USA > North Carolina > Sketches of North Carolina, historical and biographical : illustrative of the principles of a portion of her early settlers > Part 28
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The Committee of Overtures presented the following questions, " Are they who publicly profess a belief in the doctrine of the universal and actual salvation of the whole human race, or of the fallen angels, or both, through the mediation of Christ, to be admitted to the sealing ordinances of the gospel ? Wherefore, resolved, that although the Synod set themselves unanimously against the doctrine of universal salvation, as an article of be- lief, yet as the question involves some difficulty respecting ad- mission to sealing ordinances, the said question be sent up to the General Assembly for their decision. (See next session.)
" The Committee of Overtures laid the following questions be- fore Synod for consideration : "Should church sessions require an assent to, and approbation of the Confession of Faith, and larger or shorter catechisms, previously to their admitting persons to sealing ordinances ?" On this subject, " Resolved, that the proceedings of the Synod of New York and Philadelphia General Assembly are sufficient to direct our members in that matter.
" Resolved, that the following ministers and elders be a Stand- ing Commission of Synod, and particularly to take up and issue the affair of Mr. Cossan, if not issued by the Presbytery of Ab- ingdon, viz : the Rev. Samuel E. M'Corkle, moderator, James Hall, James Templeton, James M'Ree, Robert Hall, Wm. C. Davies, and Charles Cummins ; with elders, John Dickey, John M'Knitt Alexander, Adam Beard, William Cathey, William An- derson, Joseph Feemster, and John Nelson. The moderator's council to consist of one minister, besides himself, and one elder. Two ministers besides the moderator, and as many of the above elders as may be present, to constitute a quorum."
(From this time, Commission of Synod was a regular appoint- ment, with few intermissions. Much important business was done by them, and their decision was final.)
" On motion, Resolved, that it be enjoined on the several Pres- byteries to take as effectual measures as possible for collecting materials for the history of the Presbyterian churches in America, and that returns of the said materials be made to the General Assembly as early as possible."
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At this meeting the Synod took up the subject of domestic mis- sions, and resolved to send out four missionaries to act in the des- titute regions each side of the Alleghanies. The direction of missionaries to be in the commission of Synod during recess of Synod ; their support fixed at two hundred dollars annually. It was made the duty of the missionaries to ascertain who of the families they visited wished to receive the gospel from the Presby- terians, and make report; they were also to make collections where they preached. The persons appointed were James Tem- pleton and Robert Hall, of South Carolina Presbytery ; and Robert Archibald, with the Licentiate John Bowman, of the Presbytery of Orange. Each was to labor for six months.
The Presbytery of Orange reported at this meeting, that seven of their ministers had stated charges ; three temporary charges ; and one no charge ; two probationers, who have calls under con- sideration ; three who have accepted calls ; and six who have not calls ; and five candidates ; thirteen vacancies able to support seven pastors ; and eighteen not able to support one. The Presbytery of South Carolina reported as follows : ten ministers with stated charges ; three without any charge ; two licentiates ; and nine candidates ; thirteen vacancies able to support nine pastors ; twen- ty-nine not able to support one. The names of pastors are not given annexed to their churches.
SESSION V.
" Bethesda, October 4th (Wednesday), 1792.
" Synod met pursuant to adjournment, and was opened with a sermon from Matt. xi. 6, preached by the Rev. Joseph Alexander, the Moderator." " The Rev. Samuel E. McCorkle, D.D., was chosen Moderator." The Presbytery of Orange reported three members added by ordination, William Hodges, James Wallis, and Samuel C. Caldwell ; the two last mentioned were invited to seats. The question sent up to the last Assembly was taken up, and the following minute made :- " This Synod at their last sessions hav- ing sent on a question to the General Assembly respecting the admission or non-admission of those who profess their belief in the doctrine of Universal Redemption, have it in their power to refer the public in general, and the members of our church in par- ticular, to the decision of the General Assembly on that subject, which is as follows :- In General Assembly, May, 1792, a ques- tion from the Synod of the Carolinas was introduced through the
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Committee of Bills and Overtures, which was as follows : 'Are those who publicly profess a belief in the doctrine of universal and actual salvation of the whole human race, or of the fallen angels, or both, through the mediation of Christ, to be admitted to the sealing ordinances of the gospel ?' The Assembly determined that such persons should not be admitted."
