 
 The motion was seconded, and after some discussion, Mr Ed- 
 ward- asked and obtained leave to withdraw his motion, and it 
 was withdrawn. 
 
 ' It was moved by Mr Lansing, that the further consideration of 
 the question be postponed, for the purpose of introducing a sub- 
 stitute, which he read. The motion was seconded, and after 
 discussion, it was carried. 
 
 vol. iv. — no. i\ . 4G 
 
362 Intelligence. — Revivals. 
 
 ' Mr Lansing then introduced the following proposition, as a 
 substitute for the question of Mr Frost, to wit : 
 
 1 " There may be circumstances in which it may be proper for 
 a female to pray in the presence of men." 
 
 1 The motion was seconded, and after discussion, the question 
 was taken, and eight voted in favor of the proposition, and ten 
 declined voting, as follows: For the proposition, Messrs Church- 
 ill, Gillet, Beman, Lansing, Frost, Gale, Aikin, and Finney. 
 Declined voting, Messrs Norton, Beecher, Tenney, Humphrey, 
 Nettleton, Hawes, Weeks, Weed, Edwards, and Smith. 
 
 ' Adjourned to meet tomorrow morning, at eight o'clock. Con- 
 cluded with prayer. 
 
 1 Saturday, July 21. — Met according to adjournment, and open- 
 ed with prayer. Present the same as yesterday. The minutes 
 of yesterday were read. 
 
 ' Mr Edwards introduced the following proposition : 
 
 ' " It is improper for any person to appoint meetings in the 
 congregations of acknowledged ministers of Christ, or to intro- 
 duce any measures to promote or conduct revivals of religion, 
 without first having obtained the approbation of said ministers." 
 
 1 The motion was seconded, and after considerable discussion, 
 the question was taken, and thirteen voted in favor of the propo- 
 sition, and five declined voting, as follows : For the proposition, 
 Messrs Norton, Beecher, Churchill, Tenney, Humphrey, Nettle- 
 ton, Hawes, Weeks, Weed, Gale, Edwards, Smith, and Finney. 
 Declined voting, Messrs Gillet, Beman, Lansing, Frost, and 
 Aikin. 
 
 ' Those who declined voting, entered the following as their 
 reason, to wit : " That there may be some cases, where the elders 
 or members of a minister's own church may appoint and conduct 
 prayer meetings, without having consulted the minister or obtain- 
 ed his approbation ; but, in no case ought such elders or mem- 
 bers to appoint or conduct such meetings contrary to the will of 
 the pastor ; and these meetings ought to be occasional, and not 
 stated." 
 
 * Mr Edwards introduced the following proposition : 
 
 1 " Those meetings for social religious worship, in which all 
 speak according to their own inclinations, are improper; and all 
 meetings for religious worship ought to be under the presiding 
 influence of some person or persons." 
 
 ' The motion was seconded, and after discussion, it was voted 
 unanimously in the aflirmitivc. 
 
 ' Mr Edwards introduced the following proposition : 
 
 1 " The calling of persons by name in prayer ought to be care- 
 fully avoided." 
 
 ' The motion was seconded, and after some discussion, it was 
 moved and seconded that it be so amended as to read as follows : 
 
intelligence, — Revival*. 
 
 " The calling of persons by name in social circles tor prayer 
 
 ought to be carefully avoided." This amendment did not pre- 
 vail. 
 
 • Mr Edwards moved that the proposition be so amended as to 
 read as follows : 
 
 ' •" The calling of persons by name in social prayer ought to bo 
 carefully avoided." 
 
 'The motion was seconded, and the amendment prevailed. 
 
 'Mr Lansing then moved that tin- proposition be so amended 
 
 as to read as follows : 
 
 •• The calling of persons by name in public prayer ought to 
 be carefully avoided." 
 
 1 The motion was seconded, and after some discussion, the 
 question was put by lifting the hands, and nine were counted in 
 favor of the amendment, and eight against it; upon which the 
 .Moderator declared it not a vote, being understood to vote against 
 it. It was questioned whether it was usual for the Moderator to 
 vote in such cases; upon which he declined voting, and declar- 
 ed the amendment carried. 
 
