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from God our heavenly Father, and Je- | Sabbath. To these efforts there are

sus Christ, our divine and ever blessed Redeemer, through the effectual operation of the Holy Ghost, may rest upon you and your people, and the Israel of God, forever, I subscribe myself,

many adversaries; and if this opposition remain armed with national authority, and this assembly, who first raised the standard of truth, and invited their brethren to the glorious struggle, also

Your affectionate fellow-laborer and forsake them; the prospect is, that the brother in the Gospel,

CORNELIUS C. CUYLER.

Poughkeepsie, April 24, 1815.

Extracts from the Minutes of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church 1815.

Your committee to whom was refer red a petition communicated by the committee of overtures, requesting a renewed application to the Congress of the United States, with respect to the violations of the Sabbath occasioned by the transporting and opening of the mail on that sacred day, beg leave to report, that it is the opinion of your committee that no exertions which can be made for promoting the sanctification of the Lord's Day can exceed the importance of the object.

A due observance of this institution of our holy religiou, is the characteristic signature by which God has distinguished his people, and which he has instituted as a covenant sign of their relation to him. His institutions, it becomes us to remember are not useless forms. They have their foundation in the nature and constitution of things; we cannot, therefore, give up the sign with out renouncing the blessing thereby|| signified. Were this grand pillar of the Christian fabric removed, the whole building would soon fall to the ground. The powerful influence of that day is even now scarce sufficient, as we have many melancholy proofs, to support the cause of truth and vital piety; who then can but foresee the direful consequences of being deprived of its privileges!

flood gates of iniquity will be again forced open, and a far greater inundation follow. These circumstances imperiously urge to the measure stated in the petition. But what encouragement, some may say, can we have to renew our application after such a refusal ?Your committee are of the opinion, that the very act of petitioning will have no small effect, both to animate the friends, and to weaken the enemies of this cause. But this is not our only hope. Shall we forget that God has the entire controul of the hearts of men, and that those who faithfully pursue the path of duty may, with confidence, rely upon his aid? Nay, we are encouraged to the re-application, by the terms in which the refusal of our former request was given.— The reason having ceased to exist on which that refusal was predicated, as far as we have confidence in the sincerity of our rulers, so far we may extend our confidence that they will now give due weight to our remonstrances. How inded can we doubt the countenance of those in this cause, who declare it to be their belief, "That public policy, pure morality, and undefiled religion, combine in favour of a due observance of the Sabbath?" However weak the practical influence of this truth may be found, we cannot doubt but that it is the lan guage of conviction. The grand experiment by which God has been demonstrating to mankind the destructive nature of infidelity, with regard to society, must force open the eyes even of the blind, to see the fatal tendency of sin, especially in republics, which are founded on the principle, that the law is A free govern

These considerations receive a pe- the supreme power. culiar weight at the present time froinment, therefore, in which existing laws existing circumstances. It is doubtless|| have lost their efficacy, presents to view well known to many members of this a government in which the supreme body, that great exertions are making in|| authority lies prostrate under the feet various parts of the Union, and particu- of the lawless and disobedient. In proLarly in the Eastern States, for promot-ducing this most unhappy state of sorieing the due observance of the Christianty, the first effects of iniquity wi!! bé ex

erted to sence those laws and regula-prayer to God, for the coming and glotions which most powerfully counteract rious reign of Christ on earth.

MR. EDITOR,

the depraved feelings of the heart; which tend to strengthen the moral sense; and which remind men of their accountibil- IT must be pleasing to you to record ity to that tribunal from which there is whatever instances occur of the preva no appeal. If, therefore, the mainspring ||lence of a missionary spirit in our counof moral instruction and moral feeling, try. What object can be more laudable is found in a due sanctification of the than the supplying the destitute with the Sabbath, to destroy its influence, to them knowledge of salvation and raising from so irksome, will be the first effort of the she dust of spiritual death to new life and sons of Belial. The spirit of infidelity, obedience any of the miserable race of which united itself with the French rev- man. About a year since, the minds of olution, intuitively pursued this course. a number of young persons were peculHer first and most fatal blow was direc-iarly excited to do something for the ted against this sacred institution. By honor of religion and for the relief of a successful effort here she silenced at those who were perishing for lack of visonce the batteries of truth, and opened ion. The activity and zeal which apthe way for the unrestrained practice of peared in others, animated them with a her future enormities. To suppose that becoming emulation. They combined our rulers will not be influenced by their endeavors and formed a Missionatruths so plain, and of which they havery Society, consisting of individual soavowed their conviction, is to suppose cieties to be united under one general them destitute, not only of the fear of society. The first meeting was holden God, but of political wisdom, and even at N. Hartford. willing to plunge themselves,their friends and families into all the horrors of anarchy and unrestrained licentiousness.

