xt7p2n4zh73q https://exploreuk.uky.edu/dips/xt7p2n4zh73q/data/mets.xml Presbyterian Church in the U.S.A. Presbytery of West Lexington. 1817 books b92-77-27211862 English John R. & Abraham I. Lyle, printers, : Paris, Ky. : Contact the Special Collections Research Center for information regarding rights and use of this collection. Presbyterian Church in the U.S.A. Presbytery of West Lexington. Presbyterian Church in the U.S.A. Membership. Extracts from the minutes of West Lexington Presbytery : to which is added a narrative of the state of religion within the bounds of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church ... also A pastoral letter from the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church ... to the churches under their care. text Extracts from the minutes of West Lexington Presbytery : to which is added a narrative of the state of religion within the bounds of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church ... also A pastoral letter from the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church ... to the churches under their care. 1817 2002 true xt7p2n4zh73q section xt7p2n4zh73q
EXTRACTS FROM MINUTES
WEST LEXINGTON, KENTUCKY
PRESBYTERY
This page in the original text is blank.
1EXThACTS
FROM THE
MINUTE S
OF
WEST LEXINGTON PRESBYTERY.
TO WHICH IS ADDED
A NARRATIVE
tAe 2tate of REmLrrom, -within the bounds of the general ls5m
m10Y, of Me Presbyterian church in the United States of
dmnerica; and -of the General Issociations of Con-
.7Wcticut, of New Jlfmpshire and Massachusetts proper.
ALSO
A PASTORAL LETTER
From the General .lssembly of the P'resbyteriatz ChAurch, in the
United states of .1merica, to the chuarc/es under their care.
PARIS KY.
PUBLISHED BY ORDER OF PRESBYTERY
Joii .. C .1!i'rahanz I Ly.e pritet7.
1817
This page in the original text is blank.
THrE ORDER
OF PRESBYTERY
-4 Presbytery viewing it of prime importance to the wect.
fare of the churches under our care, that the members of
the several congregations,-should feel themselves interested
in that branch of the church to which they belong, by being
acquainted with the proceedings of the presbytery under
the care of which they live On motion resolved, that cx-
tracts from the minutes of Presbytery of the last year bc
published, and that MIessrs Lyle, Martin, Moreland, and
Mitchel, be a committee to make such extracts and prepare
them for the press and superintend their publicatioti; and
the expence to be paid out of the Presbytery's fund."
BZENDS AM DntT1tu!Sr
WE the members of the Comnit tee appoiniteJl by
Presbytery. judge it most Coniormablc to the raind or
Presbytery, -i; the order under which we now act, and
most for the benefit of the members of the several congre-
gations to notice particulars only of general concern to tho
Churches.
But before we enter on the business we would mention
some things with which some of our members may not be
so well acquainted as could be wished. 'The government
of our church is representative. Every member therefore
enjoys the same privelige in the government ofthe church
which a voter does in the civil government of our country.
Ac-ording to aol form of government cvery congregation
elects its own pastor, and the members of every church
elect ruling elders. who with the pastor represent tlecni.
and act for them in the several judicatories of the church.
The elders or representatiives of the nmembers of any par.
ticular church together with the pastor who is their chair-
man or moderator constittite a church session; and are
competent to the spiritual government of that particular
church; but from the decisions of this court there is an
appeal to the Presbytery in the bounds of which such
church is situated. The Presbytery meet statedly tAvice
every year, generally in April and October, and soluctimlies
in case of urgent or important business have intermediate
sessions. In these meetings all the ordained ministers, and
certain elders elected by the sessions, to represeni theoa
and the members of the respective congregations. being
constituted with prayer, eno'uirc into the state of religion
in the bounds of the Presby;tery, receive supplications for
supplies, or calls for the labours of ministers belongitg to
their body, and grant supplics to vacancis, issue refere nces
and appeals from the sessions, enquire into the discharge
of reciprocal duties ot ministers and peuple, examine can-
did ates for the ministry, licence men to preach, and ordain
them to the holy office of the gospel ministry and do what-
ever else may be deemed nescessary for the spiritual wel-
fare of the churches under their care. A full account of
thes.e things and those which respect the synod and gen-
eral assenmbly of our church, you will find in the form of
government and discipline of the Presbyterian church at-
tached to the confession of faith of Sd churchi witn which
we earnestly wish the members of our church to make
themselves acquainted. W\e begin with the meeting of
Presbytery at Hopewell April the 9. 18 i 6. In this sessi-
on nothing besides the reciprocal duties and appointments
of ministerial labours transpired, except the dismission of
M4r. Crow, and an inquiry respecting the concert of
prayer.
