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 I THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY, | 
 I Princeton, N. J. <^-^ -^ 
 
 «^ 
 
 ^ Bequeathed by the Hon. E. BOUDINOT, LL.D. ^ 
 
 
 K5ir;C.u.os.>^-iL. 
 (Jfl.se f Division .. 
 
 f^Jicff^ Sec+ion 
 
 Jt(POh„ ,, 
 
 ^ No, ^. 
 
 
ACTS 
 
 AND 
 
 PROCEEDINGS 
 
 OF THE 
 
 GENERAL ASSEMBLY 
 
 OF THE 
 
 PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, 
 
 ^ntteU g)tate0 of amertca^ 
 
 IN THE YEAR 1801. 
 
 PHILADELPHIA : 
 
 PRINTED Br R. AITKEN, N^ aa. 
 Market Street. 
 
 180I. 
 
ACTS, &c. 
 
 May lift, 1 80 1. 
 
 1 HE General Affembly of the Prerbyterian Church in 
 the United States of America, met agreeably to appointment, in 
 the Firft Prefbyterian Church in the City of Philadelphia, at 1 1 
 o'clock A. M. and was opened with afermon by the Revd. Jofeph 
 Clark, the Moderator of the laft AfTcmbly, from Matt, xxviii. 18, 
 19, 20. v/«</ yesus came J and spake unto th^m, saying. All poiu- 
 er is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore and 
 ttach all nations,, baptizing them in the name of the Father^ and 
 of the Son^ and of the Holy Ghost ; Teaching them to observe all 
 thlngt ivhatsoevcr I have commanded you ; and lo, I am with you 
 nlivay even ,mlo the end of the ivorld. 
 
 After prayer the comm.iflions were read, when it appeared that 
 the following perfons were duly appointed commiflioners to this 
 Affembly, viz. 
 
 1. Of the Prcfbytery of Albany, the Revd. Dr. Jonathan Ed- 
 wards, the Revd. Peter Firti, and Mr. Ifaac Button, Elder. 
 
 2. Of the Prefhytery of Hudfon, the Revd. Nathan Kerr, and 
 Jonathan Freeman ; Elder, Dr. Jonathan Sweezy. 
 
 3. Of the Prefbytery of Long Ifland, the Rev. David S. Bor 
 gart, and Herman Dagget. 
 
 4. Of the Prefbytery of Nev York, the Revd. Dr. John 
 M* Knight,. Samuel Miller, Afa Hillyer,' and Amzi Armftrong; 
 Elders, Meflrs. Preferve Riggs, Ephraim Sayre, Benjamin Egr 
 bert, and John Bingham. 
 
 5. Of the Prefbytery of New Brunfwick, the Revd. Dr. John 
 Woodhull, Jofeph Clark, William Boyd, and Jofeph Rue ; El- 
 ders, Meflrs. John Bayard, Thomas Henderfon, David Bifhop, 
 and John Muirhead. 
 
 6. Of the Prefbytery of Philadelphia, the Revd. Nathanael 
 Irwin, James Boyd, Dr. Aflibel Green, and William Lattaj^ 
 
( 4 ) 
 
 Elders, Meflrs. Hugh Henry, Ebenezer Hazard, David Cloyd, 
 and Jofeph Brewfter. 
 
 7. Of the Prefbytery of New Caftle, the Revd. John E. Latta, 
 John Collins, and William Arthur ; Elders, Meflrs. Ebenezer 
 Rothwell, and George M*Ilwainc. 
 
 8. Of the Prefbytery of Carlifle, the Revd. Robert Cathcart, 
 Nathanael R. Snowden, John Linn, and Dr. Robert Cooper ; 
 Elder, Mr. Mofes Gilmore. 
 
 9. Of the Prefljytery of Lewis, the Revd. John B. Slemons ; 
 Elder, Mr. John Moore. 
 
 10. Of the Prefbytery of Baltimore, the Revd. Dr. Patrick 
 Allifon ; Elder, Mr. Andrew Jamefon. 
 
 11. Of the Prefbytery of Huntingdon, the Revd. John B. 
 Patterfon. 
 
 12. Of the Prefbytery of Winchefter, the Revd. Nafh Lc 
 Grand. 
 
 13. Of the Prefbytery of Redftone, the Revd. Jofeph Hender, 
 fon, and John Black. 
 
 14. Of the Prefbytery of Ohio, the Revd. John M'Millan, 
 John Brice, John Watfon, and William Wood. 
 
 15. Of the Prefbytery of Lexington, the Revd. Robert Lo- 
 gan. 
 
 16. Of the Prefbytery of Hanover, the Revd. Archibald 
 Alexander. 
 
 17. Of the firfl Prefbytery of South Carolina, the Revd. James 
 White Stevenfon. 
 
 The Revd. Samuel Blatchford, paftor of the church of Strat- 
 field, in the State of Connedicut, exhibited a certificate of his 
 appointment, as a delegate from the General AfTociation of Con- 
 necticut to this Aflembly ; which being read and approved, he 
 took his feat accordingly. 
 
 The AfTembly proceeded to the choice of a Moderator and 
 Clerks ; when the Revd. Nathanael Irwin was chofen Moderator, 
 and the Revd. Robert Cathcart and Samuel Miller were chofen 
 Clerks. 
 
 The Revd. Benjamin Grigfby of the Prefbytery of Lexington, 
 the Revd. Mofes Hoge, of the Prefbytery of Winchefter, and 
 Mr. William Montgomery, a ruling Elder of the Prefbytery of 
 Huntingdon, produced their commifTions rerpeflively as delegates 
 to this AfTembly ; which being read were approved, and they took 
 their feats accordingly. 
 
 The delegates appointed by the lafl AfTembly to attend the Ge- 
 neral AfTociation of the State of Connefticut, made their report, 
 which v/as read as follows, viz. 
 
( 5 ) 
 
 " The delegates from the General Aflembly to the General Af- 
 fociation of Connedicut,report,that they have attended according to 
 appointment through the whole courfe of the fefiions of the General 
 Aflbciation. That befidcs the bufmefs peculiar to the churches 
 of Connedicut, the General Aflbciation appointed a committee to 
 confer with a committee that may be appointed by the General 
 AiTembly, on meafures which may promote union among the in- 
 habitants of the new fettlements and the miffionaries to thofe fet- 
 tlements, as appears by the inclcfed paper. The General Aflbci- 
 ation alfo voted that inftrudtions be given by the truftees of the 
 Miflionary Society, to their niiflionaries, to avoid every thing that 
 may interupt peace in the new fettlements among thofe that are 
 attached to the prefbyterian and congregational forms of govern- 
 ment. 
 
 The Affociation eftablifhed the following regulations refpefting 
 the reception of foreign minifters into their churches : That faid 
 minifters fhall exhibit proper credentials of their good charader 
 and authority to preach the gofpel, before they are permitted to 
 preach in their pulpits — That they be examined as to their ortho- 
 doxy and literature, before they are introduced into vacancies — 
 That they fhall continue for a year under the care of one of their 
 Aflbciations, or fomebody in connexion with the General AfTocia- 
 lion, and then go through the ufual trials before they be inflalled 
 or ordained. 
 
 The General Affociation have appointed the Revd. Seth Willif- 
 ton as a Itatcd mifTionary, to be employed one half of his time at 
 Union, in the State of New York, and the other half as an itine- 
 rant preacher in the adjacent parts. 
 
 In confequence of an enquiry, very agreeble accounts were re- 
 ceived of the revival of religion in various parts of the State, and 
 of the general peace of the churches. 
 
 They appointed as delegates to the next General AfTembly, the 
 Revd. John Smally, Levi Hart, and Samuel Elatchford. 
 
 The next General Affociation is to meet at Litchfield, at the 
 houfe of the Revd. Daniel Huntington, on the third Tuefday of 
 June next, at 1 1 o'clock a. m. 
 
