UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH
Daf. BX32251 B6I7A2
cop. 2,
AJarlington JVLemorial .Library
SEEMINGL Y
EXPERIMENTAL RELIGION, INSTRUCTORS UN*]
EXPERIENCED- CONVERTERS UNCONVERTED- REVIVALS KILLING RELIGION- MISSIONARIES IN NEED OF TEACHING—
' O R,
JVar againft the Gqfjiel hy its Friends 1
TheJEjcamlnation and Rejection of Thomas Ledlie Eircfc, a foreign ordained Minifter, by the Rev. Prefbytery of Ohio, under the very Rev. General AiTembly's Alien A£i;
The Trial of the Rev. John M'Milian, before the Rev. Prc%;ery cfc Ohio, for defaming Birch;
The Trial and Acquittal of the Rev. Prefbytery of Ohio, before the very Rev. General AfFentWy of th* PrefbyUriaa Church of Ame- rica, for the RtjecYion of Birch-* and
Injuftice in permitting the llev. John M'Millan to efcape Church Cenfure.
WITH REMARKS THEREON,
ADDRESSED TO TEL FRIENDS OF GOSPEL PROGRESS, More particularly^ theft of the Prejiyterian Church of Amerit*%
— - rlMI:*~'ia*:agffi^;?ffif'TTWW"inr»ii
By the Rev. THOMAS LEDLIE BIRCH, A. M.
Sifall JBew great Jigns and wonders, ^y
thex jhail deceive the very elf Si; M j th . xxiv. ?^. When the . uik%
jhall be fi^d faith on et.rth? Luke xviii. 8. h . ;-
tying the power — lead captive filly ivo&fn,
vers lujls; z Tim. iii. 5, 6. Far taAe/t for tke time ye ought to hg teachers, y* have need that one teach you againvubicjj? be the jlrji fri>uit'iss of the orailes of God; H eb . v. 12.
WASHINGTON P&iNTfcD fJK. T UlL A'J.1. >^i ^J^CVI,
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DEDICATION.
To the Religious of every Profeffion, and more par- ticularly thole of the Prefbyterian Chriftian Church in the United States of America.
Highly refpefled Friends and Brethren^
\J\]& bleffcd Lord obferves,* Wo unto the world, thofe eartnb- minded perfons who make religion fubfervient to their worldlv pur- poses, by reafon of offences, — becaufe of the fcandal and reproach the1/ bring upon the Gofpel, whereby the faith of the weaker brethren is daggered, and occafion is given to infidels and the other enemies ©£ religion to blafpheme. Offences mult needs come, (o long as any clais- wf mankind, and more particularly gofpel prortffors, wi!l not fuirer their evil appetites and paf&ons to be ruled by divine grace, but give* an unreftrained bridle to the corrupt dictates cf nature, irsftead of keep- ing them in fubje&ion to reafon and confeience, and being led ts duty from the fenfe of the obligations they are under to Almighty God, their neighbour and themfelves, they will, as a nccdiary confequer.ee, bring a reproach upon religion, and can: impediments in the way of its pro- grefs. But wo to that man, or bedy of men, by whom the o&cnce,. t?:> ruin to themfelves or others, comes. They will have' the deieira- *tion and abhorrence of the virtuous and good ; the contempt zui re- proaches of thofe they led aftray, when awakened from their deluhon ; and at all events, unlets timely prevented byre?sntar<ceanc atioa,
2nd dying to Gud, in Cbrirl, ior mercy, — divine judgnSents in i *nd mifery in hell through eternity; where they will h-ve Jo anfwer for the crimes of others (to which they have been acccilary) as we iheir own.
It is with extreme reluctance that I iolicit the fuperipf attention cf the public to a matter which would pri , feem to relate toaii ij=-
dividual. But ss grievances affc&iiiff the community at lays ia:!y do nor ziiuixiz their proud iiatio'n at Cisec, but are gracus!!)' in-
* Math, xviii. 7. A 2
r 4 3
trodueed, by attacks upon particular focieties, or individuals (i)— • it therefore becomes matter of public concern, to attend to the complaint* ef every member.
Is there, then, an attempt made by thofe bearing rule in the Church, upon any member, or members, (even though defcnceltfs ftrangers) which might lay a foundation for the introduction of privileged orders, a Church eftabhfhment, and finally the Inquifition ; things which have 1o long interrupted religious harmony, (topped the progrefs of the gof- pel, and caufed fuch mighty torrents of blocd to flow ; it becomes the injured to complain, and the Church at large to hear.
Had I only received injury in my perfon and family eftate, my repu- tation unfullied (though it was too much to wound him Go forely bruif- ed before) I fhuuld not have made any public complaints, but comforted myfelf, by repeating with a great writer, — the thief that fteals my purfe, only tskes my trafh ; but he that filches my good name, take* from me what dot's not enrich h;m> and makes me poor indeed. But when reputation, which fhould be dearer than life, is attempted; and, through me, to blaft the honour and characters of dear worthy friends, fomc of whom (though ftrangers) have (rood forward in the moft trying circumstances; filence would be treafon againft truth, and mud be conftrued into an acknowledgment of guilt.
Though there are many difficulties which neceflarily prevent the difcovery of truth, and the trrict execution of juftice, in all courts of judicature ; yet when there is an open, candid decifion, of the proper authority, where reafon and conscience may be fuppofed to have been allowed their fway, fubmiflion is a duty, though injury may be fuftain- ed by feme of the fuitors. But where, for the evafion of juftice, frauds are prndlifed by the accufed party, which mint render all appeals to law nugatory, the court conniving at, or overlooking fuch, and pafling a judgment thereon contrary to all precedents, and the individual tyran- nize! over,opprc fTVd and ruined, under pretence of fecuring the Church's pe»ce, doing evil that £ood may come of it;* and offenders, thus efca- ping juftice, afterwards endeavouring to impofe their deceptions upon the world, to the nrejulice of the injured party, under the venerable name of Church Difcipline ; are deeds, for the expo.fure of which reli- gion and the honour of Church Government imperioufly demands.
There is an evident re?fon for an appeal to the people, when perfe- ction, accompanied bv falfthocd, ir.juftice, and the breach of thofe fa- cred ties of public faith, which keep mankind united in fociety, (2) is carried en by thofe who hesr the venerable character of Teachers and 'Queers in the Chrili's Church, aided and abetted by a combination ei Church Judicatories, from the loweft to the highe ft, which have ne»
* Rom. hi. 8.
{ 5 ]
glebed to punifh fuch things, and finally the fuperior court having re- fufed even to grant an hearing, and thereby (hut the do^r againft all le- gal redrefs, whereby a publick reproach is brought upon the fociety an! nation to which they beiong; a nation locked to by ibme people as del* tined by Providence to be the inltrument(3) in letting on foot ihe great work of reformation throughout tie world. And more particularly at this important period, big with the figns (4) of ihe time (5) when An- tichrilt fh >u!d faP, as an introduction to the flowing in of Jew and Gentile into the Cnriftian Church, (6) when the O d Dragon, the Devi?, being caft out of Heaven, caft out from exercifing a Church domi- nion, (as is now happily the cafe in thefe United States) whereby he had er.flaved manknd in their bodies as well as their foul?, in their temporals as well as their fpiritual?, the authority he once exercifed in the Church by a fpiritual agency, the Clergy alone, being now dele- gated, in great msafure, to temporal powers, Church and State, as it is termed, or exclufive Religious Eftablifhments und:-r the direction of the civil Magiftrate, as props to his ufurpations ; and knowing this time Will not be long (as would appear from the crumbling irate 0/ thefe tivil and religious fabricks, erected upon human pride) having great wrath.
That Civil Liberty muft be the forerunner of Religious Reforms- tio^, is a truth which muft be affented to by ail perfons of a found mind ; for without it there couid be no free difcuffion, or embracing of truth when difcovered. It has been a long received opinion with me, founded in common fenfe, that all reforms of public abufes muft origi- nate with the people, it being evident, that errors are never likely tt# be rectified by thofe who have an intereft in prefcrving them. There has likewife for fome years been a ftrong conviction upon my mind, that as the people of America were the chofen instruments to fetan ex- ample to the world in the eftablifnment of the nature! rights of free- dom ; fo they would be the leaders, under Providence, in the perfecting of the great work of man's happinefs in this world, founding it upon true Rehgion and Morality, by clean fin g and purifying the Church.
It has been matter of f-rious larneatation for fome ages, that Church Judicatories have too frequently, in their decifions, been deficient in ttiac juftice, candour and impartiality, for which the Christian Church in early times was remarkable, an«i by which it commanded the refpedl and esteem of its greateft enemies. And it is ih\\ more humbling, that fuch things fhould be complained of in America, uhofe people fo lately experienced th3 moft fiery trial.
An Elder of the firft refpe&abllitY in the Prefbyterian Church or* A- rnerica, having heard of my affair with the Rev. PreXbvterf of Ohio, and the very Rev. General Affemblv, obferved to me, (with mary 0- tl&rs who mads fanitar remarks) that he had ung fat in Church 'Jud:-
I 6 ]
firt&rus, but fiUum ever found them to determine with propriety, that the master called aloud for redrefil and therefore moft earntr 1) mtreatT ed me ro lay my bufmefs before the public. And blefled be the name of t&e Moft High 1 as the people have the right to reform their Church, io the good people of America have the power. They have no fear .:f loolirtg heads upon blocks, and planted upon market- houfes; of expir- ing at flakes, on gibbets, or racks; or lingering in prilon {hips or €»un-; geons, like their friends in the old countries; or banifh v.ent over an immenfe ocean, into a dreary wildernefs, like their forefaithers , or en- countering the innumerable horrors of a late revolution. No ! The wmri of man is put under due retraining bounds. They can Hand p acea&Iy in a commanding attitude, and tell their Teachers and Church Judicatories, with the Apoftie, we will be your followers or.lt To far as ye are of Chrift. Neither is the humble complainant in any danger of being fent to the tender or priion. He can plead hjs own caufe, none «darmg to make k\cn afraid.
As you the people or America have the power of reform, your pru- dent ufe of it (where neceffary) under the divine bleifing, may be the means of not only faring yourfelves, your Church, but alfo your Teach- ers : and being exemplary to others, alfo receive the blefang of thofe 'who tarn many to righteoufnefs. But if you neglect your part, the guilt will be upon your own heads, as a Church, and as a nation ; and may you not expect that he who correcleth the nations will correct you ?— . I am extremely humbled to be reduced to the moft difagreeable Jieccfiity of complaining again/t thofe whom it was my moft earned de- fitt ro hive embraced m every bond of friendfhip; but every gofpel method having been tried in vain? duty and neceffity oblige this con- ducing fcene.
If any thing which has been moft humbly attempted, (hall, under the tlivine bleffing, fcrv.e to beget in you fuch a godly zeal as to induce you ro roufe fome profeffed gofpel leaders, under the great Captain of our Salvation, to become helpers forward, inflead of hinderers, of the glo- xious, Jong expected, univerfa! Revival of Religion, the end will be an- fwered; the d^iirt and prayer being for reformation, not injury. Give God the glory, ana pray for
Your unworthy Friend,
THOMAS LEDL1E BIRCH,
near Waftungtor yivania.
it-PIeafarit, near Wa(hington, \
I O&ober, itoi. I
( 7 )
NOTES.
(l.) Attacks upon particular fccieties or individuals.
THE Teft A£l palled in England and Ireland in the year 1708, and which is (till in force in England, whereby all perions who oid not receive the facrament of the Lord's fupper four times yearly, in the Epifcpal church, were excluded from al! pofls, or offices, of profit or honour, under the government, (.he office of conftable excepted) was enacted under the pretence of (ecuring a Proteftant government, by (hutting out Roman Catholicks. The late Alien Law, empower- ing a Prefident, by his nod, to tranfport all perions who were not ci- tizen?, was nearly of a date with the Sedition Law, whereby Ameri- can citizens were fubje&ed to fines and dungeons.
(2) Mankind united in fociety.
When nations violate treaties, or courts of juftice forfeit their ho- nour, by fupprefiing or defacing their records, and reparation of injury is refufed, there is no other redrefs but an appeal to the longed fword.
(3) America feemingly deftined by Providence to re- form the world.
That America would be the firfl feat of the Millenium, or of the great univerfal Revival of Religion, might be argued from the methods hitherto adopted by Almighty God in fpreading j-eligion. The little province of Judea was the place from which the irnmenfe Roman em- pire, and the reft of the world, was enlightened. Obfcure fifhermen and humble tent- makers were the principal agents in spreading the gofpel, in opposition to the moil profound philosophers and orators, to the pulling down of the moft impregnable ftrong holds of idolatry-— and thereby manifefted a divine power accompanying them-— praifc was perfected out of the mouths of babes and fucklings, Pial* viii. 2 Matb. xi. 25. •— -and the weak of the world made choice of to confound the ilrong and mighty.
Far a like feafon, America, with her fons only juft emerging out of the wilderness, far removed from the powerful nations of the old world, ana* unable by the din of fleets and armies to terrify or annoy their (hares, might be considered as a fit instrument to teach them mental reformation. And if we are to reafon from precedents, the wefUrn fide &■ the Allegheny, being placed at a diibnce from the worldly re- finement and pride; of the cities and early fettled country, will moft
( 8 )
prc&ably be the fcene of the firft condderable progrefs. And that the ftate or Pennfylvania, which ever fince the time of its firft worthy planter, has been moft exemplary for its brotherhood, and particularly the one of its towns which bears the name of the illustrious founder (un- der God) of American liberty, I had almoft faid of the world, will rnoft likely experience the firft out-jet.
Serious, judicious minifters, in the old countries, long ago obferved to their people, in their fermons, that the gofpel had tiken its rife in th? Eaft, from whence it came to them ; that for their abufe of it, it was leaving them and travelling weft ward to America ; as it a&ually has done in the perlons of the great clouds of witneffes, who, being indignant at the rights of nature and conference being trampled under ioot, have from time to time emigrated to thefe ftates. The gofpel having thus made a circuit of the globe, and as Chrift and his divine caufc muft increafe, and all earthly powers and their devices decreafe, John iii. 30. it is to be prefumed (under the blcHing of Providence) that the gofpel will take root in America, and fhoot forth its branches to the overfpreacing of the whole earth.
The fure wotd of prophecy would feem to point cut Ameriea as the place of refuge for the perfecuted gofpel church, And here we would premife, that prophecy is given as a light to dired the church, juft as the heavenly bodies, the cempafs, and certain land -marks, teach trie manner and traveller their right path ; and there is no other way of judging of the accomplfhment of prophecies, but by comparing the prediction with the event, as recorded in hiftory, or as it fnall fall out in our day; and as divine wifdom thought fuch things mceffary, it is our indifpenfable duty to attend to them.
With this view of prophecy, let us look into Rev. xii. 1, 2. 7, 4, 5, 6, 14, 1 5, 1 6, where we are informed by John, that he faw a great won- der in heaven, a woman glorioufly clothed, great with chiUCand cried, being pained to be delivered: and there appeared in heaven another great wonder, a great red dragon, having feven heads and ten horns, and (even crowns upon his heads.
1 For the better underftanding of the comment we are about to mske,it pnay not be improper to obferve, that this reprefentation of John's is in a! lull on to the ancient method of writing by hieroglyphicks, fncred" cha- fers, or pictures, which was made uie of before the invention of tet- ters, which it would feem did not take place until the time of Mofes about the year of the world 25co. There is a fpec?men of this fort in Jacob's laft bleffirig to his children, Gen. lix. 3, 28, where Judah is represented by a lion's whelp—the lion, ftyled the king of beafr>, deno- ting frrength, courage, and generofitv : Benjamin a wolf, figdifring cunning, fwtftnefs and ferocity—and fo of the reft. John is therefore »0 & uadsriload as feeing, or beholding as repxefenfcfi to him, upon
( 9 )
one of the flieets of parchment, or leaves of the book, which the Lnmb took out of the hand of him tlot fat upon the throne, aac, opened* Rev. v. 7. vi. 1. or upon one of xhr: leaves of the tittle book (feemingly a codicil to the other) which John received out of the hand of the angel that had one foot upon the fea, and the other upon the land, and lifted up his hand and fwore by him that liveth forever at;d ever, that time (hould be no longer ; or he had prefenttd to his mind, in Viiibie cha- racters, the pictures, or representations, of heaven, of a woman big with child and about to be delivered, and of a great red dragon having feven heads and ten horns, and ("even crowns upon his heads.
By comparing Rev. xii. 9, 12. with Math. iil. 2. heaven will be found to fignify (as it often does in Scripture) the gofpel difpenfation, or church, which is heaven begun upon earth, or the fchool in which Cnrift's children are trained up for heaven. Frem whence it ucuid appear evident, that the fcene of this prophecy wa9 to be under a pro- fefled gofpel agency, and not under an heathensih one, as tome would have it. A woman reprefented the church, or a country ; male chil- dren, a powerful church or country ; a barren woman ftgnificd a d fo- late church or nation ; a dragen, an evil difpofition, cruelty, and want of mercy; a red dragon, very malicious and bloody; crowns or caps of fiate, temporal dominion; the dragon, and the whole o? his appendage?, denoting a defperately wicked fpi ritual power, united with temporal authority, in the fame perfon. The idea of the dragon feems to be borrowed from flying ferpents, fome of which iiifeft the wdderntfs be- tween Egypt and Canaan ; or certain fnakes, or ferper.t?, v. he, when they get old, become of an enormous fifte, the (kin upon their fides gets loofe, fo as to form fomething like wings, which afiift in darting upon their prey ; they are extremely voracious, their wour:ds excrucia- ting and deadly; their eyes like balls hi fie, t.dd much to the tenibie- nels of their appearance, (o that the animal theyean glance, becomes ;o terrified and benumbed, as to be unable to flv their grafp. It is fdid fome emblem of the dragon may be difcerned in certain huge fnakes discovered in America, fome of whom are to be feen in the mufeums j a fit image of the higher! depfavitf, of which the Devil is the chief a- gent. With thefe remarks we &all proceed.
The wuman ready to be delivered of her man child, the church about to become numerous and ftrong ; the great rtd dragon, having feven heads and ten horns, and feven crowns upon his heads, having with his tail drawn after him a third part of the ftars of heaven, ftorjd b fore the woman ready to be delivered, to devour her chjtd as foon as it was horn, — -the very mighty, bloody, perlecuttng, f iritual power, h: ajTumed temporal dominion, and feduced to his intereft, by worldly «.•- fnoluments, a large number of sfce winifters of the Cbriftian church,
( *® )
Rei'. i. so. was at his poft, ready to eeftroy the infant cfcureh as $ prog re/Ted.
The woman being delivered of a man child, the infant ?s caught up to heaven, and the woman fled into the w Id mef>, to a place God ha4 prepared for her, there to remain until the time appointed for her de- liverance,— the church promifing to be numerous and thriving, Al* mighty God took the different members uncer his own immediate pro* te&ion (as the original phrafe implies) and appointed tj-eir place of af- fembly, or rendezvous, the deiarts arid caverns in the mountains, to be fhewn at this day in different nations of the old countries, where our pious old covenanting forefathers were accuft i:ed to meet for religi- ous worfhip, hence in derifion termed Mmnta'.n men ; the church to remain in this ftate of obfeurity, and her membcis per fecu ted, until the aceomplifhment of a time, times, and half a time, or 1260 years.
War having taken place in heaven, between Michael and his angels and the dragon and his angels, the dragon and his angels were caft out of heaven into the earth, — the glorious ReJeemer, the Jkenefs of God, (as the Hebrew word imports) the protector of his Per van is, who can make ufe of fuch agents as are heft a.'-apted to ferve his purpofes, hav- ing defeated the Devil and his fold<ers, hurled them out of the gofpel church, Rev. xii. 9, 12 Math. iii. 2. no longer to have power to prac- tife their delufions and tyrannies under the facred name of minifters of religion, but to have recourfe to the earth, men of the earth, John iii. 31. Col. iii. 1, £. corrupt worldly rulers, who made the blefT-d goipel fub- fcrvient to temporal purpofes, and the r own aggrand zement, as has been, and ftill is, moft lamentably the cafe, in church governments, in different parts of the world.
The dragon having obtained the agency of the powers of the earth, the temporal fvvord united with fpiritual authority, the w> man, the pure church, could no longer be (ecurc in her retreat where (he had fled, or in any part to be traced by the ftep of man ; and therefore fhe was pro- vided with the two wings of an ea^le, and did flv beyond the path of man, ever the great fea, into the distant wildemefs, America, as would feem evident from the name, the wtldernefs ; America being emphati- cally long (o ftyied in the old countries, and her emblem the eagle.
The woman, the church, having reached the dsftant wilderneft, A- merica, her appointed place, 'he dragon, by one of his earthly organs, his mouth (which fro?n the fecond verfc of the next chapter, was like that of a licni, the eniign of Britain) cafl out a flood of water to (weep away and deftroy the woman, the church, — Britain having formed the plan of American fubjugatio'n, one part of which was Biihops in the different ftates, with fuitable ecclefiafticaJ cflabii foments, in order to keep the churck, now Socked to by the diflrtif d in the c Recent parts of the world, within retraining bcandi, of which there is a fpecimen
( II )
in the Canada bill ; which America refenting, the Bririfb government^ by a cry of church and ftate, religion and good government are in dan- ger, caukd a torrent of armed foldiery, Rev. xvii. 15 to be vcmited into America, in which the offscourinic of the jail? of Britain and Ire- land, nor the hireling butchers of Germany, were not omitted, that ail opponents mi^ht be extirpated.
It is worthy of note, that tie dragon is not reprefented as matching after the woman with his teeth, or tearing her u irh his paws, but as pouring water out of his mouth j the mouth being the organ of fpeech, and waters reprefenting people, multitudes, nations and tcngues;he founds the general alarm to ail friends of his caufe, and fets them in motion, as indeed has been, and ftill is the cife with the BritiCh govern- ment, to raife the oucjry, and form combinations againit civil and re- ligious liberty, no matter in what channel.
We may here obferve the difference between what is vomited out of the mouth of the dragon caft out of heaven into the earth, the united ! arbitrary powers of church and iiate, and that which proceeded out of the mouth of him who fat upon the white horfe, followed by the army clothed in white, the goipel foldiers upon earth, led forth by their ge- nerals, under the fupreme command of the bleffed J? fus, the only Head of the church, who, though his more immediate reiidence is in heaven, yet is prefent upon earth zo govern and protect his church, by his pro- vidence, his word, and Spirit, Rev. xix, 11. 21.
The dragon fubdued by butcheries, ignorance, degradation, flavery, the deflrucYion of the moft noble powers and faculties of the foul : he that fat upon the white horfe, by the -i'word that went out of his mouth, the fword of the Spirit, being the word of God, fubducc by reforming, by enlightening and exalting mankind ; only incorrigible enemies are cut off. It was the fpirit of light and reformation which went out of the mouth of America (which received its birth from the gofpel) char, under the divine agency, was the fword which gave the blow to civil and religious tyranny throughout the old countries, under which it is languifhing, and will feemingly die — not the weak, ftsort fword in her feeble hand.
The earth helped the woman, and opened her mouth, and fwallowed the water which the dragon caft out of his rcou^h; the dragon's earthly houfe became divided againft itfelf, by the providence of him who fets bounds to the wrath of the wicked, fome of his agents joined in defeat- ing his caufe. Fiance (drawing into her tram Spain and Holland) with prohibitions to Proteftant houies of worfhip, and the Baftile, at home, fent forth to America her fleets and armies to fupport the ftan- pard ef freedom ; her mouth filled with the fonrs of liberty, to render the caufe popular; ansl finally contributed :o the eftablifhment of the
( « )
rtjaft free and happy fyftem of civil and religious government, ©f hu- man invention, that ever exifted in the world.
It may not be improper here to take fome notice of the obfervations of thofe people who have oppofed, or endeavoured to fruftrare, every Attempt to reform. Thofe men cry out, if one of the happieft ftates, in human fociety, which ever took place in the world, is now attained, (h juld not the people flop ? Will they run into anarchy ? Will they pull down all government ? If the people in fome few countries, and thofe of the United States of America in particular, out of the many hun- dreds of mllicns who inhabit our earth, and lamentable and fhameful to be fpoken of, for countlefs ages have been the pack horfes, hewers of wood and drawers of water, and the bloody victims ©f the fury of fix or eight defpots, of many of whom to fay the befr of them, they were, nor are, not wifer nor better than fome of their humbleft attendants-— I i'av, if a fmall number of the people, out of the immenfe multitude in whom God's moral image has been defaced, have made one fuccefsful attempt towards the fecuiing of their happinefs from the grafp of ty- ranny, fhoujd they remain inactive, or fhould they peaceably endeavour to perfect the work ? If fome rude eff'ay has been made towards a dif- covery in fome eminently ufeful improvement, would it be wifdom ta defer further reftarches ? Aie we commanded to be ftationary in our Attainments, or to grow in grace and knowledge?
The dragon, the Devil, being thus defeated, in the woman, the •church, having obtained a fecure retreat in America, his rage not being far sfi.d with the floods of water he vomited after her, the horrid, ma- Jscious, blood v, unnatural" carnage he excited, to root out the church, though he abandoned the defign of deflroying the whole pure, free church, as impracticable, yet he refolved to prevent her growth, difturb her peace, and deftroy her happinefs, by doing all the mtfehief in his power. The dragon, therefore, fet about the levying war upon the remnant of the woman's (esd^ who keep the commandments of God and the teftimony of Jefus Chritt, by his agents, hurled deftruclioa epon the heads of all thofe, who moil eminently diftirtgu^fhed them- selves as the virtuous friends of reformation, in wbatfeeve'r place or c tuntry their power or influence could reach j who through grace, un- der all terrors arc! reductions, held their integrity, as has been mani- i-ih d by the pains, the imprifonments, baniihments and tortures in- flicted upon, and tnoft patiently arid heroically borne up under by the w rthy advocates of reform in the old countries And it is mod hum- bling to obfe'rve, that there were (not fsvrn years ago) in the higheft einccs of ftate, and in Congrefs, and frill are in America, acco'ess of the brethren even at home, but more particulaily thofe of France and Ireland, to whom they were and are under fe many obligations, though thi evils caasplaintd t?f a: die American rcvoiuti^Q, viere as the drop of
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the bucket to the ocean, yea rather imaginary, when compared with tho!e of thefe nations and other places.
We may here learn the difference between the conduct of G <d's fervants and the agents of the dragon, as fet forth Rsv. xi. 16, 17. 18. God's people are glad at feeing reformation; the foiloweis or the dra- gon are enraged : the four and twenty elders, reprefenting the church, thank God that he has taken to himfelf his great power and reigned, fet up Chrift over the church; that the gofpel had obtained the deiired effect, in making the earth happy, by a godly charge in the hearts and lives of mankind— the nations, the men of the world, were angry.
That America is feemingly pointed to in Scripture, as the diftanfc wildernefs, or fecure retreat, where the woman, who brought forth the man child, being furnifhed with eagle's wings did fly to, or the church, numerous and ftrong, fhculd have appointed for her rallying poft of fafety, to make her ftand againft the dragon caft out of heaven into the earth, the allied powers of church and ftate, will appear more evident by looking into Rev. xiii. I. 2, 4. where we have a description of the beaft with the lion's mouth, and are informed from whence this beaft: derived his power, and how America became poffefted of her eagle's wings.
J jhn informs us, that after the dragon was caft out of heaven into the earth, he faw a beaft rifing out of the fea, having (even heads and ten horns, and upon his horns ten crowns, and upon his head the name, or names, of blafyhemy. By comparing Rev. xiii. I. with Dan. vii. 17. the Holy Spirit inftructs us, that a besft denotes a kin 2. The Greek word tberion^ tranfhted a beaft, fienifies a wild brail. — The meaning of the hieroglyphick, or faced piclure, is, there arofe out of the confufed ftate of the nations, an unreafanable, inhuman, tyrannical ruling power, in the likenefs of the dragon, connecting temporal roy- alty with fyiritual dominion, and even exceeding the dragon in his pride and infolence in encroaching upon the prerogatives cf heaven ; the dragon, or fpirituil power, having never afTumed more than a delega- ted power, fuch as, God's Reprcfentative upon earth, Chrift*? Vicar- general ; bat the beaft, the church and ftate power, had.affumed the titles and prerogatives of Deity. Amongft the titles ailumed by Kings ftiling th^mfclves Chriftian, are, Sovereign Lord, Moft Gracuus So- vereign, Moft Auguft Majefty, Supreme Head of the Church upon earth — appellations unbecoming man, and only belonging to Gcd, or Chrift, the only Supreme Head of the Church.
The beaft which John faw arife out of the fea, was remarkable for fome diftinguifhing features. He was like a leopard, denoting France; his feet like thofe ef a bear, reprefenting Rufiia ; his mouth hke that ef a lion, defcriptive of Britain; the fourth refemblar.ee is not mentian- td by John, as not f«*ving the defign of prophecy, nor being prudeait
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or frfe for the Chrlftian church at that day, to fpeak of, being then lit exigence. But the vifion being fimiiar to that of the prophet Daniel, Dan. vii. 3. 4., 5, 6, 7. the law being a (choolraufter to bring toChrift,' under the Old Teftament monarchies, viz. Affyrian, Perfian, Grecian, and the Roman, the intermediate connecting power, typifying what was to take place under the New Teftament difpcnfation, John having mentioned three of the four peculiar marks of the beait, he leaves it to the faithful to fupply the fourth one, viz. the eagle, the Ruman enftgn, defining Germany — comprehending the four great powers cf Chris- tendom.
Voltaire when fpeaking of the French (no doubt as degraded under their abfolute monaicby, for fuch as have made the experiment, have ever declared them to be, naturally, a brave, generous, hofptabie peo- ple) is faid to have compared the national difpofition to be osade up ofj that of the monkey and cat, or fox, faid to be defcriptive of the leopard,! remarkab'e for being fwi ft, ftreng and fierce, in little ftature. The RuiTian bear is become a proverb j the arms, the coin, and the appella-, tion aCumed by the Brisiih, are clearly demonftrative of the govern- ment pointed out by the lion. It is worthy of note, that this beaft has not the body and heart of the lion, his ftrength, courage and gene- roftty, but the mouth, his roaring and voracioufnefs.
The Emperors o> Germany beaft that the blood of the ancient Cas- fars flows in their veins; and until the late affumptinn of power by the Emperor of Germany, to be ele&ed King of the Romans was an in-j difpenfably necefiary qualification for a feat upon the Imperial throne of Germany.
In the book entitled, the Lawfuit of the Kings or Nations, the dif- ferent powers are ftyled, France, Lewis Baboon (an animal much like thofe before mentioned ;) England, the Britifh Lion ; Holland, Nick Frog, Sec. fiiewing the enigmas by which the different nations are known — See a diflertation to this purpofe, by Brafl'y Haldhead, a very learned member of the Britim. Parliament ; and from which we may fsemmgly derive fome light in the prefent dreadful conteft, which has deluged the earth with (o much blood. John tells us, Rev. xvi. 13, 14^ he fiw three unclean fplrits, like fro~s, come out cf the mouth cf the dragon, the beaft, and the falfe prophet, Mahomet, or the Turks, being the fpirits of Devils, and who went forth unto the Kingb of the eartni aad sf the whole world, to gather them to the battle of that great da| of God Almighty, and gathered them together into a place called in the Hebrew, Armageddon, figr.ifying the field of (laughter, in which we learn, Rev. xix. 12, 21. the dragon, the beaft, the faife prophet, and their armies, are to be deftrayed.
The pretence for the combination againft France, was upon accoun1 •f the French invading Holland ; but by looking into the treaty entereij
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into by theattipd army, under the aufpices of the Pope, at Plinits, ffi Germany, a", ui Au^uit, 1791, and to which the Grand Turk became a party, if will be found that the real defign was to divide France, fo as to reodei her incapable of giving any oppofition. to the wills of the musters of the world\ to reftore the old defpotifm ifl fome diminutive .ie.p* ; and finally blot out liberty from the face of the earth. As the author never faw the whole treaty, but fkctche^, any one who could procure a copy of the treaty, and publish it, with the names of the piwers who were parties, and at v*h.<fe inftance it was formed, will ferve much to enlighten mank-nd.
The dragon gave the beat* his power and his feat, and great autho- rity, to lord it over the fouls as well 2s the bodies of men.
Rev. xvii. 9. The feven heads afcribed to the dragon, and the beaft u&on wh m tne • oman arraved in purple rode, are declared to be feven mountains or hills, which the generality of commentators, of all pro- fr ffio-ss, a^ree to be R >me, feated upon feven hills, being the only city in the world, at the time, having this peculiarity in the original plan, as c-lebrated by her poets, Ovid, Virgi', Horace, and others. 1 he B ftop of Rome has conferred titles upjn temporal princes, and part o'' his affumed poorer hats keen transferred to fome of them, and the whole to others: the K-.ng of Great- Britain, ft \\ed Defender of the Faith, a title beftowed upon King Henry the Eighth, by the Pope, for writing againft Luiher in oppofiuon to the Reformation. King Henry aft rward- quarreling with the Pope, affurned the title of Supreme Head of the Churchy a power ever fince exercifed by his fuccenors. The Em .eror o: German), ftyled h s Apoftolick Majefty, oltjeft Son of the Church; the King of France, his Moft Chriltbn Majefty; the Kinj of Spain, h s vl >ir. Catholic Majefty ; the King of Portugal, his Molt Faithful Majt-fty, with many others, each enjoying their refpec~&ve church prerogatives.
There is not here the leaft intention to caft any reproach upon any church, religious profeflion, or form of government, which the people may think proper to fan&ion with a view to temporal or eternal hap- pinefs. We bear the moil hearty good will to people of all denomina- tions, in each of which we believe there are many worthy characters, many of whom, we truft in the mercy of God, through a gracious Re- deemer, will go Co heaven. We only want to trace the rife of Anti- chrilt, or the origin of tyranny in theChriftian church, as feemingly foretold in Scripture; that mongrel authority 0$ church and state, which, contrary to the wi flies of (he advocates of the divine right ofKingSyh&d its origin in the mod barbarous affiflinaiion of a virtuous prince, and the vile butchery of his innocent children. And by the name Anti- ehnft we do imagine, that &ot any man, or clafs of men, is deigned in Scwpiure, but a fyftern now known in the world (particularly unjler
the name of a church efTablilhment) planned and carried on, under va- rious agencies, which (as occasion ferved) has perfecuted all religions^ and oppoftd all reformation*
The King of Great-Britain and Ireland is an Epifcopal in England and Ireland, a Prefbyterian in Scotland, and a Papift in Canada* All other prpfefllons in tbefe ; ir.rent places, are obliged to fupport the e^ Unhihe 1 church. The K ng of Great- Britain and Ireland is fworn to maintain the Proteftant Epifcopal religion, and .here are at leaft three prayers in the En^Uri church fervice, in life every Lord's day, for the <downfal of Popery and Mahometan delufion ; yet the Duke of York, ;as the grand representative of the Britifh empire at the head of the late comb'ned armies in Germany, caufed pub'ick obeifance to be made to the hoft, in the procefiio.ns, by obliging the centinel?, at the different poft>, to prefent arms when the holt was carried paft their fration.* — • J Britifn foldiers were fent to Rome, to tuard the Pope, when Bonaparte wis anout fo pay a vifit to that capita!, hence tailed the Roman legion. The fons of the Britifh lion being fo uncomplaifant as not to ftay un- til the little hero paid his reOects to them, they decamped lor Ireland, and had arrived there, and were wearing the Pope's bad^e upon their breafts, and d t f ; - laying the confecra'.ed ft mdard his Holincfs had ho- noured them with prefennng. When the author was bansfhed from that unhappv nation, in the year 1798, the General of this diftingulh- ed corps, who was of the fir ft nobility rank in England, publifhed an addrefs to the Roman Legion, (which the author had the honour of feeing whilft in the prifon fhi p) putting them in mind that they had the honour of being under his Holincfs's ftandard, and of wearing his bad^e upon their bYeafts; that the wicked infidels, the French, had depofed his Holinefs; he therefore hoped that they would (hew themfelves wor- i thy of the ftandard they were under, and the badge they wore, by fi^ht- ing valiantly, cutting oft chefe mifcreants, and reinftating his Holinefs: yet with ail this, h s Majefty of Great- Britain, or theMoft Rev. Fa- ther, were not uttering one word relative to the poor degraded Rrman Catholics of Great- Britain and Ireland, reduced to the ft ate cf aliens and Jlaves in the land of their forefathers, not being allowed to have one re- prefentative, of their religious profejjisn, in Parliament.
The King of Great-Britain and Ireland co-operated with the Grand Turk in driving the French out of Egypt, the reducing the Egyptians to their former unexampled frate of bondage, and the re-eftablifhment of the Fvf ihometan religion.
I he French King, whilft: co-operating in the eftablifhment of a frzQ church in America, retained all the penal ftatutes in force againft Proteftant heretics at heme; and though worihip mi^ht have been ex- ercifed in fome remote part cf the country, or back lane in the city or town, with fhut doers, and connived at, yet fuch things were fuppofed
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to be without the knowledge of the officer of police, who was nrmed With all the engines of destruction made ufe of at the maiTacres of Saint Birtholomew's day, or the revocation of the Edict of Nantz.
The Spanifh king, though the ally ©f the French king in the Ame- rican revolution, yet was ftill more rigorous in his perfections in his own territory. It is well known that Americans, who occafionaily removed into the neighbouring province of Louifiana, would not be allowed to eredt any places of worfhip.
In the prophet; Daniel's vifion, Dan. vii. 4. which has been already taken notice of; and which evidently correfponds with the Apoftle John's vifion of the beaft rifing out of the f«a, we are informed, that the lion had eagle's wings; the lion ftyled king of beads, and the eagle king of birds ; denoting the AfTyrian or Babylonifh empire,- — a type of the New-Teftament Babylon, Rev. xviii. 2. the fcourge of Gobi's Chriftian church, as ancient Babylon was of his Jewifh church. In the reorefentation which the Apoftle John gives us of the downfal of the New-Teftament Babylon, he introduces the prophecies of the pro- phets Ifaiah, Jeremiah and Ezekiel, relative to the deftruction of anci- ent Tyre, the firft commercial city in the world at that time, and the calamities that ancient Babylon would be the inftrument in bringing upon Jerufalem, the feat of God's church and temple; which, as they were inflicted only for the purpofes of human pride, fhould be repaid to her in like kind ; Ifai. xxxiv. 11, 14. — xlviii. 20. — Hi. 11. xlvii. 7. xxi. 9.— xxiii. 14 — xliv. 23. — xhx. 13. — xxiv. 8 — xxiii. 8. Jer. 1. 15, s9» 39- — !»• 37*64. — -41,48. — vii. 34. — xvi. 9. — xxv. 10. £zek. xxvi. x3» 17 ■— xxvti. 29.
Whatfoever forced interpretations commentators may have put up- on the Apoftle's relation of the deftrudtion of Antichrifrian Babylon, as defigning the city of Rome, which only has fpiritual arms, yet it mufl be evident to any attentive obferver, the description in the eigh- teenth chapter of Revelation, is /eemingly applicable, in its fulleft ex- tent, to no other city in the world but London, (the Defender of the Faith; the capital of the Britifh empire; which if it (hould be the ci- ty intended, or any other one is pointed to, may Almighty God, of his infinite mercy in Jefus Chrift, avert the tremendous judgment by a fpeedy and hearty repentance. The prophet Daniel obferves, that he beheld until the wings of the Hon were pluck'd, not cut off, but the great feathers torn out of them, the fever.teen United States of Ame- rica (the largeft and moft valuable feathers, indeed, Britain had in her wings) wrefted out of the heart of her colonies, as will be evident by looking into the map of North- America; Canada and Nova Scotia on the north, and the Weft -India iflands on the fouth, forming the two extreme points of the lion's winps.
We may here fee Almighty God make ufe of an inftrument to pre- fers his church, firnilar to that which was its fcourge. The B*bylu-
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nrfti or Aflyrian lion with eagle's wings, long diftrefTed God's people of Ifrael, and finally deftroyed the temple built by king Solomon, and led the whole nation into captivity. Almighty God, by the agency of Darius and Cyrus, the kings of Media and Perfia, having feizcd the diftant provinces, afterwards befieged and took the city of Babylon, and tranfhted the empire to the Medes and Perfians, Dan. v. 31. and re- stored the church, by releafing the Jews, and aflifting them in rebuild- ing their temple. The eagle of Hzathenim R >me deftroyed the Jew- ish church and nation, A4ath. xxiv. 28. Chriftian Rome, by her church and ftate agents, has perfecuted Chriftians. The American eagle^ (feemingly God's eagle) Lai. xl. 31. has borne the Chnftian church, and with it the Jewifh and Gentile people, into a fafe retrtat, and there* by has given, feemingly, an happy earneft of being the inftrument, un- der God, of introducing or conducting the whole into one univerfal church, under the glorious Redeemer, the only Sovereign Head. And it is deferving of attention, that America is the fir ft place the Jews have enjoyed the rights of citizens, fince their difpetfion, now being; upwards of feventeen hundred years ; a feeming prefage of their calling in j — and that the Heathen, who, according to the apoftle, being with- out the law, are a law unto themfelves, having the law of God written in their hearts, have aifo an apparent earneft of their being fpeedily em- braced in the arms of the church: all who acknowledge the being of a God, and a future ftate of rewards and punifhments, being entitled to every privilege in the ftate.
The lion's wings being plucked, he was lifted from the earth, and made ftand upen the feet as a man, and a man's heart was given to him,. a corrupt heart, like Belfhezzar's, who, inftead of being warned and! humbled, by the curtailing of the Babvlonifh empire, under his father Evil-merodach's and his own bad adminiftrations, became more proud and infolcnt, and even infulted the Majefty of Heaven, by ordering ther iacred veflels, taken out of the temple at Jerufaltm, to be brought fortth 10 regale his drunken guefts, as tokens of his grandfather's conquefts, D«n. v. 1 — 4. Britain, inftead of finking by the lofs of her American colonies, or being therfby taught meeknefs, affuming the name of om^ nipotency, one of the Divine attributes, (the common txpreSion being merit ncknoivledged hi every part if his dominions) becomes more exalted> in the royal fpceches, his majesty will have the omnipotency sf his parlia-* more fecure, more haughty and infolent, and better furnftied with eve- ry necofLry requifite to accomplifh her ambitious worldly purpofes; a.nd whether this is the cafe, let it be witneflVd by her co^ducl in dif- ferent parts of the world, and particularly the influence *f her wealth antf merchandize in the cities of America, the infolence and tyranny of her wavy to American citizens, with the impreifm°i5ts and piracies cfc/»tnitted upon diftrefTed foreign «migrants> yndci thai protection, «ven in &ejj harbours.
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(4) Big w^ ^ie Signs*
Some people think they difcern in the ftgns of the times, the nesr approach of that glorious univerfal revival of religion, long fighed and praved for by the truly religious and godly of every profeffion through- out the whole world.
Some of the figns mentioned by our bleffed Lord, as the harbingers of this much to be dt fired event, may be found, Math. xxiv. 7, 11, 12, 13, it, 22, 24. Luke xxi. 10, 11, 12. Though fome of the things here mentioned may more immediately relate to the dcftru&ion of Jerufa- lem, and in fome part to the laft judgment; yet it muft be evident to any judicious obferver, that this prophecy could not be faid to be ful-< filled, in its fulleft extent, in the defolating the very inconiiderable ftate of Judea, which would fcarcely be miffed if blotted out of the map o£ the world ; neither was it a difcovery worthy of the Divine Saviour* to inform his difciples of the felf-evident truth, that the final judgment: would put an end to the fufferings of his people. In the intimation, that for the Elect's fake thofe days (hall be fhortened, and he that er- dureth to the end {hall be faved, it would evidently appear to be fee forth, that there would be fome quick, unexpected, effectual interpoft-. tion of Divine Providence, on behalf of the gofpel church, when in the laft extremity, refcuing her out of the hands of, and destroying her ene- mies, and as a reward for her integrity, which through grace (he had^ preferved, placing her in a ftate of fecurity and happinefs, fuch as fhe is promifed to enjoy during the millenium, or thoufend years, which we are informed will take place after the battle of Armageddon, as de- ferred in Rev. xx, 1,2, 3. of which the deftruclion of Jerufalem, the freedom ef the Chriftians, thereupon, from the perfecutions of the Jews, their bittereft enemies, was a type ; and both are types of the glorious eternal reft which the church will enjoy after the laft judgment, when Chrift will forever have put down all her enemies.
The fi^ns and fearful fights in the heavens and the earth, noticed by our Saviour, are thought to have been d'fplayed in the appearances which many people, of the firft credit in America, relate to have feen in the fky before and during the Revolution in thefe ftates. Upon the 1 2th of November, 1799, from two to four o'clock in the morning, '■neteo'rs (vulgarly called (hooting ftars) in countlefs thousands rufhed from every point of the compafs, into a centre, on an inclined plane to- wards the earth, vifible from the American coaft to the Weft-Indies, as attefted by different fea captains, and a gentleman of the firft refpec- lability, (who could be mentioned) living near Carlifle, Pennfylvania. I have been informed by feveral perfons in different ftate?, that tlvs phenomenon was difcernible from their refpecltive places. There was a finttUr appearance over the city of Richmond, in Virginia, (as ht forth m the public prints) about two years ago. In December 1SJ00,
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there was a ball of light, (of fuch notoriety as not to require any au- thorities to be adduced) which travelled over at leaft one thoufand fquare miles of country in about two minutes time, illuminating it* path brighter than noon day, making a rumbling noife ] !ce diftant thunder, and cauftng the earth to tremble. About April, 1803, upon a Lord's day, about ten o'clock in the morning, beiween Ten -mile and the town of Wafhington, Pennfyivania, there was feen by the peo- ple going to public worfliip, a fhaft or pillar, like that which fupports the arch of the rainbow, upon each fide of the fun, and in the fame quarter of the heavens. The public papers have alfo informed us lately of feveral extraordinary appearances. The Heffian Fly, which has, and is frill confuming the crops of the fairefts part of America, may be reckoned, with great juftice, amongft the fearful fights upon the earth. I have been informed by people of the firft credit from I; eland, (let people judge for themfelves) that about fix years ago, near the town of Dromore, upon the great road to Dublin, by Rath- fryland, at fun-down, the inhabitants faw, from their doors, military troops, in complete array, marching acrofs the country; and thofe per- fons who wete without the houfes, called thofe who were within, to be fpe&ators; though, upon inquiry,, it was found that there was not any part of an army in the diftricl, neither could any footfteps be tra- ced where the troops were feen to march. The fpe&ators propofed confirming their teftimony by oath, and the fads were circulated in printed hand -bills. Some jears before the late commotions in Ireland, the fky at night feemed frequently as clothed with a mantle of blood — at other times convulfed with the moft lively agitations, refembling the evolutions of an army. Wefterly, near the horizon, there was fome- times the refemblance of an immenfe pile of fuel, the fl^me juft break- ing out.
It is deferving of notice, that aftronorners tell us that the Aurora Borealis, called ftreamers, only made its app.arance in the old ccun~ tries about the beginning of the laft century ; and I have been told by ancient judicious men in America, that fuch appearances were not feen in America, until the hte revolution in thefe itates. The laft century was the period in which (as alledged by fome verv judicious divines) the feven thunders uttered their voices, the feven wars (rs the hiero- glyphick import?, the laft of wh ch was the American) *hich were to introduce the final battle of Armageddon, in which, as is fa'd by the angel with one toot upon the earth and the other upon the fea, Rev. x. '2' 3' 5> 6. when he lifted up h s hand to heaven, and fware by him that iiveth forever and ever, who created the heaven and the earth, and the fea, and the things that are in them, that there fhould be time no Ion- f:er; that the Almighty would not any longer defer anfwering the pray- ers of his fervants, who v/ere flain for the word of G<d and the r< fti- mDny they held, whoft: fouls John faw under the altar, Rev. vi 9, 10. inr destroying tyrannical navies (which) though extolled by the butchers
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of mankind as the conftitutional force, yet are the thieves and robber? who infeft the highway of 'he nations, and moft out of the people's reach) as wjU as armies, and fetting uj his empire of peace.
It has bien announced in the public papers, that in Pruffia three funs were vilible in the heavens at the fame time.
Nation aga'mft nation, and kingdom aguiuft kingdom, has been evi- denced (ind is (till in part) tn wars the most bloody and widely extended that ever took place upon earth.
Fa-nines have been verified, in France, when fhe was prevented re- ceiving fupplies from America, by the operations of the Britifh treaty; in the combined army, when invading France, under the command of the Duke of Brunfwick, which obliged them to eat their horfes, the flux making the fields about the camp allume the refemblance of a lake of blood. Famine in Great- Britain and Ireland, about five yeats ago; in the latter, oat-meal, of an oidinary quality, fold at upwards of tea pence, Pennsylvania currency, per pound; from an half, to a pound of meal, mixed with fome truck of greens, was frequently the dinner repait of a large family. Famines in the Eaft-Indies, and eifewhere.
Peft Hence?, manifefted in the visitation of the yellow fever in the principal cities of America, and other difeafes gone forth to places once moft healthy, particularly this feafon in the wefteriy fide of the moun- tains ; an annual vifitation of a moft deftruclive fever in the Weft-in- dies; of the plague in Turkey and the Levant ; ficknefs in Ireland, and through different parts of Europe, of late in Spain, which has neatly depopulated one of its fir ft cities.
Earthquakes, difplayed in one which early in the laft century funk Port-Royal, in Jamaica; another which greatly damaged Lifboo, the capital of Portugal ; a third, about eighteen years ago, which overwhel- med in the fea, one hundred by ten miles of Calabria, a moft fruitful part of Sicily; one this feafon, which much injured the capital c;ty of Spain; with others which might be enumerated; — to which might be added, the late dreadful hurricane near Chaileiton, South-Carolina, with lefFcr ones through the states, and th? very ferious warning, of a like nature, we got very lately in our Waihlngton county, Pennfylva- nia. — Judicious people notice an uncommon change in the feafons.
Father againft fan, and Ton againft father, &c. opposition between the neareft relatives ; the love of many waxing cold, Irom the abounding of iniquity; and a danger (if it were poilible) of deceiving the very ele£f, frMTi the cry of loChrift is here, and lo he is there; abundantly realiz- ed at prefent in the unnatural civil wars which have taken place, the civil and religious divifions which prevail, the prevalence or infidelity, occafioned by the immoral conduct of thofe who bear the Chriftian nams ; and the little virtue, fidelity and real heart religion to be f< und amongft thofe who bozft molt of their fouadntfs in the faith, their con- rerfions, ani experiences.
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(5) The Time.
In the opinion of the moil judicious commentators, and in my own bumble opinion, the time of the promifed reformation, when Antichrift^ the dragon, the bead, and the falfe prophet, the oppofing f) ft em of fpi- ritual t.ranny in the Chriftian and Mahometan worlds, will not cisty be put down, but Jew and Gentile have begun to flow into the Chrif- tian church, will be within the period of fatty -two years hence. The year fix hundred and fix appears to be the moft fuitable period from which to date the fetting up of the tyrannical, oppofing fyftern of church and ftate. In this year, Phocas, a centurion, having bafely murdered the Roman Emperor, Maurice, and his children, affumed the empire. The biihops of R"me, Jerufalem, Antiocfe, Alexandria and Conftan- tinople, had long contended for the fupreme rule in the Chriftian church, to which not any of them had a better title than the biftiop, or go/pel minifter, of any other place. Pope Boniface the third, biftiop of Rome, thinking this a proper time to eftablilh his claim to univerfal power, as Chrift's Vicar-general, God's Reprefentative uoon earth, (doctrines ever exploded by the French church, and lately difclaimed by the Ro- man Cathol cs or Great- Britain and Ireland, and wlvch it might have been thought the bifhop of Rome, now reduced to a fhadow, would have been afhamed of avowing in this enlightened period, as it appears he does j fee the pope's addrefs to his conclave, or council, upon his totting out to France to crown the French emperor, and cardinal Mau- ry's letter to Lewis the eighteenth, lately publiffied in the newfpapers) tolemnly confirms Phocas in the government, who in return dedicates the tenth to the church. Hence the origin of the prefent fyftern of tythes throughout the old countries, and which for a time made fome appearance in America.
In this fame year fix hundred and fix, Mahomet began to receive hi> pretended revelations from the angel Gabriel, in a cave near Mec- ca, in Arabia. And as the beaft which gor un out of the earth, Rev. xiii. u. having two horns like a lamb, butfpakeas a dragon, claiming civil and religious authority, profeffing to reform the religion of the meek and lowly Jefus, but propagated his doctrines by fire and fword, dates a later origin thzn the bead who rofe out of the fea ; Mahomet actually began his preaching two years afterwards, viz. in the year fix hundred and eight.
i he period of the reign of the beafts, is defcribed by two different
nations of time, which fignify one and the f*me thing, to ftiew
e is certain and determinate; like Pharaoh's dream, which
Was doubled, and therefore fure. There are mentioned, forty-two
a time, times, and half a tims.
In Scripture, a time fignifies a feafbn or year, Dan. iv. 16. times tw'vV and half a v ■ a year, putting a day far a year, (accor-
i -o iJ prophetic ftyleO three 3 eais and .. -f the nioon, whicjjj
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csafift of three hundred and fixty days each, (as the Jews computed their facred year ) or forty-two months, will make in all twelve hundred and fixry lunar years, or twelve hundred and forty-uvo years, fixty-* eight days, one hour and fourteen minutes of the fun, or our common year ; add to this iix hundred and iix years, (the period of the Chrif- tian asra pafled before the rife of the beafts) and we will be brought to the year eighteen hundred and forty-tight, or about forty -two
years from hence. And if all the obftructions which are caft in
the way of an univerfal church, from tyranny, fuperftition and igno- rance, are not only to be removed in fuch a fhort period of time, but the glorious work will have made marked progrefs ; how muft Almigh- ty God (agreeably to the declaration of the Apoftle, Rom. ix. 28. and what muft be perceived in the world for thirty years paft) finifh the work and cut it fhort in righteoufnefs ; becaule a (hort work will the L»ord make upon earth. And it mutt appear moft finking to the coo» fiderate mind, that the American revolution fhould have taken place at the particular time, and fhould have been made the inftrument, un- der Providence, of putting the fprings in motion, which have fince ef- fected fuch mighty events throughout the world.
(6) Flowing in of Jew and Gentile into the Chris- tian Church. Address to the Jews.
Having mentioned the Jews, and my opinion relative to their call call into the Chriftian church, I would beg leave moft refpeclfully to obferve to that moft ancient and venerable people, that I have for fome years entertained thoughts of addrefiing them upon tnefubje&ol their oppoiltion to Him, whom we Christians have received as the true, pro~ mifed Mcjfiah of the Jews. But, in hopes that the fubjeel will after- wards be taker, up by an abler pen, I fhall at prefent con fine rnvfelf to a few obfervatins.
It is moft refpectfully requefted, that the Jews will not confider themfelves as hereby upbraided as incorrigible Infidels, toufe the wcrds of one of their moft eminent prophets, having eyes, but will not fte ; cars, but will not hear; and hearts, but will not underftand ; not to be convinced by the cleareft evidence -f — but men of upright hearts and found judgments, who can give a reafon for the faith they entertain. It is like wife moft humbly and refpecKulljr hoped, that this a will
not be confrdered as proceeding from oftcntation, or witl t of
holding up the Tewifh people to the contempt of the Chriftian world; but as coming from one Who is deeply interefted in theii who has long bewailed their forlorn state, and prayed for f/r tloa to their ancient nauve country J to tfhum not oaly the Jews, ('
may be confidered as more immediately thedefcendants of the patriarch Judah) but the whole twelve tribes of Ifrael, are very dear, as being once Go(Ti peculiar church, and still covenanted people ; the pofterity of renowned forefathers, and chiefly of one, to whom the Gentiles, as well as the Jews, claim the relationship of children, as being one of the channels through which the covenanted mercies of Almighty God are conveyed to them ; Abraham having the promife given to him, that of his feed fhould come the Divine Meffiah, in whom all families of the earth fhould be blefTed; Gen. xii. 3. — xviii. 18.
