BX7I46 N4A3 1822 I 'l\\°D 'uo;>pc4S l EXTRACTS FROM J 24 !Lmcai im OF THE GENERAL ASSOCIATION OF XEW-tt&MYSlimEi, ASSEMBLED AT PEMBROKE, SEPTEMBER 3, 1822. • :#::# n DOVER: PRINTED BY J. MANN, FOR THE ASSOCIATION. 1822. man WE& &c - At a meeting of the GENERAL ASSOCIATION OF NEJV- HAMPSHIRE, held at Pembroke, Tuesday, September 3, V&ll, PRESENT, From y Coos Association. > Deerfield Association. Rev. Messrs. Prury Fairbanks, Jonathan Curtis. - Luke A. Spofford, Ebenezer Hill, - John Keliey, - - Samuel Harris, - Moses Sawyer, Abraham Bodwell, Isaac Robinson, - William Murry, Joseph Rowell, - Baxter Perry, - Joseph VV. Clary, Stephen Baily, - Ebenezer Cheever, John M. Whiton, y Hollis A •isociation . ; N. H. Branch of 5 Haverhill Association. £ Hopkinton Association. Monadnoc Association, Orange Association. v Piscataqua Association. > Union Association. } General Assembly of the Thomas A. Merrill, Luther Rockwell, ■ Hubbard Loomis, Rufus Pomroy, John Codman, - - Presbyterian Church. y Gen. convention of Vermont. General Association of Connecticut. General Association of Massachusetts. John H. Church, Secretary. Abraham Burn ham, Treasurer and Minister of the place. Rev. Ebenezer Hill was chosen Moderator, Rev. Joseph 7. Clary, Scribe, and Rev. Jonathan Curtis, Assistant 'cribe. Prayer by the Moderator. Messrs. Church, Keliey and Robinson were appointed ommittee of Overtures. Their report was accepted. [ 4 J Wednesday, 9 o'clock, was assigned for the narra- tives of the state of religion in the churches ; and Messrs. Robinson, Church, Rockwell, Pomeroy and Merrill were appointed a Committee to take minutes, and pre- pare from them the usual report. [Appendix No. I.] Messrs. Church, Kelley and Bodwell were appointed a Committee to report on the expediency of a concert of prayer for the children of the kingdom and on the recip- rocal duties of the church, and the children of the cove- nant. Adjourned till 2 o'clock p m. Afternoon. Delegates from foreign bodies made their report. The Committee appointed last year to prepare and re- port a Pastoral Letter, presented one, which was accept- ed. [Appendix No. 2.] Rev. John Kelley preached before the Association from Acts 27,31. The report of the Treasurer was presented and ac- cepted. Messrs. Church, Harris and Rowel were appointed a Committee to revise the regulations of this Association. Wednesday morning, Sept. 4. The Committee of last year to inquire into the Plat- form of the Congregational Churches, reported in part. Their report was recommitted for next year. Voted, That it be earnestly recommended to each As- sociation connected in this General Association, to pre- pare, at their meeting next preceding the first of Septem- ber annually, a narrative of revivals of religion, and other occurrences which may be worthy of being communicated to this body and preserved among their papers and rec- ords, which narratives shall be read by the delegates to this General Association. The Committee to whom was referred the appointment of a place for the meeting of the next year, and the As- sociation to furnish the preacher, reported Acworth as the place, and Coos as the Association. Messrs. Robinson, White and Whiton were appointed to prepare a Pastoral Letter, to be reported next year. Thursday, Sept. 5. The Committee to whom was referred the subject of a C 3 J concert of prayer for the children of the kingdom, made a report, in part, which was accepted, viz. No subject can he more highly interesting to the friends of Zion than the spiritual condition of the children of the covenant. These are especially the hope of the Church, Their conversion is the subject of many promises of the God of Abraham. He has engaged to pour on them His Spirit ; but he will be inquired of by his people to do it for them. With what, animating assurance then may the Church unite in prayer for his blessing on their seed ! It is therefore recommended to the members of all our Churches, that, in addition to their coming together at set times to pray with and for their children, and to exbort them to know and serve the Lord, that they would in their respective dwellings, observe a concert of prayer for the conversion of " the children of the kingdom," on the evening of the first Monday in every month. Let this prayer, whether in the family or in the closet, be offered in faith, and with humble expectation of a gracious an- swer. Let