It Mr. Crow a licentiate petitioncd to be dismissed from
the care of this Presbytcry, to put himself under the care
of Louisville Presbytery. The prayer of iwhich petition
vas granted and lie is hereby dismissed and recommended
1o that Presbytery as a licentiate in good stan ding."
An enquiry was made at the ministers whether theyhad
attended to the concert of prayer. "On enquiry it appear-
el that the members had generally attcndecl to the concert
of prayer recommnencicc by the Gen. Absembly.
At the next stated session, Pres. having met at WValnut
Hill and adjourned to ILcindgton to be present at the fornia-
tion of the Kentucky Auxiliary Bible Society, Mr Wallace
a licentiate of the Kentucky Presbytery was taken nnder
the care ofthe Presbytery ot \cst Ilexington. " A letter
from Mr. William XVallace,a licentiate of the Kentucky
Pres. belongin- to the Associate reformed Synod, was read,
requesting to by tak en into couixcsion with vur Lilurch) ancd
(5.
to be put under our care. Mr Wallace being introduced,
and Presbytery having conversed with him, on his reasons
for wishing to join us, and being satisfied that he stands un-
impeached in his own church, agreed to regive him as a
licentiate under our care; advising him, at the same time
to apply for a dismission from his Pres. and to report, if
practicable, to us at our next meeting."
An intermediate meeting of Pres. was held, in Paris, the
last week of December 1816. This meeting, in which,
much time was spent and much uneasiness of mind ex-
perienced, was occasioned by one of the Church sessiona
under our care not attending to the forms of process, in
suspending one of their members. We mention this swith
a particular view to the benefit of Church sessions, hcpinG
that they will be careful to proceed, in all their adjudica.
tions, according to the directions given in thc book of dis-
cipline of our Church.
In -the sessions of Presbytery of April -ti, 1817, we no.
tice the following particulars judging them to be of gen-
eral interest, viz. the death of the Rev. Sam ucl Rannells.
An addition to the committee to exaniine the credentials
ofstrange ministers.-Acommitte to write to the Chur-
ches respecting forwardng calls for their ministers-An or-
der for Catechetical instruction, and the formation of Bi-
ble classes Bible associations-And an order for tho
ordination of Mr.Edgar.
The Presbytery thus noticed the death of Mr. Rennells;
when mentoning theirabsent members: " Absent the Rev.
-Samuel Rannells whom God in the dispensations of his
adorable providence has been pleased to remove from u:
by death March 24th. 1817. "
"On motion resolved that Mcssrs.Cunningham an4
Burrows be added to the standing committee, whose duty i.
is to examine the credentials of strange ininisters, who ma,7
come within our bounds."
N. B. The committee think that the pastors oftthe sev-
eral congregations and the elders in vacant
congregations, should examine the testinionia.'s oft ravelliir
prachers, VhO may bC unknown to thern befire cthey by
A-2
(6.)
permtted to preach ii their bounds: as manr Impositton!
have been practised in this wrestern country.
" The corr.mittee appointed to write to the Churches
respecting written suplications or calls for those ministers
that labour among them, as directed in the minutes of our
last meeting, having failed to comply with their duty, are
continued, and ordered to take the earliest oppori ullity of
addressing on that subject, the congregations of Cherry
Spring, Woodford, Susar Ridge, Leba.on, Salem, C ne-
RIdge, Point Picasant, Mo unt Pleasant dnd I ndian Creck.
We believc it to be the mind of Presbytery, that not thosc
Churches only that are named abive; but that all the
Churches wvithin their.boun6s in a similar situation (with-
out settled ministers ) should attend to the design of Pres-
bytery in the above minute.
