USA > Connecticut > The records of the General association of ye colony of Connecticut. Begun June 20th, 1738. Ending June 19th, 1799 > Part 4
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Voted that whereas the Western Association of the County of New London, have in Pursuance of the advice of the last
51
OF THE COLONY OF CONNECTICUT.
general Association called Messrs Hart and Devotion to Ac- count for their holding Communion with Mr. James Dana &c. and sent their Return to this Board. Altho' this Asso- ciation don't look upon themselves as the proper Judges to determine the Conduct of sd Association or take it upon our- selves to pass any decisive Judgment in sª Case, Yet inas- much as tis desired by the Delegates from sª Western Asso- ciation that sª Return might be entered on the Records of this Board we do order the Scribe to Record the Same as follows -
At a Meeting of the Western Association of N. London County at the House of the Revª Mr. Stephen Johnson in Lyme Oct. 6: 1762 Present the
Rev.ª Messrs Jared Eliott, Moderator, George Beckwith, William Hart, Stephen Johnson, John Devotion, Stephen Holmes, Scribe, Simeon Stoddard -
This Association having agreeable to the Advice of the General Association at the last Session, inquired into the Conduct of the Rev. Messrs William Hart and John Devo- tion in giving Communion to Mr. Dana and his Church and censured Members, and into the Reasons thereof : find that they have given them only that common Ministerial and Christian or Church Communion which all our consociated Churches have ever given to our neighboring Churches who are unconsociated, and that have not and do not pretend a Right to interfere in what concerns Special consociation Communion, which they fully acknowledge to be wholly in the Power of our Consociations ; the matter appearing to us in this Light we do not Judge our Brethren guilty of censur- able Conduct. Voted Nemine Contradicente.
A true Copy of Record -
Test STEPHEN HOLMES, Scribe.
Voted, That the next Gen. association be at The House of the Rev.d Mr. Benedict in Woodbury first Parish.
NOTES.
. Joseph Perry Pastor in So. Windsor from 1755 to 1783.
.
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RECORDS OF THE GENERAL ASSOCIATION
1 764.
The General Association of the Colony of Connecticut met at Woodbury the third Tuesday of June 1764.
Present
Jedidialı Mills
Grindal Rawson
William Seward 1.
Benjamin Strong
The Rev.d
John Trumble
Joseph Bellamy
Messrs
Ebenezer Booge ?.
Robert Ross John Devotion 3.
Noah Benedict '.
Benjamin Dunning 6.
Mr. Mills was chosen Moderator and Mr. Ross Scribe. The Meeting was opened with Prayer by the Moderator.
As the General Association is designed Especially to con- sult Things which tend to promote Peace and Union among the Churches in this Colony : and as it is manifest the Judg- ments of Consociations have in several Instances not been satisfactory, and Ministers and Churches have not looked on themselves obliged to abide by their Doings, but have acted counter to them ; and as no Method has been agreed upon in which Ministers and Churches may signify their Dissatisfac- tion to the Consociation which they suppose have misjudged in any Case in order to get Satisfaction, and so have at one Time and another gone into Methods of testifying their Disapprobation which have given Offence : To the End there- fore that some Method may be agreed upon by common Con- sent in which for the future particular Associations or Con- sociations or Ministers or Churches may inoffensively signify their Dissatisfaction and give Light to, or receive it from Consociations whose Judgment is disapproved, this Associa-
53
OF THE COLONY OF CONNECTICUT.
tion recommends it to particular Associations to take this Matter into Consideration and to offer their Sentiments on it to the next General Association and Endeavour to point out such a Method as they look upon to be most regular.
1. In Conversation on the Point it has been queried - Whether it might not be advisable for such aggrieved Mem- bers of Churches or Associations to apply to the Association of that District, in which they suppose such Case has been misjudged with the Reasons of their Uneasiness at their Judgment, to desire them to call a Council of that Consocia- tion to reconsider sª Case.