 ' After some remarks, it was moved, that it is the sense of this 
 body that the Moderator has a right to vote, in all cases before 
 us, as any other member. The motion was seconded and carried. 
 
 'It was then agreed to take the question on Mr Lansing's 
 amendment over again, by ayes and noes, when the amendment 
 prevailed, tin voting in the affirmative, seven in the negative, and 
 mi, declining to vote, as follows: For the affirmative, Messrs 
 Churchill, Gillet, Beman, Lansing, Frost, Weed, Gale, Aikin, 
 Smith, and Finney. /%/• the negative, Messrs Norton, Beecher, 
 Tenney, Ncttlcton, Hawes, Weeks, and Edwards. Declined 
 voting, Mr Humphrey. 
 
 'The question was then taken on the proposition, as amended, 
 and all voted in favor of it, except that .Mr Edwards declined 
 voting, and Mr Nettleton was absent. 
 
 'Mr Edwards again introduced the following proposition : 
 
 ' " The calling of persons by name in social prayer ought to be 
 Carefully avoided."' 
 
 'The motion was seconded, and the question being taken, 
 eight voted in favor of the proposition, and nine declined voting, 
 as follows : For the proposition, Messrs Norton, Beecher, Ten- 
 ney, Humphrey, Hawes, Weeks, Weed, and Edwards'. Declin- 
 ed voting, Messrs Churchill, Gillet, Beman, Lansing, Frost, Gale, 
 Aikin, Smith, and Finney. Ali<<nt, .Mr Nettleton. 
 
 • Mr Beman introduced the following proposition : 
 
 '"The calling of persons by name in prayer may take plao in 
 small social circle-.' 
 
364 Intelligence. — Revivals. 
 
 1 The motion was seconded, and after some discussion, it was 
 moved and seconded that the proposition be so amended as to 
 read as follows : 
 
 1 " The calling of persons by name in prayer may take place 
 in small social circles ; but in all cases ought to be practised 
 with great caution and tenderness." 
 
 ' The amendment prevailed. 
 
 ' After further discussion of the proposition as amended, ad- 
 journed to meet on Monday next, at ten o'clock in the forenoon. 
 Concluded with prayer. 
 
 1 Monday, July 23. — Met according to adjournment, and open- 
 ed with prayer. Present the same as before. 
 
 * The minutes of last week were read and corrected. 
 
 * The proposition under discussion on Saturday was taken up. 
 After further discussion, Mr Beman asked and obtained leave 
 to withdraw it, and it was withdrawn. 
 
 ' Mr Edwards introduced the following proposition : 
 ' " Audible groaning, violent gestures, and boisterous tones, in 
 prayer, are improper." 
 
 * The motion was seconded, and after some discussion, Dr 
 Beecher moved an amendment, inserting the words " and unusu- 
 al postures," which motion was seconded, and the amendment 
 prevailed. After further discussion, those words were struck 
 out. 
 
 ' Adjourned to meet at half past two o'clock. Concluded with 
 prayer. 
 
 ' Monday Afternoon. — Met according to adjournment, and 
 opened with prayer. 
 
 ' After further discussion, Mr Lansing moved to amend the 
 proposition, so that it read as follows : 
 
 ' " Audible groaning in prayer is improper." 
 
 * The motion was seconded, and after some discussion, Mr 
 Beman moved the postponement of the motion under considera- 
 tion, for the purpose of introducing a substitute, which he read. 
 The motion was seconded, and carried. 
 
 ' Mr Lansing then proposed the substitute offered by Mr Be- 
 man, as follows : 
 
 1 "Audible groaning in prayer, is, in all ordinary cases, to be 
 discouraged ; and violent gestures, and boisterous tones, in the 
 same exercise, are improper." 
 
 ' The motion was seconded, and the question being taken, 
 fourteen voted in favor of the proposition, and three declined vot- 
 ing, as follows: For the proposition, Messrs Beecher, Churchill, 
 Gillet, Beman, Tenney, Lansing, Humphrey, Frost, Weed, Gale, 
 Aikin, Edwards, Smith, and Finney. Declined voting, Messrs 
 Norton, Hawes, and Weeks. Absent, Mr Nettleton. 
 
