USA > Connecticut > The records of the General association of ye colony of Connecticut. Begun June 20th, 1738. Ending June 19th, 1799 > Part 2
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Voted by this Association that it be recommended to the several particular Associations to consider whether it may not be a good expedient to prevent Difficulty in the Manage- ment of Discipline in our Churches, that whenever any of the Members of our Churches remove their habitation from one Town or Parish to another, that they be actually dis- missed or recommended from the Church from which they remove, in Order to their being taken under the Care and Watch of the Church to which they remove.
Voted that the next General Association be at the Revd . Mr. Jacob Eliot's at Goshen in Lebanon, on the third Tuesday of June next at eleven of the clock in the forenoon.
NOTES.
1. Pastor at Centerbrook from 1725 to 1756.
2 Goshen, Lebanon from 1729 to 1766.
3 2"d Hartford from 1733 to 1767.
. Brooklyn, Pomfret from 1735 to 1754.
4
19
OF THE COLONY OF CONNECTICUT.
1 746.
Att a Convention of the Association of the Colony of Con- nectient at Goshen in Lebanon on the 3' Tuesday of June 1746
Present -
1 Mr. Henry Willes Mr. Stephen Steel Mod'
Mr. Jacob Eliott
Mr. Thomas White
The Revd 2
Mr. Isaac Stiles
Mr. Marston Cabott Ephraim Little Scribe
Mr. William Gaylord
3
Mr. Benjamin Woodbridge
This Convention was opened by prayer and the following Resolves were unanimously come into viz :
That it be recommended by this Association to the Several particular Associations in the Colony to consider whether it is not a very proper thing for the Ministers of this Govern- ment unitedly to make a Sutable Address to his Majesty, our rightfull Sovereign King George on the occasion of the pres- ent war - the Rebellion at home, the Success of his Majes- tie's Arms in the reduction of Cape Britton, and elsewhere. as well as on the expedition against Canada.
It was proposed, whether the pretence of better Edification be sufficient to Justify persons in their withdrawing from a Particular church to which they belong: either from the Communion or public worship of the Same, or both, and for their attending either Statedly in other Churches where they pretend they can be better edified.
Resolved in the Negative.
The Rev. Mr. Henry Willes pastor of the 24 Church of Christ in Norwich represented to us the State of the Church with them, That a long time hath passed since the Sacrament
20
RECORDS OF THE GENERAL ASSOCIATION
of the Lord's Supper was administered, and that he the s'd Mr. Willes & brethren attending his ministry, having pursued all measures that have been prescribed to them by the last Council to accomodate their differences, and desiring our advise whether it be Convenient for him to administer the Sacrament of the Lord's Supper to those of his Church that are meet & willing Communicants,
Voted in the Affirmative, and according advised that the Rev. Mr. Willes administer the Sacrament of the holy Supper.
The question was put whether a Complaint by any mem- ber or members of a Church against a Number of the Same Church (th'o ye Major part of s" church of which the Com- plainant or complainants are Members) for Scandalous vio- lation or violations of any rule or rules of God's word, may and ought to be exhibited to the Pastor of s'd Church in order to be communicated for their Consideration & determination ?
Voted in the Affirmative.
It was proposed whether the Persons complained of as afores'd ought to be allowed y" priviledge of voting in their own Case in any Church-meeting at which they are Called to an account for their misconduct ?
Voted in the Negative.
Voted that the next meeting of the General Association be at the Rev.d Mr. William Worthington's of Saybrook, if he is willing to receive it - otherwise that it be at the Rev. Mr. William Hart's in Saybrook aforesd, on the 3rd Tuesday of June next at Eleven of the clock in the forenoon.
NOTES.
1. Pastor in Franklin from 1718 to 1753.
2 " Thompson 1730 to 1756. ·
" Woodbridge " 1742 to 1783.
21
OF THE COLONY OF CONNECTICUT.
1747.
Att a meeting of ye General Association of y Colony of Connecticut at Saybrook, West Parish, in y" County of New- London June 16 : A. D. 1747
Present
1
2
,
Jared Eliott Mod'. Wil" Worthington Jonathan Merick Scribe Isaac Chalker Jonathan Todd
The Rev. Mess".