" On motion Resolved that it be recommended that Cat-
echetical exercises be attended to in our vacancies under thc
care of the eldership, and also that Bib!e classes be formed
both in the vacancies and in the congregations that may be
supplied with pastors. "
BIBLE ASSOCIATIONS,
Whereas the important trust of supplying the wholc
western countzy with bibles, has, in the course of proi i-
dence devolved upon the Ky Auxiliary Bible Society, a; d
whereas the society by their solicitor has laid before Pre-d
bytevy the great necessity of a unifoim co-operation, and a
joint effort in raising funds and distributing the scriptures;
Therefore resolved that it be enjoined and it is hereby en-
joined that a bible association be fornied in each vacant
congregation under our ca-e ; and it is especially enjoi-
ned on ever'- member of this Presbytery to for in at least
one association in his ncighbourhood, and also to use his
influence to procure subscribers to twe Ky. 4uxil iary Bi-
ble Society, and by every possiible way, promote the inte-
rest oftue institution ; and also that the chutich sessions
maketheir attention to this matter a patrt tf thciP 5essio'
iat repoxt to Prcsbytey.
(7.3
2Mr. John T. Edgar a licentiate of the presbytcr of
New Brunswick contemplatinpg a settlement at I;emins,
burgh, the Presbytery resolved to meet at Flemiiti church
in order to proceed to his ordination and settlement in that
place. Mr. Edirar was appointed to preach a scrmon oti
Rev. 17, 14. Thc Rev. John R. Mforeland was ap-
pointed to preach the ordination sermon, Rev Robert
Wilson, to preside and give the charge to Mr. Edgar, awnl
the Rev. Joseph P. Howe, to give the charge to the pct;.
ple.
Fleming Church June. 10. 1817.
Presbytery mec agreeably to appointment was con-
stituted with prayer. M . Edgar lhaving been received as
a licentiate under the care of iPresbytery, A call from the
united congregations of Fleming and Smyrna for his
ministerial labours, was laid before presbytery and bcing
approved was presented to him fur his acceptanre which
be accepted. 'Mr. Edgar delive il a discourbe on the
tesxt which had been assigned him at the last stateec meet-
ing of Presbstery; atd the discourse was unanimously
sustained as a part of trial. Presbytery their proceeded to
examim.e Mtr. Edgar on experimental religion,the Greek
and Hebrew Lenguage-, Philosophy. Theology, Ecclesias-
tical history. and church government and discipline; and
were unanimously agreed to sustain the examiiation as a
part of trial.
Mr. Moreland, who had been appointed to preach thc
orlination sermon being absent, an appropriate (liscourse
was delivered by Mr. Lyle onl 2 Tim. 4, 5. "M6.Aukefult
firoof of thly mini.try.
Pr esbytery having obtained satisfactory evidcnce of the
qualifications of M1r John T. Edgar for the holy office of
the gorpel ministery agreed to ptoceed in his ordination.
Mr. Wilson, who had been previously appointed to pre-
side and give the cl-arge, proceeded to put the questions
as directed in our formn ot government; and they being
answered in the affirmative by Mr. Edgar; and likewise
the people having answetred the qucstions put to t.iem as
4iructed in the form of guyernment of our church in thi
(S. )
a1Thrmative; Presbytery proceeded and by the laying on of
hands and solemn prayer Mr. Edgar w'a; set a part to the
holy office of the gospel ministry; and at the same time
installed as the stated Pastor of the united congregations of
Fleni ng and Smrvrna. A solemn charge having been
delivered to the newly ordained Bishop by Mr. Wilson;
and likewise a charge having been given to the people by
Mr. Howe the whole was concluded with prayer. Mr.
Edgar was invited to take his seat as a member of Presby-
tery and he took his seat accordingly.
The next stated meeting of Presbytery will be at Paris
on the first thursday in October next, to which time and
place Presbytery adjourned at-the close of their last spring
session,
JOHN LYLE
WILLIAM WV. MARTIN
JOHN R. MORELAND
Beloved Brethren,
Prompted by an ardent desire for
your spiritual welfare we would now address you affection-
ately on things which belong to your everlasting peace, but
intending to subjoin the narritave of the state of religion in
the bounds of the Gen. Assembly together with their
pastoral letter to the Churches under their care, we com.
mend you to God and the word of his grace, praying God to
bless you with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in
Christ Jesus, to whom be honour and glory for ever ai.d
ver. Ano.ena
J NARRATIVE
Sf the '-. Cf RE LGrON, within the bounds of the ('en.
sral A.ssevbly, of the Prisbytcrian Church in the United
Stcates of.lrm:rica, and of the GCneral ss8oCiCtioni of
Connecticut of A'ew Hampshiire, anz1 of 3fas8aCschuaeM4
f rols er.