Christians do not charge the Jews with unfaithfulnefs in preferving the facred records of Scripture ; and they allow them to be highly juf- t fiable in holding the common faith of the Old Teftament. But what is moft humbly and refpectfully alledged is, that the Jews have erred ; their Law not ferving as a fchoolmafter (as it appeared evidently de- signed) to bring them to Chrift, who, according to the belief of Chrif- tians, is the true Meffiah of the Old Teftament. It is therefore moft refpectfully hoped, that fome of the Jewifh people will be pleafed to give an anfwer to the following obfervations, and gratify thefe Chrifti* ans who are anxious about their converficn to the Gofpel, by inform- ing them what ideas the Jews entertain of the perfon, character, and office of their long expected Meffiah, and their reafons for refufing y*- fus Christ as fuch. It is humbly prefurned, that all Jewifh teachers will perceive their character and the honour of their religion as deeply involved in complying with the requeft; and that they muft be convin- ced, that it is a folemn duty they owe to their God, to reclaim error (if fuch they eiieem the cafe with Chriflians) in thofe who are willing to hear them, and thereby bring over profelvtes to their holy religion. I have fome confidence that my earned wifhes will be gratified, from the meek, teachable difpofition (I truit from the Almighty ) which at pre- sent feems every where to pervade the Jewifh people, iiifread of that /pint of rancour opprobrium, and fpintual pride, which before and flnce the days of ChrifHanity proved fo injurious to the Jewifh intereft; znd alfo from a letter, by an old Jewifh Rabbi, publifhed in the newf- papers of the old country and America — u That the Jews have fome thoughts of attempting a return to Canaan, to rebuild their city of Je- rufalera, fecure a permanent reiidence, and reftore their former great- nefs ; that there has been a consultation of their learned men, abcut eight years ao;o, (faid to be in Holland) whether Meffiah, the fon of Jolepta and Mary, might not have been the true iVlt-ffiah, the time when their expected kfeflian fhould have appeared being fo long pafl ; and unlefs their expected Meffiah fhould fhortly manifeft himftlf, a fubfe- quent meeting be convened, to determine whether Jcfus Chiiii fhouid be embraced as their Meffiah."
A judicious Chriitian informed mf, that fome time ape, endeavour- ing to perfuade a Jew, that Jcfus Chrift was their MefJiah, the Jew dif- ertetlv replied, that it rui^ht j>e fbj tiu that Almighty G„d Ud not
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yet taken away the veil from their faces fo as to perceive him. And I hear from the beft authority, thai there are Jews in America of the fir ft rate learning, and the moft amiable, accommodating difpofitions.
The time when the Jews' Mefliah (houid have made his appearance, is long paft, according to the prophecy of their great pa'riarch Jacrb ; Gen. xlix. 10. Tne fceptre was not to depart from Judab, » or the law-giver from between his ieet^ until Shiloh come : Jud?h fhould net be deprived of the exercife of civil government, until the Saviour, Peacemaker, the Son of the woman, or Sent, come, as expla ned by all the Chaldee paraphrafls, the Jewifh Talmud, and acknowledged by di- vers latter Jews.
The civil authority in the family of David, or any branch of Judah's family, has ceafed for upwards of feventten hundred years ; neither has the Jews exitted as a body politick, or exercikd any k-Tai authority in any part of the world, during that period. And whatsoever difputes may be raifed from the Hebrew word Jbebtt, translated in our Bible, a fceptre, or itaff, or badge of authority, which feme Jews will have to Signify a tribe, a rod of oppreflion, and therefore the meaning <>» the text is, that Judah will not ceaie to be a tribe, or be without oppreflion, until Shiloh come; which things mi^ht be (hewn not to be more appli- cable to Judah than fome other tribes; and the whole are refuted by the add.tion of the law-giver, which evidently points to dominion and exaltation, not degradation.
The time of the Divine Mefliah's appearance, is particularly limit- ed, by the prophet Haggai, to the {landing of the fecond temple ; Hag. ii. 7, 9. the glory of which fhould be greater than of the one built by Solomon, (though much inferior in magnificence) ir. that the Defir eof all nations ihould come and honour it with his prt fence : a period which mull long ere now have elapfed, the fecond temple having been many hundreds or years in ruins. The prophet Daniel has a'fo (if pcflible) ftiil more exprefsly noted the time of the MefTiah's coming ; adding the never-to-be-forgotten memento to the Jewifh people, that he was to come at the end of feventy prophetical weeks, or four hundred and ninety years, (allowing a day for a year, agreeably to the prophetick ftyle) from the going for'h of the decree (by Cyrus or Darius, who were joint in authority; Dan. vi, 28.) to rebuild Jerufalem, the city and temple, and that McrEah fhould be cut off; alter which ihe city and fanctuary fbould be made defciatc, and he would caufe the facr.flce and oblation to ceafe (without any promife of a renewal, as after the Babylonifh captivity) with the overf: reading of the abominable def- lations— the abominable defolating Roman armies, planting their flan- dard, with the idolatrous eagle, the bird of Jupi'.er, thereon, in the holy city and facred courts of the temple ; Math. xxiv. 15.
The period of Daniel's feventy weeks fince the decree for the bu.ld- ing of Jerufalem, is long naft ; and the deftru&ion of the temple, and city of J-Tufalem, by the Romans, upwards of fcvtjitecn hundred years
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«go, and ftill continuing in the ruins in which they left them, — the Sacrifice and oblation having ceafed there ever iince that period, — are tads which need no comment to prove that the time in which the Mef- fiah fhould have made his appearance, is paft. The fituationof the Jews at prefent, with regard to their religious worfhip, would feem to afford a convincing proof, that their difpenfation is at an end. Their priefts are without employment; their facriflces arc fuppreffed ; their feafts cannot be folemnized except in Jerusalem, Deut. xvi. 16. and to this they are not permitted to repair, being under the abfolutc dominion of the Turks.
Many Chriftian writers have molt ably (hewn the fulfilment of all the Old Teftament prophecies concerning the Mefliah, in the perfon of Jcfus Chrift— -the family he was to fpring of — his character, office, miracles, fufferings, death, refurre£tion and afcenfion. The Jewifh re- cords muft atteft to his genealogy; the reality of his miracles has never been difputed.
Our biefTed Lord foretold certain particulars relative to the prefent Hate of the Jews, in the accomphilvnent ^f which they are {landing monuments of the truth of his divine million; Math.xxiv. 2. Luke xix. 44. and xxi. 24. that one Rone of the temple, or city of Jerusalem, (which the Jews fuppofed would ffand to the end of the world) would not be left upon another, that fhouid not be thrown down ; that the Jews fhould fall by the edge of the (word, and led captive into all na- tions, they fhould be a difperfed. iubjefled people, and Jerufalem fhould be trodden down of the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles fhould fee fulfilled; Jerufalem fhould n«t be rebuilt, until the time of the con- Yerfion of the whole Gentile or Heathen world to the Chriftian faith.
Some of thefe prophecies, as Jofephiis, their own hiltorian, relates, book 7. chap. 44, 45. had their exact: accompli fement. Titus, the Ro- man emperor, about forty years after our bieffed Lord's crucifixion, uemoliftied the city of Jerufalem, and rafed the foundation of the wails wfiich furrounded the city, with a plow; and though Ti us reiigioufly and humanely commanded his foldie'rs to ipzvc the temple, yet the Ro- man foldicrs, who were moil remarkable {jv their difciphne, animated one another in burning it ; thus, faith Jofephus, was the temple burn- ed, againft the will of Caefar, God himfelf, with the Romans, afliiting
to the ruin of it. Jofephus further informs, that eleven hundred
thcufand of the Jews periilved in the fiege; that the number of the captives was ninety -feven thoufand ; that Titus fent many of them in- to'^ov?t^ but difperfed the moil of them into the Roman provinces; — aad the Jews' own Talmud, and their other writers, mention a (till greater daughter,) about nicy -two years after, by the emperor Hadrian, whets they rebelled under their pretended MeihVn, Barchocnebas, and \ytire befieged i:i the city Uicier. Other io fiances could be mentioned. Every attempt to rebuild Jerufalem has proved ineffectual. The R o- g efli^ctor Julian, called ;he Apoftase,^! dsfsrting Chr,iftiahity and
( *7 )
turning Heathen, who lived in the fourth century, expreffed himfclf in an epiftle to the Jews, that he would defeat Chrift's prophecy; that " Je- <c rufdlern, the holy city, which they fo long dcfired to be inhabht-d, " rebuilding by my own labours, I will dweil in it; and thereby the 41 Jews would have had an opportunity of offering up their prayers and
facrifices ; and accordingly he provided an immenfe quantity of ma- terial?, and, aflifted by the Jews, pulled down two towers which the
"Romans left as monuments of their conqueft, and be<>an to clear out •he rubbifh; but fuch burfts of fire iiFu- d from the foundations, re-
"pearcdly burning the workmen fo as to oblige them to dt lift ; where- by Chrift's prophecy was mote completely verified, the two tower?, "the only remaining {tones which ftood upon one another, being pulled "down." This ftory is related by many creditable hif^orians ol that time, Heathens, Jews and Chriftians; particularly, Ammianus Mar- rellinus, an Heathen, and Z much David, a Jew, who con^efT-th that Julian was hindered of God in this attempt. The learned Chryfoftom, a Chriftian father, in a ferrr.on to the Jews, told them, that w ths facrfc 41 was frefh in the memories of even their young men; that it happened *' but twenty years before that time ; that it was altered by all the in- " habitants about Jerufalem, where might frill be feen the marks of it M in the rubbifh, from which the Jews deferted in fo great a fright." This fa£t, which was in itfelf (j indifputahle, brought over many of the Jews to Chriftianity. .The Jews may likewife difcern a convincing proof of Chrift's pro- ves and his difintereftednefs, in what he has foretold relative to the falling away of his own church, even to fuch a degree as fc:<rcely to preferve a fliadow when the Son of Man cometh. See it moft lamen- tably fulfilled, at the prefent time, in the falfe doctrines, the formality, thedivtfioRS, the follies, the enthufiafm, the perfecutions, the tyrannies, and the immorality and want of principle, fo prevalent amongft thofe who profefs the Chriftian name; and perhaps in no one in fiance more humbling than the fubjeft of this publication.
Our blefled Lord had no intereft in impoling upon your nation, like
your other pretended Meffiahs. He came principally to the J wifli
p ople. He went about preaching; the ^lad tidings of the Kingdom of
God, doing good to the f. uls and bodies of men. Under the greateir
h ird.Iiips, and the moft u jurious treatment, h;s love to the houfe of
Ifrael was unabated. He refufed proffered rovaltv ; and died upon a
crcfi, not only to fhew you that ail your fecriiices centered in him, bo:
that he csrne i'cr a more gionous purpofe than temporal authority, — to
let up a kingdom of righteoufnef?, w mankind would be bhfTed,
Hide happy upon earth, and qualified for heaven. And it rri^y be
?d, if Ch; tit :n ai in.poftcir, his difciplei would never have?
J his menu ry, . in his Footfteps, experiencing 1 )c.:
treitdic.nt w ^ou have Divine P:o,
10^ i .:.-;] church,
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by being admitted to all the privileges of freemen, which you never en- joyed fince your difperfion, until American independence; and thereby may learn that brovherly love, peace and good will to men, which it was the defign of Chnftianity to teach, and for the want of which in Jevifh teachers, their religion was much limited in its prcgrefs.
In the prefect ftate of the Jews, there appears (bmething like the Spi- rit moving upon the face of the waters, introductory to creation. In the letter from one of your Rabbi's, before alluded to, there is mention of fome Jews entertaining thoughts of a return to Canaan, and inha- biting the land of their forefathers; of quitting their wandering life, re- building Jerufalem, purchafing Lower Egypt, and thus become the cen- tre of commerce between the eairern and weftern world, as in the days of Solomon;— recommending deliberations upon the propriety of an application to a certain power, for afliftance in their return; a power, under Divine Providence, every way qualified, and from its exact re- femblance to the defcription of the character reprefented Rev. xix. n. I have long believed deftined by Heaven to accomplish the work.
The Jews of the prefent generation having a favourable profpecl af- forded them of returning to their promifed land, from which Almighty God was provoked to banifh them, for a time, upon accr unt of their fins, but to which their title from Heaven, Deut. xxxii. 8. was never cancelled ; being driven thence by intruders and robbers, and therefore entitled in juftice to recover their inheritance; would it not be wifdom in them to take the advice of the Pfalmift, Pfal. xcv. 8, 9, 10, 1 1. in improving their time, that it may not be with them like their unbeliev-* ing forefathers in the wildernefs, who were exel tided from the land of Canaan, and in rejecting the earthly, forfeit the heavenly : and fhould they be fuccefsful, as there is no doubt, under the Divine blelfing, in due time they will, they will fti!l experience a further teft of the truth cf ChritVs prophecies, in their moil wonderful prefervation for fo long a time, as a feparate, d'ntinft people, under fuch remarkable circum- stances, contrary to the rtate of all other nations, the Egyptians except- ed, who were alfo to be a fign in their calling, lfai. xix. i£ — 25. and out of whofe land there is to be an highway into Aflyria, that the kings of the eail, the ten difperfed tribes of Ifrae!, ftyled kings and priefls in God, Ex od. x'X. 6 Rjv. i. 6. may return over Euphrates to their an-*" cient land. And according to another of Chrift's prophecies, Math, xx. 16. the Jews being the people who were firft honoured with the offers of goiocl priviie^i-s, (befoie the Heathen) but rejected them, and therefore the laft in bdngca;led in, after the converfion of many of the H'.'athen. They are thereby taught a ferious leflbn of humility ; that ail nmnkind are their brethren ; that it was from the mercy and gcodnels of God they were m ide a covenanted people, snJ not upon account of any fuperior inherent excellency or worth they pcflc-fl'ed beycad the reft of the world; that God is equally the God of the GexiHts, as well as of the J-W3.
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I moft humbly and refpe&fullv beg leave to conclude this fliort addrefs in the woids of the great Apoftle of the Gentiles, Rom. xi. 15, 25,26. who was a mod zealous advocate for an adherance to the Jewifh reli- gion, until converted by the ftrongeft evidence, and whofe ardent love ever flamed towards his moft beloved kinfmen, the Jews, with una- bated fervour, moft hu.nbly and fervently praying the covenanted God of Abrahan, Ifaac and Jacob, through Jefus Chrift, my Lord, that as the cafting away of your Jcwifh nation, which was rejected from being God's peculiar church, for refufing the gofpel, was the reconciling of the world, the means of fending the gofpel to a confiderable part o( the Heathens, and reftoring them to peace with God, being his enemies by their abominable corruptions ; may the receiving of your twelve tribes, the whole family of Ifrael, be life from the dead ; may the embracing If you in the Chriftian church, give fuch a ftroke to infidelity through- Jut the Heathen world, (as upon due confideration it muft) as will not July root out the folly and wickednefs by which it is dead to every !enfe of good, but revive fuch a life of true religion and godlinefs, as will refemble the refurrec"tion of the dead to life ! And as blindnefs n part is happened unto Ifrael, until the fulnefs of the Gentiles be come n ; as a number of you Ifraelites and Jews did not, like fome of your jrethren, embrace the gofpel at its firit preaching by the Apoftles, but lave continued your oppofition, from father to fon, until the fixed :ime for the converfion of the Heathens ; fo may all Ifratl, not only )ou Jews, Judah and Benjamin, but your other ten tribe?, with the ulnefs of the Gentile world, be faved ! brought under God's more im- mediate covenanted protection, — blefTed and made happy in time, and prepared for a glorious eternity,— by a reception into the Chriftiaa church. Amen.
»nfc «VW •flifl. »V» «AT* «^w rvv «<vU «V>* «rtr,» *V» •^•W «ArV« «vW «aT\» /3r» «/if* «V>. *^%
SEEMINGLY
EXPERIMENTAL RELIGION, INSTRUCTORS UNEXPERIENCED, &c.
F
ROM a long courfe of unbrothcrly treatment, experienced In en- deavouring to obtain an admifiion into the Prefbyterian Church of A-* raerica, I was reduced to the moll: difigreeable receflity of withdraw- ing from the meeting of the very Rev. General Affembly, in Philadel- phia, in May 1803, and decline all further attempts towards having any connection with that very Rev. body ; in confluence of which (as I learn) the AiTerr.bly proceeded to reject me from their community.
My unhappy bufmefs in the American Prefbyterian Church, having engrofied much public attention in America and the old world, and being varioufly reprefented, — to prevent mifconceptions, the following ftatement is moft humbly and refped fully fubmitted to the public.
Afcer being an ordained minifter for 20 years, in one of the firft rate Prefbyterian churches in Ireland, for only being fufpedfced of fa- vouring the people of that unhappy nation in their late unfucoefsfuj attempt to recover their liberties, I was dragged from my houfe by a military band, and had for my choice immediate death, or tranfportation for lift- ; — when I adopted the latter, and made choice of the kindred States of America as my place of refidtnee.
Having officiated about a year in the city and neighbourhood of Phi- ladelphia) I took a circuit into the weftern country, where, in the year 1800, being twice invited to fettle in the town and neighbourhood of Wafhington, Pcnnfylvania, a congregation in which there was a num- ber of my old hearers ard neighbours from Ireland, with the concur- rence of the ftated committee of the Rev. Prefbyterv of Ohio, coniift- ino; of the Rev. Jo'nn MsYl.llan, the Rev. Samuel Ralfton, and John M'Dowe-I, Kfq. Having declined fundry cfFers of fettleoneiUupoQ the eaftcrn fide of the Allegheny mountain, I removed there, at great ex- pence, as a place adapted to a ftranger in my fituation, wich a nume- rous family, and the fmiil wreck of a defolated fortune.
Shortly after my arrival at Wafbington, the Rsv. S\ nod of Win- cherTrr, Virginia, held their meeting there. Upon one of th<' even;- the Rev, Jofej 1 I . = tterf. n, of the uj of Ohio, afcer he had
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preached* gare notice (as he afterwards informed me in his apology) at the inftance of the Rev. John M'MiUan, that a Mr. Hoge, of Virgi- nia, would fupply the congregation of Wafhington next Lord's day 5 thereby implying, that the congregation was vacant: which unfriendly attack upon a (hanger, though a worthy minifter propofed to bring the matter before the Synod, which by the intimation was insinuated to have been fancTioned by that Rev. body, to the great furprife of my friends, and exultation and encouragement of opponents, was for peace's fake paffed over in filence*
At a meeting of the Rev. Prefbytery of Ohio, at Racoon, the 23d of October, 1800, I attended, accompanied by Meftrs. William McCam- mant and Robert Anderfon, commsflionerF, with a fupplication from the congregation of Waftisngton, praying my reception under the care of their Rev. body, and to proceed with me, agreeably to the rules of the church, in fuch fteps as were nccefiary to my fettlement in faid congregation,-— "when the following credentials and collateral teftimo- mony of my (landing as a gofpel minifter, were produced, preparatory to my being taken upon trials under the AfLmbly's alien law.(i)
Credentials from the Rev. Prejbytery of Belfast, Ireland.
This is to certify, that the Rev. Thomas Ledlie Birch was a long time a member of the Prefbytery of Belfaft, and Minifter of the Pref- byterian congregation of Saintfield, in which ftation he maintained a good moral character, and was much refpecled by his congregation. Belfaft, July 21ft, 1798.
SINCLARE KELBURN, Mod'r. pro tempore. SAMUEL PATTEN, Min'r. ALEXANDER HENRY, M.
A Letter from the Rev. William M-Kee, Camden, Delaware, to the Rev.
Samuel Miller, New-Tori. Dear Sir, Yefterday I received a letter from the Rev. Mr. Birch, who exprefTes the warmelt gratitude for the kindnefs received from you. He nearly fpeaks that emphatic language, u I was a ftranger, and you took me in." The value of this inftance of philanthropy is (till more enhanced, from the confideration of its happening at a time when you are f© bu- fily engaged in the difcharge of your parochial duties to your fellow- citizens in the prefent calamity. I (incerely lament the diftrefling (I- tuation of my worthy friend Mr. Birch, whom the hand of violence and cruel perfecution has driven from his country and friends, to feek an afylum with us. Such is the mercilefs treatment of the government of that country to Prefbyterian Clergy, unlefs they tire clamorous in praife of every meafure of government. And fuch is the effect in ge- neral of eftabiifhments. Mr. Birch's accufers could prove nothing a- gainft him, and yet ihey were not fatisfied, but he muft either forfeit his
f 33 )
life or country. His fituation in this country is fomewhat emharrafs- ing, rendered fo bv the many impofitions on the Prefbyterian church fioai itrang«r*, and which makes it needfary fcr the future by every prudent mexfurc carefully to guard ftg&inft. But in the prtf:jnt cafe, we ought to conhder that it is a matu-r of necefiity, and not of choice. Mr. B'rch wa^ fettled in one of the beft congregations in the north of Ireland, both for numbers ard refpe£«ability, with whom he has lived (I believe) upwards of twenty years, with ufefulnefs, and in harmony. He was a member of the Picfbyterv of Bdfaft, one of my fpiritual fa- thers, and .'or integrity, foundnef* of judgment, and uprightness of con- duct, was always rated with the leading members of the body. If any thing I could advance, with refpect to this amiable character, would have any Weight with my acquaintances, in order to give him a kind reception, I ftould think myfelf bound to throw it into the fc?.le, not from a lerie ot friendihip which I have experienced from this friendly man, but from 3 fenle of duty which I owe to him and to truth. Were I called in the moft folemn manner to declare what I knew of him, I would fav, that my pcrfonal knowledge of him whilft in Ireland, and many accounts by letter fince, enable me to fay, that I believe him t» be a faithful minifter of the New-Teftament, and found in the Doc- trines of Grace, viz. truly Calviniftick; a man noted for thofe princi- ples of benevolence and philanthropy, which his diftreffed fituaticn has induced o;hers to confer upon him.
The cold and frorr which has prevailed for thefe four days pad, will, I hope, be an effectual check to the yellow fever, both in your city ani in Philadelphia'.
1 am, Sir, with fentiments of refpeft and efteem, your moft humble fcr v ant,
WILLIAM M'KEE. The Riv. Samuel Miller. Camden^Nov. uf, 179?.
A Letter from the Rev. Samuel Miller, New-Tor k^ to the Rev. Doclor
Ewing) Philadelphia.
Ntw-Tor.k, Nov. 9, 1798. Rev. Sz Dear Silt,
Though I wrote to you by yeflerday's mail, I am again called upon to adareis you, for the purpf.fi of introducing the Rev. Mr. Thomai Led!ie Birch, a gemk-man who arrived at this port from Ireland a few days a^o. This gentleman produced to us a teftimonul from the Pref- bvtery to wh'ch he belonged in Ireland, certifying that he was a mi- nister of the gofjpel of good chara<5ier and (landing, and fettled as Pal- tor of the Prefbyterian church at Saintficld, nezr Beifaft : and fuch farther collateral evidence has offered, from various quarter?, as fully fatisfies me and my colleague?, that he fuftained a good mor^l and reli- gious character, and was much refpe£ted among his ecclefizftcal con- nections in his o,vn counrry. He has preached feveral times for us in this city, and his p* eachi;?g alfy confirms the favourable account wkick
Q
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his teftimonials give of his piety and talents. He fays he was ccnfi- derabiy acquainted with your chara&er, when you vihted his native country, many years ago, on a public m ifiipn. Any civilities or advice which you may be able to aff; rd him, will, I am pcrfuaded, be beftow- ed on a very worthy character.
I am, Rev. and Dear Sir, Yours moil refpecttuilv,
SAMUEL MILLER.
A Utter f i cm the Rev, Samuel M-ller, to the Rev. Doflor David fsn9 Vice-Pi efident of Dickinfon College, Car life.
Nevu-Tork, Nov. 8, 1798. Rev. & Dear Sir,
This letter will be handed to you by the Rev. Thomas Ledlie Birch, who latelv arrived at this port from Ireland. Mr. Birch brings a tef- timonial from the Pr^fbytery to which he belonged^ certifying that he was a minifter of the £ofpef, of good character and Warding, and fet- tled as Puftor of the Prtfbyterian church of Saintfitld, near Belfaft. — In addition to this testimonial, he ha« produced fuch other collateral e- Vidcnce, as fully tatisfies my colleagues and me, that he fuftained a good moral and religious character, and was much refptcled among his ec- clefl^flicil connections in his own country. He has preached fevcral trmes for us in this city, and his preaching cor firms the account which his teftimonials give cf his piety and talents. 1 have no doubt you will be difpofed to pay him attention, and to forward his views, as far as you can confidently with duty. Whatever civilities )ou may (hew him, I am perfuaded will be bellowed on a worthy character.
I remained in New-York through the whole of the late ficknefs, — and -V3S very ill with it; bur, through Divine gocdnefs, have furvived. Oar city is now reffored to its uiual health, and ihe inhabitants have generally returned.
I often think of Carlifle, end my friends there; and of none whh mere aff< clinn than you and your good l?.dv. I hope I (hall be cna- bl- 1 fo vifit veu, and brighten the chain of triendfhip, in a year or two. ! With my befr compliments to Mrs. Davidfon, and with fentjtnents of the highefl refpecTt and tii-ecm, I remain, Rev. and Dear Sir, Your friend and humble fervant,
SAMUEL MILLER.
M'nv.te fifihe stated Com?vittce of the Rev. Prejbytery of Philadelphia.
Tie Committee of the Preibvterv of Philadelphia, appointed to txi
nm'oo (be credentials of foreign and travelling minifter«, and to m.- ke
ihem temporary appointments met ?t the houfe of the Rev. Dr. John
Evving, in the cirv of Philadelphia, Novejnher 19/h, 1798.
Prcfcnt — Rev. Dr. J'lhn Ewm?, Modr. )
Mr. Nathaniel Irwin, ^Minified. Dr. Afhbel Green, )
Mr. Robert Smiih, Elder. D:« Green was cbofen cleik.
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The ftev. Thomas Ledlle Birch, an ord*ined mlnifter Frpni the Pref- Ibytery of B^lfaft, in the kingdom of Ireland, appeared before the com- mitter, and produced fuch testimonial! of his good moral and religious character, as fully fatisfied the committee of the propriety ( f recom- mencing him to the congregations within the bounds of the Pr< fbv'ery cf Philadelphia: and the committee accordingly d:d, and hereby do, freely recommend him to the congregation?, both fettled and vacar»t* Within our bounds, till the next mtetingof Pi ; fbytery. A true copy of the record of the committee.
ASHBEL GREEN, Clk.
The Certificate of the Eiders of the third Prefiyterian Church in Phila- delphia. We the fjbfcribcrs, Elders of the third Prefbyterian church in Phi- ladelphia, do certify, that the Rev. Thomas L. Birch came to America from Ire'a id lad fall, and arrived in Philadelphia in the month of No- vember laft, and afer being tx^mintd by the committee of our Prcf- bytery, was received and tak*n under their care; and that he preached for our congregation nearly three months paft, and gave general fatiS- fa&io;i : and as he is now about to travel, we do recommend h:m to ail Cnrirtun fociciies wtscre it may pleafe the Lord in his providence* to call him. FERGUSON M'ELWAINE,
John pinkerton,
JOHN' M'CULLOH, ROBERT M«MULLiN| Philadelphia, 8th April, 1799. JOHN M'MULLLN.
The Certificate of tht Re v. Do ft or Read, Wilmington, Delaiuar'i.
The bearer, the Rev. Mr. L. Biich, having produced ample tcfti- m )nia!s o' hs being a. regular Gofpel Minifter of the Prtfbyterian fc-cr- ety in the kingdom of Ireland, and being fully convinced, from collate- ral testimonies, as well a» perfonal acquaintance, of his worth and me- rit as a Chriftian Minifter; he is hereby recommended to the notice of any of our churches id the bounds of New-Ciiflle Prtfbyferv, fully convinced, that if they employ him, it will meet the approbation of
Prtfbytery. Certified by mej
THOMAS READ. Wilmington, June 30th, 1799.
The Certificate of the Sefiicn of Eait-Ncttingham, Atdryldhdi
We, the Seffion o» Eaft Nottingham, (Hte of Maryland, do certify, thit the Rev. Thomas Ledlie Bircj, of the Rev. Prcfbvtery or Beluft, J-e; mi, cam'; ti our place reco ■nmended by the Rsv. Committee <>' the PeiO/tery of Philadelphia, and oher refpeftable authorities, and hi*<; Occasionally preached, and perform-d other ministerial dutiej, for aboi/C loreWe Lord's Jays, id our church ; and we have had a perfonal acquaint t.p.re and frequent conversion with him for abotK five months p turi-.i^ which time his conduct was that of the Chriftwn and Seattle*
C 2
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man : and being now about to travel, we give him this teftimony, 2nd recommend him to our brethjen in the United States — as witneis our kands this iQih day of November, 1799.
DAVID WHERREY, SAMUEL WHAN, JAMES STEEL, THOMAS MAFFITT, HUGH BLACK, JAMES MACKEY.
The Rev. PrefVytery of Ohio, having examined my credentials, cer- tificates, and collateral tcftimony, proceeded to examine me agreeably to the mode preienbed by the very Rev. General Aflembly's Alien Lawj(i) when I was defiredto give my religious experience, or the inward diicjveries 1 had received from the Divine Spirit, of my gof-
(1) — (1) This law, which it mildly termed " Rules and Regulations for the introduction of foreign Mtnijters," but might with juftce be fiyied a put- ting out of tf rangers, and a declaration of war againfi thtjifter churches in the eld countries , was e>u*tted by a party in the Ajftmbly, when a fitnilar law) •was pajffed in Congrefs, cbtut the year 1 798. Seven of the moji numerous and re~ fpedabie Prefbyteries, in eppc/tticn to nine, [including the Prejbyteries upon thit fide the mountain — ^uere-^-did thefe Prejbyteries confult their congregations t ) have protefted againfi this law, as being unconffitutional, or that the General Ajfembly, without previoufly having obtained the confont of the fever al congre* gations, had not a right to pmfs fitch a law.
By this law, a f reign mimjttr is not only JubjeSi to an enquiry into his cre- dentials and qualifications, — a fufpenfon or depefit ion from cjice, for immoral conduct, as of right he ought to be, and which doleful experience proves has not been executed with too much mercy; but he, no matter bow eminent, together nvith repeated examinations like a fchoolboy and licentiate, muft complete a yea»*s probation in the Prefbytery in •which he is examined ; otberwife he muff begin and finifb a year's probation in the Prefbytery he removes to, and fo on, be- fore he can be admitted into a full landing in the church, or accept a call for fettlement ; which upon meeting with unfriendly brethren, and unhappily being fomewbat popular, might perhaps eccafio* a labour like that of Jacobs nvith his father-in lam) Laban. The foreign Min-ifier, if he thinks himjef injured by the decifion of Prefbytery, has the liberty of complaining to the next General Af- fembly; but the Affembiy has not any power to order the Prefbytery to receive him, though he may have received the higbe/i injuflice; but only to allow him liberty ta apply to fome other Prefbytery, which he is debarred from when he is rejefltd by a Prtfytery, until he appeals to the JJemlly: fo that, generally, all that the fo- reign Minifter is to expert from his complaints to the Afimbly, is to beftitt back to return in a like fit ua! ion — until by .travelling hundreds of miles, year after year, without redrefs, he is obliged to defff.
Hoio different from this is the cordial reception given by the very Rev. AJfo- cimte Reformed Synod, to their bretl. re* from Ireland and Scotland — fee their Mmutrs at Nevj-Tork.. Q&ober 1802. t^uert — Did the benevolent very Rev. Jffociute Synod, when they formed the Article of Agreement with the very Rets, (retieral Affembiy, that they would not receive any member from thoir body tin- til luch had firfl fettled all maittrs with the Ajftmbly > tabs the Ajftmblj's Alkti- M U into their conft deration ?
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pel converfion, and aflurance of my great ftewardlbip-account being paded with approbation, and the time when I obtained thefe fenfationS or experiences.
In Ireland, Scotland, and other pans of Europe, Presbyteries, Sy- nods, or Affemblies, prefume not to infult the Prefbyteriau churches of any nation, by examining into the qualifications of their ordained Mi- nifters; they only made enquiry relative to the tcirimonials from their church, (hewing their moral character and (landing as Minifteis ; and if thefe proved fatis factory, they were always admitted, (conforming to the church ftandards) and recommended to the people, to receive them agreeably to their deferts.
Inlicenfing candidates for the Gofpel Miniftry, Prefbyteries require to be Satisfied, " whether a reafonable time has been devoted to itudy I* in fume proper feminary of learning ; of the progrtfs in knowledge, " good report, foundnefs in the faith, and views in entering upon the I1 Gofpel Miniftry; whether (though it is nect/Tary and reafonable that " a Minifttr fhould have a fupport — he that ferves at the altar Jhould " live by the altar) in preaching the Gofpel, or taking upon them at " ordination the care of fouls, their ruling motive was the glory of " God, the advancement of the Redeemer's kingdom, and the falvation " of fouls; or the greed of filthy lucre." From the eftabl.fhcd max- im, that man can only difcern the outward part — 2nd inftrucVd by their Divine Mifltr, that the tree is known bv its fruits — the Prefby- tenian Miaifters in the oid countries never afk candidates concerning the notions they entertain of themfel vet— well krowing that hypocrites will tell lies-— and the greater the deceiver, (as diily experience proves) genenerallyHhe more confident. And indeed fuch partial creatures arc we, that very tew of us wifh to hear or fay a k^d fiery of ourfelv^s. — For thefe reafons, thinking that the Rev. rrtfb terv ot Ohio meant by religious experience*, faith, evidenced (through grace) in godly piacrc^, in giving my experience, I obferved that " 1 believed in the 00c- " trine* of the Chritiian Religion ; particularly, in the b;ing of a God, " the exigence of three perfops u\ the Godhead, the Father, the Son, u ind the Holy Spirit, the fame in fubfUnce, equal in power and glo- t4 ry; in future and eternal itate of rewards and punifnments ; in the " fall and degeneracy of man in our firft parents, and aoproved by h'.m " in a&ual tranfgroffion ; and the recovery through the I ord jeius " Chriii:, who, by his atoning faciificc, paid the debt for his peoj , " who by faith lay hold upon his merits, and by the II -ly Spirit, the *c other part of his purchafe, quickens us, infuhng into us a new fpiri- u tual life; opens the e>e* of our under flanding to fee cur ioft ftaie by "• nature ^nd practice, our own infuffioiencv, and Chrift's all-fufficien- " cy, and works in us that faith which is piecing in the fight cf God, M and is productive of thofe graces and difpofitions which qualify For w heaven: that I trufted, through grace, my belief fo influenced my t( conduct, as to beget in me love to my God, gratitude to my Re- " deemer and the H^ly Spirit, good will to mankind, leading in prac- " tice to abhorrence of fin and attachment to righteoufnefc ; a carefu " parent, an attentive Minifter, an obliging neighbour, a kind friea, i
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u a man of truth, honour and juftice ; exercifed in fecret and family « prayer ; that through the merits of my gracious Redeemer, in the in- ** fluence of his Holy Spirit, 1 had a hope of eternal life, which I would " not forfeit for thoufands of worlds : that I had ftrong impir-ifions of vt religion from my earlieft recollection, progrt fling with various checks M and alarms : that the awakening from which 1 could date the moffc " decided change of mind, was at the death of a very dear companion, " about twenty-feven years ago." What would have pleated the Pref- bytery (as I have frequently learned fince) was, if I had rold them of a certain time and place when 1 became allured of eternal happinefs, or, to ufe their own words, knowing myftli oi.'Ce blind, now 1 fee. Hap- py are they who have attained to fuch things. 1 will not fay fuch things are not attainable, and fhculd not be earneftly fought after ; and Scrip- ture and credible teftimony gives us reafon to believe, that Almighty God, in hs mercy, to fome of his moft eminent fervants, has made a difcovery of this fort before a dying hour. But we have equal reafon to believe, that millions of humble fouls, now, or hereafter chaunting, or to chaunt, hallelujah's in Heaven, had not, nor will not have, the complete affurance until that endearing welcome, come, ye bl tiled of my Father, inherit the kingdom, provided for you from the foun-- dation of the world ; I was a Granger, and ye took me in, &c. and they fiiall fay, Lord, when faw we thee thus; Math. xxv. 34 — 40 -m And I will moft humbly and refpe&fully beg leave to add, that if the ruling powers of the Rev. Prclbytery or Ohio, think themulves afTu- red of everlafting happinefs, which I humbly pray, of God's infinite rnercy in a Redeemer, they may finally obtain ; yet I hope in the fame mercy, that I fhall never be permitted to look for afiurarce in a courfe of li e fimilar to their late and preferkt conduct.. 1 trufl I (hall only be sfiWed by faith, through graccv evidenced in truth, honour, mercy and, charity.
The Prefbytery proceeded to *fk me fome queftions ; particularly^ the Rev. Thomas Marquis de fired me to give a lengthy definition of regeneration. I defined regeneration to be, a work of the Holy Spirit Upon the fou', whereby fpiritual lite is infufed into it ; the f< id of mar, who, morally (peaking, was before dead, is made to live j the eyes of ihe underftanding are opened, and the fumer is brought to difcover his loft ftste by nature and practice, bis own infuflicieccy, and Chriifi 's ai)- fuffioiency, and an actual embracing of Chiift in a'l! his (living cilices, with hearty refolutions, through Divine gi2ce,of walking in him in all holy eonverfation, thereby evidencing the fmceritv of his faith, and his defire of obtaining thofe qualifications which will fit h,m for the eiir joyment of God in the upper houfe.
Qjfeft1<m,t>y the Rev. John M-Millar— Wherein confided the dif- ference between regeneration and converfion ?
A of^.-r— Regeneration, the wort of fnlvarion begun -y converfion, the work completed, ending in proereifive fanctificauon.
Qaeft. by the Rev, Jahn MlMiiiai>— From whence Chrifl became the orjecl cf mv worfhtp and 1; ve ?
/: ,.-~Ci...fl bang pc&ifcd of all thafe glorious attributes, uji*
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erea^d perfe&ions and excellencies which conftituteDeify, rendered him the qualified objed of my vvorfhip, higheft veneration and efteem, and every way a complete Saviour: bearing to me the covenanted relation, not only of Creator, but al fo of R-deomer, demanded my particular Worth; p and love.
Q^ieft. by the Rev. Samuel Rilfton — Whether Chrift died for the puroofe i>f placing all mankind in a falvable itate, or a condition in which they might be faved j or only with the defign oi faving a particu- lar number ?
This is that very difficult, hard que ft ion propofed to our blefied Lord by a certain |tw, the opinion of wnofe nation at the time was, that they alone were God's favourite people, who would be brought t* Heaven, and that ail others were de finned lor Hell. Our DiVme Mil- ter, who alone could have folved thedifficultv, having declined aid .vcrw:g, and in room thereof given an advice to be more concerned to know how we may be faved, thm having our curiofuy kti-fied in learning ho// many will be faved ; f-rems to have discountenanced fuch enquiries. Lake xiii. 23. 24. Then (aid one unto him, Lord, are there few chat be (aved ? And he laid unto them, ltrive to enter at the ftraight gate, {oi* many, I fry to you, Gull feek to enter in, and {hall not be able.
intending in all things to be very candid, and deilgning before {he clofe of the work, to give my opinion upon this noim, connected vvitn the doclrine of the decrees, I fh^ll only herefubj in my anfwer.
Anfw. I dont think that Almighty God created any part of the hu- man race with the exprefs view of damning them. Chrift died for th~> e whom the Father hath given him ; and thefe are drawn of God, jufrified alone by the Redeemer's righteoufnefs, adopted by his grace, and fan Sifted by his Spirit; and ihofe that periih arc pefied ever upon account or their inexcufable impenitency, fin and wickedne.s.
Being defired to withdraw, the Prefby tery, after long and mature deliberation, calied me in, when the Moderator communicated to me the following minute :
" rhurfday, October the 23-!, i3oo. u A certain Thomas Ledlie Birch, an ordained Minifter from the K Prefb. tery of Bel fail, in the kingdom of Ireland, appeared before " Pr^fb'terv, and exprcfiVd a defire of bein^ taken under their c^re. u The Prefby tery, after examining his credentials, <md fuch other cci- tt Ute^l teftimony a^ was laid before them, proceeded to converfe wifh t: hire upon his experimental acquaintance with the things of religion, 4i and foandaefs in the faith, but did not receive fuch fatif. faction as woul - M induce them to take him on any further trials. cc A true copy extracted from the minutes.
"JOHN MCMILLAN, Pby.Cii." Againfl which T. L. R'rrh lodged a complaint, (as it is termed) or an appeal to the next vc-. L . General Affecnbly. The Moderator expreiled to me the Prelbytery's approbation of my credentials, &*\ it is obfervablc from their minute, that this is kept from public view.
Continuing to exerc 1 • ■• • n, 111 r my ap-
peal ;o she very Rev. G . . . j.:j, I paid a ftien 1 '5 '2xs
r 40 3
Xcv. Jofcph Pattcrfon, Prefbytery Moderator, and remonftrated with him upon the hafty proceedings of his body, in reje&ing me; feeing the General AfFembly had allowed twelve months probation, where there was any profpecfc of ufefulnefs, which (from my {landing in the church) I hoped was in feme degree the cafe. Mr. Patterfon informed rne, and gave me a certificate as an individual member of Prefbytery, that the late proceedings towards me, were not in any degree confidered by Prefbytery as a final rejection, or as precluding me from a future application.
At a meeting of the Rev. Prefbytery ©f Ohio, about January 1801, at Crofs- Creek, (for there is not any record of their proceedings with jne at this or the fubfequen, Prefbytery) I attended.
tor toe better underftanding of matters, it may not be unnecefTary to obferve, that the Prefbytery ©f Ohio makes not any reply toaniwer§ of queftions, nor observations, before the candidate, upon his conven- tions or cifcourfes; and (if not a favourite) when ordered to retire, the moil unfriendly obfervations are paffed, and diftortions and niifcon- itruclions are put upen his meanings ; and upon his being called in, only receives the intimation from the Moderator, approve, or not pleaf- ed: fo that a candidate fur rhe miniftry might be under trials for zges. Without being any better informed by his fpi ritual fathers; nor indeed could he cfifeoyer what they wilhed to be at, and perhaps ftabbed in the moil vital part without knowing his antagonift.
Still imagining that the Rev. Prefbytery of Ohio meant, by experi- mental acquaintance with religion, gofpel faith influencing practice, but that perhaps I had not been fufEciemly exprefEve ; I entered into a very long derail of my childhood religious views and practices ; of the l.;ke when I came to think for myfcii ; of my views when entering upon the Gofdel Mrnktry; of the progrefs in my congregation; ccn- d act in the Irifh General AiTembly, and their confequence?; of my com ng to America, and circuit therein, accompanied wkh remarkable Providences, from which I had been led to comfortable viev&s in this, world, and happy profpecls in the world to come.
The &ev. Prefbytery now proceeded to examination j particularly the. Rev. j.ivnzs Hughes.
Qactt. prefaced with the obfervation of its being a very familiar care— • A perfon deeply convicted of fin, and its dreadful confequences, snd his own infufHriency to a recoverv; convinced of a Saviour, and his admi- rable iitr.c's,a>!d the notable provifions of the Gofpcl; ardently willies to exercif-? faith, bur has not that comfort in believing hedefires: what directions fhouid a Gofpel Minifter give in fuch a cafe ?
Anfw. To be exercifed in the petition made ufe of by the/ ApoiUes when our b'e/Tid Lord was enjoining upon them the duty of forgiving enemies zr>d loving them a* brethren, which is rnofr. oppoiite to corrurt nature; Luke xvii. 5, Lord increafe our faith : or like the poor man, who, in our Saviour's ab fence, brought his fon, who was dum'n, 2nd grievoufly tormented of the Devil, to the difci; < s, bit they could not heal himj and therefore, upon our biefled Lord's coming, he applies to him for relief; upon which he. informs the pec: r:-n5 if he can but believe,
( 4i )
(which fappofw'S his faith not of the ftrongeft kind) to which the poor man replies, Mark ix. 24. Lord I believe, help thou ray unbelief.
Queft. by the Rev. Mr. Br ice— Has God chofen a particular num- ber, whom he will tgke to Heaven?
Anfw. Yes ; all penitent Tinners in the Lord Jefui Chrift.
Q_ eft. Was it upon account of their worth and excellence ?
Anfw. No; they were made holy in purfuance of their calling; for by grace ye are faved through faith, not of works, left any man fhould boaft.
Qtieft. by the Rev. John Watfon — Does God hate Tinners ?
Anfw. He hates fin ; and when iin, through grace, is repented of, and waftied away in the atoning blo^d of a Redeenu r, like the fun when the cloud is removed, his divine love and mercy fhines.
Queft. by the Rev. John Watfon— Do Tinners hate God ?
Anfw. The glorious perfections 6i Deitj cannot bethought to be an object 0* hatred to Tinners, or even to Devils : or even if it ihouid te my unhappy lot to be condemned to evcrlafting mi/cry upon account of my Tins, Almighty God cculd nor be hatriu! to me on account of his abfolute rectitude of nature: but his righteous mo:al government is fo oppolite to corrupt nature, that it becomes a moft grievous object of hatred to the wicked, as would feem implied in the declaration of the evil fpirits our Lord was cafting our, importing a veneration of the perfon, but an horror at the execution of his la»vs ;— Math. viii. aej. What have we to do with ihee, Jefus, thou Son of the Moft High G, d ? Art thou come hither to torment us before the time?
Being nowordered to retire, the Prtftwiery, after a fhort deliberation, called me in; when I was informed b> the ivi >dcrator,that the Prf fbvtery had not clearftefs to proceed any further in rnv trials ; upon which I re- newed my complaint to the very Rev. General Alterably. The Rev. John Watfon obferved to me, ;hat I muft not think that my appeal to ihe Ge- neral Aftlmbly entitled me to preach; thereby implying a ct-nfure for Biy continuing to preach in Washington f\ncc the former Prefb'/tery; in which the Prcfoytery appeared to acqiiiefce. I replied, that a Minifter of Mr. Watfon's fuppofed knowledge (Mr. Watfon hcini^ Prefident < f Canonfburgh Academy) could nut think that an inferior Church Juci- dicatory could inflict ihe higheft cenfure under an appeal to the fupe- fior Court; more particularly, as there was not anv fuppofed <mmo- rality, but difference of opinion. The Prt fb?tery remained ir.fi:x-b;e. I mojVuumb.Iy and refuecifulSy remonirratea with the Prefbyterj u my hafty rejection, alledging u that I had received a libera] education, V bad moderate abilities and knowledge, like othfr individuals ; but 41 would not prefume to fav I was as w;fe as a Prcfoytery : That the ^ very Rev. General AfT-.mbly, in their wifdom and benevolence, h^d CI prefcribtu one year's probation at leaft, where there was any profpect t; cf ufcfulnefs ; which my ftanding in the church gave forne humble u reafan to prtfume : That I did not pretend to dictate how ft en my " trials might be palled : Th2t it was a moft afTecling circumftance at V' my time of life, with a family in a ftrange country, to be caftcut of *' the M;fiiftry in the church which I wjli attached u y and therefore,
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<c if they wcuM be pleafed to take me under their care, (my intention, * under Providence, being the purfoit of truth) if I had error in prin- 4< ciple or foible in practice, or mv ftudies had been in a wrong courfe,
*' under their direction, I fhould endeavour to be an humble, attentive *' pupil." Bui I adarefled the deaf. The reply »a&,'1 be. 01 c ," or " go *• about your bufinef— we will have nothing to fav to you !"
Haviag retired from the Prefbytery, I lent in s m^flage to the Rev. Samuel Riliton, to kiow of htm in what the Pr* fb tery >;.?<• not fatis- fi;d. Mr. RaiHon informed me, that the Rev. J)t:n M'lvlillan, is I would applv to him, would tell me. Rfquefting Mr. Ralfton to bear a meffage to Mr. JVI Millan, he came on — ?nd in anfwer to mv rt-queft to know the particulars in which the Prcfbytery was not fatufied, Mr. M'Millan obferved, " that tl^e Prefbytery charged mey with not re- 44 ceiving Chrift as an al!-fuff,eiertt Saviour —
" With bearing to Chrift the love of an harlot, in alled^ing Chrift <c the peculiar object of my love in bearing to me the relation of Cre- " ator and Rede* ruer."
I think, alio, Mr. M'Millan told me, fit is well known to be a tenet Oi the Prefbytery of Ohio — let them renounce it and 1 fubmicj," that *4 I was held in error for afierting the terrors of hell wt:re a motive,'* meaning I fuppofe, any of the gofpel motives ; and u that I alfo main- ik tamed thar an unregenerate perfon could have laving faith. "
1 he Prefbyterv's charge againft me, tor not laying hold upon Chrift as an all fufficient Saviour, appears to be founded upon the Rev. J.'hn- McMillan's queftion, viz. "From whence Chrift became the objt €t of 44 my worship and love ?*'
The Rev. Prefbytery of Ohio will pleafe to inform the Chriftian Church, from what part of my anfiver to Mr. M'Millan's queition, or any other queftion, they have rejected me, and held me torth to the world as unfbu:'d in the faith, as implied in their minute, in not laying hold upon Chrift as an all fufficient Saviour.
Chrift being poffeffed of all thofe glorious uncreated perfections ard excellencies which conftitute Deity; does not fuch render him ;he qua- lified object of religious w or Chip ? If not poffcfTed of f»ich, and only a creature, would not the woi {hipping of him be idolatn ? The bleffed Jefus being, as to his Divine nature, God ever alU blejfed forever, d<d it not render him every way fittod for the work of a bavioui; it finite merit to atone, Almighty power to protect, and lenerh of days to ap- plj? As God, he could not die — VV^s it not neceflfary, th^n, that he in >uld bee ime man, tb.3t he might be capable of dying ; that the facri- nce of his humanity upon his divinity, might yield the rnoft complete latista£lion to injured juftice, and righteous moral government, ?.nd ' tnac m the very nature in which the. tranfgreffion was cemmitred ; zvd thar he mi-ht be a merciful High P.ieff, bone of our bone vnd fl fh of our (1 lb, acquainted with all our infirmities, iin only excepted ; H?b»| vi. 15.
I > thenk, finners will embrace Chrift z$ an Rlr~fufifrrienf Saviour, muflr l* ■') ( 1 • J ■) ti^lv implied here by the Preffyvtery of Ohio, 2nd mora ikttn^i) in ooais of their following obje&iaw J la; bjld on frim as- the J
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all -perfect Jehe-vah ; or as the Imrnanuel, God in our nature ? Tf hei* to be embraced by finners in the former character, though a moft glori- ous •bjecl: to angels who have preferved their unfullied purity, and our flrit parents in their ftate of innocence ; yet a pretence from which all toe hunan race mutt, now fly, wuh their degenerate fiift parents, to hide their nakednefs , Gen. iii. 10. a fight at which, wi.h the Ifraelites, when the Almighty came down upon Mount Smai to deliver the law, th*y mull exceedingly tremble; Exod.xix. 16. vea, an appearance which muft call Tinners into the d^pihs of agony and defyair, and force them to cry out with the devib, Math. viii. 29. O thou Moll High, arethou come to torment us before the time ? Of which fort there are too many unhappy fpecimens in the Prefbytery of Ohio, in arraigning finners be- t-ire the bar of the all -glorious Jthovah, arrayed in his mort terrible attributes of juftice and holincfv, without directing them to the city of rpfuge, the Saviour, where they may efcape the rnanflayer of divine juftice ; and thereby give too much reafbn tor the ob(ervation,that they are famous for preaching finners into bell, (which ihey are confcious the/ drferve) and leaving them there ; but their great acfire is to learn how they can efcape that place of torment.
Tne Apoftle Pau!, who had as much legal righteoufnefs to boaft of as the Prefbytery of Ohio, or any of its members, durft not prefume to lay hold On uncreated excellency, holinefs and juftice, but as reflected upon him from the face of the anointed. And as the Apoftle was once very proud of his legal righreoufnf-fs, and was thereby led to perfecuto his neighbours ; and as the Rev. Prefbytery of Ohio mention this fame Apoftle, and what befel him upon his road to Damafcus, before his conversion, as a precedent for the falling, in what ihey call their late Revival of Religion; they may learn of nim what wese his feritiments with regard to his iega! righteoufnefs, and in what way he laid Isold up- on Chrift as an all-fufncient Saviour: and from whence i, as an hum- ble (cholar of his, as he was a follower of bis Divine Mailer, I Cor. ii. 2. Phil. iii. 4-^9. that he was determined not to know any thing,, in his preaching, but the God-man Chrift Jem*, and him crucifiefl ; that he counted all his legal qualifications, prerogatives and attainments, but Jofs, yea, as dung, the mire of the fireet, that he might win Chrift, and be found in him, not having his own righteoufnefs, *hich was uf the law, which he well knew, being filthy rags, would not ftand him in any ftead, unlefs he was (hi elded from infinite holinefs and pipity, Uiidtr the fpodefs robes of a Redeemer'* righteoufnefs,
The charge of my 1 ve to Chrift being that of an harlot! appears to be founded upon trie latter part of the anfwer to Mr. McMillan's due'f- tion we hive juft been treating upon, viz. from whence bocame Chrift the object of my worfhio and love; the frft part of myanffwer to which wis, his glorious perfections of Deity rendered him a fit gbject of wor- ship, co.nmanded our high eft efteem and veneration; and that his bear- ing to us the relation of Creator and Redeemer, claimed cur peculiar worlh'p and love.
Though the Rev. Prefbytery of Ohio, from their unnverfal charac- ter, and u.rLrni behaviour to d.fcr.celefs Grangers, vvtuld have b^ca
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among ft the laft clafs of mankind which would have been fufpe&ed of pretending to hold the principles of difinterefted benevolence ; yet I (hall tuoft refpe&fully beg leave to fhew, that their fentiments in this particular, are not agreeable to common fenfe, and contrary to Scrip- ture. Becaufe the Rev. Pre(bytery of Ohio have for their wives moft accomplished, virtuous, amiable ladies, commanding the high efteem and refpedr. of thofe acquainted with them, (as I well know feme of them do) and their hufbands bearing a fuperior efteem and loVe to them, not only upon account of their good qualities, but as being their wives; is this the love of the fornicator to hts whore ; a love of luft and the gratification of brutal paflion ? is this any part of the religious experi- ence of the Minifters 2nd Elders of the Rev. Prefbytery of Ohio ? Is there not fuch a thing as a chafte love that fubfifts between hufband and vAfe ? And becaufe the chafte bride, ths church, loves the bridegroom, the blefVed Redeemer, not only as being more eftimable and delightful in her fight than ten thoufand, and altogether lovely; yet loving him, particularly, becaufe he is her fpoufe and hufband, becaufe fhe is her beloved's and her beloved is hers, Song Solom. vi. 3. is her love there- fore that of an harlot ? Is gratitude to be baniihed the world, and with it every endearing relationftiip ?
Does not the Pfalmift fet forth God's mercy and goodnefs as particu- larly the object: of our worm ip and gratitude? Pfal. ciii. 2. Blefs the Ljrd, O m/ foul, and forget n >t all his benefits; who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy difeafes; who redecmeih thv life from deftru&ion. Almighty God himfelf prefaceth to the Ifraelites, his glorious attribute of Deity, and the covenanted relation of being their God and benefactor, as laying the foundation of their obedience to a'l his laws he was then aboatto publidi from Mount Sinai ; Exod. xx. 2. I am the Lord thy God, who brought thee out of the land of E- gypt, and out of bondage. And Almighty God, fj far from intimating that the gratitude of his creatures, for his mercy an^ goodnefs in his re- lation of Creator and Governor, cietrafts from the honour and reverenca challenged by the perfe&ions of Deity, that he etteems it to manifeft his glorious olTential attributes to (hine with higher luftre in his declarative glory; Mil. i. 6. A (on honoured! his father, and a fervaHt his matter ; if I then bje a father, where is mine honour; and if a matter, where is my fear? faith the Lord of Hofts unto vou, O priefrs that defpife my name,
As it is now become fafhionable with fome people, who call them- felves peljgious, to look light fy upon fome books of the Old Teftament, if we turn to the New, we will hear the fame doctrine. The A pottle Paul, who.ti your converts take for a pattern in their religious exer- cifes, tells us, 2 Cor. v. 14, 15. that the love of Chrift conftrained us, in that he d'ied for all, that henceforth they fhould live unto him. And the Ap>ftL» John, the beloved difciple of his Matter, poiteffsd of the moft cjifi arretted benevolence, declares God's love to us, in Chrift* nat only as a reafon why we {hould love him, but a motive to love ens another ; 1 John iv. 10, it. Herein is love ; not that we loved God, but that he ll>ved us, and fent his Son to be a propitiation for our fins ; — we ought .vlfo to love one another.
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The charge of my holding the doclrine of the terrors of Hell being a gofpel motive, moft probably arolcfrom the declaration of the articles ©f my faith or belief, which influenced my Gofpel praclice, in my ex- perience, one of which was a future ftate of punifhments.
