USA > Connecticut > The records of the General association of ye colony of Connecticut. Begun June 20th, 1738. Ending June 19th, 1799 > Part 5
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13
Ebenez' Devotion
Benjamin Throop Moses Mather
Warham Williams John Willard '. Cotton Mather Smith 2.
William Patten 3. Simon Waterman 4. Isaac Lewis5.
Mr Solomon Williams was chosen Moderator and Mr Devotion Scribe. The Association opened with Prayer by the Moderator.
The following unanimously voted viz :
At a Session of the General Association of the Ministers of the Colony of Connecticut, at Norwich June 20 1769.
This Association taking into serious Consideration the dark and threatening Aspect of divine Providence upon our Nation and Land in regard to their civil Liberties and public Interest : as also the great decay of practical Godliness and the Prevalence of Iniquity, think it desirable that a Day be set apart for public Fasting and Prayer, to humble ourselves, under the righteous Hand of God, and supplicate the Throne
67
OF THE COLONY OF CONNECTICUT.
of his Grace for the removal of the Calamities we are under and to prevent those which seem to be impending. And above all that he would pour out his Spirit upon the Churches and people of the Land, revive decaying Religion and enlarge the Kingdom of the Redeemer. And accord- ingly agree for ourselves, and recommend it to the Brethren in the Ministry, to our own Churches and the Churches throughout the Colony to set apart the last thursday of August next for the Purpose aforesaid, earnestly desiring both Ministers and people, unanimously to join in the Seasonable, solemn and important Duty. And those of our Brethren and their Churches, that cannot conveniently attend it upon the Day aforesaid, to them we recommend it that they attend it on some other Day.
Voted that the next general Association be at the House of the Revd Mr Taylor in N. Milford.
Test EBENEZR DEVOTION Scribe
NOTES.
1. John Willard Pastor in Stafford from 1757 to 1807.
2. John Cotton Smith Pastor in Sharon from 1755 to 1804.
3. William Patten Pastor 2nd Hartford from 1767 to 1773.
4. Simon Waterman Pastor 2nd Wallingford from 1761 to 1787.
. Isaac Lewis Pastor in Wilton from 1768 to 1786.
68
RECORDS OF THE GENERAL ASSOCIATION
1 770.
The General Association met according to Appointment at the House of the Revd Mr. Taylor in New Milford on the third Tuesday of June 1770.
Present the Revd Messieurs
Daniel Humphrey Robert Silliman 1. Jonathan Lee Joshua Belding
Nathaniel Taylor
Samuel Sherwood
Joseph Strong ". Nathaniel Bartlet Robert Ross
Benajah Roots 3. John Smaley 4. Eliphalet Huntington 5. David Brunson 6.
Mr. Humphrey was chosen Moderator and M' Ross Scribe - The Association was opened with Prayer by the Moderator. The Association Adjourned till 7 o'clock tomorrow morning- Met According to Adjournment - Mr Lee prayed at the De- sire of the Moderator - the General Association observe with much Grief and Concern that various Scandals prevail among Sundry of the members of our Churches, and that some ab- sent themselves frequently from public Worship and the holy Communion - and the great Neglect of Gospel Discipline, and therefore earnestly recommend it to the Several Associa- tions to take this Important Matter into their Immediate and Serious Consideration and prosecute such measures as they shall think most expedient to revive brotherly Watchfulness & Church Discipline.
The Revd Mr Lockwood of Wethersfield appointed to preach the Sermon at the publick Convention at Elizabeth Town,
69
OF THE COLONY OF CONNECTICUT.
and in case of his failure Mr Ross - the next General Asso- ciation is appointed to be at the House of the Revª Mr Bart- let in Reading on the third Tuesday in June next 1771. The public Lecture was preached by Mr Lee after which the Asso- ciation was dismissed.
Test ROBERT Ross, Scribe.
NOTES.
. Robert Silliman Pastor at New Canaan 1742-1771.
2
Joseph Strong Granby 1752-1779.