E vBRY thing which relates to the Redeemer's king.
dom is important to the world and of peculiar interest to
the people of God. The Gencral Assembly, therfore, fcc!
a pleasure in presenting to the churches, - under their care,
a summary of the state of religion within their bounds, du-
ring the past year.
In entering on this duty, they cannot cnnceal their grief
that, in many parts of our wvide extended country, there are
many vices still prevalent, such as profaneness, intemper-
ance, Sabath-breaking and gambling; vices these, whiclh
always will be, whilstthey continue, a cause of just com-
plaint, and of deep regret. In many instances, however, a
check has been give to these degrading and sinful practi-
ces,by the salutary operation of moral societies. Socie-
ties of this character, if instituted on proper ,principles and
conducted with suitable prudence, promise to be very usc-
ful in laying, at least, an outward restraint upon thC distur-
bers of the peace and order of society.
In some instances too, we learn, with feelings of the
greatest conccrn, that the walk and conversation even of
professors, are not such as becometh the gospel of Christ.
They are cold and formal in their demeanor, and in tlhcir
conduct conform to the vain customs of the world. Alas!
they seem to have forgotten the solemnity ot that transac-
tion, when they laid their vows before the altar of God, and
avoucieicl the Lord Jehovah to be their God. Tae Gcin.
eral Assembly feel it to be their duty, tenderly, L)ut faith-
fiully, to warn such of thc danger of their condition, and the,
pernicious influence of their example, and earnestly to exc-
hort them to strengthen the thing-s thaL remain wli.ich arc
ready to die.
Fidelity to the churches requires that these subjects of
grief should be presented to their view; yet it is not to bc
understood that the evils complained of, are more preva-
lent than heretofore; There is, indeed, abundant reason to
believe they are Lnot Tue gencral aspect of the church of
(10.)
God has never been more favourable within our knowleiga
than at the present time, The age in which we live is to
be characterised as the age of christian charity. Numer-
ous associations are formed, which have for their object
the alleviation of human misery: associations, by the
effiorts of which, the widow's heart is made glad, the or-
phan's tears are wiped away, and poverty is relieved in its
cottage of sorrow. Nor has benevolence limited her ex-
ertions by the temporal necessities of mankind. A higher
object has claimed her attention, and received it. The
spiritual interests of the poor and the ignorant, have been
considered, with a solicitude and pronptness, unparalleled
in the history of the world..
In very many of our cities and populous villages, Sab-
bath Schools have been instituted for children and adults,
in which thousands are taught to read the word of God, and
are instructed in the principles of ieligion. They are led
also to the sanctuary ofthe Lord by their teachers, and thus
enjoy the benefit of that gospel which, otherwise perhaps,
multitudes of them had never heard. Connected here-
withs we would likewlse note the instruction of the young
and ignorant by catechising, and the institution of Bible
classes, in most of our congregations; for these form a
striking feature of the day. God has blessed these efforts
and Zion hath rhultiplied her children.
Religious Tract Societies are increasing, both in number
and exertions, to the manifest advantage of truth, and pie-
ty.
Missionary societies also claim fromn the General Ass-
cmbly a distinguished notice-aided by those consecrated
treasures, which have been placed at the disposal of these
associations, the gospel has been faithfilly and successfully
preached through a wide extent of country.-It is with
emotions ofjoy which cannot be expressed that we have
heard of the Zeal, the patience, and the intrepidity of those
heralds of the cross, who, in the true spirit of their miss.
ionary character, have penetrated far into the wilderness
and have proclaimed salvation through the Lord Jesus
Christ, where the gospel before had scarcely ever heard.
(11.)
NeveT, never before have suich narratives been presented
to the Assembly ; so interesting in their detail so cheer-
ing in their aspect.