 ' Mr Edwards introduced the following proposition : 
 
Intelligi nrr. — Revivals. 365 
 
 ■£J 
 
 '"Speaking against ministers <>i* the Lord Jesua Clirist, in 
 regular Btanding, as cold, stupid, or dead, as unconverted, or 
 enemies to revivals of religion, is improper." 
 
 • The motion was seconded, and alter some remarks, Mr He- 
 man moved to amend the proposition, so that it read as follows: 
 
 '"Speaking against ministers of the Lord Jesus Christ, in 
 regular Btanding, as cold, stupid, or dead, as unconverted, or 
 enemies to re\ nals, as heretics, or enthusiasts, or disorganizers, 
 
 as deranged or mad, is improper." 
 
 4 The motion was seconded, and tin 1 amendment prevailed. 
 
 " Mr Edwards then moved to strike out all the epithets, so that 
 it read as follows : 
 
 ' " Speaking against ministers of the Lord Jesus Clirist, in 
 regular standing, is improper." 
 
 ' The motion was seconded, and after discussion, it was lost. 
 
 ' The question was then taken on the proposition as amended, 
 and all voted in favor of it, except that Mr Edwards declined vot- 
 ing, and Mr Nettleton was absent 
 
 1 Mr Edwards introduced the following proposition : 
 
 '" To receive persons as converted, merely on the ground of 
 their own judgment, without opportunity for examination, and 
 time to afford evidence of real conversion, is improper." 
 
 1 The motion was seconded; and after discussion, the mover 
 asked and obtained leave to withdraw the same, and it was with- 
 drawn. 
 
 ' Mr Lansing introduced the following proposition : 
 
 ' " The writing of letters to individuals in the congregations of 
 acknowledged ministers, complaining of measures supposed to 
 have been employed in revivals of religion, being calculated to 
 impair the confidence of the members of such congregations in 
 their ministers, and to encourage the wicked to oppose, ought to 
 be carefully avoided." 
 
 ' The motion was seconded, and after some discussion, the 
 mover asked leave to withdraw the proposition for the present,. 
 with the understanding that it shall come up hereafter. Leave 
 was granted accordingly, and it was withdrawn. 
 
 1 Adjourned to meet tomorrow morning, at eight o'clock. 
 Concluded with prayer. 
 
 ' Tuesday, July 24. — Met according to adjournment, and open- 
 ed with prayer. 
 
 ' Present the same as yesterday, except Mr Nettleton. The 
 minutes of yesterday were read. 
 
 'Mr Edwards introduced the following proposition : 
 
 1 " The existence in the churches of evangelists, in such num- 
 bers as to constitute an influence in the community, separate 
 from that of the settled pastors, and the introduction, by evange- 
 lists, of measures, without cousulting the pastors, or contrary to 
 
3GG Intelligence. — Revivals. 
 
 their judgment and wishes, by an excitement of popular feeling 
 which may seem to render acquiescence unavoidable, is to be 
 carefully guarded against, as an evil which is calculated, or at 
 least liable, to destroy the institution of a settled ministry, and 
 fill the churches with confusion and disorder." 
 
 1 The motion was seconded, and after some discussion, the 
 Convention united in a season of prayer. 
 
 1 After further discussion, the question was taken, and all voted 
 in favor of the proposition, except Mr Churchill, who was absent. 
 
 ' Mr Edwards introduced the following proposition : 
 
 ' " Language adapted to irritate, on account of its manifest 
 personality, such as describing the character, designating the 
 place, or any thing which will point out an individual or individ- 
 uals before the assembly, as the subjects of invidious remark, is, 
 in public prayer and preaching, to be avoided." 
 
 ' The motion was seconded, and after some discussion, Mr 
 Lansing moved to amend the proposition, by striking out the 
 words, "on account of its manifest personality, such as," which 
 motion was seconded, and after discussion, was lost. 
 