 Your delegates farther report, that they were received and treat- 
 ed with exceeding great cordiality and chriflian friendfhip, and that 
 the affociation expreffed high fatisfadtion with the connexion fub- 
 fifling between themfelves and the General Aflembly of the Pref- 
 byterian church, and believed that it would have a happy tenden- 
 
 to promote the intereft of the Redeemer's kingdom. 
 
 JONATHAN EDWARDS, 
 ASA HILLYER, 
 JONATHAN FREEMAN." 
 
( 6 ) 
 
 A communication was read from the General AfTociatbn of" 
 the State of Conne6ticut, appointing a committee to confer with 
 a committee of the Prelbyterian Church, to confider the mea- 
 fures proper to be adopted by the General Affociation and the Ge- 
 neral Affembly, for eftablifhing an uniform fyftem of church go- 
 vernment, between the inhabitants of th? new fettlenients who are 
 attached to the Prefbyterian form of government and thpfe who 
 prefer the congregational form. 
 
 Ordered that the faid commHnication lie on the table. 
 
 The Revd. Doftors Edwards, M* Knight and Woodhull, th,e 
 Rcvd. Mr. Blatchford and Mr. Hutton were appointed a com- 
 mittee, to confider and digefl: a plan of government for the churches 
 in the new fettlements, agreeably to the propofal of the General 
 Aflbciation of Connedicut, and report the fame as foon as con- 
 venient. 
 
 The report of the committee appointed to confider and digeft 
 a plan of government for the churches in the new fettlements, 
 was taken up and confidered, and a,fter mature deliberation on th,e 
 fame, approved, as follows: 
 
 " Regulations adopted by the General Affembly of the Prefby- 
 terian Church in America, and by the General AfTociation of the 
 State of Connedicut (provided faid Aflbciation agree to them) 
 with a view to prevent alienation and proipote union and harmony, 
 in thofe new fettlements which are compofed of inhabitants from 
 thefe bodies. 
 
 I ft. It is ftridly enjoined on all their miflionaries to the new fei- 
 tlemenis, to endeavour, by all proper mciins, to promote mutual 
 forbearance and accommodation, between thofe inhabitants of the 
 new fettlements who hold the prefbyterian and thofe who hold the 
 congregational form of church government. 
 
 ad. If in the new fettlements, any church of the congregation- 
 al order (hall fettle a minifter of the prelbyterian order, that 
 church may, if tliey choofe, ftill condud their difciphne accord- 
 ing to congregational principles, fettling their difficulties among 
 themfelves, or by a council mutually agreed upon for that purpofe: 
 But if any difficulty fhall exifl: between the minifter and the church 
 or any member of it, it fliall be referred to the Prefbytery to which 
 the minifter fhall belong, provided both parties agree to it, if not, 
 to a council confiding of an equal number of prefbyterians and 
 congregationalifts, agreed upon by both parties. 
 
 3d- If a prefbyterian church fhall fettle a minifter of congrega- 
 tional principles, that church may ftill condud their difcipline ac- 
 cording to prefbyterian principles, excepting that if a difficulty 
 ari^e between him and his church, or any member of it, the caufe 
 fhall be tried by the Aflipciation, to which the faid minifter fhall 
 
( 7 ) 
 
 belong, provided both parties agree to it, otherwife by a "coiincilj 
 one half congregationalifts and the other half prefbyterians, mutu- 
 ally agreed on by the parties. 
 
 4th. If any congregation confift partly of thofe who hold the 
 congregational form of difcipline and partly of thofe who hold the 
 prefbyterian form ; we recommend to both parties, that this be no 
 obftru(ftion, to their \initing in one church and fettling a minifter: 
 and that in this cafe, the church choofe a ftanding committee from 
 the communicants of faid church, whofe bufinefs it fhall be, to call 
 to account every member of the church, who fhall condud him- 
 felf inconfiftently with the laws of chriftianity, and to give judg- 
 ment on fuch condud: and if the perfon condemned by their judg- 
 ment, be a prefbyterian, he fhall have liberty, to appeal to the 
 Prefbytery; if a congregationalift, he fhall have liberty to appeal 
 to the body of the male communicants of the church; in the former 
 cafe the determination of the Prefbytery fhall be final, unlefs the 
 church confent to a further appeal to the Synod or to the General 
 AfTembly; and in the latter cafe, if the party condemned fhall 
 wifh for a trial by a mutual council, the caufe fhall be referred to 
 fuch council. And provided the faid ftanding committee of any 
 church, fhall depute one of themfelves to attend the Prefbytery, 
 he may have the fame right to fit and aft in the Prefbytery, as a 
 ruling elder of the Prefbytcrian Church. 
 
 On motion refblved, that an attefted copy of the above plan 
 be made by the ftated clerk, and put into the hands of the delegates 
 of this Afl*embly to the General Aflbciation, to be by them laid 
 before that body for their confideration, and that if it fhould be ap- 
 proved by them, it go into immedate operation. 
 
 The AfTembly proceeded to make choice of delegates from this 
 body, to the General Affociation of Connefticut to meet at 
 Litchfield, on the third Tuefday of January, when the Revd. 
 Doa. M'Knight, the Revd. Archibald Alexander and John B. 
 Linn, were duly chofcn, and the ftated clerk was direfted to 
 furnifh them with an attefted copy of this minute, which fhall be 
 their commiffion for attending on the duties of faid appointment. 
 
 A letter was read from the Revd. Ira Condit, Ptefident, and 
 the Revd. Ifaac Labagh and Wilhelmus Etinge, Clerks of the 
 General Synod of the reformed Dutch church, inclofing an ex- 
 tra<fl from the proceedings of that body refpefting the plan of in- 
 tercourfe and correfpondence between the General AfTembly, 
 the AfTociate reformed Synod, and the faid General Synod of the 
 Dutch church, in which faid Synod exprcfs a refolution not to con- 
 cur in the abovementioned plan. 
 
 The Prefbyteries of Winchefter, Hanover and Lexington, 
 agreeably to order reported their opinion, refpeding the conftitu- 
 
( 8 ) 
 
 tlonal alteration propofed by the AfTembly, which opinion was^ 
 that the faid alteration ought to be made. 
 
 The Prefbytery of Newcaftle reported as their opinion that the 
 faid alteration ought not to be made. 
 
 The Prelbyteries of New Brunfwick and Ohio reported, that^ 
 agreeably to order, they had drawn up hiftories of their relpediTC 
 Prefbyteries, which were produced and laid on the table. 
 
 Several other Prefbyteries reported that they had made confider- 
 able progrefs in compliance with faid order — 
 
 Ordered, That they proceed to compleat the fame as foon as 
 convenient ; and that all the Prefbyteries who have not attended 
 to faid order be careful to forward the hiftories which they were di-^ 
 refled to prepare, to the next General AfTembly. 
 
 On motion, refolvcd, That the Affembly will proceed on Wcd- 
 nefday morning next to enter into a full and free converfation on 
 the ftate of religion within their bounds. 
 
 The AfTembly entered into a free converfation on the ftate of 
 religion, when after having gone through the fame, Dr. Wood- 
 hull, Mr. M'Millan, and Mr. Archibald Alexander, were ap- 
 pointed a committee to draw up a general ftatement on this fubjecfb 
 — who, the following day made report, which was read and ap- 
 proved, and is as follows : 
 
 The AfTembly having heard a circumftantial narrative from al- 
 moft every one of its members, on the ftate of religion in his own 
 charge and in other places to which his obfervation had extendp'^* 
 are of opinion, that in general the caufe of religion has I'cen pro- 
 grefTive, and in feme places eminently fo. In Tome places infi- 
 delity does not afTume that bold and threatening afpe<5t which ife 
 did for fome years pa(t, but feems to be in fome meafure abafhed 
 and difpofed to retire into its former ftate of concealment. In 
 fome inftances avowed and inveterate enemies to chriftianity have 
 been remarkably converted, and have become to all appearance, 
 fincere and lively chriftians. 
 