In more places than one, the spirit of the Lord has shed
down his holy influences on their labours; so that many
precious souls, throughi their instrumentality, it is humbly
hoped, have passed from death unto life, and are enrolled
amongst the friends of Jesus. It is a pleasure too of no
ordinary kind, to be able to state that the missionary spirit
is increaseing both among preachers' and people; and many
young men, entering the rninisiry are not intimidated by
the exertions and privations of a missionary life; they are
ready to spend, and be spcrt, in that blessed cause whict)
contains in itself a character of infinite iaiportancc;
" Enough to fill an Angel's hands)
It filled the Saviour's heart."
In the establishment of Bible Societies there has beez,
the mort extensive combination. Within the hallowed
circle of their operation, all denominations of Christians
have met. And the past year will be remembered, by
future generations, for an expression of attachment to tile
sacred volume, by the increase of these Societies before
unknown. And here, it ought Iot to be concealed, that
the establishment of the AmNERICAN BIBLE SOCIETY has
been a principal mean of giving this impulse to public sen-
timent. Thete is a grandeur in its character, vhich comn.
mands respect-and an influence in its extension, which
must be felt.
Among the patrons of these charities which we have re-
corded, and who merit the gratitude of the church, the
General Asscnmbly recognize the unceasing efforts and
liberality of iours Females-their bcnevolcnce has flowed
in various channels, and their zeal will be longr held as a
precious memorial ofthleir virtue and and their piety. 'I'he
Cent Societies are peculiarly their owt.n, by whibh sixteen
young men have been supported the last ycar in whole or
in part at the Assmrbly's Secninary at PCi:';i, Co o.,
(12.)
e '8!ters In Zion, and ye moohers in Israel, until the earif,
ehall be filled with the knowledge of the Lord !
The monthly concert for special prayer has been almost
tunivcrsally attended; and herein a union of sentiment and
desire, has been expressed by our churches, which affords
the brightest prospects to the Redeemer's kingdom. In-
deed, Zion has been evidently extending the curtains
of her habitation. She hath lengthened her cords, an-d
strengthened her stakes. The number of her branches
has been increased, and her members been multiplied.
Until now. we have never known such bright displays of
sovereign grace, nor marked so distinctly, the triumphs of
the cross of Christ God bath indeed been seen, in the
operations of his Spirit, to have dwelt with man upon the
earth. It is the Lord's doing and it is marvll-us in our
eyes.
From the particular accounts which the Assembly have
received, from the presbyteries under their care, they feel
a high satisfaction in learning the measure of minizterial
faithfulness, with which the pastors of the churches have
generally discharged the arduous duties of their station.
The labours of many of them have been particularly bless-
cd by the Great head of his church, who, when he ascen-
ded up on high, received gifts for men. Sorre have been
honourably employed in building up the saints in the fiith
and order of the Gospel, whilst others have been permit-
ed to witness among their people the powerful influences
of converting. grace, and have seen sinners flocking to Je-
sus, like clouds aud like doics to their windows. Thlis
will be abundantly evident by recording some of the won-
ders which God hath wrought. And here, the Assembly
would particularly mention, the Preshyteries of .'orthun.
6cr/and, Champlain, Grand River, C'ayuga, Ono ndaga
Geneva, columbia, and Jersey, as greatly distuinguis! ed
by the glorious manifestations of divine mercy, to some of
the congregations within their boundls. Xorthumberland
Presbqtery, the Congregation of Sh. rnokiin has been gra-
ciously visited with an outpouring of the Divine Spii it.
And though tVAis b a day of small tlings, niuchi good has
(13)
already resultcd from this merciful visitation, -rld ive ca4
not but hail it as the token of a brighter scene.
In thc Prcebytery of Charndain there have been several
revivals of religion, which have gladdenedl the hearts of
ministers and christians, diEpersed( through that region.
More than an hundred souls in the course of eight months
have been made the hopeful subjects of divine grace in the
congregation of Malone. In Chatteaugay, Constable, Ban-
gor, Moira, and Dickinson, Plattsburgh, Chazee and Lew-
is, the power of that Holy Spirit has been felt, by whiich
we are convinced of sin, and converted unto God.