Ephraim Avery
Gideon Mills
James Cogswell
The Convention was opened with prayer, and y" Ques being put, whether it be agreeable to Gospel order for y members of particular Chh to attend upon y Sacriment in y chh or chh's to which they belong. Generally at other times to worship in other Societies although regular and Established -
This Case as to Substance hath been resolved already, by ye General Association June 19 A. D. 1744, as may be seen by the records of ye s' Association - and we think that Those persons are offenders and to be Dealt with as Such. who although yy attend y" Sacriment in ychh or chli's to which yy Belong yet at other times make a Practice of with- drawing from ye worship of ye Same. Excepting the Circum- stances of Cituation do make it more convenient to attend y Divine worship else where : and even in that Case we think it Disorderly to withdraw as affore", without the Consent of ye Church.
Whereas we understand y' ye Book of Discipline and Con- fession of faith agreed upon at Saybrook are Scarce in our Chhs, and that ye Secretary hath a Number of y" in his Custody (which is at his Dispose) we desire y Rev. Mr.
22
RECORDS OF THE GENERAL ASSOCIATION
Chalker of Easbury in ye name of this Association to apply to him for, receive and divide ye same in ye several Counties in this Colony, and send y" as soon as may be, and we think it advisable that one of sd books do always accompany ye Book of records of ye several Associations, That it may be always present in y" respective Conventions to be used upon occasion,
Voted that ye next Meeting of ye Gen" Association be at y" Rev. John Goodell's at Fairfield if he is willing to receive it, otherwise that it be at ye Rev. Mr. Hunn's at Reading on ye 3rd Tusday of June next at eleven of y" clock in ye fore-noon.
NOTES.
Pastor in Westbrook from 1726 to 1756.
·
North Brandford from 1716 to 1769.
9 66 East Glastonbury from 1744 to 1765.
4
.
Simsbury from 1744 to 1754.
6
Canterbury from 1744 to 1771 &
.
66 Scotland from 1772 to 1804.
1748.
At a Convention of the General Association of the Colony of Connecticut at Reading in the County of Fairfield June 21,1748
Present Mr. Benjamin Colton Mod.' Mr. Noah Hobart Mr. John Goodsel Sam.' Whittlesey jun, Seribe
The Rev.d 2. Mr. Moses Bartlett
3. Mr. Nathaniel Hunn
4. Mr. Hezekiah Bissell Mr. Joseph Bellamy
6. Mr. Nathan Birdsey
The Moderator opened the meeting with prayer.
23
OF THE COLONY OF CONNECTICUT.
This Association taking into Serious Consideration the great importance of instructing Children in their most early years in the Principles of Christianity, and observing that altho' the Assemblies Shorter Catechism be a most excellent Summary of the Christian Religion, and what we would by no means have laid aside or disused, vet think that some plain & easy Introduction to it to be learned by Children before they are of a suitable age to enter upon that Cate- chism might be of great advantage, would earnestly recom- mend to our people the use of the Rev. Dr. Watts's excel- lent Setts of Catechisms and think that a new edition of them would be of great Service. In the use of those Cate- chisms we would recommend it to Parents to begin with the first of them as soon as their Children are capable of learn- ing it, which will naturally bring them to enter upon the Assemblies Catechism at the proper age for using it to ad- vantage ; and if the particular associations would agree to Encourage and forward one another in introducing this method of catechizing in their several Congregations we think it might be an happy means of promoting Religion among us.
This association understanding that the Confession of Faith and Articles of Chh Discipline agreed upon at Saybrook are very scarce in our Churches, and that a number of said Books are in the hands of the Secretary to be disposed of. d finding that the last General Association had desired the Rev." Mr. Chalker of Eastbury to apply to the Secretary for them & distribute them in the Several Counties, but not hav- ing heard that Mr. Chalker hath so done, we desire the Rev." Mr. Colton & the Rev.ª Mr. Whitman of Hartford to under- take that affair; and if there be not a sufficiency found with the Secretary we desire said Gentlemen to Present to the Gen" Assembly at their next Sessions the great want of these Books, and move for a new edition.