 From many of their churches the General AfTembly have heard 
 the moft pleafing accounts of the ftate of vital piety. Revivals of 
 a more or lefs general nature, have taken place in many parts, 
 and multitudes have been added to the church. In the northera 
 and eaftern Prefbyteries, there appears in feveral congregations, a 
 ferious attention to the great things of religion ; and its interefts 
 appear evidently to be advancing. In feveral of their churchess 
 " times of refrefhing from the prefence of the Lord" have been 
 experienced. Sinners have been brought to repentance, and faints 
 have been comforted and edified. And thefc pleafing appear- 
 ances in fome inftances ftill continue. From the weft the AfTem- 
 bly have received intelligence of the moft interefting nature. On 
 
( 9 ) 
 
 the borders of Kentucky and T?nnefle, the influences of the Spi- 
 rit of God feem to have been manifefted in a very extradrdinary 
 manner. Many circumftances attending this work are unufual : 
 And though it is probable that fome irregularities njay have taken 
 place; yet, from the information which the AfTeinbly have received, 
 they cannot but exceedingly rejoice in the abundant evidence given 
 them that God has vifited that people, and pouied out his Spirit 
 remarkably upon them- 
 
 In the middle and fouthern Prefbyteries appearances are not fo 
 encouraging. For though in fome of their churches religion flou- 
 rifties, yet in many others, the wife and foolifh virgins are num- 
 bering together ; iniquity abounds and the love of many waxes 
 cold. Ignorance, vice and infidelity, do, in many parts of our 
 country, ftill prevail. 
 
 The new fettlements on our frontiers appear very defirous to have 
 the gofpel preached amongft them, and out miflionaries who have 
 »ifited them do not appear to have laboured without fuccefs. Good 
 impreffions have, not unfrequently, been made, and churches arc 
 rapidly forming, which will foon need fettled paftors. 
 
 The intelligence which the Aflembly have received from the 
 heathen tribes is very pleafing, viz. 
 
 That there is amongft them a willingnefs, yea an ardent defire, to 
 have the gofpel preached to them : their prejudices feem to be re- 
 ni®vpcjj and many important obftacles are furoiounted. Some of 
 their chief men have offered to commit their fons to Prefbyteries 
 and MifTionary Societies, in order that they may be inftrudled, not 
 only in the arts of civilized life, but alfo in the principles of the 
 chriftian religion. 
 
 The profped of the converfion of the Indians is now more flat- 
 tering than it has ever been before. The wildernefs already be- 
 gins to bud, and it is hoped will foon blofTom like the rofe. The 
 folitary cottage of the wandering favage will, the AfTembly truft, 
 be foon gladdened by the reception of tiie glorious Redeemer, with 
 whom there is no difference between the Jew and Greek, between 
 the barbarous and refined ; for he is the " Saviour of all men," 
 and the " propitiation not only for our fins, but for the fins of the 
 whole world." 
 
 The committee appointed to prepare a general flatement as the 
 refult of the reports made by the agent of the Aflembly for foli- 
 citing donations, made a report, which was read and approved as 
 follows: 
 
 " The committee appointed to draught a general flatement as the 
 refult of the reports of the agents tor foliciting donations, and 
 propofe the proper compenfation to be made to the agents employ- 
 ed in this bufinef»: 
 
 % B 
 
( !(# ) 
 
 REPORT-— 
 
 That they have examined the accounts of the agents, and dif- 
 cover no errors therein. 
 
 That the amount of fubfcriptions procured and reported, is, 
 
 Dh. Cts. D/s. Cts. 
 
 By Mr. Clark, 6869 47; whereof is uncollciStcd, 523 25 
 
 Dr. Green, 4124 70; Do. 1024 80 
 
 Dr. Tennent, 1476 iii; Do. 37 
 
 ,, ^ , 00 £ 1 whereof the whole 
 
 Mr. Cathcart, 1889 64; j j^^^ ^^^^ ^^jj^,^^^^ 
 
 Whole amount, 12,359 9^1 Uncolledled, 15 15 4 
 
 In addition to the above fum mentioned as being uncollefted, 
 Mr. Clark ftates that there are fereralfums (due from Springfield, 
 Weflfield, New Providence, Morriftown, Mendham, Allentov/n 
 and Boundbrook) which are uncolleded, but as there has been no 
 final fettlement of their fubfcriptions and he is not in pofleflion of 
 the lifts, the amount uncolledted from thofe churches cannot now 
 be afcertained. 
 
 The compenfations to your agents are to be deduced from the 
 fubfcriptions which have been colledted. In confidering thefe- 
 your committee took into their view the diftance travel''"/ ^Y the 
 agents refpedively, the nature of the country tlnuugn which they 
 travelled, whereby their labour would be encreafed, or otherwife, 
 the expence incident to diiFerent routs, and other circumftances; 
 and upon the whole, arc of opinion that the following allowances 
 ought to be made to the agents, m full for their time, fervices and 
 expences, viz. 
 
 DIs. Cts. Dh. Cts. 
 To Mr. Clark, ... 250 o 
 
 Mr. Cathcart, - - J50 o 
 
 Dedui^l: charged by him for his ex- 
 pences and dedu(5led from his account 
 of coUeflions, - - 65 63 
 
 Balance to be paid Mr. Cathcart. 84 37 
 
 To Dr. Tennent, - - 100 O 
 
 Deduft his expences being deduct- 
 ed by him from his account of colled- 
 ions, - - - 35 o 
 
 Balance to be paid Dr. Tennent. . (>$ ^ 
 
 To Dr. Green, - - - 5© ° 
 
( II ) 
 
 upon thefe principles the account will ftand as follows, viz. 
 Lr. The Tnijlees of the Affhmlly, Cr. 
 
 Dls. Cts. Dh. Cts. 
 
 To amount of compen-1 By amount of 1 ^ 
 
 fatiuns to the agents, J ^^ fubfcriptions, \ '^^^ ^ * 
 
 To amount of fubfcrip-1 „ By Ditto of'} 
 
 tioiis uncollededasabove, J ^ ^ ^ Springfield&c. J 
 Balance due the Truflees. 
 
 The committee would do injufHce both to the merits of the a- 
 gents, and their own feelings, were they not to add, that from the 
 accounts and reports laid before them, it appears evidently that 
 the gentlemen to whom the bufinefs of procuring fubfcriptions was 
 committed, have profecuted it with fuch commendable attention, 
 diligence and zeal as, befides the pecuniary allowance propofed, 
 juftly entitle them to a reward niore grateful to generous minds — 
 the thanks of this Affembly." 
 June I, i8ci. 
 
 The report of the committee to prepare a flatement from the a- 
 gents of the lafl: year and to fettle the compenfations of the fame, was 
 again taken up and reconfidered, two thirds of the Affembly a- 
 gieeing to it; when the farther fum of one hundred dollars was 
 added to the compenfation of Mr. Clark. 
 
 On motion, refolved. That the ftated Clerk and Treafurer of 
 the Affembly. with Mr. Hazard, be a committee to add to the 
 printed extradls fuch ftatements of the fubfcriptions lately received, 
 as the materials in their hands may enable them to make, and they 
 may judge proper. 
 
 A LIST OF SUBSCRIPTIONS 
 
 For gospeUzmg the Indians, and for other pious uses, proposed by 
 the General Assembly ; so far as rtturns have been received. 
 
 New York, 
 
 Newark, 
 
 Elizabethtown, 
 
 Orange Dale, 
 
 Connedticut Farms, 
 
 Springfield, 
 
 Weftfield, 
 
 New Providence, 
 
 Morriftown, 
 
 Carried over. , 3,75^ 87 
 
 Dolls. 
 
 Cts. 
 
