USA > Connecticut > The records of the General association of ye colony of Connecticut. Begun June 20th, 1738. Ending June 19th, 1799 > Part 12
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Present
Rev.ª Messieurs Benjamin Trumbull D.D.
Simon Waterman
Levi Hart Joli Marsh
Hezekiah Ripley
Peter Starr
Jolını Foot
Andrew Lee
Jonathan Edwards D.D.
Nathan Strong
Nathan Perkins
William Lockwood
Joshua Williams
Samuel Blatchford
Zebulon Ely
Justus Mitchel
David Selden
Samuel Nott
Amos Bassett
David L. Bebee John Eliot Joshua Leonard Joel West
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OF THE COLONY OF CONNECTICUT.
Delegates from the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church -
Samuel Blair D.D. Nathaniel Irwin Joseph Clark.
The Revd Benjamin Trumble was chosen Moderator and the Revd Messrs Nathan Perkins and John Marsh were chosen Scribes.
The meeting was opened with prayer by the Rev. Moderator.
The Sermon was preached by the Rev. Samuel Nott from 2 Cor. 4: 5.
The Rev. Messrs Hart, Edwards and Strong were appointed a committee to draw up a Docket of the business.
The communications from the district Associations respect- ing a Missionary Society were read, and the Rev. Messrs Hart, Edwards, Strong and Irwin were appointed a com- mittee to take into view these communications, and report to the Association.
The Rev. Messrs Ripley and Lockwood were appointed a Committee to examine the accounts of the Committee of Missionary publications.
To prevent impositions on Ministers and Churches respect- ing those who may come from Europe to these United States under the character of preachers of the gospel - Voted That a Committee be appointed to write to the Committee of Ministers, belonging to the Board in London, known by the title of the FUND, or to any known Board of ministers in Scotland, to request them to give Credentials to all Ministers, whom they can recommend for piety and good character, desirous of coming to this Country : and the Committee request those with whom they correspond, to circulate this as extensively as they may judge meet - Voted That Dr. Timothy Dwight, Dr. James Dana, and Dr. Benjamin Trumbull, together with the Rev. Samuel Blatchford be the Committee for this purpose.
No report being made by the Committee to look up the papers relating to the Convention before the war, Dr. Lewis
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RECORDS OF THE GENERAL ASSOCIATION
and Mr. Burnett were continued, and Rev. Andrew Eliot and Hezekiah Ripley were added ; and Dr. Blair and Mr. Clark were requested to consult the records of the Synod of New York and Philadelphia respecting said Convention, and to forward to Dr. Lewis of Horsneck anything that may throw light ou the subject.
The Committee of Missions refused any compensation, being willing to do the service gratuitously.
Dr. Williams, Dr. Dana, Dr. Edwards, Dr. Trumbull, Levi Hart and Mr. Bray were reappointed a Committee to superintend the missions to the new settlements.
The Committee of Missions reported that of the fund there remained 796 dollars, inclusive of what is now due to the Rev. Andrew Judson, for his late services, to be expended in carrying on the benevolent design of advancing the interest of religion in our new settlements in the borders of the wilderness -
And, the Rev. Mess's Andrew Judson, Amzi Lewis, Seth Williston, Walter King, Zebulon Ely and Amos Bassett were appointed Missionaries for the present year.
The Committee to certify the good character and standing . of travelling preachers, viz: Mr. Taylor, Dr. Nathan Williams, Mr. Bray, Dr. Trumbull, Dr. E. Williams, Mr. Robinson, Mr. E. Waterman, Dr. Lewis, Mr. David Ely were reappointed.
The Committee of correspondence with the Massachusetts Convention of Ministers viz: Dr. Dwight, Mr. Enoch Huntington, and Mr. Eliot were reappointed, and Mr. Marsh was added.
The Rev.ª Messrs Nathan Perkins, Samuel Blatchford, and John Eliot, were appointed delegates to the General Assem- bly of the Presbyterian Church, to meet at Winchester in Virginia, on the third Thursday of May next.