3 Benajah Roots 60 Simsbury 1757-1772.
. John Smaley 66 New Britain 1758-1810.
. Eliphalet Huntington Clinton 1764-1777.
6. David Brunson Oxford 1764-1806.
1771.
The General Association of the Colony of Connecticut con- vened according to Appointment at the House of the Rev.d Nath"] Bartlet in Reading on the 3d Tuesday of June 1771.
Present the Revª Mess's
Joseph Bellamy Jonathan Ingersol
Nathan Strong Nath11 Taylor
Joseph Strong
Nathan11 Bartlett Robert Ross
Simon Waterman Stephen Hawley 1. Benjn Duning 2.
Dr. Bellamy was chosen Moderator and Mr. Waterman scribe. The Association was opened with prayer by the Moderator. The Rev. John Norton is also now present.
70
RECORDS OF THE GENERAL ASSOCIATION
Whereas the General Association did at their last sessions recommend to the several particular Associations to take into their serious Consideration the Important Matter of Church Discipline, and prosecute such methods as they shall think most expedient to promote Brotherly Watchfulness and best answer the ends of Church Discipline -and this Asso- ciation finding that no Return from any Association hath been made to this Body relative hereto; and being desirous of Promoting so good a Design, and observing with grief and concern the declining State of our Churches for Want of Gospel Discipline - Do recommend to the several Associa- tions to take this matter into their serious consideration ; and Desire they would send to the next General Association their Resolutions or Opinion on the following Questions viz :
1st. Whether it is not the indispensible Duty of Christian Churches to maintain Gospel Discipline ? 2'y What can be done to restore gospel Discipline in our Churches ?
The Revd Messrs Taylor and Ross according to the appoint- ment of the last General Convention laid before the Body the importance of punctually attending every General Con- vention, particularly the Next at Norwalk - and 'tis hereby earnestly recommended to the Delegates now chosen that they do attend. The next General Association is appointed to be at the House of the Revd M' John Trumble in West- bury on the 3d Tuesday of June 1772.
Test SIMON WATERMAN Scribe.
NOTES.
1. Stephen Hawley Pastor in Bethany from 1763 to 1804.
2. Benjamin Duning " Marlborough " 1762 to 1773.
71
OF THE COLONY OF CONNECTICUT.
1772.
At a general Association of ye Pastors of ye Consociated Churches in ye Colony of Connecticut convened by Deligation at Westbury, June 16: 1772 present the Revd Messrs
Elnathan Whitman
John Trumbull
Moses Marther
Samuel Newell
Benj" Woodbridge
Jonathan Lee
Samuel Lockwood
Daniel Brimsmaid 1.
Elijah Sill
Elijah Lathrop John Devotion
Mr. Whitman was chosen Moderator & Mr. Lockwood Scribe. The Association was opened with a Sermon by Mr. Woodbridge.
Voted, that whereas the last general Association recom- mended to the several particular Associations Two Questions respecting a reviving of Discipline in our Churches for their opinions, & but Three of them have returned their answers, the other are desired to Send in their answer to ye next general Association, and ye Deligates from those Six are desired to Inform their respective Associations of this Resolve.
Voted Instructions to the Deligates of the Several Asso- ciations appointed to attend the next general Convention to meet at Elizabeth Town, the last Wednesday but one in Sepr 1772 - Revd Brethren, Whereas some of the Clergy of the Church of England have showed great Asseduity in Soliciting an American Episcopate, and Petitions (as we are informed) have been perfered to his Majesty the archbishop of Canterbury &c by Mess.'s Cooper & Horox requesting ye
72
RECORDS OF THE GENERAL ASSOCIATION
same - we Inform you that 'tis the advice of this Association that you heartily concur with the Southern Gentlemen in counteracting any Motions that have or shall be made for s4 Episcopate in such manner as shall be most Convenient in said Convention.
Voted That the Rev.d Sa" Clark who is appointed Deligate to the next general Convention at Elizabethtown be desired to open sd Convention with a Sermon, & in case of his failing Mr Cotton M. Smith another of our Deligates is Desired to perform that service.