 2276 
 
 87 
 
 642 
 
 31 
 
 316 
 
 60 
 
 123 
 
 
 114 
 
 74 
 
 140 
 
 60 
 
 68 
 
 75 
 
 27 
 
 
 105 
 
 
C 12 ) 
 
 Brought forward, 
 
 
 
 
 Dolls. 
 
 Cts. 
 
 Mendum, 
 
 130 
 
 
 Hanover, 
 
 17 
 
 15 
 
 South Hanorer, 
 
 IC9 
 
 H 
 
 Raway, 
 
 22 
 
 '"S 
 
 Wood bridge, 
 
 124 
 
 
 Metuchen, 
 
 200 
 
 
 Lamington, 
 
 s6i 
 
 50. 
 
 Bafkenridge, 
 
 «34 
 
 25 
 
 Boundbrook, 
 
 H5 
 
 s 
 
 New Brunfwick, 
 
 3*9 
 
 25 
 
 Kingfton, 
 
 132 
 
 50 
 
 Princeton, 
 
 287 
 
 90 
 
 Students of New Jcrfcy College, 
 
 151 
 
 
 Maidenhead, 
 
 75 
 
 25 
 
 Trenton, 
 
 230 
 
 75 
 
 Trenton ift Church, 
 
 70 
 
 20 
 
 Pennington, 
 
 III 
 
 
 Nottingham, 
 
 73 
 
 
 AUerjtown, 
 
 77 
 
 56 
 
 Cranberry, 
 
 HS 
 
 50 
 
 Freehold, 
 
 107 
 
 
 Shrewfbury, 
 
 49 
 
 53 
 
 Middletown Point, 
 
 41 
 
 50 
 
 Congiegations under the care of 1 
 the Revd. Dr. Tennent, J 
 
 
 
 104 
 
 50 
 
 Newton and Benfalem, 
 
 «4 
 
 4 
 
 Philadelphia, 
 
 
 
 J ft Prefbyterian Church, 200 ' 
 
 
 
 «d 1)0. Do. 1396 . 
 
 1896 
 
 
 3d Do. Do. 300. 
 
 
 
 Lancafter, 
 
 i6r 
 
 
 Donnegal, 
 
 34 
 
 50' 
 
 York and Hopewell, 
 
 114 
 
 25 
 
 C^lifle, 
 
 III 
 
 20 
 
 Sherman's Valley, 
 
 70 
 
 
 Upper Connecocheague 
 
 67 
 
 20 
 
 Marfh Creek, 
 
 65 
 
 
 Lower Do. 
 
 46 
 
 62 
 
 Big Spring, 
 
 41 
 
 50 
 
 Mon-ohan and Silver Spring, 
 
 43 
 
 
 oring. 
 
 42 
 
 50 
 
 pring. 
 
 37 
 
 80 
 
 rried over. 
 
 
 
 3'794 87 
 
 9,769 85 
 
( n 
 
 Brouoht forward, 
 
 
 9.769 S3 
 
 Dolls. 
 
 Cts. 
 
 Tufcarora, Sec, 
 
 21 
 
 
 Piny Creek, 
 
 »7 
 
 98 
 
 Harrifburgh, 
 
 16 
 
 50 
 
 Chamberfburgh, 
 
 J5 
 
 
 Lower Cannachochy, 
 
 5 
 
 
 Hanover, 
 
 10 
 
 
 Wilmington, (Del.) 
 
 
 
 li\ Prefbyterian Church, lOo' 
 2d Do. Do. 38. 
 
 138 
 
 
 New Caftle, 
 
 90 
 
 
 Chriftiana Bridge, 
 
 56 
 
 37 
 
 Ct George's, 
 
 ^'3 
 
 50 
 
 Pencader, 
 
 45 
 
 50 
 
 Sundry places, 
 
 28 
 
 
 Dover and its vicinity, 
 
 110 
 
 9 
 
 Kent and Suflex, 
 
 31 
 
 
 Somerfet and Do. 
 
 3^6 
 
 35 
 
 Somerfet, 
 
 ICI 
 
 62i 
 
 Worcefter, 
 
 231 
 
 18 
 
 St. George's Hundred, 
 
 20 
 
 
 Other places in Delaware, 
 
 8c 
 
 
 Baltimore City, 
 
 336 
 
 
 Annapolis, 
 
 109 
 
 75 
 
 City of Walhington, 
 
 109 
 
 6 
 
 Alexandria, 
 
 103 
 
 50 
 
 Frederick, 
 
 61 
 
 2S 
 
 Georgetown, 
 
 30 
 
 
 A Gentleman from Cape May, 
 
 4 
 
 66 
 
 A Gentleman of the Proteilanti 
 
 
 
 Epifcopal Church, in South > 
 
 ICO 
 
 
 Carolina, _ 1 
 
 
 
 Donations from fundry individuals. 
 
 100 
 
 
 
 
 t,590 9f 
 
 The committee appointed to enquire of the Treafurcr of the 
 General AfTembly what had been done with refpc<5t to certain co- 
 pies of the Confeflions of Faith ordered to be fent by him to the 
 frontier fettlements, reported, that it appears that faid books have 
 been difpofed of agreeably to order, viz. — 100 copies of the Con- 
 feffion of Faith, and 50 copies of the printed extrads of the Aflem- 
 bly's proceedings, were fent to James Hathaway, Efq. at Fort 
 Stanwix : The fame number of Confeflions and extradls to MeiTrs. 
 
( H ) 
 
 Evans and Gordon, at Geneva : 50 copies of the ConfeiHon of 
 Faith and 3c of the printed extrafts, to Dr. John Hopkins, at 
 Tioga Point: The fame number of each to Matthias HollenbcLck, 
 Efq. of Wilkefharre : and 40 copies of the extracts to the Licvd, 
 Mr. Ferine : That fonie of the faid copies have been received by 
 the perfons to whom they were fent, and it is wncertain whether 
 the others have been received or not. 
 
 The AfTembly refumed the confideration of the communication 
 from the Traftees of the General AfTerably, and having gone 
 thro'j.gn the fame, thereupon refolved, 
 
 :. That the monies obtained in confequence of the fyftem 
 adopted by the Aflemb'y of the lad year, for foliciting contribu- 
 tions for the fupport of million aries, and for other objeds fpecified 
 in their aft, and all fuch monies as may be hereafter received for 
 the fame objefis, (except the cuftomary annual colleiflions, which' 
 it is hoped will ftill continue to be made as ufual) be regarded as 
 a capital ftock, which fhall, at no time, be broken in upon or di- 
 miniihed ; and that it be veiled agreeably to a recommendation 
 herein after made, in fecure and permanent funds. 
 
 2. That the intereli: only ariling from the capital, together with 
 the annual colledlions, and other donations, made with the exprefs 
 fisfign of their being expended within the year, be employed in 
 iupporting miffionaries, in propagating thegofpel among the Indi- 
 ans, inftrufling the black people, and in purchafing pious books to 
 be diftributed among the poor, or in maintaining, when the Af- 
 fcmbly fhall think tiiemfelves competent to the objed. Theological 
 Schools, and for fuch other pious and benevolent purpof*^" '^'^ ^^Y 
 hereafter be deemed expedient. 
 