Above all denominations of preachers, it never would have been thought fuch an objection would have come out of the mouths of the members of the Rev. Prefbytery of Ohio, whofe almoft conftant to- picks are, the terrors of the law, accompanied with evcrlafting torments, painted in the moft glaring colours, with fearcely ever glancing at the remedy; and the louder the (hrieks and groans of the feeminj>ly terrifi- ed audience, the lauder the excommunications. Surely thefe things cannot be intended only as idle rants, or to accuftom people to hear with indifferency, what they nor their forefathers could never bear. Ought they not to be ufed to induce finners to fly, through grace, to Chnft, who is the end of the law, for righteoufnefs, fancliiication and redemp- tion ? Undoubtedly the goodnefs of God, and his adorable excellencies, the love of Chrift, the beauty of holinefs, the joys of a good confeience, the glories of Heaven, are tHe moft dignified motives ; but to lefs ge- nerous minds, the laft defperate remedy muft be applied, life and death, bleffing and curfing, left any flaould perifh through Minivers' neglecl; Ezek. iii. 18. Our bleffed Lord, with a peculiar emphafis, holds forth to finners the terrors of everlafting puniflhment, and represents to us his pzfling the fentence ; Luke xii. 5. Math. xxv. 41. Fear him, who, after he hath killed the body, hath power to caft the foul into Hell ; yea I fay unto vou, fear him — Depart from me, ye curfed, into everlafting fire, &c. The Apoftle Paul declares, 2 Cor. v. if>, n. We muft all appear before the judgment feat of Chrift, to receive according to that we have done, whether it be good or bad ; knowing, therefore, the ter- ror of the Lord, we perfuade men : and we have a famous fermon of his to this purpofe, preached to the Idolaters of Athens, A els xvii. 22— — 34. in which he obferves, that God hath commanded all men every where to repent, becaufe he hath appointed a day in which he will judge the world in righteoufnefs, by that man whom he hath ordained.
The laft charge which the Rev. John M'Milkn told me the Rev, Prefbytery of Ohio had againft me, was, maintaining that an unrege- nerare perfon could have faving faith. This arofe from the queftion of the Rev. James Hughes, viz. What directions (hculd be given to a perfon " convicted of fin and all its dreadful confequences ; convinced "of his own infufficiencv, and the Redeemer's all-iufficiency; wifhing "and endeavouring, through grace, to exercifc faith, but could not •• have that comfort in believing he dc fired " — Anfw. To ufe the pe- tition of the Apoftles, when our blefied Lord was enjoining upon them a duty moft oppofite to corrupt nature, that of forgiving injuries and Joving enemies as brethren, Lord tncreajt cur faith \ or that of thfc poor man to whom our Lord cbferved, if he had futficient faith, his much afflicted fon would be healed — Lord I believe, help my unbelief.
This bufinefs was moft probably helped forward by a ftory of the Rev. Thomas Moor's, which was as follows: — Mr. Moor and I being ki a room by ourfelves in Judge Edgat's Lcufe, before my examinatieny
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and where the Prefbytery had adjourned. He ahferrei to the, that nc learned that a woman, an hearer of his, in a moil diftrefled ft ate of mind, had called upon me for advice ; that he was at a lofs to know what to do with her, and therefore wifhed to have my opinion. I told him, that the woman called upon me, and informed me that fhe had attended pu'bllck worfhip, fosieties, family praver, attempted private devotion ; that in thefe fjlemn exercifes, evil, blafphemous thoughts were upper moft in her mind ; when bl effing God was pronounced j curfing was ready to burft forth ; that (he doubted attending to any thing facred was a fin, and (he might be led to fome bad confequerce j and thertfo/e wifhed to know if 1 would advife her to drop every thing that was'religious. I replied, that I would not advife her to lay afio'e all religion, but to double her diligence therein, and her intreaties at the throne of grace ; to read foms good books ; and particularly to go into religious, knowing company, who would both inftrucl and divert the mind.; that a God of merer, though he might try her for a time, like fome of his fervants of old, (fome of whom I think I mentioned) if fhe waited with patience.* he would comfort her; tr-at the gracious Saviour who died for her, would not forfaks his fervant ; that to put an end to her life was the moft dreadful of all crimes, to rufh ourielves into the prefence of our judge without his call, to fuffcr the Devil to lead us a- jftray, and then, worft of all, to tempt us to defpair of the Divine mer- cv, which is unbounded, and throw ourfeives headlong into Hell, and fo become fure of us ; if fhe died, let it be at the threfhold of rnerc> .-^-* The woman obferved, fhe had a very fevere temporal malady, incident to women, about which, as a Phyfician, fhe wifhed to cortfalt me. To thofe converfant in fuch things, the difeafe is known to be ufually ac- companied with the moft diftreftlng hyfterical complaints. I faid I hoped I could be of ufe to her. She afk?d if the medicines I would prefcribe Would eafe the heart; [ told her I did not think they Would; but that there was an intimate connection between foul and body, and the in- firmities of the body damped the powers of the fcul ; that our blefted Lord acted as a Phyfician in caring the difeafes of the body, as well as the maladies of the foul; and perhaps by relieving the infirmities of the. bodv, the faculties of the fcul might be rendered more vigorous, and fpiritual remedies applied with more effect. Mr. Moor, when I retired from the Prefbytery, told that the woman I converfed with was nnregenerate ; fuch things, it feems, being perfectly known to fome* Worthy members here, by looking in the face; that I had intimated her a weak religious woroan ; and therefore confirmed the opinion of my holding that an unregenerate perfon could have faving faith ; and fipai- 1», that I only prefenbed barks and xvine for her fpiritual complaint. — The woman,- under the wholiome, (harp, ftimulant fpiritual medicines cdminifrered to her afterwards, poifoned herfelf.
An alarmed, awakened perfon, void of faith, we would Undoubtedly
direct fuch to the bleflkd Redeemer* and prayer to Almighty God^ that
he would work in him that faving faith which is his gift, Eph. ii. 8. and
which is the fubftaoce of things hoped for, and the evidence of things
, no: fc?n3 Heb. xi. I. But what evidence will Mr. lisghes, or the Rev.
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Prefbytery of Ohio, give, that the perfon reprefented was void of fav- ing faith ? Out of their own mouths let them be judged. How could a perfon expect comfort in believing, if he knew he had not any faving faith ? But they fay the perfon they defcribe is unreger.erate, and there- fore could rot have faying faith. Let us repeat the dtfenption — A perfon convicted of fin, his loft eftate by nature and practice, his own infufficiency to a recovery; convinced of the all-fufficiency of a Redee- mer, and the admirable fitnefs of the gofpel, and its fuitablenefs to all his neceflities ; wiihes to exercife faith, but retreives not that comfort he ddires. Are thefe the works and defires of corrupt nature, — or cf the Spirit, which are termed regeneration? Can the de^d ra>fe them- fclves ? And can corrupt nature, dead in trefpaiics, quicken itfcM with- out the Spirit of the Almighty, and produce fticb convictions and de- fires ? The Apoftle teaches otherwife : Epl.ef. ii. f, 3. You hath he <juickeneJ, who weie dead in trefpaffes and fins, whertin in times paft ye walked according to thecourfe of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the fpirit that now worketh in the children of df obedience. What are the defires of unregenerate n?ture ? Are they fefolutionS to quit fin, to renounce their own ri^hteoufnef?, and txer- cife faith in Chritt ? J ,b, who w;s not equal to the leaft in the king- dom of Heaven, or under the Gofpel, ecu d have informed Mr. Hughes and the Prefbytery of Ohio, that their language would be, depart trom us, thou Saviour, for we defire not the knowledge of thy wa>S,
But, adds Mr. Hughes and the Prefbytery of Ohio, this perfon muft have been unregenerate, otherwife he muft have immediate comfort in believing, from the affurance afforded him of all his fins being pardon- ed. David, the f.veet finger in Ifraelj who muft be allowed to have beer* regenerate, and to be poilefied of real faving faith, feeras to have hacl his difquietudes and want of inward comfort, (as a trial of his faith and patience for a time) which this perfon complains of: yea, David's ftate of rnind goes Co far as nearlv to drfpair of mercy, Pfal, xl. 5 — IT, 8, .1 1, Why art thou call: down, O my foul ? and why art thou cifiqui- €ted within me? [lope in God, for I fball yet praife km for the help of his countenance. Make me to hear joy and gladnels, that the bones wh.ch thou hart broken may rejoice. Caft me not away from thy pre- ienc«, and take not thy Holy Spirit from me— Exercifes like thefe of the perfon Mr. Hughes reprefented, and to whom I prefcrib^d prayer to Almighty God, through a gracious Redeemer, in the ii fluence of his Hoiy Spirit, to obtain fimi!ar relief.
But perhaps it may be argued that David wr.s unrepenerafe, »s it 13 become fafhionable, with iatc converts, 10 throw away David's Pfalms altogether ; or perhaps, to hoodwink feme bigot? for a time, fing them in the convocation, but always betake them to their rumns when in their ex;^c?s in fociety — others cutting what they think fuits their tafte, caging the remnant out, exclaiming, are there not now as good men as David, and cannot they make as ;>ood Pfalms? though they tnight very well k.now, that th? glorious au'bor of the -Cbriftian reli- gion has givsn teftimoav to David's inspiration as a prophet, and the d.viair.y of his Pfal MS, Hear Wis warrant; (let diem pjoouce jheirs)
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Mith. xxi'. 4r--»4.3. Luke xxiv. 44 Jefus afked them, what think JS ©f Chrift ? Whofe 10* is he? They fay unto h^m, the fort of David; ffe faith, how then doth D^vid in the Spirit call hm Lord ? .Aad he (aid unto them, (hts difcipfes) thefe are the words which I fpake unto you wflile I w*s vvjtn you, trut a!i things muft be fulfilled, which were written in the Pfalms concerning me.
But if David will not p?fs for regenerate, let us pafs to others who muft. Eiij<h, the great reftorcr of the law to Ifrael, who was wrap- ped up to Heaven in a fierv chariot without taftmg death, defpaircd not only of one, but of God's power to pr^ferve a churchT whilit he entertained hi?h notions of himfelfas being the only member; 1 Kings x»x. 14— 18 — iAod the Apoftle Paul, who was carried up to Heaven, and thereby received an earnerl of eternal life- was fearful, left when he preached to others, he (hoit'd be a caftawav* 1 Cor. ix. 27.
But indeed che Rev. James Hughes, and the highly Rev. Prefovtery of Ohio, may charge rhe error to themselves they attribute to me. They drefs up ths mock (hew, and then ridic*Se their own handy work. The folly arifes either from their not knowing rightly to diftinguifh be- tween, or blending together, regeneration, the new birth, the quicken- ing grace, which is the work of the Holy Spirit preparatory to our coming to Chrift, aid which is inftaiitaiieous, and fanffcification, which is the work of the Divine Spirit after the (inner has embraced ChriiTj and is progreflr/e — -the one, viz. regeneration, to ufe the (imilitude of man in the natural life, conferring upon us the powers and faculties in childhood; fancTficiti on, the ripening of thofe powers and faculties in- to action in manhood. What would have been plcafing to the Rcv« Prefb/tery, would have been to declare fanclification prior to, or before juftificatioo ; and therefore to have advifed the perfon to ufe his endea- vours to fearch after fo^»e inward experience, fome acquired felf-righ- teoufnefs, Ifi coming to Chrifr, whereby he might have comfort (or get rehef, or eafe, as it is termed) in the afTurance of a hearty welcome, ac- companied with the pardon of a!! his fios. To ufe the words of fome of the followers of the Rev. Prcfbytery of Ohio to myfelf, they had long been thinking about getting religion, as the laying hold upon a Redee- mer is termed ; but could never get che fomsthin? neceiTary to recom- mend them, to take in their hand along with them. Perhaps their model was the pharifee who went up M the temple to pray, who it feems had a great many of thefe introductory ornaments in his hard; his Daymentof tythes* his fafts, his pravers. iScc. in which the P.- fb.tery of Ohio, in their fo- cieties, nftornthiy an' quarterly rrifeethigs^ attending facraments, giving experienc-s, full v equal hint ; Wrhich, when obferved with becoming decorum, are high!;/ conrrie^d^ble in their own place; and they far ex- ceed the phtnCee \n their fallings, accompwred w.th orher geftures, which are re~ko>ed by mmv, clergy not excepted, the infallible teft j neither are they a whit behind him in undervaluing their neighbours. Did me phi-ife^, however, fare any thing Setter upon account of the recomneidition; he brought *ith him? He who will be the judge of €J lick a id deil, teHs u$, th \t the poor humbled publican, who pretend- ed not to brin* any thing in b:s hand (as indeed neither he nor any of
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the fallen children of Adam have any thing to bring except a brokett heart for fin) but (landing afar off, not daring to lift up his eyes to Heaven* fmote upon his breaft, laying God be merciful to me a (inner* went to his houfe juttified rather than the other; Luke Xviii. 10—154 But from whence are we to get this fomething to carry in our hand to recommend Us to the blefled Redeemer, or the work of fan&ifration Wrought in us before convng to Chrift ? Of what tree is it a branch Or fcion, and w^erit will it (hoot or grow ? Were not the R^v. Pref- byterv ^reat M ifters in lfrae!,~0n* of the iwo fi>st enlightened bod'us in Amirici) as they and fome of their adherents ltylc themfelves, — but even vcied in the natural art of the gardener, they might know, that unleft the fcion be ingrafted in a ftockj it cannot beir fruit; neither do men gather g^per- oi thorns, or figs of thirties. The tree will pro- duce fruic agreeably to its kind. Where then muft this branch be in- grafted in order tn us fhocting forth* and producing fan6t;fieatir.n, bear- ing t". ait Untb htilinefr ? Is it upon the ftock of nature, the wild vine, faiien AHam ; or in the true vine* the Lord Jefui Chir.fV, the glorious fecon.J. Ad*m ? The A^oftle informs us of the fruit produced upon the ftock of nature ; R >m it 29— 31, Filled wHh al! unrighteoufnefs, ma- Iicioutne^\ debate, deceit, WMif'u»erer -* backbiters* b^aftcrs* without na- tural affection, -.rf.p'acable, unmerciful ; who, knowing the judgment Of God, that they who do futh thirgs are worthy of death, nut only do» the urfl^ DM nave pleafiire in them that do them : fruit very like that bsrn« by fo ne converters and converted, which affords ground for fuf- picion rtlativc to the ftock on whxh they have been ingrafted. Our bieffed Lord and bis Apoftie Paui would have informed thefe R-v, Gentlemen* if thev had consulted them, where the branch of fandtifi- eation fiourifli^s ; John xv. 5. 2 Cor. v. 17. 1 am the vine, ve are the branches; he that abideth in me and I in h m, the fame, hringeth fortfl much fruit; for without me ye can do nothing.— -If anv man Be in Chrift Jefu«, he i* a new creature. The Prefbytery of Ohio contra- dict their D vine Maftcrand his Apoftle, and maintain, that the branch not in the vi;>e can bs%? fruit; that without Chrift we can do fomething, and he that is out of Chrift Jtfus may be far:£tif}<?d and a new creature; and rai.fc the cry againft me, which has refou>nded from one part of the American contment to tha other, be ware of the monfter 1 Shun the he- retirk who ifTerts the contrary!
The Rev. Prefbytery of Onio, had they but reflected with the judg- ment of an ordinary Chriftian, would have difcovered that the notion of bringing fomething: in our hand to recommead us to our a!l-»racious Redeemer, or art impudent belief, calkd by them religious exptritnee, that fomehow Or other we may get ourfelves wrcu^hc mro, that we think ourfelves worthy, in its contequence overturns the Doclnne of Grace, and in tfs fte<*d eftaolifhes the doctrine of justification by the Law. If any endeavour, or exertions, can obtain us one particle of re- commendation, aftili greater will ga'n more, and fo on until we have Ef- ficient recommendation in ourfelve*, and confequently net ftand in need •f a Saviour's recommendation; it being obvious, chit he who h« plen-*
B
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fty of money In to's own coffers, has not any need to borrow, much fefe to become a beggar; he that is every whit clean, has not occafton to go to the fountain to be wafhed ; he that is gorgeoufly adorned in purple and file linen, requires not to go in feareh of clothes to cover his na- kednefs ; John xiii. 10. R^v. iii. 17, 18. Yea, our text will carry us further, and land us at the doctrine of fuperertgatiorr, or performing more than duty, and confequently having lometh.ng to fpare, which, being laid up as a frock in the church, may be retailed out in indul- gences to thofe who may have neglected,.or not rightly performed their duty: for certainly, if thofe who go on only in the ordinary courfe have wherewith to recommend themfelves, they who perform double, per- haps treble, have a great deal more than is nectilaryy and therefore can fpare fome.
Though this doctrine is exprefsly contradicted by our bleflVd Lord p.nd his Apoftle Paul, (which from what went before does not teem to' be much attended to) who declare, Luke xvii. 10. Rom. iii. 20. that in- performing the higheft duty, (which is mightily incumbent on us) un- lefs we will do more than we can do, we are unprofitable fervants, ha- ving but done our duty, not having any thing to recommend ourfdvesr without fparing to others ; and that by the dteds of the law there (halF no fleih be juftified in his fights And this point is befides inteftibijr eft^bliih d from all our performances of duty being merely for our own' good, in that we cannot better the Almighty as one man can ferve an- other. Yet perhaps, with all this, the Rev. Prefbytery of Ohio may not think the doctrine of merit inexpedient, as it has been ufeful i* times pail, fo it may be yet ferviceable to popularity and worldly emc lament: more particularly as they have fome (lock on. hand, ?rtd (fur- pftfixtg to relate,- that people will endeavour to act rationally in every thing but religion), rhey have ftill a market. They have preachers, that,; if others preach before them, no matter how rationally picas, all is as calm as the foreft without the midnight breeze — upon their mounting tlfb pulpitand extending their oratorial powers, exclaiming, ul am noC i; attended to— my labours are ufelefs — I may fit down," accompanied with the ufual theme, fome dreadful terrors,, the congregation becomes like the waves of the ocean when the ftorm rufhes forth : again, as if poffufTed of fome fopernatural power, lowering their tone and dTiringr their audience to be ftill, they have fomething of the laft importance to
icii.c, all Is filent as the grave! -The Apoftle preached otherwife,
and taught his hearers to make another ufe of his preaching ; 2 Cor. IV. 5. lie preached hot htmfelf, but Chrift jefus the Lord. .They have- faitc'i s, Minifrcrs not excepted, who, not having occafion forfuch things' trpmfeives, fail for others". The Apoftle tells of one, Heb. vii. 25 whe* hh fallen once for all, able to fave to the uttermoft all- who come unto? God by him. The noon-day fun needs not the glimmering taper; the juintf* of the riches of the Godhead wants no fupply from the beggv/ of bu.nanity. The Rev. Picfbvtery of Ohio have had among lium's1 feminary termed (I had Stiaaoft faid Wafphembufly) The College of
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t5* ace, ("2) out of which their body has been chiefly recruited.-^ Tnough this College fince a late importation is not (o highly fonorous in titles, (for where w.fdom is there i| humility-,) yet as the old rule i3 /till couhderable, and the people are bn ken to the pace-, until they a- Waken, l*zy people, bachelors, or w d >wur?, who cannot get wivcf,as tfoon as thev get the grammar mto their harms may ftill ^et married to Miniver's dai ghters, or if to others, their father-in-law::, if the) have not cafh in t^i.ci, can pafs bonds for rheir College fees; or if old mtn living wiv;$>> pafs. bonds trnmfelves; no matter how fh^rt they liay, what abilities, or how qualified, the College certificate imports real converhon, and will pal* (he Picibytery as current bank ftcck, and h congregation faddled, (whilfr foreigners, no matter who, will be (hue out, as wanting what the hlder fiiid was deficient the other fidi* of the mountain ;) tor it mull be known, that it is the Miniftet's daughter's portion, to get in the bocdi due, and the people have to pa) them; nei- ther can they douDt that fddb a itctl ng Prefovtefji w.ll give them pro- per value lor their money.
Commm fenfe wouia tell the Rev. Prcfbyiery c.f Ohio, that juffifi- fcation muft neceffimly precede fan&iffcation. A criminal, upon his pr^feflwns ot amendment Of life, (ftmiiar to the awakening in icgene- rjtion) mull have time, in a reprieve, or pardon, to lhew the finctritv of his aecWatioflfei A Criminal muik U. parAoifedj before a ftate frill
(2) A gen* It man in Pittflurgh (alt acted to the R.e°u. Prefbxtery rf Ohio, Hvbtch cf.c;o:Jl, fen: ireacoers tcthat lowt, thq*gh rot ir, th+:r iiouna: ) tbjtrvtd to my ■worthy, Uarr.ea friend, the Rev. Rfhtrt bteel, then invited to jt tile, ard freaching in the congregation, that he numdd rta.tt.tnend to Mr. Steel tc pcjix or a rjum.vtr of month} to Canonjbwgb Academy, <vcbub he fiyied " tic College " of Grace;" to ijuhub Mr. Steel <verj jltdiciouflj repltrd, that grace ix.as not a gift to be cbxfi>r;d in a human College.
The l&tei'rtfidi-iit of tie Cannoi fburgb Academy, (no*v Co/leg* ) told me, *vhen I iveit ufon ?ni firjl tvijft there, avd preached, that they hud not any no- tion -f Cdlegtd AliKiJt/rs.
I'ooM^h teaming dots nit confer gra-e, yet in the opinicn of the Apr:lU Paul, (njcho ixas not a nwvtte } it it an 'xccilen* handmaid ; ur.d therefore Le exports' \T:m->thy to give attention to readinYi ta a.ctrir.e. to meditation, tlat his f rift- ing might appear to ail, that in '/'frothy prrac'i ers of a future day m:ght kwve tin example ; forefeetng at t:e i;tt>n.ti, that in the 'ajt days foil; wjuld p.<fs or itifdem. doctrmes adapted tc ca.'ca t> e eon of f;y tiomfr, old 1: itcs* fa- Mes, 'would be "j nted fr preaching; 1 Tim. i*u 7. 15 — 16 2 'l:m Hi 7. 4".d our bleff d Lord »i ma ■:<:> t I ,.>/d hearers :f the cor equencrs cf
heir neglect of kncwed'ge; hiath. x*¥, 14.. f the Hind It ad tr.e thud, both hall fail into the ditch.
An Elder of Chartitrs congregation , nvlo liz.es near W/>Jhingtcn tenvn, re- narkfdto me, a^rteabU to tic c<.rrft:cn jCrtimtnt . tlat tit Al > j*er s raiffd upon ke <u>eft of the mov :t:.ti nutrt not oniy equal in orator-; tc t'c/e upon tkr caff 'de% but had the inward Pa;: tie othtr wanted*. As this LLiir is a very ild sntleman and prof tffes to re a freat convert % / s mi* it have learned frcm the >- Peter, nvho <w*s a b pot until changed by g>a:et that Almighty Gtd is p re/pea er cf pcrfons »r f&acetj Acis x 3 j..
D 2
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reftore him to the exercife of the privileges of citizenfliip : anu* on£ great defign of Chrift's, in beftowing pardon upon finners, is, that confident with God's righteous moral government, he may confer upon them the other part of his pus-chafe, \\ti. the aid of the Spirit to prepare them for, and carry them to Heaven. Agreeably to this, our blefterf Lord, having firft purchafed the pardon Upon the crcft, afterwards fent the Spirit, the Ssnc\ifier. Accordingly, the Apcftfe informs us, Rem, viii. 30. whom Gad called, or awakened, (f*s in regeneration} to em- brace the offers of the Gofpel, them he justified ; and whom he ju (li- fted, them he alfo glorified,, conformed them to the image of hit bletfed Son* their elder brother;, which is the work of fanelificationenly begun in their calling;, conferred upon them all the privileges of his children, union and communion with h;m, as an earned of Heaven, evidenced in peace of conference, joy in the Holy Ghoft, and perfeverance unto- the end: which the Apoftle terms a bleffing us with all fpiritual blcff- tngs in heavenly places,, and a railing us up together with Chrift, an# | making us fit together in heavenly pkces in Ghrift Jefus ; Eph. i. 3. ii- 6. a glorification evidently in time, for the Apoftle fpeaks of it as- pad, whereas when he mentions the glorification in Heaven, be fpeaks of it as yet t© comej Rom. viii. 17, 1 8. And indeed, befides, it muft be evident to any confederate mind, that a foul truly fanftified dan<Js in no need of juftificatiofl afterwards, being incapable of going to Hell, as no way fuited to the place or fociety; neither could it be roifersble, ha- ving the feeds of complete happinefs within fcfelf;. neither would a God of infinite holinefs and judice condemn his own moral image.
After the late Prefbvfery, the Rev. Thomas Moor, one of the mem- bers, accompanied by the Rev. Mr. Badger, Miffionary from the eaft- ern ftates, attended at the Wafhington Academy. Mr. Badger preach- ed, and prayed that the congregation might be directed to a fuitable Gofpel Teacher; and Mr. Moor read me out an excommunicate. If this is law and Church difcipline* it cuts up all appeals to fuperior courts by the roots ; it being evident to the humbled capacity, that it is a matter of little importance to a man., when executed, whether he is tried or not. From the fpecimens of Miifionaries we have had at Washington, if the defign of their midion was to convert the Heathen,; their bufinefs here has been to difgrace, and cad out of the Church,] their brethren in the Gofpel Miniftry from the old countries. Perbap* the reafon may be, they have not thirty. three dollars and one-third peil mo^th for converting thefe, and worfe than all, the intruders might b« looking for a bite of th? loaves and fifhes. Let thofe who think the] ftand take heed left they fall. The Rev. Thomas M-oor's two congre gation?, in the midd of the bte great Falling Revival, with fc c?etie every nipht in the week, read him out at home and in Prefbytery, anc obl:£ed him to leave their fociety.
Tfte caufe of thefe mifbkes is., perfbns never framed by nature to bi pr^rchers, withcut knowledge, snd not unfrequeotly without talents anil princin'e, mud of themfelvf c, or from the partial ill-digefted notions 0 relatives or connections, oufh forward into the facred office of the Mi niftry, for which perfons every way of the firft eminence are bttt i!
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prepared, and at the ferious profped of which, the A pottle Paul, that profound matter of eloquence, fo ably inilructcd at the feet of Gama- liel, was forced to exclaim, irom a icni't ol his inability to the arduous talk of Mtecuting the moit exaltid, perilous office of Ambaflador be- tween Chrift and tinners, 2 Cor. ii. 16. and who is fufficicnt for thcie things ? Such Teachers, like the veflel in the tem^eftuous ocean, uith a great deal of fail and little ballad, and therefore wiil not obey the helm, having not any opinion of their own, are carried about with eve- ry wind of doctrine broached by fpeculative, imaginary, moft probably well-meaning theories, as ferves the popular cut rem, fuch as a Rev. Mr. Bellamy, and writers of a like cad, who haye made attacks upon a pious and very judicious MarfhaJ, in his treatife upen fan&ification, and a venerable Htrvey, on a ljke {ubjecl, in his T heron and Afpslio; men whofe praife is in the churches, and whofe eminent piety and good fenfc will be held in efteem, by the real lovers of truth and vital reli- gion, when the writings and memories of their opponents will ceafe to be remembered, except in pity for their errors.
Such Teachers are encouraged in their folly and impofition, by fj- perftition in the people, thinking it fuflicient to belong to a Church called after a certain denomination, pride in having a party, and above all, careleiThefs in attending to the difference between the name and the qualifications of a Gofpel Minister; and in no part of the world is this mere the cafe than in America, where it might be leaf! expected, and p^ttCularly upon the weft fide of the mountain ; and thereby giv- ing too much reafon to the judicious Mr. Rankin for the obfervation, in his remarks upon what has been called the Religious Revival in Kentucky and thefe parts : M The people of America are etteemed ex- •* tremely judicious, and they aii fo in ineir temporals. If thev have a 44 lawfuit about their plantation or eftate, they felad the beft Lawyer -t "dangerouGy fick, they make choice of the molt fkilful i'hyiician ;but 44 any Q^iack will do for the foul. "(3) Of which daily examples are to be met with, like two which occurred lately where i was on an excur- sion to preach. A lenfible, religious )oung man told me, that a few Lord's days before, he had ixen detained wuo very ioi.g preaching, and
(3) There is nothing kere /aid ivitb the fmalltt intention of cafling rrj?ec- , tiens u^on any /ociety or per/on preachtr (,*• >ajman, being m, >>r ry'tng Juki the JovJc/i pule of 'lift, with tit hutnbeji talent > , and jmsiitji portion (/ kr:oiyled~it I who, from piety und zeal /or lie glory of God, tie aaimnciag of the Redeemer's kingdom, and the falvation of precious, its mortal /u/s, atttmpi to conitilute " tbetr mite *uen to ibi giving a cup of cold <u.attr to a di/cipU in the nai/.t 0/ c Cbrtjf in tbetr proner Jiution with becoming butmlity ; till it is mcjt humbly e and rtjptdfuJy alitd^fd. that fe*/omi <wlo, from their childhood, have devoit .1 If time, fortune, talents and wdujiry, 10 prepare tbetn/l'ves for the mimjtr; , ait ,BI not onlv bitter qualified to ttucb, out, Lemg in/maed tit the fib— I if the pro- phets. 1 Sam xtx 18 2 X./r/s ii 3 — $ ■-— '■<*■ $& thij MM be more rej/onnhly axti did to have the inward call oj the spirit, und a bleJJiHg unending tbr<r iuh-jwi ; move e/picially than tbife who, ha-uing been tit jacks t>f all t*uasi0 and bankrupts in the vjboU, a/ierixeirds betake themi'tlves to it,e lip'J 3i; a Jm t?t Mi/2 difficult if all .*;..;«£j, 1* metml a grtiltu J*t nuu.
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would have been extremely happy in flaying, if he could, have learned what the Preacher meant to be at. My friend with whom I lodged, informed me that a moft refpe&able, exemplary neighbour, who had come to hear his Minister, a great mafter in a certain work, rtqueft- cd him to enqutre what point he m$ant to eftabl fh. by his dtfcoorfe upon that occasion.
At the time I had the converfation v. ith the Rev. John M'MUIan, relative to the Prefbytery's objection againft me, as there was not fuf- £cient time then, we fixed that I mould wait upon him at his own houfe, which I did accordingly. I obferved there to Mr. McMillan,, that I wlftied not to be further troublefome to the Prefbvtery, but would make mort work, take a circuit round the member?, (which I after- wards did) and therefore requefted his knriments fir ft, as the father of the Prefbytery, which he would be plea fed. to c rnmit to writing ; and if I had not encouragement 1 ihould defift. Mr M'Millan feid he w*s not for difcouraging me; but that he would not write with me, but would write to, or confult the other members, which he afterwards in- formed me was not done. He told me he did not fee what right I had to come to their* Prefbyterian body for admittance, as my hearers out of the old country, (fo.me of whom he named in his own bounds) all: turned Seceders. I replied, that I was railed an old fide Prefbyterian,, and was well pleafed with my profeflion, and would be forry to leave my church \ but there were certain inquiries and modes of Pfalmody made uie of by feme Minifters, very different from thofe they h?d been accuftomed to, and therefore not pleating to us old country people,—, Juch preachers they left, and went to Seceders as being; moft agreeable to what they were taught to believe as Prtfbyterianifm*. Mr. M'Mil-- lan fa id he believed fo.
Mr. McMillan obferved, that he had not heard me exprefs my Gof-. pel Doctrines from the pulpit. I reminded him that he heard me in hia, Academy, and afked him how he approved of my performance at the time. Mr. M'Miiilan laid, aye, he had heard me, and cculd not fcy I fpoke any ill, but could: not fay I fpoke much good. I told him, if he would be pieafed to allow me an opportunity of preaching, I hoped I fhouid let him hear forne good ; and having learned of Mr. M'Millan when their next monthly meeting at tbe Academy was to take place, I appo nted to attend that day ;. and having fpent a night wich him, meft hofpitably entertained, parted in feerningly great friendship, wherebv I ¥?as induced, in the town of Cancnfb.urgh, upon my road from Mr. M'Miluii's, in converfation widi one ot his fubferiber?, to reprobatea- ny fiiggis^lions that he or others U*£ aliedged, rehtive to Mr. M'Mil-. Jan's opposition to me j to which the gentleman flmply replies!, a Mr. 4,1 Birch take care of yourfe'.f !"• In my circuit round the members of Prefbytery, one of the Mincers told me, that he was informed bv a neighbour, that M:. M-Millan had been faying that Mr. Birch had mention**! to rum his intention of preaching in the A tad Miry, — but i£ Birch came, he would not 'permit hirn to preach. Thecler?vman ob- served, ihu he would not advife me not to go, but he was prct y ces- tajn that X would not be allowed to preach. Nut receiving anv ujtfTaW
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from Mr. M'Millan, I attended, It it I might be charged with a breach «; promilc, as .vithrut doubt would have been the cafe. I met the Rt v. Jv.hn Waifwn, ihe Prefidrnt, at the door, and informed him, tr at Mr. MM Ilau had fixed wuh me to preach that day. Mr. Watfon Lid Mr. M'Millau w«s in the countr), and that I could not be permitted 10 preach in his abfence ; and proceeding into the Acadtmy, he began woifhip by giving oui a Pfalm, and afterwards dcdnnp fonie lawmen and Eiders to pray. After forne time the Rev. John M Millan came into the Academy, followed by a gieat body of people, a number of whom, upon Mr. M'Millan's proceeding into the pulpit, turned about and iefc the houfc, said a number of my friends in the houfe would have d >me fo, only out of refpeft for the worfh p. But the All- wife D fooler of hunan events frequently overrules intended injuries into bleilings. Without Mr. MMillan'i conduct upon this cccaficn, I might perhaps ha^'c been forever ignorant of what the Rev. Prefbytery meant by Re- ligious Experience, — which the Rev. J.>hn M'Millan defciibed, in the molt ftjiid ftrams, to confift ofcertain operations, alledged by him tq be wrought in the mind, or fou!, by the H..ly Spirit, whereby finners are brought to experience particular inward feelings, from which (with- out taking coufi-quent practice, our bleil'ed Lo.-ci's teft, Math. vii. 16. >e (hall know them by their fruits, into the account) rhey mav encode, ima<lib!y, rclaMve to their great rtewardfhip account being finally paffV td wth acceptance. And thefe feelings are fuch an indifpu table as I have heard from another great matter in the Rev. Prefbytery if Ohio, (though the Wife man has dedared, Piov. xxvi. 12. v. hat hopes are to oe formed of thofe who are wife in their own conceit) that • Without knowledge, they were the unobjectionable qualifications even for 'he grand fealing ordinance of the Lord's Supper, from which, in the lite, what has been called, Revival, (M-niiters, he laid, had obferv- ed) they did not fee how they could keep back children 01 eight years old, and actually per Tons grofsly ignorant are admitted ; and (though, not immediately in *he bounds of the Prefbyrerv of Ohio) young per- ionl n »t of fufficienrly ripe years (as I have been creditably informed] have been introduced to the Lord's table bv fonie of their difcipl?c, nar- T'cularly the R v. Thomas Hugru-s, of the Rev. Prcfb. t-rv of fcric, and brethren down the rive^ — of whom I have been informed by u.'vi were prerem, that chile. fh inconfideration, at the Lore's tahie, evidenced, in ihetr lo-ikin^ about them l.ka fo many pigeons upon an tm'n-nce |>a£king in the fun*
Having d fcovertd what tlie Rev. P.efovtery cf QhU r x nmtmal a:q taintanee wrth m, i let au >ut the arranyc;
ot fame of the religious f.nfef'cns or feelings of mv mir-d, whi rh ? v-v of its operations or Working?, in the fev^rai fHges 01 life, and un- der various ioinreffiois, prefrncd to mv view.
In tnv jnurney to the menders of the Uev. Prtfbyrery of 0'--r\ Hrch beinj, »n w.n'rr, wav not only extremely fatiguing, hut f.rrrt'iic in p^t '1 of mv )f ■ i call sd up m Ju I ge E Jgar, an Eld r re| nfed ot [
z tiilt 11 rl -•■■ nee, and murieu to the f:f^r q( ?. rv I piuid, and intre?.ctd his goo4 ^.^:es> ltifc my bufiuefs with ihc R-*
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j? refrytery of Ohio, under the agency which the Rev. J>hn M'MiUan was faid to be carrying on, might not be for the intertft of religi« n, For the like reafon,! rode a great part of a night in waiting upon Mr. John Lyle, another moft rcfpe&able Elder and connection. And learn- ing that the Rev. Prefbytery of Ohio was to meet upon the third Moar day in April, I waited upon them.
A circumftance took place before my examination in Prcfbyterv, in which (>f that Rev. body had manikfttd a Gofpd fpint) all the unhap- py consequences which have fince enfued, would have been prevented, A few perfons in the town of Wafhington, headed by a gentleman not of the molt orthodox principles or greateft religious fervour, oppofed my coming to Wain 'trig to*, not from religious views, as the gentleman aftc wards told me, but from a party fpirit of aggrandizement. S^me few other*, who were rhe moft forward in inviting me to W;;fhington the fii ft time, finding I would not be cordially received by the Rev. Prefbytery of Ohio, and efpecially bv the Rev, John M'Mliajn, declined, and rather united with the other oppoiing party. However, perce and good will were become nearly reftored, Andrew Swearinge-n, Efq. an old Elder in Waftiington congregation, was Comm>Sorer from the Opponents fpr obtaining fu.>plies, and Mr. Samue! Whin Commiffion-. er from my friends, f obferved to Mr. Sweariugen, that I wifhsd for peace, and therefore, if he would be pleafed to concur in an applicatie'n to Prefbytery, to have the mintjsof the W&ihington congregation tak- en, and for that purpofe fend a notice the firtt Lord's dav, and a placed Minifter the next onej and if I had not the moft decided ki\fe of the people, I fhould immediately refijjn, provided Prefby.ery would declare me only admitted upon trials, fo that undtr *he Ah«n Law I would not be obliged to aoply to the next Genwal Aifembly, to prevent fufpen- lion, and thereby be put hack another year. Mr. Swearingen and Mr. Whan moft hear til v concurred with me in the propotal, Mr. Swearin- gen obferving, as he did upon other occafions, that for his part he had no objection to me ; and as for the obftacle with the others, it was that I was thought to be in the way of their carrying their meerin.g-hcufe elecTr>n ticket, in which he did not thin* them right. The Rv Sa- muel Rilfton, being applied to, declared his willingnefs to attend at i W a (hi rig ton, and take the people's minds. The matter beirj> commu- liicafed to the whole, or the greater part of the members of Prefbytery, the Rev. John Waff m obferved, that they could not agree to any iuch propofal, as they did not know whether they would oat's my trials ; and to overruled, and proceeded to appoint fupplies to Wafrington, which was confidcred as a declaration of hoftility by the Frefbyterj, ag:3<inft my ever having any peaceable fettieme»t in the congregation. The Prefbytery fbortiv after proceeded to my bufinefs, when I was cal!ec| upon to give evidence of my experimental acquaintance with religion; Upon which I addrefitd them in fubftance as follows :—
h mm the mode pra&ifed in examinations in Piefbyrerifs in Ireland and Scotland, and what is let forth by fuch European Divines as I faave been converfant with, thinking that faith evidenced by, or leading IfU^tuclice, w^i yghai w*s aicaiit by religious ex^eiieiice, I ferrangffl
( 51 )
my evidence to th? laft Prefbytery accord:ngly, in which, perhaps, I di«J n >c reprefsnt my conceptions of religion, the laward difcoverks and operation* of my mind, in a fuificiciuly clear point o* view. 1 fhall therefore attempt a further explanation of thefe particular.
As to my conceptions of religion, 1 consider uan as dead in tref- piff-^% aid fins, oppoiite to that which is *< oc ; arid that as a d'-ad body is incapable or any ad, in coiv.fi* on life, fo he i\ ui, until quickened, and the bent of its coVriipt will changed, by the Spirit ot G ■■■< , is incapable pi complying with any one f«ving aci. The foul is paffive in the re- newing operation \ it is active, when thus enabled, in cuir.ng to Chrift, and embracing him upon God's own terms.
I believe a Saviour not only aoioliitely nrafLrv, rut alfo, that he who is to be embraced as fuch, mutt be infinite in all rvrfetiions and exellencits i fuch I believe ihe Divine J rus to b^, the Iniwanuel, God in oar nature; and a» ftfch 1 embrace him, and loot for fojvsriori Only as freely coming through h s merits, not for anv y ks o* righte- oufnefi, left any man (h»u!d boafr. And when con^ to Chnft, I am convinced it is only through the influence of the Hivine Spirit that the w jrk of firi&inca'ion vs perfected, and all Chrihian v. clones are to be gained, until the Redeemed arrive in Heaven.
Though I imagine 1 did not fee trtings (o clearly as now, I ble/t G >d in thinking I was very early unJer tne influence of D.vine grace, Co that I can fcarcely dare a beginning ; and to this i attribute my ear- ly delight in religion, my love to G •■■d, Carift and the Holy Spintj m.jf heart being cheered at 'he found or G^\ praifes j rav fondnefs to tayf my prayers, to attend Divine wurfnip, refp^cl for Uft divs. abhorrence of profane exprefli >ns and evil corn;>iny I remember when very U'ungj I vas much d eligb ed with reflecting upon the inflate cond;fce fior* of Almighty God, in dei^nin^ to attend to the prave^ and ^ifss of 1 little one like me, and thertb- indjeed to f]n£, with UoilUr Watts ift k.s H:ft Divine Soing for Children,
How glorious is our Htav'nly K.lngt
W> 'ho reigns above tht jhj ! H*w Jhail a ChilJ prefwne to fingy
Hit dreadfttl Alojeity ?
How great his pow'r $f% iffi* can tellt Nor tb:nk how Ai» ge his frtii ;
Not men bc'<o<t), ntrjainti that aintA On higo before k is face. I was mi|cb enraptured in contemplating the infinite love and conde- fceuilon of Chrift, in comin; to die f >r loft fiUrfers ; and upon reprc- fentations of the fufFeringS he enduicd from uncareful men, I wa* in- duced to let fall fliowers of tears of live and gratitude' I rfl.ct°d how Honourable mud it be t-> be God's fcrvant, efpccialU a Aiinifter. Such as bore that it«tion I greatly refpedt<d, thinking howholv muit ticv be. I w&s much captivated with the thoughts of living in Heaven W«th ihe Holv God, the Divine Saviour, the blefled Spirir, angel', and jth- fouis of ihe reli^iouf, where there would not be ir.y fox;ow ••■
( 5« )
*rTckednefs, but holinefs and eternal hallelujahs; and that my little Feet might tread the heavenly arch, and this fypported me under all trou- bles. I wis moS devour, and had thefe contemplations mod frequent- about facramcnt times, or faft days, ixknefs, the deatns of rd.uves and jieiffhbou.-s. Tnough believing thefe works or grace, yet upun uiaiL.e rtfi ctian, I think chat perhaps I had too much of fclf-righteeufi cis :a all thefe workv, efteermug m ftif, like the phanfee with the publican, better than fome of my neighbouring little boys, who were not fo cir- cumfpect as myfelf,
After! went to the College, throu eh infnaring; company, I had wanderings. By D vine grace, through checks of conference, I return- ed to duty, and became more circumfpeft. I had repeated coi?fl cts, the interett of Chuift always finally prevailing ; after which I went on in my religious exercifes, much humbled. I had a fevere fever about this time, ia which my life was defpaired of; which gave a powerful awakening, and furthered the bufinefs. A conliderabic time af er, I had new out-breakings, followed by (harp conflicts, the fpirit finally conq lering the fleih, f allowed by much felf-abafement, and complacen- cy in D vine gace having brought back a ftraying prodigal.
This vitlory was confirmed by an awakening fo.ne months befcre my leaving the College, accompanied with tears and pious refolutions. About three years after this time, fay about fJrent}-four years age, at the death of a dear companion, I had a molt alarming awakening fer fome months.
Though I arn convinced there never was any time that I looked fpr filvation, except through the merits of the Lord Jefu5t and than only, I think that,efpecia'ly fince the fore -mentioned awakening, I havegia- tiuallv received clearer views; I have more fully discovered my loft and undone ftate by nature and practice, and that aii mv attainments were filthy' rags ; and to loath myfeif in Lckcioth and afne%and cry out with the leper and publican, uncleao, unclean,— God have mercy uom me a miferable finncr, for I have grievouflv offended ygainii thee ; Lev. x;n. 45. Luke x viii. 13. I have bsen brought to contemplate God's ma- jeitv and holi»efc, and my finful imouritv; my own total infufEciency, and Chrid's a'l-fufficiency. Viev/n? God's puritv and holinef«, and Rny own guilt, 1 am covered with ihame and confufion of f-ice ; difco- vering him as reflected in the face <>f his AnointedvI am whhe as fnow. I difcern all his attributes beautifully harmonize in the falvatiO.o of Chnft,-— his unbounded wifriGm in ths plan; his juftice, righteous de- testation of fin, a;.d love of mercy, in the atonement; his holinefs in the ianctifjeation of the fmner, qualifying him for Heaven ; Utadrng rae to ling, witn the holy Pfalmiit, Ffal. Ixxx x. — Ixxxv. Jultice aid judg- ment are the habitation of thy throne ; mercy and truth fliall jjo bt/ore thv fact*; mercy and truth are met together; righteoufaefs ad peace have k {{ d ~ach other. When f have b-en brought to view the ma- j - tv of G ,J, and his condefcenlion, amidft the imrnenfitv of his works, in tn» Oilvation of lo(l doners, at fuch a prire as the d iuh ol his well h. 'i'.ve.T and .only begotten Son-, I have heen fi'\ed with rapture, tears qi love a.id gratitude fijwiflg iio.n my eyes, cauiin^j me to cry out, with
( J9 J
the Apoftlrs John and Pau\ this is not after the manner of men, O Lord God j O the heigluh, the d-*pth of the love of God, which is in Chrift Jefus ! We may reverence' and adore what we cannot compre- hend. When I have viewed the inexhauftible riches of Chrift, his free invitations, Ho, every one that thiifteth, come ye to the waters, and ye that want money, and buy mti^Sr and honey without price- — C->me unto me all ye that labour and arc heavy laden, and ye (hail find reft to your fouls,— and my own defperate poverty, I have been aioft powerfully conftraiiied t> a doling with Chrift, not only, I hope, from an outward fpeculative knowledge, but a thirftmg, a going to him, like the blind men to receive their fight j fomething inwardly fweetly drawing me, making me willing, and caufin^ ins to cry out, with the P/almift and twelve Apoftles, Lord, whether fhould I go, but urito thee > thou art the Lord our God ; thou alone haft the words of eternal life.
In this way I have nude many frequent, free dedications of myfelf to God, through Jefus Chrift, more particularly at the Lord's table, accompanied with moft hearty refolutions of forfaking (through hi* grace) all fin, and devoting myfeif to his fervice, linoing with holy Da- vid, depart from me all ye evil doers, for the law of my God } do pur- pofe to obey, Sometimes reflecting upon the amating condefcenfiort of Chrift, to allow creatures to fit at his table, and unworthy me to prefide, and how unlike this was to the haughty demeanor of the rep- tiles of this world to their dependants, or thofe in an humbler ftatior, I have been led to cry out with the Pfalmift, Pfal. viii. 4. Lord, what is man that thou art mindul of him,— the fon of fallen Adam, a worm, a child of the Devil, that thou fhouldft thus honour him ? Upon occa- fnns of this fort, viewing the crimfon dye of my fins, I have been ftruck with melancholy; contemplating the inexhauftible fur d of mer- cy in God and merit in Chrift, I have been cheered in the moft reviv- ing hjpe, caufirsg me to fing wi:h Dr. Watts, li. Pfalm,
Aff-fott are great, but can't furpajs
V be foreign power of thy grace ;
Great God ! thy goodnefs knowi no bounds
And let thy pardoning grace be found :
And locking to Chrift as conferring upon me the unfperkable gift of redeeming love, I have fung with holy David, Pfalms cni. Ixxxix. cxlv, Blefs, O my ful, the Lord thy God,
And not forgetful he Of all his gracious benefit f, He hath bestowed on thee :
Who doth redeem thy life, that thou
To death miyi't not go dewv : Who thee with loving kindnefs doth,
And tender met cies crown.
God's wmrcres I u ill ever faz.
And with my mouth I pall Hhy faith/ ul/iif make to be Jtnoziin,
'4 o generations a A.
«s
fT* '
.$£
&&
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i Qtll thee extol, my God O King, *»
Fll blefs thy name always ; ■ /• S'hee will I blefs each day, and wiM
\ Thy name for ever pteije.
The Lord is very gracious*
In him companions Jlow ; t
In mercy he is very great,
And is to anger flow,
I think I fee more and more that all fulnefi d wells in God and Cnrift j convinced of the life-giving and foul- fatisfying nature of religion, the «ne thing needful; counting all things but lofs, vea dung, the mire of ihe ftreet, for the excellency of Chrift Jefus my Lord, not having any righteoufnefs of my own, which is by the law; and thereby a fweet in- ward joy and compofure of mind* from the hope of being freed froaa Che condemning power of the law; the bent of the mind, in Divine Arength, leading me to greater cheerfulnefs and conftancy in duty ; — * caufihg me to cry out and fmg, with the Prophet and Pfalmift, teach Jne, O Lord, and I (hall be taught ; turn me, and I mall be turned ; draw me, and I fhall run after thee : fo they go from ftrength to ftreogth tinwearied, until every one appears before the Lord in Zion. Lord God of Hofts hear my prayer, O Jacob's God give ear. One day fpent in thy courts, is better than a thoufand in tents of fin. I would rather be a door-keeper in the houfe of my God, than dwell in the pa- laces of iniquity.
Sometimes I have a dulnefs, a deadnefs, (at periods) bordering up- ©w defpondency; which I take to be the withdrawing of the Divine in- fluences, in fome mrafure, that I may feel the neceffity thereof; caufing Ine to cry out with David, why art thou in heavinefs, O my foul ; why art thou difquieted within me ? Truft in the Lord ; thou fliah yet per, celve the light of his countenance : after which I have had a flow, fill- ing the foul with life and vigor.
I am fond of retirement tor contemplation and devotion, and for ma- ny years, when alone, at home or travelling, have been accuftomed to fimg my meditations ; and burfts frequently rufh into my foul, by which I am fo enraptured in a Divine love, that I could with the utnioft cheerfulnefs, refign myfelf to *hs lofs of property or even life, if Chrift or bis caufc fhould require ; faying with Job, the Lord gave, and the Lord taketh awav, and bleffrd be the name of the Lord ; wiih Paul, I hare learned in every ftate therewith to be contented; wuh my Diviae A4after, thy will be done en earth as it is Heaven.
The glory and tnajefty of God are every where prefented to me in his works, in the wood*:, particularly in your America, where fne hum- ble ft of ma okind, trom the unbounded munificence of their Creator, have the nio^ lunerb domains planted, and the poor Runge traveller may pafs oh feeur* from the parching rays of the fun, in Terpentine wa'ks and m^anderin^, wot to be exceeded by the decorations of the iirti lords of the earth ; caufmg me to f-nji with David, the trees of G$i are fall of ftp., even t'hc great cedars £a tep&hon, phtaiffd by his
' " ( 6i )
almighty hand : the earth is full of thy bounty. Contemplating the \m-> finite number of human beings, and other creature?, inhabiting our earth, all fed by the bounty of the common parent and Lord, ana thi* contrafted with the want of charity, or penury of man, 1 have been led to fing with the Pfalmift, Pfa). cxlv. the eyes of all things wait on thee, thou giver of all good ; thou openeft thine hand liberally, and fatisfies all their wants. In florins at fea, I have difcovered a moft ftriking em- blem of Divine power, and viewed them with very little fear, convinced that God's Providence equally extended to the fea as the dry landj and looking at the immenfe liquid rolling mountains, jhreatcning death at every bound, have fung, as in the Ixxxix. Pfalm, Evn in the raging of the ft a>
Thou over it dost reign ; And when the waves thereof it fwefl9 Thou stillest them again. In the fun I have difcerned a lively emblem of Chrift ; the fun difpei- Ting the fogs or rnifts, cherifhing by his genial heat, man, beait, and fruits of the earth ; and fung as in the xix. Pfalm, Tl)e heav'ns God's glory do declare,
The fkies his hand-works preachy &A In them he fet the fun a tent.
Who bridegrozm-like forth goes, &*• God's law is f erf eel, and converts Thefeul in fm that lies, &c. In the moon and ftars [ have difcovered a fainter reprefentation.— The mo*n, (her light ceflecled from the fun) Chrift clothing: the (inner with righteoufnefs, and illuminating him with his Spirit ; God's mercy re- flecked from the face of the Anointed. The moon hung up as a grand lamp in the heavens, and the ftars lefler ones, to light poor wandering ftrange travellers, and furveyine; them, fung,(as it were invoking then* to join me in mv tribute of gratitude) as in thecxlviii. Pfalm, Thou moon that rules the nighty
And fun that rules the day, Te le£e*- stars of light,
To him your homage pay, &c. Contemplating myfelf a poor fuiful creature, of an inferior order of be- ings, totally unequal to the taHc of praiiing Almighty God, I havr joined D^vid, as in the ciii. Pfalm, in invoking the affcftance of angels of the fir it order ;
O ye his angels that excel
In strength, blefi je the Lord, Ye who obey what he community
And hearken to his word : Q blefs and magnify the Lord-,
Te glorious hosts of his, Te ministers, that do fulfil W bate' er hts plea fur e is. The advancement of the blelfed Redeemer'.? kingdom has been long •ppermoi* in my mind, the great object of my wishes* and daily *b4
f 6i )
fcourty petitions at the thfdne of Grace ; what I moil love to converfa about ; and unconnected with this main bufinefs, I am wholly indiffer- ent.
Reflecting fometimes how much Chrift; did for me, and bow cold my love and gratitude to him, and how little I did to promote his glory* has induced me (in abatement of heart) to filed tears. Feeling a ftrong inward principle impelling me to engage and ftand forward on Chrift's fide, and knowing my great tnfufficiency tor the warfare^ I have been induced to reply with the Prophet, Ifai. vi. 8. when enquiry was made Who would ftand forth as Goa's meilenger to perverfe Ifrael and Ju- dah, here am I, Lord fend me; give me of thy own wherewith to ferve thee 5 endue me with the zeal of an Elijah^ the amiable difpofuion of a John, the eloquence of a Paul : and 1 truft in his mercy, from thou- sands of witntffes, I have been fent to fome efTecl:.
I have been mightily rejoiced, delighted and comforted, with the^ Scripture prophecies and promifes of the mighty progrefs which Chrift's kingdom is to make upon earth; ii. Pfalm, Ifaiah ii. 2, 3, 4 thefe long hidden myfteries now feemingly rapidly unfolding themfelves in the mighty fnakings of the heavens and the earth, whereby our world is convulfed to the centre. I have much rejoiced with holy Abraham* feeing, as I thought, by the eve of faith, the near approach of the Re- deemer's day, when there will be a reign of juftice, godly rulers and people, an end of wars and difleniions, an orthodox gofpel, religion without fuperftition, hypocrify and peifecution; mankind forming a, peaceful, happy family, under the great Lord, Father and Head of the Church. And this has caufed me daily to pray and meditate,— when ffiali that happy period arrive, when Chrift (hall have the Heathen for his inheritance, and the uttermoft parts of the earth for a poflefiion j^-* when the mountain of the Lord's houfe {hill be eftabliftud in the top ©f the mountains, and (hall be exalted above the hills, and all nations Xhall flow into it; and many people ihall go and fay, come ye^ and let' \js go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the houfe of the God of Ja- cob, and h" will teach u? of his ways, and we will walk in his paths ; for cut of Z;on (hall go forth the law, and ihe word of the Lord from Jerufalem 1 and he lhall judge among the nations, and fhall rebuke ma- ny people ; and they fhall beat their (words into plough (hare?, and their fpears into pruning-hooks; nation (hall not lift up fword agaii.ft nation, neither fhall they learn war any more : when fhall be realized the fong of the ang'eis at the Redeemer's birth,— glory to God in the higheft^ and on earth peace, good will to men.
I have been much delighted by reflections upon the peace, the holi- iiefs, the lovej the fociety*, the Divine communications of Chrift's king- dom above, raifing an holy thirfting after that heavenly countrv, and caufing me to cry out, with holy David when perfecuted from God's Church and people, and obliged to take refuge amongft Heathenish Phi- lippines, how amiable are thy taberdacles, O Lord God of Ilofts ! My i'jul longeth for the courts cf the Lord*
As to tnv prefent ftate of mind, — I have not only a fpeculative know- ledge of Chrift, whereby I am convinced- of his ability to fave j bus
ffuft in Cod's mercy I ha?e a vehement thirflln? arter Hm, and a fry- ing to ti ip, i > c » c only as a Tinner, but a weary, heavy Uticu ore i an in- ward m ti n fweely drawing me, and making me Ailing to dole with* him in all his *. fh es,and a&ually placing m) whole truft arid co'i fidu.ee in him | c^ufing mc to cry cut, whom have I in Heaven but thet;a(\4 there is none upon earth I defire m companion with thee. I moit humbly hope that Almighty Gud has in fome-Tncafurc evidenced icmc the fincftrtty of my cl fing with ChriM, by difpofing me to a frit ft hearty cheer: ulnefs in obeying his laws, and afford i I g me an eaficr vidtory over temptations ; begetting in me hatied of fin, attachment tp the caufe of tru.h in the moft trying circi mftances, good will to mankind, but el- pecially thte houfchold of faith, frgivenels of injuries, and prayer for the reformation of enemies, h s fovereignty quieting ail my trouble*^ caufing me to fay with the Pialmift, the Lord being my helper, I will not be afraid.
I think I am moved to duty i* finitely more by love to God, gratitude toChrii: and the Holy Spirit, and the beauty of holmes, than any ter^ ror of pun 1 foment.
