Full text of "Journals of general conventions of the Protestant Episcopal Church, in the United States, 1785-1835"

UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA
AT LOS ANGELES

f't.^ ,

/JT--

JOURNALS OF GENERAL CONVENTIONS

OF THE

PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH,

IN THE UNITED STATES,

PUBLISHED BY AUTHORITY OF GENERAL CONVENTION.
EDITED BY

WILLIAM STEVENS PERKY, D. D.

VOL. III.

/ND J)OCUMENT.

CLAREMONT, N. H

THE CLAREMONT MANUFACTUKING COMPANY.
1874.

HISTORICAL NOTES AND

ILLUSTRATING

THE

ORGANIZATION

OF THE

IN THE UNITED STATES

AMERICA.

WILLIAM STEYENS PERRY, D. D.,

HISTORIOGRAPHER OF THE AMERICAN CHURCH.

CLAREMONT, N. H

THE CLAREMONT MANUFACTURING COMPANY.
1874.

Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1874,

BY WILLIAM STEVENS PERRY, D. D.,
In the Office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington.

, , '

.:.,;',",.

PREFACE.

The present volume is mainly the reproduction in print of a
collection of previously unpublished documents and letters il
lustrating the history of the period of the organization of the
American Church. These papers, drawn largely from the cor
respondence and collections of the venerable Bishop White,
preserved to the Church by the care of the late Francis Lister
Hawks, D.D., LL. D., have been supplemented by the use of
important MSS., in the possession of the families of Bps. Sea-
bury and Parker. It will be borne in mind that these papers
and letters were written with no thought of preservation, much
less of publication, after an interval of nearly a hundred years.
They are the more valuable from the freedom of style and al
lusion which gives to epistolary correspondence its special
charm. As illustrating the history of the measures which
brought about our ecclesiastical independence and secured the
formation of our present Ecclesiastical Constitution, these let
ters are of peculiar interest and importance. By their aid we
can trace step by step, the development of the principles un
derlying our present system of government. We are admitted,
as it were, into the councils of those who gave us our Church in
the form and perfectness it now possesses. We hear in their
own words and in fullest detail the reasons for their legislation
and the explanation of their course of action. The editor has
been at pains to group together these interesting papers, adding
only enough of his own to supply deficiencies in the narrative
and to elucidate that which required explanation. It is with

228059

IV PREFACE.

peculiar pleasure that he can state in this connection that the
volume as now produced was carefully read in MSS., and whol
ly approved, by the late Dr. Hawks, the Historiographer of the
American Church, prior to his too early death. Not a letter
appears on these pages without having received his examination,
and it is with the sanction of his revered and honored name
that these papers are given to the Church.

The press of duties incident upon the care of a large parish,
together with the requirements of other official relations to the
Church, must be the excuse for many imperfections in this work
of which no one can be more sensible than the editor himself.
He craves the indulgence of his readers for these infelicities of
Style, and for the occasional typographical errors which, in view
of the impossibility of his supervision in person of these pages
as they passed through the press, were inevitable. If the work,
the preparation of which has been wholly a labor of love,
and for which the writer asks no other remuneration than the
kind approbation of his brethren of the clergy and laity, shall
serve to acquaint those who care to learn with the principles
of our constitutional history, the labor of years will not be in
vain. For the Church of God he would gladly " spend and
be spent."

Trinity Rectory, Geneva, October 5, 1874.

TABLE OF CONTEOTS.

THE PRELIMINARY CONVENTIONS, 368.

The " Broadside" proceedings of the Preliminary Meeting
of October, 1784, 3, 4 ; Additional particulars, 5 ; Meeting at
New Brunswick, May 11, 1784,7,8; Letters from the Rev.
Abraham Beach, 8 12; Early Conventions, 13, 14; "An ad
dress to the Members of the Protestant Episcopal Church of
Maryland," 14 33 ; Election of a Bishop in Maryland, 34 ; For
mation of a representative body of the Church in Pennsyl
vania, 35, 36 ; Journal of Meetings leading to the institution
of a Convention of the Church in Pennsylvania, 3740 ; An
Act of Association of the Clergy and Congregations in Penn
sylvania, 40 43 ; Incorporation of the Church in Virginia, 44
51 ; Convention in South Carolina, 52, 53 ; Convention in
New York, 53 55; Proceedings of the Convention in New-
Jersey, 55, 56 ; State of the Church in Massachusetts, 57 59 ;
Dr. White's letters to the Rev. Mr. Parker, 5962 ; Proceed
ings of the Clergy of Massachusetts and Rhode Island, 62 66 ;
Other efforts for organization, 66 68.

THE CONVENTION OF 1785, 69212.

Invitation of the Connecticut clergy to their brethren at the
South, 69, 70; Letter from the Rev. Dr. Thomas Bradbury
Chandler to the Rev Dr. White, 7975 ; The Bishop of Con
necticut to the Rev. Dr. Smith, 76 82 ; The same to the Rev.
Dr. White, 8284 ; The Rev. Dr. Chandler to Dr. White, 84
87 ; Changes at the North, 87 ; The Rev. Benjamin Moore to
the Rev. Mr. Parker, 88 ; Correspondence between Dr. White
and the Rev. Mr. Parker, 88 91 ; Alterations adopted by the
Convention of Massachusetts, Rhode Island and New Hamp
shire, 9199.

I. Alterations in the Book of Common Prayer, 99 208 ; Chan
ges in the " State Prayers" inevitable, 100; Alterations adopt
ed by Trinity Church, Boston, 101 103 ; Legislation in Virgin
ia accommodating the Prayer Book to the change in affairs,
103, 104; Letters from the Rev. Edward Bass, 104107; Let
ters of the Rev. Charles H. Wharton, 107, 108; General dis
position to proceed to a review of the Liturgy, 108, 109 ; Alte-

VI TABLE OP CONTENTS.

rations agreed upon in 1785 to render the Liturgy conformable
to the principles of the American Revolution and the Consti
tutions of the several States, 109 113; Further alterations
proposed ami recommended, 113 118; Articles of Religion,
118124; The Table of Holy Days, 124, 125; Correspondence
of the Committee charged with the publication of the ' Pro
posed Book," 126 198; The Rev. Dr. Smith to the Rev. Mr.
Parker, 199,200; Bp. White's "notice" of the alterations in
the Book of Common Prayer, 200 206 ; Account of the publi
cation of the " proposed " Liturgy, 206208;

II. The General Ecclesiastical Constitution, 209212.

III. Measures for securing the succession of the Episcopate in
the English Line, 213.

The struggle for the Episcopate, 213 ; Notices of the election
of the Rev. Dr. Seabury to the Episcopate by the Connecticut
Clergy, 213, 214; The result awaited with intei-est and
anxiety, 216, 217 ; Granville Sharp's account of Dr. Seabury's
application to the Archbishop of Canterbury, 217, 218; The
Rev. Dr. George Berkeley to the Rt. Rev. John Skinner, 218
223 ; The Clergy of Connecticut to the Archbishop of York,
224228 ; Dr. Seabury to the Rev. Myles Cooper, 228, 229 ;
Further Correspondence, 230,231; Overtures to the non- ju-
ring Bishops, 231 233 ; Opposition from America, 233, 234 ;
Record of Seabury's Consecration, 234 236 ; The " Concor
dat," 236 238 ; Letter from the Bishops of Scotland to the
Clergy of Connecticut, 238,289; Correspondence from Bish
op Seabury's Letter Book, 240 244 ; Allusion to Dr. William
Smith, 245; Reception of Bp. Seabury in Connecticut, 245
245; Letter to the Scottish Bishops, 247,248; Address of the
Connecticut Clergy to their Bishop, 248 251 ; Bp. Seabury's
Answer, 251, 252; The Bishop's primary Charge, 252 254;

tI -|rtr ^i*~" * ~ ^** ~^"" " * f\e A f\e e ^-t i

relating
Drs. Ing

with the Rev. Alex. Murray and the Rev Jacob Duche, 260
262; The Rev. Dr. Inglis to the Rev. Dr, White, 262266;
Efforts to secure the succession in the English Line, 266;
Granville Sharp to the Archbishop of Canterbury, 267, 268 ;
Letters from the Rev. Mr. Duche, 268270 ; Letters from the
Rev. Dr. Murray, 270, 271 ; Efforts of Granville Sharp, 272
274 ; Sharp's letter to Benjamin Franklin, 275 277 ; Address to
the English prelates, 278, 279; Evidence of the concurrence of
the civil authorities, 279 282 ; Letters from the Rev. Samuel
Provoost to Dr. White, 283, 284 ; Alarm excited abroad as to
the nature of the alterations in the new Liturgy, 284, 285 ;
Ix-tters from the Rev. Dr. Murray, 285 287; Letters from Mr.
Duche and Dr. Murray, 287292; The omission of the Article
in the Creed excepted to, 292 ; The Rev. Dr. West to the Rev
Dr. White, 293; Bishop Seabury to Dr. White, 293, 294-
The Rev. Mr. Parker to Dr. White, 294296 ; Obstacles to the
acceptance of the "Proposed Book," 296, 297; The Rev. Mr.
West to Dr. White, 297 299: Correspondence with Mr. Pro^
voost, 299301 ; Letter from the Rev. Dr. Inglis to Dr White
801304 ; The Rev. Dr. Murray to Dr. White, 304, 305 Letter
from the Rev. Dr. West, 30, 307 ; Opposition to Bishops at the

TABLE OF CONTENTS. vii

South, 307 ; Alterations in the Liturgy distasteful at the North,
307, 308 ; The Rev. Edward Bass to the Rev. Mr. Parker, 309 ;
Jealousy of a Bishop from England existing at the North, 309;
Bishop Seabury to the Rev. Dr. White, 310; The answer, and
the Bishop's letter to Mr. Parker, 311, 312;

THE CONVENTIONS OP 1786.

Opposition toBp. Seabury, 312 314; Original Draft of the let
ter to the English prelates, 314 316 ; The New Jersey Memo
rial, 316 ; Letters from England, 317, 318 ; Letters from the
Rev. Drs. Bowden, West, Griffith and Smith 319323 ; The
Rev. Dr. White to the Rev. Mr. Parker, 323'; Letters from
the Rev. Mr. Parker, 324326 ; Drs. Griffith, Wharton and
Provoost to Dr. White, 326330 ; Dislike of the " Proposed
Book" at the South, 330; Drs. West and Griffith to Dr,
White, 331, 342; Letters from the Committee of Corres
pondence, 332, 333 ; The Adjourned Convention, 333, 334 ; The
refusal to sign the testimonials of the Rev. Dr. William
Smith, 334, 335 ; Letters relating to the Wilmington Conven
tion, 335 341; The Consecration of Bishops in the English
line, 341, 842; The feeling at the North, 342, 343; The letters
of congratulation written by Bp. Seabury to Bps. White and
Provoost, 843 345; Bp. Seabury to William Stevens, of Lon
don, 345; Bp. White to Bp. Seabury, 346, 347; Rev. Drs. Clag-
gett and Griffith to Bp. White, 347352 ; A proposition for the
consecration of Parker as Bishop of Massachusetts, 352, 353 ;
The Rev. Jeremiah Learning to Bp. White, 353 355; Rev. Mr.
Parker to Bp. White, 355, 856 ; Mr. Learning to Bp. White, 356,
357; Bp. White to Mr. Parker, 358; Apathy in Virginia, 359;
Dr. Griffith to Bp. White, 359, 360; Letter from Bp. Provoost,
360, 361 ; Rev. Drs. West and Griffith to Bp. White, 361368 ;
Notices of the Alterations adopted in Massachusetts, 363, 364 ;
Rev. Mr. Parker to the Bp. of Connecticut, 364366 ; The
Bishop's reply, 366, 367 ; Mr. Learning to Bp. White, 367, 368 ;
Letters from Drs. Griffith, West and Purcell to Bp. White,
369873; Rev. Dr. Murray to the Bp. of Pennsylvania, 373
375; Bp. Provoost to Bp. White, 376; Correspondence of Bps.
White and Seabury with the Rev. Mr. Parker, 376379 ; Dr.
Griffith to Bp. White, 379381 ; Bp. Provoost to Bp. White,
381, 382; Dr. Murray to Bp. White, 382; Overtures for Union,
383; Mr. Learning to Bp. White, 384; Bp. Seabury to Bp.
W r hite, 384388 ;-Bp. Seabury to Dr. William Smith, 388, 389 ;
Correspondence of Bps. Provoost and White and Dr. Griffith,
389391.

THE CONVENTIONS OF 1789.

The Act of the Massachusetts and New Hampshire Clergy
electing the Rev. Edward Bass to the Episcopate, 392 394 ;
Action of the Convention, 394396; Bp. White to Bp. Sea-
bury, 396, 897 ; Minutes of the Proceedings of the Committee
of Correspondence, 397, 398; Address to the Archbishops,
398402; Bp. White to the Abp. of Canterbury, 402; 403; Rev.
Dr. Smith to Bp. Seabury, 404, 405; The Committee to Bp. Sea-
bury, 406407; Bps. Seabury and Provoost to Bp. White, 407
112- Letter to Dr. Parker, 412, 413; Union of the Churches,
413; Changes in the Constitution, 413415; The return to the

Vlli TABLE OF CONTENTS.

English Prayer Book, practically, in the preparation of the
new liturgy, 416, 416 ; Report of Committee on the means of
perpetuating the Episcopal Succession in the United States, 416.

APPENDIX OF DOCUMENTS 417

THE CASE OF THE EPISCOPAL CHURCH CONSIDERED 419

BP. SEARURY'S COMMUNION OFFICE, 437

THE ALTERATIONS IN THE PRAYER BOOK ADOPTED IN 1789, 448

INDEX OF THE PRINCIPAL MATTERS CONTAINED IN THE JOURNALS
OF 17851835... 487

THE PRELIMINARY CONVENTIONS.

IT was in accordance with the following recommendations
and proposals, issued by a voluntary gathering of Clergy and
Laymen, that the Convention of 1785 assembled.

At a Convention of Clergymen and Lay Deputies of the
Protestant EPISCOPAL CHURCH in the United States of Ame
rica, held in New- York, Oct. 6th and 1th, 1784: Present
as follows;

Revd. SAMUEL PARKER, A.M., Massachusets and Rhode-Island.
Revd. JOHN R. MARSHAL, A.M., Connecticut.

NEW-YORK

Hevd. SAMUEL PROVOOST, A.M.
Revd. ABRAHAM BEACH, A.M.
Revd. BENJAMIN MOORE, A.M.
Revd. JOSHUA BLOOMER, A.M.
Revd. LEONARD CUTTING, A.M.

NEW-JERSEY

Revd. THOMAS MOORE,
Hon. JAMES DUANE.
MARINUS WILLET. > &
JOHN ALSOP, '} Esquires.

Revd. UZAL OGDEN.
JOHN DE HART, Esquire.

JOHN CHETWOOD, Esquire.
Mr. SAMUEL SPRAGG.

PENNSYLVANIA

Revd. WILLIAM WHITE, D.D.
Revd. SAMUEL MAGAW, D.D.
Revd. JOSEPH HUTCHINS, A.M.

RICHARD WILLING, \

SAMUEL POWELL, > Esquires.

RICHARD PETERS. '

MATTHEW CLARKSON, Esquire.

DELAWARE STATE
Revd. SYDENHAM THORN, Revd. CHARLES WHARTON, Mr. ROBERT CLAY.

MARYLAND

Revd. WILLIAM SMITH, D.D.

N.B. The Revd. Mr. GRIFFITH from the State of Virginia, was present
by permission. The Clergy of that State being restricted by Laws yet in
force there, were not at liberty to send Delegates, or consent to any Altera
tions in the Order Government, Doctrine, or Worship of the Church.

(3)

4 HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS.

IHE Body now assembled, recommend to the Clergy and
Congregations of their Communion in the States repre
sented as above, and propose to those of the other States
not represented, That as soon as they shall have organized
or associated themselves in the States to which they respec
tively belong, agreeably to such Rules as they shall think
proper, they unite in a general ecclesiastical Constitution, on
the following fundamental Principles.

I. That there shall be a general Convention of the Epis
copal Church in the United States of America.

II. That the Episcopal Church in each State, send Depu
ties to the Convention, consisting of Clergy and Laity.

III. That associated Congregations in two or more States,
may send Deputies jointly.

IV. That the said Church shall maintain the Doctrines of
the Gospel as now 'held by the Church of England, and shall
adhere to the Liturgy of the said Church, as far as shall be
consistent with the American Revolution and the Constitu
tions of the respective States.

V. That in every State where there shall be a Bishop duly
consecrated and settled, he shall be considered as a member
of the Convention ex Officio.

VI. That the Clergy and Laity assembled in Convention*
shall deliberate in one Body, but shall vote seperately; and
the concurrence of both shall be necessary to give Validity
to every Measure.

VII. That the first meeting of the Convention shall be at
Philadelphia, the Tuesday before the Feast of St. Michael
next; to which it is hoped, and earnestly desired, That the
Episcopal Churches in the respective States, will send their
Clerical and Lay Deputies, duly instructed and authorized to
proceed on the necessary Business herein proposed for their
Deliberation.

Signed by Order, of the Convention,

WILLIAM SMITH, D.D. President.^)
To this, the printed account of the meeting in New York,
we add, from a paper endorsed by Bishop White, "as in ye

(1) Reprinted, VERBATIM ET LITERATIM, from Bp. White's copy of "the
short printed account of the proceedings of this meeting," which the
Bishop tells us in his Memoirs (p. 80) " was in very few hands at the
time, and is probably at this time generally destroyed or lost."

HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS. 5

Hand writing of Dr. Wm. Smith, who presided," the follow
ing additional particulars.

Octr. 6th, A. M.

Upon motion, the Rev. Dr. William Smith was called to
the Chair as President of this Convention; and the Rev.
Mr. Benjamin Moore was appointed Secretary.

The Letters of Appointment and other Documents pro
duced by the several Members above mentioned were read ;
and also the following Letters from the Clergy of Massachu
setts Bay and Connecticut.

It being resolved that a Committee of Clerical and Lay
Deputies be appointed to essay the fundamental principles
of a general Constitution, the following gentlemen were ap
pointed, viz.,

Revd. Dr. Smith, Mr. Clarkson,

" Dr. White, Mr. De Hart,

" Mr. Parker, Mr. Clay,

" Mr. Provoost, Mr. Duane.

The same Committee are desired to frame and propose to
the Convention, a proper substitute for the State Prayers in
the Liturgy, to be used for the sake [of] uniformity, till a fur
ther Review shall be undertaken by general Authority and
Consent of the Church.

Octr. 7th. Present as above.

The Committee appointed yesterday to essay the funda
mental Principles of an ecclesiastical Constitution for this
Church, reported an Essay for this purpose, which being
read and duly considered, and amended, was adopted as fol
lows, viz.,

THE Body now assembled, recommend [etc., as above].

Resolved, that it be recommended to the Clergy in the re
spective Churches here represented, to appoint in each State
a Committee of not less than two Clergymen to examine
Persons who, in the present exigency, are desirous of officiat
ing as Readers, and to direct them to such duties as they are
to perform ; and that it be recommended to the Congregations
not to suffer any Lay Persons to officiate in their Churches,
other than such as shall be certified by said Committee to be
duly qualified.

WM. SMITH, President.

6 HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS.

Earlier in the same year, on the llth(l) of May, the preli
minary step had been taken for effecting the union of the
Churches in the various States. Several clergymen from
the States of New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania, met
by previous agreement at New Brunswick, in New Jersey,
ostensibly to take measures for the revival of the Corporation
for the relief of the Widows and Children of the Clergy, but
primarily for the discussion of principles of ecclesiastical union.
These clergymen, whose names we give below, together with
several prominent laymen of New York and New Jersey,
who were invited to attend the meeting of the Clergy, found
themselves at the outset unable to agree upon the funda
mental principles of union. Not only were the more north
ern clergymen apprehensive of a disposition on the part of
their southern brethren to deviate materially from the eccle
siastical system of England in the matter of Episcopal po
lity, but the previous application of some of the New York
Clergy, in connection with those of Connecticut, to the En
glish bishops, for the consecration of Dr. Samuel Seabury,
was considered as a bar to any further measures, while this
petition was pending. A single result was, however, attain
ed. Before the separation of the Clergy, the appointment
of a meeting in October was determined upon, and the re
cognition of the Laity as a co-ordinate branch of the
deliberative and executive assemblies of the Church, was
secured.

The Minutes of this Meeting, so far as preserved, are here
with presented. Though they add little information to that
which we have already presented, as condensed from
Bishop White's Memoirs, they serve to correct several tri
fling errors in the Bishop's account, and are of interest as
the original records of our first prelimihary Convention of
the Churches in the different States.

(1) BUhop White's Memoirs, page 21, says "the 13th and 14th of
May."

HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS.

Meeting at New Brunswick, May 11, 1784.

(1) At a voluntary meeting of sundry members of the
Corporation for the "Relief of Widows, &c.," held at New
Brunswick, on Tuesday, llth May, 1784, the following gen
tlemen being present,

The Rev. Dr. White, Rev. Dr. Magaw, Rev. Mr. Beach,
Rev. Mr. Bloomer, Rev. Mr. Blackwell, and James Parker,
Esq.,

They were unanimously of opinion, that the next meeting
of the said Corporation, agreeable to the directions of the
Charter, is to be held in the City of New York, on the Tu
esday after the Feast of St. Michael next ensuing.

They accordingly request the Revd. Dr. Smith, the Revd.
Dr.' White, Revd. Mr. Beech, and Revd. Mr. Bloomer, to
notify the meeting of the said Corporation ; there being, at
present, no Secretary regularly to perform the same.

The same gentlemen are also requested to remind the Rev.
Mr. Thompson that it will be his turn to preach on the above-
mentioned occasion ; and that Mr. Cutting and Dr. Magaw,
who are the next in rotation, be prepared to preach in case
of any failure on the part of Mr. Thompson.

At New Brunswick, Tuesday, llth May, 1784, several
members of the Episcopal Church, both of the Clergy and
Laity, from the States of New York, New Jersey, and Penn
sylvania, were assembled together.

Present: The Revd. Dr. White, Revd. Dr. Magaw, Revd.
Mr. Beech, Revd. Mr. Bloomer, Revd. Mr.'Frazer, Revd.
Mr. Ogden, Revd. Mr. Blackwell, Revd. Mr. Boden, Revd.
Mr. Benjamin Moore, Revd. Mr. Thomas Moore, James
Parker, John Stevens, Richard Stevens, John Dennis, Es
quires, Col. Hoyt, and Col. Furman.

It was agreed, that the Revd. Messrs. Beach, Bloomer,
and B. Moore, be requested to wait upon the Clergy of Con
necticut, who are to be convened on the Wednesday in Tri
nity week next ensuing, for the Purpose of soliciting their
Concurrence with us in such Measures as may be deemed
conducive to the Union and Prosperity of the Episcopal
Churches in the States of America.

(1) Endorsed by Bishop White as follows: "The original of ye Mi
nutes of ye Meeting in *N. Brunswick, in May, 1784, in ye Hand-writing
of ye revd. Benjamin (since Bp.) Moore of N. York."

8 HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS.

Also agreed by the gentlemen present, that the undermen
tioned Persons be requested to correspond with each other,
and with any other Persons, for the Purpose of forming a
Continental Representation of the Episcopal Church, and
for the better management of the concerns of the said
Church.

Revd. Messrs. Bloomer, Provoost, and B. Moor*, for New
York; Revd. Messrs. Beach, Ogden, and Ayres, for New
Jersey; Revd. Dr. White, Dr. Magaw, and Mr. Blackwell,
for Pennsylvania.

Any one of which Persons of each State respectively, to
correspond with the others, without consulting his colleagues
of the same State, whenever it may be deemed expedient.

It is time that the Church should know to whom the idea
of this preliminary meeting was due. The following letters
from the Rev. Abraham Beach, of New Brunswick, printed
from the original among the Bishop White MSS., contain
the first suggestion of this gathering for conference. They
are also valuable as furnishing information as to the state of
feeling in the Church at that time, with reference to these
measures for organization and union.

NEW BRUNSWICK, 26th January, 1784.
Reverend Sir:

I always expected that as soon as the Return of Peace should put it
in their Power, that the Members of the Episcopal Church in this Country
would interest themselves in its Behalf would endeavour to introduce
Order and Uniformity into it, and provide for a Succession in the Minis
try. The Silence on this Subject which hath universally prevailed, and
still prevails, is a Matter of real Concern to me, as it seems to portend an
utter extinction of that Church which I so highly venerate.

As I flatter myself your Sentiments correspond with my own, I cannot
deny myself the Satisfaction of writing you on the Subject.

Every Person I have conversed with is fully sensible that something
should be done, and the sooner the better. , For my own Part, I think the
fisrt step that should be taken, in the present unsettled State of the
Church, is to get a Meeting of as many of the Clergy as can be conveni
ently collected. Such a Meeting appears to be peculiarly necessary in
order to look into the condition of the Widows Fund, which may at pre
sent be an object worth attending to, but will unavoidably dwindle to
nothing, if much longer neglected. Would it not therefore be proper to

HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS. 9

advertise a Meeting of the Corporation in the Spring at Brunswick, or
any other place that may be thought more convenient; and endeavour to
get together as many as possible of the Clergy who are not members, at
the same time and place.

A sincere Regard to the Interests of the Church, induces me to make
these Proposals, wishing to be favoured with your sentiments upon this
subject. If any Thing should occur to you as necessary to be done, in
order to put us upon an equal Footing with other Denominations of
Christians, and cement us together in the Bonds of Love, I should be
happy in an opportunity of assisting in ft.
I am, Reverend Sir,

Your affectionate Brother,

And very humble Servant,

ABRAHAM BEACH.
The Reverend Dr. WHITE,
Rector of Christ Church and St. Peters, Philadelphia.

These proposals secured at once the approbation of Dr.
White ; and the communication of his approval of Mr.
Beach's plan, was shortly after followed by the following
reply.

NEW BRUNSWICK,

22d March, 1784.
Reverend Sir:

As soon as I was made acquainted by your Favr. of the 7th Feby. of
your concurrence in the Proposed Meeting of the Clergy, I wrote to Mr.
Provost and Mr. Moore of New York, on the subject. They both approve
of the Measure, and, not only APPROVE of it, but think it absolutely NE
CESSARY.

In a Letter I received from Mr. Blackwell, sometime ago, he proposed
Tuesday, llth May, as a proper TIME for the Meeting, and acquiesced
with my proposal of Brunswick for the PLACE. I remarked this in my
Letter to Mr. Provost ; in answer to which he acquainted me that on con
sulting Mr. Duane, and other Members of the Corporation in New York,
they discovered a desire that the Meeting should be held in New York on
Wednesday, the 12th May.

For my own Part, I have no manner of Objection to the Alteration,
any further than its depriving me of the Company of some of my Bre
thren at my House. Even this Pleasure, however, I am ready to forego ;
if our Meeting in N. York may have any tendency to promote PEACE and
HARMONY in the Church there. This expectation and belief is the prin-

10 HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS.

cipal Reason for their wishing for the Alteration with regard to TIME and
PLACE.

Should this proposal of meeting in New York on Wednesday the 12th
May, meet with your approbation, will you be so good as to acquaint the
members of the Corporation in Pennsylvania, and desire their attend
ance? Would not advertising in the public papers be proper?