2. Whether it may not be advisable upon the refusal of such Association, that the aggrieved Members of Churches, and Associations, apply to the General Association with their Reasons as aforesaid desiring them if they think the Case requires it, to recommend it to s'ª. Association to call a Coun- cil of sd District to reconsider the Matter.
The following questions were bro't to the Association which were thus answered viz.
1. Has a Husband any Right to exercise Authority over his Wife in Cases wherein there are different Sentiments respecting Religion ? Ans. No.
2. Whether for the Husband to reflect upon, or treat his wife with any Bitterness or Unkindness on Account of differ- ent Sentiments and Practice as abovesaid is wicked and abusive ? Ans. Yes.
3. Whether it be lawful and right for the Wife out of Com- pliance with her Husband to conform to his Practice contrary to her Sentiments where there are religious Differences ? Ans. No.
The next General Association was appointed to be at the House of the Rev.d Mr. Dickinson in Norwalk on the third Tuesday in June next. The Association Voted the above and foregoing as their Doings
Test ROBERT Ross, Scribe.
-
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RECORDS OF THE GENERAL ASSOCIATION
NOTES.
1. William Seward Pastor in Killingworth from 1738 to 1782.
". Ebenezer Booge West Avon from 1751 to 1767.
3. John Devotion Westbrook from 1757 to 1802.
4. Noah Benedict 1" Woodbury from 1760 to 1811.
6. Benjamin Dunning " Marlboro from 1762 to 1773.
1 765.
At a Convention of the general Association of the Colony of Connecticut at Norwalk in the County of Fairfield on the 3ª Tuesday of June AD 1765
Present
Moses Dickinson
George Beckwith
Edward Eelles Moderator
Daniel Humphrey
Mark Lavenworth
Noah Welles
The Revª Messieurs
Edward Dorr
Nathaniel Taylor
Israhiah Wetmore
Nathaniel Bartlett
Hezekiah Gold
Stephen Holmes '.
Nathaniel Hooker ?.
Enoch Huntington 3. Joseph Huntington 4.
The Revd Mr. Eells was chosen Moderator and Mr. Wet- more, Seribe. The Meeting was opened with Prayer offered by the Moderator. Discoursed of sundry Matters relative to State of the Churches and the Interest of Religion. Ad- journed till 7 o'Clock tomorrow Morning.
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OF THE COLONY OF CONNECTICUT.
Met according to adjournment.
Whereas it was recommended by the last general Associa- tion to the several particular Associations in this Colony to prepare and send into the next general Association some ex- pedient that might be made use of in order for aggrieved Persons to obtain a rehearing of those Cases wherein they conceive the Consociation have misjudged and inasmuch as the particular Associations have not in general thought fit to send in to this Board any Proposals for the above mentioned Purposes, this Association is of the Opinion that the Rule of the Platform is so plain in all such cases and so well under- stood and practiced upon by the Churches in general that no further Provision is needful to be made.
The following questions were proposed to this Association for their Consideration and Resolution - viz Ques"
1st. Whether ye present difficult State of the Chhes of this Colony respecting the Support and Continuance of a learned orthodox Ministry doth require any further Provision to be made therefor ?
Resolved in the Affirmative.
Q" II Whether it be prudent & advisable for this Associa- tion to go into any Measures to procure any further Provision for the Purpose aforesd ?
Resolved in the Affirmative.
Whereupon this Association do unanimously recommend it to the Several particular Associations of this Colony to take the Matter into their Serious Consideration & appoint some sutable Persons to meet at Hartford in May next at the Election to advise with each Other and prosecute such Meth- ods as upon the whole may be thought most effectual to Remedy the Evil complained of: and in the mean time do recommend it to the Members of this Association to take all Sutable Opportunity of advising with any of the principal Gentlemen in the Government what may be the most proper Measures to be pursued in this Case.