I perceive every day an increafing fenfe of the burden of fin, its cur- fed nature, dl(hon6urin£ God's laws, derogatory to his holir.efs, deba- sing the fou! ; and with this, a molt humbling fenfe of my wci fhlefncfs and degraded ftate, a deep conviction of my own inlufkcier.cy, 2nd Chrifl's ali-fu/Kciency ; and therefore, were my attainments infinitely preater than they are, they mull all be renounced, with the Ape file, 2s filthy rags, and adopt the words of the Pfalmiitt, not unto us, Lord, not to us, but do thou tak? the glory to tbyfeif ; and with the redeemed, in tor Revelation, to him who loved us, and redeemed us, and w<fhd us from our fins in his blood, to the enly wife God, and our Saviour Jtfi-S Cbrift, in the influence of the Holy Spirit, be the glort, Icnour and oleffing. THOMAS L. BIRCH.
March, i8or.
When I delivered my experience, being ordered to retire, I wis ca'l- td in a few minutes, and rejected by the Pr<. fbvtery, without being sfked any qjcitions ; aga-mft which I lodged a complaint to the very R;rv. General Aflcmbly. Having afterwards enquired of Mr. J I \ Lyle, Elder, why he did not fpeak at the P/t fb.ier- , he told me it was to ro purpofe,*Fof my rejection was determined upon before the m<-er- |ng ; ad wrich v as alb confitmed to me by one of the Minifiers.— * \\ heth'er Judge Edgar at any tune interfered, 1 never learned..
I attended at the meeting of the vcy Rev. General Aficmbly ©f the rre&yteriafJ Church or America, in Philadelphia, in Ma) loQi, whcrl the following dbm plaint and (uppiication, from the congregation of Wafliington, (my friends) being prclcnnd to the c< mmitice #f over- Iturts, ?nd be ng licenfed by them, was read in the AiTembly. 1o the \,£ry RtVtnnd the General Ajfietnblj of the Pi t/byte^ian Church of
jfmerica-t to meet at Philadelphia the third Tburfday in May 1801; the
tf&piaint and fupplieation if tht CtngrtgaiU* oj ft upington hun.biy
tu d re jP eel * fully jbewetb : 'ibid your complainants and Gipplicsflts invited (be Rev, Thofl as
( «4 )
JLedlie Birch, ah ordained Minifter from the Prcfbyte fy of Betfaf*,- ta be our ftated Paftor, as far as ceniiitent with the raguiations of >our Alien LiW, and having twice fupplicated the R v. Prtfbytery of Ohio* that Mr. Birch might be taken ur.dcr thesr care, he was each time (as We were given to underftand) rejected under pretence of Want of ex- perimental acquaintance wi h religion, or conveifion 5 againft which Mr. B:rch lodged a complaint to your AfT-mbi^
Learning from the Minutes of the Rev. Prtfbrtery of Ohio, that art invitation was held forth to Mr. Birch to come forward and give fuither fatisfac"tion, we fupplicarcd their Rev. body, that he might be takert tinder their care, profeffing ourfelves friends of order, highly tefpedhng all Church Judicatories, unvrlling to oppofe fiich, or interrupt their harmony, by an appeal co a fupenor Court, except for conscience fake* Kfteeming Mr. Birch a found Gofpel Minifter, with a fuitable conver- fation, which we hoped proceeded from a work of grace upon the heart) and from the increased number of our fociety, the rapid piogrefs of peace and good will, and flittering religious appearances, we humbly hoped he had a Divine call to our place -, we therefore m©# refpe&fu4ly requcfted, that if Mr. Birch was rejected* their Rev. body would be pleafed fpecifically to inform us of the points of faitb^ or kmwledgis in which he was deficient ; to which we received an anfwer, (as will ap- pear by their annexed minute) adding, as we moft refpe&fuily fuppofe* Reproach to injury, without affording us any fatisfa&ion upon the un* defined term* " experimental acquaintance with religion,** ftyling usr Jinftead of the Congregation of Wafhmgton) M a number of the inha- ** bitants of Wafhington and its jricinity;** they inform us, that Mr* Birch has never, fmce his Si- ft application to the Prcipyteryj had their authority to preach the Gofpe! 5 and that his ordination of Elders^ and attempt to eftablifli a Congregation within the bounds of an bid or- ganized Congregation, is deemed h fehly i: regular* and dire&lv contra- ry to the order of the Pn fbyterian Church* In reply to which we beg leave to ftate the following facts which cart be proved if ciifputed :—* Mr. Birch* travelling in this back country about fifteen months ago^, received an unanimous invitation to fetsle in cur Congregation of Wafhington, Melts. Stogdale and Wherry* two of our Eiders* acting; as Commiflioners, and our fabfcriptions [when filled up) to be Irani- mitted to the Head of E'k, from which be was to return an anfwer.*-* A letter Irotfi Mr. Birch to Mr VVherry, intimating hisdtfign to come to I Wafhington, (if every thing was ag eeable) being detained in the poft- office near feven weeks, Mr. Birch, having offers of fettlerrent elfa* where, called at Wafhington on his way, where, in the mean time, a Mr. Leacock had been preaching, and after public intimation, a poll took place, all our four Elders prefent* when it carried Mr. Birch bv a three- fold majority, and after public notice, upon a f cord trial, Mr* Birch unanimoufly; Mr. Swearingen, an Elder, intimating to Mr* Birch, in the prefence of Gen. Tavlor* that all opp *finon would cta^ he (Mr. Birch) coming in by the rules of the Church : and Mr. Birch, being admitted by the Comnittee of the Rev. Ohio Pie fbytery, con- fiding of the Rev. Meffrs. John M4Milian and Samuel Ralfton* an! I
( 6S )
-John McDowell, Efq. and obtaining their approbation, as far as cJftj liftent vitn the Alien Ait, removed to Wafh.ngton in Auguft lalt.— 4 Parties at that tims running high, ( or purpvjks nut of a religious na- ture) after allowing Mr. Birch to preach one 6*y in the Academy, un- lier pretence of offijial auth »rity our Congregation had the doors loclc- cd againft them, though they had Contributed to the building and had co itracted for two years occupation, and paid for ere&ing (eats : and the fame party having previoufly, thiough cunning, obtained a decree to fhut the Court-hou'fe, w6 were obliged for cne cay to worfhip m the ftreefr, and mi^ht have done G> ever fince, unlefs Mr. Pox, a worthy citizen, had a'forded us an afylum ; all which we have patienly fub- milted to ; and before feeicme legal redrefs fur thefe flagrant outrages, |0f whici we have the beft ^fTurahces) we are talcing the Gofptl me- thod of com )lainino: to the Church.
I o
. A fe.v days arter thefe proceeding-, the Rev. Syrod of Virginia hav- ing met in Washington, after evening fermon, the Rev. Jofeph Pat-, teifjn, now Moderator of the Rev. Onio Preflb'/tery, publifhed (as h6 fince declared, by order of the Rev. John McMillan, the known influ- ential member of the Prefbyfer\ ) that Mr. Hoge, of Virginia, would preach in this congregation next Lord's day, though Mr. Birch at the fame time was fuppl^ing Wafhington, under the fandtion of the Com- mittee of the Rev. Ohio Prelbyter^, whereof Mr, M'Viillan was M - derator, (he, B rch, not yet rejected) whereby a far fprcad report, moft injurious to Mr. Birch's fettlement, was'tent out and is iffBI in circu- lation, that Mr. Birch, being rejected ,by the Synod, cannot have any* pr >fpect at the General AflTembly. We are forry to obfjrve, that our ! Rev. Prefbytery of Ohio, inftead of" attempting to hea1 o: : dmfibnsj Wrnich long ere now would have fubfided, have rather fomented them! by fending three times as manv fupplier^s to Wafhington as when alec - " eether vacant^ and the Rev. John MMiUan, in his Fatherly au'ti lot a [las come a day, though he did not favour us with his prtfence for a
long time before. °J , hfteeming ourfelves the •congregation of Wafhtngjton^ and h:. )ut four Elders, which we judged inadequate to the purpefes of hi ' ng a facrament, (oris of which was never yet folemnifced in this? place) 14 Ivich vifitations at d other difcipiine preparatory to that folemnity, vni i ominated four additional Elders, not excluding the ' c»M i>nc8,as'wAS 1 jublickly declared, but warmly inviting them to £i j f-Iicii i fn i ;
'* ind M . Birch having confi'.ted a member of Puibjfery, and bi \ nlrructed by him, he ftz them apfert agreeably to the form pr n the Directory of the Preftfyteriari Church of America. To pes f*rm his office we judged Mr. Birch : -npetent, from the words of ihe A — ien Law; he mav preach the Gofpel when regularly called, (whuyi we? iUmbly fuppofe Mr. Birch v.as by th* appointment oi the CamfojffteeJ nH if an ordained Minifter, perform every part of the M al ?unr-
ions. D fFerent Prelbytencs in America have permitted M?. Bocli "»e exerc fe of tbefe functions ; and wc moft humbly a\>r»-n- .l, tr.afi y alUwmg a co.nplaitit, it is tvjje^r,y implied, inarch.' «i£toai elUftC
( 667)
J^fTembly, in their Alien Ae"t, could never de(*gn, efpecially withoaf any imputation of morality, that the fentence of a Prtfbytery fhould orevent a poor unprote&ed ftranger from exercifing his Minifterial tuh&iohs, and thereby be exposed to poverty and contempt, pending his appeal to the fuperior Court ; aman always being deemed innocent until found guilty. And we moft humbly and refpeetfully prefume* that the Rev. Prtfbytery of Ohio, by their invitation held forth to Mr* Birch to give them further fatisfa&ion, and their admitting him to do fo, was a tacit acknowledgment of his right to eXercife his Minifterial ftinAionSy under his complairit to the General Aflembly j and therefore their rejection of him at their laft meeting, under the pretence of the* exercife thereof, was evafive, and that the real caufe was fomethingj clfe, as may be prerrtifed from the following tranfacTion, which imme- diately preceded the event.«*-The fore- mentioned Andrew Swearingen^i Elder and Commif&bner from the Diffentients, and Samuel Whann, Elder and Commi&oner from our Congregation, entered into a £ompro- mife for a friendly union of parties, whereby we would be rendered one of the firft focietres on the continent ; Mr. Swearingeri declaring it favour of Mr. Birch, and that the Prefbytery fiiould be requefted tc fend a member to take the poll -, Mr. Birch, or any other who had th< lhajority, to be acquiefced in as Minifter : for which benevolent pur- pofe, the Rev. Samuel Ralfton tendered hrs fervices ; Mr. Birch con-, fenting that, provided the Pref&ytery would admit h;m fo far, that h(i could retire without prejudice, if he was not the favourite object, hti Would reftgn y and this was communicated to moft of, if not all, th< members of the PrefBytery. The Prefbytery however, without taking any notice of the bufinefej proceeded to appoint Suppliers to Wafhing' ton; which was confidered as announcing Mr. Birch's rejection. Ther is a report, which, if true, mu ft ftrike in the moft glaring point of view the Minutes of the Ohio Prefbytery, which they have been notified ti have before your very Rev. body, will afcertain the fa& : it is, that th fupplying of Wafnington iff given in a partition treaty between th Rev. Mefifrs. McMillan, Watfon and Anderfon of Buffalo, three «f Mi Birch's mon? decided opponents. The preaching Of Mr. Anderfon nex Lord's day is already announced'.
Wifhing to be friends of order, and highly refpe£ting Church au . thorities, if we or Mr. Birch have tranfgrefTed any rule, (which we hop,,1 we have not) we ate forry for it-^-we humbly plead mifconception, m\.' defign. c
We doubt not bur that yoor known humanity and zeal for the Goj } pel will be moved at hearing of our (late. Our town, the moft popi ' lous in this part of the continent, in the centre of a clofe fettled coutj f try, not lefs than fixteen miles frtuare~the Lord's Supper never di penfed during fifteen years— ^not ever comforted in our families by 01 Minifterial vifit, until lately by Mr. Birch -^not more than two or thr« folitary fupplies in a feafon, until now from contention.
We therefore moft humbly and refpeclfully fupplicate, that you w pity our foriorn condition, and be pleafed to take the Rev. Thorn X-^dlie Birch under your protection, whom we hope you will find a d lD
t jfy )
ferving member; and take fuch fteps towards the fettlement of bit Congregation, as to your wifdom (hall feem meet : as many of our prin- cipal members, now grown weary from all their attempts to obtain a Oofpel Minifter being fo many time* fruftrated, have declared that if Birch is obliged to leave us, the> will withdraw, and in confequence, we muft nearly ceafe from being a worfhipping fociety. And your Supplicants, as in duty bound, (hall ever pray.
. We conftitute and appoint John Wilfon, Efq. Wafhington, and Capt. Samuel Young, and Mr' William Smylie, of Philadelphia, Af- fiftams to oilr Commiflioner, to prefent this our complaint and fuppli- cation to the very Rev. the General Affembly, and agreeably to the premfes, to a& in our name as if all perfonally prefeht.
Done in bur name, and with our unanimous concurrence, at our place of worfhip, in Wafhington, this 2§ch day of April, 1801, and figned by oiir order.
SAMUEL WHANN, JAMES CHAMBERS, WILLIAM M'CAMMANT, HENRY TAYLOR, ABSALOM BAIRD, •£. -.-. '. , ROBERT ANDERSON.
The very Rev. General AfTembly proceeding to dilcufs mv complaint ^gainft the Rev. Prefbytery of Ohio, for rejecting me under the pre- sence of want of experimental acquaintance with religion, 1 was detf- -ed to relate to the Aflembly, the experience delivered to the Prefby- tery of Ohio. This was objeded to, by the delegates from the Pref- bytery and their advocates, upon the ground, that perhaps I might de- iver experience different from that given to the Prefbytery of°Ohio. obferved, that I had notes of the heads of the former experience, and fbich were produced. The Prefbytery of Ohio not having any mi- nute to confront or contradift my notes, the Aflembly acquiefced that ley fhould be received as evidence, that the experience about to be de- yered, was the fame as exhibited to the Rev. Prefbytery of Ohio.—. his bufinefs was totally overruled by another review of the fubje&, hich was, that " even fuppofing the Aflembly fhould approve or my qualifications, yet the Prefbytery of Ohio had a right to think for ™ themf Ives ; and therefore, unlefs femething blame-worthy in theiV conduct fhould be made evident, they were not cenfurable for ex- pre/ring their opinion, relative to fuch perfons as they had taken upon trials." And upon this view of the matter, the Aflembly after a de- ite which lafled nearly the whule cay, came to a refolution to the fol- wing purrofe, (fee printed minutes for j8oi:) " That there appear* to this AfTembly nothing cenfurable in the conduct of the Prefbytery ^t;of Ohio, in rej- a ng Mr. Birch, in that there is neceflarily lodged :t Iwith every Prefb)tery, the power of judging of the qualifications of jts members, or of thofe they receive as members." The AfTembly ? jo refol'ved, that they were willing to examine faid Birch upon his ex- c jrinaental acquaintance with relieion, provided he fhouid rcqueft rib ^1 El
( 68: .;
AgreeaMy to the invitation held out by the very Rev. General Af femfelfc I requefted them to examine me, ' Being defired to relate rm experience, I expreffed myfelf nearly as in the laft trial before the Rev Prefbytery of Ohio; after which a variety of quettions were aiKed b; different members of the Affcmbly, which (together with many others produced the following anfwers and explanations.
The difcuffion of the daarine of regeneration, or the new fp.ritua birth, to the fame effeft as before the Prefbytery of Ohio, but mot
"jftj opinion of the perfon and o%nUy of Chrift, relative to which
expreffed, that if I- could be brought to think ^*™^^\7ff^
Chrift was a creature, a mere man, though the moft *gnin,d McHen
2er of Heaven j or even, with the Arians, efteem him only the first t
the creation of God, I fhould renounce Chriftianity, its amhor being a,
tocrether unqualified for the office of a Saviour: for fin being of an ir
finite nature, a tranfgreffion againft a God infinite in all perfea.cn
done in defpite of the promife of eternal happinefs in Heaven, and It ;
threatening of everlafting punifc-ment in Hell, the atonement muft I
infinite. Man, if he had never fallen, or had not fin of his own, f<
which he was fubjsft to punifnment 0 yet he is finite. Even angel
thouph they never fell, yet being but creatures, they are of limited v;
lue, Therefore unable to aifeharge the debt. And as 11 finite merit
requifite to atone, fo infinite power and length of days are neceflary
defend and govern the Church with perfect fecunty; Man fc»,™g«
have fallen, and they might rtili fail, with the lofs of the whole Chun
of God. Men are mortal ;• angels are not neceffaftly feif-exiftent, th
depend upon another for the prefervation rf their being,- and it is at I
plf afure, only, how long they fhalt continue in ex.ftence % and there.o
w ih he Apoftle, when fpeaking of the weaknefs of the high prie
under the law in comparifon of Chrift, they are not able to fave^to t
nttermoft, in all generations, all that would come unto God throu
them, Ike him who was the neeeffarily felf-exiftent Jehovah, who ei
lived and liveth, and- therefore could be with his Church to the end
the world. «. * -* j«j r-u
In explanation of the anfwer to the queftion, for whom did Chi die ? and which was, that he died for thofe whom the P ather had g.V him: it was obferved, to the fatisfatfion of the Affembly, that it was me; by thefe whom the Father had given Chrift, thofe who, through gra wou'd be brought to embrace Chrift by faith, evidenced in a holy and convention. The queftion in its conferences- appears to hj been defined to ftrke at the dedrine cf Univ<rfa'nfts, which of 1 has made fome progrefs in America, viz. that impenitent unbehev< after they are damned in Hell, and even Devils, are included ir 1 Chi- purcbafe, and will finally be brought to Heaven Being sfced if I lieved thatsnyperfons will fuffereverlzftingpunifhmentin Hell sft:ri
and hzvmx declared in the affirmative, and being farther afked if 1 co think that'Cbrift's Wood was (lied for fiich, 2nd having anfwered in
III,
it
'■ill
h u
hi
irk that l^Prilt'S D'.oou was mcu .u. .¥«*, ««. « &---- ,
eative, 1 obferved that the dcarine contained a manifeft abfurdit; . ktf. If the damned in Hell will ever get to Heaven, in order to *
ne
kit If.
( 69 )
fcappy there, they muft have their difpofitions fuited to that holy place and company. Perfons are moft likely to acquire habits fimilar to thole with whom they afloaate. If, then, the mercy of Goo, the love of Chnft, the influence of the Holy Spirit, in a fociety not the worft, did not lead to repentance, and work the heavenly qualifications, it is not reafonable to think ihey (hall be obtained, with the abfcnce of Divine grace, in the company of Devils (4); and confequently, if never fitted for Heaven, they could not have any happy enj yment there. Befides, the notion that any fufferings in Hrll, or a purgatory, can do away the penal confequences of fin, and bring Tinners to Heaven, at one ftroke overturns the dj&rine of the Redeemers fatisfadtion : for if punish- ment, however long, can atone for one fin, proportionable fufferings will fatisfy for a'l, and ft ill there remains an eternity for happinefs.
After the convcrfuion the AfTembly had with me, which laited near- ly two hours (and during which the Rev. John M'Alillan and the other ^delegates from the Rev. Prefbytery of Ohio, were delired, by the mem- jbers of the AfTembly, to afk me fuch queftions as they mould think l proper, but which they modeftly declined) I was ordered to withdraw, and the AfTembly proceeded to deliberate; when {as I was informed by ^fome friends) the remaining part of the forenoon was taken up in ge- neral encomiums and compliments upon my performance^ and at the adjournment for dinner, I was given to underffand, that I might expect a fpeedy and honourable termination of my probationary trials under jf^he Alien Law, and an admimon into the American Church.
1 , (4) If it was not more fit to fend the broachers of fuch doilrine to Bed- Jam, (as being nuifances to fociety) than give them a fericus refutation,— ~
they misbt be afked, what end da they mean to five by their preaching?
's it not reafanable in a God of justice and hoiinefs, to give abandoned fin-
._.*/"*, whox in contempt of his grace, gratify their lusts and court Hell and destruction, their ufb, in being forever united with fuch fcieiy ? Even
ev-,
ranting the punijhrner.t of Hell wa\ n-.t eternal, whet e is the lofs fuftaincd
\ by the follower of the preacher of ever lofting punifhmentSy when he is taught to ejeape ever coming to that place of torment ? IV as it not a pity%
u 1/ there is Juth a fecret, that the punijhments of hell uiil have an end> that for the J ke of our poor unhappy earthy it was not kept undifovtredy nstead of being nvealed to a ve* y few, woo have blabbed it out \ and thereby has rendered our world in a higher degree an howling wild,* rujs, by ttfjoid.n? adduio at encouragement to the tyrants and butchers of the human * ace, the midnight afjajfin, the adulterer, the whorevinger^ the rcb-
a iff, the d'unJt-j'd, the lia •, and c-vei y breaker of the Divine and human aw, who may exclaim ** it is hut a fw years burning in tit 11, followed ?»ir un eterrwy of h.jppinf in H aven; we know the wot st\ who's af uid? Let us drmx and merry!" J$ut it theft geniUmen be cautious^ and t/.e \be adoi e 0/ a frnr.d, and n^t pujb their feet it too far, lest their craft
^foiuld be tn darker b/ the peoite getting enlightened j for well knowing vow mu<.o ijnrnan mje-y is ma ea/ed upon earth by the fociety of the wick- d th > w L bt mucu abated in then z*al afttr a Lieuven, which they will wiv learned* will be but un eternal a jfj elation of bhekguat us.
ie»l 1
[19
( ?o )
In the afternoon, Come of the principal members of the Affembly be- ing called off to the committee of funds, or to regulate the money affairs of the Affemblv, which are very extenftve, famongft whom were the Rev. Doctors Green and Allifon) the refidue proceeded to difcufs my bufinefs ; when there were motions and counter motions; argu- ments, replies and rejoinders ; voting and re- voting ; in which the Rev. Ohio delegates (their Prefbytery being now acquitted of cenfure) were allowed to take a part, and forgetting their former modefty, lent their good fer vices j— and at a very late hour of adjournment in the evening, came to the following refolution : —
In General A jfembly, at Philadelphia, May 26, 1801— 'Morning Jeffon--*
" Mr. Birch having expreffed a defire that the Affembly would un- dertake his examination, agreeably to the refolution of yefterday; the Affembly proceeded to examine Mr. Birch on his experimental ac- quaintance with religion ; when, after a full and free conversation with him, oh this fubjeft, the Affemblv adjourned.
In the afternoon— -
The consideration of Mr. Birch's examination was refurned; when after maturely deliberating on the fubjeft, it was refolved, that, from the full and free converfation which the Affembly have had with Mr. Birch, upon his experimental acquaintance with religion, they find na obstruction againft any Prefbytery to which he may apply, taking him lip, and proceeding with him agreeably to the rules and regulations in this cafe made and provided/.'
Extracted from the minutes of the Affembly.
ASHBEL GREEN, Stated Clerk.
Some of my friends expreffing to me their furprife and difpleafure at the unexpected turn matters had taken in the Affembly, in doing away what had been agreed upon in the forenoon, and leaving me in nearly the fame undeterminate footing as when I arrived in America ; 1 wait- ed until a future day, when fome of the abfent Minifters returned from the committee of funds to the Affembly, when T requeued of that very Rev. body, to know in what ftate of minifterial probation I flood un- der the Alien Law, having now been nearly ten months and a half fn the Rev. Prefbytery of Ohio. I was informed, by a friend of the Pref- bytery of Ohio, upon the fame footing as when I arrived in America, (being nineteen months paft.) I afked, had I not, with the time fpent in probatior, now paffed an examination in the very Rev. General Af- fembly with approbation ? I was replied to by Doctor Edwards, (ano- ther warm advocate, who took a very a$ive part in afking me quef- tions, without obj-clihg'to any of my anfwers) that the Affembly had not altogether paffed or approved of me, or words to that eff <ft: upon which D,. Green called for the reading of the foregoing minute, which being read, he exclaimed, in reply to Dr. Edwards, is not that appro- bition ? and turning himfelf fo as to have a view of the Rev. John H M'Millan and the other Ohio delegates, he cpferved to them, « you have examined and rejected this Minifter three times, and he has cona- j plained Co us, and we have examined and a^piovcd of him j and in that
pre
on:
( 7' )
Wc have declared he was right, and you wrong. Let w not fee, there* /ore, you fhall dare to examine him, aid oblige him, again, to complain to us : for do you think we will fuffer you, the inferior Court, to come to our bar and tell us we are wrong ?"-=-*" And much, indeed, would it have been to the honour of the very Rev. General Affembly, to the Credit of the Rev. Preftytery of Ohio, and many wounds given to re- ligion would have been prevented> if Dr. Green's orderly, dignified fentiments had been attended to.
So much time having been taken up with the bufinefs, the votes of two-thirds of the Affembly being requifite t© command a re-hearing of any matter at the fame meeting, and a number having expreffed an Mnwillingnefs to go again into the bufinefs, the affair retted. I was much encouraged in my acquiefcence, by the opinion of fi me of the firft -rate minifterial characters, my friends, that I had come off moft honourably j and with the obfervations of one of the very judicious de- legates from Connecticut, who (aid, that the refolution of the Affembly was moft certainly a very heavy cenfure upon the Pre{bytery of Ohioa and from what had paffld in the Affembly, Prefbyteries, he prefumed, would be taught to be more cautious, and to give more refpeftfyl treat- ment.
Going out of the Affembly houfe, I met the Rev. John M'Millan, and obferved, that it was my defire for us to go home, and be good friends, and in future to keep matters amongft ourfelves j to which he replied with a furly grumble.
The very Rev. General Affembly, in their firft refolution, declare, that they find nothing cenfurable in the conduct of the Preibytery of Ohio, in rejecting Birch, in that there is neceffarily lodged with every Prefbytery, the power of judging of the qualifications of thofe they fhall receive as members. The Prefbytery of Ohio is not, indeed, cenfura- frle for ignorance, or error in judgment, provided they were avoidable : the very Rev. General Affembly themfelves are rather cenfurable, in framing Alien Laws inftituting inquifuorial examinations into the qua- lifications of Minifters of filler Churches, who have conformed to the fame ftandards, and have their recommendations in their hands, and giving thefe things over to Prefbyteries ill qualified for the bufinefs.— * put perhaps it would appear, that there was fomething more than igno- rance, or error in judgment, in the Prefbytery of Ohio rejecting Birch, viz. the Rev. John M'Millan caufing the Rev. Jofeph Patterfon to m proclaim, at the Synod in Wafhington, (and the bufinefs palled with- ,', put notice) that the Rev. Mr. Hoge would fupply that congregation, jifter Birch was inducted by faid Mr. M'Millan, the Rev. Samuel Ral- fton, and John M'Dowell, Efq. the ftated Committee of Prefbytery ; he colleaguing with the fhutters of the Academy, and fending three fup- ylies to Washington, for one fent before Birch's coming there, and the efufal of the Wafhington Commifiioners' and Birch's requeft, to fend i member to talce the people's minds, (and if not for edification, Birch :o leave the place) wer« acts of the PreibyterT of Ohio, which, if not " renfurable, at leaft not evidencing the firft -rate hofpitality, and ze«i 1( <)r the peace of the Church. Buc other Mixuiters, in their turn, will
( 7* )
have their fbns-in-law to provide for, their Academy bonds tc*. getiHg and their party to ferve»— > the children's bread <s not to be caft todogss an .' therefore fuch things mu/t be pafT d over !
The very Rev. General Affembl- refolve, from the full and free con- versation the Afllmbly have nad with Mr. Birch, upon h.s experimen- tal acquaintance with religion, they fina no obftru&ion to any Pitfby- tery proceeding with bin, & — ;he Rev. Pre fb tery of Ohio rtj c\ Birch, at three d fferent examinat.oos, or the want of experimental ac- quaintance with icligion. Ir the Rt-v Dr. Edwards d-d not conceive, tnat this refjlution ot the very Rev. General AiTembly was an appro- bation of Birch, and a cenfu-e upon the Rev. Prtfbvtery of Ohio, his iiiperior judgment muft have difcerned, if words have any meaning, that, the two Re v. bodies at leaft flitly contrad'cl each other; and as he was one ot the fr-smers of the AHembly's refutation, unlefs he and the Rev, Olio delegates had been poiTllTed of more of the Chnftian temper than f-»me otnes, they would have charged each other with giving the lie, ac<d perhaps have proceeded to fatal confecjuencf §. However, petty e- v fions weie un worth v the representatives ot the American Prtfbyttnan Ciurch, and to be advocated by the (on of a Dr. Edwards, whofe name, l< renowned throughout the world. There was a point at lffue between the Rev. Pre fb .fiery ot O^io and B'rcb, referred to the fupreme Churca Judicature: it the Pnfb/iery of Ohio was righ<, why was not their. zeal in keeping error, ignorarcr, imbecil ty ot mind, aid a pre il gate reprcb ite out of the Church, acpl..u-ed bv an hi nc.urable acquittal, and the r^jeclion of their defamer ? li Birch wa< ii jurtd, why Was he not redr-il d bv cenfuring his perfecutors3 and declaring the point in dif- pute cetermincd in bis favour; and ten months and a half of his year of probation under the Alien Law peff-d, f Birch having rtfiied that time in the bounds of the Prcfbytery of Ohio) enjoining or commanding the, P'enV/tery of Ohio to receive him, (of the latter of which there was a precedent in the AiT-mbiyof 1800, where four Mmifters were d'frr f£d from the R^v. Prefb tery of Baltimore, and annexed to that of N w- Gaftle, wuhout confuting the latter J inftead of turning him back to an- other year'* probation, and renewed examinations, perhaps without end?; Ths mod ignorant rmmber of a Congregational SefTion, who has any knowledge of Church difcipline, (not to fpeak of a number of pro- f undlv learned Mimft.ers, ftyling themfelves the General Affemb/ly of ths Pref&yterian Church of America) knows well, that an appeal to the fupenor Court pus a final flop to all litigation in the inferior Court; otherwise all appeals muff be nugatory, and ruinous to the ap- pellant. But it is probable thofe who have digged the pit will fall in- to it themfelves In the opinion of many, the Prefbyterv of Ohio, in their fecret conclave, rejje6letj me, not only from evil motives, but frorn principles which are in'confiftent with Prefbyterianifm, 1 h^d almoft faid Ghriftianits and if the very Rev. General Afltmbly do not fpee- dily d ciare who are cenfurable, the people will difcern who are the pa- troniz rs of fuch do£irines and. practices.
The congregation °< Wafh-ngton, where I was invited to the exer=» 'fife of my Gofpel laboursj and ihe duel object of my 2<uachment3 na-
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furally lying within the bounds of the P.efbytery of Ohio, tha'T might rpt fen to r;taiu malice, I aeterm.ned to pay them ihc fiiif compli- ment of a req left to receive me ; and accordiu U, clothed with the ap- probation of ihe v» rv R^v. Gen rai AiT-raMv I mailed upon the meet- in j of rhe R.v. Pufb.tery of Onio, at BufT»io, the lait Tuefday iq Ju e i8oi, accompanied by Meilrs. Robert ai d Himilt- n ii 1 , Com- niilfi >ners, w th a (application from my friend* in the congregation of Wafli igton, pinng me in my requeit |o the P.efayteiy lo- reception. U km cheTuei'diy evening, having piefented the minute of the very $tev. General AlTernbly, I had a moft flattering interview. BJ. g * Ik- ed if i had any new experience to tiFer, and haying obfprv d ihat I had nor any upon a new foundation, but fometfung progr<iTi/e upm the. old one, I wis defired to rehire j and the Prefb.tcr , after mature de- liberation, called me in, when the Aloderator intoimed me, that tiie P.ifb/cery was hearty in proceeding with me, (and as fonne members told m.* ii ice, it was oifcrved in their confutation, that they c >uld not refufe mej) 1 was therefore defired to attend the next morning at time, o'clock, and I waited upon Pr« lb. tery accord ng to appointment.
TheKev. J hn McMillan d fired me to ftep out, as the Prtfb.fery Wifhed for a private conference ; when, after being k?pt out of doors upwards of tour hours, I was called in, and the Moderator oid-itd the following minute to be read to me: —
" B iffuo, Jjly the i'\, 1801 — A. petition was handed, from a num- ber of tie inhabitants of the Co ui of VVaihington and it*> vicinit), iiy- li ig themfelves the nnj >rity of the congregation of Waihrngton, prav- it-g thar this Prcfbytery would be pleafed Co t. k Mr. B rch under their caiejM-. Birch alfo cam- forwaid with a timilar r fjueft,
Wher^u>on, after confidering the ma'ter, the Prtlb, tery cid refolve, that thev would have nothing farther to do with Mr. B.rch, as to hs trials for the Gofpel Miniftry ; in doing which, they conceive them- felves j ittifitble, fro n the frequent and full converfations which they bad formerly with him, and from the general report wh.ch prevails, with refpeel to his imprudent, irregular condud."
I obferved, that the w;fdorn of the higheit Court having approved, they could not think themfelves juftifiabie in rejecting me hum thtir former examination".
The R V Mr. Anderfon, of Buffalo, replied, (and which was con- curred in by the P lb tery) that no Affcrnbl, c u'd oblige them to ad- mit any m uiioer, bat (uch as they pleafed. Purely a vv.ak Cuuich auth »riiy 1
R.-quetting to know w^t vt imprudent, irregular conduct" I was chargeable with, the late R v J hn Watfon, (on- in -Jaw to the Rev. J >hn MWLHai , ftarted up, and in a menacing pofture exclaim d, (with >ut being called to order) w->s I going to infult the Pufbvrery ! If I v iJ not go out, the\ n.utt turn me out ! I obferved to the Mods- ratof, that I was noc infuiting their P. fb aery, and ihoulJ be extreme- ly forrv to do to; but thev had inful ed me, in terming me, in their mi- nu e, imprudent and irregular; whereas I hid <t cnaiadtcr alled^ed to fflijare witn the chiefeit o: them j and izi&sad oi iofultj I oni) uihed
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%o adopt the method prefcribed by my blefled Lord, for dealing w[th of- fending brethren before complaining to the Church, vix. to try to hav* the matter compromifed in prefence of two or three witneffts ; and ac- cordingly, calling forward fylefTrs. Robert and Hamilton JJell, and a 3Mr. Jenkms, (as will appear by the depofitions of the two former) I demanded to name any charge j but unable to obtain any fatjsfadtion, I was obliged to turn out of doors.
Being called back, the Moderator attempted to ej&cufe the Prtfby- tery, only by mentioning my baptizing of children, and ordination of Elders, in the congregation of Wafhington, already decided in my fa- vour in the fuperior Court; upon which I lodged a complaint 10 the next Aflembly. Had the Rev. Prefbytery of Ohio only exprtJTcd the fentiment, that perhaps there would not be happinefs in their having a connection with me, without pafling a defamatory fentence upon me unheard, whereby I was deprived of a reception elfewheje, and my ufe- fulnefs attempted to be deftroyed, I fhould not have efteemed myfelf ill - treated.
Previous, to this meeting of Prefbytery, a Mr. Andrew M*Mekant an hearer of mine, travelling from this back country to Philadelphia^ conveyed rne a meflage, (as will appear by his oath) by anoiher hearer returning backwards, to beware of the Rev. John M4Millan \ for meet- ing faid lV$lMillan returning from the General Aflembly, he had told him, that he had traced me? Birch, flaggering drunk upon the road, upon account of which he called me a Minifter of the Devil, and would do every thing in his power to put me out of this ; and hearing from all quarters, that the Rev. John McMillan continued to propagate this report, efpecially upon facramental occafions; and particularly, receiv^ ing a meflage, by MeiTrs. Alexander Litle and Henry Tarr, both of Wafhington town, from Mr. Jofeph Wherry, an Elder in the Wafh- ington congregation, who was a moft aealous advocate, at fir ft, in inr viting me her*, but now an opponent, and who, feemingly left I fhould doubt that Mr. M'Mtllan propagated fuch a report, or that it was not believed to be founded in truth, made ufe of thefe emphatic wordsj (the matter of fact, as to Mr. McMillan's declaration, has been acknow- ledged by Mr. Wherry himfelf, upon oath, in the Supreme Court)*?- Ci Tell him, Birch, from me, that I, Jofeph Wherry, heard the Rev. John M'Millan, upon his facr anient Monday-, tell the report of his, vip. Birch's, drunkennefs at Strafburgh, on his road from the Qeneral Af- fembly :" the congregation, or my hearers in Wafhington and its vi- cinity, and I, wrote a letter to, and appointed MeflVs. Alexander Litle and Andrew M'Mekan Commiflioners to wait upon, the Rev. John; M'Millan, fas will appear by their depofitions) with Gofpel offers o£ reconciliation, vis. intimating, if fylr. M'Millan could fupport guilt a- gainft Birch, to be pleafed to profecute his charge ; or if he had propa- gated flander, he fhould he forgiven upon acknowledgment of offence; and requefting a written anfwer by the bearers.
Mr. M'Millan confefT-d to the Commiflioners (as will appear by. their oaths and his own declarations afterwards) the fpreading ®f the. report of Birch's intoxication at Strafburgh, and gave tyleiTrs. Thomas^
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M'Connel, and James Mahon, blaclcfmiths, as his authors ; faid he hai called Birch a Mmifter or the D-v.l, a d added that he would do eve- ry thing in his power to put him out of this; but inftead of drunken* nefs, gave as his reafon, that Birch was unconverted ; for that in three examinations he had not fatisfied the Prefbytcry. Judge of the com- pliment paid to the difcernment of the ver\ Rev. General AflT-mbly, at which the Rev. gentleman himfelf had been prcfent ! Mi. McMillan did not return a written anfwer, to the congregation's and my letter, and thereby avo ded being unequivocally bound to any particular tx- preflions ; but fent me a meflage, that he would call upon me perfon- ally, at VVifh ngton. Hiving learned Mr. McMillan's authors for my being intoxicated at Strafburgh, I wrote to Mr. John Bell, the keeper of the tavern where I fhould have been drunk, requefting the depoii- tions of MelTrs. Thomas M'Connell and James Mahon upon the fub- jedt. A few days afterwards, the Rev. Juhn McMillan, accompanied! oy James Allifon, Efq. one of his Elders, called upon me at my houfe in Wellington, 1 refufed converle, until I fhould call in fome other witnefles befides my family. I obtained Mr. Robert Anderfon, filvcr- (mith, in Wafhington; and, as will be evident from his depofition, Mr. M'Millan repeated what he had told to the Commiflioners, (as ftate^ above) at Canonfburgh ; and added that he had made mat- ter of confeience in telling to the interlocutor, or private confuhation of the late Prefpytery, viz. where I was rejected, the report of my in- toxication at Strafburgh ; and that William M'Comb, Elder in Wash- ington cohgregoTTon, told at faid meeting, that upon an evening in Fe- bruary, j 800, I had talcen three drinks in his boufe, with a gill and a half of whifkey in each of them, and the fame evening in Kobert Stock- ton's, Elder, two drinks of a gill and a half each, but that I was not in- toxicated.
The next poft brought to hand the following depofitions of MefTrs. Thomas M'Connel and James Mahon, blackfmiths, Mr. M'Millan's authors of defamation, together with the oath of Mr. John {Jell, the ta- vern-keeper.
Franklin County fs. Perfpnally appeared before John G-tmor, one of the Jultices in and for faid countv, Thomas MConnel, o- Strafburgh and faid county, blackfmith ; and toeing duly fworn as the law directs, depofeth and faith, that on or about the fifth day of June, the Rtv. Tho- mas Ledlie Birch ftopt at John Bell's tavern, next door to my fliop, and aoplied to me to fhoe his horfe. He faid he was going home from the General AiTembly, and told this deponent, that if he would be ex- peditiouf, he would treat him. After the horfe was (hod, he ordered the tavern-keeper to give him a dram, and he did give it into the hands pf this deponenr, and he invited Vlr. Birch, once or twice, to drink part of it, but he refufed, and would not diink any part of it. A few days afterwards, the Rev. Mr. M'Mullan ftopt at faid John Bell's tavern^ and liktwife applied to faid deponent to fhoe his horfe, and faid that he was returning home from the General Afll-mblv. At the time this de- ponent was (hoe ng faid horfe, he told Mr. M'Millan, that he had fhod Mr. Birch's horfe a few days ago. Mr. M'Millan then faid to this Je-
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f&onent, he fuppofed he treated the blackfmith ; this deponent faid Mr. IBLrch was a jolly man, but that a great number of clergymen weretoQ hard to pay their tiadefmen without giving them a treat. Mr. McMil- lan then faid that Mr. Birch was an everlafting talker, and he hated tQ bs in his company. This deponent enquired at Mr. M'MUan, if Mr. Birch belonged to the General AfFembly. Mr. M'Millan faid he did »ot, bat he was trying to get admittance, but the General AfFembly would not admit him; and further faid, that it was reported about WaQiingtQn, that he drank too much, but they could not prove it againf£ Iiim ; Jilcewife enquired of this deponent, if he faw Mr. Birch drink a- iiy liq ior here in town ; he faid he did not fee him think any. And this fdepoaent further faith not. Sworn and fubferibed this thirtieth day of July, A^no Domini, 1801, before me,
John Gilmor. THOMAS M'GONNEL.
Franklin County>fs. Perfonally appeared before John Gilmor, one $f the Jjfttces of the Peace in and for faid county, James Jtfahon, of Srr-ifbirgh, biackfmith by trade, — faith that on or about the eighth day of June, the Rev. Mr, John Ml-M\\h(i came into the (hop of Thomas 4#/'C6ftnel, where thi§ deponent was then working with faid J^Connel, to get his horfe fhod. After fome little cortverfation, Mr. M^M\\\an made particular enquiry at this deponent, if he faw Mr. Birch drir.ka- ny, or if he thoughc he was intoxicated. This deponent anfwered, and told M . -M'MilUn, that he thought he was nGt in the leaft intoxicat- ed, neither did he fee Mc, Birch drink any liquor of any kind. Then Mr. /£/*Miilan requ^fted this deponent, if he knew any thing about his drinking, he ought to tell it, for it was a fcandal to religion not to dif- cover ft; and if he (this deponent) could tell any thing about Mr. Birch9 he need not be a'raid, for he would not be put to any trouble about it. This depo lent further faith not. Sworn and fubferibed this thirtieth day of July, 1801, before me,
John Gilmor. " JAMES MAHON.
FrankLn Ciunty^fs. Perfonally appeared before John Gilmor, one •pf th" Juitices of the Peace in and for faid county, John Bell of Straf- burg^, tavern-keeper, and being duly fworn, as the law directs, depofr eth and faith, that on or about the fifth day of June laft, the Rev. Mr, Th>mis Ledlie Birch ftopt at my houfe, and made inquiry if he couli gee his h >rfe ih )d ; I told him5 that a certain Thomas J^Connel, black- fmith, lived in the next houfe to me, and he could do it. He ordered his. horfe to be fed the time the blackfmith was preparing and making the mil«. After f >me fhort fpace of time, Mc. Birch defirtd me to bring in a gill of wh fksy and fome cool water, and after he ordered the drink, he im ne la.ely ftept c ut of my houfe, and went over to Mr. Gilmor's, op >ofue to where I live, and (hortly after pame back again* and Mr, Gilmor along with him, and they both went into the room where 1 had took the drink, and they ftaidfome confiderable time together; then faid Gilmor went over to his own houfe, and Mr, Birch and myfeif went to, the ftib'e, vhere the blackfmith was (hoeing his horfe. Some ftiort ^icij after faid Giluior came over to my huufe again, and (laid fume
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fime with Mr. Birch, and they two in company drank the greater! par* Of the gill of whifkey betwixt them. After the two parted, Mr. Birch called for his reckoning, and paid me for the gill and his node feed.—- At the time he was paying, he defired me to take pay for another 'gill, and give it to the blackfmith when he would call for it. Immediately the blackfmith came in, and agreeably to Air. Birch's orders, I gave Thomas jt/Connel, who was the blackfmith, the gill of whifkey, tnd after I gave it to him, I heard faid M'Connel more than once infift ip- on Mr. Birch to tafte it, but I am not certain whether Mr. Birch taf- ted any of it or not, Said AZConnel drank about the half of faid gill, and then handsd it back to me; and 1 took it and put it into the bar, and there was no more of faid gill drank. Then Mr. Birch called for his horfe and went on his journey. This deponent further faith, that when Mr. Birch alighted at his houfe, he was duly fober to all appear- ance, and when he went away was likewife (b. The time he ftaid at my houfe was about the fpace of two hours. — A few days afterwards, the Rev. Ah. it/'Millan, the Rev. Mr. TWoorehcad, and the Rev, Mr. Watfon, called at mv houf?, (on or about the eighth day of faid month) and ordered their horfes to be fed. Mr. .Moorehead came into ny houfe immediately after faid horfes were fed, and fat down in the room, and I fat down in faid room alonpr with him, and' we had feme conver- fatfon together. Shortly after Mr. J^MiHan came into faid room, and the firft words he fpoke, after he came in, were, " Mr. Bell, hew happened you. made Mr. Birch drunk the other da)?" I anfwered mw h in t'le fame manner, Sir, he was not; and then told Mr. M'MWhrt exactly what liquor Mr* Birch called for, and that was only one gil/ ; and that Air. Gilmor was in company a corifkJerabie time he was here, and they two drank it, the create (V part, betwixt them. I likewife men- tioned the other gill that Mr. Birch allowed me to g;ve to the blacH- fmitn, as is mentioned before ; a^d immediately after I had done telling him the above ftatement, Mr. A£MitTan ftert out of the room. Mr* JWjorehead was in faid room, and heard the whole of the difcourfe thtt palled. This deponent further faith no'. Sworn and fubferibed the thirtieth day of July, Aono Domini, itfoj, before me,
John Gilmor. JOHN BELL.
USin the receipt of the above depositions, relative to the Rev. John M^M Han's report of my intoxication at Strafburgh, I procured AllAlis. Wiliiam A/Cammant, Alexander Litle, (now fcfq.) and Robert An- nderfon, ail of Washington, to wait upon Mr. William Af'Comb, EI- d;r, for the purpofe of gofpel reconciliation, and to rmke inquiry relative to my benaviour at his and Mr. Robert Stockton's, Elder, houfes.— • The fallowing depofitions will thew the final relult relative to MSi.ta M tf'Un's and M Comb's reports.
IVaJh'ngtan County, fs. Perfonally appearpd before me, William AZ-'etkirice, one of the Juiiicesof the Peace in ?nd for faid coumy, A- lexander Litle, cabinet- male v, and be n<z dulv fiirorfl as the law drc^s,. dep^feth and faith, that ofi i b u< the fifteenth of Ju!v laft,irrs de o- nen , along wi;h Andrew M ,W lean, n*ar W .tfh.it g'on, was d ;u <i by i he congregation of VV «iitu<g(ont and the R*-v. 1 honj*s Led^.a
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Birch, to wait upon the &ev. John M Millan, for the piirpofe of a ?o£, pel accommodation, relative to certain reports propagated hy faid M*- AfAhn concerning faid Birch; when the faid Rev. J hn A/klvHJan ac- knowledged his having reported, that he was told by Thomas Af'Con- nei, blackfmith, of StrafBurgh, and James M ihon, his journeyman, that the Rev. Thomas Ledlie Birch, was ftaggenng drunk in their fhop, on hii road from the General Aflembly^ on the firth or June laft j and did Hat deny, that on the Ph ladelphia road, he faid ^Miliar! being «n his ifay from the General Altembly, did ftyle faid Birch, irt prefence or" faid McM;kan, a Preacher of the Devil, (being Unconverted) and faid M'Mdian further declared fco faid deponent and faid M'Mekan, that he would do every thing in his power to put Birch out of this place. And tb s deponent further faith not. Sworn and fubferibed this 13th day of O&yb^r, 1801, before me,
Wm. Meetkirke. ALEXANDER LITLE.
The above-named Andrew M'Mekari being duly fworri, faith, that tte ftaterrient made by Alexander Litle, is juft and true to the beft of bis knowledge. Sworn and fubferibed before me, January 23^, 1802.
ANDREW M'MEKANi , , Wafiiinglon County, fs. -. Personally appeared before me, Williani Weetkirke, one of the Juftices of the Peace in and for faid coufny* "William M'Camrriant of Wafhington; tavern-keeper, and being duly fworri as the law directs, depofeth arid faith, that upon a Saturday, be- ing about. tfie feveriteenth of February, i8dd, the Rev. Thomas Ledlie Birch having dined in faid d&p orient's houfe, requefted him to accorn- j?nv him, the faid Birch, to the Houfe.of William M<Gomb, Elder; near Wafhingtonj Upon an invitation ; and this deponent did go along with him; Said deponent was in faid M'Comb's houfe, along with faid M'Comb and Birch, until they got ready to fet off to fpend the evening at Robert Stockton's, Elder. Along with other entertainment in faid 14'Gomb's, Birch and this deponent were presented with fpirits, water and fugar. And whereas it has been reported, that faid Birch dranfe a pint of whifkey in M*Comb's at faid refrefhmentj this deponent de- clareth that fuch is falfe, as Birch did riot feem to exceed a cornmon re-, freftiment; neither, to his belief, did the whole company, Confifting of /aid M'Comb, his fon, Birch, arid this deponent,, drink a pint ambngft them. And this deponent faith, that upon the Tuefdav following, he? conveyed Birch on his road leaving the country— and further faith not. Sworn and fubferibed this 19th day of October, l8oij before, me,
Wm. Meetkirkb. WILLIAM M'CAMlviANT;
Wafoington County, fs. Perfonally appeared before William Meet- kirke, one of the Juftces of the Peace in and for (aid county, Robert Anderfon, filverfrriith, and being duly fworn as the law directs depofetl* and faith; that on or about the 15th day of September, i§00, having met William M'Comb, Elder of Wafhington congregation, on trWRed- ftone road, near the town of Wafhingron, this deponent afkeJ faid M«. Comb what great mifdemeanor the Rev, Thomas Ledlie Birch had been guilty of in his houfe j lWComb replied, had he,* the deponent, e- ver heard, that he or his family ever fpread fuch a report ? for he, the
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/aid M'Comb, would be qualified that he, or his family, baa never (a\A any thing of Mr. Birch, further than that Biw:h, leaving thjir houfe in the evening, having a tumbler and drinic in his ha. J, (hook, hands with them, drank their healths and a good night to them. And this depo- nent further faith not. S«vorn and fubferibed this igth day of October, 1801, before me, ROBERT ANDERSON.
Wm. MeetkirkE.
Wajkington County, ft. Perfonally appeared before William Meet- kirke, one of the Juitices of the Peace in and for faid county, William M'Cammant, tavern keeper, Alexander Litle, cabinet-maker, and Ro- bert Anderfon, filverfmith, all of Washington ; and being duly fworn as the law directs, depofe and fay, that on or about the third day of Au- guft laft, at the defire of the Rev. Thomas Ledlie Birch, they called at the houfes of Robert Stockton and William M'Comb, Elders, to in- quire into certain reports, faid to have been propagated by faid M'Comb, relative to faid Birch's intemperance in their houfes, viz. Birch's drink- ing a pint of whifkey in M'Comb's houfe^ and three gills in Stockton's the fame evening. Robert Stockton, his wife, and fon, declared that what was drunk in their houfe was very trifling, not exceeding half a pint amongft a company coniifting of Robert Stockton, his fon, (a man) a Mr. Smith, and Meffrs. M'Comb and Birch. William M'Comb's wife faid, in prefenee of her hufband, who kept filence, that it was not him, but her who had fpoken of Birch j but (he never faid he was drunk. .Alexander Litle informed faid M'Comb, that the Rev. John M'Millan had made public faid M'Comb's report in Prefbytery, relative to Birch's intemperance. Said M'Comb, in feeming confufiom, acknowledged the fact. The Monday immediately following the Saturday of Birch's alledged intemperance, Robert Stockton and Jofeph Wherry, Elders, (the congregation being afFembled agreeably to public notice) as Com- miflioners, prefented to Birch an unanimous invitation to fettlement. William M'Comb held the fubfeription paper for his quarter. At Mr. Birch's return to Walhington, after near fix months, there was a poll between hrm and a Mr. Leacock— -all our four Elders prefent, MefTrs* Swearingen, Stockton, MkComb and Wherry— a majority for Birch— - neither was there any report of Birch's intemperance, until he was gone for his family,' to bring them to this place. Sworn and fubferibed this 19th day of October, i^oi, before me.
N. B. William M'Comb's words to us, William M'Cammant, X- lexander Litle and Robert Anderfon, were, that he told the Rev. Pref- bytery of Ohi®, (when infifting to name the quantity Birch drank) that Birch took three draughts irt M'Comb's houfe, and two in Robert Stockton's, of a gill and a half each. Sworn and fubferibed before me, October 19th, 1801.
Wm. Meetkirxe. WILLIAM M'CA'MMANT,
ALhXANDER LITLE, ROBERT ANDERSON.
At the next meeting of the Rev. Prefbytery of Ohio, which was jit Bethel, otherwife Peter's-creek, the 21ft October, 1 80 1, accompanied by Alexander Litle, Efq. and Mr. Robert Irwin, as witntflcs, I watted Spon them, and lodged the following complaint to the next very Rev.
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General AfTmnly, wrvch rontaimd the fubnSnce of the complaint lodged at the former P (b t-ry, with fome additional' reafons ; ai<cl therefore, for brevity's i«k *5 the publicat'h n of the heads thereof, as they Will afterward* be deta'ltd, may ferve fur 5oth. There were alio lai^ before the Pufbtery, ih^ foregoing depofmon*, ard the- depc-finons of M . R *bert Andifon and Elizabeth B^rch, relat ve to Mr. Median's acknowledgments in B.rch'a home; with propofals ot gofpel acccm- knudiiion.
Buffalo, the 1st day of J. • /y, iSor.
TheR*v. Prpfbvte* > o> O.-io having ruoivtd, kv that they thirk them- felves fully jaitifiabie in refufing to proceed anv further wi h mv trial?, (agreeably to «he rules of the General AflVmbh of the Pufbvtenan Church in the United S'ates of America, for the intre du&ion or foreign M miters) from the fnqaent and full conventions they have formerly hdd with me, and a general prevising repottof my imprtdent, irregu- lar eonducV'— I, Thomas L^dlie B;rcfy do moft humbly and refpeft- fullv complain of the procc d ngs of the Rev. Prefbyterv of Ohio, to the next very Rev. General AfTemblv, to meet at Philadelphia the third Thurfday in May, i8oi, for the following reaf^m :—
i ft. i complain of the procedure of the Rev. P efbytery of Ohio to- wards me; as contrary to al Church d fcipline.
2ily. For want of liability in the relolves of the Rev. Prrfbytery of Ohio ; they having in the Tuefday evening's ftffi »n drtermin< d to pro- ceed with my examination^ aid ordered me to atiend for that rurpofe fiext morning; yet next day, after being obli-ed to wait out of dooiS Upwards of four hours, I was rejected without any hearing;
3<2Iy. For the Rev. Prefbtery of Ohio's being h d to this unbro- theily acl, by hearing reports, from the R^v. John M'Millan,ar-d Wil- liam MlComb^ Elder.; behir d my back.
I Wi(h not to impeach others, but to fuppbrt my own character; and therefore to (hew what credit is due to reporters, I Oiall prove, if re- quired, that William McComb, E!d r, was intoxicated, and behaved much out of character, at. a public meeting fome time ago; ard that he, "when I was at the late AiTmbly, decl?red, *ha' he wifhi d from his hea t 1 might defeat the Prefbyteryi and that Mr. M£Millan could driik hlra down.
4 Sly. For the fentence of the Rev. Prcfbytery of Ohio being un~ Juit, defamatory, and contrary to the letter and fpirit of the gofpel.
5:hly. For infult, threatened violence ar.d intimidation.
6tily. For the decifion of the Rev. Prtibytery of Ohio being void of mercy.
And finally, being willing, anJ hereby-declaring my readimf , toerd all difpufes with the Rev. Prefbyterv of Ohio, or any of its member , end to effect a reconciliation agreeably togcfpH rules ; I hereby charge them, as alone accountable to their God, for any trouble that may be give* to the Church, or fcandal brought upon religion, which has al- ready been very great. THOMAS LED LIE BIRCH.
Delivered to the RtV. P* efbytery of Ohio, at Peter s Creek, ~) the 2Qth Oftobery I 8e i> in prefence of J* Litle, Robst i Irwtrn J>
{ Si )
We,' Robert and Bell and Hamilton Bell, do in the name and by the authority of the congregation of Wafhington> join the Rev. Thomaa Ledlie Birch in the above complaint to the very Rev. General AflTembly; ind we further proteft againft the decifion of the Rev. Prcfbytery of Ohio, in refuting to allow fome of their members to come and affift Mr. Birch in difpenftng the Sacrament of the Lord's Supper, (of which we were never favoured with one opportunity) and to prefide if thought mod expedient^ as in oar opinion incontinent with the fpirit of the Gofpel. ROBERT BELL, ) Commiflion-
Datedasabove* HAN4ILTON BELL, J ers.