Some of the Lay Members, may perhaps, scarcely think it worth their
while to take so much Trouble without a prospect of immediate Profit to
themselves. I cannot but flatter myself, however, that there are SOME
still, who would wish to promotethe Interests of Religion in general to
save the Church of which we are Members from utter Decay and conse
quently to promote the real HAPPINESS AND PROSPERITY OF THE COUN
TRY. Persons of this character will not, surely, withhold their assistance
at this very CRITICAL JUNCTURE. t

You desire to know the State of the Fund in N. York and in N. Jer
sey. With regard to the former, Mr. Provost writes me, that it has very
much suffered by the Fire which consumed Mr. Laroy's House, the Trea
surer. This Circumstance, by the way, is an additional inducement for
the proposed Meeting; for undoubtedly the property consumed was in
Bonds and Mortgages. Mr. Laroy may possibly recollect from whom
they were taken ; and the Corporation may put Matters in such a train
as to receive some Part of it at least. As to the Jersey Part, I have
found a Bond of 150 or 200, which is safe and in good hands. I
spoke to Mr. Cox, the late Treasurer, on the subject, just before he sailed
for Europe. He informed me that had some Accts. and other Papers
belongg. to the Corporn., which he promised to leave with Mrs. Cox, to
be delivered to the Order of that Body not thinking himself safe in de
livering them to any particular Member.

I should be exceedingly happy to hear from you, as soon as your Con-
veniency will permit ; and am,

Revd. Sir,
Your affectionate Brothr.,

And very Hunil. Servt.,

ABRAHAM BEACH.

Eevd. Dr. WHITE.

A few weeks later we have the following letter, making
further arrangements for the Clerical Meeting, and contain
ing an allusion to Dr. White's celebrated pamphlet, " The
Case of the Episcopal Churches in the United States Con
sidered."

HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS. 11

NEW BRUNSWICK,

13th April, 1784.
Reverend Sir

I have just received a letter from Mr. Provost, signifying his concur
rence with the FIRST APPOINTMENT. It is at length agreed UPON ALL
HANDS, that our Meeting be held at Brunswick, on Tuesday, the llth
May; and as the day is near at hand, I think no Time ought to be lost in
giving the proper Notice.

I wish you would be so good as to advertise it in one of your News
Papei's, with an invitation to all Clergymen of the Episcopal Church, and
perhaps you may think it proper to invite respectable characters of the
LAITY, as matters of general concern to the Church may probably be dis
cussed. As soon as I find the Advertisement in a Philadelphia paper, I
will cause it to be inserted in one in N. York, and will WRITE" likewise
to all concerned in Jersey.

You will undoubtedly agree with me in the propriety of having a Ser
mon on the occasion. Will you be so good as to preach it?

I am much obliged to you for the Pamphlet(l) you was so kind to send
me. I had the Pleasure of reading it on its first Publication, and am
happy to agree with you in every particular, excepting the NECESSITY of
receding from ancient usages. If this necessity existed in time of WAR,
I cannot think that it does at PRESENT ; and as you convey the same idea
in yr. letter, I flatter myself our sentiments on Church Government en
tirely agree.

You will please make my best Respects to Dr. Magaw and Mr. Black-
well, and believe me to be,

Reverend Sir,

Your affectionate Brother

And very Humble Servt.,

ABRAHAM BEACH.
Reverend Dr. WHITE,
Rector of Christ Church and St. Peter's, Philadelphia.

Notwithstanding the results of this primary Convention
appeared at the time to be but trifling, the plan and purpose
of union, so ardently desired by Mr. Beach, was not lost

(1) "The Case of the Episcopal Churches in the United States Consi
dered. ' To make new articles of faith and doctrine, no man thinketh it
lawful: new laws of government, what Commonwealth or Church is there
which maketh not at one time or another.' HOOKER. Philadelphia:
Printed by David C. Claypole, 1783." Reprinted by William Stavely
Philadelphia, 1827. Reprinted in the Prot. Epis. Quarterly Review, Vol.
vi. 1859, and subsequently issued in a separate form, the same year, in
New York.

12 HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS.

sight of in the interim. Although no allusion to the fact is
made by Bishop White, in his account of this gathering, (1)
it appears, both from the original Minutes, as well as from
the following letter, that Committees of Correspondence were
chosen to interest the Clergymen and members of the scat
tered Churches in the proposed meeting at New York. The
report of the Committee appointed to visit the Convocation
of the Connecticut Clergy, we give below. It is important
from the light it throws upon the subject of Lay Representa
tion, as viewed at that time by the Churchmen of New En
gland.

NEW BRUNSWICK,

19th June, 1784.
Dear Sir

I am just returned from New England in company with Mr. Bloomer
and Mr. Moore ; and at their desire am now to acquaint you that th.4
Clergy there appear well disposed to join the Episcopal Church in the
other States, in forming Regulations for the government of it, and for
preserving uniformity of worship.

They, indeed, made some Objection with respect to LAY DELEGATES.
We informed them, in answer to their Objections, that it was thought ne
cessary in some of the States, particularly in Pennsylvania, to associate
some respectable Characters amongst the Laity, in order to give weight
and importance to the Church ; but we meant not to prescribe to OTHER
STATES provided the END was obtained, we would not differ with them as
to the MEANS, if they were only fair and honest They replied, that they
thought themselves fully adequate to the Business of representing the
Episcopal Church in their State, and that the Laity did not EXPECT, or
WISH to be called in as delegates on such an occasion ; but would, with full
confidence, trust matters PURELY ECCLESIASTICAL to their Clergy. They
accordingly determined unanimously, to send a Comtee. of their body to
represent the Episcopal Church of Connecticut at our intended Meeting in
N. York, on the Tuesday after Michaelmas ; and to get a representation of
the States further eastward.

Thus you find the Comtee. appointed to attend the Convention in
Connecticut have executed the Purposes of their appointment; and expect
the Comtte. of Correspondence in Philadelphia will endeavour to procure a
representation from the more Southern States.

(1) " Memoirs of the Episcopal Church," 2d Edition, pp. 78, 79.

HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS. 13

Previous to these informal gatherings, there had been in
the past frequent, and recently quite important Conventions
of the Clergy in the various Provinces and States. Dating
far .back to the days of the worthy Commissary of Mary
land, Dr. Thomas Bray, and his equally venerable brother,
Dr. James Blair of Virginia, annual or occasional Convoca
tions of the Clergy had been held in these two ancient Pro
vinces. In South Carolina, in Pennsylvania, and at the
North, there were also annual Conventions of the Clergy;
and a published Sermon, of no ordinary merit, from the pen
of Rev. James Honeyman, of Narragansett, Rhode Island,
delivered before a Convention of the Massachusetts and
Rhode Island Clergy, in the year 1726, and another, by the
Rev. William Becket, Missionary at Lewes, at Commissary
Cumings' first Visitation, held in September, 1731, are still
extant. (1) In Connecticut, similar traces of occasional Cle
rical gatherings are to be found, in the shape of dingy pam
phlets, bearing the recommendation of the assembled Clergy,

(1) Vide " The Acts of Dr. Bray's Visitation held at Annopolis in Ma
ryland, May 23, 24, 25. Anno 1700. London. Printed by W. Downing
ia Bartholomew-Close, near West Smithfield. 1700." A folio pamphlet,
reprinted in the Appendix to Dr. Hawks's Ecclesiastical Contributions, Vol.
II., Maryland. Or such pamphlets as the following, among others: "A Ser
mon preached at the King's Chapel in Boston, N. E., at a Convention of
Episcopal Ministers in the year 1726. Printed at Boston MDCCXXXIII."
(By the Rev. James Honeyman, of Narragansett, Rhode Island. Vide
Historical Magazine, II., 338, 306.) In Harvard College Library, Cam
bridge, Mass.

" An Exhortation to the Clergy of Pennsylvania, at Philadelphia, Sep
tember the 24th, 1729. By the Rev. Archibald Cummings, Commissary,
and Rector of Christ's Church in Philadelphia. Annapolis: Printed and
Sold by W. Parks, M,DCC,XXIX."

" The Duty both of Clergy and Laity to each other. A Sermon preach
ed before the Reverend Commissary, and the rest of the Clergy of Penn
sylvania. In Christ Church, Philadelphia. On Wednesday, September
24, 1729. Being the first Visitation held there. By William Beckett,
Missionary at Lewes. Annapolis: Printed and Sold by W. Parks,
M,DCC,XXIX." From Dr. Hawks's Collection.

The Original Minutes of the Conventions of the Clergy of New York
aud New Jersey, for the years 1766 and 1767, during the agitation of the
question of an American Episcopate, are in the hands of the Rev. Profess
or Seabury, of New York. These records are in the handwriting of the
first Bishop of Connecticut.

14 HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS.

or Sermons preaclied before them when in council together;
while in New York these meetings formed a sort of Commis-
sarial junto, exercising the power of deciding upon recom
mendations for Orders, and giving to the ecclesiastica^ au
thorities at home, authentic information with reference to
Church matters in the Colonies.

W have already referred to the action of the assembled
Clergy of Connecticut, with several from New York, in re
commending Dr. Seabury to the Archbishop of York for
consecration. But a little later there was convened in Mary
land a Convention, the importance of which, from its bearing
upon the subsequent action of the Church at large, requires
a full and minute recital. We therefore incorporate, with
additional notes, derived from various manuscript and printed
sources, the following pamphlet, entitled,

TO THE

MEMBERS

OF THE

DProtestant Episcopal Clmrcli,

OF MARYLAND,

CONTAINING

An ACCOUNT of the Proceedings of some late CONVEN
TIONS both of CLERGY and LAITY, for the purpose of or
ganizing the said Church, and providing a Succession in
her Ministry agreeable to the Principles of the American
Revolution.

Published by a COMMITTEE of Clerical and Lay-Members,
appointed for that Purpose, by a Convention held at An
napolis, June 22d, 1784.

BALTIMORE:

PRINTED FOR WILLIAM GODDARD.
MDCCLXXXIV.

(1) To this Address is added "A Sermon preached at the Opening of the
said Convention, by William Smith, ]>.D., President of the same," which it
is unnecessary to reprint.

HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS. 15

At a Meeting or Convention of Clergy and Lay Delegates
of the Protestant Episcopal Church of Maryland, at Annap
olis, June 22d 24th, 1784. Agreed

I HAT a Committee of three Clerical and three Lay Mern-
"bers be appointed to digest and publish the Proceed-
" ings of this and such Parts of the Proceedings of the for-
" mer Convention, as they may judge necessary to lay before
"the Public; and to confer and treat with any Committees
" that may be appointed in the Sister States, for considering
" and drawing up a Plan of such Alterations in the Liturgy
" of the Church, as may be necessary under the American
" Revolution for Uniformity of Worship, and Church Cro-
"vernment."

The Committee of this Convention appointed for the above
Purposes, are

f WILLIAM SMITH, D.D., President.
Rev. -< WILLIAM WEST, Secretary; and
(.JOHN ANDREWS, A.M.
RICHARD RIDGELY, Esq.
JOSEPH COUDEN, A.M.; and
Dr. THOMAS CRADOCK.

They are empowered to nominate any Members of their
own Body, not less than three, to transact Business, if more
cannot possibly attend.

A true Copy.

WM. WEST, Secretary.

[Page 3.1 AN

TO THE

MEMBERS of the PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH in the
State of MARYLAND, $>c.

1HE Proceedings of the Clergy and Laity of this Church,
at Sundry Conferences, Meetings, or Conventions (both jointly
and severally) during the three last years, having no other
Object than is in general set forth in the Title-Page, and
Minute of Convention, prefixed to this Address ; and our Bu
siness, as a Committee, being to digest and publish those Pro
ceedings, for the information of all whom it may concern;
We shall begin with the first Petition to the General Assem
bly of this State, for a Law towards the Support of the

16 HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS.

CHRISTIAN RELIGION, agreeably to the Provision made in
the Bill of Rights. It was the separate Act of a very con
siderable number of Vestries, wholly in their Lay Character,
and was in the following Words; viz.,

To the HONORABLE the GENERAL ASSEMBLY
of the State of MARYLAND.

The PETITION of the VESTRY and CHURCH- WARDENS of

the Parish of , County,

HUMBLY SHEWETH,

THAT it is manifest from Reason, as well as the clearer
Light of Revelation, that the Worship of the ALMIGHTY
CREATOR and GOVERNOR of the Universe, is the indispensible
Duty of his dependent Creatures, and the surest Means of
preserving their temporal as well as eternal Happiness ; That,
where RELIGION is left unsupported, neither LAWS or GOVERN
MENT can be duly administered; And, as the Experience of
Ages has shewn the Necessity of a Provision for supporting
the Officers [Page 4.] and Ministers of Government, in all
Civil Societies ; so the like Experience shews the Necessity
of providing a Sppport for the Ordinances and Ministers of
Religion because if either of them [viz., Religion or Govern
ment] were left wholly dependent on the Benevolence of In
dividuals, such is the Frailty of human Nature, and the
Averseness of many to their best Interests, that the Sordid,
and Selfish, the Licentious, and Prophane, would avail them
selves of such Liberty to shrink from their Share of Labor
and Expence, and thereby render that, which would be easy
when borne by All, an intolerable Burden to the Few, whose
Conscience and Principles of Justice would not permit them
in this, or in any other Case, to swerve from their Duties,
Civil or Religious.

That our pious Ancestors, the worthy and respectable
Founders of this State, convinced of the foregoing Truths,
and declaring that, " In every well-grounded Commonwealth,
" Matters concerning Religion ought, in the first place, to be
" taken into consideration, countenanced, and encouraged ;
" as being not only most acceptable to God, but the best
" Way and Means of obtaining his Mercy and a Blessing
"upon a People and Country," (having the Promises of this
Life and of the Life to come,) did frame and enact sundry
Laws for erecting Churches and Places of public Worship,

HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS. 17

the Maintenance of an orthodox Clergy, the Support and
Advancement of Religion, and the orderly Administration
of its divine and saving Ordinances.

That the Delegates of this State, at the great dEra of our
Independence, in free and full Convention assembled, for the
Purpose of establishing a new Constitution and Form of Go
vernment, upon the Authority of the People, appearing in
their Wisdom to have considered some Parts of the said Laws
as inconsistent with that Religious Liberty and Equality of
Assessment, which they intended as the basis of their future
Government; Did, by the 33d Section of the DECLARATION
OF RIGHTS, abrogate all such Laws theretofore passed, as en
abled any County Courts, on the Application of Vestrymen
and Church-Wardens, to make Assessments or Levies for
Support of the Religious Establishment ; but not with a View
of being less attentive than their pious Ancestors had been,
to the Interests of RELIGION, LEARNING, and GOOD MORALS.
On the contrary, by the very same Section, an express Re
commendation and Authority are given to future Legisla
tures, " At their Discretion, to lay a general and equal Tax,
"for the support of the Christian Religion," agreeably to the
said Declaration.

That your Petitioners are sensible of the many urgent civil
Concerns, in which the honorable and worthy Legislatures
of this State have been engaged, since the Commencement
of the [Page 5.] present great and trying Period; and how
much Wisdom and Deliberation are at all times necessary in
framing equal Laws for the Support of Religion and Learn
ing, and more especially amidst the horrors and confusions of
an expensive, cruel, and unrelenting War. But they are
sensible, at the same Time (and persuaded the honorable
Assembly are equally sensible), that w[h]ere RELIGION is
left to mourn and droop her head, while her sacred Ordinan
ces are unsupported, and Vice and Immorality gain Ground,
even W T AR itself will be but feebly carried on, Patriotism will
lose its most animating Principle, Corruption will win its
W r ay from the lowest to the highest Places, Distress will soon
pervade every public Measure; our Churches, our Grave-
Yards the Monuments of the Piety of our Ancestors, run
ning into Ruin, will become the Reproach of their Posterity;
nay more, the great and glorious Fabric of public Happiness
which we are striving to build up, and cement with an Im
mensity of Blood and Treasure, might be in Danger of turn-

18 HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS.

bling into the Dust, as wanting the stronger Cement of Vir
tue and Religion,or perhaps would fall an easy Prey to some
haughty Invader!

Deeply impressed with these momentous Considerations,
and conceiving ourselves fully warranted by our Constituents,
in this Application to your honorable Body, having duly ad
vertised our Design, without any Objections yet notified to us
Your Petitioners, therefore, most earnestly and humbly
pray-
That an Act may be passed, agreeably to the aforesaid Sec
tion of the Declaration of Rights, for the support of pub
lic Religion, by an equal Assessment and Tax, and also
to enable the Vestry and Church- Wardens of this Pa
rish, by Rates on the Pews, from Time to Time, or
otherwise, as in your Wisdom you shall think fit, to repair
and uphold the Church and Chapel, and the Church Yards
and Burying Grounds of the same; all which, your Peti
tioners conceive, may be done, not only for this Parish, but
at the same Time, if thought best, for every other Parish
within this State (which, it is believed, earnestly desires
the same) by a single law, in a Manner perfectly agreeably
to the Liberty and Wishes of every Denomination of Men
who would be deemed good Christians and faithful Citizens
of this State. And your Petitioners, as bound, shall ever
pray, &c.

In the foregoing Petition, exclusive Privilege is PRAYED
for; only, " That a Law may be passed agreeably to the Bill
" of Rights, and to the Liberty and Wishes of every Denomi-
" nation of Men, who would be deemed good Christians and
"faithful Citizens of this State." And some of the Vestries
that presented the Petitions, finding the public Difficulties
encreasing, soon afterwards [Page 6.] signified their Desire to
the Creneral Assembly that all further Consideration of the
matter, might be postponed to a Time of less Distress and
Danger.

But on the happy Establishment of Peace, his Excellency
Governor PACA, in Council, with a truly paternal and pious
Care for the Concerns of Religion, as inseparably connected
with the Interest of the State, was pleased to revive this im
portant Business, in an Address to the General Assembly
(M;.y 6th, 1783) as follows, viz.

" It is far from our Intentions to embarrass your Deliber-
" ations with a Variety of Objects, but we cannot pass over

HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS. 19

"Matters of so high Concernment as RELIGION and LEARN
ING. The Sufferings of the Ministers of the Gospel of all
" Denominations, during the War, have been very consider-
" able; and the Perseverance and Firmness of those, who dis-
" charged their sacred Functions under many discouraging
" Circumstances, claim our Acknowledgments and Thanks.
" The Bill of Rights and Form of Government recognize the
" principle of public Support for the Ministers of the Gospel,
" and ascertain the Mode. Anxiously solicitous for the Bless-
" ings of Government, and the Welfare and Happiness of
" our Citizens, and thoroughly convinced of the powerful
" Influence of Religion, when diffused by its respectable
" Teachers, we beg Leave most seriously and warmly to re-
" commend, among the first Objects of your Attention, on
" the Return of Peace, the making such Provision, as the
" Constitution, in this case, authorizes and approves."

A Copy of this Address, about a Week after it was deliv
ered to the Assembly, came into the Hands of sundry of the
Episcopal Clergy;(l) who, finding the Concerns of Religion
so strongly recommended by the Executive to the Legislative
Part of Government, thought it immediately necessary that
there should be a Council or Consultation of Clergy held for
the Purpose of considering " What Alterations might be ne
cessary in our Liturgy and Service; and how our Church
might be organized, and a Succession in the Ministry kept
up, so as to be an Object of public Notice and Support, in
common with other Christian Churches under the Revolu
tion."

It was considered that some Legislative Interposition or
Sanction might probably be necessary in the Course of this
Business; for as our Church derived her Liturgy from the
Church of England, and was formerly dependent on the
same Church [Page 7.] for a Succession in her Ministry, and
had certain Property reserved to her by the Constitution of
this State, under the Name of the Church of England; it
became a Question whether, if any Alterations should be
made in the Liturgy, or in the Mode of Succession in the
Ministry, she could any longer be considered as the Cfiurch
described in the Constitution of this State, or entitled to the
perpetual Use of the Property aforesaid. An incorporating

(1) They were occasionally assembled at the FIRST COMMENCEMENT in
WASHINGTON COLLEGE, May, 1783.

20 HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS.

Act or Cfiarter was also deemed necessary to enable the Cler
gy or some Representative Body of the Church, to raise and
manage a Fund for certain charitable and pious Purposes;
such Charters having been granted to Christian /Societies of
every Denomination in other of the neighbouring States,
whenever they have been prayed for.

Such was the Foundation of the following Petition, which
has nothing for itsObject but equal Privileges; and prays for
nothing but what the Members of our Church consider as
their undoubted Right, and which cannot be called in question
by any who claim and enjoy the like Rights, under the Con
stitution and Laws of this State.

To the Honorable the General Assembly of the
State of MARYLAND.

The MEMORIAL and PETITION of the Subscribers, in be
half of themselves and others the Clergy of the Episco
pal Churches,

SUEWETH,

IHAT the happy Termination of War, the Establishment
of Peace, and the final Recognition and Acknowledgment of
the Sovereignty and Independence of these United States
among the Powers of the World, yield a favorable Occasion
(which this State in particular hath long desired) of making
some permanent Provision, agreeably to the Constitution, for
" the Ministers of Religion," and the Advancement of use
ful Knowledge and Literature, through this rising American
Empire.

That, in Respect to the Episcopal Churches in this State
(to the communion of which so large a Proportion of the good
People of Maryland belongs) the following Things are abso
lutely necessary, viz.

[Page 8.] 1st. That some Alterations should be made in
the Liturgy and Service, in order to adapt the same to the
Revolution, and for other Purposes of Uniformity, Concord,
and Subordination to the State.

2d. That a Method and Plan for educating, ordaining, and
keeping up a Succession of able and fit Ministers or Pastors,
for the Service of the said Churches, agreeably to ancient
Practice and their proposed Principles, as well as that uni
versal Toleration established by the Constitution, be speedily
determined upon, and fixed, under the public Authority of

HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS. 21

the State, and with the Advice and Consent of the Clergy
of the said Churcb.es, after due Consultation had thereupon.

Your Petitioners, therefore, Humbly pray
That the said Clergy may have leave to consult, prepare and
offer to the General Assembly, the Draft of a Bill, for the
good Purposes aforesaid and your Petitioners, as in Duty
bound, shall pray, &c.

Signed, *

WILLIAM SMITH.
THOMAS GATES.

The PRAYER of the foregoing Petition was readily grant
ed, and at a Meeting or Convention of the Clergy which, in
pursuance thereof, was held at Annapolis, 13th August,
1783, one Part of the Proceedings, which according to our
Appointment, we come now to lay before the Public, was to
nominate a Committee (1) " To prepare the Draft of an Act or
" Charter of Incorporation, to enable the Episcopal Church
" of this State, as a Body Corporate, to hold Goods, Lands
"and Chattels, by Deed, Gift, Devise, &c., to the Amount
" of . . . per Annum, as a Fund for providing small
" Annuities to the Widows of Clergymen, and for the Edu-
" cation of their Children, or any poor Children in general,
" who may be found of promising Genius and Disposition
" for a Supply of Ministers in the said Church, and for other
" pious and charitable uses."

These were the Purposes for which the Committee were in-
structed to prepare the Draft of a Bill, and they were fur
ther instructed to bring it forward to the Spring-Sessions of
Assembly [Page 9.] then following. But as no Spring-Ses
sions have been held this Year, the proposed Bill could not
yet be brought forward. And whenever it shall be offered to
the Legislative Body, they will be the best Judges of its Pro
priety ; or may, if they think proper, direct it to be published
for consideration before it is enacted into a Law; and then
it will be fully seen, whether it hath any Thing for its Ob
ject but what is of equal and common Might, as hath been
already set forth.

The remaining Business of this Convention was to deliber-

(1) The Committee consists of three Clergymen of each Shore, viz.,
the same who are here-in-after named as Examiners of Candidates foi
holy Orders.

22 HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS.

ate concerning the Mode of obtaining a Succession in the
Ministry, the Choice of fit Persons for the different Orders
of the same, and some fundamental Articles for future Uni
formity, Concord, and good Government, for which Purpose
the following were unanimously agreed upon and subscribed,
viz.

^DECLARATION of certain fundamental Rights and Li
berties of the Protestant Episcopal Church of Mary-
hind, &C.(1)

WHEREAS by the CONSTITUTION and FORM of Govern
ment of this State " All Persons professing the Christian
" Religion, are equally entitled to Protection in their Religi-
" ous Liberty, and no Person, by any Law [or otherwise]
" ought to be molested in his Person or Estate on Account of
" his religious Persuasion or Profession, or for his religious
" Practice ; unless, under Colour of Religion, any Man shall
" disturb the good Order, Peace, or Safety of the State,
" or shall infringe the Laws of Morality, or injure others in
"their natural, civil, or religious Rights:" And Whereas
the ecclesiastical and spiritual Independence of the differ
ent religious Denominations, Societies, Congregations, and
Churches of Christians in this State, necessarily follows
from, or is included in, their civil Independence.^)

(1) The original manuscript of this important document, with the sig
natures of the Clergy attached, is to be found in the Collection of Dr.
Smith's papers and correspondence, in the hands of the Rev. Dr. Hawks.

(2) In connection with these "Fundamental Principles," which appear
not only in this printed address, but again and again in subsequent Jour
nals and fragments of Journals of the Maryland Conventions, it may be
well to subjoin the following important letter, from the Rev. Dr. William
Smith, the leading spirit in the Maryland organization, which bears
strongly upon the question of diocesan independence, as held by the
framers of our ecclesiastical Constitution. It forms, moreover, a fitting
preface to the " Proceedings" it so clearly indicates in advance.

Dear Sir:

The Clergy of Maryland are to meet (in pursuance of the sanction ob
tained from the G. Assembly) on the 13th of this Month; but as Mr.
Gates and myself were to call this Meeting, we found on consulting some
of our nearest Brethren, that they did not think it proper, nor that we
were authorized, to call any Clergy to our assistance from the neighbor
ing States that the Episcopal Clergy of Maryland were in some respecta

HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS. 23

WHEREFORE WE the Clergy of the Protestant Epis
copal Church of Maryland (heretofore denominated the
Church of England, as by Law established) with all Duty
to the civil Authority of the State, and with all Love and
Good-will to our Fellow-Christians of every other religious
Denomination, do hereby declare, make known, and claim,
the following, as certain of the fundamental Rights and Li
berties inherent in and belonging to the said Episcopal
Church, not only of common Right, but agreeably to the ex
press Words, Spirit, and Design of the Constitution and
Form of Government aforesaid, viz.

[Page 10.]

I. WE consider it as the undoubted Right of the said Pro
testant Episcopal Church, in common with other Christian
Churches under the American Revolution, to compleat and
preserve herself as an entire Church, agreeably to her an
cient Usages and Profession, and to have the free Enjoy
ment and free Exercise of those purely spiritual Powers,
which are essential to the Being of every Church or Con
gregation of the faithful, and which, being derived only
from CHRIST and his APOSTLES, are to be maintained in-

peculiarly circumstanced, and ought, in the first instance, to have a pre
paratory Convention or Conference, to consider and frame a DECLARA
TION of their own Rights as one of the Churches of a separate and inde
pendent State, to agree upon some articles of Government and Unity
among themselves, to fix some future Time of meeting by adjournment,
to appoint a Committee to bring in a Plan of SOME FEW alterations that
may be found necessary in the Liturgy and Service of the Church, and
by the authority of this first Meeting to open a correspondence on the
subject with the Clergy of the neighboring States, and to have some speedy
future and more general meeting with the Clergy of those States, or Commit
tees from them, to unite if possible in the alterations to be made, which many
among us think cannot have a full Church Ratification, till we have on
some plan or another the three Orders of Bishops, Priests and Deacons
to concur in the same. What STATE or civic ratification may be neces
sary, or whether any. is a question yet to be determined. In Maryland, I
presume, a few words of a Declaratory Act, that a Clergy, ordained in
such a form, and using a Liturgy with such alterations as may be agreed
upon, are to be considered as entitled to the Glebes, Churches and other
property declared by the Constitution to belong to the CHURCH OF EN
GLAND for ever I say such a short Act as this, or the Opinion of the
Judges that such Act is not necessary is I conceive all that will be
wanted.