CONCERTS OF PRAYER.

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The second meeting was attended on the first Tuerday of February in the village of Clinton, of which the following is a minute of their proceedings:

The General Missionary Society of young people for the Western District, met in pursuance of the third article of the Constitution.

Whereas the King and head of the Church has during the last year, poured || out his Spirit, in a remarkable and glorious manner, on many of the Churches WILLIAM BACON, President of the within our bounds, and has manifestly last year, in the Chair. The meeting succeeded the efforts of Christians in was opened with prayer. The Society years past, in their endeavours to difproceeded to the choice of officers for fuse the light of revealed truth among the ensuing year, when the Rev. Noah the heathen; and has hereby encoura-Coe, was chosen President, the Rev ged and urged the pious to united and importunate wrestling at the throne of grace-And whereas many Christians in Asia, Africa and Europe, have agreed to set apart the first Monday evening of every month, that they may meet together, and say, with one heart, to the prayer hearing God," Thy kingdom come; Come, Lord Jesus, and fill the world with thy glory," Therefore,

Resolved, that this General Assembly do approve of concerts of prayer for the advancement of the Redeemer's kingdom, and do reccommend it to the friends of Zion in their connexion, as far as may be convenient, to spend the first Monday in every month in special

Saml. T. Mills, was chosen Vice Presi dent, S. S. Gardner, Esq, was chosen Secretary, and Edward Griffin, Esq. was chosen Treasurer.

The following Committees were appointed Messrs. Hastings, Carson, Kinney, Hayes and Bacon, a committee to nominate suitable persons for Directors and

a Corresponding Committee.— The Rev. S. F. Snowden and S. T. Mills, with Mr. William Bacon, were appointed a Committee to report amend ments to the Constitution. The Socie ty adjourned for the purpose of attend、 ing the Missionary Sermon. Re-assem bled after sermon: on motion, Resolved, that the thanks of this Society he given

and an half cents. Sherburne, forty nine members-twenty eight dollars fifty cents, and a donation of fifty cents. Union, eighty six members-forty dollars.

The above sums, together with fifty eight dollars and twenty five cents, re

make an amount in the hands of the Treasurer for this year of three hundred thirty four dollars and fifty nine cents.

to the Rev. Dr. Backus, for the sermon he delivered this day, at the request of the Society. The Rev. John Frost was appointed to deliver a discourse at the next annual meeting, and in case of his failure, the Rev. Asahel Norton. On motion resolved, that the next an-ceived from the Treasurer for last year, nual meeting of the Society, be holden at the village of Whitesborough. The Committee appointed for the several purposes, nominated for Directors, the Rev. Saml. F. Snowden, the Rev. Saml. T. Mills, and Messrs. John Powel, Alpha Miller, and Abram Plumb, for Corresponding Committee. Messrs. Amorah Kinny, Philander Hart, Harvey Ramond, Luke Dean, Alanson Dixon, Alpha Miller, Erotus P. Hastings, and Ros-|| well P. Hayes, who were unanimously chosen. The Committee appointed to report amendments to the Constitution, made report which was accepted. The amendments are contained in the annexed copy of the Constitution.

On motion resolved, that the Treasurer be required to give bonds for $1000,

Constitution of the General Missionary
Society of the Western District.
ARTICLE I.

This Society shall have for its object, the aid of Missions for the propagation of the Gospel. It shall be composed of individual societies, established in various towns or parishes, which have in view the aid of missions; and of which each member pays an annual tax of one dollar; and shall be called "THE GENERAL MISSIONARY SOCIETY OF YOUNG PEOPLE IN THE WESTERN DISTRICT." ARTICLE. II.