This Association Observing the great prevalence of vice & prophaneness, and a Lamentable Indifference in Spiritual Concerns among our people, & having Seriously considered
24
RECORDS OF THE GENERAL ASSOCIATION
what likely method can be taken to awaken our people d- Revive a spirit of Seriousness and practical Religion among us, are of opinion that for Ministers in their Several parishes to take frequent Opportunies & Discourse in private with particular persons upon Religious & eternal things, & to make a personal Address to them, would have a happy ten- deney to beget a Spirit of Seriousness, and to Revive true Religion among us, do therefore earnestly recommend it to our Several Associations to Encourage & promote such a practice among them.
Voted that the next meeting of the Gen.' Association be at the House of the Rev.d Mr. Joseph Noyes of New Haven, on the 3rd Tuesday of June next at eleven o'clock A. M.
Test SAM" WHITTLESEY Jun. Scribe
NOTES.
1. Pastor in Wallingford from 1709 to 1752.
2 66 1st Portland from 1733 to 1766.
3
.
Redding from 1733 to 1749.
Bloomfield from 1738 to 1783.
5
66 West Haven from 1742 to 1758.
1749.
There were so few Delegates came to the Gen" Associa- tion appointed to be at the Rev. Mr. Noyes's of New Haven the third Tuesday of June 1749 that t'was thought not best to enter on any business : Only to appoint the next Gen1) Ass." to be at Hartford at the house of the Rev.d Mr. Benja- min Colton on the third Tuesday of June next at Eleven of the Clock A. M. and to Notifie the Several Ass. that had not Delegates pr's't, this I was Desir'd to Enter in the Ass. Book.
New Haven June 20, 1749
WILLIAM RUSSELL
25
OF THE COLONY OF CONNECTICUT.
1 750.
Att a Convention of the General Association of the Colony of Connecticut In West Hartford June 19, 1750
Present Mr. William Russell, Moderator Mr. Benjamin Colton
The Rerd. Mr. Stephen Steal Mr. William Gaylord Mr. John Trumble Scribe
This Association finding of it Enter'd In our Book that there were so few members of the General association met the Last year att the Reyd. Mr. Joseph Noyes's att New Haven that the Gentlemen did not think it Prudent to enter upon Business. And now there being so few Present ; we were in Suspence whether It was best for us to form Into an association, yet at length concluded that we would - and Do hereby Inform the Perticular associations that if this associa- tion is so Thinly attended by reason of Sickness or the Like : we Look upon it a sore frown of Providence. But if it's thro Negligence or Carelessness we suppose that it argues too Little Regard to the Constitution and would Intreat of Every Perticular association that they would by no means omit appointing of Delegates from time to time ; and that Those Gentlemen that are so appointed would be Careful to attend accordingly ; that so the good Ends Proposed In the meetings may not be wholy frustrate and disapointed.
Voted that the Next meeting of the General association be att the house of the Rev. Mr. Stephen Whites of Windham on the 34 Tuesday of June Next att Eleven o'clock A.M.
Test JOHN TRUMBLE Scribe.
NOTES.
1. Pastor at Watertown from 1789 to 1784.
4
26
RECORDS OF THE GENERAL ASSOCIATION
1751.
At a Convention of the General Association of the Colony of Connecticutt at Windham in the County of Windhamn June 18: 1751
Present
( Daniel Fuller William Gaylord
The Revd Messrs 2
Ebenezer Devotion
3
Benjamin Pomroy
.
Stephen White
4
Noah Welles
5
Edward Dorr.
Mr. Gaylord was chosen Moderator, and Mr. Welles Scribe. Prayer was attended by the Moderator.
A motion being made in this Association that an Address of Condolence be presented to his Majesty, and another to the Princess of Wales, in the Name of the General Associa- tion, upon the Mournful Occasion of the late Death of his Royal Highness Frederick, Prince of Wales, and accordingly an Address in each case being laid before the Association for their Consideration, after particular Examination and some few Corrections it was Unanimously voted that said Addresses be forthwith Offered as soon as opportunity presents.