The Rev" Cyprian Strong was appointed to preach on the Evidences of Christianity, the day before Commencement, and the Revd Dr. Trumbull second.
The Revd Royal Tyler was chosen to preach the concio ad clerum.
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OF THE COLONY OF CONNECTICUT.
Voted. That this Association will attempt to form a plan for a Missionary Society - The Revd Levi Hart, Dr. Edwards, Nathan Strong and Nathaniel Irwin were appointed a Com- mittee to report concerning the formation of a Missionary Society - The report was accepted, and the same Committee was appointed to draught a Constitution of a Missionary Society ; and the Constitution after due consideration was adopted and is as follows -
" The General Association of the State of Connecticut, impressed with the obligations on all the friends of Chris- tianity, to propagate a knowledge of its gracious and holy Doctrines ; Also encouraged by the late zealous exertions for this End, in sundry christian Bodies, can not but hope, the time is near, in which God will spread his truth thro' the whole Earth .- They also consider it as a thing of great importance, that some charitable assistance be extended to new Christian Settlements, in various parts of the United States. The salvation of these souls is precious. The happiness of the rising generation, and the Order and Stability of civil Government are the most effectually advanced, by the Diffusion of religious and moral sentiments, through the preaching of the gospel. In deep feeling of these truths, having by prayer sought the direction of God, in the fear of his great Name, they have adopted the follow- ing Constitution of a Missionary Society.
I. This Society shall be known. by the name of the Mis- sionary Society of Connecticut.
Il. The General Association of the State of Connecticut shall be the Missionary Society.
III. The General Association shall annually, by Ballot, ap- point twelve Trustees, whereof six shall be Clergymen, and six shall be brethren of our Churches, who shall conduct the business of the Society in the manner hereafter described.
IV. The objects of the Society shall be, to christianize the Heathen in North America, and to support and promote Christian Knowledge in the new settlements within the United States : and both shall be pursued as circumstances 23
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RECORDS OF THE GENERAL ASSOCIATION
shall point out : and as the Trustees, under the superinten- dence of the General Association shall direct.
V. The General Association and the Trustees shall adopt snch measures from time to time, for raising of Funds, as they shall judge to be expedient.
VI. The Trustees shall have power to apply the Funds of the Society, according to their Discretion, in all cases in which they shall not be limited, by the General Association, or by the Donors .- They shall correspond with other Mis- sionary Societies - shall have power to appoint and dismiss Missionaries -to pay them, and generally to transact all business necessary to attain the Ends of the Society : and shall be paid their necessary expenses : but shall receive nothing for their services.
VII. The Trustees shall annually appoint a Secretary, who shall Keep a fair account of their proceedings, and a Chair- man, who with four other Trustees shall be a Quorum to transact Business ; - or, if the stated Chairman shall not be present, any seven of the Trustees shall be a Quorum.
VIII. The Chairman shall have power to call a meeting of the Trustees at his discretion, by Letters left with them, or at the houses of their usual residence; and it shall be his duty to call such meetings, whenever requested by two Trus- tees, and in case of the death of the Chairman, or of his Absence from the State, any two Trustees are hereby em- powered to call a Meeting.
IX. The General Association shall annually appoint a Treasurer, an Auditor of Accounts : and the Treasurer shall exhibit both to the General Association and to the Trustees, the State of the Treasury, whenever he shall be called on for that Purpose.
X. The Trustees shall annually exhibit to the General Association a particular account of the Missionaries employed by them -of the places to which they are sent -of the apparent success of the Missions - of the state of the Funds -of their receipts and expenditures and of whatever, relat- ing to this Institution the General Association shall require.
Xl. The Trustees and the officers of this Society shall
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OF THE COLONY OF CONNECTICUT.
enter on their respective offices on the first Wednesday of September annually, and shall continue in office for one year.
