societies should unite in the competent For the especial bencfit of destitute,

try, without its appropriate duties and blessings, until both are brought to desolation.*--We are to consider

II. The means by which the wastes, in this State, may be built.

feeble congregations, a concert might be formed, by ministers in the vicinity, which should extend to them a course

a

support of one man, where it can be done, commanding between them, the whole time, and all the talents of their pastor, than to prolong in both a minis-of parochial visits, once or twice a year; to which might be added, a stated lecture upheld by concert, once month, and, in many cases, every week. Four ministers, by spending each one week in a vacant congregation, might And here, suffer me to suggest, as a catechise all the shools, and visit all the measure of great utility,not to the deso-families, at least once a year; and by late merely, but to all the churches, the preaching only three lectures each occasional itineration of the stated pas-might convene the people twelve times tors, within the limits of each associa- a year, to be instructed and cheered, tion, and by exchanges into other asso-by the preaching of the gospel. How ciations, and in different parts of the great would be the amount of instrucState. A ministry, entirely migratory, tion thus communicated, and of relithough it possess some advantages, is gious and moral influence thus exerted? defective, and so also is a ministry whol || What confidence would it inspire in the ly stationary. A system which should pastors of the churches? What affection retain all the benefits of stability, and would it create, what gratitude awaken, avail itself of the peculiar advantages what opportunities to advise, and what of itineracy, would approach, it is be- influence would it give to ministers, to lieved, nearest to perfection. But such preserve and build up decayed congrea system, might, with the utmost ease, gations? How benign, especially, upon be established in this State. Partial ex- the rising generation would be such periments have been made already, and gratuitous pastoral attentions? How always with singularly happy effects. A much impiety, and immorality, may be religious enterprise of this kind, breaks thus prevented? What new views comin upon the lethargy which is apt to in- municated—what new desires awakenvade the mind, too long conversant ed-what new hopes excited, what with the same place, objects, and duties. new habit formed? To these instrucIt creates a more minute, and yet ex- tions of the week, might be added tended knowledge, of the state of the stated supplies for some time, on the churches, and a stronger interest in their Sabbath, by the consent of surrounding welfare; while it awakens to new zeal churches. Is there a church in the and enterprise, among their own people, state blessed with a stated ministry, both those who itinerate, and those who from the year 1798 to 1800, and those which are cheered by their coming.t have for more than three years past prevailed * Why should the ministry be denominated in our churches, were, in many instances, bea sedentary profession? It cannot be from the gun, and in all, happily promoted by the bles example of Jesus Christ, and it cannot be be-sing of God upon such itinerations. In the cause there are not important active duties belonging to the profession enough to occupy, at least, one half the time. If a minister be disposed to do it and his people will permit, as too commonly they will, he may lead a very inactive life. But if he understands his duty and is not deficient in love to his Saviour and the souls of his people, like his Master he will often scarcely find time to eat and will as frequently lie down wearied with bodily exertion as with study.

state of New Jersey also, two seasons of exten. sive revivals, were begun by the blessing of God upon a similar system of special enterprise. Two ministers have in all cases been united in the same tour; and latterly the churches have had previous notice of the commencement and continuance of the tour, and have devoted a portion of time each evening, between the hours of seven and eight, to a concert of secret prayer to God for his blessing upon the enterprise, and not unfrequently, while they have Itinerations of the above description, have been yet speaking, the answer has been grant. been repeatedly practised in both the associa-ed. In all cases the churches have been retions of Litchfield county, and in every instance have been attended by the happiest effects.The revivals which prevailed in this county

freshed and animated by such visits, and a more extensive attention produced, than would have been commanded by ordinary lectures.

which would not rejoice to impart the the wastes, and cause the heart of the bread of two Sabbaths, to a destitute desolate to sing. This single measure sister church? Or a minister, who would would, ultimately, though slowly, raise not travel, once or twice a year, ten or up the foundations of many generations. twenty miles to supply, in this manner, t would command, however, but a a vacancy? This measure alone, would small portion of the resources which sensibly cheer the wastes of Zion, with- would readily be furnished, and would out the least pecuniary sacrifice, or any defer needlessly a consummation so desacrifice, which would not more than voutly to be wished. A general socicrepay itself, in the good done, and the ty might, therefore, be formed for the satisfaction experienced in doing it. special purpose of building up the || wastes of the State, or, should it be judged most expedient, the missionary society of the state might be authorised to hold monies, and the several congregations to make contributions, annually, for that purpose. The manner