Grand River Presbytery has experienced the loving
kindness of tlic Lord, and received the word of his salva-
tion-Ziorn's friends rejoice aiid magnify the riches of his
grace. In the congregations of Austinburgh, Morgan
and Rome, the work has been powerful and glorious. In
Grceoe, Aurora, Lebanon, Jefferson, and Bucksville, the
Lord has manifested the power of his gospel.
Cayuga Presbytery is among those 14voured portions of
our church wtich the Lord hatti blessed indeed. Ithaca'
L'ble, S--apronius, Scipio and DaHby, have richly partak-
en in the divine influence; but especially, have we to men-
tion thle congregation of Lock, as particularly distinguish.
ed for those trophies of grace wnich the Lord hath g:tlier_
ed to the honour of his giorious name.
In the Prcsbytery ot Oiioiadaga, twe congregations of
Homnu., Fai):us, Cizenovia, aticl Ousco, are to be number-
ed among the places wnicaa it Iiata delighted the Lord to
bless-Here a rich harvest of souls hatli ocen gathered;
and the Spirit of Gud hatli decentded, like dew on the new
mown g'asls.
Geneva Fresbytery also, has bcen remembered with
tinws tf refresating froan the prese.ce of fie Lord. 'I hie
efusicuns-of divine grace have beeti copious anu extensive;
and tUe heavenly iTfluCnce !,as been particularly shed, up-
on the congregrations of BNoonkiCiuL, Lyons, Roniulous,
Mlv! ihksex, Gorhanm Paliii-ra-Il-uiureds of the wretclhed
SIm;er lof ourl racc,. ave ciiurc bctc biought to cry out3
"what musi vc do ao 6b zavtd !" and here have touud that
k)
(141
5aviour, whome 'blood cleanseth from sin. Similar in-
luences, though of a less extent, have been experienced
in the congregations of Geneva, Rochester, Buffaloe, wol-
cott, Victor, Livonia, and Gamburgh. The results of
these revivals, it is impossible for us to estimate-They
'will doubtless be better learnt around the throne of God
anid the Lamb, from the songs of the redeemed.
The Presbytery of Columbia record in their reports,
illustrious mercy and wonderous grace-The Lord hath
visited several destitute places within the bounds of the
Presbytery with his comforting and reviving influences.
The congregations of Cattskill and Cambridge have been
blessed of God. But, in the city of Troy, the glory and
grace of God has been displayed with peculiar splendor
and holy triumph. About 5o0, in the several denomina-
tions, are said to have professed the name of Jesus-some
of all ages and conditions, from the child of ten to the old
man of eighty years, have been made the sul 'ects of divitce
mercy. what heart does not exult in stich a work of
the Lord, and take part with those Jblessed inteligences
of the throne of God, who desire to look into the za ysteries
oQf grace, and rejoice when sinners repent.
The Presbytery of Jersey speak of wonders of mercy.
And scenes of divine and sovreign grace are exhibited in
some of their congregations, overwhelming by the gran-
dieur of the work, and the extent of the operation. Two
congregations in Newark, and the congregations of Ehiza-
bethtown and Orange have felt in very deed that the gos-
pel of Christ is the power of God unto salvation, uito ad
who believe. The congregations also, of Connecticut-
farms and Bloomfield, have received a copious effusion of
the Spirit of God. Multitudes, in this region, have em-
braced the Lord Jesus in hope of eternal life. Thb attcn-
tion of the people of colour is here said also, to be excited
to the great thiigs, of their peace-This Presbytery reckon
more than fifteen huidred persons as being eithcr arcply
impres.ed with the importance of religion, or eise triiuii-
phing in the joys of faith, in the societies lher.c recorded.
T'ic Tlealoic4 5.l:inarY At 1Pria ;Cf7t, as kinuly re
fIS)
uirem.b-redof God, and its inflLuence is most happy. Tlh
missionary spirit which is manifbstly increasing iu this in,
ittittion, is a subject of pleasing congratulation to all the
friends of the Redeemers, kingdom. 1The numiber of stu.
dents in this seminary is forty-seven.
The Theological Scminary, under the care of the
3ynod of Virginia is also represented in a prosperoue
state.
The Assembly furthcr notice withl pieasore, the gener,
attentinn and exertion to-alleviate the condition of t.'e peu.
pie of colour, in-almost all parts of tl)e country-A Society
bas been firmed for thc colonization of frce people of this
description, and is patronized by the ilrst characters of uur
nation.