In reference to a number of Questions Sent to this Board from ye Revd Nath' Sherman of Mount Carmel for their Resolution.
Voted 1st That a Minister whose Usefulness is beyond all doubt at an end with his People ought to be willing to resign and may be Warrantably Dismissed without his consent although guilty of neither Herise nor Scandal & yet great care ought to be taken that Ministers are not Injured in their Temporal Interests.
Voted 2ly If any Minister thinks himself Injured in Temporalities by a too Sudden Dismission thro' the unreason- able Clamour of his People, & the People refuse to come into any reasonable Method to do him Justice as to his Temporal Interest, he ean have no Redress unless at y" Civil Board.
3'y If any injury is done to any Minister's Character in the Result of the Consociation that Dismisses him, ye only Method for Redress in ye Case is to Desire a Rehearing at ye Same Board.
4'y No Cause can be removed from a Consociation after Judgment is given to another Board to be reheard and redetermined, Unless by agreement of ye Parties concerned, and Concurrence of the Consociation.
Voted, To desire the Revd. Noah Wells, Standing Register of y" general Convention annually to lay before this Board the Doings of sd Convention.
Voted That the next general Association be at the House of the Rev.d Sa" Newell in New Cambridge. The above
73
OF THE COLONY OF CONNECTICUT.
Voted as the Doings of this Association. Concluded with Prayer.
Test SALL LOCKWOOD, Scribe. NOTES.
1. Daniel Brinsmaid Pastor in Washington from 1749 to 1785.
1773.
At a Meeting of the general Association of the Colony of Connecticut at the House of the Rev.ª Sam" Newell in *New Cambridge June 15th 1773 -
Present
George Beckwith
Hezh Bissel
Wm Seward
Jonathan Ingersol
Sam" Newell
Nathan Strong
Elijah Sill Daniel Welch 1.
The Rev.d Mess.rs
Robert Ross
Benj" Boardman 2.
Ammi R. Robbins 3.
Andrew Stores 4.
Wm Drummond 5
Cyprian Strong 6. Sam1 Jo. Mills 7. John Foot 8
The Rev.ª George Beckwith was chosen Moderator - Benjn Boardman Scribe. The Council was opened with Prayer offered by the Moderator. The Revd Hezh Bissel preached a Sermon. Adjourned till 7 oclock to Morrow Morning.
June 16th 7 o'Clock A. M. Convened according to adjourn- ment, entered upon Business and Papers were read on the 10
74
RECORDS OF THE GENERAL ASSOCIATION
Subject of Chh Discipline, sent in from several of the par- ticular associations viz : one from the Eastern District of Fairfield County : - Do. from the South District of Hartford County - Do. from Windham County - this remark toward ve close. Do. from New London County - Do. from Litch- field County - Do. from New Haven County - Do. from Hartford North District -and after having taken into con- sideration ye above said Papers touching Chh Discipline,
Voted That the Revd Messieurs Edward Eells, Elizur Goodrich, Benj" Boardman, Enoch Huntington and Cyprian Strong be a Comtee to collect some general Things into form from said Papers or Exhibits and prepare the same to be laid in before the next Gen' Association for their further Consideration.
Voted also that the next General Association be at the House of the Revd Solomon Williams at Lebanon in Wind- ham County on the third Tuesday of June next-and in case anything should intervene rendering it inconvenient to Meet at the sd Mr. William's then to meet at the House of the Rev.d Daniel Welch of Mansfield at the afforesaid Time - & in said County.
The above voted as the Doings of this Association & then concluded with Prayer.
Attested p'r BENJ" BOARDMAN, Scribe
NOTES. * Now Bristol.
1. Daniel Welch Pastor in North Mansfield -1752 to 1782.
2. Benjamin Boardman Pastor in Middle Haddam - 1762 to 1783.
3. Ammi R. Robbins Pastor in Norfolk - 1761 to 1813.
4. Andrew Stores Plymouth - 1765 to 1785.
6. William Drummond . New Canaan -1772 to 1777.
6. Cyprian Strong 1st Portland - 1767 to 1811.
". Samuel J. Mills Torringford -1769 to 1822.