Another means of restoration may be found in the appointment of evaugelists, whose whole time shall be devoted to the preaching of the gospel within the limits of feeble and destitute congregations. Their access to these wastes, and their continuance in them, may be may be a subject of deliberation at the regulated by their own discretion; but proper time, but that funds can be raisunquestionably, the time of several ed to help the desolate, that our ruins evangelists might be as profitably em- can be built, and must be built, does ployed, in this State, as in any region not admit a doubt. Should no calamito which missionaries are sent. How ty defer the enterprise, in a few years, much might they do to cheer the pious, every waste may be built, and the funds to encourage the desponding, to remove raised for this purpose be consecrated misconceptions, to eradicate prejudices, to the benevolent work of building the to promote revivals, and the reforma- wastes of other states, and other lands. tion of morals, and thus to prepare the To the preceding means may properly way for the established order of the gos- be added for the purpose of preservapel! The impulse thus given might suf- tion, as well as restoration, the special fice, in many cases, to produce a spee-enterprise of ministers, in the performdy, spontaneous resurrection; for of ance of pastoral duties. many a sister church, we trust it may This will include the particular regard be said, "she is not dead but sleepeth." || of each pastor, to the wastes within his To the labors of evangelists must be own limits. Many causes conspire to added in some cases, probably, a per-interrupt the attention of distant villages, manent, stated supply, until the work of and neighborhoods, to the public worrestoration be consummated. It is a ship of God, and to introduce a relaxalong, continued action of inauspicious tion of religious and moral order. To causes, that has occasioned desolations counteract these effects of local circumin certain cases, and nothing but a sta-stances, occasional visits & the preachted, counteracting, salutary influence ing of lectures are indispensable. Such can build them up. attention is an act of justice to the distant

As to the means of supporting evan-districts of a congregation, who pay egelists, and stated supplies, a portion of qually for the support of the gospel, and the expense and probably an increasing || cannot, without some such attention, be portion annually would be borne, cheer made equally partakers of its blessings. fully, by the people who are blessed It conciliates affection also and binds with their ministrations. For another the extremities of a congregation to the item:-let each association in the state sanctuary of their fathers, by stronger open a treasury for the purpose, and ligaments than can otherwise be found. each church in the association cast into-It is a means of preservation too, it one sacramental contribution a year, enlarged as it would readily be for that purpose, and the amount would employ constantly several evangelists, to cheer

which if not employed by ourselves to unite, will infallibly be employed by others, to alienate and divide. Great benefits have been found to accrue al

Magistrates, and min

that are strong are bound to help the and less synods. feeble. Is it our duty to minister to theisters, and their people together uniting hands and hearts in the common cause, breathing a public spirit and conspiring with holy zeal and vigor to advance the kingdom of Christ. O the uniting glory then manifest! Grace ruling and ordering both rulers and people under the glorious banners of true gospel holy love. Then were colonies united, and courts united, magistrates united, and ministers united, churches united, and plantations united."

hungry the bread that perisheth; and can we be at liberty to withhold the bread of life? Are we bound to do good unto all men as we have opportunity; and may we yet overlook the household of faith? Are the members of the same church bound to look, not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others; and may churches contract themselves within their own selfish circumference, regarding with a cold heart and an un- The consociation of the churches of helping hand, the necessities of other this state in the year 1708, is an express churches? Can there be no love to recognition of the relation which churGod in the individual professor, who ches bear to each other, according to hath this world's goods, and shutteth up the gospel, and a voluntary, implied his bowels of compassion against a nee-engagement to fulfil towards each other dy brother? And can churches practise all righteousness. Nor have the feeltowards churches the same hardheart-ings or the duties of this relation utterly ed parsimony and be guiltless? Or ceased, but they are feeble and limited must we draw the alarmning inference, in their practical influence. Sister churthat the love of God dwelleth not inches have been overrun with errorchurches, if they disregard the afflictions of destitute churches and withhold the necessary aid? Is it our duty to send the gospel to the destitute in the new settlements in other States, and to the heathen in other lands; and can we be at liberty to witness, as idle spectators the extinction of sister churches, and the return of heathenism at home?