Chester: August 4th, 1783.

To Rev. Dr. WHITE.
From the Bishop White MSS., in the possession of the Rev. F. L.

Hawks, D.D.

24 HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS.

dependent of every foreign or other Jurisdiction, so far as
may be consistent with the civil Rights of Society.

II. That ever since the Reformation, it hath been the re
ceived Doctrine of the Church whereof we are Members
(and which by the Constitution of this State is entitled to
the perpetual Enjoyment of certain Property and Rights
under the Denomination of the Church of England] " That
"there be these three Orders of Ministers in CHRIST'S
" Church, BISHOPS, PRIESTS, and DEACONS," and that an
Episcopal Ordination and Commission are necessary to the
valid Administration of the Sacraments, and the due Ex
ercise of the Ministerial Functions in the said Church.

III. That, without calling in Question the Rights, Modes,
and Forms of any other Christian Churches or Societies,
or wishing the least Contest with them on that Subject,
we consider and declare it to be an essential Right of the
said Protestant Episcopal Church to have and enjoy the
Continuance of the said three Orders of Ministers forever,
so far as concerns Matters purely spiritual; and that no
Persons, in the Character of Ministers, except such as are
in the Communion of the said Church, and duly called to
the Ministry by regular Episcopal Ordination, can or
ought to be admitted into, or enjoy any of the " Churches,
Chapels, Glebes, or other Property," formerly belonging
to the Church of England in this State, and which by the
Constitution and Form of Government is secured to the
said Church forever, by whatsoever Name, she the said
Church, or her superior Order of Ministers, may in future
be denominated.

IV. That as it is the Right, so it will be the Duty, of the
said Church, when duly organized, constituted, and repre
sented in a Synod or Convention of the different Orders of
her Ministry and People, to revise her Liturgy, Forms of
Prayer, and public 1 Worship, in order to adapt the same to
the late Revolution and other local Circumstances of
America; which it is humbly conceived, may and will be
done, without any other [Page 11.] or farther Departure
from the venerable Order and beautiful Forms of Worship
of the Church from whence we sprung, than may be found
expedient in the Change of our Situation from a DAUGHTER
to a SISTER-CHURCH.

SIGNED, August 13th, 1783.

William Smith, President, St. Pauls $ Chester Parishes,
Kent County.

HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS. 25

John Gordon, St. Michael's^ Talbot.

John MPherson, William and Mary Parish, Charles

County.

Samuel Keene, Dorchester Parish, Dorchester County.
William West, St. Pauls Parish, Baltimore County.
William Thompson, St. Stephen s, Coecil County.
Walter Magowan, St. James s Parish, Ann-Arundel

County.
f John Stephen, All Faith Parish, St. Mary's County.

Tho. Jno. Claggett, St. Pauls Parish, Prince G-eorge's

County.

G-eorge G-oldie, King and Queen, St. Mary's County.
Joseph Messinger, St. Andrew's Parish, St. Mary's

County.

John Bowie, St. Peter's Parish, Talbot County.
Walter Harrison, Durham Parish, Charles County.
William Hanna, St. Margaret's Westminster Parish,

Ann-Arundel County.
Thomas Crates, St. Ann's, Annapolis.

John Andrews, St. Thomas's Parish, Baltimore ~\ ~.

County. Sl S ned

Hamilton Bell, Stephney Parish, Somerset Co', i- wi 1 ^ 6
Francis Walker, now of Shrewsbury Parish, -frfo^'

Kent County. J 1784 '

The foregoing Declaration of Rights being made and sub
scribed, a Copy of the same was presented to his Excellency
the Governor, with the following Address, viz.

To. HIS EXCELLENCY WILLIAM PACA, Esq;

Grovernor and Commander in Chief, $c. &c. of the
State of Maryland.

WE the Protestant Episcopal Clergy of the said State, at a
Meeting or Convention held at Annapolis this 13th August,
1783, (in pursuance of a Vote of the House of Delegates
passed at their last Session) in order to consider, make known
and declare those fundamental Christian Rights, to which we
conceive [Page 12.] ourselves entitled, in common with other
Christian Churches ; Do hereby, in the first Place, return
your Excellency our most sincere and hearty Thanks for your
great Concern and Attention manifested for the Christian

26 HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS.

Church in general and her suffering Clergy of all Denomina
tions. We trust and pray that your Excellency will conti
nue your powerful Intercession till some Law is passed for
their future Support and Encouragement, agreeably to the
Constitution.

We herewith lay before your Excellency an authentic Copy
of a Declaration of certain Rights, to which, according to our
best Knowledge of the Laws and Constitution of our Coun
try, we think ourselves entitled, in common with other
Churches. Should your Excellency, from your superior
Knowledge of both, think that the Declaration we have made
stands in need of any further Sanction, Legislative or other
wise, we are well persuaded that a Continuance of the same
Zeal and Regard which you have formerly shown, will at
Length produce the happy Effect which you so anxiously
desire.

Praying for a continued Encrease of your Excellency's
public Usefulness, and that you meet the reward thereof
in the World to come,

We are, &c.

[Signed by all the Members, as the above Declaration of
Rights was signed.]

To which his Excellency was pleased to return the follow
ing Answer, viz.

GENTLEMEN,

1 HAVE attentively considered the Paper entitled " A De
claration of certain fundamental Rights and Liberties of the
Protestant Episcopal Church of Maryland." And as every
Denomination of Clergy are to be deemed adequate Judges
of their own spiritual Rights, and of the ministerial Commis
sion and Authority necessary to the due Administration of
the Ordinances of Religion among themselves, it would be a
very partial and unjust Distinction to deny that Right to the
respectable and learned Body of the Episcopal Clergy in this
State ; and it will give me the highest Happiness and Satis
faction, if, either in my individual Capacity, or in the public
Character which I now have the Honor to sustain, I can be
instrumental [Page 13.] in advancing the interests of Reli
gion in general, alleviating the Sufferings of any of her Mi-

HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS. 27

nisters, and placing every Branch of the Christian Church in
this State, upon the most equal and respectable Footing.

I am,

GENTLEMEN,
Your most obedient humble Servant,

WILLIAM PACA.
Annapolis, 2Qth August, 1783.

The preceding Address and Communication to the Gover
nor seeks not to obtain any exclusive^} Privileges or Advan
tages. It only thanks his Excellency for his "Great Care and At-
" tendon manifested for the Christian Church in general, and her
" suffering Clergy of all Denominations; and prays the Con-
" tinuance of his powerful IntercessioiKill some Law is passed
" for their future Support and Encouragement, agreeably to
the Constitution." And, in the same liberal and catholic
Spirit, his Excellency is pleased to answer, " That it will
" give him the highest Happiness and Satisfaction, if either in
" his individual Capacity or public Character, he could be in-
"strumental in advancing the Interests of Religion in gene-
" ral, alleviating the sufferings of any of her Ministers, and
" placing every Branch of the Christian Church in this State,
"upon the most equal and respectable Footing."

Similar to the foregoing Declaration of religious Rights,
and partly founded thereon, are the following "fundamental
Rules or Principles agreed upon at- a Meeting of Clergymen
and Lay-Delegates from sundry Congregations of the EPIS
COPAL CHURCH in the State of PENNSYLVANIA, May 25th,

(1) The apologetic tone of this pamphlet is doubtless due, in a great
measure, to the opposition excited by the opponents of the Church
throughout the State, in consequence of these attempts at organization.
The violence of this opposition is. apparent, not only from the numerous
newspaper articles on the subject, filling the columns of the Maryland
press of the time, but especially in an anonymous pamphlet, abounding
in personalities of the most offensive character, and calculated to inflame
the popular mind with the gravest apprehension as to the designs of the
Clergy of the Episcopal Church. This pamphlet, published in small oc
tavo, and attributed to a prominent member of the Presbyterian body,
Dr. Patrick Allison, is entitled " Candid Animadversions respecting a
Petition to the late General Assembly of Maryland, in behalf of the Epis
copal Ministers in the same. By Vindex. ' If any Person considers
these Things, and yet thinks our Liberties in no Danger, I wonder at
that Person's security.' Baltimore: Printed by Hayes and Killen, in
Market-street. M.DCC.LXXXIII." Pp. iv- 19. From Dr. Hawks's
Collection of Pamphlets.

28 HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS.

1784," and which were communicated to this Convention,
viz.

I. That the Episcopal Church in these States is and ought to
be independent of all foreign Authority, ecclesiastical or
civil.

II. That it hath and ought to have, in common with all other
religious Societies, full and exclusive Powers to regulate
the Concerns of its own Communion.

III. That the Doctrines of the Gospel be maintained as now
professed by the Church of England; and Uniformity of
Worship be continued, as near as may be, to the Liturgy
of the said Church.

[Page 14.]

IV. That the Succession of the Ministry be agreeably to the
Usage which requireth the three Orders of BISHOPS,
PRIESTS, and DEACONS ; that the Rights and Powers of
the same respectively be ascertained, and that they be ex
ercised according to reasonable Laws, to be duly made.

V. That to make Canons or Laws, there be no other Autho
rity than that of a Representative Body of the Clergy and
Laity conjointly.

VI. That no Powers be delegated to a general ecclesiastical
Government, except such as cannot conveniently be exer
cised by the Clergy and Vestries in their respective Con
gregations.

Signed,

WM. WHITE, Chairman.

We have only here to observe that the general Judgment
of all our Churches at this Time, so far as it hath been yet
collected, is for the invariable Maintenance of the three dis
tinct Orders of our Ministry. It is a Matter that cannot con
cern any other religious Society, and in which, without en
tering into any Contest, we have certainly a Right to our own
Judgment.

Of the Business transacted at the Clerical Meeting or
Convention of August, 1783, there remains only to add the
following Minute, viz.

" The Declaration of certain fundamental Rights, &c.,
having been unanimously agreed to and subscribed as above,

HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS. 29

the Convention proceeded to take into Consideration the pre
sent State of the Church, and the great Distress of many
Parishes and Congregations, from the Want of Clergy, or
proper Instruction in the Principles of Religion; and it was
agreed, that until a regular Ordination of Clergy could be
obtained, there should be three Clergymen appointed on each
Shore, in order to examine such young Gentlemen as may
offer themselves Candidates for Holy Orders in our Church :
Such Examination to respect their moral Character, their
Knowledge in the learned Languages, and Divinity, and their
Attachment to the Doctrines of the Christian Religion as
professed and taught in our Church ; and to recommend such
Candidates as (upon such Examination may be thought
worthy) to serve as Readers in any Parishes that may think
proper to employ them ; leaving such Parishes, as to the Ad
ministration of the Sacraments, and other proper Func-
[Page 15.] tions of the clerical Character ', to the more immedi
ate Direction of such neighbouring Clergymen, as may agree
to visit them occasionally for that Purpose."

The Committee appointed Examiners

r Dr. William Smith, ~\

Revd. } Mr. John Gordon, I For the Eastern Shore.
(Mr. Samuel Keene, )
C Mr. William West, ~)

Revd. 1 Mr. Tho. Jno. Claggett, > For the Western Shore.

(Mr. Thomas Gates, J

The Convention then adjourned to the second Week of the
Spring- Session of the General Assembly, or until especially
called by their President, or the above Committee. As there
was no Spring-Session, it was afterward agreed, that the
President should call a Meeting in June, and that the differ
ent Parishes or Vestries should be invited to send Delegates
to the same; which produced the

Convention of June 22d, 1784.

This Convention being duly formed, their first Business
was to take into Consideration the Proceedings of the Cleri
cal Members at their Meeting in August, 1783; and the De
claration of certain fundamental Rights, &c. as above insert
ed, being laid before them, the Lay-Delegates desired Leave
to retire and consult upon the same; and on their Return

30 HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS.

reported by Mr. Joseph Couden, that they had read and dis
cussed the same, Paragraph by Paragraph, and unanimously
approved thereof.

A Committee of Clergymen and Lay Delegates was then
appointed to essay a Plan of ecclesiastical Government for
the Episcopal Church in this State, and to define therein the
Duties of Bishops, Priests, and Deacons in Matters spiritual ;
and the Rights and Duties both of Clergy and Laity in gen
eral Synods or Conventions for the Government of this
Church, preserving Uniformity of Worship, and the reclaim
ing or excluding from Church-Communion scandalous Mem
bers, whether of the Clerical or Lay Order.

The aforesaid Committee not having Time to essay a full
Plan for the Purposes above mentioned, reported the following
as some of the fundamental Principles thereof, which were
agreed to, viz.

[Page 16.]

I. That none of the Orders of the Clergy, whether BisJiops,
Priests or Deacons, who may be under the Necessity of ob
taining Ordination in any foreign State with a View to of
ficiate or settle in this State, shall, at the Time of their
Ordination, or at any Time afterwards, take or subscribe
any Obligation of Obedience, civil or canonical to any fo
reign Power or Authority whatsoever; nor be admissible
into the Ministry of this Church, if such Obligations have
been taken for a settlement in any foreign Country, with
out renouncing the same by taking the Oaths required by
Law as a Test of Allegiance to this State. *

II. According to what we conceive to be of true Apostolic
Institution, the Duty and Office of a Bishop, differs in nothing
from that of other Priests, except in the power of Ordina
tion and Confirmation ; and in the Right of Precedency in
ecclesiastical Meetings or Synods, and shall accordingly be
so exercised in this Church ; the Duty and Office of Priests
and Deacons to remain as heretofore. And if any further
Distinctions and Regulations in the different Orders of the
Ministry should afterwards be found necessary for the good
Government of the Church, the same shall be made and
established by the joint Voice and Authority of a Repre
sentative Body of the Clergy and Laity, at future ecclesi
astical Synods or Conventions.

III. This third Section is intended to define or discriminate

HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS. 31

some of the separate Rights and Powers of the Clergy,
and was proposed and agreed to as follows, viz. That the
Clergy should be deemed adequate Judges of the Ministe
rial Commission and Authority which rs necessary to the
due Administration of the Ordinances of Religion in their
own Church ; and of the literary, moral and religious Quali
ties and Abilities of Persons fit to be nominated and ap
pointed to the different Orders of the Ministry; but the
approving and receiving such Persons to any particular
Cure, Duty or Parish, when so nominated, appointed, set
apart, consecrated and ordained, is in the People who are
to support them, and to receive the Benefit of their Mi
nistry.

IV. The fourth Section provides that Ecclesiastical Conven-
ventions or Synods of this Church shall consist of the
Clergy and one Lay-Delegate or Representative from each
Vestry or Parish, in a Majority of the same; and shall be
held annually on the 4th Tuesday in October, unless some
Canon or Rule should be made at some future Convention,
for altering the Time of Meeting, or for Meeting oftener
than once a Year, or not so often, or with a larger or
smaller Representation of the Church, as may be judged
necessary. But fundamental Rules, once duly made,
shall not be altered unless two Thirds of such Majority as
aforesaid, duly assembled, shall agree therein.

[Page 17.J

The remaining Proceedings of the Clerical Meeting of Au
gust 1783, having been read and approved of, and it being
thought reasonable that for the future every third Meeting
should be held on the Eastern Shore, the Convention ad
journed to meet at the Town of Chester, the fourth Tuesday
of October next; when, from the Importance of the Business
to be yet settled, it is hoped that there will be a full Meeting
as well of the Clergy as of Representatives from the different
Vestries and Parishes.

WILLIAM SMITH, R. RIDGELY,

WM. WEST, THOS. CRADOCK.

JOHN ANDREWS,

N.B. JOSEPH COUDEN, one of the Lay-Committee, had
not Notice in Time to attend the other Members at Baltimore
for digesting these Proceedings.

P. S. The following Heads of additional Articles which

32 HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS.

could not be taken up at the last Convention, have been pro
posed as some of the Matters necessary to be more fully pro
vided for in the Plan of Ecclesiastical Government, by the
next Convention, and are here added for Consideration, viz.

I. That the Power and Authority necessary for reclaiming or
excluding scandalous Members, whether Lay or Clerical,
and all Jurisdiction with regard to Offenders, be exercised
only by a Representative Body of Clergy and Laity
jointly.

II. That the Power of suspending or dismissing Clergymen
from the Exercise of their Ministry, in any particular
Church, Parish or District, be by the like Authority.

III. That all Canons or Laws for Church Government, and
all Alterations, Changes or Reforms in the Church Ser
vice and Liturgy, or in Points of Doctrine to be professed
and taught in the Church, shall also be by the like joint
Authority. [N.B. The fourth Article of the foregoing
Declaration of Rights seems to provide for this But it
may be further explained, if necessary.]

Inserted in some Copies as a part of the foregoing Pamph
let, and added in others as a supplemental half-sheet, with
slight variations in wording and typography, are the fol
lowing "Additional Constitutions or Rules," important
from their containing references to "General Conventions"
and " Standing Committees," together with definitions of
the rights and powers conferred upon the same.

At a CONVENTION of the CLERGY and LAY-DELEGATES, of
the PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH in the State of MA
RYLAND, held at Chester, on the Fourth Tuesday of Octo
ber 1784, in Pursuance of the Fourth Constitution made at
a former Convention, at Annapolis, June 22, 1784.(1)

J.HE following additional Constitutions respecting the fu
ture Discipline and Government of this Church, in ANNUAL
or GENERAL CONVENTIONS, were agreed upon, viz.

I. GENERAL CONVENTIONS of this Church, consisting of
the different Orders of Clergy and Laity duly represented
(agreeably to the Fourth Constitution aforesaid) shall have

(1) From the copy in Harvard College Library, Cambridge, Mass.

HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS. 33

the general Cognizance of all Affairs, necessary to the Disci
pline and good Government of this Church, including parti
cularly the following Matters, viz. The Power and Autho
rity necessary for receiving, or excluding from Church-Pri
vileges, scandalous Members, whether Lay or Clerical, and
all Jurisdiction with Regard to Offenders ; the Power of sus
pending or dismissing Clergymen from the Exercise of their
Ministry in this Church ; the framing, approving of, or con
firming all Canons, or Laws, for Church-Government: and
such Alterations, or Reforms, in the Church-Service, Litur
gy, or Points of Doctrine, as may be afterwards found ne
cessary or expedient, by our Church in this State, or of the
United States in GENERAL CONVENTION. And in all Matters
that shall come before the Convention, the Clergy and Laity
shall deliberate in one Body ; But if any Vote shall be found
necessary, or be called for by any two Members, they shall
vote separately ; that is to say, the Clergy in their different
Orders, according to their own Rules, shall have one Vote;
and the Laity, according to their Rules, shall have another
Vote ; and the Concurrence of both shall be necessary to give
Validity to any Measure.

II. Future Conventions shall frame and establish Rules,
or Canons, for receiving Complaints ; and shall annually ap
point a Committee, consisting of an equal Number of Cler
gy and Laity, (including the BISHOP, when there shall be one
duly consecrated, among the Number of the Clergy) which
Committee shall have standing Authority, Government, and
Jurisdiction, agreeably to such Rules as may be given them
for that Purpose, in all Matters respecting the Discipline and
Government of the Church, that may arise or be necessary
to be proceeded upon, during the Recess or Adjournment of
GENERAL CONVENTIONS: All which Rules shall be framed,
and Jurisdiction exercised in Conformity to the Constitution
and Laws of this State for the Time being. (1)

(1) In the copy of these Additional Constitutions in the Collection of
Early Journals in the possession of the Rev. Dr. Hawks, which, though
evidently inserted after the rest of the pamphlet was printed, is continu
ously paged with the preceding sheets, the words " or general" in the
heading, and " the following Matters, viz.," in Paragraph I. are omitted ;
the parenthetical clause " (of all Orders)" is added to the assertion of
" the power of suspending or dismissing Clergymen" ; and the words " or
Rule" appended at the close of the paragraph. There are several varia
tions in typography, which, as they do not at all affect the sense, it is
hardly important to notice.

34 HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS.

At the Convention of August, 1783, other business had
transpired, beyond that which appears in the printed record
we have above transcribed. In a letter from the Rev. Tho
mas John Claggett to his friend William Duke, subsequently
a Clergyman of the Church, but at that time a preacher
among the Methodists, under date of " Upper Marlboro',
September 20, 1783,"(1) the following paragraph occurs.

" I suppose you have long ago heard that the Clergy of
the Protestant Episcopal Church met last month at Annapo
lis, and that we formed a bill of rights : chose Dr. Smith to
go to Europe to be ordained an antistes, President of the
Clergy, or Bishop (if that name does not hurt your feelings.)
He will probably be back some time next Spring. In the mean
time, we have appointed three of the Clergy on each Shore
to license candidates for Holy Orders in our Church, to act
as readers in the different parishes."

The first Bishop-Elect of Maryland was never consecrated.
Opposition, at first from abroad, and subsequently from
nearer home, delayed from time to time, and finally prevent
ed the accession to the American Episcopate of the able and
accomplished President of Washington College. The dis
sension arising from this matter served to depress the Mary
land Church for a number of years; and the early Conven
tional history of the period immediately succeeding that em
braced in the "Address" we have reprinted, is contained
alone in letters, and fragments of letters, preserved among
the Bishop White MSS., or in similar unpublished col
lections.

In close connection, as will be found by a comparison of
dates, with the efforts of the Rev. Mr. Beach for a general
ecclesiastical organization, the following preparatory steps

(1) Quoted in the valuable " Notices and Journals and Remains of
Journals," Ac., of the Church in Maryland, from 1783 to 1788 inclusive,
first published from the papers of the Rev. Dr. Wm. West, as an Appendix
to the Maryland Convention Journal of 1855, by the Rev. Ethan Allen,
D.D.

HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS. 35

were taken by the Vestries of the united churches of Christ
Church and St. Peter's, Philadelphia.

Philadelphia, March 29, 1784.

At ye House of ye revd. Dr. White, Hector of Christ's
Church & St. Peter's.

In consequence of Appointments made by ye vestry of
Christ's Church and St. Peter's as followeth :

" The Rector mentioned to ye Vestry, that he lately had
a Conversation with ye revd. Dr. Magaw, on ye Subject of
appointing a Committee from ye Vestries of their respective
Churches, to confer with ye Clergy of ye said Churches, on ye
Subject of forming a Representative Body of ye Episcopal
Churches in this State, and wished to have ye Sense of this
Vestry thereon. After some consideration, ye Vestry agreed
to appoint Matthew Clarkson and Wm. Pollard for Christ's
Church, and Dr. Clarkson and Mr. John Chaloner for St.
Peter's."

And by ye Vestry of St. Paul's Church as followeth :

" A Copy of ye Minute of ye Vestry of ye united Churches
Christ's Church and St. Peter's, of the 13th of Novr. last,
was, by ye Revd. Dr. Magaw, laid before this Vestry, and is
asfollows. (Here followeth ye above Minute.) The above Minute
being taken into consideration, and this Vestry concurring in
Opinon thereon, unanimously appointed Lambert Wilmer and
Plunk et Fleeson, Esqres., on ye part of this Church, to car
ry into Execution ye good Intentions of the aforesaid re
cited Minute."

The Clergy, together with ye Gentlemen named in ye
said appointments, (except Matthew Clarkson, Esqre., and
Dr. Clarkson, who were detained by sickness,) assembled at
ye time and place above mentioned.

The Body thus assembled, having taken into consideration
ye Necessity of speedily adopting Measures for ye forming
of a Plan of ecclesiastical Government for ye Episcopal
Church, are of Opinion, that a Subject of such Importance
ought to be taken up, if possible, with ye concurrence of ye
Episcopalians generally in ye States. They, therefore, re
solved to ask a Conference with such Members of ye Episco
pal Congregations in ye Counties of this State as are now in
Town ; and they authorize ye clergymen now present to con
verse with such Persons as they gan find of ye above Descrip
tion, and to request their Meeting this Body at Christ's
Church, on Wednesday evening, at seven o'clock.

36 HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS.

Adjourned to ye same Time and Place.

Christ Church, March 31.

The Clergy and ye two Committees assembled according
to adjournment (all ye Members being present except M.
Clarkson, Esq., detained by sickness) and ye Body thus as
sembled elected Dr. White their Chairman.

The Clergy reported that agreeably to ye appointment of
ye last Meeting, they had spoken to several Gentlemen, who
readily consented to ye proposed Conference.

The Meeting continued some time; when it was signified
to them, that several Gentlemen, who had designed to at
tend, were detained by ye unexpected Sitting of ye honl.
House of Assembly, they being Members of that House.
The Honl. James Read Esqre. attended, according to Desire.

After some Conversation on ye Business of this Meeting,
it was resolved that a circular letter be addressed to ye Ch.
wardens and Vestry men of ye respective Episcopal Congre
gations in ye State; and that ye same be as followeth, viz.

Gentlemen :

The Episcopal Clergy in this City, together with a
Committee appointed by ye Vestry of Christ's Church and
St. Peter's, and another Committee appointed by ye Vestry
of St. Paul's Church, in ye same, for ye purpose of propos
ing a Plan of ecclesiastical Government, being now assembled,
are of Opinion, that a Subject of such Importance ought to
be taken up, if possible, with ye concurrence of ye Episco
palians generally in ye States. They have therefore resolved,
as preparatory to a general Consultation, to request ye
Church-wardens and Vestry men of each Episcopal Congre
gation in ye State, to delegate one or more of their Body to
assist at a Meeting to be held in this City on Monday, ye
24th day of May next; and such Clergymen as have paro
chial Cure in ye said Congregations to attend ye Meeting ;
which they hope will contain a full Representation of the
Episcopal Church in this State.

The above Resolve, Gentlemen, the first Step in their Pro
ceedings, they now respectfully and affectionately communi
cate to you.

Signed, in behalf of the Body now assembled,

WM. WHITE, Chairman.(l)

(1) From the original Manuscript in the handwriting of Bishop White,
and preserved among his papers.

HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS. 37

In furtherance of the proposal contained in this Circular,
there was a meeting of Clergy and Laity in Christ Church,
Philadelphia, on the 24th of May, 1784.

At this meeting, and at an adjourned gathering the follow
ing day, there were present, as appears from the printed
" Journal of the Meetings, which led to the institution of a
Convention of the Protestant Episcopal Church in the State
of Pennsylvania : together with the Journals of the first six
Conventions of the said Church,"! 1 )

From Christ Church and St. Peter 8, Rev. William
White, D.D., Rev. Robert Blackwell, Mr. Matthew
Clarkson, Mr. William Pollard, Dr. Clarkson, and
Mr. John Chaloner.

From St. Pauls Church, Rev. Samuel Magaw, D.D.,
Mr. Lambert Wilmer, and Plunket Fleeson, Esquire.
St. James's, Bristol, Mr. Christopher Merrick.
Trinity Church, Oxford, Mr. Benjamin Cottrnan.
All Saints, Pemapecka, Mr. Benjamin Johnson.
St. Pauls, Chester, Dr. William Currie and Mr. James

Withy.

From St. David's, Radnor, Richard Willing, Esquire.
From St. Peter s, in the Valley, Mr. John Francis.
From St. Martin s, Marcus Hook, Mr. Joseph Marshall.
From St. James's, Lancaster, Rev. Jos. Hutchins and

W. Parr, Esquire.
From St. James s, Perkioming, Dr. Robert Shannon and

Mr. John Bean.