 3. That for farther augmenting the funds of the corporation, 
 a foundation for which is already fo happily laid, it is hereby ear- 
 refllv recommended to the feveral Prelb3ftt;rics under the care of 
 the AlTembly, except v/here agents are appointed by the Affembly, 
 to take effedual order, by appointing agents or otherwife as to 
 l!;eni fiiall feem moft expedient, for obtaining from all the congre- 
 <'ations within their bounds, whether vacant or fupplicd with paf- 
 tors, and as far as poffible from each perfon belonging to our com- 
 munion, as well as from perfons belonging to other denominations 
 who may be difpofed to favour the objedts conteniplated, (except 
 thofe who have already contributed) iuch voluntary contributions 
 as God may put into their hearts to make ; and of their fidelity 
 and fuccefs herein to render an account to the next General Af- 
 femb'y. And in addition to the arrangement here fpecified, this 
 Aifembly determine to appoint an agent or agents to folicit donati- 
 ons in places where the Order of our church is not fully eflablilhed, 
 (>: wh-rre tliere is a profoed of obtaining aid to funds appropriated 
 
( 15 ) 
 
 to objedls fo important to the interefts of religion and good morals, 
 as thofe to which the funds contemplated are deftined. And that 
 it be referred to the Synod of Virginia, and the Synod of the Ca- 
 rolinas, to confider whether it be moft advifeable that the miiTion- 
 ary bufinefs, as it has refped to the Synod of the Carolinas, and the 
 Synod of Virginia, be conduced in future in the manner in which 
 it has been for fome time paft, or whether it would not be more 
 advifeable that their funds fiiould be put into thofe of the General 
 AfTembly, and the millionary bufinefs in thofe parts wholly ma- 
 naged by them, and that the faid Synods report on this fubjeifl: to 
 the next AfTem.bly. 
 
 4. That, in order to encourage farther contributions for the pi- 
 ous ends heretofore mentioned, and to fatisfy the public mmd with 
 regard to the wife and faithful application of the monies already 
 obtained, the AfTembly will publiOi yearly, along with their print- 
 ed extra(5ts, a full and particular account of all the contributions 
 received, and of all appropriations made. 
 
 5. That there be made a purchafe of as many che-ip and pious 
 books as a due regard to the other objeds of the AfTembly's funds 
 will admit, with the view of diftributing them not only along the 
 frontiers of thefe States, but alfo among the poorer clafTes of peo- 
 ple, and the blacks, or wherever it is thought ufeful : which books 
 fhall be given away, or lent, at the difcretion of the diftributor ; 
 and tlittt there be received from Mr. Robert Aitken, towards the 
 difcharge of hlo debt, books to fuch amount as fhall appear pro- 
 per to the Truf}ees of the AfTembly, who are hereby requefled 
 to take proper meafures for the diftribution of the fame. 
 
 6. That the funds v/hich are at prefent in the hands of the cor- 
 poration be emploj'ed principally in encreafing the number of mif- 
 fionaries and extending the bleffings of the gofpel by their labours 
 through a greater fcope of country. 
 
 7. That in order to attain one important objed of the contribu- 
 tions (the inftrudion of the blacks,) Mr. John Chavis a black 
 man of prudence and piety, who has been educated and licenfed 
 to preach by the Prefbytery of Lexington in Virginia, be em- 
 ployed as a miiTionary among people of his own colour, until the 
 meeting of the next General AfTembly ; and that for his better 
 direcftion in the difcharge of duties which are attended with many 
 circumftances of delicacy and difficulty, fome prudential inOruc- 
 tions be ifTued to him by the AfTembly, governing himfelf by which, 
 the knowledge of religion among that people may be made more 
 and more to ftrengthen the order of fociety: And the Rev, MefTrs. 
 Hoge, Alexander, Logan, and Stephenfon, were appointed a 
 committee to draught inftrudions to faid John Chavis, and pre- 
 fcribe his route. 
 
( i6 ) 
 
 8. That the General A/Ternbly may b; regularly, and as cont* 
 pletely as polTible, pofTefTed of all the information requifite to di- 
 re<5l their proceedings in the great work of extending religious in- 
 ftru(5lions to the uninilru^led parts of our country — Refolved, that, 
 in place of all other reports required of Preftyteries refpeding the 
 articles herein after enumerated, it be enjoined, and it is hereby 
 enjoined on all the Prefbyteiies under the care of this General Af- 
 fcmbly, carefully to inform themfelves, and to inftruA their dele- 
 gates to the next Genera! AfTernbiy to report to that body, on the 
 following fubje(fVs ; 
 
 (i.) Refpefling the Indian tribes on our frontiers : their appa- 
 rent difpolition for civilization, and for receiving religious inftruc-' 
 tion — what means may have been ufed with them, and the fuccefs 
 of thofe means from time to time. 
 
 (2) Refpeding our frontier fettlement of white people ; giving 
 every information of thefe fcttlements, which maybe of ufe to di- 
 re&. in carrying on miilionary labours amongft them, pointing out 
 particularly thofe parts to which ieligious books (hould be fent, for 
 gratuitous diihibution, and the perfons in or near to thofe parts, to 
 wliofe care faid books fhould be fent. 
 
 (3.) Refpefling thofe parts in the interior of our country, that 
 are in a great degree, or wholly de(titute of the means of re- 
 ligious inlirudion — giving as familiar a view of fuch deflitute por- 
 tions of our country as may be of any ufe in directing the mode '>^ 
 giving them relief, and the extent of the relief requ'i^^^' Alia 
 pointing out to what paits, and to what pcrfuns, m or near thofe 
 parts, religious books fhould be fent for oratuitous diftribution. 
 
 (4.) Refpefling tlie b!,;ck people, ddlgnating particularly, the! 
 places where, and the in.inncr m which it would be moft advifea- 
 ble to attempt their infb.i."5\ion, by the aid of our publi.c funds. 
 
 (■5.) That the ref^jedive Piefbyteries alfo report to the next 
 AfTernbiy all fuch perfons under tlioir care as are proper to be em- 
 ployed, and may be procured to fcrvc as miflionaries to the Indian 
 tribes — to the frontier fsttlemcnts — to the deftitute portions of the 
 interior : And th^t they be efpc:i;illy careful to report none for 
 thefe fervices but t'iofo of whole uieetnefs for the woik they have 
 entire fatisfaction. 
 
 The report of the committee of millions Was again taken up and 
 coniidercd, when the following fhttement and recommendations, 
 as the rcfult of the journals read by the miffionarles, were received 
 and adopted, vi",. 
 
 That from their journals it appears that the mifiionaries proceed- 
 ed on the refpetlive routes prefcribcd to them by the laft General 
 Affembly, and that they hare been diligent and laborious in dif- 
 chargingtheilutivis of their millions— they have preached the gof- 
 
( '7 ) 
 
 ^cl in feafon and out of feafon, and often to folemn aflemblies. They 
 have in feveral inftanccs, adminiftered the Lord's fuppcr, and bap- 
 tized numbers of children and feveral adults. Theyhave vifited from 
 houfe to houfe,and converfed with families and individuals on ferious 
 and religious fubjet'ts. There is a folemn and increafing attention to 
 the great realities of religion, in many parts of the country through 
 which they have travelled. Numbers, fince the laft year, have been 
 added to the communion of the church. On the whole, your 
 committee are of opinion that the profpedl of ufefulnefs in profecut- 
 ing the niiffionary bufinefs is ftill increafing. There are many 
 towns on the frontiers which appear to be able to fupport the ftated 
 miniftrations of the gofpel, among which the following appear to 
 demand particular attention — Wyoming, Newtown, Aurelius, 
 Milton, Homer, Bloomfield, and Charleftown, each able to fup- 
 port a fettled paftor ; Bath and Poft-town, united ; Lackawack, 
 in connexion with Canaan and Cherry-Ridge ; Hartford and Ge- 
 neffee, united; Romulus and Wafhington, united; Sachequin and 
 Tioga Point, united. 
 
 The country of the Natchez appears to demand the particular 
 attention of the AfTembly. The mlffionary fent thither by the laft 
 Aflembly, and thofe who were fent with him by the Synod of the 
 Carolinas, performed the fervice to which they were appointed, 
 ■with great judgment, diligence and fuccefs ; and a door feems to 
 he happily opened for publishing the true gofpel in a country lately 
 deftitute of it. 
 