Waflnngton County, fs. Perfonaily appeared before John Wilfbn, Efq. one of the Juftiees in and for faid county, Robert hel!, who, be- ing duly fworn as the law direcls, depofeth and faith, that he was a Com.Tvflioner from the congregation o{ Washington, in conjunction with Hamilton Bell, at the Preflbytery alluded to in the annexed com- plaint, the contents of which, to his knowledge and belief, are true i— and he particularly remembers the circumftance of the Rev. Thomas Ledlie Birch's requefting of the Rev. Prcfbytery of Ohio to be pleafed to inform him wherein he was imprudent and irregular, and upon that the Rev. John Watfon's ftarting up and afking Bitch, was he going to inftilt the Prefbytery? for if he would not go out, they rnufl put hina out: and upon this the Rev. Thomas Ledlie Birch called forward (a- greeably to the method prefcribed in tha G fp-lj Hamilton Bel!, Na- jthanifl Jenkins and myfelf, and requeued Prelbytery to name their charges, and not any being named, Bi.ch left the houfe. This depo- nent further faith, that he patted a depoution fimiUr to this one, in A- pr:l laft, for the purpofe of being laid before the late very Rev. Gene- ral Affembly— a.id deponent furcher fa th not. Sworn to, and fubferi- bed, before me, this 8th day of April, 1803.
John Wilson. ROBERT BELL.
Wnjbingu* Csnnty^fs, Hamilton Bell being duly fworn, faith, that the within facts are jjtt and true. Sworn and lubferibed this 8th day af April, 1803, before me,
John Wilson. HAMILTON BELL.
The Prtfbyrery informed me that n«'hing would be tone in the W2y ?f an amicable fettlement of matters; that they would try Mr. M\vl,!- an, and I inaft libel him and prove his reports falfe, ar.d if ht w;** not iatisfi'd- with the deafiort, heco\jld appcai la the higher Ct.tirch Judi- catories. I tola them that i was no:, as under the Inquifition^xo ^r*ve nyiilf innocent ; my accufer muft prove me guilty, i he Pr« ih.xtty n'liltna; that I ihouji prove Mr. MlMiilai.\v revolts falfe, *r>d Ihttl Mr. WJlfram MlComb, tlder, mu.'t bz brought to an account for his dc- pmiftg «f the R?v. John MsVlMlan, and intoxication, 1 Contented «u ibel both, provided the depoluionv ot n£tflcs. Thomas M^Con-nel, J.^. vlih.^n and Join Beiij now 111 hand, wwid bo received by the Prtfb^- ery as co ie! alive evidence, in the ca& of the nevij >hn iUsVi-lian ; a J ccjrdun»ly L haftily, ujon the fcaot, • ro re arid handed to P. tin. ;< 1 y i\s *-> fa kwtoj iiOels, ihc Rw-v. J. ha iMWi.ilan'a tnc cwuuiuing u.c a* ►ove sxprefs jpoW&fc F
( 82 )
To the Rev. Prejbjter) of Ohio.
I charge the Rev. John M'Millan, a member of your Rev. Vo<?v\ -with flaader and falfehood towards me, in the interlocutor of your Rev. Prefbytery, upon or about the firft of July -laft, informing you that he was told by Thomas M'Connel, blackfmith, Strafburgh, and James Mahon his journeyman, unafked, upon his road from the late General AfTemblv, on or about the 8ih day of June lair, that I, the Rev. Tho- mas Lediie Birch, was as fond of whifkey as a Dutchman ; and added* as an evidence (upon Mr* MlMil!an's enquiring their reafons tor fay- ing fo) that Birch a few days before that, was talking fool talk in their fhop, and ftaggering through the ftreet. // to be f roved. The fa£t cf reporting acknowledged by Mr. M'Miilan* in the houfe of Birch-^ in Wafhington, on or about the ift day of Auguft laft, in prefence of James Allifon, Efq. Robert Anderfon and Elifabeth Birch, both of the latter of Wafhington town : fee their depofitiqns on your tabk. Mr. McMillan's ground of report to be proved unfounded by the depositions of Thomas M'Connel, James Mahon and John Bell, all of Strafburgh.
2dly. I charge the Rev. John M'Millan with flander and unchriftiaa tfereats, at or upon the fifteenth day of July laft, near Canaonfburgh* (in prefence of Alexander Liileaad Andrew MkMekan,fentby the con- gregation of Wafhington and Birch, for the purpofe of Gofpel accom^ modation) Mr* M'Mllan not only acknowledged the fa6t of his re- port of Thomas M'Connel and James Mahon's telling faid M'Millanv that Birch was drunk in Strafburgh ; he Mr. M'Millan having called Birch a Preacher of the Devil, before faid M'Mekan, about the fixth of June la(r, upon the Philadelphia road near* near Somerfet ; but added* he, M'Millan, would do every thing in his power fo put Birch out of the pises. THOMAS LEDLIE BIRCH.
To the Mev. Prefbytery of Ohio.
I charge William M'Comb, Elder, near Wafhington, with defama- tion in the interlocutor of your Rev. Prefbytery-jat Buffaloion the firft of July lair, sflerting, that upon a certain afternoon, fuppofed about the middle of February, i-8cb, that I drank in his houfe, three draughts of whifkey, and the fame evening, two- irt Robert Stockton's Elder, a gill and an half in each draught.
The hdt of report acknowledged by faid MlComb, in his own houfe* about the 1 8th of July laft, in prefence cf William M'Cammant, Alex- ander Litle and Robert Anderfon, all of Wafhington town ; to ba. pro- ved falfe by the depofitions of faid William M'Cammant and Robert Anderfon, the joint depefrions of William M'Cammant, Alexander Litle and Robert Anderfc n, and alfo by Robert Stockton and fon John, who refufe to give evidence Without a citation.
THOMAS LEDLIE BIRCH. Peter's Creek, the 2 r ft of Oftober, 1801.
The Rev. Prefbytery of Ohio, inftead of taking cognizance of Mr; Wiili?m M'Comb, Elder, for an alledged tranfgreffion committed in cheir Court, being a member, (agreeably to the invariabre rule of al£ Courts) told me he rnuffc be profecuted before the Seffion of Wafhing-" con; thereby ex poling me to much additional trouble* and before partjr
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judge*, as his three brother Elder?, now in nppofitioa to me, would orf- Jy be allowed fey the Presbytery to be the Seffion. , The Rev. Prefbytery of Ohio have noted, in their minurcs relative to the hbel aga.nit the Rev. John M'Millati, that Mr. Brrch not beinp- prepared r0r trial on the firft charge, it was deferred to the next meet- ing or Prefoytery. , The Rev. Fathers are here incorrca in their mi- nutes, ana this infertion is only to cloak: an iniquitous, Jhameful pre- varication and Cval,on of juftice, carried from Prefbytery to Preiby tery, and to another Court, for the purpofe of oppreffin* and overwhelming an «"d,v,duaj; -Birch was ready for trial, in the iirft, and all charts ngainft Mr. Median : for looking into the paper againft Mr. McMil- lan, handed to Prefbytery.it will be feen. that the evidences by which I pledged myfelf to eftabl.fli the haSy and which were exprefsly aprecd to by Prefbytery, to be received as conduce evidence, upon mv libelling were the depofitions there fpecified, all then either a peruline by the
^K^u' ?i lyllig °n the P"%*"y table. But the documents bv whrch the hbel was to be eftachfhed, are omitted to be inferted in the Prefbytery. records, led th.ev might have ftood as monuments of their feeds, as indeed they have (as will afterwards aopear) emitted tf word m tneir minutes, in other, inltances, what did mi fail themfelves. This flip made by the Rev. Prefbytery of Ohio, will be made evident bv iooKms into the original papefynow in my hands, containing the libels to Prefbytery agamit Mtffrs. McMillan and M'Comb, which I long fought for in vain, but could never get produced, (as will afterwards be 1-wn lamentably to be the cafe with other papers) until fc&nd amonr paper, produced by the delegates of the Rev. Prefbyterv of Ohio, upon
tt\^Z u C ^Z Re"; General Aflembly, the May following, and wh.cn has been preferved to confront a feries of impontion j and the gtnuinenef: of the paper may be afcertained from (he minute of Prefby-
2JS1S " If feS> ,being; an/eXaa C°P>'' eve" to th* error of a letter rum,i, tted m hafte and con'ufion : ond i defy the Rev. Prefbvterv of Uhio to produce any other document, under my hand: that will iuftifv" ^4rCkt' ^TkC u°th Wa?' the ^efoyiery of Ohio ano MK
XZrfSF 2 %?h VI^ Mr' M'M'»*J ■*■ not prefer* when the tS^Tl °f ^ h°maS M<Co™e]> *«nei taahon and Tohn Bell we,e Uicen i, to have an. opportunity of examining them—molt probably if he
ne the was birch prefenr. Tki tnaiter need net be fJctUn : Mr. lUrl d"h T° th:.''erritionS fr^ Stralburgh in hts ^ (as has
5 n ed 1/h C T^f^^V Uta*mM **• Robert hwin) denied that he ever fa,d that I hom,s M'Connel and James Mahon told
» M «7rf.r;.. 1 naua tner^uo produce evidence, whir* Mr.
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McMillan might have his privilege of examination. I replied, I had laid fucn evidence before them as I could conveniently procure ; that it did not fuit me to travel three hundred miles in fearch of other ; they had this evidence, and Mr. M'Millan and they might aft as they thought proper ; — and was abouc to withdraw, when the Rev. Mr. Moor, the Moderator, obferved, that Mr. M'Millan, their head, or father, or words to that purpofe, was impeached, and they would affift me in having the matter ifTued. An expedient was propofed by the Rev. Mr. Ralfton, from the precedent of the very Rev. General Aflembly, which admits fuch teftimony as will pafs in civil Courts when witnefies live at a dis- tance, viz. depofitions taken before a Magiftrate, giving the oppofite party proper notice. The Rev. Mr. Marquis, after confuting the Di- rectory, objected to this mode as unconftitutional — the depofitions muft be taken before an ecclefiaftical Court. And therefore it was de- termined, that the Rev. Prefbytery of Carlifle (in whofe bounds the witnefies lived) fhould be wrote to, to take their depofitions ; and when thefe came to hand, they would judge whether the witnefles fhould be brought upon the fpot. The Rev. John M'Mitlan intimating that James Mahon was fhortly expected in this neighbourhood, propofed that a committee fhould be ftruck to take his deposition ; and a com- mittee, confiding of the Rev. Samuel Ralfton and the late Rev. John Watfon, was appointed accordingly, Mr. M'Millan and Birch to attend. But of this fas appears by a copy of the Prefbytery minutes now before me, attefted by the Rev. John M'Millan, as ftated Clerk} there is not any mention. The bufinefs was now let reft in this ftage, from the; fuggeftion, that Mr. McMillan acknowledged the fecend charge, viz* calling Bircha Minifter of the Devil, and faying that he would ufe his beft endeavours to put Birch out of the place, or Wafhington j and therefore Prefbytery might proceed to try the matter. Prefbytery con- curring, Mr. M'Millan having alledged rn juftifkation, my rejection by the Prefbytery upon the topic of experimental religion, and I hav- ing mentioned the examination by the very Rev. General Aflembly upon that point, without any further evidence being produced, ihe bu- finefs was referred to the judgment of Prefbytery.
The Prefbytery, after mature deliberation, (fay for two hours) re- folved,(very contrary to their opinion at the outfet) as the two charges were in fame meafure connected, to defer the deeifion until both can be tried together.
In the opinion of rrryfelf and one of my witneffes who was prefent in the houfe at the time, the term made ufe of by the Frefbvtery was, retain Jentence, inftead of" defer decifion/' as in the minute at prefent. But either of the terms amount to all that is objected to, viz. the not coming to a determination, or pronouncing judgment, at the time.— The truth was, there was no connection (as may be obvious to the humbled capacity) between the two charge*, as then dated, and pone intoby Prefbytery. But it was evident they muft condemn Mr. lVl'Mil- Tan, and it was a bad omen, for him to begin to fall before his opponent at the firft ontet : they therefore determined to evade juftice for the pre- fent, in profpeCt of getting a hole .to .creep out at on a future daj*.
( «5 )
Requeuing Prefbytery to be pleated to appoint the committee, to write to the Rev. Prefbytery of Carlifle, to obtain the depofitions of he gentlemen in Strafburgh, I received for anfwer, that they ftappofed Ar, McMillan and I knew our own bufinefs. Obferving, that I had 101^150 to fpend in the bufinefs, I withdrew.
My character being very much hurt by the Rev. John M'Millan's ieport of my drunkennefs at Strafburgh, the allegation that if he had >een prefent the evidences would have fworn otherwife, with many laving nearly eftablifhed the truth of the matter, and the Rev. Prefby- ery of Ohio deferring an inquiry into the bufinefs, under the pretence hat Birch was not ready for trial, making things ftill worfe, I refolved o have new depofitions taken; but from the great popularity of the lev. John M'Millan, and fupported by the reputed eminently piou?, onvcrted, Rev. Prefbytery of Ohio, in oppofition to a ftranger,I could lot get a perfon who was willing to ferve a notice upon him, and af- erwards attend to give evidence, and befides, the trouble and expence his way had been already greater than I could well bear; I therefore ublifhed the following notice in the Weftern Telegraphe.
7* the Rev. Jakn M'-Miilan^ nt*r Cannonjburgh. Reverend Sir,
You having reported, (as can be proved by Meflrs. Alexander Li- le, Andrew M'Mekan, and Robert Anderfon, Elder, all cf Wafhing- on Congregation, with others,) That Meflrs, Thomas M^Conne!, f Strafburgh, Blackfmith, and James Mahon, his journeyman, told ou, that I was ftaggering drunk, and ufmg fool-talk in the town of Itrafburgh, upon, or about the 5th day of June laft, and I have in my and the depofitions of faid Thomas M'Connel, and James Mahon, vith the depofition of Mr. John Bell, Tavern keeper, all of Straf- urgh ; taken before John Gilmor, Efq. of faid place, {wh« was in ay company the greateft part of time I was in faid town) declaring our report falfe. And you and fome of your Brethern having com- bined that you were taken advantage of in not having notice, to be irefent at taking the depofitions. — All Gofpel offers of accommeda- ion have been reje£Ud, and neceflity obliging a profecut=on of th* natter, before the proper court — You will be pleafed to take notice, hat Mr. James Mahon is here upon the fpot. And if }cu think pro- ier, vou mny attend an examination Of Meflrs. Thomas M(Connel, nd John Bell, in the town of Strafburgh, at the houfe of faid Bcli, up- >n the 21 ft of January, 1802.
This notice is publifhed to fave the trouble and expence of carry- Dg witnefics to a great diftance, which already has been very burthen- ome. THOMAS L. BIRCH.
Washington, Dec. 18, 1801.
Upon the abr/e notice the following remarks were pub'ifhed fevcrrl imes in the Weftern Telegraphe, of January 1802, Kv Andrew iwearin^en, Efq. Robert Stockton, Jofeph Wherry ana William M- ^omb, Elders in the Congregation of Washington.
( 86 ) ■
To the Public.
& publication has appeared in the laft Teiegraphe, under the fig na- ture of Thomas L. Birch, of which we deem it our duty, as Elders of V/afhington Congregation, to take fome notice. When the man wh<» attacks tne pious and "irreproachable character of the Rev. John M£- Millah, meats with any countenance in the community, we cannot wonder at the general prevalence of calumny, nor beafiomfhed that th$ flanderer of the innocent and virtuous (houid find advocates among the people.— The caufe of our noticing MrV Birch's publication does nol proceed from his attack of Mr. M'Millan, whofe chara&er cannot bl afrc&ed by the idle tall of a man, who, toTay the leaft of him, is no( remarkable for his prudence ; but it proceeds from Mr. Birch's infidi* ous attempt to degrade the Waihington Congregation, by aflociating it with himfelf in his attack of Mr. M'Mitlah. — We deplore the gen*1 era! depravity of manners, and we lament that a difpenfer of the Go£ pel, fhould defcend to adY unworthy of the character he aflumes ; bir when this is the cafe, the'garb even of a Minifter of the Gofpel, inufl not be permitted to conceal his depravity of heart. — The Wafhingtor; Congregation was organized many years before Mr. Birch attempted to diiturb its harmony, or claim its patronage; and we the underfignn ed Eiders of it, were regularly ordained under 'the authority of the O) hio Prefbytery,"at the t'iune of its organization, and ft ill ad! as fuch t<t the fa id Congregation. " Yet, notwithftanding the 'fa 61 is as above ftaa ted, Mr. Birch has the unparalleled imprudence to mention the names o Alexander Litle, Andrew M'Mekan,' and Robert Anderfon, arid de clare that they are all Elders of the Wafhington Congregation, whei he niuft have known that neither of them are, or ever'were, recOgniz ed by the congregation as fuch. — If either perfons are Elders in try Wafhington Congregation^ it is afked, at v.hat time, and by wbon were they ordained I — It behoves Mr. Birch to give an anfwer.to thi queftion, for we pofuively aflert that no perfon under the authority o< the Ohio Piefbytery within our knowledge aflifted at the ceremony.— If therefore they had been ordained Elders, it mull: have been'by th mere authority of Mr. B>irch himfelf, who probably had' the concur rence of his followers, very few, if arty, of vhorri ever belonged to thH Washington Congregation.— But we again afkby what authoriiy Mi Birch acrfe, or ordains Elder?, in a congregation' under the direction c the Ohio Preibyiery. — We know that he bas not been received an inflamed by tha: Prtfbytery, and we do not know that he has been re: ceived by any P.re'fDytery in America-— Whence 'then" has Mr. Birc his authority, and why fhou'd he, whom we will not call a fugitiv from the juftice of his own countryi be permitted to diflurb the peat of ours. — If Mr. Birch has no authority himfelf, he can beftow nor ©n his Eiders, nor can fuch Elders with propriety be called the Eldei cf the Wafhington Congregation, with whom Mr. Birch has no cor neclion. — We cannot but hope that the bafc attempt to impefe on it public £nd deflroy the peace of that congregation, may fail in its ai
CTON, ( f g. . RRY, blol
C 87 )
complifhment, and that its. author mav fee his error, and be brought to repentance. A. SWEARINGEN, -,S
ROBERT S rOCTOK, JOSEPH WHERRY, VVm. M'COMB, ^Erratum {by the Editor of the Telegraphe.) In our laft week's im- preffii>n, the word Elders^ in Mr. Birch's publication, was a typogra- phical error, and fhould have been Elder.]
Bireh mJea reply to the Elders remarks, the one infertion of which coft him nineteen doliars-and a half, (< be whole of his friends and his publications beingj to avoid offence, charged as advertifemtnts.) The publication at large may be fecn in the Weltern Telegraphe of the 1 un and 18m of January, 1802.
Z$ A. Sweariagen, Ejq. R. Stockton^ fofeph fPbtrryy and W'm. M^Ccmb, the regularly ordained Elder! of the Congregation of IVajhington.
IVIost Worthy Sirs,
I have been duly honored with your favor in the Telegraphe of ihe 28ch ult. 1 cannot hut venerate your religion in deploring (I will not hy a general) but too great a 'depravity of manners,' and me neglect of holding virtuous chara£ters in the eftimation to which they are en- titled ; and muft alfo join with you, in l deeply lamenting, that riifpen- fers of the Gofpsl fhould difgrace religion, and give room to Inhdcls to blafpheme, by defcending to acts unworthy cf their facred calling' -—'.hat they, and even regularly ordained Elders fhculd under the * a- miable garb of religion' exercifc hypocrify, falfthood and flander — thaf. even ' the pious and irreproachable character of the Rev. John McMil- lan (if he daes not deferve it) fhould have conic in for its fharei' and all lovers of truth and.righteoufnefs mutt be deeply humbled with us, in obferving, that, in a period of lb much light, when fscmingly, Scrip- ture, the fi^ns of the times, an« uoiverul expectation, point to an im- mediate blaee of reform throughout the earth;, iuch fhould iiill continXie to have fome followers.
The Wife man obfcrves, Prov. xviii. 17, he that is firft in his own caufe feemeth juft; but his neighbour cometh and fcaicheih him.
Perfonsy who might not be fupcofed to have the knowledge of regu- larly ordained Elders, might chfeern that I (whom the vcr'.hy Elders ftyle, in their genuine (train, la man. who to lay the Icafi: of him, is net remarkable for his prudence') do not in my puti-.bation attack ti.e* '.pious, irreproachable character of the Rev. John M'MillSn ;' I oily attempt tD vindicate my own ; and whilll doing this, call upon him 10 be n/efent, left his fhould receive injury.
The Church muft be much edified by the f regularly ordered E*i regard tor the facred obligation of an oath, when ihcy call 1 X C Ihs, (ubferibed by a Magiftratc, who was an eye witncfi upon the occaffpn, cm idle tale — Well for the A p^'frle, wh?n h? faid, l receive not an ac ■ cufatinn againTran Elder, (meaning a Gof^cl m.nillcr) except :r. mouth of two or three witi-.d'kf,' that to- f-^ worthies c\i not live in his da.^ or they bed taught hioi other things?
V
>
( 88 }
1 cannot but revere minds like yours, fo full of that c charity, which covereth a multitude of fins,* that memory cannot ferve to relate to the public one inftance of my imprudence, which even in characters far Superior to mine, mud be very many ; and muft heartily congratulate you upon the feeming dawn of general reform; when even the civil authority is beginning to oblige, (at leaft regularly ordained Elders) not to fupply the defe&s of bad memories, by little innocent invention* •of their own. If you mean, by not being remarkable for prudence, that, in order to keep in with fome perfons, who wifh to be efteemed lead- ing characters, I fhould have taken the advice frequently hinted to me, to a& the hypocrite, and now and then to tell a little fib, your benevo- lence would afiign me a taflc I am not any way equal to ; for if even the facred dictates of cor.fcience, and the reverential awe of an Omnipre- sent Being, would permit, the act would be highly imprudent, having fuch fuperior matters to deal with.
How wife you are in making out, that my faying I have three per- fons (even allowing them to be Elders of Wa(bington congregation) who were witncffes that the Rev. John M'Milian defamed me, is an infidious attempt in me to cover the badnefs of my heart, by making the Wafhington congregation a party ! Are three Elders, or even you four, (as it feems you modcftly arrogate toyourfelves)the congregation of Washington ? And are you, even regularly ordained Elders, fuch adepts in ths knowledge of the Ninth Commandment, as to proclaim to the public, that Elders, being appealed toas witoefies, for the main- taining and promoting of truth between man and man,' makes either congregation or Elders defamers ? Surely, Mr. Wherry, your friendly meffige* to me has not put you into the predicament of a defamer— N », no j you would not join me in an attack upon the pious, irreproach- able John McMillan ! Some ignorant well meaning people are of opi- nion, that profeffions of friendship before faces, and calumnies behind backs, more efpecially with a man who wifhes to adhere to truth, who wifhes to be at peace with all, and has forborne to drag the moft bafe calumniators (regularly ordained Elders not excepted) to open juftice, were concealings of a bad heart. But your moft eloquent logi« muft convince them to the contrary ! The public cannot but applaud your extreme modefty and benevolence, in taking upon you to judge and decide, in your fuperlatively high Court, my minifterial qualifications* before the Supreme Court of the Church was permitted fo pafs an opi- nion upon my complaint againft the Rev. Prefbyteryof Ohic ; whereby all parties are faved farther trouble : and this a& of kiodnefs to me was the more unexpected, as I had not mentioned you at all, nor queflioned whether you were regularly ordained Elders of the Wafhington con- gregation, how long you have been organized, or how well you have officiated. Perhaps it might have been for public edification, if you had told in your epiftie, how you have afted, and the valuable purpofes you have ferved.
Your conduct towards me having been fo difintereftcd and obliging, I fhall gratify you in informing the public how I came by the honouj
f $" f*g* 74*
( »9 )
of being conne&td with, and claiming the patronage of the Wafhing- ton congregation :— Upon a viht to ihis back country, raving a letter to Mr. Joleph Wntrry, trom his late worthy farrier,* i called upon him, and was very bofpitably received. The Eider*, as is cuflomary, having a difcretionary power to admit occafional fupplies, I (tad in Wafhington three Lord's days ; (after the firft, I waited on the Rev. John M'Milhn, Moderator of the fhndirig committee of Prefbytery, whe afk.-dme ci preach in Canonfburgh Academy, and gave me aline importing no objection to my preaching fome da)S in the bounds) when it was unanimoufly agreed to prefent me an invitation to fettle. Mr. William M*Comb held one or the fubfeript ion papers. Mr. Wherry, who was appointed to tranfmit to me the fubferiptions^when filled, after conliderable delays, wrote to me to the Head of E'k, that he" heard a certain leading Clergymanf would oppofe my adimfljon into the Pref- bytery ; that he was given to furmife, that fome friendly vifits from Mr. Stockton to Mr. WComb, in behalf of a near relative,]; did not help his exertions for me ; chat he propofed to lift the fubfeription paper from Mr. MlComb, but he cnofe to retain it ; that a certain excife Eider ^ had fc>read unfavourable reports about me ; and perhaps, that with con- tending parties, there might not be every happinefs ; but that nothing but my immediate pretence and union with the Church would fettle the congregation." I wrote back, that I believed in charity no Cler- gyman would oppofe me; afperfions and calumnies I was ready to meet; requeuing him to lay the letter before the congregation, as I thought myfelf bound in honour firft to them; and I expected their determina- tion to m^ct me in a certain time at Shippenfbtir^h. My letter was fome where in Washington for about feven weeks, without being com- municated to thy people, I wont fay by Mr. Wherry's fault ; — when, coming to Wafhington, upon my journey to other places where I had invitations, another Minifter having been there a few Lord's days, on a fet day, the four regularly ordained Elders being prefent, a poll was fet up, with a view (as thore is good reafon to believe) to defeat both; being deemed of csrtain principles ;j[ when there was a majority of more than three to one for me. Having before the poll received from the com- mittee of the Rev. Prefbytery of Ohio, a certificate af admiffion, under the exprefs declaration of a view of fettling in Wafhingfon, and at Mr. Wherry's defire lodged it in his hands, 1 learn he did not fhew it at the poll, though there were cavils thrown out againft me. Some days after my leaving Wafhington, a report was fet on foot, that I was ad- dicted to habitual intemperance, and particularly, that I was guilty of grofs a£ts of this nature in the houfes of Mellrs. William M'Ccmb and Rabcrt Stockton, Elders, about fix months before this time, viz, upon the Saturday preceding the Monday when 1 received the firft invitation; the whole, as I learn, through the fuge«»ftions of Mcftrs. WiHtam M*-- Comb and Jofeph Wherry, who prof. fling confeientious fcruples, fome of my moft zealous friends were prevailed upon, in their private capa-
• Jn Elder nuhofe name is figntd to the Fiji- Nottingham Certify ait. + The Rev. John M lUllan. \ Mr. Sto;k:oni for..
§ Mr. James £n;e. U Repub ican.
( 9'0 )
city, to write a letter, charging me with the alledged intemperance* anct^ remonftrating agaiuft my coming to Wafhington. The letter being directed to my friend Col. Blythe, near Shippenfburgh, did not reach me until I had hired a waggon for the whole journey, and was arrived with my family in Shippenfburgh. I determined to proceed to Wafh- ington and meet the calumny, and if not agreeable, proceed elfewhere. Upon my arrival at Wafhington,. all my accufers had vanijked like the bafelefs fabric of a vtfion? A number of the »ppoiition having joined us, and as we, from plighted faith, expe&ed a junction of the whole, but at all events, from the eftablifhed rules of. fociety, efteeming our- felves the congregation of Wafhington, and fuppoiing four Elders too- few for the purpofe of difpenfing the Lord's fupper, vifitation, Sec. the people thought proper, purfuant to public notice, to meet and elect four additional ones. I being an ordained Minifter, not indeed raifed in a hot- bed, like fome, known to thoufands in America, (let them fpeak) the rules of the Supreme Council of the Church having declared, that wherefoever an ordained Minifter is regularly called, during his proba- tion he (hall be entitled to perform every mtnifterial function ; and I be- ing upon an equal footing with the "pious, irreproachable, Rev. John McMillan," the father and ordainer of the Rev. Ohio Prefbytery, and you all, though never^nftalled himfelf ; they were fet apart according to the form of the American Church.
Your great wifdom muft have taught you, that the ordination cf El- ders is not a prelbyteria), but a miniile.ial aft. However, the buiinefs. has. already been before the Supreme Judicature of the Church.. No doubt you have read their fenfe of the matter in their printed minutes, which it was fuppofed your extreme modc»fty would have prevented) you from commenting on. Their determination at their next meeting I meet with humble refpe^i and compofure, and not doubting it will be humane and honourable. No doubt they will be extremely careful in. their final deciiion, left they fhould fall under your high cenfure ! •■
Your known humanity and univerfal benevolence, muft difpel every I doubt of your intending to rake up the yet fmoking embers of tyranny and human mi.fery, the laft fpark of which has been feeminai? drenched; with human blood! But it is. naturally to be expected, that where there are any remains of the image of Cainy the language will in fome degree difcover the mark fet upon that eminent Patriarch \±— You lav, you will not call me a fugitive from the juftice of my country.— *.. You are right ; for it would be an untruths- and regularly ordained El- ders fhould. fpeak the truth. I ftocd my ground until juftice exacted infinitely beyond her utmoft farthing. Being not an hireling, 1 did not %. Having manifefted a fympathy for the ".American rebels'- in '75, I was marked a devoted object by the "friends of molality, religion, and regular government." And when that mad phrenzy infected the country, as a fuppofed leader. I was befet in the night, torn from i-he tender embraces of a wife and children — hurried to a guard-boufe a-- midtt the huzzas of a royalift mob — tried by a Court- Martial — and the mild^lternative (though Unconvicted) was offered, of tracfpoita- tion tor Ufe3 and thereby be toi^ forever frpaa my ef(?te,'d:ar congre-
( p >
gation, relatives and country ; or be hanged, my head fevered from, my body, and ftuck upon the ipire of a market- houfe. The facrince of dea:h being o-r no public avail, life was accepted of, and the kindred ftates of America were the chofen fpot for refidence, afbamed to be fuY- ther indebted to the Britifh government or her trumpeters, for their tender mercies. Next, an ai med band of the friends of order and re- gular government^ having previoufly bought ^wo topes, attempted to refcue m^ out of the guard-houte to hang me, but be.ing prevented by the foolifli, unthinking fold.ery, 1 was uftiered to the prifon-fhip (the pleafures of which I need not relate, as they mufti he frill founding in your ears, from the rehearfals of thofe who have experienced its charms) untl I could purchafe a freight for my family.— ^-Providen- tially, however, before my arrival in ihe United States, the Woman and her Man child, (fhe Church and her hopeful progeny) carried by her Eagle's wings, (Columbia's refulgent ftandard) into the fe United States, where, under the fole influence of her Divine Head, file now Ihines (o glorioirQy, to the illumination of the whole world-r-was a^- fiftedhy the Earth, (the men of the earth, now called the Grtat Re- public) in (wallowing up the floods ci water, which the great Red Dragon yomite^ after her, to drown her and her child, in overthrow- ing the murderous hireling legions, which the bloody, perfecutinpj power of Cnurch and State (which had its origin from the old Serpent) fent here to blaft the hopes of the Qofpel Church, by fetting up an i- mage of herfelf in its ftead : otherwife, perhaps, I fheuld only have been a fugitive from the juftice of the Dragon's halter and block, to, his agent's fiery futnace 1 h\ a word, I am a fugitive, after experien- cing that juftice which turned your churches in New-York into riding houfes and barrack?, at liofton* irjto play -houfes, and burned thofe at New- London, &c. kc. — that juftice which (hed the blocd of 50,000 of your beft citizens; butchered the illuftrious Walhingicn's guards pear V*3lley - Forge, in their beds; raviftied your chafte virgins and matrons ; burned your citizens houfes ; let on the mercilefs favages, with their fcalping knives, who, for paftime uponda^s of leifure, exer- cifed themfelves in roafting, dancing round, and then feafting upon their unhappy victims : a juftice which deftroyed eleven thoufand pri- soners in the Jerfey prifon-fhip at New-York, and immerse numbers in other prifons ; poifoned twn thoufand at Amboy, by mixing lime with their flour: in fine, that juftice, (which fome bleiTuu muft, of courfe, attend) which your grateful hearts cannot former, and of which thoufands of yoar citizens yet bear the marks, though fcemingly become incurable in their phrenzy.
If by difturbing the peace of the congregation, you only mean, that attendance on public worfnip every Lord's day, out of rivalfhip to us, is too troublefome, mud: bear heavy upon the mind, not having time for recreations — you have a happy expedient at hand : It is faid, that the regularly ordained Elders of the VYafhington congregation have a contract for the Wafhington Academy, for the purpefes of religious worfhip — the Academy, though (hut againft our fociety, (who afiifted in building and fating it) and all preachers of a certain dcicript;O0,iMl-
til lately to f&e appearances, fwce a letter has been fent to the big houfe,* as appears by the public newfpapers, has been devoted toftage plays, and wine brought from a diftance to cheer the affembly. Weary intervals beyond former cuftom, may be filled up with dramatical per- formances to divert the getlemen and ladies. The cuftom is not with- out a precedent— Be not furprifed ! King Charles II. the famous cove- nant-keeper, a fovereign of my late country, of whofe juftice you are fuch admirers, introduced the book of fports and plays after church was over. The juftice of my country fet you an example in a meeting - houfe in Bolton— And regularly ordained Elders have a precedent in Scripture, which perhaps might have been looked to in the Academy affair : A number of Ifraelites, in the wildernefs, who, it feems, were admirers of the happy ftate of their nation when in Egypt, and there- fore angry at Mofes, a " fugitive from the juftice of his country," for bringing them away towards Canaan, they, in his abfence, when re- ceiving the Commandments upon mount Sinai, to keep up the remem- brance of their former happy ftate, forced Aaron to make them a golden calf, in imitation of the Ox, the Egyptian object of worfhip, and held a feaft at its dedication: " The people eat and drank and rofe up to play; Exod. xxxii. 6.
Some humble people are of the opinion, that regularly ordained El- ders, and others, would better ferve the end of their calling, and the i mere ft of religion, by a meek, candid, merciful behaviour ; and fur- ther think, (perhaps fuperftitioufly) that a bleifing is moft naturally to be expe&ed to attend fuch conduct ; and fomething of an oppofite na- ture is much to be dreaded, from the experience of ages, by thofe who have wantonly injured the Minifters of religion, oppofed their labours, or unneceflarily difturbed the peace of religious focieties. u Thou who teacheft another, teacheft not thyfelf : He that rejeð you, rejeð me: I was a ftranger, and ye took me not in.'* And beudes, it is thought by fome perfons, who feel for the dignity of their country,that certain tranfa&ions with me, confidering the circunaftances which brought me here, might perhaps in fome degree tend to tarnifh the name of the American people, the illuftrious leaders in the work of re- formation amidft the other nations of the earth. But the friends of mo- rality and religion think otherwife ! However, I defpair not of fuccefs under an all - wife, powerful, good Providence. He who delivered his eminent fervant of old out of the mouth of the Lion,J [Nero, the Ro- man tyrant] and all his other troubles, and delivered me, a very hum- ble one, out of the jaws of the Britifh Lion, and preferved me through fo many dangers, will, I truft in his mercies, through my gracious Re- deemer, deliver me now, and from all other troubles in life, and bring me to his kingdom, where there is a ceafing from fuch troubles, — to whom be the gbry- And blttfVd be God, that the night of darknefs is far fpent, and the flgns of the times hail and uftier in the long-wifti- cd-for day of reformation, to be hoped, never to draw t© an evening — And glorv to his nam?, that la" fugitive from the juftice" of cruel,
• A petition te the State Legijl~.ture.
1 The Apofile Paul — 7 Timothy t wt 17 , 1 8.
I 93 )
unreasonable men, have the diftinguifhed honour of proclaiming ffflsie a land of light and liberty, where retraining bounds have been put te the wrath of man, and it is caufed to praife him.
Some judicious perfons were of opinion, that your epiftle was unwor- thy of notice. However, left the refpeclable name of Elder might mif- lead the unwary, I have given an anfwer. Let the Public be no more troubled with milk and water add relies, which perhaps the fubfcribers never indited.
If you deny any of my pofitions, naming time and place, I am ready for a public difcuffion.
Your injured, but reconcilable friend, upon Gofpel terms,
THOMAS L. BIRCH. Washington, January 2d, 1802.
Alexander Litle, E q. and Meffrs. Andrew M'Mekan and Robert Anderfon, publifhed the following obfervations upon the remarks of A. Swearingen, Efq. and Meflrs. Robert Stockton, Jofeph Wherry and William M'Comb, three times in the Weftern Telegraphe of the lat- ter end of Janaary and beginning of February, 1802.
To Meffrs. William M'Comb, Jofeph Wherry% Robert Stockton, and Andrew Swearingen, £fq» Gentlemen,
We the underfighed, viz. Alexander Litle, Andrew M'Mekan and Robert Anderfon, of Wafhington Congregation, having feen two pub- lications in the Weftern Telegraphe, to which we particularly allude at this time— the one dated the 18th Dec. 1801, by way of an addrefs from the Rev. Thomas Ledlie Birch to the Rev. John M'Millan; ^ut as the public, no doubt, have duly confidered it, wc forbear to make any comment on it at this time: the other alluded to, is an addrefs to the public under your four joint fignatures. Here we will take the liberty to make fome obfervations. And, Gentlemen, we confefs it is painful, and with relu&ance, that we have any thing to do with public difputes; But finding our reputations, which we e(teem rnoft dear to us, trifled with by you, we are impelled to make you feme reply.
The fact is, we three are witnefTes, and have given fofemn teftimo- ny, that the Rev. John M'Millan, fome time lafi fummer, did propa- gate a defamatory, flanderens report upon the Rev. Thomas L. Birch, by faying that he had traced Mr. Birch drunk at Strafburgh,on bis way from the General Aficmbh,. about the fifth day of June laft ; and that Thomas M'ConncI, btackfmith, and James Mahon, his journeyman, were his authors for faid repo/t. We, moreover, havefeen the de pofi- tions of MeiTrs. Thomas M'Cozuiel and James Mahon, together with the depofnion of John Bell, tavern-keeper, aJl of Strafburgh, taken be- fore John Gilmor, Efq. of the fame phce, all going pointedly to prove the Rev. John McMillan's report falfe.
Now, Gentlemen, nitwithftandsn j all this Ii/ht on the matter, in
your public addrefs you have ftated, ttat the Rev. Thomas Ledlie .Birch
h?.d made an rttne^t upon the pious and irreproeSkab/e cbaraRer of the
Rev. John McMillan, and that we havf been the countenanurs of the
/lander er of the innocent and virtuous j cr.d conclude, that the char after of
t 94 )
Mr. McMillan cannot be affecled by the idle tale of a msn, who, to fa\ the'teoft of him y is not remarkable for his prudence. We do not admire your manners, but we deplore the depravity of your malicious hearts* that you fli3u!J wound religion and degrade yourfelves fo much by de- fending to acts unworthy- of the charafier of regularly ordained Elders . Are the foleitm oaths of fix haneft men, taken in due form, a mere idle tale? We entertain a higher opinion of your good underftanding in this affair— we cannot by any means whatever admit, that you yourfelves, as honeft men, believe it to be an idle tale. The public have feen Mr. Birch's addrefs to Mr. MMillan • they have alio feen yours in reply \ they will likewife fee this ; and, upon the whole, they will be able to judge pretty correclly who has beeri the aggrcflfor and flanderer of the innocent. It will be feen, whether it was Mr. Birch who made the at- tack, or whether it was not the pious Mr. M'Millan himfelf. Then, Gentlemen1, when that is difcovered, it will be eafily difcerned who are thecouhtenanccrs and the advocates of the flanderer— you or us. It will be known who are the followers of the flanderer among the peo- ple—you or us. We now call upcn ycU, a$ honest men, and regularly ordained Elders, to explairryourfdvesj and make anfwer: Do you mean, by calling our oaths an idle tale, that we have fworn falfeiy in the mat- ter ? Or do you mean by your insinuations, that we have given undue countenance to either Mr. M'Millan or Mr. Birch^ in their difpute, or advocate either of them Unduly ? We defire you to give a direct an- fwer to thefe cjiieries^ without evafion ; .otherwise, jftand convicted in the eyes of the public, whom you have addreiHrd ; that public whom you have wantonly infulted; and who will mark the flanderer cf the inno- cent, and his Followers^ with the point of a diamond. »
Alexander litle,
andrew m'mekan,
Wafhington, Jan. 23, 1802. &OBERT ANDERSON.
The following anonymous piece appeared in the Wefterri Tele- graphe of the 8th of February, 1802.
To the Pu£iit. : ... t.
It is underftood that the Elders of the Wafhington Congregation have beeri requeued by a number of the members of it, to take no fur- ther noticed of Mr. Birch's newfpaper publications 5 and it is alfo un- derftood, that the faid Elders Have prepared a correct ftatemeht of facls,' founded on the teftimony of fefpeclable wftnefles, to which they have added the fan&ion of their oaths, Containing charges agsinft Mr. Birch;, which are to be prefented to the next Prefbytery, at the requeft of the Congregation, for the purpofe of . being forwarded to the General Af- fembly. It is hoped, therefore^ that the public will fufpend their opi- nion on Mr. Birch's extraordinary newfpaper publications until the re- gular invefttgation takes place, when the whole proceedings {hall be laid before the public. Perhaps fome notice may be taken hereafter ©f an infamous publication under the fignatures of Alexander Litle, Andre«> M'Mekan and Robert Anderfon. January 28, 1802*
( *5 ;
The Rev. Prcfoyterv of Ohiofcnt sn cirder to the Seiner, of Wafh- ingcon, to trv Mr. William M'Comb, Elder, and 1 was called uponfcy Mr. Jofeph Wherry, Elder, to attend a meeting of Stflion for that pur- ple, ujon the third Thiirfday [n February, 1802.
Agreeably to appointment, Andrew Swearingen, Ef,i. and MefTr*. Robert Stockton and Jofcph Wherry, Elders, (.ft v ling themfclves the Seffion of Washington) having called to their affiftance the Rev. John Anderfonas Moderator, Mcffrs. Smylieand DinfrhOre, and James Brice, Efq. Elders, all of Buffalo, and Mr. Jofiifl Sco'tr,: Elder, of Chartieis, (Mr. M(Millan's congregation)-; — prefentvthe Rev. John McMillan. 1 entered an objection to the Court, as being incompetent and la- h oaring under prejudice ; the members ftyling themfclves the Stflion of Wafhin^ton belonging to the minority of the congregation, and be- ing all prefentat the poll when I was cboferi Minlfter; that they flood convicted, before the public, of publishing a miftake, v*z. that I had made an attack upo-. the pious, irreproachable* Rev. John M'Millan, whereas it appeared he made an attack upon me; that the Rev. John Anderfjn had attempted to intrude himfelf into Wafhington fince I re- ceived an invitation, and had been extremely officious in his vifits ever iince : (5) James Brice, Efq, and Mr. Jofiah" Scott, had been a&ive En fpreading unfavourable reports. However, from the declared fenfe of the jufcice of the caufe, I did not wifh to urge th°fe objections, fo a* to prevent an hearing of the matter* And accordingly the Court, thus conftituted, proceeded to the trial of Mr. William M'Comb,- Elder, for declaring in Mr. William jfcf'Cammant's tavern, in Wafhington, (du- ring; the time Birch Was complaining to the former verv Rev. General Aflemblv) that he wtfhed Birch mip.hr defeat t!he Prcfbytefy of Ohio* for the Rev. John Af-Millan could drink him down.
( 5 ) The Rev. John Anderfon of Buffalo, who in alt tr an fad ions in the Rev. Prefiyiery of Ohio, or with the litv. John McMillan, relative to 1 me, has been one of the moft eclive agents—is reputed the mrft eminent
faint, and tire firft experimental preacher in the Presbytery of Ohio
Though Mr. Anderfon is amongft the Idft of men who would be fufpeSled of being called an orator; yet being moft remarkably endowed with the vir- tue (in the firfi eftimation with feme people who wifh to be thought reli- gious) coiled prudence, this, along with fome occaf.onal bints, leading people to think and fpeak highly of tlnmfelves, [a fubjeel upon which all preachers con be extremely eloquent) has gw* ed him the character of one of the moft perfuafive fpeakers. 1 he Rev. John Anderfon, as I have been informed by fome of his Seffion and others, told at Middle Spring congre- gation, that he had an engagement in (Carolina he mvft return to : coming to Buffalo, he had Carolina, and forrething preffng at Middle Spring ; — but Larciini he muft return to. Leaving Buffalo, he repents at the Alle- gheny mountain — the good people of Buffalo get wird cf his grief a: bay-
M£ them — he is flattered back — can ftay but a year f cm Carolina th a
few days after his return, I having ft off for my family, A'ir. Andrfnne- tepts an Invitation to vift lV#jh:ngtor.\ and he even told fme of his Btf- fch frzunds, that he would have left thm and gore to n^ajhm^tsn^ crJj
( 9* )
Mr, John Taylor depofed, that Mr. William Af'Comb wiftied Birch luccefs in his appeal to the General Affembly, in oppofition to the Pref* bytery of Ohio, afferting that the Rev. John M*Milian could drink faim (M'Comb) Or any one in the company down.
Mr. Edward Todd depofed, that Mr. William M'Comb declared that the Rev. John M'Millan could drink any one or two in the company down ; but alledged he undent ood it as alluding to the Rev. John M^- Millan's constitutional ftrength.
Mr. William .A/Comb, Elder, obferved in explanation, that he had vrifhed Birch mccefs, if deferving j that he had feen B:rch drink, but never faw the Rev. John Jf'Millan drink arty, but that he could name a perfon, if defired, who had told him, in his (M Comb*s) houfe, that be had fcen the Rev. John j$/'Millan drink gro^s that would make any two of them drunk, or words importing uncommonly large draughts. The Rev. John Anderfon over-ruled, by pbferving that this did not re- late to the fubje&.
Mr, Samuel Dickey, the only wrtnefs produced by Mr. William Mf* Comb, Elder, depofed that the above convefation paiTed.
The Seflion having heard evidence, refolved (agreeably to their Rev* Prefbytery's precedent) to retain fentence, and acjourned to the third JThurfday in March.
Upon the third Thurfday in March, Mr. Jofeph Wherry only, e>f the three Washington Elders, attended ; of the aflVftants, the Rev* John Anderfon, and Elders James Brice, Efq. and Me firs. .Dinfmore and Scott, prefeitt; abfent, Mr. Smylie. I, Birch, bting called of? to the diftance of one hundred and fifty miles, to procure evidence in thecaufe then pending between the Rev. John ^/'M ill an and me, had iequtftcd my witnefies to attend. The members of Seffion iff: mbled, inftead *f adjourning, from their number not being complete, cr at lead defcri ing any bufmefs to which they were not competent, preceded to f:>; rxi themfelves into a Church Judicature, and acquitted Mr. Will, am
Ms principal inviters did not want any Minifteu Ttt full the reli^iout -people were perfuaded to be pleafed\ for eminent converts could do uiih'Ul fuch a pious Minifter. But certainly Mr. Andet [on was wrong in not coming to Wajbwgton, becaufe his friends were irreligious — they had tht more need of Jo good a man as him. It was a-fhame, for me to outdz- him% with my friends. Mr. Anderfon Jhould have remembered what Ait s. Reed told him, [and which ftruck him dumb) when*, the time of Synod-, in bis arrogana and felffufpciency, he was telling in a company^ that he preached in the Academy, and fjut out Birth-, with the Riff-r<f]\ wrf preached Jbmewhere down town ; foe replied, it fpeke much for Mr. Birch that he could reform the R;ff raff: The curious may inquire ivhat other offers of fttUment Mr. Anderfn had bifiaes Buff an*, "t hty nicy learn his high^ birth : on: glimpfe of the eye muft dfem b>s elegant apt en* a»ce j and all muit difover m his trim, endearing expr elf tons, the prcj:,ur:d hu- mility of the Cbripian, and t'£ genuine jo ft of the inn a d rxttcfe; it huh, Afr. Anderfn tAd his t eh gious friends-^ directed him in denlit-g •uath his numerous "calls.
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M«Comb, Elder, of the charge relative to his declaration? coreernlnft the Prefbytery of Ohio, M'Millan and Birch, in Mr. M'Cammant'* tavern, Wafhington. Alexander Litle (now Efq.) by Birch's written order, called upon the Rev. John Anderfon, and the reputed members of Seffiorr, to demand of Jvlr. William M'Comb the name of the man who had told of his feeing the Rev. John M'Millan taking tmcemm§H drattghtsy and to have the declaration inferted in the minutes, to provu that Mr. M'Comb fpoke of the Rev. John McMillan's drinking as from fomtfviitrttt) and not fippofed bodily ftrength. But they rtfufed to infert this moft material circumftance.
The Seffion next proceeded to try William M'Comb, Elder, on the "charge of intoxication.
MefTrs. Jofeph M'^ee and Robert Bell, (as appears by a copy of* their depofitions now before me) fwore pofitively, that Mr. William M'Comb, Elder in Wafhingtpn congregation, was intoxicated and ftag- gering, at the railing of Mr. Daniel Carter's barn, where thefe depo- nents a&ed as captains-managers at the faid raifing.
Mr. William M'Comb produced a number of witneiTes, wno fwore that they did not fee him, or take notiee of his being, drunk ; but nor, that they did not believe he was drunk. Mr. Wjlliam Brownlee, one *)f Mr. M Comb's evidences, faid that frorn his knowledge of M'Kee'* and Beil's characters, he was inclined to believe they fwore the truth.
"1 he Seffton refolved, that the charge was not fupporred.
The SeiHon was now requeued, bv Mr. Alexander Litley to proceed to the trial of Mr. William M'Comb, Elder, for defaming Birch, be- hind his back, in the interlocutor of the Rev. Prefbytery of Ohio, ift July, i£oi. But this they pofifively refufed, though it was fuppofed to be the principal defirn of their meeting: artfully draining every nerve toeftabliih my adverfaries' characters, and evading every thin^ which could vindicate mine: pretending, as an excufr, that I knew 'how to apply for redrefs. A complaint was lodged ro the Rev. Prefbytery of Ohio againft the whole preceedings of the Wafhington SefTion, along ^ith an intimation, that rhe fad of Mr. William M'Comb, Aider's, intoxication, could be eftablifhed by more pofitive evidence;
it being requifite, in order to my receiving an hearing ai trie \reT? Rev. General Afombly, th2t I fhould ferve a notice upon the Rev. Prefbvtery of Ohio, and furnifll them with copies of all fuch charges as I (hould bring againft then*; I attended the next meeting of the Rev; Prefbytery of Ohio, at Canonfburgh, the 19th of Januarv, 1802, ac- companied by MefTrs. Robert and Hamiltan Bell, CommiiTioners trom th- congregation of Wafhington, (or my fubferiber?) when a joirt compUint was lodged to the very Rev. General AiTembly againft the Rev. Prefbytery of Ohio, for negle&ing to exercife thedifcipline of the Church upon the Rev. John M'Millan, and inquifitorial proceedings towards Birch in the buftnefs; and further moft humbly anci reiVecl- f«i!Iy charging; the Rev. Prefbyterv, in the name of the very Rev. Ge- nera! AfT-mbly, to e.r—cife the difc'pline of the Church upon the Rev. Juhn M'Millan, for aficrting a corrunt deliberate falf. hood, before tntm*
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aft their late meeting at Bethel, or Peter's creek, in October Ia#, to#* vade Church cenfure for defaming Birch, viz. faid Rev. John M^Mil* Jan dented that he ever reported^ that James Mahon, blackfmitn* told him that faid Birch was ftaggering drunk and ufmg foolifh talk ill the town of Strafburgh, on his road from the General Aflembly, upon ihe fifth day of Junelaft.(6) The fat% if denied, to be provtd by Mr. Alex-* ander Litle j and Claiming the teitimonies of the Rev. Meffrs. Ralfton, Marquis, Patteifon, or any other member prefent at faid meeting. *»* Gofpel terms of reconciliation to be accepted of, naming time and place*
Upon the delivery of the above papers, the Prefbytery sfkf d me' ii I Was prepared for trial on the charges brought againft Mr. MSViillan at the O&ober meeting. I told them they had refuled the testimony whkb Prefbytery had plighted faith to receive upon my engagement to lib I McMillan, and I had not any other. The Prefbytery have inferted in their minutes,, that for the above reafons, I faid I was not prepared for trial. Was the fault the Prcfbytery's, or Birch's ? *} he Prefbytery have it recorded in their minutes, (to inform polterity that Biich was inexcufable) that they had told him, at the former meeting at Beihel, or Peter's creek, they would receive the depositions of Meffrs. M'Connet and Mahon, provided they were taken in a legal manner, viz. pievioufly giving Mr. McMillan proper and timely notice to attei.d when the/ were taken ; and to hand down Birch as a Church defamerfb all gene- rations, that he had denied this notice ; and that the fcveral members prefent at fai-d meeting, were folemnly called upon, and each declared that they well reccllcdkd^ that fuch information was given to Birch at faid meeting.
How furprifing, that gentlemen fo expert in making and unmaking minutes, have not any record at their former meeting, of notice given to Birch, that depofkions undercertain qualifications would be accepted of ; but all left to memories which appeared fhortly afterwards to be fo treacherous. Is not Birch's unimpeached declaration at leaft as good as the Rev. Prefbytery of Ohio's impeached one ; and more particular!) * as he can prove his ftatement (fee former Prefbtery meeting) by A- lexander Litle, an uninterested witnefs I But there was not any need tor cavils of the fort, — for I exprefsly told the Preibytery of Ohir^ shat unlefs they allifted me, (agreeably to promife) I would not trouble myfelf in obtaining other depoiitions <o lav before them.
The Prefbytery holding out, that they were ready to try the new charge, and that they would accept depofkions, taken as above, in the Strafburgh affair; I told them, though extremely embarraffing, I would accept their terms, and would withdraw my comphint to the AfTem* blv. The withdrawing of the complaint they would not agree to, un*
fb) As an accufatlon or charge against an Elder, labouring in word and doSfrlne, or a Minifter, is not cognizable in any Church Judicature*^ itvlefi fupported by at leaft two witnefjes, i 'Tim. v. 19 if thtrefoi e Mr* M tlfiiian could have efiablijhed, thai it was on'y Mr. Thomas M Connei told ban \ke report of Birch's intoxication, M^Connefs denial that he tola ^iiLtj in ZA-MiUdU) would nQt have been convicting evidence.
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lets I acknowledged offence, as (chey faid) it contained many high\ jgroundids charges, now read before a large aflembly, wh;ct. they W;fhr td or chat realon to go before the Alterably. I faid I wtu d not make Acknowledgments cinerary to truth; I was ready Co mtet them at ihc Alteuibiy; the l.fting or the complaint was, a compliment intended to '{hem. 1 therefore dofed unli their offer without thns condition ; all £h.uges to be tried next meeting ; and accordingly, upon the fpot notice Wjs given to the Rev. John MsMillar, to attend at Strofburgh, at .i- ofhc« of John Glmor, E.cj. upon the 19th day of, February eniuinjj. I -cquefted a co.y of the minute of Piefbytery to be co.iveycd to Straf- bur^h, but this was declined bv Prefbytery as unneceflarv. I wrote V> 'Squua Gilmor to have Mtffrs. M'Connt), Mahon and Bell noticed, and procured Mr. Robert Anderfon, filverfmith, of Wafh ngton, to go /or mc to SualburghYi's^ milts diltantfrom Wafhingtor.) to be pre- sent a: the tvking of tne demolitions. ...