The members of the individual socie

ARTICLE III.

with two sureties, payable to the Directies shall have no voice in the society tors, that delegates bring credentials to general;-but every individual society show their legal appointment by the containing ten members shall be entitled Societies which they represent. That to one delegate; and one delegate forthe senior delegates shall hereafter re-every exceeding twenty members. port the number of members in the Society which they represent, and the sums paid by each member, and that monies received shall be delivered over to the Treasurer by the several senior dele gates before the reports of the Comniittees, is the order of business.

Adjourned to meet at Whitesborough, on the third Wednesday in February next, at eleven o'clock.

The following list of Individual Societies, with the number of meinbers and amount of sums paid by each society to the Treasurer is subjoined. New-Hartford, ninety members--forty four dollars seventy five cents. Homer, ninety seven members-forty four dol lars. Sangerfield, fifty three members

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The delegates, shail meet annually on the third Wednesday of February, at 11 o'clock A. M. at such place as shall have been appointed at the preceding meeting, and immediately on convening, there shall be chosen by ballot, a President, Vice-President, Secretary, Treasurer, Directors, and Corresponding Committee. The number of Directors and committee shall be determined by a vote of the Delegates.

ARTICLE IV.

It shall be the duty of the President (and in his absence, of the Vice-President) to perside and preserve order. ARTICLE V.

It shall be the duty of the Secretary to record the transactions of the society, keep a list of the individual societies which compose it, and execute all necessary writing which does not devolve

forty dollars seventy five cents. Otisco, thirty five members-twenty dollars. Westmoreland, eighty nine membersfifteen dollars thirty seven and an half cents. Clinton, eighty two members-on other, officers. seventeen dollars. Hanover, fifty mein berg-twenty five dollars and forty six

ARTICLE VI.

I shall be the duty of the Treasurer

to receive all monies paid in by the indi- law to regulate their own body, which vidual societies; all donations and con-may counteract or infringe on the spirit tributions made to the society general, of this Constitution.

and to pay them out to the order of the Directors; and if any remain in the Treasury at the expiration of the office of the said Treasurer, he shall deliver the same over to his successor. He shall keep an exact account of his receipts and expenditures, and exhibit them to the meeting of the Delegates at the expiration of his office.

ART.-VII. The Directors shall have the management of the monies belonging to the Society, and shall expend them for the aid of missions, in such

ART.-XIII. Alterations and amendments may be made to this Constitution by the consent of three-fourths of the Delegates.

Connty of Oneida, February 21, 1814.

Constitution for the regulation of Individual Societies, which may be formed in the Western District, having for their object the aid of Missions, the fol lowing is recommended.

ART.-I. This Society shall be com

ART. II. Every person shall pay 25 cents on entering this society; also a quarterly tax of 25 cents.

manner as they shall see fit. They shall posed of People of both sexes, and callemploy no person as a misssionary, who||led, "THE SOCIETY FOR THE AID OF does not come well recommended for MISSIONS." this purpose by some ecclesiastical body, either congregational or Presbyterian. At the next annual meeting, they shall report their own proceedings; those of Corresponding Committees, and those of Missionaries employed, so far as such proceedings shall have come to their knowledge.

ART.-III. All officers of this Society, shall be chosen from the Juvenile Members, except one delegate, who may be chosen from the elder members of the society.

ART. VIII. It shall be the duty of ART.-IV. ANY person or persons the Corresponding Committee to corres-wishing to withdraw from the Society, pond with suitable persons for the pur- may receive a dismission from the same, pose of gaining their influence towards of the Secretary: provided they sustain the establishment of new individual so-none of its offices and owe it no debts. cieties, and also of obtaining useful information on the subject of missions.

ART.-V No impeachment shall be brought against any officer of this society, unless signed by âve of its members.

ART.-IX. No delegate shall receive any compensation for his services. The ART. VI. At the annual meeting of postages of letters relative to the society, the society, which shall be held at least and all other necessary expenses, (trav- one week previous to the meeting of delelling expenses excepted) shall be de-egates, there shall be chosen by ballot, frayed from the Treasury, by order of a President, Vice-President, Secretary, The Directors. and one or more Delegates, as directed ART.-X. All monies collected in the by the constitution of the Society Genindividual societies, except what is neeral: all of whom shall hold their offices cessary to defray their own expenses, until the next annual election. shall be paid into the treasury of the society general at or before the meeting of the delegates.