Voted that said Addresses be inclosed in a Letter to Ben- jamin Avery Esqr. of London Doctor of Laws with a desire in the Name of this Assoc" that he would be pleas'd to pre- sent s' Addresses accordingly.
Voted that Mr. Devotion and Mr. White transcribe ye said Addresses, and forward them by the first Opportunity inclos'd in a Letter to Doct' Avery in the Name of the Moderator.
The Association recommend it to the Several Associations within the Colony, to prepare, each Association, a Draught, and send it by their Respective Delegates to the next General Assoc", out of which they may draw a Plan to be first sent
27
OF THE COLONY OF CONNECTICUT.
to the Several Consociations for their approbation, which being Obtained, to be prefer" to the Hon' General Assembly for their Sanction upon it - which Plan to Contain in it-
1. This addition to the present Ecclesiastical Constitution of Gov.' viz: that there be a General Consociation of Minis ters and Churches, Two ministers and two Messengers from each Consociation to make up said General Consociation, To which there may be appeals from the Judgment of particular Consociations.
2. This alteration in it, that there shall be no Vote in any Consociation within the Establishment, without a Majority both of Elders and Messengers present in it.
3. That in Ordinary cases, no Complaint shall be in the Church or Consociation against any Church Member, for a Crime committed, So long before Process that the Civil Court would reject it, or does refuse a Process, merely upon account of the age of the Crime complain'd of.
It is Judged advisable by this Assoc" that there be for the Future. a General Convention of the Ministers of this Colony at New Haven the Day after the Commencement annually. at which time Some Minister by previous appointment shall deliver Concionem ad Clerum and that the said appointment of the Preacher be for the future made at y annual Conven- tion, and accordingly we agree to Desire the Rev.' Mr. Whit- tlesey of Wallingford to preach the Convention Sermon at the first Convention on Sept' Next and in case of his failure. that the Rev. Mr. Hobart of Fairfield be Desired to preach on s' Occasion.
Voted That the next Meeting of the General Ass" on the 3rd Tuesday of June next, be at Mr. Eliot's of Killingworth.
Test NOAH WELLES Scribe
NOTES.
. Pastor in Willington from 1728 to 1758.
.. in Hebron from 1735 to 1784.
,
Windham from 1740 to 1793.
Stamford from 1746 to 1776.
.
B
6. 14 Hartford from 1748 to 1772.
28
RECORDS OF THE GENERAL ASSOCIATION
1 752.
At a Convention of the Gen" Association of the Colony of Connecticut, at Killingworth in the County of New London June 16: 1752
Present
Jared Elliot Thomas Ruggles John Goodsell
1. Joseph Fish The Revd Messs William Hart Jonathan Todd
2. Edward Eells
3. Moses Mather
The Revd Mr Jared Elliot was chosen Mod', Thomas Rug- gles was chosen Scribe. The Convention was opened with prayer by the Mod'r.
Whereas the Gen" Association at their last Convention did Recommend to the Several particular Associations That Some Scheme be proposed by them for the Forming a Gen11 Consociation, And that the Respective Associations should Transmit their opinions thereupon to this Convention.
But the Particular Associations not having so done, voted That s' Affair be Referred to the next Meeting of the Gen" Association ; And that the Respective Associations who have not Signified their opinions thereupon be Earnestly Desired, seriously to Deliberate upon the subject : and send their Advice thereupon to sd meeting.
Voted that it be Strenuously Recommended to the parti- cular Associations that they be Desired to take more effectual care with Respect to their members who are to attend upon the Gen" Association ; Both in choosing them and that they Punctually and Faithfully Attend upon the Meeting; That So the wise and good end of that part of our Constitution may be fully Answered.
29
OF THE COLONY OF CONNECTICUT.
And to Render the Convention of the Gen" Association more extensively useful It be Recommended; That such Questions of Importance as may arise upon Reading or Study by particular persons, Or may So Do in the management of Public Affairs in the Churches: Be proposed First to the particular Associations where they do arise to be answered by them : And then that they be transferred by that associa- tion, to the Gen11 Association with Their opinion or Resolution Thereupon ; sd Questions to be Casuistically and Critically Considered & Resolved as a proper method & means to pro- mote & Encrease the careful Study of the Holy Scriptures as well as Satisfaction of such who Labor under Doubts or Diffi- culties therein. 3 Sª Questions & Resolutions when Satis- factorily Answered, either by the particular Association to which they are first proposed, or by the Gen11 Association to be entred by the Scribe in the Records of the Gen11 Association.