XII. The Trustees shall hold their first meeting at the State-House in Hartford, on the first Wednesday in Septem- ber next, at 11 o'clock A. M., and in every year thereafter, they shall meet at the same time and place unless otherwise ordered by the General Association.
XIII. If on experience it shall be found necessary to alter this Constitution, an alteration may be made, by the General Association at their stated Session ; but not without having been drawn up in writing and lying under consideration for one year ; nor unless at least two thirds of all the members of the General Association shall adopt the said alteration.
The last mentioned Committee were appointed to draw up a Memorial to the Governor and Council, which was reported and accepted - and is on file.
Voted, That Dr Benjamin Trumbull and the Rev. Nathan Strong, or either of them be a Committee to present the Memorial and Petition of this Association to the Governor and Council.
The Reverend Messrs Lockwood, Clark, Lee and Blatchford were appointed a Committee to draw up and report an address to the Inhabitants of the State of Connecticut. The following address was reported and accepted. See the Files.
Voted That the following Civilians and Clergymen be appointed Trustees of the Missionary Society.
Lieut. Governor Treadwell Esqr.
Honble ) Jonathan Brace Esqr. Heman Swift Esqr. Roger Newbury Esqr. John Davenport Esqr. Joshua Lathrop. Dr. Trumbull
Dr. Edwards Levi Hart
Rev. Messrs Nathan Strong Charles Backus Cyprian Strong
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RECORDS OF THE GENERAL ASSOCIATION
Andrew Kingsbury Esqr. was appointed Treasurer and John Porter Esqr. Anditor of the Missionary Society.
Voted That the Constitution of the Missionary Society, the address and the Subscription papers be printed to the number of 500 copies ; - and the Revd Nathan Strong was chosen to take the Charge of the printing of the same and that the expense of printing be paid by the Committee of Missions.
In Session of the General Association, the subject of means to defray the expense of our Delegates to the General Assembly of the presbyterian Churches, being under consid- eration, Resolved that the following persons, Lieut. Governor Treadwell, Hon. Jonath. Brace, Rev.ª Nathan Strong, and Nathan Perkins be a Committee to devise and report means to our next Session, adequate to the support of the delegates, which is so necessary for union and interests of the Churches.
Resolved That the Rev.ª Seth Williston be desired, to make as full a Statement as he is able, of the deficiences of support while laboring as a Missionary in the Western settle- ments since June 1> 1797, to the Committee of Missions ; and that the Committee reward him as they reward other missionaries.
Voted that the Revd Messrs. James Dana, Nathan Williams and Thomas Wells Bray, submit all their accounts of the monies lately contributed for Missions to the New settlements to be audited and settled by John Porter Esqr. Auditor of accounts of the Missionary Society of Connecticut; and that they pay over the balances which are in their hands into the hands of Andrew Kingsbury Esqr., Treasurer of said Society, on the first Wednesday of September next.
Resolved by the General Association, That the several associations in this State consider the following Question - Whether Deacons in our Churches ought to be ordained by prayer & imposition of hands: and that they send their decision of the question to the next general association with their reasons.
Voted, That the next General Association in June 3d
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OF THE COLONY OF CONNECTICUT.
Tuesday 1799 be holden at Hartford at the House of the Revd. Nathan Strong.
Passed in General Association.
Test NATHAN PERKINS, Scribe.
NOTES.
. Samuel Blatchford - Pastor - Bridgeport-1797-1804. 1
. David Selden - " Middle Haddam -1785-1825.
3. David D. Beebe -
" Woodbridge -1791-1800.
. Joshua Leonard " Ellington -1791-1798.
. Joel West
" East Hampton -1792-1825.
1799.
At a meeting of the General Association of the State of Connecticut, holden at Hartford the 3ª Tuesday in June 1799-
The following Gentlemen were present having Certificates of delegation from their several district Associations.
Toland - Nathan Williams D. D. and Charles Backus.