us " agree as touching this thing," and we have the promise of being heard and answered in cove- nant mercy. J. H. Church, for the Committee. Voted, That Rev. John H. Church and Dr. McFarland be a committee to publish in the N. H. Repository a plan of a conference of churches adopted by the General Con- vention of this State, together with such information and remarks as they shall think calculated to call the attention of the associations and churches to the subject. The committee appointed to nominate Delegates to foreign bodies made the following report, which was ac- cepted : — Rev. David Southerlancl, "j General Assembly of the Presby- „ Phinehas Cook, his al- I teuian Church ; Philadelphia, ternate. J 3d Thursday of May, 1823. „ Broughton White, "^ n , . . .. , _. „ Roger C. Hatch, [General Association of Cormec- „ Isaac Rohinson, ? Alter- > f l cut * f " '" /s " r ' Sd ^ s " „ Chester Cotton, $ nates, j dayofJune,\S23. „ Jonathan French, ^ Gen. Association of Massachu- ., Israel W. Putnam, I setts ; at Rev. Mr. Holmes% „ John H. Church. } Alter- f J\"ew-Bedford,4tk Tuesdayof „ Nath'f Merrill, $ nates, j June. 1822. [ 6 ] „ Zedekiah S. . Barstow, "j Genernl Covvmtion of Vet- „ Joseph W., Clary, I mmt 2rf Tuesd ' uf s „ Moses Sawyer, ? Alter- f fm6erl823 . J * „ Enos George, 3 nates. J Rev. Abraham Burnham was appointed Treasurer for the ensuing year, and Dr. McFarland Auditor of his ac- accounts. Voted, That the Scribe be a committee to publish the minutes of this association. Voted, That the publishing committee be directed to procure such a number of blank returns as may be thought necessary, and send them to the several churches with the minutes. Ebenezer Hill, Moderator. Joseph W. Clary, Scribe, Jonathan Curtis, Assistant Scribe. No. I. NARRATIVE OF THE STATE OF RELIGION. To those who have imbibed the Spirit of the Gospel, no intelligence can be more interesting than that which respects the prosperity of Zion. News of the con version of sinners, and the advancement of the Redeemer's kingdom cannot fail to impart to their hearts a sacred joy. It would indeed be pleasing to the General Association to be able to communicate intelligence, which should awaken in the breasts of christians no other emotions than those of grati- tude and praise. But facts must be stated without dis- guise ; and many of these are calculated to excite grief, rather than joy. When we take a survey of this state, we behold many things, in view of which it'becomes us to mourn and to be humbled before God. Intemperance, prof.nity and sab- bath-breaking, it is to be feared, abound more or less in all our towns. Family prayer and the religious education [ 7 ] of children are neglected to a degree, which must both grieve and alarm all, who feel interested in the welfare of the rising generation, and the future prosperity of the church of God. By many who enjoy a preached Gospel, its worth is, by no means, duly appreciated ; and a still larger number, who are destitute of it, make no suitable exertions to en- joy it. Who that possesses a spark of christian benevo- lence can cast his eyes over the many destitute societies and churches in this state, and not feel grieved for the desolation of Zion ? Nor can such fail to mourn over the lukewarmness of many professors, their conformity to the world, their violation of their sacred covenant engage- ments ; and the dishonour thus brought on that glorious cause to advance which, the Prince of Life bled and died. We rejoice, however, that we can advert to topics more delighful, and communicate intelligence more refreshing to the pious mind. It is with pleasure that we hear that our churches, with few or no exceptions, observe the monthly concert of prayer; and thus, with christians of our own and of distant lands, unite in presenting their supplications to Him " who hear- eth prayer," in behalf of the prosperity of Zion. Sabbath Schools, those nurseries of piety, in which the tender minds of children are stored with Gospel truths, " which are able to make them wise to Salvation," are generally in successful operation, and afford a promise of much future good. Our College, which in years past has had to sustain pe- culiar trials, is now, we are happy to learn, in a prosper- ous state, and a large proportion of the students are hope- fully pious. Of the class that has recently graduated, about three fourths are professedly