From St. Johns, New London, Mr. John Wade.
From Huntington Church, York County, Mr. Joseph

Folks.

The Rev. Dr. White was chosen chairman, and Mr. Wil
liam Pollard, clerk.

The gentlemen assembled, after some conversation con
cerning a concurrence with their brethren in other states, on
means for the preservation of their communion, agreed to
appoint a committee to consider the matter more maturely,
and to report at 3 o'clock, P.M. (2)

(1) Philadelphia: Printed by Hall and Sellers. M.DCC.XC. Svo.pp. 26.

(2) Tuesday, May 25, 1784.

38 HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS.

The committee appointed consisted of the clergy, Dr.
Clarkson, Mr. Parr, Mr. Willing, Mr. Fleeson, and Dr.
Shannon.

Resolved, That each church shall have one vote, whether
represented by one or more persons ; or whether two or more
united congregations be represented by one man, or set of
men.

Adjourned.

Three o'clock, P.M.

The committee met.

The Hon. James Read, Esquire, from St. Mary's church,
Reading, and Mr. George Douglas, from St. Gabriel's, Mor-
latton, in Berks county, joined the meeting.

The committee appointed in the morning reported, as
follows :

" That they think it expedient to appoint a standing com
mittee of the Episcopal church in this state, consisting of
clergy and laity ; that the said committee be empowered to
correspond and confer with representatives from the Episco
pal church in the other states, or any of them ; and assist in
framing an ecclesiastical government ; that a constitution of
ecclesiastical government, when framed, be reported to the
several congregations, through their respective ministers,
church-wardens, and vestrymen, to be binding on all the con
gregations consenting to it, as soon as a majority of the con
gregations shall have consented ; that a majority of the
committee, or any less number by them appointed, be a
quorum ; that they be desired to keep minutes of their pro
ceedings ; and that they be bound by the following instruc
tions or fundamental principles.

First. That the Episcopal church in these states is and
ought to be independent of all foreign Authority, ecclesias
tical or civil,

Second. That it hath, and ought to have, in common with
all other religious Societies, full and exclusive Powers to re
gulate the Concerns of its own communion.

Third. That the Doctrines of the Gospel be maintained,
as now professed by the church of England ; and Unifor
mity of Worship be continued, as near as may be to the li
turgy of the said church.

Fourth. That the succession of the ministry be agreeable
to the usage which requireth the three orders of bishops,
priests, and deacons ; that the rights and powers of the same

HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS. 39

respectively be ascertained ; and that they be exercised ac
cording to reasonable Laws, to be duly made.

Fifth. That to make canons or laws, there be no other au
thority than that of a representative body of the clergy and
laity conjointly.

Sixth. That no powers be delegated to a general ecclesias
tical government, except such as cannot conveniently be ex
ercised by the clergy and vestries in their respective congre
gations."

This was the first ecclesiastical assembly, in any of the
States, consisting partly of lay members.U) The standing
Committee appointed by its authority, and consisting of the
Rev. Drs. White and Magaw, and the Rev. Messrs. Hutchins
and Blackwell, together with Messrs. Clarkson, Fleeson, Wil
ling, the Hon. Mr. Read, Drs. Clarkson and Shannon, and
Messrs. Chaloner and Johnson, delegated their powers by a
special vote to such of their number, together with Samuel
Powel and Richard Peters, Esquires, as attended the meet
ing in New York ; and at a subsequent meeting at the house
of the Rev. Dr. White, on the 7th of February, 1785, (2)

Resolved, That there be sent to every clergyman and con
gregation in the state, an account of the proceedings of the
committee, in concurrence with sundry clergymen and others,

(1) White's Memoirs of the Church, p. 36.

(2) In connection with these extracts from the printed proceedings of
the Vestries at this meeting, it may be well to add, from the Bishop White
MSS., a letter of instructions, addressed by the Rev. William Smith, D.D.,
to the deputies of the parish he had previously served, under the appoint
ment of the venerable Society.

Messrs. Benjm. Cotman and Benjm. Johnson.

I know not what can be done at your meeting of vestries. This
at least I wish, that a Clergyman or two, and about two Vestrymen, may
be appointed a Committee to meet Committees from the neighbouring
States, at some convenient place, about next October, to fix on a general
plan for all our Churches, both in respect to Discipline and our Church
Service. Something fundamental ought also to be agreed upon respect
ing Ordination, &c., similar to what was done in Maryland, a copy
of which I gave to Dr. Magaw, declaring that Episcopal Ordination is an
indispensible qualification for every person who may be desirous to hold
any living in our Church. Certainly none else can hold any of the

40 HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS.

at a meeting in the city of New- York, on the 6th and 7th
days of October last; that it be recommended, that the
clergy, and deputies from the several congregations, assemble
in Christ-Church in this city, on Monday, the 23d day of
May next, at eleven o'clock in the forenoon, in order to organ
ize the Episcopal church in this state agreeably to the inten
tions of the body assembled in New- York, as aforesaid; and
that it be recommended to the vestries to declare, at some
congregational meeting, the object of the intended meeting
in May, and to propose to the congregations, to enable them
to send deputies, duly authorized, to the said meeting.

The results of this resolution are sufficiently indicated in
the following important document, which we print from the
original folio sheet, preserved in the collection of early Con
ventional papers made by Bishop White.

-A.CT OF 1 ^SSOOIATIOIV

OF THE

CLERGY AND CONGREGATIONS
OF THE

PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH,

IX THE
STATE OP PENNSYLVANIA.

WlIEREAS, by the late Revolution, the Protestant Episco
pal Church in the United States of America is become inde
pendent of the Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction in England; in
consequence whereof it is necessary for the Clergy and Con
gregations of the said Church to associate themselves, for
maintaining Uniformity in divine Worship, for procuring the
Powers of Ordination, and for establishing and maintaining
a System of Ecclesiastical Government:

churches heretofore established or built under the Society for propagating
the Gospel, nor the glebes where any are. There will be Committees from
several of the Southern States, especially Maryland and Virginia, but
they can hardly begot together till towards the end of September. I hope
they may be induced to meet as far North as conveniently may be, perhaps
at Philada. or Brunswick, or Wilmington in Delaware State.

WM SMITH
Dated from Chester, Maryland, May 23.

This letter, as appears from its endorsement, was read by Dr. White,
before the Committee, at their meeting in Christ Church, May 26, 1784.

HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS. 41

And whereas, at a Meeting of sundry Clergymen and of
Lay Deputies from sundry Congregations of the Protestant
Episcopal Church in this State, held in the City of Philadel
phia, on the 24th Day of May, 1784, there was appointed
a Committee to confer and correspond with Representatives
from the Church in the other States, for the Purpose of con
stituting an Ecclesiastical Government, agreeably to certain
Instructions or fundamental Principles:

And whereas the said Committee, being assembled in the
City of New- York, on the 6th and 7th days of October, in
the same Year, did concur with Clergymen and Lay Deputies
from sundry States, in proposing a Convention from all the
States, to be held in the City of Philadelphia, on the Tues
day before the Feast of St. Michael next ensuing, in order
to unite in an Ecclesiastical Constitution agreeably to certain
fundamental Principles, expressed in the said Proposal:

And whereas the Body which assembled as aforesaid in
New-York did recommend to the Church in the several
States, that previously to the said intended Meeting, they
should organize or associate themselves, agreeably to such
rules as they shall think proper :

It is therefore hereby determined and declared by the
Clergy who do now, or who hereafter shall sign this Act, and
by the Congregations who do now or who hereafter shall con
sent to this Act, either by its being ratified by their respec
tive Vestries, or by its being signed by their Deputies duly
authorized, that the said Clergy and Congregations shall be
called and known by the Name of The Protestant Episcopal
Church in the State of Pennsylvania.

And it is hereby further determined and declared by the
said Clergy and Congregations, That there shall be a Conven
tion of the said Church; which Convention shall consist of
all the Clergy of the same, and of Lay Deputies; and that
all the Acts and Proceedings of said Convention shall be
considered as the Acts and Proceedings of the Protestant
Episcopal Church in this State; provided always, That the
same shall be consistent Avith the fundamental Principles
agreed on at the two aforesaid Meetings in Philadelphia and
New- York.

And it is hereby further determined and declared by the
said Clergy and Congregations, That each Congregation may
send to the Convention a Deputy or Deputies; and where
two or more Congregations are united they may send a De-

42 HISTORICAL "NOTES AND DOCUMENTS.

puty or Deputies for each Congregation ; and no Congregation
may send a Clergyman as their Deputy ; and each Congrega
tion represented in Convention shall have one Vote.

And it is hereby further determined and declared by the
said Clergy and Congregations, That the Clergy and Lay
Deputies in Convention shall deliberate in one Body, but
shall vote as two distinct Orders, and that the Concurrence
of both Orders shall be necessary to give Validity to every
Measure; and such Clergymen and Lay Deputies as shall
at any time be duly assembled in Convention shall be a
Quorum; and on every question the Votes of a Majority of
those present of the two Orders respectively shall decide.

And it is hereby further determined and declared by the
said Clergy and Congregations, That all such Clergymen aa
shall hereafter be settled as the Ministers of the Congrega
tions ratifying this Act, shall have the same Privileges, and
be subject to the same Regulations as the Clergy now sub
scribing the same.

And it is hereby further determined and declared by the
said Clergy and Congregations, That the Convention shall
meet on Monday, the 22d Day of May, which will be in the
year of our Lord 1786, and forever after on such annual
Day, and at such other Times and at such Place, as shall be
fixed by future Rules of the Convention.

And it is hereby further determined and declared by the
said Clergy and Congregations, That if the Clergy and Con
gregations of any adjoining State or States, shall desire to
unite with the Church in this State, agreeably to the funda
mental Principles established at the aforesaid Meeting in
New York, then the Convention shall have power to admit
the said Clergy and Deputies from the Congregations of such
adjoining State or States, to have the same Privileges, and
to be subject to the same Regulations, as the Clergy and Con
gregations in this State.

Done in Christ Church, in the City of Philadelphia, this

24th Day of May, in the year of our Lord, 1785.
Witness our hands in Ratification of the Premises. (1)
WILLIAM WHITE, D.D., Rector of Christ Church

and tit. Peters, in Philadelphia,
SAMUEL MAGAW, D.D., Rector of St. Paul's Church,
Philadelphia,

(1) The signing of those Deputies who were sent to the Convention
lout written Powers, was deferred until such Powers can be procured.

HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS. 43

ROBERT BLACKWELL, Assistant Minister of Christ

Church and St. Peter's, Philadephia,
JOSEPH HUTCHINS, Rector of St. James's, Lancaster.
JOHN CAMPBELL, Rector of the Episcopal Churches

of York and Huntingdon,
JOSEPH SWIFT, Deputy for Christ Church,
SAMUEL POWEL, | Deputies for St. Peter's

GERARDUS CLARKSON, j" Church,

PLUNKET FLEESON, ")

JOHN WOOD, > Deputies for St. Paul's Clmrch,

ANDREW Doz, j
EDWARD HAND, Deputy for the Congregation of St.

James's, Lancaster,
NICHOLAS JONES, Deputy for St. G-abriel's, Morlat-

ton, Berks,
JOHN CAMPBELL, Deputy for the Congregations of

York and Huntingdon,

JOHN CROSBY, jun.l Deputies for St. Paul's Church,
JOHN SHAW, j Chester,

At this meeting Deputies were chosen in accordance with
the recommendation of the preliminary Convention at New
York, for the meeting in Philadelphia, in September, 1785.
The names of these gentlemen, thus delegated to represent
the Church in Pennsylvania, at the first General Convention,
are found in the Proceedings of the early Pennsylvania Con
ventions, and also in a foot note to the " Act of Associa
tion," above reprinted. They were as follows viz., Clerical
Deputies: the Rev.' Drs. White and Magaw, and the Rev.
Messrs. Blackwell, Hutchins, and Campbell; together with
Messrs. Richard Peters, Gerardus Clarkson, Samuel Powel,
William Atlee, Jasper Yeates, Stephen Chambers, Edward
Hand, Thomas Hartley, John Clarke, Archibald McGrew,
Plunket Fleeson, Edward Shippen, Joseph Swift, Andrew
Doz, John Wood, Nicholas Jones, and Edward Duffield, as
Lay Deputies. (1)

(1) A Committee, consisting of the Rev. Drs. White and Magaw, the
Rev. Mr. Blackwell, with Messrs. Powel, Swift, and Doz, was also ap
pointed, " they, or any three of them," " to carry on all necessary corres-

44 HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS.

Measures for the incorporation of the Church in Virginia
had been taken at an even earlier date ; and an Act of Assem
bly had been obtained in 1784 for this purpose in response
to a petition of the Clergy, assembled at Richmond.

pondence, to superintend the printing of the Act of Association, and to
transmit the same to the several congregations in this State ; and in gene
ral, to transact all business relative to the concerns of the Protestant
Episcopal Church in the State of Pennsylvania." This Committee ap
pears to have entered at once upon their duties ; and we insert in this con
nection the following letter, received in reply to one of their communica
tions, as attesting, perhaps more strongly than any similar document we
have noticed, the idea of Diocesan independence, as held by the Mary
land Clergy, in common with their brethren throughout the land.

BALTIMORE, July 5, 1784.
Reverend and dear Sir,

I am glad that I have an Opportunity of returning you my hearty
Thanks for your letter, and the Proceedings of your Committee respecting
Church Matters. I think with you that a Communication of Sentiments
among its Clergy is necessary in the present circumstances of our Com
mon Church; and that their most vigorous Exertions, and harmonizing
Affections are equally so

I think that the Protestant Episcopal Church, in each particular State,
is fully entitled to all the Rights and Authority that are essentially neces
sary to form and compleat an Entire Church ; and that, as the several
States in Confederation have essential Rights and Powers independent on
each other, so the Church in each State has essential Rights and Powers
independent on those in other States. But still, as each State harmonizes
with its Sister-States, for the Common Good of the Confederation ; so, in
like manner, each Particular Chh. should harmonize with its Sister
Churches in the different States, for the Common Good of its Communion
or Society at large.

If I am right in this, then it seems to me that the Particular Chh. in each
State has an inherent and fundamental Right to exercise the Authority
you allude to; tho' it might happen that the ACTUAL Exercise of each in
dependent Authority might not be consistent with some mere " General
Plan."

Yet notwithstanding I do not think it impracticable to answer every
GOOD Purpose of any general Plan, and reserve at the same time, to each
particular State-Church, all the Rights and Authority I have mentioned.
For this end it appears to me that no more is necessary than such a Con
vocation as you mention (or something adequate to it) for the Purpose of
iblishing throughout the Confederated States, an Uniformity of Wor
ship and of Church Government.

When this foundation is once happily laid, the unimportant local vari
ations of the several State Chhs. from each other, according to their par
ticular Circumstances, cannot in my apprehension, either break its Com
munion or injure the Prosperity of the Church in general.

And in order to form such a Convocation, or adopt such Measures as
would effectually answer the end, I conceive it not only prudent tut even

HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS. 45

The only record of this primary Convention we are able
to furnish, is the brief reference to its proceedings contained

in the following letter: (1)

necessary that Lay- Members be delegated by the People for the Purpose,
and that they concur with the Clergy.

As to the usage of the Primitive Chh. with respect to the Election of
Bishops, I need not mention to you that it is difficult to speak positively.
The Approbation of the Laity, tho' desirable, was not I believe necessary.
And even tho' the Clergy might nominate, and be unhappy in an injudi
cious Nomination ; yet still the Approbation or Disapprobation of the Laity
would have its due Effects, as the Encouragement and Support of a
Bishop would rest almost entirely with them.

'But happily for us, these Matters need occasion no Controversy. An
injudicious Election may be laid aside, and a more judicious one made.
Or if no Characters can be found, as yet, in these States, fit for the Pur
pose, an Invitation may be given to some Pious, Exemplary, and Able
Bishop or Bishops, to come and help us in the present Exigencies of our
dismembered Church. Under the Presidency and Influence of such a
Character, I doubt not every true member of the Chh., whether Lay or
Clerical, would be heartily desirous of adhering as closely to the Liturgy
and Rules of the Church of England, as is consistent with the Principles
of the late Revolution ; and that the Laity would be as ready to approve
of the Liturgy and Canons thus adapted to the Civil Governmt. of these
States, as the Clergy would be unwilling to depart from the fundamental
Principles of Episcopacy, and further than necessary from the beautiful
Form, and approved Standard before them.

As to the Division of these States into some few Districts, and placing
a Bishop in each of thorn, I confess I cannot see the least necessity for it.
The limits of each State appears to me the most proper, as well as the
most natural District for each Bishop. In this case each Chh. will be
entire and independent, as the State in which it is ; and will naturally
form the proper Diocese of its Bishop. And supposing the States multi
plied even into 23, I cannot think 23 Bishops too many for America. If
they prove worthy of the high and sacred character, the more of them
the better. And if some few should unhappily disgrace the Dignity of the
Office, a respectable Number of the Order, being pious and venerable,
will give weight and Sanction to Spiritual (which will probably be their
ONLY) Reproofs; and preserve it from Contempt.

These, Sir, are my present Sentiments on the Subject, and I shall be
heartily thankful if you will endeavour to put me right where you think I
am wrong.

The Proceedings of the late Convention at Annapolis are ordered to be
published. At which Time I will endeavour to transmit you a Copy of
them. In the interim, I cannot but inform you that a Committee is ap
pointed for like Purposes with your Committee. But that the Letter you
mention as addressed, or to be addressed to them, has not yet been re
ceived.

I am,
Reverend and dear Sir, your affectionate Servant,

WM. WEST.

Revd. Doctor WHITE.

(1) Bishop White MSS.

46 HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS.

FAIRFAX GLEBE, 26th July, 1784.
Dear Sir,

Your different letters, to the Convention at Richmond and to myself,
on the subject of a general meeting of the Episcopal Clergy at New York,
were all received, but not time enough to be laid before Convention, which
sat only three days. The Episcopal Church in Virginia is so fettered by
Laws, that the Clergy could do no more than petition for a repeal of
those laws for liberty to introduce Ordination and Government and to
revise and alter the Liturgy. The session is passed over without our be
ing able to accomplish this. The few Clergymen at Richmond to whom
your Letter was shewn, approved of the Plan and proceedings of the Penn
sylvania Convention, and also of the general meeting at New' York, but
no delegates have been appointed to attend. In the Present State of Ec
clesiastical affairs in this State, the Clergy could not, with propriety, and
indeed without great danger to the Church, empower any Persons to agree
to the least alteration whatever. I shall be able to explain to you the
necessity of their acting with this caution when I shall have the pleasure
of seeing you. Having some business in New York with the Executors
of ray Mother in Law, I shall endeavour to be there about the time of the
general Convention; perhaps a few days before it: I shall, therefore, say
no more ou the subject of the Circular Letter, only that no notice of the
intended meeting has been sent to North Carolina ; none of the Clergy
present, at the time of receiving your letter, having any acquaintance with
the Brethren in that State.

Altho' this letter is addressed to you, yet I beg it may be considered as
an answer to those signed by yourself together with our Brothers McGaw
and Blackwell. To whom (tho' I have not the pleasure of being Person
ally known to the former) I beg to be affectionately remembered.
I am, Dr. Sir,

Your affct. hmble. servt.,

DAVID GRIFFITH.
Rev. Dr. WHITE.

The Act of the General Assemoly authorized a Conven
tion, " to consist of a deputation of two persons from each
parish, whereof the Minister shall always be one, if there be
a Minister in the parish, and the other person or persons
shall be appointed by the Vestries," " to regulate all the
religious concerns of the Protestant Episcopal Church, its
doctrines, discipline, and worship ; and to institute such rules
and regulations as they may judge necessary for the good
government thereof, and the same to revoke and alter at

HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS. 47

their pleasure." This Act of Incorporation required the ap
pointment of forty persons to constitute the Convention, and
made its first meeting " at the call of any three Ministers of
the Protestant Episcopal Church." Agreeably to the terms
of this Act, a Convention, consisting of thirty-six clergy
men and upwards of seventy laymen, assembled at the Capi
tol in the City of Richmond, on Wednesday, the 18th of
May, 1785.

At this Convention, the following resolutions, reported by
the Committee of the whole on the State of the Church,
were adopted.(l)

Resolved, That it is the opinion of this committee that de
puties be appointed to represent the Protestant Episcopal
Church of Virginia in the General Convention to be holden
in the City of Philadelphia on. the Tuesday before the feast
of St. Michael next.

Resolved, That it is the opinion of this committee that the
deputation to the General Convention consist of two clergy
men and two laymen ; any two of whom shall be considered
as a representation.

Resolved, That it is the opinion of this committee that in
structions be prepared for the conduct of the said deputies.

Resolved, That it is the opinion of this committee that the
said instructions be so framed as to leave the Convention of
this state at liberty to approve or disapprove of the proceed
ings of the General Convention.

On the following Monday, May 23, 1785, the following ad
ditional resolutions were reported and agreed to.

Resolved, That this Convention are willing to unite in a
general ecclesiastical constitution with the members of the
Protestant Episcopal Church in the other states of America.

Resolved, That this Convention do accede to the following
recommendation of the late Convention at New York, as
fundamental principles in the said ecclesiastical constitu
tions .

(1) Vide, " Journal of a Convention of the Clergy and Laity of the
Protestant Episcopal Church, of Virginia, begun and holden in the City
of Richmond, Wednesday, May 18, 1785. Richmond: Printed by Dixoa
and Holt. M DCC LXXXV." 8vo. pp. 23.

48 HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS.

1. That there shall be a General Convention of the Pro
testant Episcopal Church in America.

2. That the Episcopal Church in each State send deputies
to the said Convention, consisting of clergy and laity.

3. That associated congregations in two or more states
may send deputies jointly.

4. That in every state where there shall be a Bishop
consecrated and settled, he shall be considered a mem
ber of the said Convention ex officio.

Resolved, That this Convention cannot bind themselves on
the subject of the fourth article, until the same shall be re
vised, at the next General Convention at Philadelphia, and
reported to the next Convention.

Resolved, That this Convention cannot accede to the sixth
article, recommended as a fundamental principle of the said
ecclesiastical constitution.

Resolved, That this Convention will however accede to the
mode of voting, recommended in the sixth article, with re
spect to the Convention to be holden at Philadelphia, re
serving a right to approve or disapprove their proceedings.

In addition to these resolutions, which are of no little im
portance when viewed in connection with subsequent mea
sures of the Virginia Church, the Convention gave the fol
lowing instructions to their deputies, appointed to attend the
General Convention at Philadelphia.
GENTLEMEN :

During your representation of the Protestant Episcopal Church in the
General Convention, we recommend to your observance the following
sentiments concerning doctrine and worship. We refer you at the same
time, for these and other objects of your mission, to our resolutions on
the proceedings of the late Convention at New York.

Uniformity in doctrine and worship will unquestionably contribute to
the prosperity of the Protestant Episcopal Church. But we earnestly
wish that this may be pursued with liberality and moderation. The ob
stacles which stand in the way of union amongst Christian societies are
too often founded on matters of mere form. They are surmountable
therefore by those, who breathing the spirit of Christianity, earnestly la
bour in this pious work.

From the holy scriptures themselves, rather than the comments of men,
must we learn the terms of salvation. Creeds therefore ought to be
simple : And we are not anxious to retain any other than that which is
commonly called the Apostles creed.

HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS. 49

Should a change in the liturgy be proposed, let it be made with cau
tion ; Aiid in that case let the alterations be lew, and the stile of prayer
continue as agreeable as may be to the essential characteristics of our
persuasion.

We will not now decide what ceremonies ought to be retained. We
wish, however, that those, which exist, may be estimated according to
their utility ; and that such as may appear fit to be laid aside, may no
longer be appendages of our church.

We need only add that we shall expect a report of your proceedings to
those whom we shall vest with authority to call a Convention.

Done in Convention on this 22d day of May in the year of our Lord
1785.

The Convention having agreed upon the foregoing instruc
tions, proceeded to ballot for the deputies to the Philadel
phia General Convention. Their names are arranged in the
record of proceedings, in the order of the number of ballots
they respectively received, and are as follows: The Rev.
David Griffith; John Page, Esq.; William Lee, Esq.; and
the Rev. Samuel Smith M'Croskey. After preparing an
" Address to the Members of the Protestant Episcopal
Church in Virginia," and further instructing their depu
ties to communicate to the General Convention certain pa
pers concerning the proposal of the King of Denmark to
permit the ordination of American clergymen by the Danish
Bishops, they passed a resolution, " that until the farther
order of the Convention, the liturgy of the Church of En
gland be used in the several churches throughout this Com
monwealth with such alterations as the American Revolution
has rendered necessary ;" and proceeded to the enactment
of " Rules for the Order, Government, and Discipline, of
the Protestant Episcopal Church in Virginia." Some of
these regulations, designed to take the place of the English
Canons, which, in the opinion of the Convention, as had
just been resolved, had no obligation on the Virginia Church,
we have reprinted, from their bearing on the opinions then
entertained with reference to our ecclesiastical order and dis
cipline.

50 HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS.

" 9. The clergy who shall minister in this church shall be the three
orders of Bishops, Priests, and Deacons.

10. Every person hereafter to officiate in this church as a Bishop, shall
be nominated by the Convention, and having received Episcopal conse
cration, before he enters upon his office shall take the oath of allegi
ance to this commonwealth, and subscribe to conform to the doctrine, dis-
ciplinfe, and worship of the Protestant Episcopal Church of Virginia :
And no person shall be received into the church as a Bishop, until he
shall have completed the 30th year of his age.

11. As we conceive the office of a Bishop, according to the true Apos
tolic institution, differs in nothing from that of other ministers of God's
word, except in the power of ordination and confirmation and the rights
of superintending the conduct of the clergy, and of precedency in ecclesias
tical assemblies, that office shall accordingly be so exercised in this church :
And every Bishop, after his promotion to the Episcopal order, shall con
tinue to hold a parish and to do the duty of a parish minister, except when
he is necessarily employed in the discharge of his Episcopal office.

12. No Bishop shall, inflict any censure upon or exercise any power
over the clergy, under his inspection, other than he is allowed to do by the
laws and institutions of this church made in Convention.

13. No priest or minister shall, hereafter, be received into any parish
within this Commonwealth unless he first produce to the vestry sufficient
testimonials of his having been regularly ordained as a priest by some
Protestant Bishop take the oath of allegiance to this commonwealth,
and subscribe to bo conformable to the doctrine, discipline, and worship
of the Protestant Episcopal Church. Provided, that any person who
hath been ordained by a Bishop of the Church of Rome may also be re
ceived as a minister, who shall produce satisfactory testimonials respect
ing his ordination, morals and conduct renouncing the errors of that
church take the oath, and subscribe as aforesaid.

26. Bishops shall be amenable to the Convention, who shall be a court
to try them, from which there shall be no appeal. On all such occasions
a President shall be chosen by the Convention to sit as judge, and they
shall also appoint a clerk to the court.

27. All accusations against a Bishop, as such, shall come from the ves
tries; but no accusation against a Bishop shall be received unless three
vestries join in the complaint All complaints against a Bishop shall be
lodged with such persons as may be appointed to call a Convention, and
ft copy of the charge or charges to be brought against him shall be com
municated to him in writing at least two months before the trial. Counsel
may be employed on both sides; and none but legal evidence shall be ad
mitted.