divided, broken down, and even annihilated, and nothing but good advice and good wishes has been interposed. Instead of a general lamentation, that a light in Israel should be put out, it is not known, to many churches in the State, that such calamities have come upon us. But they have come.-There are grievous desolations in this State : societies might be named, where the church is extinct and the house of God

The primitive churches understood the relative duties of churches as we have explained them. The whole prim-in ruins: The blasts of winter rave itive church was one great association through it, the flocks of summer find a for charitable purposes, and exerted, for shelter in it. The Sabbath is a holiday. centuries, and in the midst of persecu- The authority of revelation has ceased tion, a boundless enterprise, to propa with many, and, by others, is employed gate the gospel. They gave, not to sup-to sanction doctrines, not less destrucport preachers only, but to support tive than atheism. Preachers are patpreachers and hearers also, whom per-ronised, whose object it is to keep the secution had made desolate. The audience laughing by ridiculing the same sympathy and efficacious charity ministers, and the doctrines of the gosdistinguished the churches of the refor- pel. A revival of religion would be mation! And when our fathers came regarded with as virulent enmity, as to this land, they, being many members, Jews or Pagans regarded christianity. were yet one body. A strong sympa-There are, in this State, districts as far thy made them partakers of each other's from heaven, and, without help, as hopejoys and sorrows. "Then might be less of heaven, as the Pagans of Hindosseen, magistrates and ministers together tan or China. Will the churches sleep in way of advice. Ministers and min- over such ruins? Can nothing be done isters cleaving together in way of com-to repair these desolations of many munion. Churches and churches to-generations? gether in way of consultation by greater * Church's Fast Sermon, page 14.

2. Unless these desolations are built they will become more desolate.

side, each waste, like Babel, will send out yearly, its host of emigrants, of many tongues;-strangers to the fear of the Lord, and furious in their oppo

The heart of man is desperately wicked, and freed from the restraints of religious instruction, will go on indefi-sition to our civil and religious order, nitely from bad to worse. Where the restraints of religion cease to operate, the restraint of law will also be speedily unknown, for the plain reason that, in such communities, there will be none to execute the laws. The result will be intemperance, profane swearing, gam-vour;-the universalist, to quiet profli

bling, idleness, poverty, hatred, variance, strife, disease and woe.

and prepared to exert, always, a pernicious, and sometimes, as circumstances favour, a fatal influence upon the town or society in which they reside.

From these wastes also sally forth the infidel, seeking whom he may de

gates in sin, and multiply their number; the political empiric, to augment his Were these temporal calamities the party;-and the sectarian of every chief miseries of such desolations, their name, to proselyte, until a broad circlaim upon our christian sympathy cumference around shall become as diwould not be small. But these are on- vided, and weak, and dissolute, as Baly the beginnings of sorrow. The bon-bel itself. Evil communications cordage of corruption, commencing here, rupt good manners. Their word eatwill extend through eternity. The caeth as doth a canker. A conflagration reer of iniquity, here begun, will hold on the borders of a city is not more to on its unobstructed course and never be dreaded, than a society, bereft of the end. There is no bottom to the pit in gospel, emancipated from the fear of which these wastes have begun to sink the Lord, and self-destroyed, is to be no limit to the woes which are before feared by neighbouring societies.--them, and little hope that they will ev- Facts, lamentable facts, may be found er escape. The aged die with the in this State, to justify these apprehenmeasure of their iniquity full, and chil- sions. There are, this moment, in this dren are born to fill up the measure of State, waste places, which exert pretheir fathers, until wrath, to the utter- cisely the kind of influence, which we most, come upon them. No revivals have ascribed to them. approach to burst the bands of wicked- 4. If the wastes among us are not ness and proclaim liberty to the cap-built, ty will undermine, ultimately, tive. No day of hope dawns, no ray the civil and religious order of the State. of light breaks in. There is no rain, nei ther any dew upon them from heaven, and no breath of the Lord visits the bones, which are dry, very dry. Brethren, is there no help? Among all the churches in this State, dwelling at ease, is there no cye to pity, no arm to save? 3. If these waste places are not built they will exert a powerful influence to create other wastes and extend the scene of desolation.