A Motion was made to this Association concerning the Decency & Propriety of making the public reading of the
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RECORDS OF THE GENERAL ASSOCIATION
Sacred Scriptures a Part of the publick Worship in our Chbs; and as Uniformity in said Practice is greatly to be desired this Association do earnestly recommend it to the several particular Associations to promote said Practice among the several Chhs.
The next general Association is appointed to be at the House of the Revd Mr. Ruggles in Guilford at 11 o'Clock ante Meridian. The above & foregoing Voted as the Doings of this Association.
Teste ISRAHIAH WETMORE, Scribe.
NOTES.
1. Stephen Holmes Pastor Centerbrook 1757 to 1773.
2. Nathaniel Hooker West Hartford 1757 to 1870.
3. Enoch Huntington 1st Middletown 1762 to 1809.
4. Joseph Huntington 66 South Coventry 1763 to 1794.
1 766.
At a General Association of the Ministers in the Colony of Connecticut at Guilford the 3ª Tuesday in June 1766 at the House of the Revd Mr. Thomas Ruggles,
Present
Thomas Ruggles
George Beckwith
Edward Eells
Joseph Bellamy Moses Mather
Joseph Fowler Samuel Sherwood Nath" Bartlit Judah Champion
Elizer Goodrich Noah Wetmore Levi Hart
57
OF THE COLONY OF CONNECTICUT.
The Revd. Thos Ruggles was chosen Modr, Edward Eells Scribe.
The meeting was opened with prayer by the Moderator.
There was a motion made to this association by the Synod of New York and Philadelphia contained in minutes from the Synod Book & a Letter, which are as follows.
A minute from the Synod Book of New York and Phila- delphia of May 29 P. M. anno Salutis 1766 viz :
An Overture was made by some members that we ought to endeavour to obtain some Correspondence betwen this Synod & the Consociated Churches of our Brethen in Con- necticut a Draught of a letter from this Synod to them was brought. in, read, & approved - The Revª Mr. Elihu Spencer moderator, the Rev. Mr. John Ewing & Mr. Patrick Alison are Desired to present this Letter & Confer with our Brethren upon this affair, and provided it shall seem meet to our Rev.ª Brethren to attend to this our proposal so far as to appoint Commissioners from their body to meet with Com- missioners from ours, we appoint the Rev. D' Francis Alison, the Revd Mess" John Roger, Timothy Jones, William Tennent Sen", Elisha Kent, John Smith, John Blair, & Samuel Buel to meet with them at such time & place as the Rev.ª Brethren from Connecticut shall agree. The Rev.d Mr. John Rogers is appointed to give the Committee notice of what the associated Brethren will do Relative to this matter.
A true Copy MATTHEW WILSON Synod Clerk.
Rev.d & D' Brethren -The Synod of New York & Phila- delphia at their annual meeting in May 1766 have among many other expedients to promote the interests of the Redeemer's Kingdom, concluded upon the most mature Deliberation, that a general meeting of Delegates both from your Chhs & our Presbyteries would answer this important purpose - our earnest Desire to accomplish so good an end has engaged us to embrace this oppor-
8
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RECORDS OF THE GENERAL ASSOCIATION
tunity of your next general association to propose the matter to your Serions Deliberation & to invite you to a general Consultation about such things as may have a hopeful tendency to promote & defend the Common Cause of Religion against the attacks of its varions Enemies. As we are all Brethren, embarked in the same Interest, perfectly agreed in Doctrine & worship, Substantially pursuing the same method of Discipline & Ch Government, & we trust all animated with the Same Laudable Zeal to advance the Kingdom of our Common Lord, we cannot but hope for your ready concurrence with our invitation. Your Good Sense d- general acquaintance with human nature must necessarily lead you to see that a more intimate acquaintance with each other's views & Designs will unable us with greater Harmony & Consistence & of consequence of greater Success, to support the Common Cause in which we are all equally engaged. A general agreement in any measures that may be adopted to preserve our Religious liberties against all Encroachments, and to Bless the benighted Heathen on our Borders with the glorious light of the Gospel must promise desirable Success.