28. Disorderly, scandalous, and immoral conduct, neglect of duty, a

HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS. 51

disregard to the rules and canons of the church, or taking a bribe to grant
either ordination or a recommendation for a vacant parish, shall be con
sidered as offences in a Bishop, for which he may be brought to trial, and
on his being convicted of any of these he shall be reproved, suspended,
or dismissed at the discretion of the court.

A Standing Committee was further chosen, whose business,
as expressed in the resolution authorizing their appointment,
was, " to correspond with any society or societies of the Pro
testant Episcopal Church in the United States, on any mat
ters relating thereto; to call a meeting of the Convention
whensoever it shall seem necessary; to receive complaints
against the Clergy, and to direct courts of examination,
pursuant to the rules for the government of the church ; to
make such representations on behalf of the church as may
from time to time be expedient ; to give advice on difficulties
propounded to them concerning the church during the recess
of the Convention ; and to report their proceedings to every
succeeding Convention to be confirmed or rescinded." This
Committee, consisting of the Rev. Robert Andrews, the Se
cretary of the Convention, the Rev. John Bracken, the Hon.
John Blair, and John Page, Esquire, were further " instruct
ed to consider of the proper means of obtaining consecra
tion for a Bishop to officiate in this Church ; of sending the
person who may be hereafter appointed to be consecrated ;
and of supporting him during his continuance in office; and
to make their report to the next Convention."

After a session extending from May 18th to May 25th,
inclusive, the records of which, as printed in the origi
nal Journal now before us, comprise twenty- three pages
in small type, this Convention adjourned. It is hardly too
much to say of it, that in the influence it had upon subse
quent legislation of the Church at large in the principles it
enunciates, and in the evidence it affords us of the temper
and opinions of the Virginia Churchmen of that day, it is
second in importance only to that of Maryland.

Still further at the South there had been an ineffectual

52 HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS.

gathering of the Clergy and Laity of the Church in South
Carolina the same month. The reception of the Rev. Dr. Win.
Smith's letter, enclosing the recommendations of the Con
vention of New York, the preceding year, had been followed
by the issue of Circular letters, addressed to the Vestries of
the Protestant Episcopal Churches by the two Vestries of St.
Philip's and St. Michael's, requesting the appointment of
deputies to meet at the State House in Charleston, May 12th,
1785, to take into consideration -the matters recommended
by the meeting at New York. Agreeably to this Circular
letter, several clergymen and laymen met at the time ap
pointed; and inconsequence of the smallness of the repre
sentation of the churches, postponed the consideration of
the New York recommendations to another meeting, the 12th
of the ensuing July. This meeting was attended by only
three clergymen the Reverend Messrs. Robert Smith,
Henry Purcell and Edward Ellington, who had been also pre
sent at the primary meeting in May, together with lay de
puties from the parishes of St. Philip's and St. Michael's,
Charleston; St. James's, Goose-Creek; St. James's, Santee;
St. Bartholomew's, St. George's, Dorchester, Prince George,
Winyaw, and St. John's, Colleton. A striking feature of this
Convention was the appointment of a layman, Hugh Rut-
ledge, Esq., a deputy from St. Philip's, Charleston, to the
Chair. Little appears from the printed Journal to have been
done by this Convention, either in the way of the organiza
tion of the Church in South Carolina, or in originating or
suggesting action for the deputies of the Church at large
Avhon assembled in council. Deputies were chosen five by
the Convention, " one" of whom, " at least," was required
"to be a clergyman," and three of whom were authorized to
proceed on the business proposed for deliberation in the
"Recommendations;" and the nomination of the sixth de
puty was left with the Chairman, should his appointment be
deemed necessary. The Rev. Robert Smith, the Hon. Jacob
Read, the Hon. Charles Pinckney, the Hon. John Bull, and

HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS. 53

the Hon. John Kean, were elected deputies ; the Rev. Henry
Purcell being subsequently substituted by the Convention, in
consequence of the Rev. Robert Smith having declined his
appointment "from the peculiar situation of his family."
An allowance of 80 was made to defray the expenses of the
clerical delegates ; and the deputies were " left to act accord
ing to their judgment," with the single request on the part
of the Convention, that future meetings of the general -body
should be " held in the beginning of August." But while
the Journal! 1) affords us no hint of any further action on the
part of these primary gatherings of the Clergy and Laity of
South Carolina, Bishop White, in his Memoirs,(2) gives us
from his personal knowledge this important additional in
formation.

" In consequence of the recommendation and proposal of
the meeting of 1784, in New York, there was a Convention
of the Clergy of South Carolina, at Charleston, in the spring
of 1785. This was the state in which there was the most to
be apprehended, an opposition to the very principle of Epis
copacy, from its being connected, in the minds of some peo
ple, with the idea of an attachment to the British govern
ment. The citizens of South Carolina were the last visited
by the British armies, and had suffered more than any others
by their ravages. The truth is, there was real danger of an
opposition in the Convention, to a compliance with the invi
tation given. But the danger was warded off, by a proposal
made by the Rev. Robert Smith, to accompany their compli
ance with the measure, by its being understood, that there
a was to be no bishop settled in that state. Such a proposal,
from the gentleman who, it was presumed, would be the
bishop, were there to be any chosen, had the effect intended.
Some gentlemen, it is said, declared in conversation, that
they had contemplated an opposition, but were prevented by
this caution."

In New York, on the 22d of June, 1785, a Convention as
sembled, consisting of the following members.

(1) Reprint of the S. C. Journals, 1785-1818, inclusive, appended to
Dalcho's Historical Account of the Protestant Episcopal Church in South
Carolina. 8vo. Charleston, 1820.

(2) Pp. 95, 96. Vide, also Hawks's Constitution and Canons, pp. 6, 7.

54 HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS.

From Trinity Church, New- York, the Reverend Samuel
Provoost, the Reverend Mr. Beach, Reverend Mr. Moore,
Honorable James Duane, Marinus Willet, and John Alsop,
Esquires.

From the united parishes of Jamaica, Newtown, and ^ lusn-
ing, on Long-Island, the Reverend Mr. Bloomer, Mr. Charles
Crommeline, Mr. Daniel Kissam, Mr. Joseph Burrows, Mr.
John Johnson.

From Staten Island, the Reverend Mr. Rowland, and Paul
Micheau, Esquire.

From New-Rochelle, Mr. Andrew Fowler.

From Ulster and Orange Counties, Mr. Joseph Jarvis.

From Dutchess County, Mr. John Davis. (1)

The proceedings of this primary Convention of New York,
other than the preceding record of names, and the announce
ment of the election of the Rev. Mr. Provoost as President,
and the Rev. Benjamin Moore, as Secretary, is contained in
the following preamble and resolutions, which we extract
from the original Journal, as quoted before.

" This state convention having associated agreeably to the
recommendation of the general convention held in this city
on the 6th and 7th of October, 1784, proceeded to take into
consideration the matters recommended by the said general
convention; thereupon

Resolved, That three clerical and three lay deputies, be
appointed to represent the Protestant Episcopal Church in
the State of New York, in the general convention which is to
be held at Philadelphia on the Tuesday before the feast of
St. Michael next; and that any one or more of each order
form a quorum.

Resolved, That the Reverend Mr. Provoost, Reverend Mr.
Beach, and Reverend Mr. Moore, of the clergy ; and the Honor
able James Duane, Daniel Kissam, and John Davis, Esquires,
of the laity, be appointed for the above mentioned purpose ;
and they are hereby authorized to proceed on the necessary

(1) Proceedings of the Convention of the Protestant Episcopal Church
in the State of New-York ; Held in the City of New-York, on Wednesday,
June 22d, 1785. New-York: Printed by Hugh Gaine, in Hanover-
Square. M.DCC.LXXXVIL

HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS. 55

business which may be proposed for their deliberation at the
said convention, so far as they conform to the general princi
ples which are established to regulate their conduct in this
matter.

Resolved, That the president be requested to call another
convention, at such time and place as he shall deem most
conducive to the interest of the church."

A much more numerous Convention assembled in Christ
Church, New Brunswick, in New Jersey, on the 6th day of
July, 1785. There were present, as we learn from the origi
nal Journal, (1)

From Christ's Church, New-Brunswick, the Reverend
Abraham Beach, Messrs. Levinus Clarkson and James
Douglass.

From Trinity Church, Newark, the Reverend Uzal Ogden
and Mr. John Schuyler.

From St. John's Church, Elizabeth-Town, Mr. Patrick
Dennis.

From St. Peter's Church, Perth-Amboy, the Reverend
John-Hamilton Rowland, James Parker, and Matthias Hal-
sted, Esquires.

From Christ's Church, Shrewsbury, Messrs. Thomas Mor
ton and Thomas Lloyd.

From St. James's Church, Piscataway, Messrs. John Ar
nold and Henry Sutton.

From St. Mary's Church, Burlington, Abraham Hewlings,
Esq., and Mr. Samuel Roe.

From St. Andrew's Church, Mount -Holly, Messrs. John
Clark and Samuel Spraggs.

The proceedings of this Convention, at its first sitting,
were as follows.

" The convention being assembled,

Prayers were read, and the Reverend Mr. Rowland de
livered a sermon.

Adjourned to three o'clock, P.M.

(1) Proceedings of the Convention of the Protestant Episcopal Church,
in the State of New Jersey : Including the three first Meetings. With an
Appendix. Trenton: Printed by Isaac Collins. M.DCC.LXXXVII.
8vo. pp. 42.

56 HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS.

The convention met.

The Reverend Mr. Beach was chosen president, and the
Reverend Mr. Ogden, secretary,

Ordered, That the deputies from the several congregations
produce the testimonials of their appointment ; Avhich being
done, the same were read and approved.

Resolved, That the thanks of this convention be given to
the Reverend Mr. Rowland for his sermon, and that he be
requested to publish the same.

A general convention of the Protestant Episcopal Church
in the United States of America being appointed to be held,
in the city of Philadelphia, on the Tuesday before the Feast
of St. Michael next;

Resolved, That this convention will send a representation
to the said general convention; whereupon, the Reverend
Doctor Thomas B. Chandler, the Reverend Messrs. Beach,
Ogden and Rowland, the Honourable John Stevens, Esquire,
Abraham Hewlings, Esquire, Messrs. John Halsted, Patrick
Dennis, Joseph Throckmorton and James Douglass, were
elected for that purpose, with power to accede, on the part
of this convention, to the fundamental principles published
by the convention of the Protestant Episcopal Church, held
in New-York, the 6th and 7th days of October 1784 ; and to
adopt such measures, as the said general convention may
deem necessary for the utility of the said church, not repug
nant to the aforesaid fundamental principles.

Resolved, That the next convention of the Protestant Epis
copal church in this state be held at Burlington on the last
Wednesday in May next, unless a previous meeting becomes
necessary, in which case the president may convene it, on some
Tuesday previous thereto, at Perth-Amboy ; and that the
members of this convention recommend it to the vestries of
their respective congregations, to appoint deputies for that
purpose, in order to promote the general interest of this
church.

Resolved, That the Reverend Mr. Ogden be requested to
preach a sermon before the next convention.
End of the first sitting."

The letter of the Chairman of the Committee of Corres
pondence, appointed by the primary convention of Pennsyl-

HISTORICAL NOTES AXD DOCUMENTS. 57

vania, as referred to above, was received in Massachusetts
with interest, and evidently influenced the subsequent action
of the Churches in that State and New Hampshire. The
Rev. Samuel Parker, Rector of Trinity Church, in the city
of Boston, addressed to Dr. White, in reply to his commu
nication, the following interesting and important letter,(l)
which furnishes a fitting preface to the record of the con
ventional proceedings in which the writer had so great a
share.

Reverend Sir :

I had the Honour of receiving your favour of 30 ulto. enclosing
several Copies of the minutes of a Meeting of. the Episcopal Churches at
Philadelphia, by the Honble. Mr. Lowell last week.

You judged very right that the Opportunity then presented would con
vey the annexed Information sooner than the Plan agreed on between
you and the Gentlemen of New York and New Jersey, as no Intelligence
from any of them has yet reached me. I have communicated a copy of
the minutes to each of the Episcopal clergy in this Commonwealth.

We are indeed but five in Number, for when the British Troops evacu
ated this Town in March 1776, all the Episcopal Clergy in this Town
myself excepted and many from the other Towns accompanied them and
have never since returned. Indeed, but two others remained in the whole
Government, these were the Revd. Mr. Bass of Newburyport who was a
Missionary from the Society, but now for reasons unknown dismissed their
Service, and Revd. Mr. Wheeler, who was an Assistant to the Rector of
Trinity Church in Newport, Rhode Island ; the latter being a native of
this Province, upon the breaking out of the War retired to a small patri
mony in the Vicinity of this Town and did not officiate at all till within
a Twelvemonth past he was invited to the churches in Scituate and
Marshfield in the County of Plymouth. Since the War two Clergymen
have settled in this State, Revd. Mr. Lewis, who was Chaplain in Bur-
goyne's Regiment of light Dragoons, left that Service and came to this
Town in 1778 and settled at Christ's Church;

The other, the Revd. Mr. Fisher, who came from Annapolis in Nova
Scotia in 1780 and settled in Salem. The oldest Church in this Town,
formerly known by the Name of King's Chapel is now supplied by a Lay
Reader who is a Candidate for holy Orders.(2) There are five or six

(1) From the Bishop White MSS.

(2) James Freeman, refused Ordination on account of Arianism. Vide
Greenwood's History of King's Chapel.

53 HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS.

other Churches in some of which lay readers now officiate. In the State
of New Hampshire, there are but two Episcopal Churches, one at Ports
mouth the metropolis of the Government, where there has been no cler
gyman since the War, the other in a new Settlement in the western part
of the State(l) where a Missionary from the Society in England is now
resident. In the State of Rhode Island are three Churches only, exclu
sive of one at Bristol which was burnt by the British. In neither of these
is there a Clergyman in holy Orders, but in two of them there are Lay
Readers who are candidates. Mr. Graves Missionary from the Society
still resides at Providence but has not officiated since the commencement
of the War. The State of Connecticut contains the greatest Number of
Episcopal Churches of any of the New England States. There are now
fourteen missionaries from the Society besides seven other Clergymen not
in their service. This, Sir, is a brief State of the Episcopal Church in
the four Northern Governments which are contained in what is called
New England. I flatter myself this account will not be disagreeable nor
perhaps useless to you in your future Consultations respecting the Episco
pal Church in America.

Permit me now, Sir, to make several Enquiries respecting the Plan
proposed at your Meeting. Was it the intention of the Churches that met
at Philadelphia to devise a Plan for the future Government of the Epis
copal Churches in all the States or for Pennsylvania only? How far did
your Convention mean to carry their first Instruction or fundamental
Principle respecting the independence of the Episcopal Church in these
States of all foreign ecclesiastical authority? Is it meant to carry the Inde
pendence so far as to exclude the obtaining a Bishop from England? If so
I plainly foresee great Objections will arise in the Northern States and
especially in those Churches which have been and still are under the Pa
tronage of the Society at home. What Plan is proposed for the procuring
an Episcopate and from what Source can a sufficient support be derived.

I shall esteem it a peculiar favour, Sir, if it is not imposg. too great a
task, to have your Sentiments upon these Points, and that you will also oblige
me with an Account of the Alterations in and Additions to the Liturgy
already in use in your State. As no Alteration except that of omitting
the Prayers for the King and Royal Family has taken place in the
Churches in general in these States, I am desirous of knowing how the
Churches at the Southward manage in this affair, that if possible a Uni
formity as far as the civil government of each State will permit may be
maintained.

I esteem myself very happy in having this occasion of opening a Cor
respondence, to the continuance of which nothing shall be wanting in my
power.

(1) Claremont.

HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS. 59

Be kind enough to present my Kind Regards to your Brethren in the
Ministry, and be assured I shall take Pleasure in exerting my little Influ
ence and Endeavours to promote a Uniformity of Government and Wor
ship, and preserving the Communion of the Episcopal Churches in the
United States.

I have the Honour to be, Revd. Sir, with great esteem,

Your Brother, and very humble Servant,

SAMUEL PARKER.
Boston, June 21, 1784.

The Revd. WILLIAM WHITE, D.D.

Evidently prior to the reception of this interesting reply
to his first official communication, Dr. White forwarded the
following letter, (1) of which, unfortunately, but a fragment
remains.

Revd. Sir:

I am informed by your Townsman ye revd. Mr. Clarke, that you wish
to be informed of ye Measures in contemplation with ye epl. Clergy in
these parts for ye continuance of our Church & that you did me ye
honor to name me as one of whom you wished him to make ye Inquiry.
I embrace ye Opportunity of opening my Mind to you in some sentiments
additional to those general Principles which ye Clergy in this City for
warded to you by ye honl. Mr. Lowell. From these last you will learn ye
outlines of our System : & it only remains to mention in what way we
wish to see a representative Body of ye Church constituted in each State
and a general Representative Body for ye Continent.

I therefore, Sir, propose for your consideration, whether it will not be
expedient to have in each State a certain Body composed of all ye Clergy
and Lay-Delegates from ye Congregations (perhaps) according to yr re
spective Numbers Whether it will not be proper to provide that where
ye Church is numerous in any State or may hereafter become so in others,
such States should be divided into Districts & ye State representative
Body formed by Delegation therefrom Whether ye Church of a State
thought not numerous enough to have a Bishop may not be perfectly or
ganized, except a Dependence required on some other for ye single pur
pose of Ordination, a President in such case to be chosen annually; &
Whether, if a State be divided into Districts there may not be a Bishop in
each District, whereby each Bp. having a very moderate superintendance,

(1) From Bishop Parker's MSS. in the possession of his daughter,
the wife of the Rev. Theodore Edson, D.D., of Lowell, Mass.

60 HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS.

might be also a Parish Minister & would not require a separate Revenue
for his Support, je getting such a Revenue being perhaps impracticable?

In respect to a continental Representative, or a Convocation of ye
ep. Ch. in ye U S, I submit to you, whether (were they even to meet but
once in 3, 4, or 5 years) such a Body be not essential to our keeping to
gether one Church as ye R. Catholics, Presbyterians & Quakers do re
spectively & whether such a Body might not be formed, without any
great Burthen, by a Delegation from each State?

I know, revd. Sir, that ye introducing the Laity into our Scheme is
thought exceptionable by some of our Brethren. In answer, I will not
pretend any apprehensions of ye Clergy acquiring extravagant Powers;
altho' could I foresee such an event, it would confirm me in my principle.
But under present Circumstances, I rather expect, that without ye Laity,
there will be no Govt. at all;(l) and that there will be no persons capable
of exercising that Authority which ye 20th & 34th Articles of ye Church
of England consider essentially inherent to every Church ; In short, what
ever ye Clergy alone shall do will be treated as what a Congn. may either
receive or reject & as not even binding on ye dissenting Members of their
own Body; & ye Consequence will at last be, that ye several Congrega
tions being independent of one another, will gradually widen in Doctrine,
and Worship, agreeing perhaps in ye single circumstance of their requir
ing episcopal Ordination.

On ye Subject of procuring ye succession I shall only observe, that if
any private Measures said to have been undertaken for this End shd prove
successful, I think ye whole Church shd gladly avail itself of ye Acquisi
tion. If not, an Application to our Mother Church from Representatives
of ye epl. Church generally will be surely too respectable to be slighted ;
& such an Application might be easily framed by correspondence among
ourselves.

Should you, revd. Sir, think any Part of our Plan exceptionable or have
any thing in Addition to offer, I shall be as friendly in attending to your
Sentiments as I am free in offering my own.

I have ye pleasure to inform you, that last Tuesday there must have
been a Meeting of ye Clergy of Maryld. & Delegates from ye Vestries ;
but their Proceedings are not yet known here.

By a Letter from ye revd. Mr. Beach of Brunswick, I am informed that
ut a late Meeting of ye Clergy of Connecticut, they appointed a Committee
of their Body to meet us in N. York, on ye 1st Tuesday after Michaelmas
& have ....

(1) Bishop White repeatedly told the writer of this note, that such was
the feeling on the subject of introducing the laity, that had they been ex
cluded, no union or constitution would ever have been formed.

F. L. HAWKS.

HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS. 61

Following this, we extract from the same source Dr.
White's reply to Mr. Parker's first letter. Taken in connec
tion with the important queries to which it is intended as an
answer, it furnishes us with an authoritative, and at the same
time unstudied and free explanation of the action of the
Pennsylvania Churches.

Revd. Sir,

My delay in answering your kind Letter of ye 21 of June has been
owing to my Desire of sending to you some Acct. of the Proceedings of
ye Clergy & Lay-Delegates in Maryld. But being disappointed in my
Expectation of receiving it, owing as I suppose to the Delay in printing
it, as it contains both a Sermon & a projected Constitution, I can no longer
postpone acknowledging your favour & giving an Answer to your En
quiries.

The fundamental Principles which you have seen were merely meant
as Instructions to a Committee in their Consultations with our Brethren
in ye other States for ye forming a general Constitution for ye Continent,
which we think shd be attempted before we venture to form a Constitu
tion for this State in particular. The Independence asserted is intended
in ye most unlimited Sense ; but we do not think this precludes us from
procuring a Bishop from England, he becoming on his Arrival a Citizen
of ye U. S. Proper Measures for procuring an Episcopate we wish to
see taken at ye ensuing Meeting in N. York : but, as to his support, I
know no source for it but a parochial Living. The only Addition we
have made to ye Prayers is to alter that for ye Parliamt. so as to suit for
ye Delegates of these States in Congress & all others vested with civil
Authority ; we are sensible of the Imperfection of our Plan & that ye
Litany and other Prayers ought to be accommodated to ye political Change ;
but, lest Uniformity should be precluded, we chose to leave this to a gen
eral Communication of Sentiment.

I thank you, Sir, for ye Information contained in your Letter. Our
Numbers are as follows. Those of us who were settled in this State be
fore ye War are Mr. Currie of Chester County whose Age & Infirmities
prevent his officiating, Mr. Elling of Caernavon, & myself. During ye
War, ye revd. Dr. Magaw (formerly Missionary in Delaware) settled as
Rector of St. Paul's in this City, & Mr. Blackwell (formerly Missionary
in Jersey) settled as Asst. to me in ye United Churches. Since ye Peace
we have ye accession of Mr. Hutchins at Lancaster & Mr. Campbell at
Yorktown ; ye former a Native & late Resident of Barbadoes but edu
cated in this City & ye latter a Native of this State who went for Orders
in 1772, where he has resided untill his late Return.

62 HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS.

Once more, revd. Sir, I take ye Liberty of expressing my Hopes of see
ing you at N. York on ye 5th of Octr. & am

Your Brother & humble Servt.,
Philada. Aug. 10, 1784. W. WHITE.

Revd. Mr. PARKER.
P.S. Our Brethren in ye Ministry here desire their kind remembrances.

Through the exertions of Mr. Parker, the few Clergy of
Massachusetts and Rhode Island gathered together in Bos
ton the month preceding that appointed for the Convention
in New York. The following correspondence, now first
printed from the original Manuscript, preserved among the
Bishop White papers, fully explains their action, and marks
the zealous Rector of Trinity Church, Boston, as the leading
spirit of them all.

Revd. Sir:

I have the honour to enclose you an Extract of the Proceedings of a
Convention of the Episcopal Clergy of the States of Massachusetts &
Rhode Island held at Boston the 8th Instant & also a Letter from said
Convention to the Comtte. of the Churches in your State, both which I
hope you will safely receive. The Perusal of these will fully inform you
of the Sentiments of the Clergy in these States, & will preclude the Ne
cessity of my enlarging on these points. You will perceive they have
adopted your plan with a small addition to your first Article, without which,
as I mentioned to you in my Letter by Mr. Morris I supposed the Article
would be objected to. In my private Opinion I do not see that the Limi
tation was at all necessary, because I do not apprehend the Independency
there intended would in the least be affected by an application to a foreign
Power for the Succession of Episcopal Authority. The churches here
being most of them without a Minister, a representative body chosen by
the several Churches would consist almost entirely of Laymen & if they
are vested with the Power of making Laws, it will be in their power to
subject the Clergy to what Laws they please, & for that reason the Con
vention thought best to add a clause to your fifth Article to put the Clergy
& Laity more upon a par, & they have accordingly proposed & adopted
this mode of Representation, that each Church chuse one lay Delegate in
conjunction with their Minister & that those Churches that are destitute
of a Clergyman shd chuse one of the neighbouring Ministers to represent
them with one of their own Laymen, & in this mode they think there is
no great danger of their having too much Power.

HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS. 63

I have yet heard nothing more of the Meeting of the Churches by their
Committees at New York than what you mention in yours by the Revd.
Mr. Clark, & therefore shall not proceed thither agreeable to the Request
of our Convention unless I can learn that such a meeting will certainly be
held.

I have flattered myself that you would before this have favoured me
with further Information upon that as well as some other matters. The
Plan of Correspondence agreed on between your Brethren in New York
& New Jersey mentioned in yours of May 30 has not taken Effect as we
have in these parts had not the least Intelligence from that Quarter.
Should any general Meeting of the Churches be proposed, we shall be
obliged to you for Notice thereof as we are perfectly disposed to adopt any
measures calculated to promote the Welfare of our Church.

I am requested by the Comtee. of our Convention to ask the favour of you
to transmit an Account of our proceedings to the more southern Churches
& also would acquaint you & them that we shall be happy to receive any
Communications you or they shall be pleased to favour us with. We wish
also for your Opinion whether it is probable Congress will interfere in any
matter of an Ecclesiastical Nature & whether they would countenance a
Request made to England for a Bishop.

Wishing you all possible happiness I remain Revd. Sir, with the utmost
Respect & Esteem

Your Brother & very humble Servt.

SAM'L PARKER.

Boston, Sept. 10, 1784.
Revd. Dr. WHITE.

At a Meeting of the Episcopal Clergy of the States of
Massachusetts and Rhode Island, held at Boston, Sept. 8,

1784,

Voted. That the Episcopal Church in the united States
of America is & ought to be independent of all foreign Au
thority ecclesiastical & civil. But it is the Opinion of the
Convention that this ludependence be not construed or
taken in so rigorous a Sense as to exclude the Churches of
America separately or collectively from applying for & obtain
ing from some regular Episcopal foreign Power an American
Episcopate.

Secondly. That the Episcopal Church in these States
hath & ought to have in common with all other religious
Societies full & exclusive Powers to regulate the concerns of
its own Communion.

64 HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS.

Thirdly. That the "Doctrines of the Gospel be maintained
as now professed by the Church of England Uniformity
of Worship be continued as near as may be to the Liturgy of
said Church.

Fourthly. That the Succession of the Ministry be agree
able to the Usage which requireth the three Orders of Bish
ops, Priests, Deacons, that the rights & Powers of the
same be respectively ascertained that they be exercised
according to reasonable Laws to be duly made.

Fifthly. That the Power of making Canons Laws be
vested solely in a representative Body of the Clergy Laity
conjointly; in which Body the Laity ought not to exceed or
their Votes to be more in Number than those of the Clergy.

Sixthly. That no Powers be delegated to a general eccle
siastical Government except such as cannot conveniently be
exercised by the Clergy Vestries in their respective Con
gregations.

Voted. That the Revd. Mr. Parker, Revd. Mr. Bass
Revd. Mr. Fisher be a Comtee. on behalf of the Churches
in these States to correspond consult with the Clergy of
the other Episcopal Churches in America in Convention,
Committees or otherways.