the friends of the Sa- viour ; and Mill, we trust, exert their talents and influence to promote his glory and the interests of his kingdom. Union Academy, which was for a time suspended, has recommenced its operations, under circumstances which inspire the hope that the benevolent views of its founder will be realized. But the state of religion within our bounds claims a more particular attention. Though he who i causes it to rain upon one city and causeth it not to rain upon another,' has seen fit to pass bv L s 3 many of our religious societies, and to suffer them to slum- ber in their sins ; yet upon others " he has shed forth' 7 the life-giving influences of His holy spirit; particularly upon New- Ipswich, Temple, Rindge, Marlborough, Keene, Stoddard, Washington, Windham, Pelham, Plymouth, Colebrook Missionary station, Columbia and Lebanon. In most of these towns, it is true, the work has been small ; but in some of them, powerful and extensive. This is especially the case, with New-Ipswich, Temple, and Rindge, in which it is computed, that between two and three hundred have been hopefully translated out of the kingdom of darkness, into the kingdom of God's dear Son. In Lime also, the religious attention which was mentioned in our last report, has continued with increasing power, and nearly two hundred since its commencement have in the judgment of charity been turned unto the Lord. But we would record., with gratitude to God, not only those displays of his grace, which have been made in this state ; but likewise those which have been experienced within the bounds of those ecclesiastical bodies with which we are connected in the bonds of christian fellowship. As no delegates from the General Assembly of the Presbyterian church, have been present; we can only state, that it appears from their printed minutes which have been received, that during the year past they have been favoured with numerous and extensive revivals ; — that charitable Societies and exertions are multiplying ; and that God has abundantly blessed, with the influences of His Spirit, several of the Colleges within their bounds. From the General Association of Massachusetts we re- ceive intelligence calculated to gladden the hearts of Zion's friends. In many of the towns in Berkshire county, the Spirit in his convincing and sanctifying influences has u come down like rain on the new mown grass, and as showers that water the earth." Converts to righteous- ness are multiplied. A Union prayer meeting, embracing the friends of evangelical piety, of different denominations is established in the metropolis. A missionary spirit, and missionary efforts are increasing. The Theological Semi- nary at Andover continues to prosper ; and contains 132 students, who are preparing to preach to their perishing fellosv-men, the unsearchable riches of Christ. By the delegation from Connecticut we have been in- [ 9 ] formed, that though they have not been permitted to wit- ness such signal displays of Divine grace, as in years past; vet they have pleasing evidence that the Lord has not forsaken that highly favoured part of his vineyard. In a number of their towns, powerful revivals of religion at present prevail. The foreign mission-school at Cornwall, continues to flourish ; and not only realizes, but even ex- ceeds the most sanguine expectations of its founders. A considerable proportion of its members are hopefully pious; and are qualifying themselves to carry the Gospel to their benighted pagan brethren. Exertions are making to en- large the Theological department at Yale College ; and there is ground to hope that these exertions will ultimate- ly be crowned with success. From the General Convention of Vermont, we learn that though they are not, at present, visited with such copious showers of Divine Grace as they were a year ago ; yet they are permitted with joy to gather in the abun- dant fruits of the late revivals. Several of their towns are at present favoured with the special operations of the Holy Spirit. Their ministers are " of one heart and one mind ;" their churches are harmonious, and walk in love ; and the cause of vital religion appears, on the whole, to be gaining ground. In one word ; the review of the past year furnishes us with abundant cause for gratitude to God ; and exhibits increasing evidence, that the time is drawing near, when " all the ends of the world