When tfye witnefles aifcmbled, (as I learn from 'Squire GilmorV letter which was difpatched. to me upon the occafion, and is now in my pv.fTLfifon) they obf«rved,that as they had palTtd their depofitions be&re, and their iwearing might be endlefsvthey would not pafs any other de- pofuions, unlefs by an order of Prefbytery, or a civil court.- It being now in March, and the meeting of Prefbytery near approaching ; ac- companied by Mr. George Ande.rfcri, of near Canonlburgh, as a wit- nefs, I callejd at the Rev. John /t-i'Millan's hemic ; being from homt7 went in purfuitof him, and informed him of particulars, and xequeftetl |of him a copy of Prefb/tery's minute, as (rated Clerk.. . Mr, MSUiilail tnade fundry equ.vocations — that Preibytery Bi ok was at his houfi^ 1 which B rch propofed to have brought ; that JJoch need not be unc 1 **>r he, M'Millan, would hiive the matter enquired into, and wo I write, and have the depositions taken, — perhaps ai well as he wrote t » j he members of Pr<rfb/tery about Birch's reception. Teliing Mr. M*- J vlillati that I was determined tD have feme Prelbyterial document, and in acknowledgment of his having received notice, or aretufal; but th^c . t certificate that, there was a Preibytery minute, and that notice was J crved, would lufHce, he complied. Afo.ng Mr. Af'-Millan if ne de - r igned to attend at Suaiburgh, and telling me he couij 1.01 ; I told hint . ihould be at the trouble of calling upon any perfou he wilhuj «o be »refont.,. Mr. M'Msllsn, naming the Rev , Mr, Herror, of Rock/ >pring, near Straibur-^h, give the following cer tiiicite, as can be niiCc: pptar by an atteited copy, ur.der his hand, now in my pcikiiicn : —
11 It was agreed by the Prtfbytcry or Oriio, at their lait meeting, that ipon Mr. Birch's g;vin^ me notice to attend, that the depolitions of .Thomas iVbCouoel and Jjmes Mahon, talt.cn before a mjgitirate, fhoui-i e acct ted a% evidence in the came now depending between Mr. Birca J nd rmfelf. Thi* I certify as the &ated Clerk of the Prcilr t^ry. rt, " M»rcii;he £ih. 1S02. J^HN M'MtLLAl*.
jV, " N. B. Notice has been ferved rpon mr, ar.J ! h*ve no t.oi.s
Jjgainil the;r depcli ions bem*; la.kcn before John Giltndr, JL.,<.j. or *n/ (j ihsr rna*:3rate, ihz P..-:. ':.*:. cl.-n . . ig prcf.i.'.."
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tfp»n which I wrote to *Squire Gilmor, to have the witneflss noti- ced, and afterwards fet off myfelf, in a very inclement feafor,for Straf- burgh, providentially arriving a day before the time appointed. Mr.. James Marion's father ( *ho is an hearer and a zealous advocate of Mr, I M'Miilan's) was there, and was about to fet off with his fon foj Ca-J nonfburgh next day, from ftrong circumftances^with an evident defign. *'
At the ftated time, the depofitions of Miffs. 1 nomas M'Connel, James Mahon and John Bell, were taken ; the feveral depofnions, and* the Rev. John A/<M«l!an's atteftation, were annexed to each other by a ligament and feal, (as would appear by producing the original papers) Certified by John Gilmor, Efq. as taken bv order of the Rev. Picfby/ tery of Ohio, in prefence of the Rev. Francis Herron, the Rev. 1 hw mas Ledlie Birch and others, and being fealed up, were handed to faic Birch to be delivered to the Rev. Prefbvtery of Ohio.
At the next meeting of the Rev. Prefbytery of Ohio, April the aiftt l802,l attended.
Upon the firft charge agatrtft the Rev. Jehn Af'Millan, for defaminp me in an interlocutor of Prefbytery, the ift July, 1801, by informing them of Thomas M^Connel's and James Manors report of my drunkk ennefs at Strafburgh, having no witneffes to prove Mr. ^Millan's ac knowledgment of defamation in the interlocutor of Prefbytery, exeep Mr. Robert Anderfon, filverfmith, Wafhington, and Elifabeth Bird my daughter; the latter of whom I did not wifh to produce, and M4 Anderfon's depofition alone not being convi&ing teftimony ; I prcp< fed to extend the charge, fo as to include defamation at Canonfburg along with that in the interlocutor of Prefbytery, by Mr. AMvjilla: upon the report of both Af Connel and Mahon, to eftabhfti which J had fufiicient teftimony. And my propofal was not unreafonable, Mr. j&f4Millan then peremptorily denied, that he ever faid that any bt ^Connel told him the report. The Rev. Mr. Marquis infixing (ai which was concurred in by the Prefbytery) that the charge fhould limited to the interlocutor ; and knowing that by infift-ng upon U M'Millan's information to Prefbytery, from the authority of both M Connel and Mahor, I would have to' combat with all the quibbles as evafions of the conclave, or private meeting of Prefbytery, where I H no wttnefs v I therefore agreed to go trial, upon y^Millan's own cc< leflion, viz. that ^Connel alone told him the ftory of Birch's into; cation, and Mahon was prefentand affenting to it ; and which is as f lows, in the Prefbytery minute in his own hand-writing : —
« Mr. ^-MilJan acknowledged that he told the Prefbytery, that|<4 was told, upon his return from the General Aflembly laft June, Thomas M'Ccnnel, blackfmith, Strafburgh, that Mr. Birch appeare. kirn to love whifkey as well as a blackfmith ; that upon his afking I whether be thought that Mr. Birch was the worfe of fpinteus liqt he replied that he thought he was, as he could not walk without ft gferinp-. He then afked him, whether or no he talked foolithly l replied, that he never heard him talk before, and therefore knew, how he talked in common ; but he thought that he talked fooMhl; Mr. AfMillan farther faid, that as James itfahon was prefect w^
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le fubftance of the above converfation took place, and not contradift- ng an; part of it, he underftood that he affentod te it, and was of the ame opinion with Mr. A/'Connel ; though he tfocs r.ot remember that e faid a word to him about Mr. Birch ; and therefore, in repeating the patter, he might, at times, have faid that they told him fo; though he >elieves he can prove by many witnefles, that he generally faid, that k vas J/'Connel alone that fpoke."
In fupport of the charge, Birch prefented the fealed packet, contain- ng the depofition* of Mcflrs. Thomas MkConne!, James Mahcn and Fohn Bell. Let it be noted, that the Prtfbjtcry of Ohio, in their mi- jutes, after t only that the depofition of Thomas ^/kConnel v/as pre- irnted, without any record of evidence, except " fee No. 4." The de- molition of Tkomas jfc/'-Connel is the fame in fubftance with the one aken before, (which be pleafed to fee) except hisanfwer* t® the follow- ng qusftions ; and that it was Mr. M Millan who introduced the ccn- rerfation, by far fetched inquiries, if M Cennel had feen any Miniftcis eturnmg from the General Affembly — to ufe Jf Connel's own words vhen paffing his depofition, fijh'mg'ytt I barn Mr. jW-Milian did in other jlaees along the road.
Qjeftion 1 ft. Did you ever tell the Rev. Mr. Jl/'MiJIan, in your hop or elfewhere, that the Rev. Thomas Ledlie Birch was ftaggering hrough the ftreets in Strafburgh ; or did faid Birch evidence drmiken- lefs, by ufmg foolish expreflions and ftaggering, upon faid dayj or had rou an/ reafoa to fappofe Bjirch intoxicated I
Anfw. No.
Qjeft. 2. Did Ja-nes M^hon, your journeyman, ever in your pre- «nge, tell the Rev. John i!/wMil!an any reports of the Rev. Thomas Lediie Birch's drunicennefs,or feeming intoxication ?
Anfw. He never did in my heariner.
Qseft. 3. D\6 not the Rev. John Jfcf'MilJan feem to you rather offi- rious in h;s inquiries relative to the Rev. Thomas Lediie Birch's ch.-.
racier ? Anfw. I thought he was. I Qi^'tt. 4. Did this deponent ever tell Mr. AfMP.lan, that he thought ] fhac Mr. Birch was as fond of fpiritous liquors as a bjlackfmith ? ,, Anfw. No. But I recollect of faying, that I faw no mnre impro- )(( )riety in a Clergyman taking a drink when dry, than 2. bUckfmttm or 2S lay other man.
Mr. James Mahon, one of the deponent*, was prefeflt, apparently by 1,, lefign. Toe Preibvterv, contrary to their plighted faith, refufed to n- illovf his depofition to be read •, but infilled upon his verbal d-jc;;iration. ir{ leing f)lemnly called upon, heanfwered the following caeli-ions: —
1. H*d you and Mr. A/*Conncl a.iv converfation about Mr. Birch, j. ^fter he was at Strafburgh, before Mr. M Millan arrived thsre ? ,ri Anfw. No: ?.« I remember.
2. D d Mr. M Millan aflc you if Mr. Bir-ch appeared intoxicate! Anfv. Yes. 3 What did you fay ? Anfw. I gave a liule frai!e, and a:i-
Mrdrcd, I believe net, or fjmething Lk: that.
4. Why didy.ou.2.nfwer. Mr. j^MilJan with 3, fmile h
Anfw. Becaufe Mr. il^Millan told Mr. M'Corjnel, that if- he WQul«| $el\ any thing about Mr. Birch, he would not be put to any trouble a- $out it.
5. What reafon did Mr. .M'Millan give, why f^r. Birch was not re- ceived by the General Alfembly ?
Anfw. I do not recoiled any reafon-
6- Was there any converfation between you and Mr. Jfcf'ConneJ, a-t bout Mr. Birch, previous to the depofitions being firft taken ? Anfw. I do not. reco!le$: any.
7. Does M'Connel frequently get drunk £ Anfw. Yes he does^ frequently.
8. Does .^f Connel, to your knowledge, fpeak falfehoods ?; Anfw. Yes— h? has frequently fpoken falfehoods to myfelf.
9. Do you think that Mr. A/'Connel, by drinking fpiritous liquor, has injured his mental powers \(
Anfw. 1 thinly he has.
After Mr. jarr.es Mahon's anfwer to queftion 2d, viz.; "Did Mr. MV M'Han ?.fk you if. Birch was intoxicated ?" and to which he anfwfredd V Yes," Prefbytery omstted to infert, that Mr. Af^Millan exclaimed, (as! can be proved by Alexander Litle, Efq. and others) that he thought it his diVy_ ts «jk hrm !
Am jn^ft 'other important queRions Prefbytery refwfed to afk Jamesi Xvlahon, was, whether Thomas M<Connel was to be believed upon hiss carh ?
James Mahon's written depofition, refufed to be read, did not vary from his former one; and befides, it contained the following anfwerjS to queries :.—■ -
Qjeft. 1. Dd Thomas M'Connel, in your prefer ce, eyer tell the H v. John JfvMilian any reports of the Rev. Thomas Ledlie Birch'm drunkennefs, or feeming intoxication ; or did you ever affent to luch as truth ? Anfw. No.
Queft. 2. Did you, hear Thomas M-Conpt] sfk Mr. M'MilJan wheJ ther Mr. Birch was a member of the General Affembly, and what was Mr. McMillan's anfwer I
Anfw. That he had applied, but was net admitted.
Queft. 3. Did not the Rev. John M'Millan feem rather officious ifli imaicing inquiries, on faicl day, relative to the Rev, Thomas Ledli Birch's chancier .?
Anfw. He cid make a good deal of inquiry. Queft. 4. Did you hear Mr. M'Conrei tell Mr. McMillan, that h thought Mr. Birch was as fond ot fpiritous liquor as a b'ackfmith ?.
Anfw. No— but I heard Thomas M'Ccnnel fay, he faw no imprq prtety in a Clergyman talcing a dram, more than any other man, it hi was dry.
Quei't. 5. Did you hear Mr. M'Millan afk Mr. M'Cermt), whethd Mr. Birch tr.iked fool i (hi y ?
Anfw- No— but I heard Thomas M'Connel tell Mr. MMillan, th| life thought Mr. Birch was a jolly, free, talking mar..
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Queft. 6. Did you hear all the conversation that paflcd between Mr. M'Millan and Thomas M'Connel ?
Anfw. I think I heard th: greater part of it, but cannot fay I heard it all.
J)hn BclPs depofition was not received as evidence. He added to his former depofition, that both of Mr. M'Millan's fon-in-laws, viz. the Rev. John YVatfon and Mr. Moorehead, were prefent in his parlour when he to!d Mr. il/'Millan, that Birch was not intoxicated in his houfe.
J>h.i Mihon depofed, that from refpe&able information at Scrafburgh, fce h*ard Mr. M'Connel generally fpoken of as a rnin dofed with drink, and who often fpolce falfely.
Brch object. *d to the Prefbytery's holding a court of fcandal, to de- fame Thomas M'Connel, not prefent to defend himfelf, and who, as Mr. Al'Mi'lan was allowed to go to tri'al upon his own conftffion, was the principal witnefs, and whofe depofition Prefbytery had pledged them- -feives to receive as conclulive evidence. But Prefbytery would not hear.
The deferred decifion upon the charge, for McMillan calling Birch a Minifter of the Devil, and threatening to put him ou? of the place, {upon which, by former agreement, no evidence was to be produced) was now refumed ; and Mr. McMillan, ftarting up in exultation, ex- claimed^H had,andftill(aid fo; and gave in part resfon, Birch, from the Prefbytery's examination, being unconverted ; and he Could prove him a ft'tfr, a drnnkard, and a profane perftn^ and then he mud be a Minifter of the Devil \ and proceeded to call a number of witneiTes. I objtcied, (as was proved by CI. M'Kennan, of Washington, in another court, anJ can be fuppor-ted by many orhers) befides breach of contract, anrf want of nonce, the introduction of interefted u itnefLVs, when difmrer* efted ore? could be produced, (and for a time left the houfe) — btt Pref- bytery paid no attention. To prove drunkencefs againft Birch, Mr, .M^MilU'i produced the following :—
Mrs. M:\ry M'Comb (wife of the aforefaid William, Elder) folemnly d^ired, that Birch came to their houfe about February 1800, in com- pany with Mr. Joft-ph Wherry, and at three periods ot the day, ia her comp\i ration, at each t;me, drank a gill and a half of whifkey,and then went away — came back about eighr: days sfrer ; drank twice, filch A quantity as before; tooSc a laced dim of cofree; feme time after drrr, : again, an^ went to Mr. Stockton's, Elder; drank after he returned, doei riot recollect how much. Interrogated, ilrnif>ht B;rch drark toe nvu< h the hft time at their houfe; repealed tioriei — Birch invited bzck Saturday after (irrr. vifit ; all the family wppt Willi Birrh to wnrfh.;* the r\fx: iUv; had private nVrupIes — Mr. A'l Comb Htld a fiibfcrij t;or. paper for Birch after his leaving Waihingtor, but never prcf nted it nr any rierion.
Tha Ke1'. Prefb;, tery of Ohio n*glecled fo inf.-rt i'm their m?rnfe**, thu Mrs. M'Comb, in the middle of her toftirnory, declared wth warmth to Birch, that he mould not have impeached her Jllly with i- re^ularitief — who ftruck itift ?
Mr. Jofupjj Stcvenfon folemaly declared, tb*t hz i \ lit A tnofc tr»
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^i-Comb's before he went to Stockton's, but did not notice howmueh| th«c he faw Birch drink after his return— he obferved Birch dagger when he got up to go to the candle, for family wcrfhip, but did not then fufpcct him of being drunk, hut afterwards had doubts, from Birch's telling and repealing Itories then and after going to bed; more centr- ed by Birch's ftaggering in the room where both flept; that Birch talked policies in bed for a long time, though after twelve, and his firft converfation in the morning was about the Rev, Mr, Porter's political ientiments ; that Stevenfon arofe an hour before the fun, Birch lay longer; the family took whifkey and ginger for a dram, and exprefTed furprife at Birch's faying he muft take water with his fpirits; took a pretty large draught, and a laced dim at breakfafr,
Mr. William M'Comb, Elder, foiemnly declared, that Birch, in Fe- bruary j 800, drank three drinks, in his houfe, of a gill and an half each, and on a Saturday following, took three drinks, like quantity; went to Mr. Stockton's, took two drinks, quantity as before ; returning home, Birch drank fome whifkey and wafer. Interrogated, thought Birch in- toxicated the lafe evening at his houfe, from repeating (lories, and un* fevoury converfation in the evening and morning.
Mr, Robert Stockton, Elder, foiemnly declared, that Birch one even- ing, in his houfe, in company with Mr. M'Ccmb, drank two draughts of ftrong peach -brandy, cannot fay how much, but obferved ;io figns of intoxication on ft id Bitch.
Mr. William Moore foiemnly declared, that he faw Mr, Birch in Thomas Officer's tavern, Wafhingion, the 4th of July laft, reclining with his head upon his arm, which refted upon the table, as if alkep $ th3t he faw Birch get up and walk, without daggering,
Robert M'Ccmb declared as above,
Mr. Hugh Cotton foiemnly declared, that being in widow Taylor's in December lair, Birch fat down to dinner ; before eating, filled a large half pint glafs half full of liquor, then mixed water, drank it about half down; then filltd the glaft full of liquor, and drank off the whole, and Went of? wicheut evidencing intoxication,
Toeftablifti profanity, Hans McClelland foiemnly declared, that Birch, upon an evening he preached in his houfe, having difficulty in getting his horfe to turn his head to the rack in the ftable,faid either *c the De- vil's in the horfe," or M what the Devil ails the horfe,'' but does net remember which ; that Birch drank fpiritous liquor frequently and largely, but did not appear intoxicated, Interrogated, did net prcmife feven bafnels of wheat ) early to Mr, Eirch as a Minifter ; he did not afterwards invite Mr. Birch to preach at his houfe, as his wife thought he made too free with the bottle; Birch fince the hcrfe affair, pre^cUd gthis houfe, and he informed the people.
Mr, George Andeifon, being produced by Birch, fo!emn!y declared, that he was in the (table with M(Cleiland and Birch, very near them ; did not hear Birch pfe any improper exprcflions to his hcrfe, but heard him grumbling ; that he often heard Hans McClelland fay he would give J5irch (even or eight bufhcls cf wheat while he flaid in the parts ; shat he ba4 a&ed kid .V^ChUsr.d^ar.d he ;^!d him he hid r.u giver, hini *ny
( x^5 ) i
thia£. Interrogated, docs not remember whether M'Clelland fate! ho would giv« wheat to 2>»rch, firfce the alled&ed affair in the ftable.
Mr. 5tlMiila:i than read the copy of a letter from a number of the in- habitants of Washington, f«.nt to Mr. Birch in order to prevent hi» coining among them, in which they exprefily charged him with intem- perance. This letter is not iaferted in the minutes of Prcfbytery, but ©nly " No. 5."
In order to prove deliberate falfehood in Birch, Mr. M«Mi!lan, hav- ing read paragraphs out of the Wcftim Telegraphe of the mh and j8^h Jan. i8o2>viz, Kirch's ar.fwer to A. Swearingen, Efq. and Mcflis, J. Whtrry, R. Stockton, and W. M'Comb'saddrcfs to the Public, (fee before.) Andrew Swearingen, Efq. folemnly declared, that tn a con- verfation with Birch after the late General Afiembly, he told Birch Mr. IvI'Millan was not oppofed to any man taking a dram in moderation ; that he had feen Mr. McMillan taking a dram, but never faw himdrink- *ng grog ; that he never told Birch that Mr. M'Millan had loft his re- putation ; does not remember telling him of M'Millan's ufing any rough cxpreflion of a neighbouring Clergyman ; that there was not one word of truth in Birch's averting, that he, Swearingen, told him, when fet- ting off for his family, that Birch complying with Church rules, the oppodtion would fall in one by one, but for fhame they could not all fall in at once ; that faid Swearingen, from a previous concert with Mr. Wherry, told Birch, that if he depended upon the poll that had been taken, he would be deceived; that he knew the minds of the people were not for him, and advifed him, in the prefence of General Taylor, not to come to Wafhington, that Sweaiingen, the laft furr.mer, upon Birch's coming; to his houfe, to rtqueft him, as an Elder, to affift him in difpenfing the facrament of the Lord's fupper, and intimating', that his good example would caufe the opponent's to fa.il in one by one, told Birch, that fuppoiing the Prefbytery would receive hiiw, yet the principal people of the congregation weuld continue their opposition, fo many things being againft his character ; for it was reporttd that he was found lying in bed with a woman ; that fome time after this, Birch came to Sweanngen's houfe, in company with two others, viz. MtiTis. John Taylor and Alexander Litle, to inquire if Swearingen had told him it was reported he was charged with adultery; Swearingen replied that he haJ told him Coy and was furprifed he did not remember; for if Birch would go into the houfe, he would give him two demolitions that he had told him fo.
Tha Prefb/tery omitted to infert what Swe?ringen declared before them, and in other courts, viz. that Birch had kit Ug over the woman he was faid to be in bed with ; and tha: it was intioduced and received by Prefb/tery as a matter of rid.cule, tint Birch faid in the converfation before Gen. Taylor, that he was not afraic, through Divine a2Mar.cc, to qofiet all oppofition by a punctual difcharge of tie duiusof a G^fpel Mnifter, with a fuitable converfation.
Sarah Clark folemnly declared, that Mr. B'rch, in Mrs. Rrad's,Walh-. ington, being a!]:ed what Mr. Swearingen faid to the irq:jii v about ihe feUios of his being charged with adulury or fofjycatiop, he ref Ltd,
that Swearingen fald he did not remember of having told Birch any fuoh thing.
Mr, Robert Stockton, Elder, being called the fccond time, folemnly declared, that he was not ordained by Mr. M'Millan, but by the Rev* John Craighead, of Rocky Spring j that he never went to Birch as a Commiffioner from the congregation, to invite him to fettle as their Mmifter ; that he did wait on Birch to afk him to preach three months* or fome time, on trial, which he refufed j ttat Mr» Wherry was not with him.
Mr. Jofeph Wherry, Elder, folemnly declared, that MefTrs. Stockton and Hazlett were fent by the congregation to Birch, to fee if he would come for a time upon trial, which he refufed ; that deponent and Mr. Hadett were fent back to Birch about the matter; that Birch drew up a fubfeription paper binding the parties only fo long as they agreed, to which moft of the people confented. Here Mr. McMillan's evidence clofed, and the whole proceedings formed a fcene worthy cf notice, and which will long be remembered by the friends of humanity prefent.
The fame of a trial involving the character of the moft drftinguifheil Rev. Father in the back country ; the conteft with a foreigner, more noted from the circumftances which introduced him into America; at- tracted a concourfe of people from all quarters. The Rev. John An- derfon being to be inftalled in the congregation the feat of Prefbytery, very much enlarged the crowd. The inftallation was put of? to Friday, and thereby the multitude was detained. Upon Wednefday, Birch pro- ceeding to call evidences to fupport his charges againft Mr. McMillan, which would have ferved much to impeach his character and vindicate his own, which was much injured ; Mr. M'Millan got up and confefled all his charges. I exprefling a defire to produce witneiles, I was dif- fuaded by the cries from the Moderator and aU quarters of Prefbytery, *c Will you prove what is confefled ? Mr. M'Millan will own every thing!" Whilft in the mean time, witneiles raked from prejudice and party in all quarters, were udiered forward to blaft my reputation, ac- companied with the murmurs and applaufes of partifan followers.—- When [ afked a queftlon of a witnefs, or made an obfervation, 1 was generally put ofT with " that's not proper," or interrupted. My wit- nefTes, in indignation ftarting up and leaving the houfe, could fcarcdy be perfuaded from going home, exclaiming, they could be of no ufe to me, for I might fee I was not going to obtain juftice before fuch a court ! added much to my diftrefs ; beiide?, a deafnefs I was aiHi&ed with at the time, much increafed my embarrallment. This part of the <2rama lafted till Friday, about noon, when the Rev. John McMillan, riling from his feat and ftreacbing forth his hard towaids roe, addreffed me repeatedly fas has been proved by the oaths of Col. M'FCennan and Mr, George Anderfon) with the following exclamation, (amidft the reiterated peals of laughter from the furrounding crowd) " Ha, ha, ha!
are you not now a Minifter of the Devil I !" The fcene was now
Shifted. The inftallation being announced, ihe Rev. Thom?s Moor, Moderator, and two other Minifters who affiled at the inftaliatim, in- stead of retiring to the tent (as is cuftomarv) ftaid in tbs bc-ufa and
( »o7 J |&feby engaged the people's attention, whilft the other members »* l^refbyterv, without oivmg any publ.c notice, withdrew, and I. got a whifper that the Prefbytery was going co proceed with my bufinefs.— * a,nd Wi were (as can be proved by the oa<hs ot Alexander L'tlr, Klq. and Andrew MM lean) marched, to a fehoolhouk- at a diilai.ee in th* woods ; the R^'. J )tcph Patterlon chofen Moderator, and I was called upon to fnpport my third cnarge agamft the Rlv. J hn McMillan,, v %. his alerting a corrupt, deliberate falfehocd, befoie Prtibytery m O tober la!r, to efcape cen(ure for deeming Birch* v z. that he denied that ever he reported that James Mahon, blackmiuh, t'dd him that laid; B rch was daggering dru;.k,ard ufmg tool-talk, in the town c f Straf- hir^h, on his road trom the General AiVemblv, upon the 6>h day of Jn-iaH-.
M . M'Mi'lan, now from before the crowd, would not confefs any thing : Birch mult even prove /'hat he faid nefore them, n >w when none were to hear. Birch in the confulion not diit.inc'tly recollecting viheiher Mr. Robert Irwm was in the meeting -ho life at Bthel, or Peter's fjretk, with Mr. Liilc, when Mr. M'Miilan made the ctnial, h<- omit- ted him, and agreeably to notice, called upon feme Mmifters.
The Re*. J.^nh Patterfm folemnl\ declared* 'hat he dors not re- member Mr. MlM IUn fan ig n-fore Pufbyterv, or elfswhere, that he iitver ieported, that J urns Mahcn never told him that Mr. Birch was KZgigertng drunk in the town qi Strafburgh.
The Rev. Thorn «s Maiqns fdemnly declared (imilar want of re- collection.
The Rev. Samuel Ralfton folem«ly declared, that he remembered Mr. M'Millan faying, that he had- no convention with Mahcn upon th_- fubjedt of Birch's drunkennefs at Strafburgh, but with MkConneL Mr. Alexander Litle folemnlv declared, that at tjhe Prtfbytery of Bethel, Mr. M'Millan on read ng the deposition of M'Ccnntl, faid he had cautioufly guarded himfelf upon hi? oa h, for he had not dcn'ed one wird he had told him ; and further faid-, that James Mahon never told him any t&ing refpecling Bi:ch : and that at Ca^oi,fbur^h, when faid. deponent was in company with Andrew M'Mekan, Mr. M'Mi.lan told them, that he put the matter ferioufly to M'Connel and Mahon, whether or no they thought Birch intoxicated, and the) faid he appeared like it for he daggered. Interrogated— McMillan faid M*hon told the report.
Mr. Andrew M'Mekan folemnly declared (and anfwered an inter- rogatory) the fam- (as above) with Mr. Litle, relative to Mr. McMil- lan's d cUrati >ns at Canoniburgh.
M-. R >bert Anderfor>, filverfmitH, Wafhln^tnn, folemnly decta-rd*. that fom ! time icter laft harveft, in B;rch's houfe, tiirch faid to M*- Millati, in prefenci of J mes AHifon, Efq, that as a Chrft-an, *rd a brother in the mimrrry, if be hn.i heard any thin^ of hs character, h*t fh 'uid have informed him, and if he had not received fatisfacliOW, then h- might have told of his intoxication ; that Mr. M'Millan replied, that he " d,J riot tike :t mp, Mr. Uirch ; but it -*'a* the fnft th n^ he heard earning to the fioith'l ihop to get his hoifc (hod ; they told me thj) had
( io* )
fcod a horfe lately for you, and be, or they, (Mr. Anderfon could not re- member which) afked me whether Birch belonged to the General Af- fembly; I anfwered, he did not — he had applied but was not admitted ; and he, or they alledged Birch was fond of whiflcey :" after fome e-<n- verfation, Mr. McMillan faid he put it ferioufly to them, whether they thought Birch drunk ; that they faid they alledged (o; that he came in- to their (hop ftaggering, talked fool-talk, and went out ftaggering.— - Mr. Birch then told Mr. ifcf'Millan, Mahon had not a good character, as he and another young man were blamed for having a league wirh a young woman, upon account of which he went oft '^ that then Mr. Alli- fon, and he thought Mr. A/'Millan, replied that he had cleared up his character, ; that Birch told Mr. M'Millan, he fhould be cautious of re- peating what the like of Mahon would fay.
James Aiiifon, Efq. folemnly declared, that he did not hear Mr. Mc-» Millan fay, in Birch's houfe, that Mahon told M'Millan of Birch's drunkennefs at Strafburgh, but that M'Connel told him, Mahon prefent. Interrogated, — thac he heard Birch fay to McMillan, it was unbrother- 2y, to fpread an injurious report upon an authority like Mahon's ; but vindicated Mahon, not as Mr. McMillan's author, but as impeached by Mr. Birch.
Prefbytery afked me if I had any more teftimony to offer. For ar* obvious reafon, (not having notice of many defamers produced, and what. they were to prove) I anfwered in the negative. Being afked if I wifli- ed for longer time ; this being with a manifett defign, under the garb of doing mejuftice, to deprive me of an appeal to the General AfTem- bly, where I could have the depofitions of my witnefles to repel calum- nies, and thereby put me to another year's quarantine, under the Af* fembly's Alien A& j I told them I wifhed for their immediate decifion. Bein^ further afked, if I would profecute my appeal from the Stflion of Wafivngton in the cafe of William M'Comb, Elder ; I faid, from the fpecimen I had already of their juflrice, I would not trouble them any more.
The evidence on all fides being clofed, and the inflalJaticn being {hortly after over, the collected Prefbytery proceeded to deliberate, but not having came to a determination, adjourned to Saturday morning. AH my friends patience being exhaufted, and they gone home, I await- ed the Prefbytery's decifion. About three o'clock, afternoon, they gave Judgment, the four members who had been abfent at the installation voting upon every charge.
ill charge. — For M'MiIIan defaming Birch, by reporting drunkennefs at Strafburgh, and foolifh behaviour, Thomas M'Connel, blackfmith, his author, anti James M-ihon, his journeyman, afi'enting — Nstfupported.
3d charge-^For M*Mil!an telling a deliberate falfehocd in Pitfbyte- ry, at Bethel, or Peter's creek, to evade Church cenfure" for defaming Birch, viz. that he n^ver reported, M«hon told him Birch was ftagger- ing drunk, and talking fool-talk, at Strafburgh — Net Juppotted.
2d charge — For M'Mdlan catling Birch a Minifrer of the Dc;vil, and unchriftian threats to put Birch out 0? the place — Not fully f upper ted j and Preibytery wers of the opinion, that from the teftimony adduced by
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Mr. M'Millan, that he had reafon to think very unfavourably of Birch; but withali, they efteeoud the phrafe Minifter cf the Z)*v/'/,as very harfh and unguarded ; Prcfbytery therefore judged, that Mr. McMillan be ad- RioQiQicd to be more guarded in his exprefiions.
I now having no mode of redrefs in th: Church, except the General AfTcmbly, I requcfted Prefbytery (as there was no time for copies) to return me my papers, which were requifite for the very Rev. General AiT.mbly, with their atteftation, that fuch were before them ( to prevent difputes as before.) Being about to lift eff the Prcfbytery table the laft d»pofuions of Meflrf. M'Connel, Mahon and Bell, of Strafburgh, which coft my friend and me 624.miles travel, the Rev. Samuel Ralfton fnatch- ed them uo, and faid they were theirs. Mr. M'Millan withholding the flrft depeficions of thefe gentlemen, given lor the purpefe of being compared with the other ones, I threatened to lodge examinations, up- *n which they were returned. Calling upon the Rev. MeflVs. Ralfton, Scotr, and I think Moor, as witnefies,to be fummoned upon their oaths* I demanded a receipt for my papers, which was promifed. MefTrs, Ralfton and Scott then going away, after feme evafion and confiderable altercation, I obtained the following : —
The Rev. Prefbytery of Ohio will be pleafed to acknowledge the re- ceipt of a Complaint lodged at Peter's creek, in October laft, to the ve- ry Rev. General Affemblv; a complaint lodged nt Canonfburgh in Ja- nuary laft ; a complaint lodged apainft Elders in Wafhinpton, ftyled by the Prefbytery of Ohio w the Sefiion ;" a complaint to AfTembly lodged at Buffalo in April laft ; ihe depofuinns of Meffrs. Thomas M'Connel, James Mahon and John 3eil, all of Strafourgh i and will be pleafed to> take notice, that certain papers will be laid before William Meetkirk, Efq. in Washington, upon Thurfday the 29th inft. to be verified npori •atn, for the purpofe of being tranfmitrH to »he General AtTembly.
THOMAS LEDLIE BIRCH. To the Rev. Prefl.ytery cf Ohio. Buffalo, April the 24th, 1802* The Prefbytery acknowledge the receipt of the above papers. Sign- ed bv order, THOMAS MOOR, Moderator.
A complaint to the AfTcmbly was handed to Prefbytery, for corrupt, parti*!, inoMifitorial judgment in their latedecifions in the C3fe of Birch and M Millan; and notice ferved, to have faid complaint, snd t!-.eir mi- nutes relative to Birch fince the former AfTembly, at the enfuirg one.
Upon my arrival at the AfTemMv, I applied to the Rev. Thcma* Marquis, one of the Prefbytery of Ohio's delegates, for my papers to be> prefented to the committee of overtures, who told me my p?pers cci^d be had. The committee of overtures having met next mornintr at fix o'clock, I prefented the receipt of the Rev. Presbytery of Ohio, (as will afterwards appear by the oath of Mr. William Smilev, Philadel- phia) and called upon faid Mr. Marquis, who was one of the members, to produce my papers, which he evaded by telling wh2t heavy charges were laid againft rhe Presbytery of Ohio. U falfe, why net let inno- cent worth be vindicated ?
The Rev. committee, infTead of obliging Mr{ Marquis To cViverm7 papers, upon the motion of Col. Jehu Bayard, Elder, Presbytery oi New-
....... C no ) . f ,
lirunfw'clc, (who acted with high majefty) I was ordered, in cppofitic;?.! to every rem mil ranee, to go arid procure the committee written beads of my charges againlt the,. Prefbytery of Ohio; and I was obliged to fpend two days in transcribing from the rough papers in my pofleflion-, fair copies of my complaints, and other neceiTarv documents in lupport of my charges. Upon leaving the committee, I oofervtd to Mi. Smi- Jey, that it was furpnfing the committee did noc fee the matter. He iaid they faw it well en ugh, and Mr. Maiquis had my papers, for he heard him back in the crowa intimate as much. „ , .' , - The committer of overtures having licenced my papers, I attended in .the very Rev. General Aiiembly, and piefentta* thtm. The Afr jfembty exprefling a defi e that I would ,make a brief abftra£k of my specific charges again tt. the Rev. Prcfb.tery of Ohio, I haftily dre* ifrewupone. Mf ftatement not b^ing tnought fuffictently brief and I hein^jrern varions occurrences much agitated, the Rev. Doctor Green was fo obliging as to form an abridgment [fuppofed. to contain the fenfe of thev original. s.The Affembl) .h&v.ing Doctor Green's pa? J)er, and not having any copy— I publifh my own original paper [now to be fee n in my hands.)
. . <■ r!- Philadtl hia, the 1\(l May, 1802. .• ' ( \ Hhamas Ledlie Birch's complaint to the very Rev. General Jlffemhly of the
Prejbyterian Church of America, agatntf the Rev. Pre/by tery oj Ohid ; ff ill. For the very Rev. iJie{bytery of Oho, rejecting a\cy in eppor fltion, to the exprelicd fuperior wifdom, of the very Rev. General Af- fembiy : fee minutes of their meeting, about the firit cay of July lait, at Buffalo'. >., ,',', ( . .
,„ 2dly". For the Prefbytery of Ohio paffing an unjuft defamatory Terr? ^ence upnn Birch, during an interlocutor^ Prefbytery, upon the tes- timony of the Rev. John McMillan, and Wm. M^Comb, Elder; viz. a general report of imprudent and irregular cond'jcl — whereby, as it appears they had no intention to receive him, they unmercifully depri- ved a flranger of the benevolence of the late very Rev. General Affem- biy, if reftifed by one Prefbytery, the liberty of applying to another s •and this accompanied with infult and threatened violence. .
3dly. For rejecting all offers of Gofptl accommodation ; whereby fcandal has been brought upon religion, the peace of the church diflur- ked, and Birch expofed to heavy trouble. , . ; * . r ■• ^ a
4:hlyi For (after fubj eel ing Birch to Jong delays, much trouble and treat Iofs) exerctfing irquifitorial cprrupt judgment in ihe cafe of. the Rev. John IvtMiJlan for defaming Birch, by reporting diunkennefs irl ^trafourgh. _t
. 5'hly. Forufing unchriftian .language and threats, calling Birch a !Minifter of the Devil, and would ufe every endeavor to put hiin out of the country. ..
. 6cnly. For tell ing a corrupt falfe hood in Prefbytery to efcape cento re^ vix. that he never faid, that James Mahon told him tha B i re h was drunk. j£t Strafburgh. (Be pleafed to fee complaint, No. 2, 3, 4 ) . To be proved J?,*v depositions ready to be laid upon your table; and 'the depofuions of MdlVs. Thomas McConnel? James Mahon and Johri
( I" )
Bell of Strafburgh, now in the hands of the Rev. Prefbytery of O;.. tor which Birch has their receipt, and humbly requefts this very Rev; General AfL-mbly to have them produced on your table, with the mi- nutes of the Rev. Prefbytery of Ohio. T. L. BIRCH.
There was a fupplication (now in my hands) from the congregation of Wafhington (or my adherents) handed to the Affembly by Capt. Sa- muel Young and Mr. William Smiley, of Philadelphia, Commiilioners, iigned in the name of the people, by Robert Bell, Samuel Whann,John Mitchell, James Chambers, Arthur Chamberlain, Robert Hamilton, Hugh Workman. The fupplication, befides thofe things mentioned in the above charges, thanked the Ailcmbly for the judicious decifion of. the former meeting, whereby the prerogative and honour of the in- ferior court was preserved, and the complaint relieved j lamented thac the Prefbytery of Ohio, inltead of feconding their laudable views, had further disturbed the peace of the Church * requeued that a Cautious ear lhould be lent to reports of revivals from this quarter, (though fuch tvere earneftly prayed for, and viewed by the eye of faith as approach- ing) nature being as corrupt here as elfewhere, and not more refined ; the proceedings here, for at leaft a year paft, having ftaggered the faitfr of many ferious ptople, and caufed infidels C blafpheme, indicating a dread of its being the dark time, when faith would hardly be found upon earth : mentioned the number of the fociety prefenting the requeft, a- bout 140 families, making a rational, gradual, religious progrefs ; that the Ailembly, in their benevolence* had fent miflionaries to the Hea- thc», which afforded ground of hope, that they would not refufe their fettering care to them, who had long been nearly as deftitute: wifheeJ not to connive at any breach of order, want of qualification, or immo- rality in Birch, but an admimon ioto the Church, or a rejection upon a candid examination, as it was refpe&fully hoped matters would bear the ftri£teit fcrutiny; humbly fuggefting, thart as Birch, under heavy tri- als, had rejected cvtry perfuafion to apply fof civil rtdjrcfs, (for which there was itrong ground) locking oily to the Church for redrcf>, wwuld be fome recommendation in his favour: appointed Capt. Samuel Young and Air. William Smiley, of Philadelphia, and Air. Andrew Hunter, of Wafh.Ggton, CommifTioners.
Having prefented to the Aflembly the above charges and fupplicat'on* I produced the rectipt of the Rev. Prefbytery of Ohio, and rtquefted tbeirdclegates to be called on to bring forward nhe depofuions of Me-iTr*. Thomas M'Coanel, James Mah«n and John Cell, or Strav>burgh. Tho delegates (Meffrs. Watfon and Marquis} found meajis to flip upon thej table the complaints fuppxefled in tho committee, now uleiefs to met Mr. Watfon prefented alio a detached fragment of paper, faid 10 b« A/'Connei's depoation, (of which I can lay nothing, as b*ii.g torn f» cm the other papers to which 'Squire Gilmore h^d affixed it wiUi a fealj fee taking of laft de portions at Strasburgh) — Mr. Watfon made ufo C* the emphatic words, // will be of little tije ta jou ; perhaps alluding to the manner in which ^l/'Connel was defameti beiore Presbytery. fciJl'* depofmon, he faid, i ruuft not look for, Wut he would grant that be told M*. M'MiUati I v.'wS ftC( druuk; Mdhofc'i dcpcfUta) I cu& uie **if*
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the minutes of Presbytery. I told the Affembiy* that f refit the fi.eV-» Thomas Marquis's information to my<elf> the depofitions in queftioit could be produced, and I could prove the fame from a fimilar declaration before my friend Mr. William Smiley, in the committee 5 therefore res. iqaefted the depofitions to be delivered up. Mr. Marquis being now called upon, and urged to come forward with the depofitions* he re- plied," I thought rhefe depofitions were amongft the other papers, un- til I examined my pocket"!! And thus, as has been proved by the de- pofition of Captain Young, two of my papers or depofitions were kept back. Mr. Watfon, under the plaufible fhew of wifhing to accom- modate matters, propofed to grant the reading of BelPsdepofition taken at Strasburgh the firft time, inftead of the one now kept back. By comparing the two depofitions, a glaring circumftance was kept out of view, and which in the confufion efcaped my memory, viz. that the Rev. John Watfon^ him/elf, was in Mr. Bell's parlour^ when ihe Rev. *John McMillan abrubtly rufoed ffc, and exclaimed^ \Sc.
Thus embarrafled, i knew not what to do; neither would 1 have gbne to trial prepared as I was* only from a conviction that the fupe- rior wifdom of the Affsmbly muft have difcovered fomething dark in the bufinefs— the Presbytery of Ohio having broken their fojemn plight*, ed faith under the fignature of their Moderator, therefore I acquiefced. A novel propofal was made _ky the Rev. Do&or Rodgers, of New- York* and agreed to by the Affsmbly, (feemingly With a view to blaft tae at the outfet, by making a bad impreifion) viz. that the Ohio dele- gates fhould be heard in reply to my charger, before 1 was allowed to produce evidence toeftablifh them. And accordingly, though the Rev-. Ohio delegates were fuch indifferent ftewards of my papers, the Rev* John Watfon ufhered forward the minutes of Presbytery, and read a detailed account of all the defamations of which we have given the heads. He alfo read a paper, figned Andrew Swearingen, jofeph Wherry, Robert Stockton and William M'Comb, ftvling themfelvea the Seffion of Washington congregation, fetting forth, that of one hun- dred (I think) and feventy odd families* in the town of Wa(hington,I had not more contributors than twelve families, but had withdrawn;*^— and amongft thefe were, William Af'Cammant* teyk'r ; John and Sa- muel Mitchell, two drunken carpenters from Ireland ; Robert Ander- fonyJilverfmith'f Alexander Litle,an admirer bfTom Paine\ and Charles Fox, Baptift't and all the reft, in town or elfewhere, *»*-<:<?/?* offocieiyf Ice. &c. i obferving at the introduction of this paper, that I hoped the very Rev. General Aficmbly of the Presbyterian Church of Ame- rica was not going to be formed into a court of fcandal, to afperfe the feharafiers of their abfertt neighbours, and being feconded by a cry of " fhame ! (hame !" a cry of " let us hear," or " read on," by the old* venerable Doctor Rodgers, carried. In reply, 1 obferved, (but was heard with fome no occafions for that) that the taxable inhabitants of Washington Were a mixed people, Metbodift«, Epifcopa'S, Germany Presbyterians, Roman Catholicks, Bantifts* Quaker*, &c. fc2rcelv aft half go any where: the behaviour of Clergy rapidly making fueh con- v^-ts there, and other placts in our weftern country, Mr, Watfon the
daft tirtie he Was in Wafhington, had, it is fuppofed, not ten hirers, ,Jeven in the Academy ; that one-fifth of our congregation did not con- iirr. of the town ; if Turners, they were not to want the GoCpd {reach- ed, being willing to hear ; let the guiitlcfs throw the firft itone ! The t)ivine Jifus came not to call the righteous but finncn to repentance. It would not have been thought, that in an enlightened country like this, any (houid be fn unMulhrng as to calt a itigma upon honourable induftry. Unhappy B.rch ! m that he was never learned to dig !— S >me who would be tftamed quality in Wafhingtor^ lately had not a voat to their b*tk. Two Riv. delegates from the Ohio Prfcfbytery, if fame tells truth, one of them was lately a fhoemaker, or feme other trade, on C.ofs-Creek ; the other a bar-keeper in a tavern, in Wafh- ■ington town. Our Divine Mafter wrought at the occupation of a car- penter. The fcrib^s ?nd phsrifeesfaid he was a glutton and a drunkard, /.-I uh.xi.19. and hi « unworthy fervants are not to expedt better ufagt% until the accufer of the Brethren, the Dragon, is (hut down in the b^t- to.nlefs pit, Rev. xx. 2, ?. the dawn of which glorious day, it is hoped in God's mercy, is now to be difcerned by the eye of faith. — ^— I then •proceeded t» name fome of my contrioutorf, as a contrart ; of which more afterwards. Atang with the depofitions already published, the flowing were produced and read in fupport ©f my character againft ;the defamation? of the Rev. Prrfbytery of Ohio, and the Rev. John M'Millan, at tWe Rufr\»lo meeting in April laft-^-of the taking of which the parties had due notice.
Mrs. Mary M^Cimmant's (wife of the aforefaid Mr. William Mc- Ctm'Timt) oath, taken before Wm. Meetkirk, hJq. of WafbJngton, the 29'h April, l3o2 — That in a con\>:rfation at deponent's houfe be- tw«.-n Wm. M'Ccmb, Eider in Wellington congregation, and her, «Sout the middle of July, i8ao, refpecting the Hbblifhment of a Gof- pel Minifter in the t»wn of Waihingron, M'Comb hid to this d i>c- , that he had no objection to Mr. Birch as a Minifier; but he liked Mr. Lejcotk better. Said deponent further did, that at the fume time tly after the coii"erfuion with fa;.d Wm. M^Comb, fhe lad a con- versation with Mary M'Comb, his wife> when deponent a'iked her what were the reports (underftood by deponent to have originated at laid Wai. M'Comb's houfe) rtfpetting Birch's drinking whifkey there — Mrs; M^Comb replied, th?t (he never faid Birch was drunk ; 3rd ?fk- «d ii:r oor.cn r, if (he ever he,?rd any perfon fay, that foe (Mrs. M4- Cotnbj U;d fSirch was drunk.
Ttic deposition of Mr. R >Kert Anderfon, fiiverfmith, of Wafhir.**- lon, fworn before John Wilfon, K'q. of ("aid town — That on or about the middle of July, ik'co, he w«s prefent at a converfation between Andrew S .vearingen, Efq, Elder in Wafhingt< n congregation, the late General T.olor, ard the Rev. Thomas Ltdlie Birch, in the court* houfe yard; hrard Gen. Taylor obl-Tve to Mr. Birch, that he doubted he would Dot have much fatisfa&ion, as party fpirit ran fo high; the time was, when he could ^o down one fide of the ftreet and up theo- ther, and th? people in every do?r speared ready to give him a cordial
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reception 5 but now he could pafs fix doors together, and the people i* the doors not let on they feen him ; — however, if Birch came, he was quite willing to contribute his part. Andrew Swearingen, Efq. an- fwered, that he did not know but that if Birch came regularly, he might expe& they would all fall in one by one; but that, after (o much op- position, they would be aihamed to fall in all at ence -y but that he had obferved there, when Mr. Birch was preaching, fome were afhamed t» come in the houfe, but they gathered about the door outride;—- for his own part, he would have no objection.
fVaJbington County, fs. Before me the fubferiber, one of the juftices of the peace in and for faid county, came perfonally Jane Taylor, wife of the late General'Taylor, and being duly fworn according to law, de- pofeth and faith, that on the fourth of December laft, Mcflrs. Jofhua Anderfon, Hugh Cotton, John White, Mathew Taylor, John Taylor and John Colmery, being prefent at my houfe, appraifing my late huf- band's eftate, and being at dinner, I fet down a pint bottle of whifkey and a glafs holding upwards of a pint. At the clofe of dinner, the Rev. Air. Birch coming in, I afked him to take dinner , I brought in fome water in the fame glafs, no other of the fame kind being in the houfe, the fame bottle and whifkey remaining on the table, without any being added thereto. And this deponent further faith nor. Sworn to and fubferibed before me, this 30th day of April, i8©2.
John Wilson. JANE TAYLOR.
Wefhlngton County ft* Before me the fubferiber, one of the juftices of the peace in and tor faid county, came perfonally John Colmery, and being duly fworn according to law, faith, that being at the houfe of the late Gen. Taylor, on the fourth day of December laft, in order to appraife the aforefaid deceafed's eftate, and that Jofhua Anderfon, Hugh Cotton, John White, Mathew Taylor,. John Taylor and myfelf, were all prefent at dinner ; there was a pint bottle with whifkey fet ca the table, with a glafs holding better than a pint, and that to the beft of my knowledge, we all partook of it ; and that the Rev. Mr. Birch came to the door juil as we had done with dinner. And this deponent fur- ther faith not. Sworn to and fubferibed before me, this 30th day of April, 1802. John Wilson. JOHN COLMERY.
Depofitions p?ffed at the fame time, by Meffrs. Jofhua Anderfon, John White, Mathew and John Taylor, eftdblifhing the fame p®mf, were read in the Aflembly; the originals now in Birch's hands. Mr. Mathew Taylor, along with the fa<5 proved by all the oaths, that the bottle only held a pint out of which the deponent and five others par- took before Birch, and that the glafs was larger than the bottle, noticed that the glafs held a pint and about three half gills.
Wajbington County fs^ Before me the fubferiber, one of the juftices of the peace in and for faid county, perfonally came Jane Officer, who being duly fworn as the law directs, depofeth and faith, that the Rev, Lediie B;rch was in her houfe on the fourth of Julv, i8or, and that he was in compary with fome people who were drinking cider, but that (he did not fee him drink, nor did (he obferve him the leaft intoxicated ; nor to her knowledge was he, nor doth fhe believe that he was, in her
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fybufe but ohce during the day, and that but for a (hort fpace of ticne* ^Sworn to and fubfcribed before me this 3d day of May, J002.
John Wilson. JANE OFFICER.
At the fame time, Mr. Thomas Officer, hufband of the above J ine, 'tavern-keeper, Wafhington, made oath, (the original re?d in the Amena- bly, now in Birch's hands) that the Rev. Ledlie Birch lived his neigh- bour for a year, and that he never obfjrved him in the leaft intoxicated.
Havinor clofed my evidence, and made fome comments upon it, the very R?v. General AfTembly ordered the parties to withdraw, and pro- ceeded to confider the bufinefs, when, after mature deliberation, they determined all my charges agaiuft the Rev. Prefbytery of Ohio urfvp- 'ported. The charges being declated unfupported, there was a resolution put, viz. That the Rev. Prefbytery of Ohio did not treat Birch with a becoming candour and brotherly afTeclion—which was negatived, 21 to 19. The whole proceedings prefented a fcene not to be delineated bv the mafterly pencils of a Michael Angelo or a Hoggarth, o'rdefcri- bed by the almoir. life-giving eloquence of a Demofthenes, or the tra- it edic powers of a Shakefpear ; hut only by the figures and language cf infpiration, Prov. xxx, 20. Math. Xxiv. 31—44. the adulterous wo- ir.an eating, and wiping her mouth, atad frying I have done no wick- "e:lnefs — the Judge feated iipon his throne making inqueft, and a certain ffcumber, in difmay and confufion, excufing themfelves— when faw we
I thee hungry, a ftranger, or naked, or fick, or in prifon, &c. and i^r "which (if not averted by a fpeedv repentance) there will be an awful _ reckoning one dav, when there will be no hiding of records, arid the agents in fuch things will in vain cailto the rocks and mountains to hide them. — -Birch, a ftranger, appears in the AfFembly, complaining that the Rev. Prefbytery of Ohio, which had rejected him laft year, had, in the face of that very Rev. body, nit only ke^t him a ferond h/car out of ths Church, but arofsly defamed him~:he Rev. John War- tan (fon-in-liw to Mr. McMillan, the chief defamer) in a far advanced fave of the confum ->tion, ftood up to defend his relative; knowing
f;uiit, kept back Bell's depofition, which would have rxpofed his own nfamy, and for which the fairh of Prefbyterv was pledged, under the Signature of the Rev. Thomas Moor, their Moderator. Mr. Watfon, in ferv-nt zeal defending the detention of the papers, and pT-ceedine- , fo read tbe defamations in the minutes of the Prefbyrery of Ohio, and rhe reprefentation of facls by the Wafhington Elders, became exhaufb d ind pantin-T for breath, fit that in order to his P.oing ont it was necef- ary to hav» a cb*ir brought for him, and placed upon an eminence. The very Rev. General Affrmbly, folemnly conftituted by prater in :he prefehee of the Jud^e of the earth, with the declared purpofe of <x- •rrilinj: j-.i'tice and judgment, inftead of taking admonition at the af- "ec\irv fpe»£larl', enco'.iraaed and connived a£ tV* bufinefs. When he birch, much d-.fcompnfVi1. by tnc wkbholimir of his papers, ftttemj trd ^n/P-ak, he was fnapp-d iiU'"1 interrupted by officious partisans in & I ff-refnt «'**.rtrr;— ai^ an jnfirmitv of deafnef\ which he !?bour- hti p '-^'^ at the time, added much to his cmbarr^fT.nent In making rs-
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plies : fo that on the whole, (as the Affembly did not take any notes of evidence) the tranfa&ion feemed rather like a fcold where the greateft noife carried, than a procefs in a judicial court; whereby the late learn- ed and very judicious Dr. Nefbir, of Carlifle, was led to obferve, re- peatedly, to others and myfelf, " If Demofthenes had been interrupted as often as Birch, he would not have made a fpeech worth a farthing."" If the late Rev. John Watfon had manifefted a modefi, affectionate de- fire to excufe the weaknefs of a parent, and a willingnefs to repair in- jury, and Mr. M'Millan's friends in the Affembly had evidenced a meeknefs, in reftoring an offending brother, efteemed ufeful in the Church, with a tender concern for the character and honour of a Gran- ger, their conduct would haye been moft laudable.
Being now removed from the arbitrary controul of a very Rev. body who would only permit me (as will appear afterwards) to fupport my caufe in the way that fuited their notions, and freed from the interrup- tions of Rev. loofe-tongued gentry, who wi&ed to ftifle and bear down truth j I (hall beg leave* moft humbly and refpeclfully, (before a judi- cious and enlightened people, who can difcern, and, I know, are well difpofed to hear truth) to ufe my weak abilities in examining the deci- fion of the very Rev. General Affembly of the Prefbyterian Church of America, upon my charges brought againft the Rev. Prefbytery of O- bio. The reader, to fave repetition, will be pleafed to look back, and fee the refpeclive charge, out of thofe delivered to the Affembly agaijift the Prefbytery of Ohio, as it fhall be commented upon, in its order.
iff. charge— The evidence produced by Birch to fupport this charge, Was, i ft. The minute of the former Affembly, which declared that from the free and full converfation the Affembly had with Mr. Birch, upom his experimental acquaintance with religion, there is no obftruclioB, upon that point, to any Prefbytery, &c. ad. The minute of the Pref- bytery ©f Ohio, of the iff of July following, that they would have no- thing further to do with Mr. Birch, as to his trials f©r the Gofpel mi- niftry ; and in this they think themfelves jufti&able, from the frequent and full converfations they had formerly with kim, &c.
Thofe who might be fuppofed to be poffeiTed of Lefs difcernment that* the General Affemblv, might have difcovered by comparing the twi> minutes, that the Prefbytery of Ohio did not pay the higheft refoe£t to> the fuperior wifdom of the General Affembly. Bat thac the Affembly might not miftake the hint, and perhaps (horn the laft year's work) learning th?t a majority of them were not very fqueamifh, the Rev. John M'Millan called Birch, juft piping hot from their Hand's, an un- converted Minifter of the Devil; and the Prefbytery of Ohio fu Rained their own examinations, in oppofition to the Affembly's, as part ground* of Mr. M'Millan's defence — paffed judgment, that Mr. McMillan hadi reafon to think moft unfavourably of Birch, and admoniftied him, not for want of truth, but for the harfhnefs of the expreffion. So that i£ Birch is a Minifter of the Devil, (and of neceiSty, greater are they wh*1 fend, than he that is fent) and the Affembly being the third rank in the: Church; in the opinion of the Prefbytery of Ohio, they muft be three-H fold Minifters of the Devil above Birch ! Was not the matter too fe-4
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rk)U*, t might adopt the reply of James Mountain, Efq. Lawyer, to the Rev. John M'Milian, when the depofitions of a Mr. John Dunnan were about to be taken, concerning fome of Mr. McMillan's cj;pref- fions, and Mr. M'Milian obferved, that a number of us Lawyers and Clergy, by our contentions, were going to the bad place — Mr. Moun- tain replied, he was happy in having fuch good company as the Rev.fchn McMillan. But alas ! broad is the way, ilie place fufficiently capaci- ous, and the power equal to the punilhment of »he whole. And docs the General Alfembly pjopagate Minifteis of the Devil? Let them take care they may not ! i Tim. v. 20, 22. Prov. xxix. 15. Them that fin, rebuke before all, that others alfo may fear — be not paitaker of o- ther men's fins. The rod and reproof giveth wifdom, — but the child left to himfelf briugeth his mother to fhame.