Voted. That a circular Letter be written in the Name of
this Convention to the Episcopal Clergy in the States of Con
necticut, New York Pensylvania urging the Necessity of
their uniting with us in adopting some speedy Measures to
procure an American Episcopate. As it is the unanimous
Opinion of this Convention that this is the primary Object
they ought to have in view, because the very Existence of
the Church requires some speedy Mode of obtaining regular
Ordination.

Voted. That in Case a general Meeting of the Episcopal
Churches in the united States by their Representatives is
now or shall at any future time before the next Meeting of
this Convention be proposed by any number of Churches to
be held for the purpose of promoting the Welfare of said
Church, the Revd. Mr. Parker be desired to meet act with
said representative body on behalf of this Convention.

Voted. That the Convention or Committee of Churches in
the States of Connecticut, New York Pensylvania be
informed of the Proceedings of this Convention that they

HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS. 65

or some of them be requested to transmit the same to our
more southern Brethren.

A true Extract from the Minutes.

Attest.

Reverend & Honoured Brethren.

Having been favoured with the Minutes of the Meeting of
the Clergy & Lay Delegates from sundry Congregations of
the Episcopal Church in the State of Pensylvania held at
Philadelphia the 25th of May last, communicated to us by
your Chairman, We the Clergy of the Episcopal Churches in
the Commonwealth of Massachusetts & State of Rhode Is
land met in Convention at Boston Septemr. 8th, 1784, have
duly considered the same and have unanimously adopted the
fundamental Principles or Instructions to which you are
bound, and think the same not only unexceptionable but
such as the Episcopal Churches in the united States ought to
adopt. We have indeed thought proper to add a Restriction
or an explanatory clause to the first and fifth Article, more
for the Sake of avoiding any Mistakes hereafter than because
we suppose we differ from you in Sentiment.

But it is our unanimous Opinion that it is beginning at
the wrong end to attempt to organize our Church before we
have obtained a head. Our Churches at present resemble
the scattered Limbs of the body without any common Centre
of Union, or Principle to animate the whole. We cannot con
ceive it probable or even possible to carry the Plan you have
pointed out into Execution before an Episcopate is obtained
to direct our Motions, & by a delegated Authority to claim
our Assent. It is needless to represent to you the absolute
Necessity of adopting & uniting in some speedy measures
to procure some reputable Person who is regularly invested
with the powers of Ordination, &c. to reside among us, with
out which scarce the Shadow of an Episcopal Church will
soon remain in these States. Many are the Congregations
here destitute of a Clergyman, & we must be left to the dis
agreeable Alternative of having no Church in many of our
Settlements where there would probably be a respectable one,
or of having clerical Powers conveyed in an irregular manner.

As to the mode of obtaining what we stand in such need of,
we wish above all things to procure it in the most regular
manner & particularly from our mother church in England.
Whether any of the Bishops in England or Ireland would

66 HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS.

consecrate a Person chosen among ourselves & sent there for
th:tt Purpose without a mandate from the King of England or
the authority of his Parliament, we are at a loss to determine;
but we have no doubt that a regular Application made by a
representative Body of the Episcopal Churches in America
would easily obtain a consecrated head, & in order to this we
earnestly wish a mode of applying in some such way may be
immediately adopted by the American Churches.

We are of Opinion that we ought to leave no means un
tried to procure a regular Succession of the Episcopacy be
fore we think of obtaining it in an irregular Manner. To
accomplish this we have chosen a Committee of our Body to
correspond with you upon this Subject & adopt such Measures
for the same as may be expedient or necessary. And in case
a Meeting of a representative Body shall be agreed upon, we
have delegated a Power to one of our Number to represent
us & our Churches in such a Meeting. We are extremely
anxious for the Preservation of our Communion & the Con
tinuance of an Uniformity of Doctrine & Worship, but we
see not how this can be maintained without a common head,
& are therefore desirous of uniting with you in such Mea
sures as shall be found expedient & proper for the common
good.

We are Gentlemen your affectionate Bretliren

& Friends,
Signed in behalf of said Convention,

J GRAVES,

Modr.
Boston, Commonwealth of Massachusets,

Septemr. 8th, 1784.

The Committee of the Episcopal Churches in the
State of Pensylvania.(l)

In Connecticut, the Clergy, though assembling from time
to time in Convocation, adhered to the principle of their pri
mary action, which was, that the Episcopal Succession should
be first secured, and that measures for re-organizing and per
fecting the system of Ecclesiastical government should then
be taken With this feeling, the Clergy of Massachusetts

(1) From Bishop White's MSS. Collections, compared with the original
draft among the Bishop Parker Correspondence in the possession of the
Editor.

HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS. 67

and elsewhere throughout the New England States sympa
thised: and the contrary opinion, held, and prosecuted with
so much determination by the Southern Conventions, served
for a time to delay the union of the Churches. As we have
already seen, the admission of the laity to the councils of the
Church was another subject of disagreement; and the con
troversy with respect to this point ceased only at the ratifi
cation of the Ecclesiastical Constitution in October, 1789, by
the Bishop of Connecticut and the deputies from that State,
and Massachusetts and Rhode Island. To these matters the
following pages will again revert. In the mean time, with a
brief glance at an abortive attempt at organization, still
further to the North, we will pass to the consideration of the
first Convention of the associated Churches.

In addition to these Conventions, there had been assembled
in that portion of the present States of New Hampshire and
Vermont, then known as " the Hampshire Grants," a meet
ing of Episcopalians from a number of neighboring towns,
at which a delegate to the Convention in Philadelphia, in
1785, was duly appointed ;(1) and the same gentleman, Gen
eral Roger Enos, deputed to attend the State Convention of
Massachusetts, with which body the more northern Churches
seemed to feel most closely allied. General Enos failed to
present himself either at Philadelphia or Boston, and we
hear little more of the Episcopalians of the Hampshire
Grants. Those of Vermont subsequently met in Convention,
and under the guidance of a zealous but erratic Clergyman,
the Rev. John Cousens Ogden, chose the Rev. Samuel Peters,
LL.D., formerly Missionary in Hebron, Conn., as their
Bishop, and applied in vain, as we shall subsequently see,
both to the English and American Bishops, for his consecra
tion. Those living in the valley of the Connecticut River,
who were, upon the settlement of the disputed boundary line
between New Hampshire and Vermont, declared to belong

(1) Vide unpublished records in the keeping of the Registrar of the
Diocese of New Hampshire.

C8 HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS.

to the former State, united with a portion of their brethren in
Vermont, and obtained for a time the consent of the General
Convention to a conventional organization independent of
the Clergy in the Eastern part of the State. These mat
ters, however, will receive attention at a subsequent stage of
our progress.

To this extended view of the Preliminary Conventions in
various sections of the Church, we need add merely the re
mark, in recapitulation, that these proceedings, to quote the
language of Bishop White, showed " an accommodation to
the civil system" of our government, and asserted, perhaps
for the first time since apostolic days, the right of the Laity
to a vote and a voice in the general and particular councils
of the Church.

THE CONVENTION OF 1785.

THE meeting of the first General Convention of the
Church was awaited with great interest. Since the
gathering in New York the preceding Octoher, the
Rt. Kev. Dr. Samuel Seabury had returned to Connec
ticut, having succeeded in his application for consecra
tion at the hands of the Bishops of the Church in Scot
land. Thus provided with a head, the clergy of Connec
ticut addressed an invitation, to their Southern brethren
to meet them in Convention at MiddletownjQ with a

1 Bp. White, in his Memoirs, says, at New Haven, (p. 100 ;) but the
following letter, which we transcribe from his MSS., seems to sustain
the statement we have made in the text :

STRATFORD, July 14, 1785.
DEAR SIR:

I am desired to acquaint you, that the Clergy of this State are to
meet at Middletown in this State, on the third of August next, at which
time and place, they would be much pleased to see you, and the rest
of the Oiergy of your State.

We must all wish for a Christian Union of all the Churches in the
thirteen States, for which good purpose we must allow private Conve
nience to give way to public Utility.

We have no Views of usurping any Authority over our Brothers and
Neighbours, but wish them to unite with us, in the same friendly
manner, that we are ready and willing to do, with them. I must
earnestly entreat you to come upon this occasion, for the sake of the
peace of the Church, for your own satisfaction, in what friendly
manner the Clergy here would treat you, not to mention what
happiness the sight of you would give to your sincere friend and
brother, JEREMIAH LEAMING.

In further confirmation of the above, we transcribe from the
original, a letter issued by two of the members of a Clerical Committee
of the first Convention of Massachusetts and Rhode Island, who
were invested, as it appears from the Eecords of that meeting,

70 HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS.

view to adopting measures for union and permanent
organization. The reply of the Philadelphia clergy, as
we are informed by Bp. "White, was an invitation to
those of Connecticut to come to the approaching General
Convention in September the appointment of which
meeting was made the excuse for their non-acceptance
of the Connecticut proposal.

This interchange of congratulatory and apologetic
letters gave occasion for the following interesting cor
respondence, addressed by the newly consecrated Bishop
and the venerable Dr. Thomas Bradbury Chandler, of
New Jersey, to Drs. White and Smith. These letters,
which we transcribe from the originals, and two of which
are now for the first time made public, are of the greatest
value, as illustrating the obstacles to union resulting
from the radical movements of the Southern clergy,
and, on the other hand, the sound conservatism of their
brethren at the North :

MY DEAR SIR :

A day or two ago I received from Bp. Seabury, and
was by him desired to forward, the enclosed letters,
addressed to you and Dr. Smith. That to Dr. Smith was

"with power to summon this Convention to meet at such time and
place as they shall judge most convenient, when the exigences of
the Church make it necessary," apparently appointing the other
member of their body to attend the Connecticut Convention as a
Representative of the Churches of the two States.

SALE*, July 28th, 1785.
REV'DSIR:

We request you to attend the approaching Convention of the
Episcopal Clergy, to be holden at the Town of Middletown, in Con
necticut! ; then and there to learn what measures they mean to
adopt ; in order to the maintaining uniformity of divine worship in
the Episcopal Church, &c. &c. fec.
We are

Rev'd Sir, Your very H'ble Ser't.

EDWARD BASS,
Minuter of St. Paul's Church, Newbury Pert.

NATH'EL FISHER,
RBV'D MR. PARKER. Minuter of St. Peter's Church, Salem.

HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS. 71

sent open for my inspection ; and, instead of sealing it, I
have taken the liberty to send it open to you, wishing
that you also may have a sight of it. You will, there
fore, after reading it, be so good as to seal and send
it forward.

As the time of your continental Convention now ap
preaches, I doubt not but 3<ou and the other friends of
the Church in general, throughout the country, are be
ginning to grow very anxious about the event. For the
fate of the Episcopal Church in America will, in a great
measure, depend upon the deliberations and decisions of
that general meeting. On this account I could wish to
be present at a consultation of such capital importance;
and, indeed, upon my late arrival from England, I found
that I had been chosen as one of the Representatives of
the Church in this State on the grand occasion ; but such
is my situation, with regard to a scorbutic, corrosive dis
order, with which I have been long troubled, that I fear
it will be impossible for me to accept the Commission by
a personal attendance. "Will you then permit me, in this
way, to give you a sketch of my hopes #nd apprehensions,
as well as my opinion on some matters relative to the
case? From what I know of your character, I cannot
doubt but you will ; and not the less readily, on account
of the freedom which I think it my duty to use, when
ever I pretend to offer my opinion on the subject.

My hopes arise from the anxiety and concern, which
have been so generally shown by the Episcopalians in the
several States, for setting the Church upon a proper
bottom from the attachment they have discovered to
the Episcopal mode of government and from the venera
tion they have expressed for the Liturgy of the Church
of England, as the proper Basis of a Liturgy to be pre
pared for the general use of the churches in America.
Now as such a disposition seems fortunately to prevail,
I cannot but hope that, under the direction and blessing
of Divine Providence, it will produce the happiest effects.

My apprehensions are owing to some measures that
have been adopted by most of the particular Conventions,
and some expedients that have been proposed, which are
contrary to the established maxims of ecclesiastical polity,
and the practice of the Church in all ages, a few modern
instances excepted. In this I have reference to the ad

72 HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS.

mission of the Laity to vote in ecclesiastical Councils; the
divesting Bishops of their proper and essential authority,
and making them subject to their own Presbyters, &c.
&c. The Church is a Society founded by Christ; all ec
clesiastical authority and jurisdiction must be derived
from him, and not from any natural rights, &c. ; this
authority he was pleased to lodge in the hands of certain
officers of his appointment, to be communicated to their
successors ; those, therefore, who are not officers in the
Church, i. e. the Laity, can have no share of ecclesiastical
authority. And as to the other point : If the Bishops are
not allowed to govern the Church, the Church is not
under Episcopal government, and cannot be Episcopal ;
but is under the government of those who govern the
Bishops.

The concessions of this kind which have been made by
any of the Clergy, I suppose have been made through a
desire to gratify and encrease the number of the Church's
friends ; but we are not at liberty, even for so good an end,
to alter the original constitution of the Church, and to
sacrifice the essential rights of Episcopacy. Besides:
although in this way we might, perhaps, gain some new
friends, yet I am sure that we should lose many more old
ones ; and many thousands of the best-informed Episco
palians on this continent would renounce all communion
with us as would also the Church of England, to say
nothing o f the other Episcopal Churches in Europe.
The consequence of this would be, that we should lose
pur respectability in the eyes of the world, be involved
in eternal disputes with other Episcopalians, and wretch
edly defeat our own purpose.

As to the Laity I am clearly of opinion that they
ought to be consulted on this occasion, and that it is
proper that a representation of them should meet at the
same time and place (I mean Town or City) with a re
presentation of the Clergy. It depends upon them,
whether how far and in what manner, our Church
shall be supported. But had I been in this country at
the time of the first meetings, I should certainly have
proposed, and if necessary have urged, that the two Con
ventions of the Clergy and Laity should be kept separate;
that a friendly communication between them should
be kept up, in the way of conference ; that the Clergy,

HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS. 73

after mature deliberation, defining the nature and prin
ciples of that Church, to which they thought it their
duty, under all circumstances, to adhere, should re
commend it to the other Convention, and beg their
support of it; that they should, from day to day, inform
them of their proceedings, and be ready to hear their
objections, and to consider their proposed alterations and
amendments; but that they should by no means admit
the Laity to vote with them on any ecclesiastical questions.
ISTor would the gentlemen of the Laity think such an ex
clusion, when candidly explained to them, any mark of
our want of affection or respect for them ; for they can
have no wish, but to see the just rights and dignity of
their own Church duly ascertained and supported. They
would as soon complain that they are not allowed to ad
minister Baptism or the H. Eucharist.

Had I time, and would it not be tedious to you, I
would make some remarks upon the several late Conven
tions, so far as they have come to my knowledge. But,
for *iie present, I shall confine myself to a few hasty ob
servations on the printed account of the transactions of
the Convention in Virginia held in May last.

In the first place in addition to the general objection
against the voting of Laymen in an ecclesiastical Coun
cil, it may be observed that, 1st, on some days the Lay-
members of that Convention, who were twice as numerous
as the Clerical ones, seem to have taken the lead ; for we
find Mr. JBraxton in the chair. This is so contrary to every
idea of propriety and decorum, that I cannot but wonder
that any one of the Laity should ever have proposed, or
the Clergy have consented to, so unprecedented a mode
of conduct.

Secondly. The Convention seem to have mistaken their
proper business, which was, and could be, no 'other, than
to agree upon the best expedients for supporting the inte
rests and honour and rights of the Church in its present
imperfect State, and to concert measures for compleating
its constitution, by the introduction of an Episcopate as
soon as possible. Here, in my humble opinion, they
ought to have stopt ; and not, to have proceeded to organ
ize the government of the Church, and to establish Canons, or
rules for its future order, government and discipline. I believe
it was never heard of before, that the Presbyters only, or

74 HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS.

the Presbyters and Laity, of an Episcopal Church, under
took to make ecclesiastical Canons ; which is the peculiar
office of the Bishop or Bishops, with the advice of their
Clergy. [See on this subject, Hooker, Potter, Bingham,
and the Original Draft, in answer to Sir P. King, &c. c.j

Thirdly. The Bishop, when introduced into Virginia,
must not only be governed by Canons, in the forming of
which no Bishop was ever eonsulted, but he must consent
to give up a principal part of his office, which has always
been considered as inalienable, and consent to be little
more than a Parish Minister. Although a Bishop imij
take particular charge of a Parish, yet this, I believe, is
the first time that a Bishop was ever obliged to do so, and,
however well he may otherwise be provided for, to do the
duty of a Parish Minister. In consequence of this degra
dation, the Clergy are to meet together in Presbyteries,
without the call of the Bishop, and are to enforce the
Canons of the Church, without his authority ; which regu
lations are contrary to all the maxims of ecclesiastical
polity, and to the very essence of an Episcopal Church.
Instead of dividing the Clergy into Presbyteries, acting in
dependently of the Bishop, why may not the several ends
proposed by it be as well, or better, answered, by dividing
them into Archdeaconries or Rural Deanries, acting under
the authority of the Bishop, according to the practice of
all other Episcopal Churches ? In short, the whole system
of discipline is so destructive to the authority of Bishops,
that it must necessarily be reprobated by every real Epis
copalian in Christendom, who duly considers it.

In saying this, I mean not to reflect upon those worthy
persons, who constituted the above-mentioned Convention
in Virginia. On the contrary, I applaud and honour the
well-meant zeal which they discovered for supporting the
interests of the Church^ and I believe they acted, though
wrongly, from worthy motives; but their accomodating
disposition evidently carried them much too far. And I
cannot but hope that, upon a careful reconsideration of
the proceedings they have published, they will be willing
to rescind some of their decisions. I trust that the above
points will be thoroughly discussed at the ensuing general
Convention, in the spirit of peace, unity and concord.
May the great founder and head of the Church, who has
promised to be always with it to the end of the world,

HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS. 75

prosper your consultations, and bring them to a happy
issue!

It will be of the utmost consequence to the Episcopal
Church in America that it should preserve an uniformity,
at least a similarity, quails decet esse Sororum, through the
different States. In Connecticut the constitution of the
Church is now compleated, as far as I can judge, upon
right principles. I wish that in the other States the
example may be followed; for I do not believe that the
Christian world affords one more conformable to the
primitive pattern, all things considered, than the Church
in Connecticut.

As I am hourly expecting the bearer to call upon me,
I must now conclude. Possibly I may hereafter find my
self disposed to resume this subject. In this Letter I
have not had time to speak to the several points I in
tended, nor to study propriety of expression. However,
if you think any thing here said or suggested may be
useful, it is submitted to your disposal*

With my best compliments to your good Lady, I have
the honour to subscribe myself, with much esteem,

Your affectionate Brother,

and humble Servant,
T. B. CHANDLEK.Q

ELIZABETH-TOWN,
Sept. 2d, 1785.

To this important document, emanating from perhaps
the foremost man in ability and reputation among the
American clergy, we add the letter from Bp. Seabury to
Dr. Smith, referred to as enclosed for Dr. White's perusal.
It is printed in the appendix to Bp. White's Memoirs of
the Church; but, for the correction of several trifling
errors which appear in the Bishop's copy, we have tran
scribed it anew from the original, which is still preserved
among the manuscripts of the General Convention.

1 From the original letter among the Bp. White MSS.

76 HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS.

(') NEW LONDON, Augt. 15th, 1785.

REV'D AND DEAR SlR,

It has not been in my power till this day, to pay
that attention to your letter of July 19th, which the im
portance of its several subjects demanded.

The grand difficulty that defeated my application for
Consecration in England appeared to me to be the want
of an application from the State of Connecticut. Other
objections were made, viz : that there was no precise
diocese marked out by the civil authority, nor a stated
revenue appointed for the Bp's support: But those were
removed. The other remained for the civil authority in
Connecticut is Presbyterian, and therefore could not be
supposed would petition for a Bp. And had this beer\
removed, I am not sure another would not have started
up: For this happened to me several times. I waited,
and procured a copy of an Act of the Legislature of Con
necticut, which puts all denominations of Christians on a
footing of equality, (except the Roman Catholics, and to
them it gives a free toleration) certified by the Secretary
of State : For to Connecticut all my negociations were
confined. The Abp. of Cant, wished it had been fuller,
but thought it afforded ground on which to proceed. Yet
he afterwards said it would not do; and that the minister,
without a formal requisition from the State would not
suffer the Bill, enabling the Bp. of London to ordain
foreign Candidates without their taking the Oaths, to pass
the Commons, if it contained a clause for Consecrating
American Bps. And as his Grace did not choose to pro
ceed without parliamentary authority though if I under
stood him right, a majority of the Judges and Crown
Lawyers were of opinion he might safely do it I turned
my attention to the remains of the old Scots Episcopal
Church, whose Consecrations I knew were derived from
England, and their authority in an ecclesiastical sense,
fully equal to the English Bps. No objection was ever
made to me on account of the legacies left for American
Bps. Some people had surmises of this kind, but I know
not whence they arose.

1 From the original manuscript preserved among Bp. White's
papers. The printed copy in the Appendix to the Bishop's Memoirs
(pages 286-292 inclusiVe) is incorrect in several particulars.

HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS. 77

I can see no good ground of apprehension concerning
the titles of estates or emoluments belonging to the Ch'ch
in your State. Your Ch'ch is still the Ch'ch of England
subsisting under a different civil government. We have
in America, the Ch'ch of Holland, of Scotland, of Sweden,
of Moravia, and why not of England. Our being of the
Ch'ch of England, no more implies dependence on, or
subjection to England, than being of the Ch'ch of Holland
implies subjection to Holland.

The plea of the Methodists is something like impu
dence. Mr. Wesley is only a Presbyter, and all his Ordi
nations Presbyterian, and in direct opposition to the Ch'ch
of England: And they can have no pretence for calling
themselves Ch'chmen till they return to the unity of the
Ch'ch, which they have unreasonably, unnecessarily and
wickedly broken, by their separation and schism.

Your two cautions respecting recommendations and
titles are certainly just. Till you are so happy as to have
a Bp of your own, it will be a pleasure to me to do every
thing I can, fof the supply of your Ch'ches: And I am
confident the Clergy of Maryland, and the other States,
will be very particular with regard to. the qualifications
and titles of persons to be admitted into their own Order.
Should they think proper to send any Candidates hither,
I could wish that it might be at the stated times of Ordina
tion; because the Clergy here living so scattered, it is not
easy on every emergency to get three of them together;
and never without some expence w T hich they cannot well
afford. I cannot omit to mention again, the particular
satisfaction Mr. Ferguson gave, not only to me, but to all
our Clergy. I Lope he will prove a worthy and useful
Clergyman. I flatter myself he got home without any
disagreeable accident.

I thank you for your communications respecting Wash
ington College, and the various Conventions you have had
in your State, and neighbourhood. The Clergy and Laity
have particular merit in making so great exertions to get our
Ch'ch into a settled and respectful state. But on objects of
such magnitude and variety it is to be expected that senti
ments will differ. All men do not always see the same
object in the same light : And persons at a distance are not
always masters of the precise reasons and circumstances
which have occasioned particular modes of acting. Of

78 HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS.

aome things therefore in } T our proceedings I cannot be a
competent judge, without minute information ; and I am
very sorry that my present circumstances, and duty here,
will not permit me to make so long a journey at this
time ; because by personal interview and conversation
only can such information be had.

But, my dear Sir, there are some things which, if I do
not much misapprehend, are really wrong. In giving my
opinion of them, I must claim the same privilege of judg
ing for myself which others claim; and also that right of
fair and candid interpretation of my sentiments which is
due to all men.

1. I think you have done wrong in establishing so
many, and so precise, fundamental rules. You seem
thereby to have precluded yourselves from the benefit of
after consideration. And by having the power of altering
fundamental rules diffused through so large a body, it
appears to me next to impossible to have them altered^
even in some reasonable cases ; because cases really
reasonable may not always appear so to'two-thirds of a
large assembly. It should also be remembered that while
human nature is, as it is, something of party, passion, or
partiality, will ever be apt, in some degree, to influence
the views and debates of a numerous and mixed assembly.

2. I think you have too much circumscribed the power
of your Bp. That the Duty and Office of a Bishop, differs
in nothing from that of other Priests, except in the power of
Ordination and Confirmation, (Pamph. p. 16) and the right
of Precedency, &c. is a position that carries Jeroms opinion
to the highest pitch. Quidfacit Episcopus, quod Presbyter
nonfaciat, excepta ordinatione? But it does not appear that
Jerom had the support of the Ch'ch, in this opinion, but
rather the contrary. Government as essentially pertains
to Bps as ordination ; nay ordination is but the particular
exercise of government. Whatever share of government
Presbyters have in the Ch'ch, they have from the Bp, and
must exercise it in conjunction with, or in subordination
to him. And though a Congregation may have a right
and I am willing to allow it to choose their minister,
as they are to support him and live under his ministry,
yet the Bps concurrence or license is necessary, because
they are part of his charge ; he has the care of their souls,
and is accountable for them ; and therefore the ministers

HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS. 79

authority to take charge of that congregation must come
through the Bp.

The choice of the Bp. is in the Presbyters, but the
neighbouring Bps who are to consecrate him must have
the right of judging whether he be a proper person or
not. The Presbyters are the Bps council, without whom
he ought to do nothing but matters of course. The
Presbyters have always a check upon their Bp. because
they can, neither Bp nor Presbyters, do any thing
beyond the common course of duty without each other.
I mean with regard to a particular diocese; for it does not
appear that Presbyters had any seat in general councils,
but by particular indulgence.

The people being the patrons of the Ch'ches in this
country, and having the means of the Bps and ministers
support in their hands, have a sufficient restraint upon
them. In cases that require it, they can apply to their
Bp, who, with the assistance of his Presbyters, will pro
ceed, as the case may require, to censure, suspension or
deposition of the offending Clergyman. If a Bp behaves
amiss the neighbouring Bps are his judges. Men that
are not to be trusted with these powers are not fit to be
Bps or Presbyters at all.

This, I take it, is the constitution of the Christian
Ch'ch, in its pure and simple State. And it is a constitu
tion which, if adhered to, will carry itself into full effect.
This constitution we have adopted in Connecticut; and
we do hope and trust that we shall, by God's grace,
exhibit to the world, in our government, discipline and
order, a pure and perfect model of primitive simplicity.

Presbyters cannot be too careful in choosing their Bp ;
nor the People in choosing their Minister. Improper
men may, however, sometimes succeed: And so they
will, make as exact rules, and circumscribe their power,
as you can. And an improper man in the Ch'ch, is an
improper man, however he came there, and however his
power be limited. The more you circumscribe him, the
greater temptation he is under to form a party to support
him ; and when his party is formed, all the power of
your convention will not be able to displace him. In
short if you get a bad man, your laws and regulations
will not be effectual if a good man the general laws of
the Ch'ch are sufficient.

80 HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS.

When civil States have made provision for ministers,
it seems reasonable that they should define the qualifica
tions, and regulate the conduct of those who are to enjoy
the emolument. But voluntary associations for the exer
cise of such powers as your Convention is to have, are
always apt such is the infirmity of human nature to
fall into parties ; and when party enters, animosity and
discord soon follow. From what has been said you will
suppose I shall object

3. To the admission of Lay members into Synods &c. :
I must confess I do, especially in the degree your funda
mental rules allow. I have as great a regard for the laity
as any man can have. It is for their sake that Ministers
are appointed in the Ch'ch. I have no idea of aggran
dizing the Clergy at the expense of the laity: nor indeed
of aggrandizing them at all. Decent means of living is
all they have a right to expect. But I cannot conceive
that the Laity can with any propriety be admitted to sit
in judgment on B^s and Presbyters, especially when
deposition may be the event; because they cannot take
away a character which they cannot confer. It is incon
gruous to every idea of Episcopal government. That
authority which confers power, can, for proper reasons,
take it away : But where there is no authority to confer
power, there can be none to disanul it. Wherever,
therefore, the power of Ordination is lodged, the power
of deprivation is lodged also.