Hartford N - Nehemiah Prudden & William F. Miller. Hartford S- John Smalley - William Robinson. Windham Cy - Thomas Brockway, M. C. Welch
Fairfield E-Sam' Blatchford -John Ely Fairfield W -Justus Mitchel - Andrew Elliot.
Middlesex - E. Parsons - L. Rockwell.
Litchfield N-Jonathan Edwards D. D. Sam' J. Mills Litchfield S- Simon Waterman.
New London -Joseph Strong - Levi Hart.
N. Haven - Simon Backus -John Elliot.
N. Haven W - David Tuller - Bazalell Pineo.
From the John Rogers D. D.
Gen.1 Assembly \ Robert Finley.
The Rev.ª Levi Hart was chosen Moderator. Samuel Blatchford, Scribe John Elliot Assist.t Scribe
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RECORDS OF THE GENERAL ASSOCIATION
Jonathan Edwards D. D.
Committee appointed John Smalley
to prepare the Docket
Simon Waterman Robert Finley
The Association was opened by Prayer by the Moderator.
Article 1st
The Report of the Committee appointed to present a Peti- tion to the Governor and Council, to obtain contributions for the support of Missions among the new settlements and the Heathen - Resolved that the Revd Nathan Strong be pre- pared to present a written report on the subject tomorrow morning.
Article 2.
The Report of the Trustees of the missionary Society - Receipts & expenditures -missions -State of the Fund - Correspondence &c.
A motion was made by the Revd Dr. Edwards for the appropriation of one half of the funds on hand for the express purpose of evangelizing the Heathen. After con- sultation on this motion the Association adjourned at 5 o'clock for divine service - the hour of meeting was appointed at 7 o'clock tomorrow morning - A prayer by the Moderator, concluded the associational business of the day.
In the evening a Sermon was delivered by the Revd Moses C. Welch from Mark 16: 20.
Wednesday June 19th Prayer by the Moderator. Met according to appointment - The subject of Dr. Edwards's motion was resnmed.
Voted by the Missionary Society of Connecticut that one half the monies contributed for the support of missions on the first sabbath in May last, if one half of the monies be yet mappropriated, by the Trustees of the missionary society, or if more than one half of those monies be already appro- priated by the trustees, that, then, the whole of those monies now unappropriated ought to be applied by the Trustees to the support of missionaries among the heathen.
183
OF THE COLONY OF CONNECTICUT.
In conformity to the Resolve passed yesterday, the Revd Nathan Strong presented a report of the measures taken by the Committee to obtain an act for contributions toward the support of Missions. No 1.
Report of the delegates to the General Assembly.
The delegates appointed by the General Association were unable from various causes to attend -in consequence of which at the request of the Association the Revd Mr. Finley gave an interesting account of the doings of the General Assembly, at their session, together with the most pleasing intelligence received by said Body of the success of the gos- pel, in several places, and the outpouring of the Divine Spirit.
By a Ballot for the Trustees of the Missionary Society, for the ensueing year, the following Gentlemen were chosen.
The Hon. John Treadwell Esqr. Hon. Heman Swift Esq."
Hon. Roger Newberry Esq."
Hon. Jonathan Brace Esq."
Hon. John Davenport Esq."
Doct." Joshua Lathrop.
Rev.ª Benjamin Trumbull
Rev.ª Nathan Strong
Rev.ª Cyprian Strong
Rev.ª Charles Backus
Rev.ª Levi Hart
Rev.ª Nathan Williams D.D.
By a Ballot for a Treasurer and an Auditor of the accounts of the Missionary Society were chosen
Andrew Kingsbury Esqr. Treasurer John Porter Esqr. Auditor of accounts -
A claim of compensation for missionary services being made by the Revd Moses C. Welch, on the part of the Revd Andrew Judson - the Revd Mess.rs Andrew Elliot & E. Parsons were appointed a Committee to confer with Mr. Welch and bring in a report on the Subject.