2J charge.-— In fupport Of the fir ft part of this charge, Birch produ- ced the latter part of the minute of the Prefoytery of Ohio cited in fup- port of the foregoing charge; viz. Birch's havirg a general report of imprudent, irregular conduct. 1 he Prefbytery of Ohio were undoubt- edly cenfurable, if they pafled a defamatory fentence upon Biich with- out any evidence — :hey were cenfurable if they decided from the ver- bal reafons by which they afterwards attempted to excufe ihemfoives, viz. my continuing to preach, ordain Elders, and baptize children, du - rini; my appeal to the fuperior court. Theft things being folcmnly decided in the Affembly, and betides, this mifconduct was know*: the evening before, when Prefbytery told Birch they were besrty in pro- ceeding with him; there remains not any evidence for Prcfbytery to found their dicilion, but the reports of Meffis. M'Milian and M4Comb. Prefb'tery acknowledge they received charges againft Birch from thefe gentlemen. Mr. M'Milian vindicated himfelf, on trial, for doing fo. Mr. M'Coma's confeflion of doing the I.ke, is proved by t-he oati s of MefTrs. M'CimtTiinf, Litis and Anderfon. And undoubtedly Prefby- tery was cenfurable for condemning Birch upon thefe reports, without granting him an hearing. But even crranrinor Birch had been guilty of the charges attributed to him by MefTrs, M'M.lIan and *.!'Ccnib, they were cen urable in exhibiting fuch to Prefbytery, and Prcfbytery in re- ceiving them, (agreeably to our bleflcd Lord's own injunctions, Math. xviii. 15, 16, 17.) until they had called upon Birch privately, and made life of G of pel mtthtis ts reclaim kirn. Of this they had a precedent in their own body, (as I have been informed by the late Gen. Henry 1 ay- lor) in the p ;rf>n of J.ihn M'D owell, Efq. Elder in Chartic.s c >Og ne- gation, mw Afl'ociate Judge Warhington county. — A number of >oung ladies having fcnTembled in Gen. Taylor's heufe, to what is called, in this weftem 1 OJntry, a quilting froliCk ; th- qujlting being over, a num- ber of young people, among whom were John R;ci ! •-•, £ q. now Elder, M-. Samuel Riddle, and their filter, nov Mrs- T> roceeded
to take a dance. Elder M'Dowel having paid a vifi to ihe G the fame evening, bo:h fat in a room fepafate from the \ .oiks,
without interrupting them in their amufement. E'der M'DowCl ed a complaint a^aoift Gen. Tayl r, before rhe Rev. John M'Milian and th; Ssffion of Caartiers, for having dajicUg in his houfe. Af:*r a
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weariromeiitigationi.it was finally determined in Pre{bytery5)that Jbfiife M'Dowel Efq. Rider,. was. cenfurable, in that he did not. admonifh thq.. diforderly company in General Taylor's houfe.
In fupport of" the fecond part of thischarge, Birch produced the Af- fembly's Alien law, (fee printed minutes of 1800) which exprefsly de- clare?,, if a foreign Minifler is rejected, by one Prefbytery, he mail not be received by another j or if received, as foon as the fraud is difcover- ed, he fhall be difmiiTed. So that the Prefbytery of Ohiov when they had not any intention of receiving Birch, their ptoceeding to pafs any fente nee, except a civil refufal^ and that a verbal one, was a wanton; piece of cruelty.. . In fupport of the third part of this charge, viz-,, infalt and threatened violence, Birch produced the oaths of Robert and Hamilton Bell, who pofitively fwear, that upon Birch requeuing to be informed hy"the Rev, Fct(b)tery of Ohio, with what imprudent, irre- gular conduct he was chargeable, the Rev. John Watfon darting up, and lirting up his hands in a menacing pofture, in a threatening tone ex- claimed, (without being called to oider) if Birch would not go out, they rnuft put him out ! and without any apology, he was obliged to turn ou\ The Prefbytery of Ohio's friends in the AiTembly ridiculed; the idea, that I fhculd fpeak of danger from a perfou of Mr. Watfon'S; appearance. They were right. Birch had no dread of the menaces of Mr. Watfon, unlefs the fear that if he fhould even touch him, he might ks.l him ! and I will grant more, could not be intimidated by any of the partifans in the Prefbytery of Ohio or the General AfTembly ; for gen- try of their carl:, are noi £_;hii:i2; people; they rather choofe to deal in the 2iTaf!in way, unlefs they have a manirrft advantage.. A very infig- nificant being may be the inftrument of infult, and of beginning a q.uar* re), and the lefs worth notice, the more likely to come off with impu- nitjj and fuch an one may be fuppofed to carry with him drezd of vio- lence to a fingle perfon, when aided and abetted by thirty or forty o- thers, and more efpecially if fome of them are not of the moft refined manners. And furely the Minifters of Peace, in the very Rev. General Ailembly, did not mean to insinuate, that order was only to be preferv- cd In their church by bufSng matches I Though indeed the infolence of fome of their members well deferved broken heads, and they appeared incapable of being wrought upon by any other argument. Let them, however take care, that the good people of America may net be pro- voked to make ufe of fuch perfuafives, as feerns faft approaching ; or they may depead upon it, the queftion will be decided againft their very Reverences.
3I charge. — Birch produced in fupport of this charge, his melTage to. the Rev. John McMillan, hs ^applications to the Rev. Prefbytery of OMo, and complaints lodged againft them to the very Rev. General Aflembjy, every one of which concludes with Gofpel offers ; and that fuch were made by Birch, and fpurned at by the Prefbytery of Ohio, was proved (as may be feen before) by the oaths of Meffis. Alexander Litle, Andrew IVKvJekan, Robert and Hamilton Bell, at leaft in four inftances — and in thefe, in not hearing Birch, the Prtfbvtery was cen- fuiatL *s th^y pronounced John M'Dowel, Efq. Elder, for not admo--
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nifhing. (See the fore-cited Gofpel authority.) The wide extended ferment the bufincfs is well known to have fpread — the large portion of the time of the Prefbytery of Ohio, and the General Alfembly, it has engroflcd for two years paft, Birch having in this ftage been kept nearly two years out ©f the communion of the American Prefbyterian Church, and obliged to travel upwards of two thoufand miles ; — to attempt to prove that a reproach was brought upon religion, the peace of the Church greatly interrupted, and Birch reduced to great difficuitier, would be an infult to the good fenfe of the people of America.
4th charge. — -Long delay in trying Mr. M'Millan, was proved to the AlT-mbly againft the Piefbytery of Ohio, as here fet forth, by the minutes of (aid Prcfoytery,* — from which it appears, that Birch lodged his complaint in O&oberthe 22J, but was not heard until the 21 ft A- pril. From his fore-mentioned travel, the Affembly was left to judge of Birch's trouble and lofs. Inquifitorial, corrupt judgment was al - ledged to be proved, by ihe Prefbytery refuling to oblige Mr. MlMil- lan ti make good his charge of Birch's drunkennefs 2t Strnfburgh, or to admit, agreeably to contract, the depositions of Meffrs. M'Ccnre), Mahon, Bell, Litle, Anderfon and M'Mekan, and Elifabeth Birch, laid Upon the Prefbytery table, and then on the AfiVmbly's table, to prove Mr. McMillan's propagating a falfthood, but infilling upon Birch to procure new depofitions. We know well, that in happy America no Clergy dare put a citizen to the torture, to oblige him to criminate himfe'.f ; nor for not obeying the arbitrary dictate of a Church, can the writ de excommunicato capiendo, for laying hold of the excommunicate, iflue after forty days, and imprifon him for Iife. And happy is i% that fome Clergy have not the power. But there is alfo character dearer to a man of honour than life ; and more particularly to a Minifter of the Gjfpel. It mod certainly muft be inquifitorial proceedings, too- biige fuch an one, and more efpecialiy a ftranger, either to fink under a loft reputation, or be fubjecled to tedicus journeys, grievous trouble and heavy expence, to prove himfelf* innocent, (in many cafes impofli- ble) inftead of obliging his accufer to eftablith his guilt. Corrupt (judgment was proved, by Prefbytery not allowing the new depositions cf M'Conud, Mahon and Bell, procured by Birch, to pais as concluiive evidence; refufing to afk Mahon, if M'Connel was to be believed upen jhis oath ; and acquitting Mr. M'Millan on this charge, contrary to Scripture and evidence, as muft be plain from attending to the follow- ing particulars: If Mr. Thomas M'Cr. >nhel was Mr. McMillan's cr.ly [witnefs, M'Millan was cenfurable in telling the report, and Piefbytery in receiving it; for the cloice of an Elder, which (as 1 learned by a [member of Prefbvtcry) covered Mr. Af'Milbn from cenfure, (hould have m-ich more (hiclded Birch (alfo an Elder) from defamation — 3rd ihe Prefbytery and Mr. ilf'Millan were doubly crimin?1, Mr. John Bell, the tavern-keeper, having told Mrflrs; Af'Millan, Watfon a: dMuore- head, that the report was falfe. But the Prefbytery were guilty of corrupt judgment, in permitting the ch.ke of an E'der to fcret n w/*Millan, for the vf:l is ti-ken effany pretend,-* quirk of hi>, v 7. that he did not remember having any con vt Ma '.ion wuh Mahor, and ireni
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j&fahon not cent radioing any part of Af'ConnneP's difcourfe abots€ Birch, JfwiVliilan took him as siTenting; — for A/ahon pofitively fwears,, in his three depofitions, (which pleafe to fee) that McMillan fjked him* and urged himy with a promife of indemnity, to tell if Birch was drunk* and he told him Birch was not drunk. Mi. ^Millan alfo exclaimed upon his trial before Prefbytery, that be thought it his duty to cjk Ma- ho?i. So that the ck>ke of an Elder could not fhade Mr. Jlf'MiUan from condemnation, an accufation being fupported againU him by three witneflts, MefTrs. iif'Connel, Mahon and Bell— I Tim. iii. 19.
The Rev. Francis Herron, of Rocky Spring, (before-mentioned} who it feems isefteemed by the Prefbytery of Ohio, the irfr, if not the only genuine convert in the Rev. Prefbytery of Carlifle, and, it is faid* attempted to engraft on the good peopieof Rocky Spring, what is call- ed our Weftern Revival, but it did not thrive well. This gentleman, in unifon with his brethren of Ohio, made a dreadful attack on abfent J^Connel's character; from whence it would appear that a facred re- gard for their neighbour's good name, is no part of a certain revival* Mr. Herron being deftrvediy reprimanded by the Rev. Mr, Caxhcart, and afked by Birch what he had to impute to "Squire Gilmor and Mr. John Bel!, who were alio prefent, the tongue of calurnnv was forced to lifp approbation* The Rev. Mr. Herron, and the other advocates of thtir Brethren of Ohio, fhould have remembered, that Mr. Thomas. M^Connel was Mr. MMi/Ian'sy and not Birch's evidence.
5th charge.- — Proved to the AfTembly, by Mr. A?cMillan's having taken his trial before Prefbytery, and juftified his having called Birch a Minifterof the Devil, and declaring his intention of ufing every en-<
T-» •
deavcur to put Birch out of the place, partly from Birch's being un- converted, (not having fatisfied the Prefbytery) and partly from Afl - Millan having produced witnefTesand attempted t© prove Birch a drunk- ard, a liar, and a profane per fon— though undoubtedly the Prefbytery of Ohio were eenfurable for corrupt judgment, in allowing Mr. Al<-~- Millan to take new ground of defence in this charge, and to call in witneiTes to blacken Birch's character, without anv previous notice; it having been agreed at their meeting at Bethel, October 180 1, when they made their deferred decision upon this charge, (fee minute] that no farther evidence was to be produced.- But we {hail wave this, and meet the Aflemblv on the Pieibyterv of Ohio's own ground. Birch, to refute Mr* McMillan's part j unification for calling him a Minifler of the Devil, and the threat of uhng every endeavour to put him out of . the place, viz. Birch not being converted, as nor fatisfying the Pref- bytery in three examinations, produced to the AfTembly, as he had be- j fore done to the Prefbytery of Ohio, the minute of the former A /Tern- ; My, where Birch was examined and approved of. If the very RevJ General AfTembly wifhed to proclaim to the world, that they did not] efteem it eenfurable in the Prefbytery of Ohio, to. account Miniiiers | approved of by them, (the higher!: courr of the Church) Preachers of the Devil, and as fuch, ufe every exertion to put them out of the place; Birch is fbrry hs applied for fa poor a recommendation, and is afraid it is ufw-lefs to reafan with fuch gentlemen. — Birch, to fct afide the other
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part of Mr. iTf-Millan's juftification, viz. having proved Birch a drunk- ard, a liar and profane reprobate, proved by vuneik:, u»d from con - ftquences (hewed, that Mr. A/lMillan'l alienations wtrr f?lfe, and if tiue, had n$ relation to his calling Birch a Aiinifter of the DtVil, «;» will appear evident from the following particulars: — How can it be thought that Mr. Wm. /W'Comb, Elder, or his wife, believed that tiirch was drunk in faid M Comb's houfe in February i8co ? Mr. ik^Comb ai d family after dei next day alter the fane, with Birth, at public k v\cr- lhip, without the fmaUeft private whifper to any of the focietj — as an Elder, recommended perfons to get their children baptizec— Birch be- ing inviced to fettle, as Minifter, in Wafhington, had the (ublcription- paper of his quarter put into his hands(7) — attended a pell inoppofi- tion to I^rch in July iBoo — October lat in Prtfbjtery, with Mr. AT- Millan, then a profefTed opponent, when Birch's cha/aitcr and cemfU cates were approved of — July 1801, MefT.s. jfc/'Millan and A'TCcmb remained Client, when Kirch, calling forward wimMTes, challenged Pref- bytery tj nami any charge — Mrs. and Mr. iV/'Comb denied to Mrs. M Cammant, Mr. A/;Comb denied, with a teft, to Mr. Andcrfon, and bo:h, in their own hcule, in Auguft 1801, denied to the CommiiTton- ers, that Mr. ATComb faid Birch drank any, until they learned that Mr. ^Miilan had blabbed out the fecrettold for the good of the Church, (no douot Birch being fuppofed drowned in the pit he had dug tor him) when Jl^Comb in conruiion remarked, upon Pre&ytcry iriiit.ng, he tuld ihem how much Birch drank, but informed tl*m he was not intoxicated. After all this, and the lapfe of fo long a pence, i!7-Comb
(7) Mrs. Mary M Comb, trife of William, Elder, declared that her hvfland eta not pre/ent Birch ' s Juhfcription paper to any perjVn, irfir.uutmg his bting cf- f ended at Birch's behaviour in their houff.. and net betrg pre^en'ed by what *was infinuated (fee before) in Mr. PF berry's Utter. The folloirirg u<i> j.nont, of ivbich Air. M Ccmb had cue notice, <wiU ferte to f:e:w Lis ftntimtnii and conduct after Eirch's aludged irregularities in his hcuj'e.
IVajkingtcn county, fs. At tie r, cue ft rf the Rev. T. L Birch, perftnally appeared before me, Alexander Lit/e, one if the fufices cf the Peace in and fir faid county, Andrew Nickel/, Seceacr, cf Canton fctcr/hip, and being avly fucrn as the latv di^ecls, depefth and faith, that in cr abcut Ftbrurry. \\ co, faid deponent ofed William ?.tComb, Eider in the corgregcticn tf If afhtng:int if the) icere going to try to get the Re%>. 'Ihcmas Leaiie Birch itre : faid M' - Comh a..j-jcertd, " Yes, if you Seceders trill join and htlp us. " hiikell jaid, he is a tra^e thundering preacher. " 2'es," jays Jaid M Limb, " a number cf you Seceders think an heap cf him. — If %cu jct>. u>, J think lie aril/ get him.'* And further faith not. Snorn and jucjcriied bit ore we ti is \cyth day rf De- cember, 1805. AlixamobiJL.it li. ' AN DRE W NlCKb I L.
At the Jume time appeared as above, fofeph Clark, and b*i/g duly fnvtrn as ; e law directs, depoieth and faith, that in or abcut fpring, l8co, If'tlltcm M*C-.-9.ib, Elctr in IVajhington ccngre gaiion, told /aid drfcrent, that they itere about grttirg the Rev. Thomas Lcdlie Birch to be their Mn.ifer ; and in ti'.c er three c ' s, at different times, marmh recommended faid Birch, :.i wit
prefence, before large meeangs ; and mfirmeei faid deponent that he had a fuo- fcription paper, and nquefied fau: actci ten! . ci/.» /'/ a ?e<eder, to fubfcril t tr /,..-,/ Birch. And further Jatth not. Six. cm a>J juhjcriled biff* cj D.cimbcr, 1805. AlixanderLitle. JOSEPH C1*AJ (£-.
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impeached for drunkennefs by the oaths of MefTrs. M'Kee and Bell, corroborated by one of his own witneiTes, and what was called the Waihington Seffion under complaint for permitting him toefcapecen- fure (ftill untried) for defaming Birch. Mrs. ifc/'Comb, profeffing her rage for Birch meddling with her Billy, was brought forward to give tetlimony againft Birch, exculpating her hufband from one of Birch's principal grounds of charge — Wm. il^Cornb, along with the breach of the facred laws of hofpitality, (to ufe the words of an upright judge* of the flrft abilities, when fpeaking of approvers, vulgarly called king's evidences) " here is a criminal come forward with the halter about his neck, wifhing to hang his neighbour in his ftead — you know what cre- dit is due to fuch a witnefs !" Mr. and Mrs. A/'Comb took a very fuf- picious time, not even when Mr. Wherry was there who was witnefs to the flrft drinking bout, but did not perceive ir, though Birch went home with him. However, it will appear that their memories were not fo good before another court as in Preibytery, (fee Appendix) and perhaps they had a good deal of hear-fay from their gueft Stevenfon.— • It was too generous of Mr. M'Comb, to let Birch's laft day's drink- ins; of four gills and a half, go before Preibytery for a pint, when Mrs. ifcf-Comb computed fix gills and a half. However, at the loweftmea- fure, comparing the oaths of MefTrs. Wm. ifcf'Cammant, Alexander Litle and Robert Anderfon, and the declarations of Mr* Robert Stock- ton, his wife, and fon John, Birch muft have drunk a whole pint him- felf, out of a pint of whifkey, in A/'Comb's ; though MefTrs. M'Cam- mant, A/'Comb, and fon, equally partook with him; and the fame even- ing, in Mr. Stockton's, drunk three draughts of peach brandy, out of half a pint partook of by five perfjns, and left the houfe duly fober. Mr. Robert Stockton, Elder's, declaration, explained by himfelf, wife, fon and co. to be but a moufe brought forth by the mountain, the tw& draughts offtrong peach brandy, which might have been a gallon, being but the fifth fhare of a half pint. Jofeph Stevenfon's declaration re- lative to Birch's drunkennefs in Mr. Wm. ^Comb's houfe, confuted by what was proved againft Mr. and Mrs. A/'Comb. From his pri- vate allegations in the bed chamber, Birch was protected as being an Elder — but Birch, with the Roman Emprefs, wifhes not his character even to be fufpedted — (See in appendix Mr. Stevenfon's teftimony in another court.) Mr. Stevenfon, I hear, has fince gotten married to a daughter of the Rev. Mr. Marquis's, and become a ftudent of divinity
in Canonfburgh College. 3irch red-faced, but did not ftagger,
the fourth of Julv, in Mr. Themis Officer's tavern, Washington— though a blank, Mr. and Mrs. Officer pafTed their oaths to prevent any doubts. Air. Oilicer was fubpeenaed to two Supreme Courts, for the purpofe of fwearing, that he had withdrawn his fubfeription from Birch for no other reafon, than Birch's not being admitted into the ccm- m union of the American Prefbyterian Church. But at all events, Mr.
A/^Millan's birds took wing before the fourth of Julv, i8or. Mr.
Hugh Cotton, Elder's oath : — The Rev. John Af-Milhn's zeal began to burn, upon the Philadelphia road, the ioth of June, 1801 — the meet- ing in xHz late Gen. Taylor's houfe, the 4th of December following,
( 1*3 )
comparing Mrs. Taylor's, &c. oaths, (fee before;) Prophet JfcMMiHaii called Birch an unconverted M.nifter of the Devil, and would put bun Out of the place, foefeeing that fix months alter, Birch would drink a pint and three half gills out of a pint of Ipirits, Mr. Cotton, faid not to be the molt fquearnifh little gentleman, and five others, having taken a dram before nim. That the cony of the letter noted No — (8) in the mi- nutes of the Prefbyteryof Ohio,fent by certain perfons to Birch, requeu- ing him not to come to Wafhington, charged him with intemperance from tha knowledge of the writers, is not true. Let the Prtfoytery of Ohio produce the copy, or itand convicted of recording a falfrhood. Co'. Thomas Achefon and Mr. John Lfrad, two of the writers, (wore in the Supreme court, they never (aw Birch int< mperate, and all the jcir. declared the fame, and that they were indicated by pious infinua- tions from Mr. William M'Comb, Elder, who had gotten Mr, J >feph Wherry into his train, perhaps let on with the fame zeal which warm- ed Mr. Hugh Cotton.
Mr. Hans M Cltland, an hearer of Mr. M'MiUan's, profanity about the horfe in the ftable, and exctffive drinking — rhe (table buiinefs con- futed by Mr. George Anderfon, and Mr. Maihew Anderfon could prove the fame — Hans M'Cleland, before giving his teftimonv at Pref- bytery, endeavoured to perfuade Mr. Andes ("on to goticme. Mr. Jofeph Soence attended two Supreme courts, at Wafhington, to prove that Mr. Hans M'Cleland promifed (even bulhels of wheat yearly to Birch, long after what took place in the ftable; but Mr. J/Cltland did not ap- pear with his fcandal. If worthy Hans was not fufEciently known, it could bs proved, that inftead of excefs, there was not even common (kceacy in his houfe — hat he declared his wiliingntfs to Birch, to give teftim:>ny againft Mr. MMilhn, for certain (landers he had told him concerning Birch, and exprelTed forrow fjr Birch's ftate. But after this, it feems, he got a fon into Canonfbjrgh academy, had a clearer view of things, and faw the good caufe in danger.
Andrew Swearin^en, Efq, Elder, proving againft Birch deliberate falfehood, (fee his depcluion, and Telegraphc, before) Birch's conver- sion with faid Swearin 'en after Mr. A^Millan had traced, difcovered, and (to ufe the words of Lawyer Semple) prccured the fpade, at Straf- burgh, to dig the pit for unregenerate Minifter of the Devil, Birch, and therefore overfhoots the mark. Befides, Mr. Robert Anderfon (fee his oath) winged Elder Swearingen, in (hewing, at leuft, that h2 did no:
(8) // is well deferring of notice , that every tc/iimony which can ferve to blacken Birch's character, and transmit his name with odium to pojieriry. is t.i- f-.rted at large in the minu'es of the Prfuytery of Ohio, and when needful, im- iftllijbed. Many parts of evidence {fuch as Mjfrs Ticmas M Coiml's and 'John Bill's oaths, fome "of Birch's complaints, tie letter f,om feme gt*tft in IVafrington to Birch, \3 c ) --which KvcuJd heavily impeach themjelves and vindicate Birch, are either unnoticed, or orly hcud "Jte A'tf. •••'" -And where will thefe papers he found if called ftr? Perhaps we will be told, in the R?-c. Thomas Marquis's pocket, from whence they will have fa; cr h tb% archives
»f tie /Ihool houfe in the wood th<) lnvtd durknefs rather than Hgbt, ucaufe
| .; di fds wire evil; John iii. 1 9.
( 824 )
advife Birch not to come to Wafhington. It has been proved flnce, by Squire Swearingen's own eonfeffion, (fee appendix) that he encouraged Birch, and in the name of his party held out ample fupport, Squire Swearingen declared, he never told Birch, that Mr, M'Millan was lefmg his character. Birch, without ufing the clcke cf an Elder, waves that point, it being in the way of being decided, from dilinterelled teftimony, before a competent tribunal. Elder Swearingen was more modeft in what he next declared, viz. that he did not remember to have mentioned any rough expreffion Mr. M'Millan made ufe of. Whilft the following depoficion xnay ferve as a fpecimen of the Rev. John McMillan's meekconverfation, it will perhaps help to bring fome once known objeds to gentlemen's views I will not fay to Andrew Swearingen, Efq. Elder.
Wajhington County, Js. Personally appeared before me John Wilfon, one ©f the Juftices cf the Peace in and for faid county, John Donning of Hic- kory ciiek, county of Braver, and date of Pennfylvania, who, being du- ly fworn as the law directs, depofeth and faith, that in or about the year of our Lord 1800, the deponent had occafion to go to Mr. Pollock's, his neighbour, whfere he found the Rev. John M'Millan engaged in family ■prayer, after which Mrs. Pollock introduced faid deponent to faid Mr. M'- Millan, who gave him a very cool reception. Said deponeut obferved to faid M'Millan, that he fuppofed he did not know him ; faid M'Millan re- plied, it was well if faid deponent knew himfelf; deponent alledging Mr. M'Millan was addreffing him in a fpiritual point of view, faid it was a qaelUon if he did. Said M'Millan obferved to deponent, where were you yefterday? I faw your wife here, (he hating preached there the day before.) Said deponent told him, he had been hearing Mr. Duncan, it being the preparation Lord's day. Upon which faid M'Millan aiked faid deponent, Ah ! are yea going to the Deel too ? and further obferved, that there was Mr. Duncan, Mr. Smyth and Mr. Lang,* that you might hear them for a month, and you would not hear from them a word cf religion, or Qpfpel fermon, or words to that effect. Upon which faid deponent, being much agitated, without making any reply left the houfe— and further faith not, N. B. The Rev. John M'Millan admitted before deponent pafied tfiis de- pofition, that the words k& made ufe of were, is that the way deponert wis going co the Devil. Sworn to and fubferibed before me this 29th day of October, 1805. John Wilson. JOHN DONNAN.
Mr. Robert Stockton, Elder, called a fecond time, proved falfehood a- gainil Birch, not ordained with Mcflrs. Swearingen, Wherry and M'Comb, Elders, in the Prelbytery of Ohio, (fee Birch's addrefs,Te]egraphe) but by the Rev. John Craighead, of Rocky Spring — confuted by the words of An- drew Swearingen, Joieph Wherry, Robert Stockton and Wm. M'Ccnab, Elders, own addrefs, (fee before) "We the underflgned Elders of Wafhing- ton congregation, were regularly ordained under the authority of the O- hio Prcfbjtery." This is the proving of falfehood with a vengeance! Four regularly ordained Elders, publifhed an unprovoked attack upon a {han- ger, in behalf of a Rev. Father whom they held forth to the world as ficus and irreproachable, though charged by fix oaths, in contempt cf the highrft court of his church, with having forged and fpread the vileft calumnies — • when the ftranger, in defence of his charader, gave a futement in their own words, thefe Elders appeared in defence of the Father, and one of them, for doing (o, upon his folemn declaration, pronounced the ftranger a
* Minifiers §f the Ajfidate Reformed Synod t >whofe abilities and principles are Jo well known as to need no comment.
( "5 )
liar. The public bai been given to underftand, in the Weftern Telegrephf , (fee before) that the Wafhingtcn Elders were preparing a correft ftaten.ent cf fads and charges againil Birch, founded upon the teflimony of credita- ble witnefles, (viz. as has fince appeared, chiefly their noble fcWes) to which chey have added the fandicn uf (heir oaths, at the defire af the con- gregation, to be laid before Preibytery, in order to be tranlmitted to th« General A {Terribly; and tie publick were requeued to fufpend their judg- ment. The •'correct ftatement" has been before Pieroytery and the AfTero- bly, but after lb long a fufpence, the pubiick has not been gratified by the
Elders — they may now judge. Meflrs. Stockton and Wherry, Elders,
proved fdlfehood againlt Bi»ch, in having aflerted they aclcd as Commif- lioners in inviting him to fettle, as Minifter, in Washington, (fee before) confuted by the«iifclves ; fee their declarations. Mr. W ferry declared he acted as Comrniiitoner, and fini(hed the contract. He might have added, (;et John Wilfon. Alexander Litle, Efqs. and the whole country be a(k*d> that after drunkrrn Birch's leaving Wafhingtor., he recommended him, and folicited fubferiptions for him, njottb the xtal of an tntbufi«Jl% As it is not eafy to know when fome men think themfelves boond, Mr. Stockton flioold have made it ;piear, (there not being any written lift of Commiffioaers) thai he informed Birch he was not included in the fecend mefifcge, or had an objection to his fsttlement. But all fuch cavils are anfwered by the oaths of MefTrs. M'Camm-int, Litle and Anderfon. James Allifen, Efq. prov- ed that in Birch's houfc, M'Millan iaid M'Connsl, alone, in the prefence of Mahon, converged wi:h hirr — confuted by the circumftance cf Meffrs. M'Millan and Allifon vindicating Mahon's character from Birch** obfer- vations ; Why fhould Eirch challenge a rmn, if not given as aa author ? Thee being great tendcrnefs exprefled here for character, in ccroparifon of what was fhc^n to M'Conr.el, and a dark flab feemingly aim«?d at Birch* it might be gratifying to the publick for thefe gent!en:en to inform them how Mahon's bufinefs « as cleared up, with his aflbciata, en the road leaving this place; and it will be highly pletfing to Birch, to know his worthy friend Mahon was wronged by ftanderers. Squire Aliifon further con- fronted bv Mr. Robert Andeifoft, who ha? fworn that Mahcn was men- tioned by Mr. M'Millan as an author.— —Mrs Sarah Clark, to prove false- hood againtt Birch, after d\<ct the 15th Au^ft, igci, Birch granted that he faid in M'3. Reel's, W-fhirgton, that Andrew Swearingen, Efa. Elder, denied in patience of Mcfirs. Li?le and Taylor, that he ever told Mr. H"gh Wiley, Wafhington, Birch «;:s charged wirh adulter;-; yea, further added, that he never hid the fttghreft belief cf any fuch thing — confuted by Swea- ringen** teftimorv being impeached in ether thirgs. The affair has fince
been decided in Kirch'» favour in another coirt In the foregoing tef-
timony, fr;)m which the Rev. John M'Millan juftified hirr.i -If for calling Birch a Mmiftrr of the Devil, and threatening to- do **ery thing in hi* power to put him out of th<- nlatr*, :hr »eOirrioni' ! s. Sti <-arir,gen,
"Wherry and Stockton, ss well as Mr. M C mb, were impe.-.ched, ss being felf-iaterctled. Thffe four Elders were alfo charged upon the paths of MevTrs. Lit ie, M'M k*nand Anderfon, with publiihirg n ralfc libel upon Birch, (fee before.) The whole of the evidence was confuted by difinter- efted teftirnonv ; m. nv th'ngs fhewn to be abfurd and impofljble ; and fame witnefles having cftablifhe;! the oppcfite nf what they intende'd throve — Mr. M'Millan's principal charges again!} Birch, if true, had rakrn place after his attack i>pon Birch ; and that Mr. M'Millan did not know of any charge, was evident fxcm nil having made that the grcuad cf hi* £J2iLng
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ftt StrslWgh, (fee M'Connel and Mahon's oaths) and of his never thinks ing of fuch when he folicited his trial for this charge, at Bethel, in Oltober *8oi, (fee Ohio minutes before) \vh«reby the whole of this part of his dei fence fell to the ground. Yet the Afiembly juftified the Prefbytery of O- 3iio, front what might be termed, to ufe the words of the ingenious Rev. Nathaniel Irwin upon the occafion, z.Jide nvipe / in having decided that the Rev. John M'Millan, in calling Birch aMinifter of the Devil, and threat- ening to do every thing in his power to put him out of the place, was to be admonilhed for the harfhnefs of the expreffion, though they were of the •opinion,*' that from the evidence produced, Mr. M'Millan had reafon to think mod unfavourably of Birch.'* The Affembly afked Birch, would he have M'Millan twice cenfured ? A petty, low evafion to blind the ignorant-. I faid no-— but it was Birch, and not M'Millan, who was cenfured ! One fcenfured for calling me a thief, and me branded as diflioneft. If Mr. M'- Millan had reafon to be of the opinion, that Birch was a Minifter of the Devil, the Prefbytery of Ohio and the General Affembly, with deft- rence to their hi?h wifrioms, w»re both cecfurable for admoni(hing him for making ufe of the expreflion ; for the danger of hell fire is exprefsly limited by our blefTed Lord* to thofe who fhall, without a caufe, call their brother, thou fool, Miniller of the Devil, or agent of hell in feducing God's people, Math. v. 22. Alts xiii. 8 — 10. Mr. M'Millan and fome members of Prefbytery have denied, that he ftarted up in Prefbytery and ftretched Out his hands towards Birch, and exclaimed, are you net now aMinifter of the Devil, &c. But how many criminals would have been condemned, if their own words had been taken ?
6th charge — Birch produced to the AHembly in fupport of this charge* Mr, M'Millan's having taken it as the ground of his defence before Pref- bytery > at Buffalo, April 1802, (pieafe to fee) that he had only converfa- tion with M'Connel. The Rev. Samuel Ralfton and James Allifon* Efq. declared that they ever undertfood Mr. MMillan as telling fo. Mr. Alex- ander declared, that Mr. M'Millan having the Strafburgh depositions in his }*ands,faid, " it was M Connel only who told him about Birch, and he had riever faid Mahon had told him, and it might be feen M'Conttel had caii- tioufly avoided denying one word."* That Mr. M'Millan reported both Thomas M'Connel and James /kfahori, was proved to the Affembly by the oaths and declarations of Meffrs. Alexander Lule* Andrew M'Mekan and Robert Anderfon, (fee before) with the emphatick words, that Mr. M'Mil- lan faid he put it ferioufly to both of them. There would have been further indifputable proof, only for a little forget of Prefbytery, viz. Mr. M'Millan telling Mahon before them, that ha thought it his duty to afk him about Birch.
The fweepin^ refolution which was put by fome members of the Afiem- bly * viz. that the Prefbytery of Ohio did not alt towards Birch with a he- coming juftice, candour and brotherl v affeltion ,and was negatived 21 to io, vvas occafioned by the following :— It was allowed en all hands, with fcarce a murmur, that the condu6t of the Rev. Prefbytery of Ohio was out of cha- racter; but Birch's colourings were alledgcd, by fome* too high ; therefore* a number of moil refpeltable members, as fome of them told me themselves* joined in voting my charges unfupported* with the view of putting this refolution* which they thought would have been almoft generally adopted* and with which Birch would have been fatijfied. But as the proceeding with Birch wis begun in injuftice and breach of faith, fo it ended in f.ypo-
*Mr. M-Mil'an's denial be/ore Prefbytery, of having reported James MahoH one 6f Us authors, can be proved by Mr. Robert Irwin; fee appendix.
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crijj and deception with the worthy members of the A (Terribly. The PrfftSv* tcry of O^io were not only fcreened from cer.fure, but their conduit to* wards Birch declared juft and benevolent \ If fuch is the merey a majo- rity of ihe very Rev. General Afiemblv epproved of, it might bo tdifying to the publick to let them know what they efletm cruelty. O my foul, come not thou into their fecre;; unto their Afiembly, mine houou*r, he not thou united pGsn. lx. 6. Upon this decifion tak'ng place, Birch refuelled to know of the AfTembly in what Handing he was 10 conficcr hi rn fell in the Church; when he was informed, in the fame ftate as when he came into Ameiica. E;rch obferved, being upwards of three years in the United States, nearly two years in the bounds of Ohio Preibytsry under appeals, and having palled an examinaiion in ihe AfiVmbly, lie expe&ed an imme- diate reception into the Church, if, upon trial, his qualifications mould be approved of; upon which the very judicious Rev. Mr. Irwin addrelfed me, (as I thought, shunted to by theAilembly) Air. Birch, from the allegation/ Jit forth arainji yon, it is not mortng to continue you another year upon probation! The expreflions pierced me to the iieart, and the high opinion 1 had enter- tained of the man, rendered the wound more mortal. 1 retirrd from the Aflembly, and fhortly after returned and handed a paper in fubftsnee 2s follows, and having called upon the highly Rev. Moderator and Rev. Clerks, as wi n ftes that fuch a paper was prefented, withdrew.
Birch mod refpe&fully begs leave to inform the very Rev. &c. that he is ncv reduced to the moft disagreeable neccfTity of bringing a civil action again!* the Rev. John M'Milian, for the vindication of his character; that there fesj amonglt the papers nccefTary to prcfecute his charges, prefenred to them, againft the Prefbytcry of Ohio, for which he piefenied the receipt of Preibytery, figned by Thomas Moor, Moderator, but none of which he could obtain, one moll material in his prefent bufinefs, and clearing his re- putation, viz. the depofiticns of Meflrs. Zvf'Connel, Mahon and Bell, taken before, &c.and by authority of, &C. and teftified by, &c. therefore moll re- foedfally notifies, that ifnecefiary, he will avail himfrlf of the teftimonr of D ct-rs Green, Cooper, Meflrs. Greer, Cathcart, Col. Rutger, or any other member of their very Rev. body, that this paper was not produced hv 'he Preibytery of Ohio, though repeatedly called for by Birch ; that Birch, agreeably to the Alien Law, moft rrfpedifuiiy alie-^ges he is entitled to a Handing in the Churchy and therefore begs leive to decline the favour oi accepting him upon farther probation, rc^ucfts to be looked upon oiiy Bs a foreign Minifter, upon the f<tme footing he ileed upen hi* arrival ir» America ; and if toe General Afiemblv, or any perfonmder their jutifdic- tion, have any charge *o alledge aga'jtft Birch, he m It respectfully ir.f rns th-m, that either now, or upon no ke in W«(hing:on, he is ready to rree: them in any court; that Birch hein£ difmiffed and withdrawn from tre A * fembly, be hereby m it humbly aiid refpc&foIlT gives ncicr, test r.s foon e>i their minute, are nade publicfci he intends, (G d willing] srd will tli nk himf If jaftifuble in pobli(hing remarks upon the decifion in his caie.— Witt the m >ft ea-nelt defire for brotherhood upon Gofptl lev. I,
Philadelphia, 27th May, 1S0Z. T. L, BIRCH.
Bi-ch having left the AfiVmbly, a number cried out, (u he was mform- eJ) vi|! wt n >t pubiifh a warning to the people of America not to hen* km J A pidtctoos member fi'ended tl.e'e gentry, bv a£ iro them what thev w.uld publiih, Birch having eff I'engid the whole of thorn to race :»n it- m a«jainif. him — *hrn the cry h i ged ; he i« a foolilh. hot-headed
fellow! If any member fluli fee him, let him be dtGred to team. Mv
^worthy friend, the Rev'. Mr. Cathcart, at the adjournment for dinner, fee- ing me in the ftreet, told me the Affembly confidered my proceedings too fcafty, as they had not concluded my bufinefs ; that the obfervation of Mr-. Irwin was only confidered as that of an individual. Exprefling to Mr. Cathcart, that nothing was more difagreeable to n e than mifunderftanding ■with the very Rev. General Affembly, I waited upon them at the opening of the afternoon feffion, when I was prefented with the following (to ufe the words of a moll worthy Rev. Doctor, to Mhom I fhewcd it on my road home) eva-five, permitting , forbidding, allowing, dijfuading refoiution, (as ap- pears by the original copy, in the hand- writing of the Rev. Mr. Cathcart* affiitant Clerk, upon the back of the declinature handed to the Affembly* ^tfhich I withdrew, and have now in my poifeflion) and even wi h which I cxpreffed myfelf fatisfied, viz. " Although Mr. T. L. Birch has handed a $>aper to the Affembly, declaring that he no longer wiihes to be confidered as any way connected with the Prefbyterian body, yet as the Affembly wilh to acl with candour and integrity towards all men, the Affembly refolve* that any Prefbytery, to whom he may apply, are at liberty to receive him, agreeably to the regulations of the General Affembly, and may (horten the time of his probation* if they think advifeable and proper.** This re- solution, which might have been confidered as a fettled contract, was reccn«- Jidered next day in my abfer.ee, and faddled with the claufe, " provided Birch did not continue to exercife his miniftry within the bounds of the Prefbytery of Ohio, without the permiffion of that Prefbytery, " Thus, by craft, a total feparation was not only made between Birch and his friends in Wafriington, but himfelf and family injured and defamed* as they were, driven out of the immenfe diftrict weftward of the Allegheny mountain, it being evident that neither the Presbytery of Okio, nor any under their in- fluence, would likely grant fuch indulgence; and this might have fatisfied the advocates of the Ohio Presbytery, who faid I had only to blame myfelf for all my trouble, in having applied to that Presbytery the fecond .time-. They might have known, that along with the realons already given, viz; Birch's defire to (hew that he did not retain malice, Washington being in the bounds of Ohio Presbytery, and a cheap country being beft sdapted to Bireh's refources; there was not any other Presbytery where he had a prOf^ j>e& of being received, nearer than 170 miles, and that upon the eaft fide of the Allegheny mountain ; and that a man with a numerous family and fmall eftate, was ill faked for long journies; aad particularly with an im- peached character, he could but move with a bad grace, and little profpeft of fuccefs, into places where circumflances were not known. But men vo\& of humanity, and who, feeneiugly* paid no regard 10 character, per- haps never thought of fuch things.
Confiiering the decifion of the Affemblv a (rigroaupon me, whom I con- fidered the injured perfon, 2nd fra'ight with the fcrernentioned evils, 1 ob- ferved to a Rev. Doclor, of the firir. refpe&ability, that it was hard for me to be banifhed : he obferved this was not the cafe; for though fome mifun- deTiIanding had prevented my reception in the Presbytery of Ohio, yet being received by another Piesbytery, their certificate could not be re fu fed any body under the Aff.mbly's jurif i&ion. I therefore patiently fubmit- ted, before my being fubje&ed tr> a little inconvenience, lhould be the caufe of diftu<-bing the peace of the Church : but, alas ! I quickly learned that all my farmifes were more than realized. Returning .0 Waihington by the Rsv. Presbytery of Huntingdon, upes preferring the AflVmbly's mi- Bate, and requeuing admifiion, the Rev. jihn B. Patierfon, their delegate '
( '*9 )
tat the late Afleruhly, obferved tt-at the Pev. T! nmai M.irqu:> (old ! !rr\ Hist Mr. M'- Millan wovilw iupport certain charges ;painlt mc. The Prtfbjtcry ben g about to <le- tide upon my admilfioa, coi luitirg the / fh.mbly'« peimifiion, v-z. agreeably to . ni««, &c. it w«.s found I niuft be dealt with as labeling in America. Having i rt |< , ,,i my rei- timonials, &.c» to ihe iwrirur /fiVmb y then was in t any neceffir t«> have thrfli at.tl »: late one: thereiorc, not having theni to produce) the Psiftytety. was <b iged tc c'i'nufi mc, which they did by a m.i uce lo the f -.liowing t filet, fi^iud l.y John Coultc r, I'r (by tery Clerk — " Birch having appien ,n 'he Erclbyte y of Huntingdon, for adrmfiinn • - greeably to rules, &c. but n*t having his crcdci.ti* s, Ate. and repoite mull injurious \<» kn moral ehara&er, being in circu ation in the IoUhoh <>t trie Prefbytery vt Ohio ; hia reqntft cannot at prefent be granted.' Returning to W,i UQjigti r , I mloimn: D f
hearers, that agreeably to f4ie reflations cf the AfltmSly, 1 wtuld not officiate amoti^tt them in a ministerial capacity ; that any meeting we fh '.del flaw, was only to be confl- aiered as a private focieiy; rhat 1 Would not baptize cS'K ren ; am' I cliaiirnge an iopeac i- ti ent of the honourable < bfe>vancc of my cieeiaratioib Be i g <;lieJ abrratf, I left wj h JVleflrs. Robert and H^mi ton Bell a rctnonftrance 0 the Prefbytery « f Ohio, (ratibg4 that Birch lad eainrft'y h"ptd arddtfirtd to have fettl d the bciirtefa with Mr. M Mil- Un about, &c. in the church, but was prevented redrelk in tr.e Aficmbly by in jnfr ft 1 « tnelhodt; that with all that ba.i taken place, be fliil in charity believed that tt e public t iaith Df Prefbytery would not have been violated, in detaining his papers; 'hat asluch. would not appear honourable to the Church reft: re a Supreme Court, they wtrt< pfforderl »n opportunity of repairing injury and vindicating c.aia&er; — rc-qiieftmg a copy nl rhr»r minutes, and the names *i the members at each meeting, during Bircr.'s cchr^Stton ,— and ftating that though niinh injured, as Birch wants not Mr. M'MiJlan's money , I «.r co hurt his perfon, character, or ukfu ne's, if he wi'l acknowledge he has wronced B rrh, and promife to be a good neighbour, ai«e this to he i.iferted in the minutes •! the Prrf- bytcry ol Ohio, and ol the \.»ry Rev. Gener.u Afl'tmbiy, he fhali be f rgiv. n— Their in- jured* but willing to be rrconciied friend, upon Golpcl ttrm% T. L, BIRCH,
Wajhington County fs. Ftrfona ly appeared hefore ]r,hu \Vi!fon,rne of the ju"ices in and for hid couuty the within namrd Rob< t Mel., who being « u y fwern as tJie law j - rcfts, depofeth and faith.that the within m> :.t. one., H i>i /'tin Bel; did not atrenj with him upon the 20th day o Jut e, i?cz. w b^n he < c ivcre^l the foregoing complaint of il.e Rev. Thomai Lccihe Birch o th« Rev. t r. lhyrerv » f Oh:»>. Deponeu* ^' h tb^r he did not receive ahv written anfwer from the Rev Fre«tytery but thr K>v J hn MM Haa ceclared that the who.e ot the fore meiri ned r*.mpian t w^s a btmdle l lies, and Mr. Marquis added, that he had delivered to the very Rev. Genera' AiTirnbiy the whoie of Kirch's papers, and he * ondered that ar:y n.aw >n hi» ienles woala g»vc m luch a papci. kirorn to and fu feri^ed before me this &th day of April, 1803.
JoanWinos. ROBERT BELL.
The Lord's day after Presbytery, by order, Mr. Lindly, rccafi^nal MifTi nary, preacb- ed in Wdfliington Acad, my for the purpofe tff vindicating the Ohio Preshvtery, »6<| i:npeaching my veracity in the affa ; r ol tive keeping b*ck of my pipers. The CChgreg - lion were led to un 'erttat u that :hcrc was the figtntutc ot tl e i<cv. ^r. G.een. (tatcj Clerk, that ail Birvh's pap.rs \urc dcl>v>rfd to the AfTe^hlv by rhe l«'ev, N/cffr*. Wat A n and Marquin, the Ohio «,tlegat s 1 al'.crwards dilcovered, by Mr. Join] H.^e, Hi Wafhington, (who gave nic a copy) that ihe i)hio deic^aifs ceriificace Wis ii^r eJ l>y Dr. Roe, as Moderator of the AfTciiibly, and is as fellows :
Philadelphia, May %'th, i8oi. — It is hereby cttt lied, th3t the Commioioners from fba Oi io Presbytery, d: 1 lay upon the table the depofjeion rf i'. Mv. onoel, which wa« 'jk - er: at Stra^urgh; c-f M.ahof», taken htf. re Pre^hyteryj and tint Mr Brcli b«n.l»o a de- pofitiou, which he fa>d was a c. py > * Be'l'a, to which the C< nan.lflJontfa at'-ee' ; and that tfiCy were read aud coi.tiucrcd by the Affembiy in the ilrciuon. avre! by urdcrg
AZEL ROE, Modei aror.
Tt is hoped that Pr. Roe was deceived into this plan nf a certificate, fo liiatjc the Ohi^ Preabytery from dreaded odium ; he therefore wiij be ple-fcd to anfwer the fo:ic wins* queries :— As htrch hetrd the minutes of Ail mbly read, mJ refuelled a co\>v oi the or- der, but did noc hear ot nor get any, by wh?t trder Dr. Roe fg ed the c rtitic^te • f the Uhio delegates relativeto Birch » papers ? Where was ihe nccTlity In tl e reve rd n. me of the Moderator of the Affemoiy tofapport caviis, iuftetd of esi-'i oi *h • irrcst urgrj de- pofitions being driivtreci to tiit AllcinWv, hy the ( hio r\ legates, a^ree^b y t< c ntrscl under the fig.i. rure at 'litir '• oncrat;»r ? Wnu'd it r*t hav: b en accounted un !er the Britifh jjovcimr.eDf, (for which Dr. L^r»c wzsiu^h a *ea!vus advee-:.) fei ft)j '-> I ft«*
1
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feals and tear papers of confluence — and in Birch's caff, was it not only a Breach of the eighth, but ninth commandment ? Let the pubfick judge from the loilowmg depictions,, taken before isbenezer Fergufon, Efq. Philadelphia, under a com million out of the Court of die county of Washington, Penal prcfent the Rev. John M«Millan, &c.
<^u«ftion to ivlr. Wm. Smiley — Was you in the committee room of the General Affem* b!y. m Pbiiadeipha, m May, 1802 ? Anfw. I was.
Queft. Did you hear the Rev. T. L. Birch demand of the delegates of the Rev. Pref- bycery of Ohio, certain papers of evidence, in fupport of his complaint againft uid Pref. byleiy, and for which Birch product the receipt of fa id Presbytery? Anfw. I faw the Rer. T. L. Birch produce a paper which he faid was the receipt of faid Presbytery; but tne papers it caiud for were not produced.— ——Quell. Did the Rev. 1 nomas Mar- quis, one of the delegat 9 of the Ohio Presbytery, make any obfervations refpeCting laid papers ? Anf*\ I law the Rev. Thomas Marquis put his hand on his pocket, — and laid he believed he had the papers that would fettie the bfeOnefs.
Sworn ana iu-lcribed this 30ch day of May, l8oj,
Ebeneter Fergison. WILLIAM SMI LEY.
Queft. to Capt. Samuel Young — Was you prcfent in the General Affembly, in May loci, when the Rev. T. L Birch demanded lome papers from the Rev. Jehn Watfon and the Rev Thomas Marquis, delegates from the Ohio Presbytery, and produced a re- i-^ipt for the fame ? Anlw. I v'as prtfent at the above time and place, and heard the Rev. T. L. Birch repeatedly cail for the papers for which he had the receipt ; and they
were ah produced, except one or two.—- Queft. What was the purport ot the sbove
paper* ? Anfw. As I was informed, they were papers in fupport of the character of the Hev. T. L. B.rch againft the Presbytery of Ohio, and ftated by him to be of great cen-
fequence S'wprq and fubfenbed this 30th day of May 1803
Ebene/ek Ferguson. . ' SAMUEL YOUNG.
Birch let off for the Rev. Presbytery of New-Caftle, where he was moil courteoufly received. Upon requefting admiilion, agreeably to the Affembly's mmute, he was molt obligingly informed, if he Ihould remove his family, he mould have a friendly refidence among!!: them, and be permitted to lojourn. At the fame time, the learned and very ju- dicious Rev. Nathani-1 W. Srmpie, a ceiegate to the foregoing Affembly, obferved, and was acquiefced in by the other members, that there was fomcthing dark, end which be could notfaihom, in Birch's being prohibited to preach in the bounds ot the Presbytery of Ohio; that the - ■ffembly perceiving Birch's feelings hurt by their decifion, and not having it it* their power to give him any relief, all authority being delegated to Presbyteries, (9) in older to quiet i irch's mind, p.-ffed the rcfolution to permit any Presbytery to receive
him. Upon which Birch was difmiffed, with a minute, figned by Mitchel, ftated
C'terk, and dated Auguft 4. i8cz, importing that his requeft of an immediate admiilion into the Church couid not be granted.
Birth's character fullering much from the Affembly's decifion in the Ohio buftnefs, snd not being ab;e to defend himlelf for want of the Stra9burgh ttepofitions kept Hack 1 e'irethat body, he cahed upon Squire Giimor, and obtained a certified copy of the iaffc depbfitrons j and in October 1 waited upon the Rev. Presbytery of Huntingdon. Hav- ing produced a 1 my certificates, &c. and the minute of my rejection by the Presbytery of Ohio and a motion lor my reception being made and feconded, the very judicious and pious Rev. 1 aac Greer obierved, and which was agreed to, that before any ftep relative to Kirch's reception Ihould be taken, he fhouid tor the honour of rehgion and the credit of the Presbytery, be obliged to exculpate himfeif from the charges aliedged againft him
^9) Here is an hint to fore ign Minifters, of what they may expecl.from complaints to the Jlf- fembly, under the Alien lazu. 'The Affembly has brought the well ordered Chrifian Church io an happy Jiate — the bight./} icildom and 'virtue to be governed yea infulied by tbe Unveil — to be indeed, in the language of HuJibi a:, the many-headed t?njnficr\ like in certain mixtures, t> ' efcum and frith uppermo/l. There is 'Ton Pane iliflruSfei in the fchool of America^ tfeemed an excellent politician by all the true friends of I beity in the old countries, but a veryforry divine. The Affembly have 1<-V* railed again;1, him; and if it is true, that be has been brought, through grace to repentance, iviicb I moll ta.rue.lly pray may be the cafe, he ivill rfe in judgment again/I the Affembly and con" deian ih»m i Jor 0\ not a:lend:tig to his political maximi.. even in the unhappy buftnefs before us, the Afeinlly h we done more toicards J "preading Paine' s divinity, (fome of their moft zealous ad- iiocatiS bei/io fkdges) than all their preaching* and mijjions . which have cojl the States fo many thoiTindi rfd'ittdxs^at e likely to do ^nod for fo'me ye it s+ iVlr . Pa:ne ivheu [peakinv of a govern- i.'icit tr''-rc there arena hereditary King, or Preji-Jentr and Lords, iv'nh an Affembly eiecled by th> pcop'c ' iiefgned as checks upon each otuer, obfrv/bs, that as an\ hereditary chief magifirate or J.o/di had ,jj (rt-e it a chance to be ff.oljb a* any equal number of tbe people there iva< feme re^jun in appointing i^e e/» l/Ve ivifdom of'iu* nation to regblafc iiifs.'jj but there could be no propriety infetiing up folly tc, Jjeck ivifdom.
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by tfcr Presbytery of Ohio. Lirch obfenring that tv AfT.-mbiy 1nd pafl" ^ over all a fe 'g- f d ciinics,, an i hcwtlh>d the Kev. l'rcot ycry ot Huntingdon to fry h.m, Nir. Oru rc- t rted, the • lFc mlily wun high y venerable ; they had indeed grained Birch an att oj imjutm ver.ee, but they hid u«t yet gotten the length ol pardoning fin — If Birch wai unu: 1-r :h«
freshyt.-ty of Oh.o, he- wiwnqtulifieJ for them — If rfirch wa- guiuy o{ crime*, ,. <■ jhuuid b* f.unijhtd — If the Prci-bytery ol Oi-i< • wa» ehargeab e with i..li. « oud aim delta "t ••" they ihuulu be ccDluieJ — rh. had feat forth Birch throughout aier«ca, w»th a r pc
arx ut his neck, and tlu minute < t the Pretbi tcijvl Ohio * labA upon hit bienii, ths man i» char^iU with nanieieU aunts, vz. .1 general irpo'-t d/, &c wo Will hang him '.— - I he Presbytery or Huntingdon, leaving lomc MOM ot juUice and humanity, wouUl not <>t 11 n- t-ged in dirt] )o(Mj tnenerurc ai vsun the Whippcta *ud Uttpflfonera ol the ApnA ei. 1c E r ..>k put m Birch bring him out ; Acl< xvi. 34 — 39. An I accordingly bnch w as di!- n tiffed i>^ a minute ot which the I ol towing is the lub(ranc« • — • .' unr ngdr>a P e-byiery » t ac ^att-K. fhiqu'-quwias. t e jtn 6 n ami ;th of Oel>i>er, i-)i.— ire kcv. t. L. Kirch j.r duccd to Pte»uyteiy hit credential*, Btc. and uqueftcd t i.e received agreeably Co rules. &c\ a,ib piO'lucvi! nu minute; if the Ohio : resbyury, bignedJuJcph P-imrloo. N.ouciati'r, a'.;d George Scott, Clerk, retting forth thur. thev will fnve nothing farther to do with Birch as to hi* trials t r, ic not oiny from thnr nor receiving fori- tact ion in rt- pcrimental religion, but alio f.um general reports which prevail witn refpcCt to hi« 1m- , rud nt irregular conduct — on c pi which report*, it apcears ru Prrol y;cry from r!o< a- menu hid before them by Mr. Birch, finned John Giimnr, E;q. were circulated by the K* v John MPMillau — the Presb\ury, after the moft mati r>; Ut ibeiatn n, weie r>i opi- nion, tiiat 110tw.ch11aa.iiig the recommendation ol the Gemral ABembiy, his requtft cannot tie granctd. Atuind by order of Presbytery, JOHN JOHnSiON, ItatedGik*'
Birci perftmally called upon the Presbytery of Ohiof r the Srra^hurgh ('epotittor.s, tr> 5'rtv, it qmhbies at the next Affrmbly. Birch having coi.viclrd, in the civ;l court, Mr. Hugh Uylie, r,( Wafbiugton, of flander in conncdtkifi with the Ohio bul tiefs, and hav- «og informed them, hwwever reluctant he wasto expofe ]hem in thr-ir n cle-liaftira! rapa- city, he wouio be obliged to cad them before the cvii jodfcatare ; Pre'-bytery agreed to give him a copy, which he received, atttitcd J. bn M Milhn, ttated Clerk.