shall remember and turn unto the Lord, and all the kindreds of the nations shall worship before him. Isaac RoBiNSON ;% /or the Committee. t 10 ] No. II. YASTORMi "LETTER. TO ALL THE CHURCHES IN OUR CONNEXION. Christian Brethren, If we love Him that begat, you will not think it strange, if we extend our love also to them that are be- gotten. Though we cannot expect to see all your faces in the flesh ; yet are we with you in the spirit ; and, if, in your returns from year to year, we can behold " your order, and the steadfastness of your faith in Christ," our hearts will rejoice. At this our General Association, you will probably ex- pect, as in former years, to be reminded of those duties, which seem specially enjoined by the events of the pres- ent time. To keep the heart with all diligence is at all times a most important duty. If the heart be not right in the sight of God, we have no part nor lot in the great matter of re- ligion. Out of it proceed those things, which defile the man. There are forged those spears, more cruel than the Roman, which often crucify afresh the Son of God, and put him to open shame. O then, let a man examine him- self, to see that, first of all, the heart is right ; that he is in reality possessed of that Gospel charity, or love, which a never faileth." A beaten path to the mercy-seat must also be kept open by him who would be a living and a happy Christian. All must feel their own sinfulness, weakness, and dependence, who know much of themselves. At the mercy-seat we may find grace to help in every time of need. Our Father in heaven has shown us, that he is more willing to give even the precious gift of the Holy Spirit to them that ask Him, than earthly parents are to bestow temporal good upon their children. Let, then, every Christian be persever- ing in his prayers, not only for personal favours, but for the prosperity of the spiritual Jerusalem. L 11 ] Family prayer, though a most reasonable and scriptu- ral duty, we may fear, is very criminally neglected even by many who bear the Christian name. Ought Christians to expect a daily happy frame of mind, or to imagine they are training up their households for God, while they ne- glect to offer the morning and evening sacrifice upon the family altar ? Can parents endure the thought of leaving their children, which they must soon do, without leaving them the example and benefit of their prayers ? To maintain a sacred and constant regard for all public religious institutions — we would very earnestly recom- mend to all our brethren. Christians profess to be risen with Christ from their former spiritual death. How in- cumbent upon them then to seek those things which are above ! But, when a principle of worldly gain is suffered to govern the feelings and pursuits of a great portion of the community, there is danger, lest Christians should im- bibe some degree of the deadly influence. How many are to be found, who value things only as they have a tenden- cy to promote worldly gain ! But far be from the follow- ers of Jesus to make such a sordid estimate of things. Let them learn to consider man not the being of a day, but formed for immortality ;— to contemplate this present life as connected with eternity,and accordingly, to value objects and engage in pursuits, as they have a tendency to honour God, and to promote the lasting happiness of man. In the present state of society, greater sacrifices than ever are manifestly required of the churches, both to sup- port the institutions of religion at home, and to establish and continue missions abroad. Shall not these sacrifices be cheerfully made ? Where is the Christian, who will lament at the close of life, that he rendered the world so subservient to the kingdom of Christ? We deem it of vast importance to the prosperity of religion, that the churches willingly support, and regularly attend upon the ordinan- ces of religion. An inordinate love of the world is the great bane of society ; the great obstacle against individu- al improvement, religious order, and social happiness. Is not this one of the principal causes, why many churches, which were once prosperous and happy, have been given up to destruction, their house left unto them desolate, themselves without ordinances, and without a guide ? L ft J In this place we would repeat the advice, which has before been given to the feejde, destitute churches of thS