On motion, Voted, that the members of the present Asso- ciation, do nominate a member in each of their respective associations to be a Committee of Certification -
The following gentlemen were chosen.
Rev. Dr Lewis Western district of Fairfield County David Ely Eastern do.
Dr. Trumbull New Haven West Mr. Eells - East
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RECORDS OF THE GENERAL ASSOCIATION
John Devotion, Middlesex
Joseph Strong, New London
Moses C. Welch, Windham
Dr. Williams, Tolland
Nathan Perkins, Hartford North
William Robinson, - South
Samuel G. Mills, Litchfield North
Dan Huntington, -- South
Means to defray the expenses of the delegates to the Gen- eral Assembly - Voted, that a Committee be appointed to bring in a report on the subject - viz : Rev. Charles Backus, Dr. Edwards, Mr. Smalley.
Several papers relative to the missionary society and busi- ness were read.
Dr. Edwards, at his request, was discharged from the Com- mittee of ways and means for the support of delegates & Dr. N. Williams was substituted in his room.
The Committee for the alteration of the P'salın Book made report, which gave rise to a lengthy discussion.
.
The Committee of ways and means for the defraying of the expenses of the delegates to the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church reported in the following words - " The General Association being deeply impressed with the importance of maintaining a free intercourse with the pres- byterian Churches in the U. S., and the difficulties which at- tend a representation in the General Assembly, while our members are left to defray the expenses of their journey, which is frequently the length of several hundred miles ; Resolved, That it be recommended to the Several Associa- tions in this State, to lay an annual tax of fifty cents, on each of their members, to be paid to a receiver to be appointed in each Association, and by said receivers to the Treasurer to be annually appointed by the General Association ; said sum to be paid by the third Tuesday of June; and the Treasurer is to render an account annually, to the General Association, of his receipts and disbursements. - The General Associa-
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OF THE COLONY OF CONNECTICUT.
tion also conceive it expedient, that the compensation allowed to each of the three delegates be fixed at eight cents p.r Mile.
on motion the above report was accepted. The Committee in the case of Mr. Judson made report No. 2. - on which it was resolved, that the General Association find there is due to the Rev. Andrew Judson, the sum of eighty eight Dol- lars, for missionary services, performed previous to the for- mation of the missionary society.
On motion Voted, That the following proposed amendment, in the Constitution of the missionary Society of the State of Connecticut, do lie on the table for consideration - That for the words " Who with four of the Trustees shall be a quorum " in Article 7th of the Constitution be substituted the words, " who with five of the Trustees, shall be a quorum."
Bills of mortality were presented from several associations. On motion adjourned at 22 past 6 o'clock P. M. to 12 past 7 tomorrow morning. Concluded with prayer.
June 20th The Association met according to adjournment - Began with prayer .- On motion Voted, That the Trustees of the missionary society be requested to pay the sum of eighty eight Dollars to the Rev. Andrew Judson, found due to him, according to a previous vote of this Body.
The following Gentlemen were appointed delegates to the next General Assembly of the presbyterian Church. The Rev.d Nathan Perkins, Dr. Lewis, Dr. Edwards.
The subject of Dr. Dwight's alterations of and additions to Dr. Watts' version of the Psalms was resumed -on motion Voted, That whereas a Committee appointed by the General Association, two years since to apply to Doctor Dwight, to alter Dr. Watts' version of the Psalms, have reported, that Dr. Dwight has made alterations &c - Therefore Voted, That this Association examine the alterations, and additions made by Dr. Dwight.
The general Association proceeded to examine the altera- tions and additions to Dr. Watts' version of the Psalms of David, made by the Revd. Dr. Dwight, and finding it incon- venient to finish the business in their collective capacity, 24
.