ART. VII. It shall be the duty, of the President (and when absent of the Vice President) to perside in the meetings and preserve order. He shall be authorisd to give orders on the delegate in the name of the society, for monies to defray all necessary expenses, and shall also have power to call extra meetings (if requested) by causing notifications to ART.-XII. No individual society be affixed in three of the most public plawhatever, represented in the society ces in the vicinity, three day's previous general, shall have power to make any | to said meeting,

ART. XI. Any society, of a moral or religious nature, which shall pay ten dollars annually to this society may be represented in it by one delegate, and|| by one additional delegate for every exceeding twenty dollars.

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ART.—VIII. It shall be the duty of the Secretary to record the transactions of the society; keep a list of its members and perform all necessary writing for the society, which does not devolve on other officers.

Extract of a letter from Dr. Lewis, Len ox, to his family in Newburgh, dated May 3, 1815.

"I mentioned, I believe, that there was considerable attention to religion at Lenox, when I left the town in January. ART.-IX. It shall be the duty of the It spread rapidly till my return, when senior delegate to receive all initiations it had extended its influence to every and taxes of this society, and all dona-part; scarcely a family but what had tions and contributions made to it, and one or more of its members under soldeliver the same (except what may be emn conviction for sin, and their exporequisite for necessary expenses) to the sedness to divine wrath; and hardly an Treasurer of the Society General. He individual who was not seriously imshall also keep an account of his receipts pressed. It still continues unabated. and expenditures, and exhibit the same And for its universality and effectual to the society, at the expiration of his of-operation, is considered by all who fice. have visited us, (and there have been many, both of clergy and laity), as the

ART.-X. If at any meeting of this so ciety, both the President and the Vice-most extraordinary awakening they have President or Secretary be absent a per son shall be chosen to supply the vacancy; who shall continue in office untill the return of the absent officer.

ever witnessed. It is impossible to give an adequate idea of the earnestness and solicitude of the people to obtain a knowledge of Divine things. Besides the stated ART.-XI. No officer or member of meetings on the sabbath, and frequent this society shall receive any compensa-lectures on week days, conferences are tion for personal services. Necessary holden almost every day in the week, expenses shall be defrayed from the and sometimes half a dozen in different treasury. parts of the town, on the same evening. ART.-XII. This society (extra meet-The interval between the forenoon and ings excepted) shall meet once in three afternoon exercises at the meeting house, months, viz: on the are employed in prayer, and exposition of the scriptures. No inducement can prevail on people to be absent at these meetings; so long as the roads were passable on foot, many would walk sev

ART.-XIII. All meetings of this society shall be introduced and concluded by prayer.

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ART.-XIV. At each stated meeting there shall be one or more persons aperal miles to attend them--and when pointed to address the society at the the frost was yielding to the warmth of next stated meeting, on the subject of spring, all the horses and carriages that missions, the situation of the christian could be found, were employed to conpublic, and spread of the gospel. vey them-and even ox teams, and ART. XV. Conversation of a reli- carts, have been employed for the same gious or moral nature may be introdu-purpose, upon the deficiency of other ed, if time permit, after the usual business modes of conveyance. School houses of the society shall have been transacted. and private dwellings, were insufficient ART.-XVI. Any article of this Con-to contain all who attended, and many stitution may be dispensed with for the were often necessarily excluded. The time being, by the consent of 3-4ths of court-house has many times been so the members present, provided the omis-filled, as to be exceedingly uncomfortsion do not counteract any article in the able. Constitution of the Society General. ART.-XVII. Alterations and amend-femn: an expression of eager inquiry, ments (not infringing on the laws of the Society General) may be made to this Constitution, by the consent of two thirds of the members.

Oneida County, 28th Feb. 1814

These meetings have been very so

was visible on every countenance, and the infinite demerit of sin, and the importance of future realities, filled every mind with serions awe. They were all attention, and appeared to hear what

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