A fu'pphcuinn to the Affrmbly, from Birch's hearers in th>; town and vicinity of Wafh- ington, was .'rawn up and ligned m their nam's (as will appear b» the nrifpnal n«' v in my hndsj J(,hn Hugnei^John Hagan. Adam Wcr, Aiexinder Lirlc. Robert Hamilton. Koberr S'Cen, James Leeper, Aridiew Nickilt, Jamea Ciiimbers, retting forth an high expreffi >n of forrow. for troubling ihcm the th.ra time; tt\rt bir.h had igree .by t<> or- der, «le<lincd in Vafhinuton the ru^htk exereife of his nuniftry and went in f- arch of admiffion into the Church, but infread ot redrefs of injury, after nearly three jears tr< u- ble and gr< ar io<'<. he was condemned a^d rejected the Chut ch; that the honour of the Pieshyterian rauf.- ha4, received a deep wnun-i ; nrayiTi^ 'hat if Birch was worthy of ■r CHlleri a Alinijler «j iht Dei it, he m^y be dsfn iff 0 tm'ii he eVidehcea reprni ince ; itlirrwiic rh*; Prrsoytery of Ohio t^ be- dealt with accdrding to juuee and mercy ; re- qtifffling, as Birch had obtained the papers fupi relied by th» O^io delegsttg *' the late AflYmtily, a revijitn ot their late desgrfion ; hoping that 1 hey would not be lor ked upon the woriie for the fcandal'ous manner ic wfich tt ey had been read r.uf at the late AfTem- bly. W'bout their knowledge, by men forgetting their ch irad< r ■•« hleers; not 'vifnirg \o infult the Affembiy with railing, the never fanintr at r.diht o: a bad caufc, they hum- b y prctumed they c u:d heir a com-r3nfon with their flppoi.erit» •, jhut with iheir Divine Mifrer, th^-v t-fteemed nrt honett mdnitry. or ev. n poverty, a rrprAth : — ii the grejcjl inf.deli:*; conjityttd an oljefi ' en Birch wotld be depiiv d ot hit jiff rate bppojtt't'm ; aip .»at- ing Capt. s^muei Young and Mr- Willi am >miley, of Hhi ad« phia. Lotnmrffi H<ta
Birch fet off to Phihriclphia by rhe Pre>bytery of Huntingdr n .which met at Bulleionte thr- \ th of April, 1P03, lot the purp- fe cf lodi'i^g a fnn. K cm; Lint (on.y/ to the Affembiy egainit their decifn.n, to prevent exciulion rrcr 'he Church ui.'er if>e Alien law j when the Rev. Machew Brown, then of M Sin, m.w of Wafhibgton, Pr^bytcry Clerk, wj» ofd.-red, as will app«ar by their records, to thake ot.r an ittelted ropy r-f the nmiures, to be Pent with t!ie cnn-.plaint by th<" delegate! to tl c AQembly. At the Aff m- bly Birch njM'.ying to tl e Rev. Henry R. Wilfon.cf Beilefonte, the HUntrng<on dele- gate, »or the nrnu e» of Presbytery . the cornjla:ut. and attefted Ctrpy fthe ^trai-burgh r'ev< Titi< ns, he told Biri h there \»< re no papers tranfn.-f d hy bin . and hid not Birch taken care to br < therw He provried, he muit have been an with the bretl ref: • f Ohi.< he l"rmrr\e«rr. Bi*rchhad Mr. Brown t^Spanaed to attend with tie lhu«c paper* ai the bupremc Cosrt, the OctoWr IOiIu*ing, »t Wan.n-.^coa, Peon. 00 il.c :r:ai l.:w«.cl "he
4 4
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Rev. John M'Millan, unlets the pavers were conveyed to fhe Rev. John JohnPnn, (ibe* Poftrrafter) Huntingdon, by the firit mail. 1 he papers did not reach Mr Johnfton a- greeab'y to order, neither did Mr. Brown attend the fummons. Birch having esprefTedt an intention of taking legal. methods, Mr, Brown exculed his non-attendance Torn in- difpofition. He will be pleafed to fatisfy the public, why the papers were not lent to the AfTc-mbly, and why they were detained a lecond time, ior eight days, in J)r Watf n's^. Ponmaftf r, Mifil n. where Mr. Brown lodged, until Mr. Jo' niton was fet t ff fa- Wafh- ington," in the committee of overtures, coillfing ff a number of Birch's acquain-
tances of laft year, particular. y Col. John Btyard, of Jerfey, Birch preftnted the V sfh- ington happlication 3rd the Huntingdon f.^n pia:nt, and prayed them to bt licenftd to the i\ff*Kibly. The Kcv. Tohn M'Mi'im, who was a member, modeftiy came forward te the Clerk's table, un»fkcd, and affumed the office of reading them. The Bev. Nathan Greer, (jo) of the Kev. Presbytery of Ncw-Caftle, a delegate to the former AfTembly, violently o|>pofed the rehearing of the laft year's detifion, al (edging they » ad determined ■upon the lame evidence, (Jet the reader jui ge) and earned his point. Col. John Bayard, agreeably to cuftom, had Birch repeatedly engaged in writing ftatements of what was meant I y the complaint againft the Presbytery of Huntingdon for rejt&ioi — the Rev. X>r- Woodhui, Moderator, humanely leaving the chair, and fpcaking, carried the licen- fmgofthis paper Birch preftnted tht above complaint to the /fTemb'y, and a lfo pro- duced the Strasburgh deyofit.ors and the WiifciftgtYfri fupplicatirn, and comp'ained that the committee refuled to licence a rehearing of laft year's decifion ;, the Affemby eon* firmed, rhe decifion of the committee. Being r-'i fired to fpeak to my complaint for re- jection by -the Huntingdon Presbyterys 1 c bkrveo, unlefs it was agreed that I fhould not be interrupted, 1 would not fpezk. it being fixed I fhouid not^ 1 proceeded to give a brief hiftory.of the buhnefs, which would have Jet the cat too much cut of the bag ; when I was lepeattdJy interrupted with fpec*hc(-,and cries / was hurting myfelf and fi- nally flopped, and under pretence ol laving time, confined to what took place before Huntingdon Pnsbytery, unintelligible to many without explanation, though five tin.es the period neceffary for Birch to have fpoken, was taken up in ufelefs cavils. The Af- fembly being about to proceed to a difcuffim, Birch, ;to fbew the good difp< fition of the Presbytery of Huntingdon, prefented the following certificate: — I do certify, as a mem- ber of Huntingdon Presbyt try, that from the credentials and other collateral tefiimony laid before our Presbyrery ly Mr, Birch, which were highly approved of,andthe long knowledge which fome members have had of hi* perfon and character, there would have, been no objection to his immediate and cordial reception, except the reports restive to his moral character, circulated by the Presbytery of Ohio, alluded to in our minutes.*- Huntingdon, May 23, 1803. (Signed)* JOHN JOHNSTON.
The above certificate was ftrong'y conf rmed by the Rev. A fa Dunham, .a member o& faid Presbytery, who was calea upon by the AfTembly — (not a delegate.) Upon the fuppofition thst no new charges would have been intrgduceo, theRev. Afa Dunham and Jr=rch declined further fpeak-'Cg. The conduA of the Presbytery oi Huntingdon bting feverely reprobated, Mr. Duiiham rofe to explain, but was ordered down. Th'eRcV\ James Hughes proceeded to infuit the AfTembly, by reading a paper letting forth, in op- pofition to the former examinations of that body, that Birch manifefted j-reat ignorance, before the Presbytery of Ohio, viz. faying that an uniegenerate perfon could have fairing fakh, (fee before;) Eirch denying the charge, there was a cry, dont let us be interr>apted?- After a long debate, it was moved and carried, " That as the laft AlTembly have declared that any Presbytery is at liberty to receive Rir. Birch on trials, the Presbytery of Hun- tingdon ought not to have rtj cted him on the ground mentioned in their records, but to have taker, him up and dealt with him according' to his merits." See printed minutes, 1SC3, page 14.— —And why did net the General AfFcmMy declare that the Prcshytci?" of Ohio fhou.d have taken up andpr* ceeded with Ii.rch ?. Was it lefs cenlurable to raile
lies, or to iufpend judgment until the truth was dilcovtrrd s* A general fenfe being
new expreffed in the AfTembly. that Birch was *t liberty to renew his peregrination in «jueft of Church admiffion.the humane ar.d very, judicious Rev. Drs Timothy Dwight.a delegate from the Connecticut Affociaticn, obforved, that ibis might prove an endhfs work to Birch ; that in their focieties, who were Independents, they were confidered as-
f"lo) This gentleman is efieemed by his Ohi" brethren^ the cl.ref/ if rot only convert in his Pres- lytery — He is a faithful executor of the Alien law — He ivas ivrote to from the Ohip Prcfbytcry, **? have the Rev. Colin JL\'i Far guar cerf tired, for bafi'fn? fome children, {emengft ivhom mas a child of cue rf his ctvn I earers iv/jo had not joined any fociety) when t<pcn a vif.i at IVafhingtort-. Hove unhappy this had net been in eppoftion to. Birch! If fc worthy a >;:an could haze lent the-. t^o* of en urprir.ciplcd junto, Mr. 1V1 Fatcuar iioi.ld hate been earejed.
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obliged to proceed with and receive any Minifler who applied to them, un- Jeb ctiey could (hew a reasonable objection. This fentunent beirg fanc- ti ned by a numb.r, Ohio Pnfbytcry was mm u as a proper object for Birch's application, wh.cn the Kev. John M'Miilan cried aload, Ij the Af-
jtmbli <u»ted Hire 6 to tbtm, thty ivouia n»t receive htm ! It was r.iovtd and
^Vcoi.dtd, ihat the P efbytery of H incingaon, or any other to whom Birch may apply, be directed to receive him upon trials agreeably to rule*, &c. and lhort- n the time of his probation, if thought ri — which was violently oppofed by all thole of like femiment with tht Picib/tery of O.iio, upon the principle thai no Prcfbytery could be obliged to receive any member but fuch as they choofe themfelves — It wasmoved *nd feconded, to amend the above no, ion, by finking ont the words, " or any other to which he «nay apply." which was partial an 1 unjuft, and the debate clofed the even- ing. JBirch the next m rning called upon a pious, zealous Rev, member of the Aflembiy, of tried integritv, and told him he was determined to cut matters Sk >rt, by telling the AfTembiy, that unlsfs they w.I. be pleafed to take the necrfLry Heps to vindi. ate his character, he muft beg leave to de- cline accepting any more permiiTions to go in fcarci of aenvttance into the Church The clergyman okieived, he had to tell me, that! mult go and endeavour, under the Divine bieffiog, to do ?.s muoh good as in my power, upon my own b-ttonr, /or it was fixei not to give me any redreh; for he had obferved me ryed, pointed at, and heard me talked of, fince my appearance in the AfTembiy. Waiting upon the Affrmbly, tnJ informing them as above, I was told there was r.o. any imputation agaiift my charac- ter. Birch thanked them for their good opinion, but observed, the honour of religion., the lefpect oue to his numerous connexions, the credit of his family, and his own feelings, led him to think otherwise. The Ohio de- legates and thtir friends, by way of another Jiae-ivipe, died out that I>irch had, contrary to tne Affembly's injunction, cxercifed his miriltry in Wafh- iogton. A charge wa3 framed, and fomc nv mbers of the committee c>f o- vertures withdrawing to the comer of the church, licenfed it (not like Birch's papers) in an inflate ; and the motion relative to any Prt'lbvtery being obliged to proceed with Birch, was poftiooed until tnis inquiry ihould be made, acd Birch whe called upon to anfwer the charge. He re- plied, he was ready to a»iVer any charge, provided it wi;s to be coniidered as taken in connection with the vindication of his character. Tr.ere was a cry acqjiefcei in, they would full inquire about Birch's officiating in the Preiby ery of Onio. Birch rejoined, (hat he would not confei.t to any in- quiry, except including character, and proceeded to withdraw, when he was called Uack by the Moderator, and returned io expectation of his terms being complied with. The Moderator faid, it was their wifh for fi:«ch to inform them firft of iiis "\T. ;i •:!-£ in the Prefbyterv of Ohio, and that on- Jv; the charader would afterwards be enquired into — though it fcerns t;>ers wa3 no fuch intention. <. t was carried, that Birch ihf:u'd be CQfi&ncd to that point, numoers fhojtir.£, «' if convicted, they would fpurn him about his bull .ef !" And o'urft nor the General AfTerablv meet I Ibanper in t
fair, open inveftigarion ? Birch h^vinij breo « wice cectived by romp*
of tne two former AiTemblies, and knowing that in leading queitiont, wr.z.x the Prefby tery of Olio was excluded, he was rather in a min oiity , and no v that thiir delegates and thofe of Ene, a h*ancbt wsre allowed to vtte, ha mult, be decidedlv caft, and through a qui/k thrown ouc into the world, *n- drr an implied fligma ; reolied, he had net -my doubt they wifhed to hear every iaiug which would krve taeir purocfe in g*;:ing a »ii;cu upen hi.n
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without vindicating his character, hang himfirft and try him afterwards; tbst he wo-ild appeal to the good people of America, and no doubt they would
adopt the moi\ proper method to defend themfelves. Birch having left
the houfe, the Affembly refolved, that he had been heard already in every thing which could affect the queftion of his having officiated in the bounds *f the Ptelbytery of Ohio $ and they might have added, which could have affected thei" decition to cenfare the P.efbytery of Huntingoon, and let the J'rcfbytery of Ohio creep out : '-therefore resolved, that in confluence of Bitch c having withdrawn in a contemptuous manner, and having never been in regular minifterial communion with their body, the Aflembly de- fine all further imercourfe with Birch, and declare to the people, &c.that jhe is pofleflcd of no authority from faid Church, 10 exercife any part of the minittmal functions." See printed minutes, 1803.— — But why did not the Affembly firft hear Birch's charges againit the Prefbytery of Ohio, initead of infilling upon hearing the fuDlequent one relative to his cftciat- 3<ig within the bounds of that Prefbytery, and fcouticg him out of the houfe N if guilty? What criminal would ever be convicted, if he could Hop profe- t utjon by bringing againft his accufer a fubfequent charge? Even Juppof- ing Birch had been guihy, a Gc.fpel Aflembly would have replied to his Ohio accufers, **■ we will try you firft for a breach cf the eighth and ninth commandments, breaking contracts, feals, forging and telling li s,and will afterwards teach Birch fubmiflion to authority." But this is nt t the firft .Aflembly of Elders which made the law of God void by their traditions, IVluth. xv. 3. The honourable State Aflembly of Pencfylvania, from whom the General Aflembly hold their money charter, difmifleo! Alexander Ad- cifon, Efq. a Jiidge of fi.il note, from office, tor preventing Mr. Lucas, Jus AlTociate Judge, to fpeak. What mull the State Aflembly tnirk of i.h* conduct of the very Rev. Papa's, and particularly their fons cf 01, io, who modeftly petitioned for a State law, licenfing the Church for a fchool of Icandal! — - — Tne Aflembly excufe themfelvts. by faying, Birch was alreaoy fully heard: but was it not, wish the Prophet, hear ye, indeed, but u.nc'er- ifand net, &c. Ifai vi. 9, ip. They {0 fully heard Birch, as to te convin- ced that Mr. MMillan, the Prefbyrery of Ohio, and 'he late Aflembly,. "would be launced over head and tars in the mud — ai d therefore the AfTem- Wy thought it better that Birch, an lrijhrr.ant befinrared bs he was'fhculd fc.e tu-ned fcrth to (hi ft for bimfelf, than an hundred converts, juji bedecha) *vitb their revivals. Jhould be defiled. Let us hear! The Ohio Pitlbytcry ze f- efnted Bi^cha qualified imp. of Hell ; Birch charged them witi the moft l-'i'ioiis crimes, (fee before) yet t^e Atfemblv decb e b< th ixhiu as fnc<wK l.luil nu the r-ltgious people of America think this an admirable Revi» -1 if Religion, and that the tree mult be excellent wh'u h bears fuch fro^t >n,
* Extraordinary Revivals are indeea expected, and earneltiy prayed icv — but are they fuch as have been from the wr-ftward trumpeted through the o'gan of the AfTernbiv, for lome years ? Formerly the Revivals were Lord*., night and week, &c &c. fecieies; very proper in their f.^afcm, and. v/ren they do not interfere witn 01 bet duties. JEJut what was the effect of %<\\t> ni*>ht work? David returned after publitk worfhio, 10 blefs his honfe- }>old, 2$>:m.vi 20. Even fociety prayers have bien know n rot to blefs their houfe hold— their family in their abfence upon the Lord's night, like Bed jam. Thut yoinh would havea ze3f in attending, fucii, n ay be fupr oi- fed, when we are told by married men, they fparked their wives there ; * nd fo great were the love enjoyment^, that live daughters in one family were mil with child at the fame time — thereby verifying the fartafm of a fceffer,
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How gracefully muft the Aflembly cenfure their people, and how fubmiflive muft the people bel Thou that preacheit a manihoul 1 not, Jsc.croA thou, &c. Horn. ii.19-24.Tho' the views of the people in their bounty are moil laudable, how eminently are fuch qualified for reforming Indians, who.or even wild A- rabs, abominate fuch vices and never betray their gueft under their rcof; and therefore, thofe they have appointed chiefs, (men of abilities, unlike thoie
that focieties took the lead of dancings in getting children. There bave b^en lately fallings and Jacramental cam} meetings, with incrcifing zeal for former inlUtutions ; and the ApoAle Paul's being itruck dowrf upon the road to Darrufcu*. before his cor.verfion, has been produced as a fcripttre example for falling. We will not fay, with fome, that it is a *o;k of the Devil, or even a delufion ; but with every refpecl for the opinion of (ome, we hope trulv religious people, whotriink favourably of the v.c:k, we tflt, where is the Divine proof? Who, like the Apoftle, has been miraculoufly gifted, and changed from the nvolf to the lamb? A few may have bee me more referved, as might have been expected in the ordinary pjoL;reK of the G >fp*l. But with their hundred fallings, it is challenges to produce one Preacher, or faller, to -e ehecmed as having obtained more truth, no- oefty, or mercy, whilft the Utter end of thonfands is worfe than the begin- ning. How did the tomult in the Church agree with the Apoftle P ui's
directions, 2 Cor. xiii Young ladies equipping themfrlves, left their
fine clothes (hould fuffer — young gentlemen planted behind* to catch the favoured objccl — a Mtniitcr's daughter, beginning to bloom, eluding a certain one who wiftjed to catch her — old Elders preffing Mcreaming, dif- tradled young damfels in their arms — ycung women fondling about an old converted Doctor — wormip over, all well (with few exception.-) get up, re- fit drefs, mount their horfes, out with their cakes, begin eating and laugh- ing, fet off at t e gallop. A young womar, the only one who feii in Pit:fbjrgh at the Svnodical facrament, and held forth as sn ex:rrpie, be- ing with child, a Squire's lady, for the fake of her children, having fub- mi t*d to her living in the houfe with her hulband, the adulterer having fold the eftate, decamped with ner. Ladies in theatt ( f f-l'ing h've com- municated the foul difeafe. Tr»e debauching of yoi>ng women, efteemed virtuosi, in various quarters, Iils heen made ff If evident. If to thin would be added the number that m?.y be fuppofed without fruit, at d married '\ o- men, inftanc-s of which are notorious, and which have m^de 0»nne gentle- men a little fcupu'ojs in allowing their wives to go to fucrs places, unlds in their company ; whereby there has bren too much ground for the c- fleftioo of fenous people, who have withdrawn, that thefe night revels were calculated t. debauch the cou.vry. Igrbrce* couJd be ; pven of h.i an£-l, and even the H ly Sp;rit, bring charged with b<";rg fathers .— though I was told b* a gentleman, if a certain sngc!, in whole ar ins a fall- en Jndy had recovered, had b'-en heard at his fpring, upon the f.icr;m nt day, vi-.h 1 bottle of wh;fic:y in his hand among his companion.*', it rr/gr t have been 0*61y gucfTed that he was rot from above. The'e migib) b4 men- tioned an old fithcr, ftuden's at an aodemy, vifitors at facra.nenis, letting thnr private devotions be heard over the neighbourhood — lawyers, tu ob- tain bufinefs, goin^ over the falling manoeuvres, ihe fu».d o. jeft o,-er their
cups — p-ki'ijM, dancings bark'.ogs at the Drvil, kz yra, the rn^ni ge
Kond difTdved, but not ne^lrfttng ro prop><»-»te their fpeciefl — fully cq .ai- ling tKe follies of rhe ancient Heathen. P^t v\- forbear, as we learn by the lace p^rtersl tetter, th t the moA hotheaded in ihz Aflcmblj find they have overdone the bufiacfo.
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rfuslly Tent to them) where they choofe to difclofe their minds, reply to thofe termed Chriftian M ffionaries, and others, in words Gmilar to thofe of our blfffed Lord. (I have it from thofe to whom addrefles have been made) " Phyfician heal thyself — you compais fea and land to make one pro- felyie, and make him two fold more the child of He!!," Luke i v. 23. Math, sxiii. 15. And they m3y now add, thofe who have no mercy fo# their Chriftian brethien, who facrificed their all in the fame caufe with them- selves, can have no mercy for them !
The AflVmbly needed not to have proclaimed to the people of America, that Birch did not be'ong to tKeir fociety, when he had withdrawn from their meeting, and declined every tcnr.ecticn : but perhaps they thereby de- signed to give him a chir d Jije-wpe, by infinuating, as has been re echoed by their very judicious Synod of Kentucky and their hopeful brood, hatch- ed in folly, (fee their debates publiihed) that Birch, not being under the Atfembly's jurifciition, is not a regular Presbyterian Minifter. The Aflem^ bly might have known, that Birch needed not authority from them to ex- erciiehis ministerial office. They had ample teftimony, that he derived it front a fifter Cnurch, equal to themfelves. Birch only requefted of them brotherhood, which if they did not choofe to grant him, they had no right to take away what was his own, and of which no Church power upon earth had a right to deprive him, unlefs forfeited by crimes, which they mould have mentioned. And let the impartial judge, whether there is credit in being connected with fuch a body, and the call of inipiraticn mould not be obeyed, *4 ccrne out cf her my people," &c Rev. xviii. 4, 5. and whether* agreeably to the decijion of the infallible Head of the Church., the Affembly (toufe their own words) or Birch, pcflVffed the right to exercife any part, cf the minifterial fun&icns, Pfal. 1. \% — 31.. Rev. xxi. 27..XXII. 15.
The Affemhly juftify their proceedings againft Birch, frrm his withdraw- ing in a contemptuous manner. Bi^ch, in order to keep the unity cf the •fpirit in the bond of peace with tre Chriftian Presbyterian Church. (which, according to its genuine principles, he believes to be as agreeable to Scrip* tureas any upen earth) in attempting admiffion agreeably to the Aflembly's. unfriendly Alien law, fpent three years, travelled nearly four thcufand miles amidil the hoots and fceffs of partisans,— h not this the man charged hy the pious John M Millant file need fa the fr,fbytery of Ohio, &c. tiff..? Will je hear him preach? Let go to fociety ,1$ c . with ifce expenditure cf more than ha'f of the efta'e deftined fcr the fupport of a numerous family. Did the AfTemblv require, as refpeel, that the remainder fhculd be devoted, pn4 Birch'* fatigued, i^fulted body burred? 1 Cor. xiii. 3. The judicious Dr, Nefbit declared tc Birch the year before, that the Afferobly ought to be fpur- ned with contempt; and the pious Rev. John M'Milian and the Prefbytery of Ohio told the Ailf mblyto their teeth, they would not obey their order, and ufed language (fee before.) What has been dcr.e to their cr ntempt I Juft what was done in an Affembly of old. Math, xxiii. 4. which laid grie- vous burdens unon men's Ihoulder*, but themfelves would not jpove tleo* •with one of their fingers.
Birch havtro in vain ufed every Gofpel method with the AffemMy apd the Prefbvtery of Ohio, and in return received infult added to injury, by being jHiblifted by them, in t&cir printed miniites, as a marked cbjjccl j he cokfi*
( 137 ) ders it as a duty he owes to the An.erican republican character, ( 1 1) to a number of (he Aflembly ,( i 2) and ot the Presbytery of Ohio, (13) to the weilern people, moil of whom are believed to be intentionally religious,-— to the opprefled of the old countries, wiihing for an asylum, now much difcouraged, — 10 his Church, nation, family, character and ufefulnefs, thus moll refp* ctfully to publ.lh to the good petple or America, that though Birch in many things muft plead guilty before his God, and cry out, with the Pfaltnill, Pial. li. 4. againll thee only have I finned, and rued much indulgence for many im perfections from the candid and difceminr am^ngit mankind, vet he moll humbly aflertsthat the very Rev.Gtncr.l Affmbly of the Prefbyterian Church of America, or the Rev. Pre&byiery pi Ohio, cannot p-o/e any offence againil him, meriting tranlportation from the bounds of the Presbytery of Ohio, or any other part of America ; and in the face of their nation, he moil refpectfuliy challenges them <o Hand forth in open day, ^which ihey never did yet) and fupport a tittle againft him : whilft Birch cnarges, and moll humbly prefum«*s he can convict the Presby- tery of Ohio, in the cafe of the Rev. John M Millan and Birch, of defa- mation, cloaking falfehood, corrupt, inquifitorial judgment, want of can- dour and brotherly affection, and the breach of a iolemn contract, under the fignature of their Moderator, by fupprefling publick records — the' Af- fembly in the bufinefs deciding contrary to Scripture and evidence — a mi- nute, relative to Birch's fupprefled papery, purporting to be figned by Dr. A. Roe, their Moderator, by their order, being in circulation, aflerting an untruth— and the Aflembly and Prr ibvtery of Ohio are hereby moil refceil- fully noticed, to Hand forth and vindicate themfelves, at the next Aflem- bly's meeting, May 1806, Birch (God billing) cefigninjj to be in Phila- delphia at the time, and a note left at the Porl office, to fir preliminaries, will be duly horoared ; otherwile, lee them conlider ihemfelvesas {landing ConvicVd b°for- the poblick.
(Il) A late Utter from a member of the Genet a I Synoxl of Ul/ter, which may be called ike General Affembly of Ireland, in anfiver to Birch s letter of thanks to that wry Rev body for tats teftimonia's, and a dftrc that fome brethren -would come to rfmcr ca concludes.*' Your fnendt here r/jo-ce that they have a brother tuho had the fpirit to chafife a~Rev. John Af' Milium, but~ they tvijh nit to gi to your land of liberty "
( 12 ) Birch iotb gratitude acknowledges, tf)dt durirg his conpcl he expitienceda brotherly 'ove, esndour and j u/iice from a large body of the affembly, ! a!wa\s including the Conne^Hiut delegates) *vh ch -would grci: any Church — He received by the batds of the Rev Br. M^Knight and Mr% Ebenexer Hjz.tr J a prejent of forty dollars, font Perfons unknown for which he returur hit meft hearty thanks. It is moft re/peSfuliy h'tr.ted to thefe worthies, that tley need not be afraid of main- taining tbtir ftand for truth; the reception their late most fccfnabli pa f lot a I letttr Lit met with. from tht friends of vital religion upon the ivtftftdt of the mountains, muft fotiv them the vanity of the threats effomeflffujfcient hot-heaJs, to form another Ajfembly — as it is indt id thefe trort^-'t good fenfe and pietv, that keeps the people in hwnour witbf<cb, yea indeed retains them the P. tenat name. The venerable, vsr\ learn. d Dr. Cooper declared l.e could n-,t bit* peace in hit mind, zv ill Of I quieting bis confcien.e by bearing t^ftimony agiinft the Affembly s Alton bnv, at ? bread/ of the bund of union betweet the fftcr ChwihcS. If the siffembly fbvuld recoivc n letter by a fo) lirn Miniftei , from a foreign Ch~r. b, relating a rivival bezv (ball .bey be eertan that :t it not fa If . until the bearer rides quarantine a year? Pethafs they id 11 tcntlude. that an bttrtnlejl tpiftie Will n't rat the children i breal and the peofle muft Le Itpt in temper; they tmtil receive rtt tn I cot tie bad, like toe lawyer employed by one of two rich men about to be en^r^-d in a fwt to uni,t her lawyer, with the t.pboncnt v.ho came alfa to employ hi*, " Brother, here art iw* fat tftfe, pluck you the one, and j ' U pluii U>e other.'" j
']%) A numler of il; yjun cr n.e-nl ert of the Prefbstcry of Ohio, for wbo-a Birth ftill beats high refpeel expre/fed a defire in Prtfbxtety, (as ihey tnl < him themfe/ve:) that be. as • Mimller of fume ftanding, might be pir-nAlcd to officiate among/i them until t*-- bitter acquainted, but were ur^ed by a (Hr+er at that t me n*t fafe t» be rehfted, to futr^f^ft it lurch's reieclo", with the emphain 1 wci dr. ' If we let him in once we wili nt\>er get him tttf" Two mtmbctt never voted ; mnd it can be proved that a member deJared he durft ,.st juffvl Btrcoy—for euf<ro* as iicy hud g*lU,i L.r.L i.j;,i!.cy ■wou.'.'pkt V..:. sut ?AXll
( »38 )
No doubt the reader's euriofity is excited, to know why fuch difcordanjt imerefts fhould unite in oppofug Birch. He is refpettfully informed, thai, the chief" reafon was, Birch was looked upon as a Heady, tried democratic* republican. For this he was refufed by the Prefby tery of New York,wii| two virtuous exceptions, to fupply in the congregation ot Elifcbtth Town, (the worthy nephew of Gen. Dayton, toe ruling Elder, having told m< t lat he would write and introduce me to his uncle) which would have beei one of the mod defirable fettleuients in America for Birch's family — mem. bers of Prefbytery crying out, that one who had rofe a gain ft t;.e Britifl government fhould never fupply in their bounds — and Birch has the be authority for faying, if he had been in the Church at tee time, he wool Jiave been perfonally infuhed. Birch upon his landing in New-Yor with his family, (the yellow fever raging — Drs. Rodgers and M'Knig being cut of town for a time, and Mr. Miller indifpofed) preached a mom to a crowded audience, but was not prefented with a cent, though one o the richeft focieties in the union, and the city famed for its hofpitality For a like reafon, Birch has been deprived of three fettlements, and unfa vourably heard in numerous places. The Rev. Samuel Ralilon told Birch r1 that Mr. M'Millan cbferved to him, (and in which they were agreed) tha Birch's politicks were not fuited to Wafhington. Upon Birch's firit vifi to Wafhington, the Academy doors were fhut againft him by Meffrs. Jt.hi Hope and Samuel Clarke, (the latter fore with the wounds cf Govemo M'Kean's turning him out of office) with oaths, (Mr. Wherry Birch's au. thor) that any one who oppefed the Britifh government, fhould be kickec < out of the town ; Mr. Hoge obferved, that he had marked Birch, from hii hearing in the newfpapers of his arrival at New- York. There may be addJ ed a late difhonourabie and ungrateful deception cf faid Hcgc having be- come penitent, highly injurious to Birch in his minifterial capacity.
In the Wafhington Telegraphe of the 3d February, 1800, Birch was ho figured with the names of f.« Dog 10 eat children's bread, renegado, fogi live from.jofr.ice, traitor to his country" — titles once bellowed by the Bri tiih government upon the illuftrious Wafhington and the American people and in Auguft the 4th, the united Irilhman — the Editor excuted himfeif > from being abroad. The Britifh Lion, by hunt-ng Prefby terians u.poi 1 Reman Ca<hoiicks, and fo in turn the other, fo divided, that mercenarj cut-throats were unneceffary, fo that during the abhorred American vtar volunteers recruited for the Britifh navy — to his great anguifh, the goo fenle of a few (under the Divine blefiing) has brought the people to ft their follv. Montgomery, an united Irifhman, depofited his body be for Q^ebeck, an earneit. of liberty being carried to the mrft bopelefs region M* Arov, of New- Jerfey.Truxtcn his lieutenant, to; k the firft Britifh fliip, a earnrft of the destruction of tvrannical navies — the people of America hav exprrfied their gratitude to Montgomery, the other will receive his tribut in due time. The great Wafhington honoured fuch lrifhroen,(fee his letter If Birch, an united Irifhman, and a Minifter of Peace, (under the Di"ir bleffjng) thill be the means of exciting clergy and people (feemir.glv the de tined reformers of the world) from proper gofpel motives, to bee me Ifra? it<*3 indeed in whom there is no guile, proprefiing from per for al- to national judke, mercv and charity, and thereby introduce that glo'iou* univerfa] empire of good will, when wars will ceafe and the nariotn (hal! not 3ear« war any mo>e — he will not want his reward — radons wi!lc3ll him bie(TedJ
Birch, under D vine grace, bcine about to attempt to be as uftful as pcflil bis to the G <>fpel cauie in hi* mJnifterial capaci'v, to remove ihe fcruples ol Comefefiuasctriftians in the myiUriousdoclriue of the decrees,wouid humbll
( 139 )
obfervs,thst he believes that Almighty God not only foreknows all things, but lifdt he has framed an all wile, unalterably-fixed plan, (oiherwiO there c wuld be no prophecy) and that agieeably to cbis»a number will go toHcavcn alone tnrough ihe nghteoufnefs of the Lord J . fas Chr .ft, and others go to milery totally inexculable for fin, impenneocy, *nd the rejection of mercy. B.rch's defi'e is to cultivate peace and good will wi h the truly religious of ail profeiluns, and a connection wiih old-fio'e Chrjll'un Prifbytenans, and to f >rm a Piclbctery of iucn, (without change of n-nie, which has proved a itumbling-block to the limple) fupporing covenanting reformation and a perpetual tcltimony for truth ; or, (not being t nd of divifions) union with a body maintaining thefe principles : but if thefe cannot be obtained, he, in connection with hi- Irifh brethren, will cominne to exercife hit Mini. ftry until the Lord ihA\ be pleated to open a door. Birch can plead as a precedent, the Apoities and Reformers, the tint American fetilers, MefTrs. Mirlhal and Clarkfun, read out by the Union and formed the Alloci&te b„dy ia America — the Rev. John M' vlillan, &c. The faithful little flock who have Hood by Birch, fhall claim his pa titular attention. He will be happy to preach, &c. occafionally where cfk^d.
Birch, a It anger, did not wiih to concern himfelf much with the political concerns of America, and tfpecialljf as they were in hands n.ucn better c| itlified for the ta& ; neither indeed does he care about any poluicks, or what party rules, unlefs lo far as connected with the advancement of the Redeemer's kingdom, and the happinefs cf mankind : yet for fuch being held up as a publick fpe&acle, and confidering a certain form of govern- ment a> molt conducive fo accompiilh his wjlhes, he is not afhamed to de- clare h'mfeif a ciemocratick repuM-can, beam g the m^ft hearty allegiance to he United S'ates of America, (of whicn he has tne honour of being a citizen) with the union of all its membfr; — rthe government rr.oft virtuoufly admin:lte;ed by Tnomas Jefforfon, Preficenr, who firft taught nations the true way to become refpcctable, by difbanding mercenary armies and ra- v .es, (eqjallv terrible at home as abroad) and refoi tinp to na ional juilice, an eamtft, it is hoped, of the univerfal empire cf [ erce.
Birch, under Providence, will notdefpair. There are American repuS- hcans fufricitnclv numerous, who h«ve convinced a world they have perle- verin^ virtue and true religion. Birch in a partial appeal hu& received in- pis redtefs. A virtuous jury of laymen ha* taught ai leaf! the rul**' of ae- t 'rum tost) ur,worthy Church-and-State Faction, whofe principle has bec n to overturn ail who ltccd in the way of their lelffh purpofes. Birch is the Ufl of five, no* a driving from the town of W.jfhir,g:on ; .m^ «eve?al other. , ol f»e m >it promifing talents, (including Alexander Addift,n, Efq ) ♦»*"<: 1 em diiven from ihe Prrfb/tery ot Oiio, ar,d reduced nearly to defpOratit r. B' ch, in th s general appeal, * fticr. hat not fr>r j(t cbjicl ire en^n fling of •pubiick attention wih tne trifling concerns of an humble individual, but fie progrefs of religion and the nappirels f-f a world, rtfpt&fnWy ti«. nbts to', but thft the attention will be proprrti<-nab!e 'o 'be rragnitotki of the
r»-.jj<!:l It is r«-f> eiHully hope*, r h-* t American rr public-r.s will rou.'e
f'om t»-e>r fijmher cf abufed charity, and CQQ*]oc€ tneir opponents that t b< y have fome rrlipion and act from (Jofpel orii riptei, and that with this virrw t!*ey will fupport rr-eir fyftem of gcvernmenr, as bed calculated to <**•- cond the ^efi^ns of the G^fpel, in reforming mankind and uriting tnem in- to a brr therhocd, and thereby fet up the uni-e'fal empire of pe«ce. And a' rrp'ib! can Minirtcrs are the only oualified ar:i s »o erect this bnik'inp, it is h>ped that republicans will pro.cct u.e *o kioen, and will notpc.^.a
( M* )
f>lind worldly devotees, prcfe fling a regard for the falvation of fouls whiht they are unconcerned for the.happinefs of nations, or crafty men who make religion a iV lking-ho-fe, to overturn the American ccnftitatioa, the only maniioa upon earth in which they can exercife Their labour. O yes, they will atten > I Tremble ye whofe glory has been the ruin of other*! ye will not get nu&kind kept in ignorance ; God's light is gone forth. The A- rherican Hercules, an infant in his cradle, who craihed the ferpent of civil tyranny, will deftroy the fource from which he would derive redoubled
vigour, viz. men'al tyranny — It is not Birch's wilh, neither will he
Sr.iult your good fenfe by afking you, to perfecuteanti- republican Minifters, and particularly vircuous men. Bu; they fhonld be told here is a record, written with American blood, proving them nr.ftakcn. Where republican frliniftera are equally virtuous, let them be preferred Reftrain persecutors; the f-.bfkk is human; ic will be e.nfily overturned. Only keep your hands an your packers, you will find, wkh the pcet, as gold mt-kes foldiers fight fh fiS'Cer, fo wi.hout it preaching will be 'career,— — Bi?ch, begging -pardoii for defects and imperfections, which he is fore a-emany, begs leave mtrfk refpectfuiiy to conclude in the words of the Minivers who, with the SiSte in one hand and thc'fwerd in the other, (wnicb it i» hoped is now flienthed for ever) marched in tie front of your armie?,and fi.ed hem with, courage. (I had rji*m from an officer of the Britifh Lion, when bcaftmgly fcejtiftifisd birnfelf for having put the faggot to fotne oi your churches) to which we aad the words of united Irifhmen at their ourfet, whofe fuccefs will be no Jefs certain, — "Yonder are the enemies of, &c come on — Hea- ven's on your fide — ihecaefe of truth is the caufe of Heaven — and to doubt .' of fuccefs, would be to doub: of a P-ovidence."
wiwrraaBMB— — « i i
APPENDIX,,
BIRCH intending to publish a full account of the a&ions inftituted in ^ vindication of his character, with the fpeeches of the Lawyers; a number- of the fuili ftill pending in the Supreme Court, and not wifhing to infringe upon the prerogative of any Court of Juftice; only a brief fk^.ch isheregiven. T. L. Birch, vs. Mr. Hugh Wiley — For reporting that Birch -vat charge J with Adultery — Tried in the Wajhington Supreme Court , Qcl. 1802.
Alexander Litie fwore, that at Birch's defire, he had gone to the ftore of Hugh Wiley, (who was ftrongly prejudiced againft Birch in favour of Mr. M'Millan, and oppofed. Birch's fettlement in Wafhington) in order to mew the depofitions of M'Tonnel, &c. of Sirafburgh ; that apon reading thefe, Wylie exclaimed, ** Mr. M'Millan is attacked — we muft bring for- ward every thing upon oath — -Birch is charged with adultery" — That af- ' ter this, Birch, for purpofes of peace, requested faid deponent and a James Stevenfon to go with him to faid Wyiie's, who faid Andrew Swearingen, Efq. was his author; that Birch having told faid Wylie, if he would ac- knowledge offence he fh«uld be forgiven, Wylie replied, be would not de- ceive Birch, for he would do every thing in his power to put him out of the country. — James Stevenfon confirmed fo far as his name is mentioned.;
Mrs. Fox fwore, that Hugh Wylie, at the inftance of the PrepDytery of Ohio, called at her houfe, in Wafhington, to go to their meeting in April 1802, to give teftimony againfl Birch ; that ihe told hiin fhs need not, for Birch 'vould not deny any thing he had faid ; that Wylie infilling, fhe wifh- ei to know what they wanted her to provi?, Wylie faid, Birch's telling before aert of S jvearingen having told him of Birch's being charged with adultery, and the ftory of going to bed to Stockton'* wife ; that faid Fojc
( Mi )
feed Wylie if he, or Swearingen, or any of them, believed Uirch to be h r^eable with adultery, when W>lie laid they did ret, but wanted t«j mild other fadls upon it; Mrs. Fox replied, what facls would the* r i id pon a lie!— ——The H->n. Judge Smi.h, who prefided nlot. . fa,i( ti.e >liintiff muft have damages, and if contented with fm.ill ones, t:.e buhr.eft night reft. Birch'* counfel and himfelf declared they wanted era. t{f lot money. The Jury returned a verdidt, 150 dollars damage*, witr. iqj s>. Sirch in (his fuit and its confluence , is withal femctning out of pockr.^ nd indeed in all the fuits, bo vever they may iiTue, cannot be comptnfcittd or one fifth part of his lofs. However, the victory is very gteat, and ho- norable to the county of Wafhington. One of Mr.Wylie's Lawyers, a pen- leman of the firil eminence in njs profeiTion, whoafpired to the Governor's thair, told James Mountain, Efq. Birch's Lawyer, that there would not De foand a Jury in the county of Washington, to convidl a friend of Mr. M-'Millan's.
|T. L. Birch, vs. the Rev. John M'M ill a k— Charges fame as Itfort Prtjbytery — Tried in the IVaJhmgton Supreme Court , Vacber 1804 Birch produced the fame evidence as before the General Aflembiy, (fee Defore ) — Mr. Robert Irwin fwore, tint in Ohio P/efbytery, at Liethrl, Oc- tober 1801., he heard the Rev. John M'Milian deny^that he everfaid that James M>hon told him Birch was drunk, but M'Connel only; and thatf^ft M'MiiLn holding in his hand faid M'Ccnnel's depofnion, obferved, that M'Connel had cautioufly avo ded fvveanng that he did not teil him Brch was drunk, and if he would fwear he did not tell hm , he (M'Milian) muft lie under it,———— — Mr. George Anderfon Iwcre, that the Rev. Jorn M'Milian, in the Presbytery of Onio, at Buffalo, in April 1802, having clofed evidence againft Birch, got up, and holding out his ha^ds towarrs iirch, repeatedly exclaimed, •« are you not row a Miriflcr c.< ihe Dtvii?'* ~ol. Win. M'Kennan fa ore that he came info the meeting -houfe w hllit Mr. vl'Miil.in was engaged in the aft fworn to by Mr. Anderfur, arc rnat the aekaviour of lome members of Presbytery u?.s mucn out of charcc~ter.
Mr. Andrew Hunter f*ore, that a few days before the Suprerr-e Court in October 1803, the Rev. Join M'Milian called at his ftort, in W.fhing- ton, and told him he heard he would be a good witnefs for him, fi.r he hi-d feen Birch drurk ; that Hunter replied, he h-^d faid fa, but being now ac- iqdViiited *-ith hu~h, he found himfelf miftaken, (Birch's manrers being (free and cnen) and that Birch was no: intoxicated; that Hunter reirw-n- Hrat'n.g witn M'Milian upon his conduct towards Birch, and the hurt that would be done to rcli^i in bv fuch difputes, fiid M'Milian replicc, that h jj^h he had prop £3'td that Birch was ciurk at Strasburgh, he did not believe he was drunk ; bat he had been told Jt bv n^n j«t that pi im pp<2 w; at he had cone wa- for the good of religion, and he would do
let him fjffsr as be would Mr, I clc . i^orc, that J u
Addifon and Squire Wilkins, of Pittsburgh, clt,*: to r-if ta>em to ir quire about Birch's Lthaviour jbe,r ; and H2t fair1 / -...J if n taking his wife bv the hand, afked her, wa« ii tru; Jiirch was gob rte to brd wi h her*
Th-t B.rch's condufl the only te wai ever 1 bil houfe, having h»s
wife vrd family wiih btm.was proper. Grace Mji!-y lv. ore, ihai fte
heard rhe R- ■ v. Jo hr IvI'Millar. in a conveijation with «> Mrs. Cafowelf. in IA:. Robert H»a ett'j hzufe, in Washington, lay that be had dug a ret;
; ih t Mr>. Caldwell replied, '.ike care of d>ging pi?» ! anfi r.a- soed io^t iin <*h t c.m;c : » Hi^ li gallowl for hii reiphbeur and was h^r f - td up^a ;t /.iaife!i M • -• Icnaet fv*o'e, '.nit he was a Se:c«.»
and lived in the bounds of Birch's congregation in Ireland— that Bird**
labours and charity were extended to all prcfefiioas. —The following
certificates were produced, with Birch's degree.
We the Synod of Ulilcr, at Our annual meeting, at Cookftown, June 29, J803, moved by a fenfe of juftice, think ourfeives in duty bound to give our atteftatioh and teftimony, as we hereby do, to the character of our e- iteeaied brother, the Rev. Thomas Ledlie Birch, of Washington, in Ame- rica. He was a fober, resectable member of this body for above twenty years, particularly remarkable for piety, charity, and inflexible integrity; for a warm zeal for the intereft and profperity of the Church of Chrift, and for an affiduoas and faithful difcharge of the duties of the miniiterial of- fice. THOMAS HENRY, Moderator. Cdokftown, County Londonderry, Ireland, June 29th, 1803. Whereas a report was raifed to the prejudice of the character of the Rev. Thomas Ledlie Birch, of Walhingtoh, in America, We, the Preibytery of Dromore, at our meeting in G ^okftown, moved by a frnfe of juilice, refolve to give our teftimony to the character of the above Rev. Brother, and do certify, that he was born, liberally and pioufly educated in our bounds, was fent to the Uaiverfityof Glafgow for four feafons, took his degree of Mas- ter of Arts there, produced his (eftirrionials to us, was examined and ap- proved, with credit to himfelf and fatisfaction to the P^efbytery, was licen- fed, and for feme (hort time was a ufeful and popular Preacher and Proba- tioner under our care, and always maintained a diftinguilhed character for integrity, benevolence, zeal for liberty t reformation of abufes,snd regularly fober. Signed by the Unanimous order of the Prefbvtery, Cookftown, 29th June, 1803. WILLIAM FLETCHER, Mod'r.
Whereas a report was railed to the prejudice of trie character of the Rev.- Thomas Ledlie Birch, of Wafhington, in America; We, the Prelbyterian Congregation of Tullylich, moved by a fenfe of juftice, refolve to give our teftimony to the character of the above Rev. Gentleman, and do certi- fy, that he was born, liberally and pioufly educated, in this Parifh ; his fa- mily refpe&able, and his conduct exemplary, becoming and irreproachable. The above paper having been read in a full meeting of this Congregation, and approved of without one dilfenting voice, is aitefiei this zjihof June, 1803, by "JOHN SHERRARD, Mmifter of ('aid Congregation.
Henry Dickfon, S. C. Samuel M^Kee, William Copland, Jojhua Chambers^ John Lockhart, William Dickfon, Elders. Saintfieid, z-jthjune, 1 803— —Whereas a report was raifed to the preju- dice of the character of the Rev. Thomas Ledlie Birch^ of Walhington, in America ; We, the Parifhioners of the Prelbyterian Congregation of Saint- field, moved by a fenfe of juftice, refolve to give our teftimony tO the cha- racter of the above Rev. Gentleman, He came among us with a fair good character, laboured incrffantly 10 promote oar temporal and eternal inter- efti, to which purpofe b? fpent his property arid exerted his abilities. Ouf prayers are for his profpe-ity— -our hearts are with him; until we hope to meet him at the right hand of Chrift, whom he faithfully preached to l*. That this paper was read, and approved of by the Congregation of Saint- field, is certified bv H. SJMSON, Miniftrr
Robert Shelly, John Magee, Richard M'Cobry, Robert MBridtt
MemH«rs of Seffion — in the name or the Congregation.
The Re". John M'Millan, in defence, produced — Mrs. Mary M'Comb,
wife o( Wm M'CoTib, who fwore that (he thought the laft lime Birch was'
at their houfe he had drunk to? much, but being bufy through the heufe,
( '43 )
Ihc did not take notice of the quantity. Mr. W/n. M'Corr.b fwore, that he thought Birch had drunk too much the laft evening at his houfe, but did not
name any quantity there or at Mr. Stockton's — Qnefiione took always
the riril drink himfclf ; was in the llaole when Biict. drank after the re uin from Stockton's ; no cardie in the hail * here Birch Ifaggered ; was laid on his bed, and dii hoc take much notice -Mr. Jofeph bteven'.on lwore
as before Prrsbytery — Q^eitionefl — Birch lung a leng Udc to aihort pfalrn; prayed in a becoming manner; was Ikeping the time of prayers, (Math. 28. 13.) which was hiscuftorn; Bnchthaved himlelf in vhe le-J ch..n.!>cr w. :chc uc «uiting himfe f,btevenfor» having ^ one to b^d ; 1h.1t Steven Ion in roc! teed the politics, bewailing that ir.e clergy were ariftocrats and eppofed reiormaiic u, and particularly mentions the Rev. MctTrs. M'Fairan and Porter; that Stevenl n was otter mined to watch Birch, and was hunted up af an evidence
by the Rev. Aadie* Gwinn Mrs. Maiy Clark (wore, that upon an
evening in tue winter of 1800, (he made rear two bottsle of whifkey into apple toddy, which Birch and hrr husband drark; Birch act intoxicated.*
Mr. M'Miilao haJ ierved notices u> on Birch, t'.t intoxication in the ftreet of Walhington, and in the luuf* of Mr. Jumc:> Mburney, and exec Hive drinking in the late Gen Taylor's, not e 01 which weie biought forward. Mr. M* Barney attended Court, and has lince pallet) his oath, declaring ri ut he told the Rev. Mr. Gwinn, the a^ent in hunting up theflory, in hi* houfe, that it was a fabrication. Mr. Hugh Cotton was rot produced, though Mrs. Taylor, &c and the bottle were there all week, and Mr. Jas. Tavlor, who drank after Birch and left a dram.
The trial lalled nearly four cays. James Mountain, Efq fir ft cour.fel for the Plaintiff, in bis addr fs to the Court and jury, introduced the moving paiTage, Pfalm lv. 12, 13, 14 " for it was not an enemy that reproached me, then I could have borne it,&c. 1 would have hid m>f:if ; but it was thou, mire equ-1, &c." This wa> followed by the observation, that Pope, a R man Ca.wolick. was a better Chriftian than J oha M'Millan, ana* repc.i- tion from that Poet's Univeifal Prayer, ** Teach me to ftel another's woe, lo hide the fault i fee ; that mercy I to orher? fhew, do thcu (hew unto me." Mr Mountain a fo gave a tezttoMr. Win M Comb, which t.e told him he would long remember; Prov. xiii. 6. 7, 8. " Eat not the bread of him if it hath an evil eye ; eat and drink faith he, but his heart is not with thee : the morfel which thou haft eattn lhalt thou vomit up."
The Jury returned a verdict ior Birch, 300 dollars d:m?ges with ccfts — The Judges (Ye :e« and Smith) C01 firmed the veidicl, but fignei a bill of exceptions to tne D-fendant'a countel, on points to be argued before if c Supreme Coorti iii Bark, ( where the buf:nefs aow re It?) viz. ift. That Birch is not a Prcfbyteriaa Minister, 2 J. Tnat Mr. M'MiiUn cannot be called to an accou.it in a civil Court* for (landers ucte red in a Pre!'.} tery.
Daring fhe time of the removing of thi? fait, Meffrs. M*MuUn, M'Cur- dy, and other Miniuers of the Onic Prcfb* tery, were employ ed in prcca- ring fignaturrs to a petition to the State AiTi'mbly, (fifing a l»tc dec . ion as their reafon) praying thut a law might be pafieC preventing what flail p fl in a Church Judicature from being cognizable in a civil C~ur?. Seriui r Vance can inform the public of tht fate of the pccincit. — At their DO n eet- ir.g, PresKvtery read out M'Millan not cenfurrhV Biti n ?n rxton^nui ie'e.
• Birch has in band tie depijiiinn of Eienor Ktady, cj Wcjhingtui, drclcri>* that jb; waini upon Mrs Clark at this time, lately itlimtred of a child* ft t j/:e in-ide tt-e apple toddy for Birch, &c. that Mr. cr.d Urt CUtk. c/:i drt% « d /el,' par.osK ; and tee mm nntity of Uq .or ufed did rwr txtdtd a p:~.t, Jir. JmAj t A..derJo<; a.j- bsi u:r.je.~ iitmk hi utm I - furl.
t 144- )
T. L. Birch, w. A. Stt earingim — -For reporting that Birctr was fien in
bed math a woman, having his leg over her, and that he ivas charged ntiitk
Adultery — Tried itt the Wajhington Court of Common Pleas, 1805.
Mr. A.etander Litle furore true he went in company with Such, and a
John Taylor, to Andrew S vearingen, Efq. to inquire if he told Hugh Wy-
3ie that Birch was charged with adultery ; that Swearingen (aid he never
believed fuch of Birch, but that Jofeph Wherry took the matter as very fe-
rious, for he had told him that Birch was feen in bed with a woman, and
his leg over her; that Swearingen had charged Birch with adultery in fi-
Jnilar terms in the Prefbytery of Ohio, at Buffalo, in April 1802. Mr. John
Taylor confirmed Mr. Lytle's teftimony. Mr. Jofeph Wherry fwore, that
he never charged Birch with Adultery, ndr told A. Swearingen fo.
Alexander Murdock fwore, that being employed as a Magistrate, under a commiffion, in the cafe of Birch and Swearingen, to take the depcfiiion of a Mr. Htalett, Who being incapable of piling an oath, Mr. Swearingen faid he fuppofed he would acknowledge all Mr. Hazlett could prove- when Birch mentioning Swearingen's concurrence with his party, in Biich'a coming to Waihington, and his declaration, that they would pay him 8.;o dollars the fecond year, eafier than 600 the firft, Swearingen affented, and that he had told his party that Birch had been very ill ufed.— -Major Arthur Chamberlain fwore, that fhortly after Brch fet off for his family, Andrew Swearingen, Efq. called at his houfe, taking fjbferiptions to bring the Rev- Mr. Anderfon, now of Buffalo, to Waihington.
Vcrdid for Plaintiff. 70 dolls. 25 cents. Appeal as in M'Millan's cafe* A. Swearingen, Efq. brought an action in the Supreme Court againft Birch, containing two counts, viz. for faying in the Prefbytery at Buffalo, April 1802, he could prove that what Swearingen there declared was falfej and for affcrting within the bar of the Supreme Court, at i?irch and Wy- lie's trial, that he could prove the teftimony Swearingen was then giving, falfe, The Rev. Meffrs. Anderfon and M'Miilan proved the former, and Mr, John Porter, ftudent oflaw, the latter.— — Kirch's Lawyers having entered only the plea, not guilty, without fpecial right to plead, i?irch was debarred from giving the truth in juftification, but only to fhew that he had fufficient provocation to make ufe of the expreffions.- — —Mr. Alexander Litle fwore, that A. Swearingen's declaration before the /'.cfbvtery and his oaih before the Cjurt in Waihington, were very different from what he told 2?trch, Taylor and him.—— James Mountain, Efq fwore, that he was Kirch's counfel in Wylie's trial; that .flirch fat next him, and he heard ^irch fpeak the words about Swearingen, and confidered them as fpoken to him ; that 2?irch mentioned a John Tavlor as his proof ; that the Court adjoining, he went with V?irch to faid Tavlor, ard they would have pro- duced him only Wylie gave up his fait.- — Verdict, 120 dolls, on each count. Mr. Mountain moved the Court for an arreft of judgment ', the bufir.efs of the Presbytery to be quafhed, as not being a Court where the penalty of le- gal perjury could be in u. red ; the Caurt to grant a new trial in the fecond count; that vulgar lifteners fhould not be within the bar ; produced legal authorities juftifying 2?irch, if, when Swearingen fwore bim a liar and a- dulterer, he had told the Court and Jury, that was a lie, and he would prove it one. Mr. Addifon replied, he hoped if law did not protect M'Miilan in Presbytery, i: mould not protect 7?ircfc ; unhappily indeed, M'Miilan had not proved what he faid. Mr. Mountain faid his client only wanted equal law, and protection in truth. — The Presbytery count referred, as ia M'Millan's cafe; the new trial under confideration* FINIS, [COPT-RIGHT SECURED.]