An institution, likewiso, is established under the direc-
tion of the Synod of New York and New Jersey, for the
edu cation of men of colour for the ministry, and as instruc-
tors ofAheir brethren.
From the Genmral .Aociation of Connrcrticut we learn,
with interest, theat some revivals of religion have taken-
place. and the cause of Jesus is advancing. Many happy
fruits of past revivals are now enjoyed, and great things
arc still doing for Zion in that section of our country. Bbic,
Tract, Missionary Socictics are numerous, and useful in
their influence; especial'y a S-ciety for the education of
young men for the gospel ministry, which promises ninth
go.ld. WVe rejoice to learn that, in this State, thci'c
is also a seminary established fo; tne education of heather.
youth in our own-country, at which there are tivelve of this'
description, from different countries. And, aiso, an Ilisti-
tution, which hath for its object til cedlucationl of the deaf
and dulmb.-Thlis establishmcnt is in successful operatioo.,
and is supported by the general liberality of the coutitry.
In M4a.sachusetes proper, there - have been sonic revivals
of interesting character and extent,. The blessed fruits,
resulting from the showers of grace which were nientioned
in our l;rrative for the last year, will be held in everlasting
remembrance by the people of God. The various Sucie-
ties which have betai established ia thi5 State to prumL'tc
(16)
christian morals, and to extend the kingdom of the Pedee-
iner, hare continued their efforts with undiminished zeal
and success. To individuals whom God hath distinguislhed
by the possesion of wealth, he has given the disposition to
become distinguished benefactors of the church.
The Theological Seminary of Andover is flourishing.
It has sixty-seven students; many of whom, like their breth.
ren in the sister Seminary at Prineton, are devoted to mis-
sions. The Society, recently established to educate pious
young men for the christian ministry, promises much good
tothe church. It has on its funds sixty-siK students, inva-
riCus seminaries, and in various stages of academical learn-
ing.
From New Hampshire we arc happy to learn, that the
interests of evangelical religion are in a progressive state.
That a Missionary Society has been long established, to-
sether with a Bible Society. Societies, for charitable ob-
jects, and for the reformation of morals, are multiplied and
attended with salutary effects. About 20 congregations
have been blessed with revivals.
From Vermont we have no formal report; but by authen-
tic information, we learn that upwards of one huutdi ecs So.
cieties have been visited with efl'usionis of the Holy Spir-
it. The work is most remarkable and illustrious. The
heritage of Zion is refresked, and the teripies of ute Lord
are filled with worshippers
On the whole, the past year has been a year of Zion's
glory within our bounds. Cheering ate the prospects of
the future; and the signs of the times deserve our deep
attention. The church is, at present, to be viewed in a
light peculiarly interesting. Thoi friends of Zio'n are a-
wake from a long slecp. The hCralds of the gospel are
running to and fro through the earth, and krowledge is in.-
creasing. Mighty excrtions are now claking throlughout
the Christian world. Enipeiors arti kie g;, Xwitlh mlen of
every rank, combine their efforts to circulate tia Sacred
Scriptures around the globe. Prejuiidce and bigotry,
which have so lont separated those wiio scr'ed our com-
"I7J
Chon Lord, and promoted a common cause, seem by de..
grces to be passing away. The Spirit of God is marvel.
ouslly shed forth on some parts of Zion. Fervency and con.
cert in prayer appear to be increasing among Christians
Al ay we not then hopc, that the night is far spent; that the
day is at hand May we not hope, that the time approach-
es, when the kingdom of this world shall become the
kingdom of God and his Christ ! E VEN SO, coNiE LoRtD J R-
SuS, COME qUICKLY ! Acme;
Published by order of the General Assembly,
Attest, WILLIAM NEXILL, Stated Clerk:
Ph'ladelfhiay May, 18 1 7.
A PASTORAL LETTER,
Prom the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Churelh
in the United Slateg of America, to the Churches under
their care.
The General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in the
United States, to the Churches under their care, wish
grace, mercy, and peace, fronm God the Father, and from
the Lord Jesus Christ.
Very Dear Brethren,
A