It being ascertained that 800 subscribers could be obtained for Doddridge's Rise and Progress, &c., Dr. McCorkle and Rev. Jas. McRee were appointed agents to transact with the printer in behalf of Synod. (This scheme of benevolent improvement occupied the Synod for some years, as will be seen ; and finally failed, after a large amount of money had been expended.)
By report made to Synod, it appears the commission of Synod had held two meetings to transact the missionary business which had been committed to them. The first, in October, 1791, at Thyatira church, in which they drew up rules and instruc- tions for the missionaries, and gave commissions to Rev. James Templeton, and Robert Hall, to act for four months each in the lower parts of South Carolina and Georgia, before the middle of the succeeding April; and Rev. Robert Archibald for four months, and Mr. John Bowman, for three months, as above, in the lower parts of North Carolina. The only part of the very judi- cious rules and instructions they prepared for their missionaries, which requires attention, as differing from those now given, is that contained in the third regulation : " You are not to tarry longer than three weeks at the same time, in the bounds of twenty miles, except peculiar circumstances may appear to make it necessary." The next meeting was at Steele Creek church, in April, 1792, to receive the reports of missionaries, and give commissions for the summer succeeding.
They held a third meeting for judicial business at Salem church, on the Nolachuckee, in September, to attend to a case of discipline between the Presbytery of Abingdon and the Rev. Mr. Cossan.
The Synod approved of the doings of the commission after hearing their minutes read :- and Synod, on a review of the whole of the minutes of said commissioners, concurred in their approba- tion of all their proceedings since appointed to that office. There is one act of the commissioners to be noticed ; it was determined by them, while at Salem, that if either party felt aggrieved by this decision, they should have a re-hearing before Synod ; but no advantage was taken of it.
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Orange Presbytery reported their admission of the Rev. Colin Lindsey, from Europe, as a member of their body ; of their pro- ceedings the Synod approved.
SESSION VI.
"Sugaw Creek, Oct. 2d, 1793."
The Synod met in regular sessions, and was opened with a ser- mon by the Rev. Dr. McCorkle, from 1st Cor. xii. 13. Rev. James Templeton was chosen moderator. Rev. Humphrey Hun- ter and Robert Cunningham were reported from Peerly, of South Carolina, as new members ; and Lewis Fuileteau Wilson, James M'Gready, Joseph Kilpatrick, Alexander Caldwell, and Angus McDiarmid (a licentiate from Europe, ordained by the Presbytery), were reported from the Presbytery of Orange ; and Samuel Doake, from Abingdon Presbytery.
In consequence of an overture, Synod passed the following recommendations, viz .: " That members of the church transgress- ing the rules thereof, be called on as soon as convenient to account for their conduct, and not wait till they may ask the privileges of the church." Notice of this recommendation was sent to all the absent members of Synod.
The following letter was received from the Rev. Henry Pattillo, viz. :
" TO THE MODERATOR. " Granville, 3d September, 1793.
" Rev. and dear Brother-From the pleasure you enjoy in at- tending church judications, you can conjecture my mortification in being denied them. But my advanced age, and the great distance refuse me the privilege. I bless the great LORD of the harvest that he is sending so many qualified laborers to work for him. What a number of excellent youth did I see in Prince Edward at a Presbytery and Sacrament last spring ! of approved piety, warm zeal and indefatigable diligence, great popular talents, unstained reputation, and genteel behavior. There is scarcely a corner in Virginia where their voice has not been heard with pleasure and profit by multitudes. Presbyterianism, if that is worth regarding, was never half so extensively known and sought after in that State as now. I hope these characteristics of persons and successes agree to those worthy youths who have been sent out by us south of the Virginia line. On both sides they are all young, thriving
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American scions who flourish in their native soil : we have never found the exotic plants of Europe's cold regions to thrive among us. Frazer and Patton were the blots of human nature; and others might be named, who have been, or are like to be, a grief to our hearts, rather than useful ministers of JESUS CHRIST, and a blessing to the churches. Their divinity, if they have one, is not Jesus Christ and the power of his grace in experimental religion,- their politics are monarchical, and suit not the liberal spirit of Ameri- can Republicans. They will neither pray, preach, nor live like pious youth bred among ourselves. I bear my testimony against the admission of such dry sticks among lively trees in our Ameri- can vineyard. And I assure myself, my worthy and beloved brethren will have nothing to do with such, but call on them to know Jesus Christ before they preach him. Their admission must be only a speedy prelude to their expulsion, while we hold the keys, and discipline is observed amongst us. The churches will be much better as vacancies than committed to stewards who would feed them with poison, or dry husks at best. If my rever- end brethren will admit this letter to record, it will speak for me when I am numbered with the dead.