6. John Foot Cheshire - 1767 to 1813.
75
OF THE COLONY OF CONNECTICUT.
1774.
At a General Association of the Pastors of the Consociated churches in the Colony of Connecticut convened by Delegates at the House of the Revd. Daniel Welch in Mansfield June 21st 1774-
Present -
Revd. Messrs. Benjamin Throop
James Cogswell
Stephen Johnson 1. Warham Williams
Samuel Lockwood
Elijah Lathrop Daniel Welch
John Ellis
Simon Waterman
William Drummond
John Bliss
Theodore Hinsdale 2.
Hezekiah Ripley Ebenezer Baldwin 3.
The Revd Mr. Throop was chosen Moderator & Mr. Bald- win, Scribe.
The Meeting was opened with prayer by the Moderator. The association then proceeded to business. The Report of a Committee appointed at the last association to draw up something upon Church Discipline proper to be recommended by this association was read. Likewise some Tho'ts upon the Subject of Discipline were exhibited from the western association of Fairfield County.
The Revd. Mess's Waterman, Drummond, & Baldwin were appointed a Committee to draw a Draft of a Letter of Condo- lence to the Ministers of Boston under the present melancholy circumstances of that Town.
The Revd. Messrs Cogswell, Johnson & Lockwood were appointed a Committee to draw up something upon the Sub-
76
RECORDS OF THE GENERAL ASSOCIATION
ject of Church Discipline proper to be recommended to the Several Churches of this Colony.
The Rev.ª Samuel Lockwood is appointed to preach the Sermon at the opening of the next Convention at Elizabeth Town, & in case of his Failure the Revd Mr. Baldwin is appointed.
Adjourned till tomorrow morning 7 oclock, June 22. Met according to adjournment.
This association taking into Consideration the State of ye Settlements now forming in the Wilderness to the Westward & North-westward of us, who are mostly destitute of a preached Gospel, many of which are of our Brethren Emi- grants from this Colony, think it advisable that an attempt should be made to send missionaries among them, and for obtaining a Support for such Missionaries would recommend it to the several Ministers in this Colony to promote a Sub- scription among their people for this purpose. Upon which it was Voted that the preceding conclusion together with the form of a Subscription be printed & sent to the several Minis- ters in this Colony. a Lecture was then attended, the Rerd M' Cogswell preached from Phil. 2: 1, 2-
The doings of the last General Convention were read before this association & were well accepted. The Rev.d Messrs Cogswell & Johnson were appointed to compleat the Draft of a Letter to the Ministers of Boston.
The Committee appointed to draw up a Draft upon Church Discipline made their Report which was ordered to lye on File.
The Rev.d Messrs Noah Wells, Samel Lockwood & Elijah Lathrop were appointed a Committee to draw up a Draft upon Church Government to be presented to this Body at their adjourned sessions in Septr next. The Committee appointed prepared a Draft of a Letter to the Ministers of Boston which after Correction was accepted & is as follows -
Rev.d & dear Sirs, We your brethren of the Colony of Connecticut met by Delegation from the several Counties in general association, at our annual meeting, cannot but feel
77
OF THE COLONY OF CONNECTICUT.