 The committee think it of high Importance that the miffion to 
 the faid country be continued."* 
 
 The committee take the liberty to fuggeft the propriety of en- 
 joining upon all the miffionaries employed by the Aflembly, to in- 
 culcate upon thofe fettlements which they vifit, the importance of 
 fettling the gofpel miniftry among them, and that they alfo urge 
 upon all the frontier fettlements, and efpecially upon thofe above 
 mentioned, the neceflity of contributing to the fupport of thofe mi- 
 nifters who are fent among them by the Aflembly. The commit- 
 tee would farther recommend, that milTionaries be inftruftcd to 
 enquire particularly after the fmall fettlements which, on account 
 of their oblcurity or infancy, may have been hitherto overlooked 
 and negledled by former miflionaries, and that, unlefs otherwife di- 
 refled by the fbted miflionary, they defignate to themfelves conve- 
 nient circuits, comprehending feveral fettlements, in which they 
 may fucceflively and repeatedly preach and perform other minifte- 
 rial duties ; and that, in all places where they travel, they fliall 
 fpend as much time as poCible in vifiting from houfe to houfe, and 
 
 • See Appendix. 
 
( >8 ) 
 
 c6nvei(i iig A^^ith individuals on the moH: important fubjcdts of praifti-* 
 Gal religion." 
 
 The Revd. Peter Fifli, of the Prefbytery pf Albany, was ap- 
 pointed a miffionary for fix months, in the country of Oneida and its 
 vicinity. The Revd. Robert H Chapman was appointed a mif- 
 fionary, for two months, on the Sufquehannah, from Salem to 
 Safhequin, inclufive. And the Revd. Jonas Goes was appoint- 
 ed a miffionary for fix weeks, on the weft fide of Lake Champlain, 
 and fuch other fettlements as he may think proper to vifit. 
 
 The Revd Mr. Hillyer was appointed mifiionary on the fron- 
 tiers, for two or three months ; to take that route which Mr. Hill- 
 yer, by and with the advice of the ftated miifionary, fhali judge 
 mofl; ufeful. 
 
 The Revd. Mr. Alexander was appointed a miffionary for fix 
 months, in Virginia, and in the State of Georgia, at fuch time 
 and in fuch a manner as the ftate of his health will admit ; and be 
 was alfo appointed to folicit donations for the ufe of the General 
 Affembly. 
 
 The Revd. Mefirs. Logan and Grigfby were appointed miffion- 
 aries for two months, to itinerate through the lower part of Virgi- 
 nia, and alfo to folicit donations. 
 
 The Revd. Mr. Janeway was appointed a miffionary for two 
 months, in the Peninfula between the Delaware and Chefapeake 
 Bays, at difcretion. 
 
 And the Affembly recommend to the Pre{byte.-r ^^ ^ew Caftle, 
 to fend one or two more miffionarics into the fame diftri<5t of coun- 
 try, for fome months during the prefent year ; and if poffible, fuch 
 miffionarics as might be likely to fettle as paftors of congregations. 
 
 The Affembly earneftly recommend it to the Synod of the Ca- 
 folinas, to fend one or more miffionaries to the Natchez, the 
 enfuing fall ; and the Affembly did engage to affift in making 
 compenfation for the fame, if the funds of the Synod fliould be 
 inadequate for the purpofe. 
 
 Relolved, that the compenfation to miffionaries for the prefent 
 year be 33-' dollars per month, and that they account for all the 
 monies received by them. 
 
 The comn)iffion of the Synod of Virginia, on the weft fide of 
 the Alleghany Mountains, reported, that during the laft year, 
 they fent out fix miffionaries, two to Detroit, who reported fa- 
 vourably of the difpofition of the people there to receive the gof- 
 pel. They have met with a young Indian, who exprefs'd a great 
 dcfire of obtaining learning, whom they brought with them on 
 their return, and who now appears to be ferioufly exercifed about 
 the great concerns of his immortal foul. 
 
 Two others were fent to Cornplanter, chief of the Seneca's; he 
 feceivcd them kindly, and it is expeded that fome of his young 
 
( 19 ) 
 
 people will come in during the enfuing fuminer, in order to be in- 
 ftrudted. 
 
 ' Two others were fent to the fettlements on the Muflcinguni. In 
 the courfe of the laft winter the commiffion opened a fubfcription, 
 and have a profpeft of obtaining fomething confiderable for the fup- 
 port of miffionaries to preach the gofpel in the frontier fettlements 
 and among the Indians. 
 
 The Synod of the Carolinas reported, that they have fent two 
 miflionaries in company with the Revd. James Hall, to the Nat- 
 chez ; and that they have enjoined upon the refpedtive Prefbyteries 
 under their care, to make every poffible exertion to raife contribu- 
 tions for the fupport of thefe miflionaries. 
 
 The Aflembly proceeded to appoint agents for folieiting farther 
 donations for aiding the funds of the corporation, when the Revd. 
 Dr. Cooper and the Revd. Mr. Patteribn were appointed to foli- 
 cit donations in the bounds of the Prefbytery of Huntington, and 
 the Revd Robert Smith was appointed to folicit donations for the 
 fame purpofe in the State of Georgia. ^ 
 
 The Revd. Mr. Bogart was appointed an agent to folicit dona- 
 tions for the General Aflembly, within the bounds of the Prefby- 
 tery of Long Ifland. 
 
 The Revd. Meflrs. John B. Linn and Phillip Milledoler, were 
 appointed agents in connexion with Dr. Green, to folicit farther 
 donations for the General Afl'embly in the city of Philadelphia 
 and parts adjacent, and the Revd. Mr. Irwin to complete the bufi- 
 ncfa of folieiting donations in that part of Mr. Clarke's diflirifb 
 which was not gone through by him, and in fuch other places as 
 Mr. Irwin may judge proper. 
 
 A complaint and appeal of the Revd, Thomas Ledlie Birch, 
 againft certain proceedings of the Preftjytery of Ohio, in the cafe 
 of Mr. Birch, particularly for refufing to receive him as a member 
 of their body, on the ground of a fuppofed want of acquaintance 
 with experimental religion, together with a reprefentation of the 
 congregation of Wafliington in the hounds of faid Prefijytery, on 
 the fame fubjed, was brought in by «he committee of bills and 
 overtures. On motion, refolved, that the Aflembly will proceed 
 on Monday morning next, to hear faid complaint and appeal. 
 
 The Afl^embly, according to the refolution of Friday laft, pro- 
 ceeded to hear the complaint and appeal of the Revd. Mr Birch, 
 againft the Prefljytery of Ohio with refped to certain proceedings 
 in his cafe, the parties being heard at full length withdrew. 
 
 The Aflembly refumed the confideration of the complaint and 
 appeal of Mr. Birch, when, after mature confideration of the fub- 
 jed, it was on motion refolved, That no evidence of cenfurable 
 proceedure in the Preftjytery of Ohio, in the cafe of Mr. Birchj^ 
 
( 20 ) 
 
 has appeared to this houfe, inafmuch as there Is a difcretionary 
 power neceflarily lodged in every Prefbytery to judge of the quali- 
 fication of thofe whom they receive, efpecially with refpeft to ex- 
 perimental religion ; but the AfTembly, for the purpoie of aifording 
 to Mr. Birch every relief which the nature of the cafe admits, did' 
 determine, if it is his defire, to proceed to his examination, agree- 
 ably to the rules of the Aflembly in fuch cafes made and provided. 
 It was agreed that the faid examination be deferred tilt a future 
 feffion of the Aflembly. 
 
 Mr. Birch having exprefled a defire that the AfTembly would 
 undertake his examination, agreeably to the refolution of yefter- 
 day ; the Aflembly proceeded to examine Mr. Birch on his expe- 
 rimental acquaintance with religion, when, after a full and free 
 converfapon with him on this fubjed, the Aflembly adjourned. 
 
 The confideration of Mr. Birch's examination was refumed, 
 when after maturely deliberating on the fnbjeft it was refolved, 
 that from the full and free converfation which the Afl^embly have 
 had with Mr. Birch upon his experimental acquaintance with re- 
 ligion, they find no obftruflion againft any Preft)ytery to which he 
 may apply taking him up and proceeding with him c.greeably to the 
 rules and regulations in this cafe made and provided. 
 