state, viz. that, when one church and society are not able to settle a minister among them, two or more, should unite for this purpose. We wish the time may soon arrive, when this practice, a very common one among feeble churches in other states, shall be universally adopted in this ; — when even the feeblest church shall be united with some other for the enjoyment of religious ordinances : shall have some one, to whom it can look for aid and guid- ance in spiritual concerns. We earnestly recommend, that the feeble churches regard this advice ; for we deem such a course promotive of their comfort, edification and en- largement. We would ask Christian parents to enquire whether they may not inconsiderately do incalculable evil to the unguarded minds of their rising families by introducing newspapers, and other publications among them, whose character is evidently hostile to the doctrines of the Gos- pel, and to the benevolent religious exertions of the present day. By the introduction of such publications, however useful they may be considered in other respects, we con- ceive, that parents place in the way of their children a deadly poison. We would recommend to all, who have any regard for the rising generation, decidedly to exclude all publications of this cast from their families ; and to in- troduce some of those religious newspapers, or other pe- riodical publications, which are favourable to evangelical truth, and to the great religious designs and operations, which distinguish the present age. This would present a source of information and improvement both to the aged and the young. Two or three families can often conveni- ently unite, if they choose, in taking some such religious paper. It is with much satisfaction, that we may contemplate the union of sentiment, which has hitherto subsisted among the great body of the Congregational ministers and church- es in this state. But it is with painful emotions, that we perceive errors, and we believe dangerous errors too, ris- ing up even in New-England, that long enlightened and highly favoured spot, whose forests once resounded with the scriptural devotions of the pious pilgrims. When [ 13 .] errors are propagated, which would divest your Saviour of his peculiar glory, remove the precious corner-stone from the spiritual building, and convert what we deem the true Gospel into another Gospel, we consider it our duty to sound the alarm to the churches, before the ene- my has made inroads upon them. We would by no means encourage a spirit of uncharitableness. But we cannot believe, that Paul extended christian fellowship to those Jews, to whom " Christ crucified" was " a stumbling- block," or to those Greeks, to whom the same was " fool- ishness/' Nor surely then ought w e to those, whose sys- tem excludes the great gospel truth, that u through our Lord Jesus Christ we have received the atonement," or 66 turn the grace of our God into lasciviousness." All we would desire in this particular is, " that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints. All we desire is, that ye u be stedfast, immove- able, always abounding in the work of the Lord." But this we say, brethren, and by the proper influence of this sentiment we would have all your conduct directed, — " The time is short." A little while, and the parent will cease to teach Lis children the fear of the Lord, but must leave them in a wicked world. A little while, and the child will no more hear the instructions, or prayers, or behold the examples of the godly parent. A little while, and the Christian will cease to engage with those who worship in temples made with hands, or, by his virtues, to shed a happy influence upon the society, in which he moves, or to do any thing more for the benefit of the world, or the honour of his Saviour's name. * Be not weary in well doing ; for in due season you shall reap, if you faint not.' Though you have now a conflict to maintain; still it will soon be over. Like warring Israel, you are press- ing forward to the good land. Be faithful ; and soon your triumph in Christ will be complete. Now is your salva- tion nearer than when you believed ' (i Therefore, breth- ren, dearly beloved, and longed for, our joy and crown, stand fast in the Lord." We only add, •' The Lord bless you, and keep you ; The Lord make his face shine upon you, and be gracious unto you ; the Lord lift up his countenance upon you, and give you peace." Amen. C 14 ] No. III. ASSOCIATIONS UNITED IN THE GENERAL ASSOCIATION OF NEW* HAMPSHIRE. COOS ASSOCIATION. Churches, Ministers. Communicants. Males Fem. Total. Bath, D. Sutherland, 85 138 223 Bethlehem, 9 17 26 Colebrook, 14 34 48 Dalton, 8 15 23 Franconia, 3 6 9 Lancaster, J. Willard, 17 46 63 Littleton, D. Fairbanks 22 28 50 Lyman, E. 12 14 26 Lyman, W. Percy, 2 6 8 Shelburne, ! 