Our past unity and strength, in a civ il point of view, has been owing to the very extended, and happy coincidence of religious views and feelings in the State. Destroy this coincidence, and you disseminate the causes of jealousy and alienation, and multiply the difficulties of legislation. It was the conflict of religious competition that brought Charles to the block, and broke down, for a time, the strong government of The inhabitants of neighbouring England. And let the wastes, in this towns exert no inconsiderable influence State, multiply till one third of the freeupon each other. The good encour- men shall care for no religion, a third age the good, and the bad countenance || attach themselves to various, seceding and strengthen the bad. By means of denominations, and a remnant, only, intercourse, their opinions, views, and walk in the old way, and the unity of feelings are interchanged, the moral at- our councils and the vigor of our gov mosphere of each is breathed by the ernment would be gone. The business other, to an extent, which will sensibly of legislation would become a scene affect the moral system of both. Be-of intrigue and competition of religious

X

from the heavens? To these abodes of desolation our fathers came to plant these churches, which now survive them, and to transmit those doctrines, which now enlighten them, and to establish, unfettered by European usage, those institutions which might bless their posterity till the second coming of

They accomplished their work and went to heaven; leaving to their posterity, only the labour of preserving, what they had bequeathed. And now shall we listen to the syren tongue of charity, inviting us to substitute another order, and another gospel? And shall the cry of bigotry prevent our contending earnestly for their preservation? Shall the miner steadily pursue his work, and foundations fail, and desolations multiply, and no alarm be sounded? And no counteracting efforts be made?— How could we answer it to God should we do so? How could we look our fathers in the face should we meet them in heaven?

and political ambition, of temporis ing compromise, and bargain and sale. Each party would soon have its ambitious leaders, who would kindle the fire to warm themselves by, and cry persecution to seat themselves in high places. Each party would be kept organised by demagogues for political use, and the fire of the State would go up to heavour Lord: and God was with them.--en, as the smoke of a great furnace, and all our blessings would perish in the flames. But to such a state of things the multiplication of waste places will inevitably bring us. They are not warts, merely to mar the beauty of the face, but cancers corroding the heart's blood, and fastening their fibres upon the vitals. The religious and civil order of this State, commenced their existence together, and together they will live or expire. One was made for the other, or rather one was made by the other.Without the religious order of the State to form the conscience and establish the fear of the Lord, our civil institutions, which have stood almost two centuries, could not have endured a year. Let 5. The time past is more than suffithe ancient churches in this State, one cient to have neglected our duty and after another, be broken down, and the slept over our dangers. For twenty doctrines, which have purified and years, a combination of inauspicious incheered them, cease to be heard, and fluence has been exerted, without cessoon, Connecticut will be Connecticut sation, upon the religious order of the no more. Like Esau we may seek, State, with very little systematic influcarefully, with tears, what our folly has ence in the way of self-preservation.— abandoned, but no repentance will re- We have trusted to our laws, to our hatrieve our ruin. Our laws, habits, and bits, to the good sense of the people ;manners, are the result of our religion; and in common times these might have all other causes combined, have not had sufficed. But on common times we so much influence; remove this master have not fallen, and to meet the change, spring, and every movement will stop. common exertions are not sufficient.Bid the soul depart, and that moment, Other religious denominations have not will the body die. But who would risk been inattentive to the preservation, the tremendous experiment? Have and the increase of their churches, while our religious institutions been so barren we, unadmonished by circumstances, of good to us, that we may lightly trifle have kept on in the beaten track. them away in search of better? Or is deed, we have, for so long a time, experimenting in religion so harmless a borne patiently every assault, that to asthing, that if the right form does not sail us is deemed a right, and resistance, come out of the fire, we can restore the on our part, even in self-defence, is molten mass to its former uses? No, deemed persecution. With the loving let the prevailing religious order of the speech of charity, and toleration, the State be once broken down, and it is onset is made upon us, but if we open gone forever. What injustice would our lips, if we lift a finger, if we do not this be to the dead? It is not two hun-retreat, and abandon to strangers, the dred years since the forest waved in our heritage of our fathers, if we do not even towns, and the war whoop was echoed help them to destroy us, the heavens

In