 Whereas it has too frequently happened, that members of this 
 Aflembly, negleding their duty and inattentive to the rules of de- 
 corum, have abruptly left the Afl'embly and returned home without 
 leave of abfence. 
 
 RESOLVED— 
 
 That in all fimilar cafes which fliall occur in futu'^e, it fliall be 
 the duty of the clerk of this houfe to give notice thereof to the 
 Prefljyteries to which fuch delinquent members may belong And 
 That it be recommended to the faid Prefl)yteries, in their fettle- 
 ments with fuch delinquents, not to allow them any compenfation 
 for fervices as members of the AflTembly. 
 RESOLVED— 
 
 That this General Afl^embly be diflblved, and that the next 
 General Alfembly be required to meet in the firft Prefl^yteriao 
 Church in the city of Philadelphia, on the third Thurfday of May, 
 in the year of our Lord i 8oa, at 1 1 o'clock in the forenoon. 
 
 Whereupon the moderator diflblved the Aflembly agreeably 
 to the form prefcribed by the conlHtution, and concluded with 
 prayer. 
 
APPENDIX. 
 
 {THE Committee appointed to puh'ish the extraBs from the min- 
 utes of the General Asscmlly for the present year, supposing that the 
 readers of them ivould be much grattfied by a sight of the very judic- 
 ious and sensible y^ddress made by the Missionaries to the Natchez, to 
 the inhabitants of the Mississippi Territory, have thought proper to 
 add it by ivay of Appendix. Should any think that evangelical mo- 
 tives have not been sujlciently suggested in it, they are informed, that 
 the state of society in that country is such, that there are, comparatively, 
 but few of the inhabitants who appear to have just ideas of the moral 
 influence of the Gospel on the human heart, and therefore that such an 
 aadress as the present, ivas better calculated than one of a different na- 
 ture, to attrad the attention of those to whom it was made,and thus pave 
 the way for the more easy and effeUual admission of gospel truth ; and 
 that this was assigned by the Missionaries themselves, as the reason 
 why they thus construQed it, ] 
 
 Sin Sllitiress 
 
 TO THE 
 
 Citizens of the Mississippi Territory, 
 
 BY THE 
 
 MISSIONARIES 
 
 FROM THE SOUTHERN STATES. 
 
 Friends and Fellow Citizens, 
 
 THE united principles of duty and grati- 
 tude confpire to bring forward this public expreffion of 
 the obligations under which we feel ourfelves to you for 
 that cordial reception you have given us, and that friendly 
 
( 2* ) 
 
 and polite attentipn with which we have been uniformly 
 treated fince our arrival in this territory. 
 
 Thefe obligations have been much eniianced by the 
 number and refpeclability of your committee, lately con- 
 vened in this place, and the energetic meafuves v/hich 
 they have adopted and recommended to their conftitu- 
 ents, and which, we hope, under the divine aufpices, will 
 give energy to our miniflrations. 
 
 Under thefe impreffions, and confiding in your good 
 opinion of our real defire to promote your befl. interefhs, 
 we hope you will confider us as engaged in the difcharge 
 of our minillerial duty, when we fuggeft to you the follow- 
 ing confidcrations, and recommend them to your ferious 
 perufal. 
 
 The experience of all ages has proved, that principles 
 either of honour, patriotifm or private intereft, have been 
 too capricious in their nature, as well as too feeble, effeflu- 
 ally to promote public utility and focial happlnefs. Thofe 
 who have tried principles of philofophy have not been more 
 fuccefsful. Hence all governments in civilized nations 
 have made it their bufinefs to inculcate religion on their 
 citizens, as well with a view to the interefl of the public 
 as to peifonal happinefs. 
 
 It v/ould be little better than an infult on the under- 
 ftanding of a people, who make fuch exertions as are now 
 making in this territory for the propagation of revealed 
 religion, to bring forward to their view proofs of its divine 
 authority. 
 
 This, therefore, being granted as an acknowledged 
 principle, we proceed to obferve, that whatever is con- 
 ducive to the happinefs of the focial ftate is inculpated ir\ 
 the facred fcriptures. 
 
 Let the molt impartial reafoner take a view of the 
 moral law, which contains an epitome of thofe duties 
 which we owe to God and man, and he will acknowledge 
 that if thofe precepts were made the unerring flandard of 
 eoadua by every member of fociety, this would tend to 
 
( 23 ) 
 
 univerfal happinefs and good order ; and would entirely 
 fupercede the neceflity of human laws; but let the oppo- 
 fite line of condu£l: be adopted, and the evident confe- 
 quences would be diforder and mifery. It will then fol- 
 low, that to make the facred fcriptures the rule of condudl 
 is a certain way to enfure focial, as well as individual hap- 
 pinefs. 
 
 This problem then requires a folution, Why is that 
 fyftem, obedience to which is fo eflentially connedled with 
 human happinefs, not more generally obferved as the 
 rule of condudl ? Probably no better reafon can be afhgned 
 than want of reverence to its divine author. Were this 
 divine principle duly felt and cultivated, we fhould 
 love the Lord with all our hearts — and our neighbours as 
 ourfelves. Then would a fenfe of the divine prefence, of 
 our obligations and refponfibility to God, be conftant and 
 powerful motives to deter us from the pradice of thofe 
 crimes which the word of God forbids, and to perform 
 thofe duties which it^enjoins. This is laying a folid and 
 permanent foundation for our own happinefs, and as far 
 as the conducl: of individuals can have influence, contri- 
 buting to the public intereft. 
 
 No faa has been more fully demonftrated, than that 
 human laws are too feeble in their operations, notwith- 
 ftanding all that terror which they hold oat, to reftrain 
 the corrupt paffions of men, and fupprefs thofe crimes 
 againft which they denounce even capital punifliment.— 
 For this various reafons may be afligned want of abil- 
 ity in the rulers to detea crimes, want of power to pun- 
 ifli offenders, the neceflity which fometimes occurs of re- 
 laxing the rules of juftice for political reafons, partiality 
 towards culprits &c. by all of which many grofs and ag- 
 gravated crimes efcape deferved punifliment. But none 
 of thefe can apply to Him whofe throne is founded in 
 judgment, and the fceptre of whofe kingdoms is an un- 
 tarniflied fceptre of righteoufnefs. None can elude his 
 fcrutiny or evade his power j for he fearches the heart 
 
( M ) 
 
 and tries the reins, to give to every man according to his 
 ways, and according to the fruit of his doings. Hence it 
 will follow, that it is only a realizing fenfe of the univer- 
 fality of God's government, our obligations to obey his 
 laws and-the inflexibility of his juftice, which can give fe- 
 curity for good morals, and enfure perfonal and focial 
 happinefs. This fenfe is infeparably connected with the 
 principles of religion, and will influence the heart and 
 motives of action, as well as the external conduct. 
 
 Befides, the principles of religion will prevent many 
 crimes which human laws cannot reach, fuch as ingrati- 
 tude to benefadtorsj want of charity to the poor, difo- 
 bedience and other breaches of filial duty to parents, lux- 
 ury and prodigality in the confumption of property, many 
 fpecies of frauds, calumny, games of hazard, profanenefs 
 &c. together with intoxication, and many other crimes 
 which cannot be made objedls of legillative authority, and 
 yet are equally deftruQive of perfonal and focial happinefs, 
 with many of thofe which lie within the fphere of legifla- 
 ticn. 
 
 When crimes of whatever fpecies become general, they 
 then become more formidable to fociety than when perpe- 
 trated only by folitary individuals -, becaufe union always 
 gives ftrength to a party in proportion to its number, and 
 among crimes of this defcription, few, if any have a worfe 
 influence on fociety than thefe three : The breach of God's 
 lioiy fabbath, profane fwearing, and the intemperate ufe 
 of ardent fpirits. 
 