 ' After further discussion, the question was taken and twelve 
 voted in favor of the proposition, and five declined voting, as fol- 
 lows : For the proposition, Messrs Norton, Beecher, Churchill, 
 Gillet, Tenney, Humphrey, Frost, Hawes, Weeks, Weed, Ed- 
 wards, and Smith. Declined voting, Messrs Beman, Lansing, 
 Gale, Aikin, and Finney. 
 
 ' Messrs Lansing and Aikin entered the following, as their rea- 
 son ; " The undersigned do decline voting on the foregoing par- 
 ticular, not because they do not most unequivocally condemn 
 such personality in preaching as makes an invidious exposure of 
 individuals, but because they suppose that the article in question 
 may be liable to such construction, as to lead many to say, that 
 such characteristic preaching is condemned by this Convention, 
 as is adapted to make sinners suppose that their individual case 
 is intended. D. C. Lansing, & C. Aikin. 
 
 * On motion of Mr Edwards, the following propositions were 
 agreed to : 
 
 ' " All irreverent familiarity with God, such as men use to- 
 wards their equals, or which would not be proper for an affec- 
 tionate child to use towards a worthy parent, is to be avoided." — 
 Voted unanimously. 
 
 ' " From the temporary success of uneducated and ardent 
 young men, to make invidious comparisons between them and 
 settled pastors ; to depreciate the value of education, or introduce 
 young men as preachers without the usual qualifications, is in- 
 correct and unsafe." — Voted unanimously. 
 
 " To state things which are not true, or not supported by evi- 
 dence, for the purpose of awakening sinners, or to represent 
 
Intelligence. — /»< rivals. 361 
 
 'G 
 
 their condition a> more hopeless than it really is, is wrong." — 
 Voted unanimously. 
 
 , ' " Unkindnesa and disrespect to superiors in age' or station, is 
 to be carefully avoided." — Voted unanimously. 
 
 • •■ In promoting and conducting revivals of religion, it is un- 
 safe, and of dangerous tendency, to connive at acknowledged 
 errors, through fear that enemies will take advantage from our 
 
 attempt to correct them.'" — Voted unanimously. 
 
 • •■ The immediate success of any measure, without regard to 
 its scriptural character, or its future and permanent consequen- 
 
 does not justify that measure, or prove it to be right." — Vot- 
 ed unanimously. 
 
 " Great care should be taken to discriminate between holy and 
 
 unholy affections, and to exhibit with clearness the scriptural evi- 
 dences of tine religion." — Voted unanimously. 
 
 ' "No measures are to be adopted in promoting and conduct- 
 ing revivals of religion, which those, who adopt them are unwill- 
 ing to have published, or which are not proper to be published to 
 
 the world.*' — Voted unanimously. 
 
 ' Adjourned to meet at half past two o'clock. Concluded with 
 prayer. 
 
 • Tuesday Afternoon. — .Met according to adjournment, and 
 opened with prayer. The minutes of the morning were read. 
 
 • Mr Beman introduced the following proposition, to wit: 
 
 ' "As human instrumentality must be employed in promoting 
 revivals of religion, some things undesirable may be expected to 
 accompany them ; and as these things are often proclaimed abroad 
 and magnified, great caution should be exercised in listening to 
 unfavorable reports." 
 
 'The question being taken, eleven voted in favor of the pro- 
 position, and six declined voting, as follows : For the proposition, 
 Messrs Churchill, Gillet, Beman, Lansing, Humphrey, Frost, 
 llawes, Gale, Aikin, Smith, and Finney. Declined voting, 
 Messrs Norton, Beeeher, Tenney, Weeks, Weed, and Edwards. 
 
 'Those who declined voting, entered the following as their 
 reason, to wit : " As the above does not appear to us to be, in the 
 course of Divine Providence, called for, we therefore decline to 
 act." 
 
 • Mr Beman introduced the following proposition, to wit : 
 
 '" Although revivals of religion may be so improperly conducted, 
 i be attended with disastrous consequences to the church and 
 the souls of men : yet, it is also true, that the best conducted re- 
 vivals are liable to be stigmatized and opposed by lukewarm pro- 
 fessors and the enemies of evangelical truth." 
 