Voted that the next Meeting of the Gen11 Association be Holden on the Third Tuesday of June next ensuing in Fair- field County, At the House of the Revª Mr. Goodsell's, at eleven o'Clock before noon - and that in case any thing should intervene that it cannot be conveniently attended at sd place : Then that it meet at the Revd Mr. Buckingham's in the West Parish of Fairfield.
Test THOMAS RUGGLES Scribe A true Record, Test THOMAS RUGGLES Scribe.
NOTES.
1. Pastor in No. Stonington - from 1732 to 1781.
2. 66 Cromwell -
3. 66 in Darien -
- from 1738 to 1776.
- from 1744 to 1806.
30
RECORDS OF THE GENERAL ASSOCIATION
1 753.
At a Convention of the Gen" Association of the Colony of Connecticut at the west parish of Fairfield in the County of Fairfield June 19: 1753
Present -
Noah Hobart
Elnathan Whitman
Ephraim Little
Samuel Whittelsey
Daniel Buckingham '.
The Rev.ª Mess.
Nathan Birdsey
Samuel Newell .
Joseph Fowler 3
James Beebee 4
Izrahiah Wetmore 6
The Rev.ª Mr. Noah Hobart was chosen Moderator - and Samuel Whittlesey Scribe. The Convention was opened with prayer by the Moderator.
A former Gen" Association having Judged it adviseable that there be a Gen" Convention of the ministers of this Colony annually at New Haven the day after Commencement, and that a Conscio ad Clerum be delivered on that Occasion by some minister previously appointed ; but the affair having not yet been carried into Execution - This association highly approving of the Design do propose and Recommend that such a Convention be attended the day after the next Com- mencement, and Request the Revd Mr. Hobart of Fairfield and in case of his failure the Rev.ª Mr. Whitman of Hartford to preach the Sermon on that Occasion at 10 o'clock of said day.
The Gen" Association having formerly recommended it to the particular associations of this Colony to draw up a Scheme for the forming a General Consociation for the receiv- ing appeals from particular associations, but several particu- lar associations not having sent in any Scheme for this pur-
31
OF THE COLONY OF CONNECTICUT.
pose to the General Association ; we still recommend it to those associations that have not yet Signified their thoughts upon this affair, that they would prepare Draughts to be sent in to the next Gen" Association, that out of the Several Draughts sent in to the Gen" Association they may draw up a Scheme for Executing this Design - and it is further desired by this association that the Gen" Convention of the Ministers which is Expected to meet at New Haven the day after the next Commencement would take this affair of a Gen" Consociation into Consideration.
Voted that the next Meeting of the Gen.11 association be at the house of the Rev.ª Mr. Hall of N. Cheshire on the 3rd Tuesday of June next at 11 o'clock.
Test. SAM! WHITTELSEY, Scribe.
NOTES.
1. Pastor at Greens' Farms from 1742 to 1766.
2 Bristol from 1747 to 1789. .
3
66 East Haddam 1751 to 1771.
.
4
Trumbull 1747 to 1785.
5
66 Stratford 1753 to 1780.
.
1754.
At a Convention of the General Association of the Colony of Connecticut at New Cheshire in Wallingford in the County of New Haven ye 18th June 1754
Present
The Revd Messs
Samuel Hall William Worthington Abraham Nott Andrew Bartholomew 1. Benjamin Strong 2.
Jonathan Ingersol 3. Nathan Birdsey John Norton 4. Samuel Newel Cyrus Marsh 5.
1
Timothy Pitkin 6.
32
RECORDS OF THE GENERAL ASSOCIATION
The Revd Mr. Samuel Hall was chosen Mod -Timothy Pitkin Chosen Scribe. The Convention was opened with Prayer by the Modr.