172 304 476 DEERFIELD ASSOCIATION. Churches. Ministers. Communicants. Males. Fem. Total. Barnstead, Enos George, Canclia, Abraham Wheeler, 15 47 62 Chichester, Josiah Carpenter, 64 97 161 Concord, Asa McFarland, 129 245 374 Deerfield, Nathaniel Wells, 27 55 82 Epsom, Jonathan Curtis, 31 84 115 Gilmanton, Luke A. Spofford, 29 73 102 Loudon. Enoch Courser, 30 88 118 Northwoed, Jo9iah Prentice, 19 30 49 Pittsfield, 9 323 41 50 672 995 HOPKINTON ASSOCIATION. Churches. Ministers. t Communicants. Males. Fem. Total. Boscawen, E . P. Samuel Wood, D. D. Boscawen, W. P. Ebenezer Price, 50 73 123 Bradford, Robert Page, 11 21 32 Canterbury, William Patrick, 54 100 154 Dunbarton, Walter Harris, 34 76 110 Ucnnikfr, Moses Sawyer, 28 56 84 liopkinton, Roger C. Hatch, 57 136 193 Pembroke, Abraham Burnham, 48 123 171 Salisbury, Thomas Worcester, Sandbornton , Abraham Bodwell, 49 98 147 Warner, John Woods, 32 66 98 Churches. Temple, HolHs, Mason, New-Ipswich, Rindge, Churthes. Atkinson, Chester, Hampstead, Londonderry, Pelham, Plaistow, Salem, Windham, Churches. Acworth, 1st in Alstead, -2d in Alstead, Fitzwilliam, Gilsum, Jaffrey, Keene, Marlhorough, Nelson, Roxbury, Stoddard, Sullivan, Troy, Washington, Winchester, Langdon, Churches. Amherst, Antrim, Dee ring, Francestown, Greenfield, Lyndeborough, \iont-Vernon, Hillsborough, New -Boston, Hancock, E ** } HOLLIS ASSOCIATION. Ministers. Noah Miles, Eli Smith, Ebenezer Hill, Richard Hall, Amos W. Burnham, HAVERHILL ASSOCIATION. Ministers. Communicants. Communicants. Males. Fern. Totah 267 118 307 160 81 37 120 187 41 119 Joel R. Arnold, John Kelley, E. L. Parker, J. H. Church, Wm. Balch, S. Harris, MONADNOCK ASSOCIATION. Ministers. Male*. Fern. Total. 41 61 68 121 102 25 41 90 12 29 22 39 23 45 74 47 35 67 9 16 8 33 SO 60 Phineas Cooke, Seth S. Arnold, Levi Lankton, John Sabin, Laban Ainswort^, ZedekiahS. Barstow, Halloway Fish, Gad Newell, Isaac Robinson, William Muzzy, Broughton White, Salmon Bennett, UNION ASSOCIATION. Ministers. Nathan Lord, John M. Whiton, Jahez P Fisher, Moses Bradford, John Walker, Ntthaniel Merrill, Ebenezer Cheever, John Lawton, Ephraim P. Bradford, Communicants. Males. Fern. Total, 72 18 17 52 16 133 54 28 98 23 210 72 45 150 39 No return 43 50 212 1)1 152 68 102 No return. 117 58 30 36 20 10 74 85 11 88 115 105 21 Communicants. Males. Fem. Total. 210 191 330 103 214 214 150 80 130 70 121 109 221 39 63 77 137 65 149 [ 16 J ORANGE ASSOCIATION. Churche$. Ministers. Haverhill North, Haverhill South, Pierm«>nt, Orford, Orford West, Lime, Hanover, Dart'h Col. Hanover, Canaan, Lehanon, Plainfield, Meriden par, Plainfield, Cornish, Newport, Claremont, Vacant, Grant Powers, Rev. Mr. Blake, Sylvester Dana, Baxter Perry, Roswell Shurtleff, Josiah Town, Charles Culkins, Dana Cluyes, Micaiah Porter, Joseph Rowel I, James R. Wheelock, Rev. Mr. Nye, Communicants. Males. Fern. Total. 15 25 17 58 45 93 14 26 76 128 64 94 72 131 13 17 52 65 44 70 4 11 54 122 98 172 1012 1 548 I 40 75 138 40 204 148 203 30 97 114 15 176 270 Churches. Bridge water, Campton, Groton, Hebron, Meredith,* Plymouth, Thornton, PLYMOUTH ASSOCIATION. Ministers. Wm. Rolfe, David Smith, Jonathan Wards, Communicants. Males. Fern. Total. 22 89 63 42 39 'This church recently joined the Association. 8 14 36 53 27 36 19 23 12 72 27 61 7 10 17 Churches. PISCATAQUA ASSOCIATION Ministers. Portsmouth, N.Ch. do. S. C. Exeter, Dover, Epping, Stratham, Exeter, 2tl church, No charge, Brentwood, Raymond, Rye, Hampton, North -Hampton, Rochester, Durham, New-Castle, Newington, Newmarket, Greenland, I. W. Putnam, Nathan Parker, W. F. Rowland, J. W. Clary, Vacant, Vacant, Isaac Hurd, Peter Holt, Chester Colton, Stephen Bailey, Huntington Porter, Josiah Webster, Jonathan French, Joseph Haven, Federal Burt, Vacant, Vacant, Vacant, C. Abbott, Communicants. Males. Fcm. Total. 138 105 55 44 26 28 47 126 56 145 121 23 25 6 20 22 118 81 12 43 9 35 6 20 9 19 8 39 43 83 15 41 37 108 36 85 5 81 6 19 2 4 DATE DUE 1 T tz J r T! 1 1 GAYLORD i 1 PRINTED IN US A.