" I intended to send you the history of the Presbyterian church in these parts ; but must omit that for the present, and be ready by your spring meeting. Bear one word more on the great subject. As to Europe, though perhaps, as Sallust says of ancient Rome, she may be too old and feeble to produce many great men, yet she knows how to hold them, if they make their appearance ; so let it never be said, that such as she rejects should be licked up by America,in all the vigor of her youth in Church and State. One word more,-if there is such a scarcity of ministers, and there be so great a famine of the word of the Lord, we had infinitely better send forth pious laymen, who have trod the way, and would endeavor to lead others into it, than men who have nothing to recommend them but a smattering of languages and sciences, while they are the enemies of the cross of Christ, and strangers to vital piety. My prayers, my wishes, and, if you will forgive the expression, my fatherly cares are anxiously employed for you. May the pleasure of the LORD prosper in your hands.
" Your own affectionate brother and obedient servant,
" HENRY PATTILLO."
Synod received information that the edition of Doddridge's Rise
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and Progress, &c., would be ready for delivery in the month of December.
The commission of Synod reported repeated meetings, to com- mission the missionaries, mark out their routes, and to receive their reports. They reported, as having been in their employ, the following ministers :- James Hall, Samuel C. Caldwell, in North Carolina ; John Bowman in North Carolina and Tennessee ; Ro- bert McCulloch in South Carolina; and Robert Cunningham in Georgia. These labored faithfully. On making their reports and exhibiting to the commission their receipts from contributions by the people to whom they had preached, they declined receiving from the Synod or the commission the small balance of their wages .. The missionaries read their reports to Synod; one of which is recorded : the other being lost before the records of Synod were transcribed into the present folio volume for preservation.
SESSION VII.
Steele Creek, Friday, October 3d, 1794.
Synod was opened, in the absence of the moderator, by Rev. Samuel C. Caldwell, with a sermon from Ezekiel xxiii., 36 and 37.
The Rev. James Hall was chosen moderator.
New members reported : From South Carolina Presbytery,- Moses Waddel, John Brown, William Williamson, and Robert Wilson : Abingdon Presbytery,-Robert Henderson and Gideon Blackburn.
An inquiry took place in Synod respecting an absent member of the Presbytery of Orange, the Rev. Robert Archibald, who was ·charged by common fame with preaching the doctrine of universal restoration of mankind : and the Orange Presbytery having given to Synod a relation of their proceedings in regard to Mr. Archibald -" Synod advised that the members of Orange resolve themselves into a Presbyterial capacity and immediately decide on the affairs of Mr. Archibald. Accordingly, the members of the Presbytery of Orange constituted and came to the following decision -That the Rev. Robert Archibald be suspended, and he is hereby suspended from the exercise of his ministerial office, and from the communion of our church. And Synod ordered that each member of their respective Presbyteries publish in his own and in vacant congregations the decision of Orange Presbytery relative to Mr. Archibald, and warn them against the reception of
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the above doctrine : and warn them also against countenancing or receiving Mr. Archibald as a minister of the gospel in his present standing."
The Synod received report from South Carolina Presbytery, that proper steps had been taken to fully answer the requisition of Synod respecting the history of the churches. The members of Orange Presbytery were enjoined to send the proper materials for the history of their churches to Rev. Messrs. Dr. McCorkle and James Hall; and the members of Abingdon, to Rev. Messrs. Hezekiah Balch and Robert Henderson, before the 1st of December ; that they might prepare a narrative for the inspection of their Presby- teries at the spring meeting ; and from thence to be sent on to the next sessions of the General Assembly.
The commission of Synod reported their various meetings and appointments. The following missionaries read their reports of travel and labor to the Synod :- Rev. James Hall, a tour in the lower part of North Carolina ; Mr. John M. Wilson, to the lower part of North Carolina ; Mr. Robert Wilson, to the lower part of South Carolina ; Mr. John Robinson, to the lower part of South Carolina ; Mr. John Bowman,t o the lower part of North Carolina; and Mr. James H. Bowman to the same region. The reports of the missionaries were spread on the minutes of Synod, and cover sixteen folio pages, and show great diligence in missionary work, and the alarming want of ministers.
In consequence of an overture, Synod ordered their several Presbyteries to call on their respective members and church ses- sions, and their several licentiates and vacancies to render an ac- count, once a year, how they discharge their respective duties to each other ; "yet the Presbyteries are to conduct, as to vacancies, as prudence may direct."