 A few words on each of thefe will be fufHcient to Ihow 
 their pernicious cfFc(Sts. 
 
 A difrefpedl: to the duties of the fabbath is an indica- 
 tion of contempt of that authority which has commanded 
 us to " Remember the fabbath day and keep it holy." — - 
 And as this precept is fpecially directed to heads of fami- 
 lies and other public perfons, thofe in fuch departments 
 vv-ho countenance a breach of that holy day, either by pre- 
 cept, example, or even connivance, mull be mofl culpa- 
 
( i5 ) 
 
 ble. Hence appears the duty of minifters of the gofpel 
 and civil magiftrates j as the former are fet as examples for 
 the flock, and the latter as a terror to evil doers and a 
 praife to them who do vi^ell ; and it would be equally pre- 
 poflerous to fee the one or the other engaged in the pro- 
 fanation of that holy day. Befides, the vi'eekly fabbath 
 may be confidered as one principal pillar of revealed reli- 
 gion : for we may venture to aflert, that without fuch a 
 periodical day, carrying in its inftitution the ftamp of di- 
 vine authority, focial public worfhip could never have been 
 kept up, and with that mud have ceafed the other ordi- 
 nances of the gofpel ; for human authority, which is al- 
 ways changeable in its meafures, would never have had 
 energy enough either to eftablifh a certain dayj or a cer- 
 tain proportion of time for religious exercifes. It will 
 therefore follow, that thofe whofe conduct militates 
 againft the force of the above precept, militates againfl 
 the whole fyftem of revealed religion ; and we have rea- 
 fon to believe, that to this very fource may be traced 
 much of that infidelity which now prevails in the world. 
 
 Profane fwearing carries in its front the mod glaring 
 evidences of an abandoned chara6ler, hardened in impi- 
 ety ; as it fhows a total irreverence for the great and 
 dreadful name of GOD, and contempt of his authority ; 
 and gives an indication that the fwearer, in his own efli- 
 mation, has, by fome means, forfeited his right, in the 
 view of his auditors, to credibility on his fimple affirma- 
 tion ; therefore, in order to gain credit from them, he 
 thinks it is neceflary to call upon God to witnefs the truth 
 of his aflertionsi Such a line of conduft, even indepen- 
 dently of its criminality, muft be equally degrading to the 
 gentleman and the chriflian. 
 
 Befides, oaths being a part of that religious homage 
 which God exclufively claims as his own, profane fwear- 
 ing tends to relax their obligation by deftroying their fo- 
 lemnity, and weakening that confidence which one part 
 of focicty ought to repofe in another, and which is fo in- 
 D 
 
( 2^ ) 
 
 difpcnfably neceffary, both in judicial teftimony and the 
 ufual difcharge of fecial duties. Moreover, it may be 
 doubtful whether the profane fwearer is more to be be- 
 lieved when he is called to take a judicial oath, than when 
 he fwears by the facred name in common convei lation. 
 
 Drunkennefs is the parent of many evils both natural 
 and moral. How many ftrong and healthful eonflitutions 
 do we fee broken down by it ? How many ufeful, public 
 charadlcrs, men of brilliant talents, improved by all the ad- 
 vantages of a liberal education and polite literature, who 
 have fpent many years to qualify themfelves for ufeful and 
 honorable departments, have, after all, debafed themfelves 
 by that abominable vice below the inferior animals, become 
 (he objedls of compaffion to all around them who poflefs 
 humane and manly feelings, of grief to their connedlions 
 and derifion to the rabble of the flreets ! 
 
 How much poverty, difcord and mifery, do we fee in 
 many families, arifing from the internperance of wretched 
 fathers, in places where this crime predominates ? How 
 unhappy mull the fhate of that family be, who, inftcdd oi 
 meeting the fond embraces of a complacent hufband and 
 father, returning from abroad, are flruck with terror at 
 the approach of a favage monder. All mud toy, foothe, 
 flatter, until he be laid to fleep; then nothing above a whif- 
 per muft be fpoken, left the tyrant be roufed. This is 
 but a faint pi6lure of the natural evils which attend this 
 crime. 
 
 No lefs numerous, and much more dreadful, are the 
 moral evils with which it is attended. — Witnefs the quar- 
 rels and fightings, the vollies of oaths and fearful impre- 
 cations, together with the horrid profanations of the fab- 
 bath j yea, many cruel and aggravated murders and other 
 enormous crimes, which may be traced back to the intem- 
 perate ufe of fpiritous liquors as their origin. 
 
 The force of the foregoing obfervations, it is prefum- 
 ed, muft be felt even by thofe who make no pretenfions 
 to religion ; and fuch muft acknowledge the truth of S'o- 
 
( 27 ) 
 
 lemon's observation, that " righteoufnefs exalteth a nation j 
 but fin is the reproach of any people." 
 
 "Were it pofiible for any of the human race fo far to 
 degrade themfelves, by depraving the moral principle, as 
 to imagine that they will drop into non exiftence at death, 
 with their brute animals that carry them to their fcenes of 
 debauchery, even they mufl acknowledge, that the fober, 
 temperate man, who has eflablilhed fuch a charader for 
 veracity tliat his word is believed equally with his oath, 
 not only lives the mofl happy life j but that his example, as 
 far as its influence extends, has vaftly the happieil efFe£l 
 on fociety. And thofe who will take time to refleft, that 
 the day is coming " in which all who are in their graves 
 fliall hear the voice of the Son of God, and fliall come 
 forth, they who have done good to the refurreOion of 
 life, and they who have done evil to the refurre£lion of 
 damnation," muft acknowledge, that thofe who have de- 
 nied themfelves to " all ungodlinefs and worldly lulls, and 
 have lived foberly, righteoufly and godly in the prefent 
 world," fliaU finally reap the advantage. 
 
 The above confiderations, dear brethren, are afFe£li- 
 onately fubmitted to your ferious perufal, under the per- 
 fuafion that they will be read with that fpirit of candor 
 and brotherly regard with which we are confcious they 
 are now communicated j believing you will join with us 
 in faying, that the ways of piety are ways of pleafantnefs 
 and all its paths peace. Should a general experiment be 
 made among you on this divine maxim, you may be af- 
 fured that its happy effcds will foon be felt both by indi- 
 viduals and focieties. 
 
 Then will induftry, frugality and fobriety, together 
 with every moral and chriftian virtue abound among you. 
 Gaming tables will not be known, taverns will have few 
 unneceflary vifitants. The Lord's day will be religioufly 
 obferved, his churches frequented, and the gofpel of the 
 holy Jefus cordially embraced. The hearts of his minif- 
 ters will be encouraged, and their hands ilrengthened. 
 
( *8 ) 
 
 Then will our labours be comfortable to oUrfelves, andj 
 we hope, profitable to you. "We fhali then be able to 
 give a favourable report of the religious flate of your ter- 
 ritory, to our fathers and brethren, who have fent us on 
 fuch an arduous miflion ; the friends of religion and good 
 morals will be encouraged, votaries for vice will become 
 afhamedof their crimes ; and even (hould they continue in 
 the practice of them, will retire with them into darknefs. 
 The minds of your children will not be poifoned, nor their 
 morals corrupted, by fuch pells of fociety as we have al- 
 ready defcribed ; but piety and virtue will predominate, 
 ** judgment fliall run down as waters, and righteoufnefs 
 as a mighty flream." 
 
 That piety and good morals may abound among you, 
 that you may long enjoy the blefhngs of peace, and be fe- 
 cured in the pofleflion of your civil and religious rights, 
 which are fo dear to every American, is the unfeigned 
 wifh and ardent defire of 
 
 Dear Brethren, your afFe£lionate friends, 
 and fervants in the gofpel, 
 
 JAMES HALL, Jun. 
 JAMES BOWMAN, 
 WILLIAM MONTGOMERY. 
 
 Natchezy Feb. 20//>, iSoi. 
 
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