From the best information we can obtain about the Con- stitution of your Chhs we are persuaded that our proposal is not impracticable, & it will give us a sensible pleasure to find that your Extensive charity & readiness to promote the King- dom of Christ have induced you to concert such measures as will be best adapted to accomplish so important an end.
We have appointed the Rev" Mr. Elihu Spencer Mr. John Ewing & Mr. Patrick Alison to wait upon you at your next General Association to Deliver you our Letter & to converse with you at large on the Subject of this proposal.
Signed by order of Synod by
ELIHU SPENCER, Mod".
The Association's Reply is as follows - Whereas a pro- posal has been made to this General Association by the Rev.d Synod of New York & Philadephia, Representing, that they are Strictly United with us in Doctrine & worship as con-
59
OF THE COLONY OF CONNECTICUT.
tained in the Westminster Confession of faith & Catechisms, & that the great & general interest of the Redeemer's King- dom would be happily promoted, the common cause of Relig- ion & virtue Strengthened & Defended, whilst mutual benevo- lence & Brotherly love would be cultivated by a General union, agreement & Correspondence with us, so far & in such manner as is consistent & in no Degree interfering with their & our Respective internal State & order of government & Discipline ; and that it will give them great Satisfaction to meet a number of our Ministers at a Suitable time & place to converse with them upon a plan & articles of such desired Union -
We therefore, having maturely considered their proposal are unanimously agreed to use our influence to promote a compliance with it thro' this Colony, and we do in order thereto advise the Several Associations to appoint one or more of their body to meet Commissioners from the Synod beforementioned at New York the first Wednesday in Novem- ber next to converse with them upon a plan & articles of such desired Union ; to be laid before the Several associations for their Concurrence, & to be prepared for the consideration of the next general association, & then to be completed.
Voted in the Affirmative.
A copy of a Letter wrote to Mr. Rodger of New York - Guilford June 17: 1766 -
Rev.d & Dear Sr
With gratitude we have Received the friendly proposal from your Revd Synod, relative to a General Union, and our ready Compliance with it comes enclosed, and we shall Re- joice if the Design may be happily carried into Execution, & answer the good & valuable Ends in view. And may the Glorious & Blessed time approach, when love & union may prevail among all Denominations of Christians thr'o the world. We are Rev.ª Sir
Your affectionate Brethren
Signed by order of the Association THOMAS RUGGLES Modr.
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RECORDS OF THE GENERAL ASSOCIATION
Voted, upon a motion to this Association respecting the Charge given in the Ordination of a Minister to his office & work, as it is by the authority of all the Elders present & acting in the affair, as well as with the joynt Consent of the whole Council, it is recommended to the particular associa- tions that in this Business of ordination whoever is appointed to give the Charge to the person to be ordained should first lay before the Council the form he intends to use for their concurrence & approbation, and that the Charge be given in the first person Plural.
Voted that the next General Association in June be at the Rev.ª Mr. Enoch Huntington's in Middletown.
Voted that this association be adjourned to the first day of July next to meet at the Chapel Hall in New Haven, and then an address should be prepared to be presented to his Majesty King George the 3d on account of the Royal favor in repealing the Act that was so grievous to the Northern Colonies.
Recorded by EDWARD EELLS Scribe
July 1st 1766 - This Association met at the Chapel Hall in New Haven according to adjournment and adjourned untill tomorrow at 11ºc in the forenoon and continued by ad- journment until the 3d day, then adjourned to the 9th of Sept. next to meet at the Chapel Hall in New Haven
Sept. 11 This Association meet according to adjournment, and upon the unanimous motion & Desire of the large Con- vention of Ministers present on occasion of the Commence- ment the Moderator of this association is requested by writing to Desire the Rev. Mr. Roger that the intended in- terview of Deligates from the Rev. Synod of New York &c and the several associations of this Colony may be at Jamaica on Long Island and not at New York as was at first proposed, where it could not be attended without danger of the Small Pox
at this Meeting the Rev. W'm. Russell Joyn'a this association
Voted in the affirmative
Recorded by EDWARD EELLS, Scribe.