deeply impressed with the present melancholy threatened Situation of America in general & the distressed state of the Town of Boston in particular suffering the Severe resentment of the British Parliament by which the Subsistence of Thou- sands is taken away. We readily embrace this opportunity, to manifest our hearty Sympathy with you in your present Distresses. We consider you as suffering in the common cause of America; in the cause of civil Liberty, which, if taken away, we fear would involve the ruin of Religious Liberty also. Gladly would we contribute everything in our Power for your encouragement and Relief; however our Sit- uation enables us to do little more than to express our sin- cere, affectionate Concern, & with fervent addresses to com- mend your Cause, & the Cause of America - the Cause of Liberty & above all of Religion to the Father of Mercies, who can easily afford effectual Relief; who hath the Hearts of all at his Disposal & can turn them as he pleases. We feel deeply sensible what a heavy Load must lie upon the minds of the Ministers of Boston -enough to sink their Spirits unless armed with vigor, Christian Fortitude & Reso- lution. In hopes it may afford you some Consolation we assure you of our sincere Condolence and unremitted prayers in your Behalf; and that we shall in every way suitable to our Character and Station use our Influence with the good People of this Colony to concur in every proper measure cal- culated to afford Relief to America in general, & the dis- tressed Town of Boston in Particular. We pray that the Ministers of Boston may be inspired by the great Head of the Church with Wisdom sufficient for their Direction in such a critical Day as the present. And we cannot but hope the united Prayers of America may obtain that audience in Heaven which will ensure Salvation to us; and That God would give them & their People Firmness, Unanimity, Patience, Prudence & every Virtue which they need to support them under their heavy trials, & enable them to stand firm in the glorious Cause of Liberty ; express such a Temper & exhibit such an Example as shall be well pleasing to God, & rec-
78
RECORDS OF THE GENERAL ASSOCIATION
ommend them to the Compassion & Favor of their fellow men. We earnestly pray that God would humble us all under a deep sense of our numerous Transgressions & Crim- inal Deelensions ; show us the absolute necessity of Repent- ance & Reformation, humble us under his mighty hand & pour out a Spirit of Fervent Supplication on you, on us, & all his people in this Land."
Voted that there be a standing Register appointed to keep the Records of this association & the Revd Mr Trumbull of North Haven is appointed the present Register. The next general association in June 1775 is appointed to be at the house of the Revd Mr Throop at New Concord in Norwich.
The Southern association of Hartford County having neg- lected to appoint one to preach the Conscio ad Clerum, the day following the next Commencement, this association do therefore appoint the Revd Edward Eells of Middletown to preach the Sermon at that Time. This association is adjourned to the day after the next Commencement to meet at Newhaven in the College Chapel at 8 "Clock in the Morning. The session was concluded with prayer by the Moderator.
Test EBENEZER BALDWIN, Scribe.
NOTES.
1. Stephen Johnson Pastor at Old Lyme from 1746 to 1786.
". Theodore Hinsdale 66 North Windsor 1766 to 1795.
$. Ebenezer Baldwin 1st Danbury 1770 to 1776.
79
OF THE COLONY OF CONNECTICUT.
1774 Continued.
The general association of the Pastors of the Consociated Churches of the Colony of Connecticut convened by Delega- tion at Newhaven Sept. 15th 1774 according to adjournment-
Present
Rev.d Messrs Benjamin Throop Thomas Canfield 1. Samuel Lockwood Elijah Lathrop Nathaniel Bartlett
John Ellis
Simon Waterman
John Bliss
Theodore Hinsdale
Hezekiah Ripley Ebenezar Baldwin Jehu Miner 2.
The Revd M' Wells read before this Body a Draught for the Improvement of Discipline in our Churches, according to appointment from this Body.
The association then entered upon further Consideration of the Subject of sending Missionaries to the Scattered Set- tlements in the Wilderness to the Northwestward, and came into the following Conclusions.
1st The General Association find so much encouragement relative to the Support of Missionaries to be sent into the back Settlements, that they think it advisable to appoint 2 Missionaries to go upon this business next Spring.
2. That one person be appointed in each County to receive the Subscriptions or Donations made, or that shall be here- after made for this purpose in sd County. They to give their Receipt to the Persons from whom they Receive them.
3. That a Committee of three Persons be appointed to re- ceive these Donations from the Receivers in the several Coun-
80
RECORDS OF THE GENERAL ASSOCIATION
ties & to give their Receipts therefor - This Committee to appoint to the Missionaries their Support - to pay such sums to them, as they may see proper to appoint from the Dona- tions received by them. They to direct the Missionaries in any thing they shall Judge Necessary where not particularly directed by the general association. They also may appoint other Missionaries in case of the failure of any appointed by this Body. They to account to the General Association yearly, for the Disposal of the Monies reed by them - to lay before this Body the proceedings of the Missionaries - their success - the State of the Place wherein they may discharge their Missions &c. This Committee to continue during the Pleasure of the association.