 ' The question being taken, eleven voted in favor of the propo- 
 sition, and six declined voting, as follows : For the proposition, 
 Messrs Churchill, Gillet, Beman, Lansing, Humphrey, Frost, 
 
3G8 Intelligence. — Revivals. 
 
 Hawes, Gale, Aikin, Smith, and Finney. Declined voting, 
 Messrs Norton, Beecher, Tenney, Weeks, Weed, and Edwards. 
 
 ' Those who declined voting, entered the following as their rea- 
 son, to wit : " As the above does not appear to us to be, in the 
 course of Divine Providence, called for, we therefore decline to 
 act." 
 
 * Mr Beman introduced the following proposition, to wit : 
 
 * " Attempts to remedy evils existing in revivals of religion, 
 may, through the infirmity and indiscretion and wickedness of 
 man, do more injury, and ruin more souls, than those evils which 
 such attempts are intended to correct." 
 
 ' The question being taken, nine voted in favor of the proposi- 
 tion, and eight declined voting, as follows : For the proposition, 
 Messrs Churchill, Gillet, Beman, Lansing, Frost, Gale, Aikin, 
 Smith, and Finney. Declined voting, Messrs. Norton, Beecher, 
 Tenney, Humphrey, Hawes, Weeks, Weed, and Edwards. 
 
 ' Those who declined voting, entered the following as their 
 reason, to wit : " As the above does not appear to us to be, in the 
 course of Divine Providence, called for, we therefore decline to 
 act." 
 
 ' Mr Beman introduced the following proposition, to wit : 
 
 ' " In public meetings for religious worship, composed of men 
 and women, females are not to pray." 
 
 . ' The question being taken, nine voted in favor of the proposi- 
 tion, and eight declined voting, as follows : For the proposition, 
 Messrs Churchill, Gillet, Beman, Lansing, Frost, Gale, Aikin, 
 Smith, and Finney. Declined voting, Messrs Norton, Beecher, 
 Tenney, Humphrey, Hawes, Weeks, Weed, and Edwards. 
 
 ' Those who declined voting, entered the following as their 
 reason, to wit : " As we have expressed our views on this subject 
 in a previous proposition, we therefore decline to act." 
 
 ' Mr. Lansing introduced the following proposition, to wit : 
 
 1 " The writing of letters to individuals in the congregations of 
 acknowledged ministers, or circulating letters which have been 
 written by others, complaining of measures which may have been 
 employed in revivals of religion ; or visiting the congregations of 
 such ministers, and conferring with opposers, without conversing 
 with the ministers of such places, aud speaking against measures 
 which have been adopted ; or for ministers residing in the con- 
 gregations of settled pastors to pursue the same course ; thus 
 strengthening the hands of the wicked, and weakening the hands 
 of settled pastors, are breaches of christian charity, and ought 
 to be carefully avoided." 
 
 1 The question being taken, nine voted in favor of the proposi- 
 tion, and eight declined voting, as follows: For the proposition, 
 Messrs Churchill, Gillet, Beman, Lansing, Frost, Gale, Aikin, 
 
Intelligence, — Revivals. 3C0 
 
 Smith, and Finney. Declined voting, Messrs Norton, Beecher, 
 Tcnney, Humphrey, Hawes, Weeks, Weed, and Edwards. 
 1 Those who declined voting, entered the following as their 
 in, to H it : " As the above does not appear to us to be called 
 tor, and is, in our new, liable to great misapprehension and abuse, 
 and may n<>t be, in all respects, correct, we therefore decline to 
 act : there being cases when n is the duty of ministers of the gos- 
 pel freely to communicate, by letter or otherwise, with one ano- 
 ther, and with private Christians, n\u\ give notice of approach ing 
 danger ; to do which, they are bound by their office, and the im- 
 propriety of neglecting it is in proportion to the magnitude of the 
 interests involved." 
 
 ' .Mr Beman introduced the following proposition, to wit: 
 '"In preaching the gospel, language ought not to be employed 
 with the intention of irritating or giving offence ; but that preach- 
 ing is not the best adapted to do good and save souls, which the 
 hearer docs not perceive to be applicable to his own character." 
 