SESSION VIII.
New Providence, Thursday, Oct. 1st, 1795.
The Synod was opened with a sermon by the Rev. James Tem- pleton, from Isaiah lxii., 6 and 7. The Rev. James White Ste- phenson was chosen moderator. The Presbytery of Orange reported new members by ordination,-John Robinson, James Bowman, John M. Wilson, and John Carrigan; also Samuel Stanford and Humphrey Hunter, from other Presbyteries. The Presbytery of South Carolina reported Robert B. Walker, William Montgomery, and David Dunlap.
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It appearing to Synod that an ordained missionary was required in the Western Territory, and it being stated that Mr. Wm. Mc- Gee, of Orange Presbytery, was willing to take an appointment for that purpose-" Ordered that the Presbytery be directed, and they are hereby directed to ordain Mr. McGee, as soon as may be convenient, agreeably to the permission granted to this Synod, in such cases, by the General Assembly, at their sessions of last May."
The Presbytery of Orange was divided by a line running along the Yadkin River. The Rev. Henry Pattillo, David Caldwell, Colin Lindsey, David Kerr, William Moore, William Hodge, James M'Gready, Samuel Stanford, Angus McDermaid, John Robinson, and James H. Bowman, retain the names of the Pres- bytery of Orange, to meet at New Hope, on the third Wednesday of November. The Rev. Henry Pattillo, to preach the opening sermon and preside ; in case of his absence, the senior minister present to perform these duties.
The Rev. Samuel E. McCorkle, D.D., James Hall, James McRee, David Barr, Samuel C. Caldwell, James Wallis, Joseph D. Kilpatrick, Lewis F. Wilson, Humphrey Hunter, Alexander Caldwell, John M. Wilson, and Joseph Carragan, to be known by the name of the Presbytery of CONCORD, to meet at Centre Church, on the last Tuesday of March, 1796, Mr. Wallis to preach and preside till a moderator be chosen.
Dr. McCorkle produced to Synod receipts for £80 12s. 9d .; paid towards the printing of Doddridge's Rise and Progress, &c.
"The Synod taking into consideration the unusually adverse dispensation of Providence towards our Southern States, respecting the fruits of the earth; the critical situation of our nation with respect to Great Britain ; and the languishing state of religion in the church, do earnestly recommend to all the societies under their care to observe the second Wednesday of December next, as a day of humiliation, fasting and prayer, to Almighty God, that he may avert the calamities of famine, continue with us the blessings of peace, and favor his church with a revival of religion."
SESSION IX.
Morganton, Thursday, Nov. 3d, 1796.
The Synod was opened with a sermon by the Rev. Samuel Carrick, from Psalm lviii., 5. Mr. Carrick was chosen moderator. The Presbytery of South Carolina reported new members-John
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Foster, George E. Macwhorter, John B. Kennedy, James Gille- land, and Samuel W. Yongue ; and also the Rev. Thomas Reese and Thomas H. McCaule, deceased since the last meeting.
Upon inquiry, it appeared that Dr. Sibley had not executed the promised edition of Doddridge; and fears were expressed of a total failure of the contemplated edition.
The members of South Carolina Presbytery, living west of Savannah River, viz., Rev. John Newton, John Springer, Robert M. Cunningham, Moses Waddel, and William Montgomery, were, by request, set off to form a Presbytery by the name of HOPE- WELL, to meet on the third Thursday of March, 1797, to be con- stituted by the Rev. John Springer, or in his absence, the senior member.
The following question was overtured, viz. : "Is it expedient to admit baptized slaves as witnesses in ecclesiastical judicatories where others cannot be had ?" Answered in the negative. An order was passed enjoining upon heads of families the religious instruction of their slaves ; and the teaching the children of slaves to read the Bible.