The Rev.d Mr Ripley is appointed to receive the Donations in the County of Fairfield, the Revd M' Waterman for the County of Newhaven, the Revd M' Day for the County of Litchfield, the Rev.d M' Hinsdale for the County of Hartford, the Rev.d Mr Cogswell for the County of Windham, & the Revd M." Ellis for the County New London.
The Revd M' Williams of Northford, the Rev.d M.' Good- rich of Durham, & the Revd M' Trumbull of North Haven are appointed a Committee for the purposes specified in the 3ª Article above.
The Rev" M" Taylor of New Milford, the Revd. M' Water- man of Wallingford & the Revd M' Bliss of Ellington are appointed Missionaries, any two of them to go upon the Mission as they shall agree. These Missionaries are directed to travel thro' the Settlements in the Wilderness to the North- westward of this Colony ; but not to proceed further North- ward than the northern boundary of the Province of New York : where they shall judge their Services may be most likely to be beneficial ; excepting so far as they shall be more particularly instructed by the Committee. - They are directed to perform all parts of the Ministerial office as Providence shall open a Door. They are directed to set out upon this Mission sometime next Spring ; to spend 5 or 6 months in their Mission if the Committee are able to provide
81
OF THE COLONY OF CONNECTICUT.
for their support so long - to keep an exact Journal of their Proceedings, & give as accurate an account as Possible of the State of the several Places they pass thro'; that the General Association may be better able to determine where to send their Missionaries in coming Time.
Voted that the following Advertisement be published in the several News Papers in this Colony -
The General Association of the Colony of Connecticut convened by adjournment at New Haven Sept 15th 1774 have appointed the following Gentlemen to Receive the Sub- scriptions made or that may hereafter be made for the purpose of Supporting Missionaries to be sent to the Settle- ments in the Wilderness to the Northwestward of this Colony, viz : the Revd Mr. Ripley for the County of Fairfield &c -to be by them transmitted to the Revd Messrs Warham Williams, Elizur Goodrich, & Benjamin Trumbull, who are appointed a Committee for carrying this Purpose into execu- tion. And the several Ministers in the Colony who have recd or may hereafter Receive Subscriptions for this Purpose are desired to send whatever Donations they shall collect to the Gentlemen above mentioned as receivers in the Several Counties, taking their receipts for the Money delivered.
Test EBENEZAR BALDWIN, Scribe.
The association then resumed the Consideration of some proper Methods for the Revival of Discipline in our Churches. A Draught was then read before this Body for the improvement of Discipline by the Revª M' Lockwood according to appointment. The following thoughts upon that subject are approved by this Body & recommended to the practice of the Churches.
This Association taking into consideration the great Declension of Religion & the disorderly Walk of many of its Professors & neglect of Duty in others under the Bonds of the Covenant, which is owing in a great Measure we appre- lend to the want of Discipline in the Church of Christ ; which is to the Dishonor of Christ the great Lawgiver
11
82
RECORDS OF THE GENERAL ASSOCIATION
to his Church & to the reproach & wounding of his Visible Disciples who are under special obligations to walk with Christ in all his Statutes & ordinances & to do whatsoever he commands them ; nor can the Church in this depraved State, wherein it is impossible but that offences will come, long maintain Purity & good order where the Discipline of Christ's house is neglected ; but the glory of the Church is then departed : 'tis no longer beautiful as Tirzah, comely as Jerusalem & terrible as an army with Banners; nor can it properly be said Christ rules that house where his own Laws are neglected. Altho many have desired & some attempted to recover discipline so manifestly Lost in the Churches ; but with little success ; which we fear will yet be the case unless it pleases God of his great mercy to pour out the Divine Spirit upon our Churches to the Revival of Religion in the power & purity of it - however Duty is ours & the Event is God's ; we would therefore Reccommend it
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.