The General association having frequently recommended to the Several Particular Associations in this Colony to draw up a Scheme for the forming a General Consociation, for the Receiving and hearing appeals from particular Con- sociations ; there has been a Scheme or Draught sent in for this purpose to the general association, from some particular associations, but since notwithstanding frequent Recommenda- tions Several particular associations have not Sent a Scheme according to Desire and for aforesd purpose, We do still earnestly recommend it to the Several particular associations that have not yet Sent, that they wo'd Signifie their thots in this matter and wo'd prepare and send in their Draught and Scheme to the next Gen" association, that from these Schemes and Draughts there may be Collected and Con- certed a Scheme by the General association for the Pro- moting and Executing this Design. And the New recom- mendation is to these Particular associations viz: to the association in Hartford County north and south Districts; to the association in the County of Litchfield; to the association in the Eastern Circuit in Fairfield County, the association in the County of New London.
Adjourned till the next morning Seven o'clock June 19: 1754. Convened according to adjournment. Voted that the next Meeting of the General Association be held at the house of the Rev. Mr. Eells in Middletown on the third tuesday of June next at Eleven o'clock A. M.
Test TIMOTHY PITKIN Scribe.
NOTES.
-
Pastor at Harwinton from 1738 to 1774.
2 Stanwich from 1735 to 1763. .
3 Ridgefield from 1740 to 1778.
4
East Hampton from 1748 to 1778.
·
.6 Kent from 1741 to 1755.
.
6
. Farmington from 1752 to 1785.
33
OF THE COLONY OF CONNECTICUT.
1755.
At a General Association of the Colony of Connecticut, at the Rev. Mr. Eelles's in the North Society in Middletown June 17, 1755
Present -
Jared Eliot Benj" Colton John Graham 1.
Willm Worthington Solomon Williams
Jacob Eliot Noah Hobart
The Revd. Messrs
Elnathan Whitman
Nathaniel Eelles 2.
Jonath" Todd
Edward Eelles
Jos : Bellamy
Noah Welles
James Bebee
Izrahiah Wetmore
Mr. Jared Eliot was chosen Moderator and Mr. Welles Scribe.
The Meeting was opened with Prayer by ye Moderator.
This Association apprehending, that various Errors con- trary to ye Doctrines owned in the Churches of this Colony, are spreading and prevailing in the Land; and that it is highly necessary for Ministers to bear a Testimony against those preaching Errors ; this Association would earnestly recommend it to the particular Associations of this Colony, to agree among themselves, frequently to insist upon those Doctrines contained in our Confession of Faith, which are contrary to the prevailing Errors of the Day : and particularly that they would bear a seasonable Testimony against Socin- ianism, Arrianism, Arminianism, Pelagianism and Antinom- ianism, or any other Errors that may arise among us.
5
1
34
RECORDS OF THE GENERAL ASSOCIATION
And whereas one particular Association of the Colony have declined coming into the Proposal of a Gen" Consociation till the Several Associations have declared their adherance to the Confession of Faith owned in our Churches; we freely declare our adherance to the Doctrines contained in our Con- fession of Faith and we would recommend it to particular Associations strictly to adhere to the Doctrines of our Con- fession of Faith.
The Association adjourn'd till 6 o'clock tomorrow Morning.
June 18 Met according to adjournment. Wheras most of the particular Associations in this Colony, have sent in to this Bord their Express Approbation of the Motion formerly made, that there should be a Concio ad Clerum at New Haven the Day after the Public Commencement, annually, and their Desire that said Practice should be continued ; This Asso- ciation taking the Affair into Consideration, unanimously approve of and concur with said Motion and Desire. And for the more effectual carrying into Execution the Purpose and Design aforesaid, recommend it as our Opinion and Advice, that it be referred to ye particular Associations to appoint the Preacher for that Occasion from Time to Time for the Future. And forasmuch as there is an appointment already made for the next Commencement, after which the advice aforesaid is to take Place; we recommend that the future appointments of the several particular associations be in Manner and Order following viz: in Fairfield Western Association. In the Eastern Association in said County. The County of New Haven. The South Association in the County of Hartford. The North Association in said County. In ye County of Windham. The Western Association in the County of N. London. The Eastern Association in sd County. The Association in the County of Litchfield.
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