By documents from Abingdon Presbytery and others, it appear- ed there had been great excitement in that Presbytery ; and that in consequence, Rev. Charles Cummins, Edward Crawford, Samuel Doake, Joseph Lake, and James Balch, had separated themselves from their brethren, and formed the Independent Pres- bytery of Abingdon. The cause assigned was, that Rev. Heze- kiah Balch had published in the Knoxville Gazette, a number of Articles of Faith, which gave great offence to many brethren, and also to many of the people ; the matter had been laid before the Presbytery, and Mr. Balch apologizing for some personal abuse and imprudent doings, and explaining his doctrines as not contrary to the Confession of Faith, the majority were satisfied to dismiss the matter. The brethren mentioned above, were so dissatisfied with this conclusion of the matter, that they withdrew and formed their Presbytery. In their letter to the Presbytery, they say- " There is no manner of doubt but they, who have declared them- selves Independent, will immediately return to the union, in form, as soon as they shall," &c. The conditions of their return were, dealing with Balch, and those who held his sentiments, and an assurance of protection " in preaching and exercising church disci- pline, according to the Confession of Faith." What Mr. Balch's creed was, which they considered erroneous, does not appear. The Synod directed letters to be sent to the churches in Abingdon
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Presbytery, and to the Independent Presbytery ; but what were their contents does not appear on the records.
" A memorial was brought forward and laid before Synod, by the Rev. James Gilleland, stating his conscientious difficulties in receiving the advice of the Presbytery of South Carolina, which · has enjoined upon him to be silent in the pulpit on the subject of the emancipation of the Africans, which injunction Mr. Gilleland declares to be, in his apprehension, contrary to the counsel of God. Whereupon Synod, after deliberation upon the matter, do concur with the Presbytery in advising Mr. Gilleland to content himself with using his utmost endeavors in private to open the way for emancipation, so as to secure our happiness as a people, preserve the peace of the church, and render them capable of en- joying the blessings of liberty. Synod is of the opinion, to preach publicly against slavery, in present circumstances, and to lay down as the duty of every one, to liberate those who are under their care, is that which would lead to disorder, and open, the way to great confusion."
Synod adjourned, to meet at Mount Bethel, on the second Thursday in August, 1797.
SESSION X.
The minutes of the session held at Mount Bethel, near Green- ville, Tennessee, never passed into the hands of the stated clerk. It appears, however, from reference in succeeding minutes, that the formation of the Independent Presbytery was condemned, and the members suspended ; and the discontent in the bounds of Abingdon Presbytery being very great, a commission of Synod was appointed to meet at Mount Bethel, in November, to hear and adjudicate the complaints and charges made against members of the Presbytery.
COMMISSION OF SYNOD.
A commission of Synod, consisting of fourteen ministers and twelve elders, met at Mount Bethel, near Greenville, Tennessee, Tuesday, November 21st, 1797. Rev. Francis Cummins preached from Romans viii., 1st, and was chosen moderator. The first step was to set apart the next day as a day of public fasting and humiliation before God. The people were requested to join with them in the services. The Rev. Samuel Doake, Jacob Lake,
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and James Balch, appeared, and having declared their submission to Synod, and disavowing their independence, and confessing their irregularity, and declaring their return to order, the com- mission removed their suspension, and restored them to the full exercise of the ministerial office.
Various charges were exhibited against Rev. Hezekiah Balch, and the witnesses brought forward, and their testimony given. 1st. He was charged with contradicting himself in a certain state- ment about Drs. Hopkins and Edwards being members of the association of Connecticut, and in communion with the General Assembly ; first affirming and then denying his having said so. On this charge he was acquitted, and the persons who brought it were reproved. He was also charged with saying "the saints appeared in heaven in their own righteousness," and afterwards of denying. He admitted the declaration, and disclaimed the denial. It was proved that he explained it as "the fruit of Christ's righteousness," &c. This part of the charge was not sustained, and the reporters of it were reproved.
2d. He was charged with preaching false doctrine. No manu- script or printed paper of his preparation was produced. The witnesses stated what they recollected of his sermons and con- versation, that they thought culpably erroneous. He was accused of charging the church of Scotland and some of our Calvinistic divines of holding the doctrine " that there were infants in hell not a span long ;" of saying "that original sin is not conveyed by natural generation ;" that if it were, the procreation of children would be sinful, a damning sin ; that he justified a man in saying he was not afraid to take upon himself the original sin of the whole human family, Adam excepted (the person explaining that by original sin he meant Adam's particular act in eating the for- bidden fruit); of saying "there was no sin but in self-love ; that Adam's sin was his only, by approbation and imitation " (but that he also affirmed that the corruption of our nature, and the propensity to make a wrong choice, was from Adam); of saying that "we were not liable to condemnation till we became moral agents, or capable of a wrong choice, then the dire consequences of Adam's sin were imputed, but not his personal act ;" of saying " that answer in our catechism was wrong, which says 'no mere man can keep the commands of God perfect,' for they were able, if they were willing ; that through Adam's sin our nature was corrupted, but none were chargeable till they acted; and that the first act was original sin in our posterity."
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