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OF THE COLONY OF CONNECTICUT.
NOTES.
1. Elizer Goodrich Pastor at Durham from 1756-1797.
2. Noah Wetmore Bethel from 1760-1784.
3. Levi Hart 66 Griswold " 1762-1808.
1 767.
At a meeting of the General Association of the Colony of Connecticut at the House of the Revd Enoch Huntington in Middletown June 16: 1767
Present -
Thomas Ruggles
George Beckwith William Hart James Lockwood
Edward Dorr
William Russell
The Rev.d Messrs
Warham Williams 1.
Samuel Sherwood
David Ripley 2.
Elijah Sill
Joel Bordwell 3.
Enoch Huntington
Noadiah Warner 4.
Joseph Huntington
The Revnd Thomas Ruggles was chosen Moderator and William Russell, Scribe.
The Association was opened with Prayer.
This Association being informed by the Delegates that the several particular Associations in the Colony have considered & approved the Design of a Convention at New Haven next September, agreeable to the motion made,at the Convention in Elizabeth-Town last November, and have appointed Dele- gates to attend it; desire the Moderator to signify the same
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RECORDS OF THE GENERAL ASSOCIATION
to the Revª Synod by a Letter to the Rev"d John Rogers of New York. Which is as follows - Revid Sr
By order of the General Association now regularly con- vened at Middletown I am desired to inform you, and by you the Rev"d Synod of New York & Philadelphia, That the proposed Convention at New Haven in Septer next has been considered and approved by the particular Associations thro the Government, and they have appointed Delegates to attend the Convention agreed to by the Revnd Convention at Elizabeth-Town in November last. And to assure you that with great Respeet we are your Brethren in the Faith d' Fellowship of our common Lord Jesus Christ.
Voted that the following Questions be recommended to the Consideration of the several Associations in the Colony and that they be desired to transmit their Sentiments to the next General Association.
1st. Whether Lay-Ordination is valid ?
2. Whether Baptism administered by Persons who have only Lay-Ordination is valid ?
Item. That the General Association on the third Tuesday in June next, be at the House of the Rev.d Joseph Hunting- ton in Coventry.
Unanimously passed in the Association.
Test WILLM RUSSELL Scribe.
NOTES.
1. Warham Williams Pastor in Northford from 1750-1788.
2. David Ripley Abington 1753-1778.
3. Joel Bordwell
Kent 66 1758-1811.
4. Noadiah Warner 1st Danbury 1765-1768.
63
OF THE COLONY OF CONNECTICUT.
1768.
At a general association of the pastors of the consociated churches in the colony of Connecticut convened by delegation at Coventry June 21 : 1768 - present
Solomon Williams
George Beckwith
John Trumble
Noah Welles
Jonathan Lee 1.
Eliphalet Williams 2.
Elijah Mason 3.
Samuel Lockwood
Elijah Lathrop4.
Judah Champion
Dr Nathaniel Whitaker
Benjamin Trumble 5.
Joseph Huntington
Hezekiah Ripley 6.
Mr. Williams was chosen Moderator and Mr. Welles Scribe. The Association opened with prayer by the moderator.
Voted that the thanks of this body be returned to the Rev.d Dr Chauncy of Boston for the good service he has done to the cause of religion, liberty and truth in his judicious answer to the appeal for an american episcopate, and in his defence of the Newengland churches and colonies against the unjust reflections cast upon them in the bishop of Landaff's sermon before the society for propagating the gospel in foreign parts : and that the moderator present the same to the Doc."; and cause this resolve to be published in one of the Boston News- papers.