186
RECORDS OF THE GENERAL ASSOCIATION
Voted, That it be committed to a Committee, consisting of four Ministers appointed by this Body, to be joined by a com- mittee, composed of an equal number, to be appointed by the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church of the U. S., which joint committee shall be empowered to complete the examination, and to recommend it, if they think proper, to the general use of the churches .- Voted, also, That if the General Assembly shall appoint a committee for the above purpose, that this joint committee shall meet at Stamford ou the second Tuesday of June in the year 1800 at 3 o'clock P. M. a majority of which shall be a quorum.
By a ballot were chosen, the Rev." John Smalley, Dr. Lewis, Cyprian Strong & Joseph Strong to be a Committee on the part of the General Association, in compliance with the pre- ceding vote.
The opinions of the several associations, on the question referred to them, for their consideration - " Whether it be duty to ordain Deacons by prayer and Imposition of hands " were called for; and it appearing, that several associations had not sent forward written answers to the above question, a decision on this subject was postponed, and the several associations who are deficient, were desired to send their opinions in writing, with their reasons to the next General Association and the Register is desired to send the returns now made from several associations to the next General Association.
Voted, That the Rev. Nathan Perkins be appointed to preach the Concio ad Clerum. Voted, That the Revd Moses C. Welch be appointed the second preacher, on the evidences of Christianity, the evening preceding the next Commence- ment at N. Haven.
Contributions in the New Settlements &c. Voted, That the Missionaries to the frontiers be instructed, prudently to en- courage contributions from the various places through which they itinerate, to aid the missionary funds : and that they account with the Trustees of the missionary Society, for the annual amount of such contributions.
187
OF THE COLONY OF CONNECTICUT.
The Committee appointed by the last General Association to correspond with ministers in London, members of the board of Trust, called the Fund, that a determinate method of recommending persons coming from G. Britain whose standing as Ministers is good, be fixed, Reported, that no Letters had been received, in answer to those written to London on the above subject.
Voted; That the same Gentlemen be continued a commit- tee of Correspondence, viz : Revd Dr. Benjamin Trumbull, Revd Dr. Dwight, and Revd Samuel Blatchford.
On motion adjourned at ¿ past 9 o'clock until 5 o'clock tomorrow morning. June 21.
Met according to adjournment - Began with prayer.
A Committee consisting of three members were chosen to correspond with the General Convention of the State of Ver- mont, and to propose a plan of Union between that Body and the General Association. The Committee chosen were the Revd Messrs Levi Hart and Joseph Strong.
Voted, That the vote of a. former Association respecting Bills of mortality be rescinded.
Voted, That the former Committee of Correspondence, with the Massachusetts Convention be continued.
Voted, That the Revd Mess's Cyprian Strong, Charles Backus and Nathan Strong be a Committee to draw up addi- tional Rules, for the regulation of the business of the Gen1 Association ; and that they report to the next session of the G. Association.
LIST OF CANDIDATES.
Marsfield Steel - Bolton
Tolland County
Robert Porter - Farmington Salmon King - N. Hartford Sylvester Dana - Wilksbury, Pennsylvania Henry Davis - East Hampton, L. Island Josiah B. Andrews - Southington
Vinson Goold - Sharon
A masa Jerom - Stockbridge Massa.ts
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RECORDS OF THE GENERAL ASSOCIATION
Western district in N. Haven
Asa Meach - Preston Isaac Jones Jr. - N. Haven Lyman Beecher - N. Haven Jolin Niles - Colchester Stephen Williams - Woodstock Timothy Williams - D" Asa Lyman - Lebanon
Windham
N. Haven 1 Timothy Field - Guilford
East ١
Gillet Litchfield ! ١ Thomas Robbins - Norfolk.
Voted, That the next meeting of the General Association be holden at the house of the Rev. Ammi R. Robbins, at Norfolk on the third tuesday in June.
Voted : That the Rev.ª Abel Flint be Treasurer of the Gen- eral Association.
Voted: That the following Gentlemen be receivers of the monies to be collected from the particular Associations.
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