 * The question being taken, ten voted in favor of the proposi- 
 tion, and seven declined voting, as follows: For the proposition, 
 Messrs Churchill, Gillet, Beman, Lansing, Humphrey, Frost, 
 Gale, Aikin, Smith, and Finney. Declined voting, .Messrs Nor- 
 ton, Beecher, Tenney, Hawes, Weeks, Weed, and Edwards. 
 
 'Those who declined voting, entered the following as their 
 reason, to wit : " As the above does not appear to us to be, in 
 the course of Divine Providence, called for, we therefore decline 
 to act." 
 
 ' On motion of Mr Frost, the following propositions were 
 agreed to: 
 
 ' " Evening meetings continued to an unseasonable hour, ought 
 to be studiously avoided/' — Voted unanimously. 
 
 '"In accounts of revivals of religion, great care should be 
 taken thai they be not exaggerated." — Voted unanimously. 
 
 'The Convention united in a season of prayer, and then at- 
 tended to the reading of sundry documents, till half past six 
 o'clock, and had a recess till eight o'clock. 
 
 1 After recess, met, and had a season of tree conversation ; and 
 then adjourned to meet tomorrow morning at eight o'clock. Con- 
 cluded with prayer. 
 
 • Wednesday , July 25. Met according to adjournment, and 
 opened with prayer. Present the same number as before. The 
 minutes of yesterday were read. 
 
 ' Attended further to free conversation on the documents of 
 yesterday. 
 
 ' It was moved and seconded, that we proceed to the reading of 
 other documents, without further conversation on those which 
 have been read. 
 
 vol. iv. — no. i\ . 47 
 
370 Intelligence. — Theological School. 
 
 ' The Rev. Mr Benedict appeared in Convention, and took his 
 seat as a member. 
 
 1 After some discussion, united in a season of prayer. 
 
 * After further discussion, the question was put, and the mo- 
 tion was lost. 
 
 ' Attended further to free conversation on the documents of yes- 
 terday, till one o'clock, and then adjourned to meet at half past 
 two o'clock. Concluded with prayer. 
 
 1 Wednesday Afternoon. Met according to adjournment, and 
 opened with prayer. 
 
 ' Attended further to free conversation on the documents pre- 
 viously read, and to the reading of some others. 
 
 ' Recess till eight o'clock. 
 
 ' After recess, met, and attended to the reading of other docu- 
 ments. Adjourned to meet tomorrow morning at eight o'clock. 
 Concluded with prayer. 
 
 1 Thursday, July 26. Met according to adjournment, and 
 opened with prayer. Present the same as before. The minutes 
 of yesterday were read. 
 
 1 Attended further to the reading of documents. United in a 
 season of prayer. 
 
 1 Attended further to free conversation on the documents. Ad- 
 journed to meet at half past 2 o'clock. Concluded with prayer. 
 
 ' Thursday Afternoon. Met according to adjournment, and 
 opened with prayer. 
 
 ' Attended further to free conversation. 
 
 1 Recess till eight o'clock. 
 
 'After recess, met, and attended further to free conversation. 
 
 1 After which it was voted that the minutes of this Convention 
 be forwarded to the Editors of the New York Observer, for in- 
 sertion in their paper. 
 
 ' Voted, that the Rev. Mr Churchill express to the people of 
 New Lebanon our grateful sense of their kindness and hospitali- 
 ty, and our best wishes for their present and everlasting welfare. 
 'By order of the Convention, 
 
 ■ HEMAN HUMPHREY, Moderator. 
 <WM. R. WEEKS, Scribe: 
 
 Remarks enough suggest themselves after reading this docu- 
 ment. But we shall leave our readers to their own reflections. 
 There can be but one deep feeling of regret and even shame 
 among all enlightened Christians at the disgrace, which such 
 proceedings as we have here recorded, are adapted to bring on our 
 religion. 
 
 Theological School in Cambridge. — We have repeatedly within 
 the past year borne our testimony to the distinct and encouraging 
 signs of improvement exhibited in this institution. The annual