Voted that the thanks of this body be returned to William Livingston Esq. attorney at law in New York, for his late vindication of the Newengland churches and planters against the injurious reflections and unjust aspersions cast upon them
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RECORDS OF THE GENERAL ASSOCIATION
in the bishop of Landaff's late sermon before the society for propagating the gospel, contained in his manly and Spirited Letter to his Lordship: and that the scribe be desired to transmit this resolve to M' Livingston and canse it to be pub- lished in one of the New York Newspapers.
Voted that M' Dickinson who is appointed a delegate to the general convention at Elizabeth town in october next, be desired to preach at the opening of the convention, and in case of his failing, M' Williams another of our delegates is desired to attend that Service.
Adjourned to 7 "Clock tomorrow morning. Met according to adjournment.
Voted that the general association in June next be at the' house of the Rev.ª Mr. Lord at Norwich, and in case any cir- cumstances should render it inexpedient to meet there, then that the Revd M' Harts of Preston be the place of meeting.
The association finding some inconveniences attending the present practice of this body in delaying the public lecture upon these occasions to the second day of the session, ordered that it be declared as our advice, that for the future the lecture be attended on the first day of the session.
Whereas some dispute arose in the last general convention concerning the admission of members to vote in sd conven- tion ; and whereas we understand that the Revd the Synod of New York and Philadelphia, in order to put an end to that dispute for time to come did at their last meeting agree that though any gentleman who shall think proper may be freely permitted to be present in convention, yet none but the dele- gates shall be allowed a vote, this association heartily concur with the above limitation ; and moreover give it as our opin- ion and advice that none but the delegates shall be admitted publicly to debate any case before the convention unless par- ticularly requested by the body so to do. And it is further declared as the opinion and advice of this body, that it is not expedient for the future that any of our associations dele- gate more than two of their members to the general conven- tion. Finally we think it may be advisable that in any future
65
OF THE COLONY OF CONNECTICUT.
general convention nothing be deemed as an act of the con- vention, considered as the voice of the united body but what has the major vote of the respective members that shall be present both from the Synod and from the consociated pastors in Connecticut.
Whereas the Revd Dr. Whitaker lately returned from Great Britain hath represented to this Body the Kind & Charitable Disposition of the good & Pious People there manifested in the generous & charitable contributions to the Support of Dr. Wheelock's Indian Academy for the Promo- tion of Christianity and Civility among the Savage Indians on this Continent ; We are greatly Pleased to find that the Hearts of our Dear Brethren on the other Side the Atlantic are so united with our's in the truly Evangelical and noble Design which the Hearts of the Pious in this Country have been & still are so intent upon ; and do by this testify our grateful Sense of their goodness & liberality and express our cordial Desires That the Best of Blessings may rest on all the Pious Benefactors, & that Heaven would still prosper the important Design. And 'Tis Desired that Dr Wheelock & Dr Whitaker would Transmit this to their Friends in Great Britain to be communicated in such manner as they think proper as a public Testimony of our gratitude.
The above Voted as the Doings of this association. con- cluded with prayer.
Test NOAH WELLES Scribe.
NOTES.
1. Jonathan Lee Pastor at Salisbury from 1744 to 1788.
2. Eliphalet Williams " East Hartford from 1748 to 1801.
3. Elijah Mason Pastor at Chester from 1767 to 1770.
4 . Elijah Lothrop " Gilead 1752 to 1797.
5 Benjamin Trumble " " North Haven from 1760 to 1820.
'. Hezekiah Ripley ".Greens Farms " 1767 to 1821.
9
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RECORDS OF THE GENERAL ASSOCIATION
1 769.
At a meeting of the Delegates from the several Associa- tions of the Colony of Connecticut at the House of the Revd Mr. Lord of Norwich June 20th 1769
present -
Solomon Williams Grindal Rawson
Nathan" Fells
Ephraim Little
Joseph Fish George Beckwith
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