Should it be thought necessary that the laity should
have a share in the choice of their Bp if it can be put
on a proper footing, so as to avoid party and confusion,
I see not but that it might be admitted. But I do not
apprehend that this was the practice of the primitive
Ch'ch. In short, the rights of the Christian Ch'ch arise
not from nature or compact, but from the institution of
Christ ; and we ought not to alter them, but to receive
and maintain them, as the holy Apostles left them. The
government, sacraments, faith and doctrines of the Ch'ch
are fixed and settled. We have a right to examine what
they are, but we must take them as they are. If we new
model the government, why not the sacraments, creeds
and doctrines of the Ch'ch ; But then it would not be
Christs Ch'ch, but our Ch'ch ; and would remain so call
it by what name we please.

HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS. 81

I do therefore beseech the Clergy and Laity, who shall
meet at Philadelphia, to reconsider the matter before a
final step be taken : and to endeavour to bring their
Ch'ch government as near to the primitive pattern as
may be. They will find it the simplest, and most easy to
carry into effect; and if it be adhered to will be in no
danger of sinking or failing.

I^do not think it necessary that the Ch'ch in every
State should be just as the Ch'ch in Connecticut is ;
though I think that the best model. Particular circum
stances, I know, will call for particular considerations.
But in so essential a matter as Ch'ch government is, no
alterations should be made that affect its foundation. If
a man be called aBp who has not the Episcopal powers of
government, he is called by a wrong name, even though
he should have the power of Ordination and Confirmation.

Let me therefore again entreat that such material alter
ations, and forgive me if I say, unjustifiable ones, may
not be made in the government of the Ch'ch. I have
written freely as becomes an honest man ; and in a case
which I think calls for freedom of sentiment and ex
pression. I wish not to give offence, and I hope none
will be taken. Whatever I can do consistently to assist
in procuring Bps in America, I shall do cheerfully, but
beyond that I cannot go; and I am sure neither you, nor
any of the friends of the Ch'ch, would wish I should.

If any expression in the letter should seem too warm,
I will be ready to correct the mode, but the sentiments I
must retain till I find them wrong, and then I will freely
give them up. In this matter I am not interested. My
ground is taken, and I wish not to extend mj authority
beyond its present limits. But I do most earnestly wish
to have our Ch'ch in all the States so settled that it may
be one Ch'ch, united in government, doctrine, and dis
cipline that there may be no divisions among us no
opposition of interests no clashing of opinions. And
permit me to hope that you will at your approaching
Convention so far receed on the points I have mentioned,
as to make this practicable. Your Convention will be
large and very much to be respected. Its determinations
will influence many of the American States, and posterity
will bematerially affected by them. These considerations
are so many arguments for calm and cool deliberation.

82 HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS.

Tinman passions and prejudices, and, if possible, infirm
ities, should be laid aside. A wrong step will be attended
with dreadful consequences. Patience and prudence
must be exercised: And should there be some circum
stances that press hard for a remedy, hasty decisions will
not mend them. In doubtful cases they will probably
have a bad effect.

May the Spirit of God be with you at Philadelphia;
and as I persuade myself, the sole good of his Ch'ch is
the sole aim of you all, I hope for the best effects from
your meeting.

I send you the alterations which it has been here
thought proper to make in the Liturgy, to accomodate
it to the civil constitution of this State. You will
observe that there is no collect for the Congress. We
have no backwardness in that respect, but thought it our
duty to know whether the civil authority in this State has
any directions to give in this matter; and thai; cannot be
known till their next meeting in October.

Some other alterations were proposed, of which Mr.
Ferguson took a copy ; and I would send you a copy had
I time to transcribe it. The matter will be resumed at
Kew Haven the 14th of September. Should we come to
any determination, the Brethren to the southward shall
be informed of it.

With my best regards to the Convention and to you,
I remain your affect, hum'l Serv't.

SAMUEL, BP. EP'L CH'CH, CONNECT.

I have taken the liberty to enclose a copy cf my letters
of Consecration, which you will please to communicate
to the Convention. You will also perceive it to be my
wish that this letter should be communicated to them; to
which, I presume, there can be no objection.

Resuming the same subject a few days later, Bp. Sea-
bury addressed the following letter directly to Dr. White :

(^NEW LONDON, Augt. 19, 1785.
REVEREND AND DEAR SIR,

I thank you for your several letters since my arrival
in America, and particularly for the Pamphlets you sent

1 From the Bp. White MSS.

HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS. 83

me. I had heard of them, and -wanted much to see them.
I have not yet had time to do more than look at them,
but should be glad to cultivate an acquaintance with a
gentleman of so much learning and merit as the author
of the (^Letter and Reply evidently is.

It is a grief to me that I cannot be with you at your
ensuing Convention. Neither my circumstances, nor
duty will permit it. I am utterly unprovided for so long
a journey, not being, at present, master even of a horse.
I have written particularly to Dr. Smith, from whom I
had a long letter, and have explained to him my senti
ments on one or two points in your fundamental rules,
which I fear are not right. I suppose, and expect, that
Dr. Smith will read my letter to him to the Convention ;
it is my wish he should. You, and the Brethren, and
Gentlemen who shall assemble, will, my good Sir, excuse
my apprehensions, and the freedom I have taken, to
express myself, as an honest man should do, in plain
language. And I hope you will be induced to reconsider
the matters pointed out in my letter. The two points
which I am most concerned about, are, your circumscrib
ing the Episcopal power within such narrow bounds,
depriving the Bp. of all government in the Ch'ch except
as a Presbyter; and your subjecting him and yourselves
to be tried before a Convention of Presbyters and lay
men.

There are some other things which I think exception
able ; But if these two points are adhered to, it matters

1 "A Letter to the Roman Catholics of the City of Worcester, from
the late Chaplain of that Society, stating the Motives which induced
him to relinquish their Communion, and become a Member of the
Protestant Church." * * * * Philadelphia: Printed by Robert Aitken,
&c. M.DCC.LXXXIV. Sm. 8vo, pp. 40. In the Editor's collection of
Pamphlets.

This letter, which was republished at New York by David Long-
worth in 1817, and still again in the second volume of " The Remains''
of Dr. Wharton, edited by Bp. Doane, in Philadelphia, in 1834, was
replied to by Archbishop Carroll, of the Roman Catholic Church, in
an "Address to the Roman Catholics of America." This Address
elicited the " Reply" by Dr. Wharton, to which allusion is made in
the letter from Bp. Seabury, printed above. Two other small pub
lications on the subject followed from Dr. Wharton's pen, all of
which were republished in New York in 1817, and are reprinted in
the volume of " Remains" already referred to as issued by Bp.
Doane.

84 HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS.

little how exceptionable your constitution may be in other
respects ; because I conceive it impossible it should long
subsist in its present form It will either fall into parties,
and dissolve, or sink into real Presbyterianism.

The enclosed are such alterations as have here been
thought necessary, to accomodate our Liturgy to the
civil constitution of this State. Should more be done, it
must be a work of time and great deliberation.

I am much obliged to you for your attention to the
letters directed to your care from England. Please to
make my regards to Dr. Magaw, Dr. Andrews, and Mr.
Blackwell. I wish you a happy meeting may the Holy
Spirit be with you at your meeting, and direct your con
sultations to the good of his Church. I shall always be
glad to hear from you. Messrs. Spragg, and Row, are
now with me. Their business cannot be completed till
the Ordination in September.

Believe me to be, Rev'd Sir, with esteem and regard,
your affect'te Bro'r and Serv't,

SAMUEL, BP. EP. CH'CH. CONNECT.

The replies to these earnest appeals have not been pre
served. The views of Dr. White in this matter may,
however, be readily surmised from the following letter,
addressed to him by Dr. Chandler a week before the time
appointed for the meeting of the Convention:

MY DEAR SIR,

******

I am greatly obliged to you for your polite invita
tion to put up at your house, and were I to come to
Philadelphia, I would accept of it with pleasure; but my
situation is such with regard to my disorder and the pro
cess I am pursuing in hope of removing it, that I find it
will be impracticable. Whether my presence at the ensu
ing Convention would be of any use is a matter of uncer
tainty ; yet were I able to attend I should think it my
duty and besides, I should have an opportunity of seeing
some pereons, with whom I wish to be better acquainted!

Were you and I to talk over, at leisure, the business
of this Convention, I natter myself that, afterwards, we
should not differ widely in our opinions, upon most of

HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS. 85

the points in question. There is however, one point, on
which at present we seem to think very differently ; I
mean the right of the Laity to some share of ecclesiastical
authority. In my former Letter I briefly suggested some
reasons why I thought they should be excluded, and took
the liberty to refer to some authors proper to be consulted
on the subject. In yours of the 8th you oifer several
reasons why you think they ought to be admitted.

Your first reason is taken from what appears to you to
have been the practice of the Prim. Church; but I think
I have seen it unanswerably proved, over and over, by
different authors, that there is nothing in ecclesiastical
antiquity, or very little indeed, to countenance this claim
of the Laity. You seem to wonder that I referred to
Hooker on the subject, as you think his Sentiments are
directly opposite to mine. It was indeed a long time
since I had looked into Hooker, but I recollected the
general drift of his Book VII, and more particularly
some passages which, formerly, I had occasion to pro
duce: such as, for instance: "a Bishop is a Minister of
God, unto whom with permanent continuance, is com
mitted a power of chiefty in government over Presby
ters as well as Laymen, a power to be by way of Jurisdic
tion, a Pastor even to Pastors themselves." Again :
" We require you to find out but one Church upon the
face of the whole earth, that hath been ordered by your
discipline (i. e. a discipline much like that which was
settled last May in Virginia) or hath not been ordered
by ours, that is to say, by Episcopal regiment, since the time
that the B. Apostles were here conversant. Many things
out of antiquity ye bring, as if the purest times of the
Church had observed the self-same orders which you
require ; and . as though your desire were, that the
Churches of old should be patterns for us to follow, and
even glasses wherein we might see the practice of that,
which by you is gathered out of Scripture. But the
truth is, ye mean nothing less." From these and similar
passages, I concluded that Hooker excluded the Laity
from every part of purely ecclesiastical authority, and
consequently from the highest act of it, viz : that of
making Canons. I have since tumbled over some leaves
of his Book, and I think it would be an easy task to
prove that I was not mistaken with regard to his opinion.

86 HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS.

Had I time, I could point out much in Bingham, that
clearly supports my side of the question. You allow
that Potter is with me ; and I will only observe, that what
he wrote on the subject was never answered, or disputed
with him. With regard to Slater's Original Draft, as you
have never seen it, as he has handled the point before us
in a masterly manner, as he wrote against a very erro
neous and popular Book, and as I happen to have two
copies of his work, I now send you one of them, and
beg your acceptance of it. I wish you had time also to
read Maurice on Diocesan Episcopacy, in answer to Bax
ter Sage's Principles of the Cyprianic Age, and his
Defence of it and Bp. Hoadly on Episcopal Ordination,
who candidly and effectually confutes all these claims of
the Laity. In short, this is a radical point, and I entreat
you not to give your consent to robbing Episcopacy of its
essential rights. I am the more urgent with you on this
head, as I hope the time is not far distant when I am to
see you vested with the Episcopal character. I have
often talked the matter over with Bp. Seabury in Lon
don ; and we both agreed that you were the properest
person for the State of Pensylvania, and, unless we should
liiid ourselves mistaken with regard to your character,
which I believe we were not, that we would do all that
we consistently could to befriend you in this way.

Your second reason is ; that in the Church of England,
nothing can be done without the Laity, &c. In -answer to
which I will only observe, that in that Church none are
allowed the right of making Canons, but the two Houses
of Convocation, who indeed must be called together by
the King's Writ. Those Canons I confess cannot be
legally binding upon the Laity without an Act of the
State ; but were it not for the alliance it has with the
State, they would still be binding upon the consciences of
the faithful. Where a government means to establish any
particular Church, it has a right to make laws relative to
that establishment, and to expect concessions from the
Church, so far as they can be made consistently with ita
own principles, on that account. The Royal supremacy
in England, founded on the Act of Submission, is a matter
with which, at present, we have nothing to do, and is I
conceive, peculiar to an establishment. That the Laity
should have their check upon the Clergy, I allow to be

HISTOKICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS. 87

reasonable ; but where they are patrons of all the Church
Livings, have the means of supporting the Clergy in
their own hands, and have an unquestionable right to
prefer complaints or well founded accusations against
them, I think they have check enough in all conscience.

Tliis last observation meets your third reason. Under
this head you go on to say, that all reasonable measures (I
suppose you mean of restraining the Clergy) will, on the
plan in question, be easier carried into effect, and sooner vindi
cated against misrepresentation. This to me, is at present
inconceivable ; but my reasons must be omitted. Since
I began this letter I have had an unlucky fall, which has
almost blinded me, and so wounded my right hand, that
I hold my pen with difficulty. However, before I con
clude, I must not omit to inform you, that the explana
tion of some points given in your last Letter, has afforded
me much satisfaction as it shews that we are not so
different in our opinions, as I at first imagined. I wish
that the Convention may be, in reality, as favourable
to Episcopacy as your explanation is but I have my
fears.

I thank you for the pamphlets you sent, which have
afforded me considerable amusement. Mr. Wharton
appears to advantage in his publication, and his anta
gonist is a man of ingenuity and dexterity. They treat
each other with personal respect, which I am pleased to
see in all controversies. * *

Very sincerly and affectionately yours,

T. B. CHANDLER.

ELIZ : TOWN, Sept. 20th, 1785.

At the North, the arrival of Bp. Seabury had produced
marked changes in the disposition of the more prominent
clergy, with regard to liturgical revision and measures
for union. Early in the year 1785, the news of the suc
cess of Dr. Seabury's application to the Scottish Bishops,
had been reQeived in New York, and intelligence of the
fact was immediately communicated by the Rev. Benja
min Moore, to the clergy of Massachusetts, in the follow
ing letter to Mr. Parker.

88 HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS.

NEW YORK, Feb'y 14, 1785.

DEAR SIR,

******

I received a Letter, by the last Packet, from Dr.
Inglis, in which he informs me, that after every Applica
tion in England had proved ineffectual, Dr. Seabury
went to Scotland, and was consecrated by some of the
Nonjuring Bishops near Aberdeen, on the 14th Nov'r.
last. He was on his Way to England, when Dr. Inglis
wrote, and intends to embark for America, by the first
convenient Opportunity. There can be no Doubt of the
Validity of .this Ordination. I am sure you will rejoice
at it, and if he is so fortunate as to arrive safe in America,
will join Heart and Hand with your Staunch, Orthodox
Brethren, in supporting our venerable Church upon true
Episcopal Principles. I hope Dr. I. has been very accu
rate in ascertaining the Succession among the Conjurors,
since the Time of the Revolution. As he is the first
American Bishop, it may, in future years, be a Matter
of some Consequence to be able to trace the Current up
to the Fountain Head.

Your Friend and Brother,

BENJ'N MOORE.

REV'D MR. PARKER.

Soon after the meeting in Philadelphia, Dr. "White had
enclosed the Act of Association of the Pennsylvania
Churches in a letter to Mr. Parker, which, as it illus
trates the apprehensions entertained at the North with
reference to the proceedings of the coming Convention,
we subjoin, together with its reply. To this letter of Dr.
White's there is no date appended; but the original, still
preserved among the Bp. Parker correspondence,^) is
endorsed as having been received in June, 1785.

DEAR SIR,

I should have answered your last Favor sooner,
but for my Desire of furnishing you at ye same Time
with an Acc't of our Proceedings in Consequence of ye

1 In the possession of the Editor.

HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS. 89

Measures taken in N". York. I am sorry to find that
those Measures have been so construed by some of our
Friends in England, as if we had refused to ye Ep'l
Order ye Right of Precedency in our Conventions. Pro
bably you will recollect, that in ye original Draft it was
provided that ye senior Bp : present sh'd preside ; and
that this was erased, not from ye Idea that any other than
a Bp ought to be Presid't, but from an Observation of
Dr. S. that to restrain it to ye senior Bp. might be some
times inconvenient ; I wish that ye Clause had stood.

We have no information of Bishop Seabury's Arrival
at N. London or in any Part of ye U. States ; I hope we
may expect him at ye Meeting in Sep'r. The Papers
mention ye Consecration of a Dr. M. Moffat for Rhode-
Island, but they are ye only Channel by which we have
even heard ye Name of that Gentleman.

I suppose you have had nothing further from ye Block
head who wrote under ye Signature of "A Presby
terian." In ye present State of Affairs, ye Appearance
of such an intolerant Spirit will rather have a Tendency
to assist us.

The intended Academy of which I informed you has
been opened about two months. The Schools contain
125 Boys and are continually increasing. We have
elected for Principal Mr. Andrews of Maryl'd, a worthy
Clergyman of our Church, whom we daily expect to take
ye Charge of it. * * * *

Perhaps you will think we have appointed too many
Lay Gent'n to ye Convention. This was owing to an
Opinion advanced by ye Clergy from ye Country, that it
would expedite ye removing of any Prejudices that may
be remaining. As it is preparatory to ye framing a
Const'n, it will not be a Precedent under it.
I am, dear Sir,

Your Friend and Brother,

W. WHITE.

The following, from the Bp. White MSS., was Mr.
Parker's reply :

BOSTON, Septem'r 14, 1785.
REV'RD AND DEAR SIR,
1 have to acknowledge the Receipt of a Letter re-

90 HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS

ceived from you about 6 weeks since inclosing the Act
of Association of the Churches in the State of Pensyl-
vania, but the letter being without Date I cannot say how
long it was on its Journey. I am with you equally sen
sible that the fifth of the fundamental Principles in the
paper printed at N. York has operated much to the Dis
advantage of that Convention. Had it stood as I pro
posed that a Bishop (if one in any State) sh'd be Presi
dent of the Convention, I make no doubt there would
have been one present. You will be at no loss to con
clude that I mean Doct'r Seabury, who you must 'ere this
have heard is arrived and entered upon the exercise of
his Offices in Connecticutt. Being present in Convocation
at Middletown the 4th of Aug'st last, I much urged his
attending the Convention at Philadelphia this month, but
that very Article discouraged him so much that no argu
ments I could use were sufficient to prevail with him.
Had that Article stood as proposed, the Gentleman who
moved the Amendment would not have suffered by it, nor
[would] the Convention [have been] stigmatized as Anti-
Episcopalian. It was at my Request that the Bishop with
his clergy agreed to make some Alterations in the Liturgy
and Offices of the Church, and a Com'tee from the body
of the Clergy was chosen to attend him for that purpose,
a report of which I was desired to lay before a Conven
tion of Clergymen and Deputies from the churches in this
State together with Rhode Island and New Hampshire,
which was to meet the first Wednesday in this month.
This Convention accordingly met, and have agreed to
adopt the Alterations proposed at Middletown, (excepting
two) and have agreed to a few others, which are to be
proposed to the Churches in the other States. I am
therefore directed by said Convention to forward to you,
or to the President of the gen'l Convention to be held
at Philadelphia the 27 of this month a copy of the
Alterations proposed by our Convention, and to request
a copy of the proceedings of that Body in order to com
pare notes and to see how near our Ideas agree. I
accordingly enclose you now a copy of said proposed
Alterations and if you are not President of said Conven
tion yourself [beg you] to deliver them to him with a
request of our Convention that they may be communi
cated to your Convention, and that we may be furnished

HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS. 91

with a copy of the proceedings of that Body before the
time to which our Convention stands adjourned which is
Octo'r 26th next.

As the Expence of sending one or more Delegates to
the gen'! Convention would be very considerable and
must fall upon one or two churches, our Convention con
cluded not to send, as you will find by the vote following
the proposed alterations.

"Whether you will find time to revise the Canons,
.Articles, &c., of the Church, and the Liturgy also, or
which you will enter upon first, is uncertain. I rather
think that Canons and Articles, or an Ecclesiastical Con
stitution should be left to your Bishop (when you have
one) with his Clergy ; the Laity seem to be more con
cerned with the Liturgy, and the revision of that will
take more time than they will be willing to spend at con
tention. I find that the fourth Article in the proposals
printed at New York is disgusting to many of our Com
munion who neither like the Doctrines held by the Church
of England nor the Liturgy as it now stands, and if
those are fundamental Principles how will you get rid of
them ? Some of the Doctrines held up in the 39 Articles
I think are not founded in Scripture, and I could wish
if they are taken into Consideration by the Convention,
they may be amended.

The Doct'r McMoffat whom you say the Papers mention
as having been consecrated was formerly a Custom h'ouse
Officer at Newport, very unpopular and hated by the
People. The article in the paper was intended only as
Hum or a Reflection upon the Church.

I shall esteem it a favour if you will be so kind as to
inform me what measures are adopted at your Convention
and whether you make any alterations in the Liturgy as
we are perfectly disposed here to preserve a Uniformity
in divine Worship and to adopt any measures that will
tend to that end.

I am Dear Sir with respect and Esteem,

Your most aflect'te Friend and Brother

SAMUEL PARKER.

These alterations referred to in the above letter as
enclosed, and which we reprint in full from the Journal

92 HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS.

of the Convention in Boston, will also serve to put us in
possession of the measures for revision entertained by
the Connecticut Convocation at this time, measures
which their subsequent legislation failed to confirm,
mainly from the reaction of feeling consequent upon the
more radical changes introduced into the Liturgy at the
South.

At a Convention of Clergymen and Lay Deputies of
the Episcopal Church of the States of Massachusetts,
Rhode Island, and New Hampshire, held at Boston,
Sept. 7 and 8, 1785.

Present.

Rev. Edward J3ass, Rector of St. Paul's Church, New-
buryport.

Rev. Wm. "Willard Wheeler, Rector of the united
Churches at Scituate, Marshfield, Braintree, and Bridge-
water.

Rev. Nathaniel Fisher, Rector of St. Peter's Church,
Salem.

Rev. Samuel Parker, Rector of Trinity Church, Boston.

Hon. Tristram Dalton, Esq., Deputy of St. Paul's
Church, Newburyport.

Stephen Greenleaf, Esq., and Mr. Benjamin Greene,
Deputies of Trinity Church, Boston.

Thomas Ivers, Esq., and Mr. James Sherman, Deputies
of Christ Church, Boston.

Dr. Charles Stockbridge, Deputy of Scituate, Marshfield,
and Bridge water.

i:-v. Wm. Willard Wheeler, Deputy of Braintree.

Mr. Woodward Abraham, Deputy of Marblehead.

Mr. Joshua Kingsbury, Deputy of Dedham.

Mr. Joseph Aspimvall, Deputy of Stoughton.

Mr. John Bours, Deputy of Trinity Church, Newport,
Rhode Island.

Mr. John Usher, Deputy of Bristol, R. I.

Dr. Francis Borland, Deputy of Queen's Chapel, Ports
mouth, N. II.

Voted, Rev. Edward Bass, President of this Convention.

Voted, Rev. Nathaniel Fisher, Secretary.

Voted, That the Clergy and Laity now assembled shall

HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS. 93

deliberate in one body, but shall vote separately, and the
concurrence of both orders shall be necessary to give
validity to every measure.

Voted, That the Convention take into consideration the
revisal of the Liturgy and offices of the Church, as con
tained in the Book of Common Prayer, and make such
alterations as may be necessary ; and that the omissions
and alterations, agreed upon by a Committee of Convoca
tion, held at Middletown, in Connecticut, August 3, 1785,
as contained in paper Ko. 1, serve as a basis for our pre
sent proceedings.

The Convention then proceeded to a revisal of the State
Prayers, in the Book of Common Prayer, and came to the
following resolutions, as a substitute for the State Prayers.

That in the Suffrage after the Creed, in morning and
evening prayer, instead of, "O Lord save the King," it
be read, O Lord save the Church, to which the congrega
tion are to make the accustomed response, " and merci
fully hear us," &c.

That the prayer for the King, in morning and evening
service, be left out; and the prayer for the Royal Family
be thus altered, Almighty God, the fountain of all
goodness, we humbly beseech thee to bless the Governor
and Council of this Commonwealth, endue them with thy
Holy Spirit, and so on, as it now stands.

That in the Litany, the 15th, 16th, 17th, and 18th peti
tions be omitted, and the petition for Bishops, Priests,
and Deacons, immediately follow that for the universal
Church ; the 20th and 21st petition be thus read, that
it ma please thee to endue the Governor and Council
of this Commonwealth with grace, wisdom, and under
standing; that it may please thee to bless and keep the
Judges and subordinate Magistrates, giving them grace
to execute justice, and to maintain truth ; to both which,
the usual response, "we beseech thee to hear us, good
Lord," is to be made by the congregation.

That in the prayer for the whole state of Christ's
Church Militant, the part relating to Rulers and Minis
ters, be thus altered : We beseech thee also to save
and defend, all Christian Kings, Princes, and Governors,
and grant that they, and all that are in authority, may
truly and impartially minister justice to the punishment
of wickedness and vice, and to the maintenance of thy

94 HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS.

true religion and virtue ; give grace, Heavenly Father,
to all Bishops, Priests, and Deacons, that they may,
and so on, as it now stands.

That the prayers for the King, that stand before the
Nicene Creed, in the Communion Service, be omitted.

That in the Answer in the Catechism, to the question,
" What is thy duty towards thy neighbor," for, " to honor
and obey the King", be substituted, to honor and obey
my civil rulers, to submit myself, &c.

That during every session of the General Court, the
following Collect be used in its proper place : Most
Gracious God, we humbly beseech thee, as for this Com
monwealth in general, so especially for the General Court
at this time assembled, that thou wouldest be pleased to
direct and prosper all their consultations, to the advance
ment of thy glory, the good of thy Church, the safety,
honor, and welfare of thy people; that all things may be
so ordered and settled, by their endeavors, upon the best
and surest foundation, that peace and happiness, truth
and justice, religion and piety, may be established among
us, for all generations ; these, and all other necessaries,
for them, for us, and thy whole Church, we humbly beg,
in the name and mediation of Jesus Christ, our most
blessed Lord and Saviour. Amen.

That the observation of 5th November, 30th January,
29th May, and 25th October, be discontinued.

In the other parts of the Liturgy and offices of the
Church, they came to the following resolutions :

That in the Te Deum, the sentence following this,
"when thou tookedst upon thee to deliver man," Sfe thus
altered, thou didst humble thyself to be born of a pure
virgin.

That the Article in the Apostles' Creed, " He descended
into Hell," be omitted.

That the Creed commonly called the Creed of St. Atha-
nasius, be wholly disused.

That it be left discretionary with the Minister, War
dens, and Vestry, of each particular Church, or congrega
tion, to omit or use the ISicene Creed, as they shall seve
rally choose.

That the response after the suffrage, " give peace in
our time, O Lord," be thus altered, and make all nations
to rejoice in thy loving kindness, God.

HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS. 95

That the Lord's Prayer, after the Apostles' Creed, and
also what is usually called the shorter Litany, or the peti
tions, "Lord have mercy upon us, Christ have mercy,"
&c. be omitted, or left out. That the petitions in the
Litany, from, " O Christ hear us," inclusive, to the
prayer beginning, "0 God, merciful Father," and from
the end of that prayer, including the response, "O Lord
arise, help us, and deliver us, for thy name's sake," as
far as the suffrage, "From our enemies defend us,
Christ," exclusive, be also omitted.

That the Lord's Prayer,' at the beginning of the Com
munion Service, be omitted; and that the Gloria Patri be
repeated only at the last of the Psalms, read at morning
and evening service, when more than one, or that it be
repeated but once in reading the Psalms.

The Prayer for the Clergy and people, in morning and
evening service, to be thus read, Almighty and everlast
ing God, from whom alone every good and perfect gift
doth come, send down upon all Bishops and Pastors,
and the congregations committed to their charge, the
healthful Spirit of thy grace, &c.

That in the first warning, for the Celebration of the
Holy Communion, the word " damnation," following
these words, "increase your," be read, condemnation;
and the two paragraphs after these words, " or else come
not to that holy table," be omitted, and the following
one be read, And if there be any of you, who by these
means cannot quiet their own conscience, &c. The words
"learned and discreet," epithets given to ministers, &c.
be also omitted.

That in the Exhortation at the Communion, the para
graph concerning the danger of receiving the same un
worthily, be thus altered : So is the danger great, if we
receive the same unworthily, not considering the Lord's
Body, for then we are guilty of the Body and Blood of
Christ our Saviour, we eat and drink judgment to our
selves, kindling God's wrath against us, and provoking
him to afflict us with divers diseases, and sundry kinds
of death.

That it be left discretionary with the Minister, whether
the words, "The body of our Lord Jesus Christ," &c., be
repeated to each communicant separately, when the bread
is given, or whether it shall be repeated but once, for all

96 HISTORICAL NOTES AND IKrCUMENTS.

then present at the Altar and the same also at giving
the cup ; and if the latter is adopted, that the plural be
then used, instead of the singular.

That at the Baptism of Infants, parents may be ad
mitted Sponsors, with one or other person, if a suitable
one can be procured, if not, the parents alone, in their
own persons, or by their proxies.

In the first address to the people in the Baptismal
Office, the words, "All men are conceived and born in
sin," be omitted, and the words, "our Saviour Christ,"
follow " for as much as."

That the words, "release him of his sins," in the
address to the Sponsors, be omitted ; that when the child
or person is baptized in church, instead of repeating the
Creed, the priest may say, Dost thou believe all the
articles of the Christian faith, as contained in the
Apostles' Creed? to which the answer shall be, I do,
and, by God's help, I will instruct this child in that
faith ; the following question to be thus altered, Wilt
thou have this child to be baptized in that faith ? The
usual response to follow ; the last demand and response
to be omitted.

That the Sign of the Cross may be omitted, if particu
larly desired by the Sponsors.

In the last prayer, the following alterations to be made :
" That it hath pleased thee, by thy holy baptism, to re
generate this infant or person," the words "Vulgar
tongue," in the Exhortation and Charge to the Sponsors,
be omitted; and the words, " if opportunity presents,"
be added at the end of the Charge.

At the Burial of the Dead, the Commitment of the Body
to the ground, to be thus altered: For as much as it hath
pleased Almighty God, to take out of this mortal life, the
soul of our brother (or sister), here departed, we therefore
commit his (or her) body to the ground, earth to earth,
ashes to ashes, dust to dust, looking for the resurrection
of the body, and the life of the world to come, through
our Lord Jesus Christ, who shall change our vile body,
that it may be like unto his glorious Body, according to
the mighty working, whereby he is able to subdue all
things unto himself.

The prayer following the Lord's Prayer, to be omitted;
and after the words, " beginning of the world," in the

HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS. 97

last prayer, be added this paragraph : So that we, with
all those that are departed in the true faith of thy holy
name, may then have our perfect consummation and
bliss, both in body and soul, in thy eternal and everlast
ing glory, through Jesus Christ our Lord, grant this, &c.

That the office of Churching of Women, be omitted,
excepting the introduction, the latter part of which shall
be read : You shall therefore join in giving hearty thanks
to God ; and the Collect, which shall be thus altered : O
Almighty God, we give thee humble thanks, for thy
great mercy vouchsafed to this woman, thy servant, who
now desires to offer up her praises and thanksgivings to
thee ; and grant, &c.

The second paragraph in the Introduction to the Com-
mination Service, to be thus read : instead whereof, it is
thought good at this time, in the presence of you all,
should be read the general sentences of God's cursing
against impenitent sinners, gathered out of the seven
and twentieth chapter of Deuteronomy and other places
of Scripture: the remainder of this paragraph, with the
Kubrick, that "the people shall answer and say, Amen,"
to the Curses, to be omitted.

That the Absolution, in the office of the Visitation of
the Sick, be expunged, and the Absolution used in the
Communion Service, be substituted in its stead, if neces
sary.

That the Introduction to the Marriage Service, contain
ing the reasons why matrimony was ordained, be omitted,
from the words, "holy matrimony," to "therefore, if any
man can shew any just cause," &c.

That the words, " plight and give thee my troth," be
altered to pledge thee my truth ; that the words, " with
my body I thee worship, and with all my worldly goods I
thee endow," in giving the ring, be' omitted.

That it be left discretionary with the Minister, whether
the Collect for the day be read more than once in the
morning service, and also whether the Communion Ser
vice shall be read in the Heading Desk or in the Altar.

Voted, That it be recommended to the several Churches
in these States, immediately to make the omissions, and
adopt the alterations contained in the printed paper No.
1, and agreed upon by this Convention, as a substitute for
the State Prayers, in the Book of Common Prayer, and

98 HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS.

that the using the other alterations be postponed till after
the time to which this Convention shall be adjourned, in
order that it may be seen, how far the other States will
conform to said alterations.

Voted, That it is the opinion of this Convention, that
it is not necessary nor convenient to send a Delegate or
Delegates to the General Convention, to be holden at
Philadelphia on the Tuesday preceding the Feast of St.
Michael, but that a copy of the proceedings of this Con
vention be communicated, by a Committee to be here
after chosen, to the President or some member of said
Convention, to be communicated to said Body, and also
to the Bishop or Clergy of Connecticut, previous to the
Convention to be held at New Haven, to be communi
cated to them, requesting a speedy communication of
each of their proceedings to said Committee.

Voted, That said Committee furnish all the Churches
in the three States not represented here, and those whose
members are absent, with a copy of the alterations in the
Liturgy, agreed upon by this Convention, and request of
them a return of their actings thereon, to this Conven
tion, at their adjournment.

Voted, -^Rev. Mr. Parker, Thomas Ivers, Esq., and Mr.
Benjamin Greene, be said Committee, with a power to
employ a Clerk to assist them.

Voted, That the Rev. Mr. Bass and Mr. Fisher be a
Committee to form a Collect, to be inserted among the
occasional prayers for the case of persons who have lost
their friends, for persons sick, and for persons bound to
sea, and report at the adjournment.

Voted, That this Convention be adjourned to October
26th, and in case the Committee shall not then have
received the returns from the Conventions at New Haven
and Philadelphia, that they be authorized to adjourn said
Convention, to such future day as they shall judge best,
and notify the members of the same.

In consequence of the preceding votes of Convention,
attested copies of the proposed alterations in the Liturgy
and Offices of the Church, were transmitted to the
Churches and Clergymen.

One to the Right Rev. Bishop Seabury, New London, Con.
Rev. Bela Hubbard, New Haven, Con.

HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS. 99

One to the Rev. Benjamin Moore, New York.

" Rev. William White, D. D., Philadelphia.

" St. Paul's Church, Newburyport, Mass.

" Trinity Church, Boston, Mass.

" Christ Church, "

" St. Peter's Church, Salem, Mass.

" United Churches at Scituate and Marshfield.

" Christ Church, Braintree, Mass.

" Church, Marblehead, Mass.

*' Church, Falmouth, Mass. >

" Trinity Church, Newport, R. I.

" St. Michaef's Church, Bristol, R. I.

" Church, Providence, R. I.

" Church, Narraganset, R. I.

" Queen's Chapel, Portsmouth, N. H.

" Church, Claremont, N. H.

" Church, Holderness, N. H.

With these apprehensions on the part of the New Eng
land Clergy, and the hindrances to union they of necessity
occasioned, the Convention of the Church in the States
of New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware,
Maryland, Virginia, and South Carolina assembled in
Christ Church, Philadelphia, on Tuesday, the 27th of
September, A.D. 1785. Their session lasted until the
evening of Friday, the 7th of October; and from the
variety of measures recorded as having received con
sideration or approbation during that time, we have
selected the following subjects, arranged in the order in
which they respectively appear in the Journal, as chiefly
needing illustration, from, the manuscript and printed
sources in the hands of the Editor. These subjects are as
follow, viz.:

I. Alterations in the Book of Common Prayer.
II. The General Ecclesiastical Constitution.
III. Measures taken for obtaining the Episcopacy in the
English line of Succession.

100 HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS.

I. ALTERATIONS IN THE BOOK OF COMMON
PRAYER.

At the outset of the contest of the Revolution, changes
in what were technically known as the " State Prayers"
were inevitable. The Clergy who refused to acknowledge
the asserted independence of the revolted Colonies were
mobbed, fined, imprisoned, and silenced. Many were
either driven within the lines of the enemy, or compelled
to seek safety for their lives by removal to the Northern
Provinces, which still owned allegiance to the British
Crown. Partisan ignorance and intolerance sometimes
found an implied reproof in the lessons of Scripture as
read in the appointed services of the Church ; and the
Missionary of the venerable Society for the Propagation
of the Gospel, on the frontiers of Maine, was subjected
to arrest and annoyance in consequence of the personal
application made by the patriots of his neighborhood, of
the story of Korah and his punishment, assigned as one
of the lessons for the Sunday after Easter. (1)

(1) The following letter, which we print from the original, preserved
among the Bp. Parker correspondence, will not be out of place as vividly
illustrating the trials of the loyal Clergy of our communion during the
war of Independence :

DEAB SIB,

Our court is now sitting, and I am this moment Informed that I am
presented before the Grand Jury for charging my congregation not
to have any concern with the rebels, but to separate from them, least
they should be involved in their punishment. The witnesses have
sworn that the crime was committed on the last Sunday in April.
My Sermons had nothing in them which could furnish any pretence
for this accusation, but in the lesson of the day, Numbers 16-26., I find
these words " And he spake unto the congregation " saying, depart I
pray you from the tents of these wicked men, and " touch no thing
of theirs, lest ye be consumed in all their sins these I find are almost
the words of their depositions what they will make of this presentment
I can not tell.

I found this piece of paper, and thought this extraordinary intelligence
might serve to divert you a little and to elucidate the characters of my
persecutors.

J. BAILEY.
Oct'r 1, 1778.

HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS. 101

In Boston, immediately after the arrival of the news
of the Declaration of Independence, the services of the
Church were so much interrupted that the assistant Minis
ter of Trinity Church, the Kev. Samuel Parker, who
was the only Clergyman remaining in the city after the
evacuation by the British troops, convened the proprietors
of his Church and submitted to them the question of his
future course. The minutes of this meeting come pro
perly before us as among the first alterations of the
Liturgy designed to make it "consistent with the Ameri
can Revolution." We transcribe them from the original
manuscript in Mr. Parker's handwriting, still preserved
in the hands of his family.

At a Meeting of the Minister, "Wardens and Vestry of
Trinity Church on Thursday the 18 Day of July 1776

The Rev'd Mr. Parker informed the Wardens and Ves
try that he could not with Safety perform the Service of
the Church for the future as the Continental Congress
had declared the American Provinces free and independ
ent States, had absolved them from all Allegiance to the
British Crown and had dissolved all Political Connection
between them and the Realm of England. That he was
publicly interrupted the Lord's Day preceding when read
ing the Prayers in the Liturgy of the church for the King
and had received many Threats and Menaces that he
would be interrupted and insulted in future if the
Prayers for the King should be read again in the
church : and that he was apprehensive some Damage
would accrue to the Proprietors of the Church if the
Service was in future carried on as had been usual. And

Vide also pp. 105-126 of " The Frontier Missionary : A Memoir
of the Rev. Jacob Bailey, A.M.," by the Eev. Wm. S. Bartlet, A.M.,
published as the 2d volume of the "Collection of the Protestant
Episcopal Historical Society," New York, 1853.

The sufferings of the other Northern missionaries, who seem to
have been more uniformly loyal than their brethren at the South,
are narrated at length in the abstracts and correspondence of the
Ven. Propagation Society, and particularly in Hawkins' "Historical
Notices of the Missions of the Church of England in the Colonies."
(8vo, London, 1845,) pp. 301-322, and 328-344.

102 HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS.

therefore he desired their Counsel and Advice "Where
fore the said Wardens and Vestry taking the Matter into
Consideration, after maturely debating thereon, it ap
peared evident that the Temper and Spirit of the People
in this Town was such that they would not suffer any
Prayers for the King to be publickly used in divine
Service, and that there was no other Alternative but
either to shut up the church and have no public Worship,
or to omit that Part of the Liturgy wherein the King is
prayed for; And as there are many Persons of the
Episcopal Persuasion who cannot conscientiously attend
the Worship of Dissenters and to whom it would be a
great Detriment and Grief of Mind to have no Place
where they can attend the Worship of God according to
their Consciences; the Wardens and Vestry conclude that
it would be more for the Interest and Cause of Episco-

Eacy and the least Evil of the two to Omit Part of the
iturgy than to shut up the church And hoping that in
this sad Alternative it will not be imputed to them as a
Fault or construed as a Want of Affection for the Liturgy
of the Church, if under these circumstances they omit
that Part of it in which the King is mentioned. There
fore Voted That Mr. Parker the present Minister be de
sired to continue officiating in said church and that he
be requested to omit that Part of the Liturgy of the
Church which relates to the King and that the Omissions
be as follows.

In the Petitions and Responses after the Lord's Prayer
in the Morning and Evening Service, the following to be
omitted, Lord save the King, And mercifully hear us when
we call upon Thee. The two Prayers for the King's Ma
jesty and the Royal Family in the Morning and Evening
Service to be omitted and that the Prayer for the whole
Estate of Christ's Church militant be used at Evening
Prayer instead of the three Prayers for the King, Royal
Family and Clergy, omitting these Words of it, And
especially thy Servant George our King that under fdm we
may be godly and quietly governed, unto his whole Council and
to all that are put in Authority under him. That the 15th,
16th, 17th, 18th, and 20th Petitions of the Liturgy and
the Collects in the Communion Service for the I&ug be
omitted, and that no other Alterations be made nor any
Additions be substituted. Voted That the Proprietors of

HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS. 103

Trinity Church be warned to meet the next Sunday morn
ing before the usual Time of Service and these Votes
be laid before them for their Concurrence and Assent.

At a Meeting of the Proprietors of Trinity Church
the 21st Day of July 1766

The foregoing Votes of the "Wardens and Vestry of
said Church containing the Method proposed for carrying
on the Service of the Church in future and the Reasons
therein alledged for omitting Part of the Liturgy were
read and considered, and it appearing absolutely neces
sary that some Alterations be made in order that the Pro
prietors may worship in Safety and without Interruption
Voted unanimously That we concur with the Wardens
and Vestry in the proposed Omissions and Alterations,
and that Mr. Parker the present Minister be requested to
make the necessary Omissions and perform the Service
as is therein proposed

A True Copy from the Minutes
Attest.

Where this course was not taken, the churches were
shut up and the services interrupted, save in those por
tions of the country occupied by the British forces.
Among those of the Clergy who sympathized with the
popular side, a compliance with these variations in the
services was general ; and as in Pennsylvania and at the
southward the number of patriot Clergymen was large, and
their concurrence in the popular measures were known,
the Church was left in their sections of the country less
reduced in number and less an object of suspicion than
was the case in New England and New York. In some
of the States these matters were a subject of legislative
enactment. In Virginia, the day following the Declara
tion of Independence, the Convention of the State
" altered the Book of Common Prayer, to accommodate
it to the change in affairs.'^ 1 ) This document,( 2 ) still to

1 Hawks's Ecclesiastical Contributions, Vol. I. Virginia, page 238.

2 Vide the Introduction to "A Treatise on the Law of the Protestant
Episcopal Church in the United States." By Murray Hoffman, Esq.
8vo. New York, 1850, page 31.

104 HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS.

be found in the Library of the State of New York, in
Albany, contains the alterations proposed, which relate
almost exclusively to the prayers for rulers. They close
with the following injunction :

" Let every other sentence of the Litany be retained,
without any other alteration, except the above sentences
recited."

But these changes, slight though they were, and justi
fied, as Bp. White aptly asserts^ 1 ) from the conduct of the
most eminent English divines during the usurpation of
Cromwell, were unpalatable to many of the Clergy ; and,
in consequence, "the doors of the far greater number of
the Episcopal churches were closed for several years."( 2 )

At the return of peace, and on the consequent acknow
ledgment of the independence of the United States by
Great Britain, there were wide differences in the manner
of performing the services of the Church obtaining in
different sections of the land. Some Churches had
merely adopted the necessary changes in the State
prayers, while others had gone much further; and the
necessity of consultation among the Clergy of the
scattered Churches for the purpose of securing a return
to uniformity of worship was apparent.

Prior to the Convention of 1785, Bp. White assures us,
with respect to those concerned in this gathering, that
"very few, or rather, it is believed, none of them enter
tained thoughts of altering the liturgy, any further
than to accommodate it to the revolution."( 3 ) We think the
action of the New England Clergy which we have already
printed, together with the extracts from unpublished
correspondence which we subjoin, will tend to confute
this view, and indicate, in advance, the marked changes
introduced by the first Convention.

The following letters( 4 ) addressed to the Rev. Mr.

> Memoirs, p. 77. Ibid. p. 20. Ibid. p. 102.

From the originals in tjie possession of the Editor.

HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS. 105

Parker, of Bostpn, by the Rev. Edward Bass, of Newbury-
port, subsequently chosen first Bishop of Massachusetts,
preceded the definite action of the Massachusetts Con
vention, which we have previously recorded. Independ
ently of their connection with this department of our
subject, they are full of interest and information as to
the state of the Church at the East :

NEWBURY PORT, June 21st, 1784.
DEAR SIR,

I have received yrs. of 15th Inst. enclosing the Minutes
of the Philadelphia Convention and their design appears
to me to be very good, not to say very important, viz,
the continuance and preservation of uniformity among
the Episcopal Churches, at least from their State to the
Northern extremity of the United States. I fully agree
with them that the Authority to make Canons or laws
should be placed in a representative Body of Clergy and
Laity conjointly, and hope that in due time a suitable

Slace for their Meeting will be appointed. That the
ervice and Discipline of our Church are capable of im
provement will, I apprehend, be deuy'd by few of her
intelligent Members ; and such improvement or amend
ment may without doubt be more easily effected now
than heretofore when we were .connected with Great
Britain. But still reformation of almost any kind is a
nice and delicate affair and not to be touch'd or at
tempted by rough hands. I also look upon it to be
highly expedient that proper Collects be made for the
Government we live under. You propose a Meeting of
the Episcopal Clergy of this State, Jubes renovare dolo-
rem ! Alas ! to what are we reduced ! I know of but
four, two in Boston, one in Salem, and jr. humb. serv't.
If then we should meet, Salem I should think, would be
the proper place and w r hy should not a respectable Lay
man of each Church meet with us ? After all I cannot
help thinking it would be proper to wait for the arrival
of our Bishop before we proceed to any ecclesiastical
consultations of importance, that \ve may have his con
curring voice in such matters. According to the account
I have had from you we might have expected the arrival
of such a person before this time. Pray, what is become

106 HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS.

of him ? (Mr. Seabury, I think you told me was the
man who went to England last year for Consecration.)
What hath been his success? Is any thing like to be
done towards the regular continuance of our Succession,
for I hope Messrs. White and Brethren have it not in
contemplation to constitute their three orders de novo.
Have you seen and conversed with Mr. Badger ? If so,
what is his plan ? Where does he mean to fix, &c. I
hear he was some time ago at Haverhill, but he did not
call upon me. I- should be glad of your Answer as
soon as may be convenient to you, as also of any thing
else you may have to communicate to

Yr. affectionate Brothr. and humble Serv't,

EDWARD BASS.
REV'D SAM'L PARKER.

Nearly a year after this characteristic letter, Mr. Bass
resumes the subject under consideration in the following
communication :

NEWBURY PT. July 7th, 1785.

REV'D AND DEAR SIR,

I was hindered by certain untoward accidents from
paying you a short visit in my way to and from Provi
dence, which I intended to do, as for other reasons, so
particularly to talk with you upon the approaching Con
vention. Is it like to be universal ? Are we this way
like to have any hand in it? If so in what manner?
Is a Delegate, or more, to be sent from hence to represent
our scatter'd Congregations ? Are all the vacant Churches
among us to be sent to V Do you learn by any means
what is like to be done with the Liturgy either in the
way of addition or diminution ? I should like your
answer to these questions, or any others which you may
think I ought to have asked. As to the Liturgy, I have
thought we might part with the Athanas'n Creed, one or
two Lord's prayers, and leave the use of Sponsors to the
option of those who have children to christen ; which,
in my opinion, would be much better than to let it
remain a Law of the Ch'h and at the same time un
observed by the greater part of her Members, as I am
told, is, and has been the case in the Southern Colonies

HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS. 107

and in Connecticut!. Proper prayers must be substituted
for the American Governm't in the room of those for the
King and Royal Family. "We ought to have a code of
Ch'h-laws or Canons, plain and simple. Some power
should be given to the Bishop or Bishops, but our Der
nier resort must be in a general Council which should be
supream and have the Power of censuring or depriving
Bishops as there may be occasion. Such are some of the
thoughts that have occurr'd to me upon this Subject.
But tho' we have a happy opportunity of making our
Liturgy appear in some points to greater advantage, yet
for my part I had much rather remain as we are than
break into Parties, or run into a thousand little schisms
to the destruction of all harmony and uniformity, as I
cannot help fearing, is too likely to be the case if once
we begin to alter, or to make innovations. The Com
munication of your Sentim'ts upon the Subject would be
very agreeable to

Yr affectionate Bror. and very hum'le Serv't,

EDWARD BASS.
EEV'D MR. PARKER.

The dread of innovations so sensibly felt by the
worthy missionary at Newburyport was not experienced
by his brethren at the South. A little later under date
of August 16th, 1785 the Rev. Charles Henry Wharton,
of New Castle, Delaware, to whom reference has already
been made, addressed a letterQ upon the same subject to
Mr. Parker, from which we make the following extract :

I think the simplyfying of the Liturgy should be
among the first objects of the Convention. Whatever
was left with a view of reconciling parties at the period
of the Reformation, or retained as suitable to Cathedral
Service may safely be omitted by the American Church.
Perhaps such an opportunity never occurred since the
days of the Apostles of settling a rational, unexception
able mode of worship. God grant we may improve it
with unanimity and wisdom."

1 From the collection of the Editor.

108 HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS.

A few days prior to the date of this communication,
this gentleman had written to the Rev. Dr. White to the
same effect, and very much in the same words :

" I have been thinking of drawing up a few remarks
upon the Liturgy but as this will probably be done by
much abler hands, believe I shall drop it. It is clear
that every one ought to reflect thoroughly on the object
of the Convention, which I am convinced will have the
best opportunity of perfecting a Christian scheme of
worship that has ever presented itself since the days of
the Apostles."

Resuming the same subject in a subsequent communi
cation early the following month, he adds :

" If no alterations in the Liturgy are to be made, but
such as the revolution requires, there is little need to
think much upon the Subject, unless perhaps omissions
be not deemed alterations. My decided opinion is that
our prayers are too numerous, as well as the repetitions.
I shall draw up a motion on this head, which I mean to
make at the Convention, if you should approve of it."

Taking these extracts, which might be almost indefi
nitely increased, in connection with the action of the
Virginia Convention, which had openly advocated a
review of the Liturgy, subject, however, to the subsequent
confirmation of their own body, and the measures of the
Maryland Convention, determining by special enactment
the proper authority for "framing, approving of, or con
firming such Alterations or Reforms in the Church
Service, Liturgy, or Points of Doctrine, as may be after
wards found necessary or expedient by the Church, or
of the United States in General Conventions,'^ 1 ) we
are led to conclude that there was a general disposition
prior to the time of the meeting of the Convention in

1 Vide the "Additional Constitutions" appended to the "Address"
printed above.

HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS. 109

Philadelphia, in 1785, to proceed to a thorough review
of the Liturgy and Offices of the Church.

But little appears on the pages of the Journal from
which we may learn either the reasons for the changes
proposed by the Committee, or the reception they met
with from the members of the Convention. A more
guarded and less communicative record could hardly
be found. Even the Alterations agreed upon after debate
and revision were reserved until they should appear in
the Prayer Book itself, as proposed ; and, owing to delays
which are noticed in the correspondence we subjoin, they
were not made public until the following Spring. For
the purpose of throwing additional light upon this critical
epoch of our ecclesiastical history, we give below the Al
terations which were agreed upon by the Convention, as
they appear in the Appendix to Bp. "White's Memoirs,
and subjoin from the original manuscripts in the posses
sion of the General Convention the whole correspondence
of the Committee of Revision so far as it has been pre
served. Nothing we could ofier in the way of elucidation
or illustration could exceed these familiar and often care
lessly written communications, prepared with no idea of
preservation even, and much less with a view to publica
tion. It was only as the result of an after thought on
the part of Dr. Smith that they were preserved in their
original state ; and having passed subsequently into the
hands of Bp. White, they are here printed for the first
time, as affording historical and liturgical information,
the most interesting and important. An examination of
the original letters would fully warrant all the playful re
criminations with reference to haste and illegibility which
we find in the postscripts of these communications ; and it
is but just to add that in a number of cases portions have
been wholly defaced by time or accident. As they are
with no attempt at correction or improvement they are
oflered, with the confident assurance that their perusal will

110 HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS.

amply repay the student for the time and trouble their
contractions and involutions may cost him :

Alterations agreed on and confirmed in Convention, for
rendering the Liturgy conformable to the principles of
the American Revolution, and the constitutions of the
several states.

1st. That in the suffrages after the Creed, instead of
Lord, save the king, be said Lord, bless and preserve these
United States.

2nd. That the prayer for the Royal family, in the morn
ing and evening service, be omitted.

3rd. That in the Litany the 15th, 16th, 17th, and
18th. petitions be omitted, and that instead of the 20th
and 21st petitions, be substituted the following That it
may please Thee to endue the Congress of these United States,
and all others in authority, legislative, executive, and judicial,
with grace, wisdom and understanding, to execute justice and to
maintain truth.

4th. That when the Litany is not said, the prayer for
the high court of Parliament be thus altered "Most
gracious God, we humbly beseech thee, as for these United
States in general, so especially for their delegates in Congress,
that thou wouldest be pleased to direct and prosper all their
consultations to the advancement of thy glory, the good of thy
Church, the safety, honour and welfare of thy people, that all
things may be so ordered and settled by their endeavors upon
the best and surest foundations, that peace and happiness, truth
and justice, religion and piety, may be established among us for
all generations," &c. to the end: and the prayer for the
king's majesty, altered as follows: viz. Lord, Our
heavenly Father, the high and mighty Ruler of the universe,
who dost from thy Throne, behold all the Dwellers upon Earth;
we most heartily beseech thee, with thy Favour to behold all in
Authority, legislative, executive and judicial in these United
States ; and so replenish them with the Grace of thy holy Spirit,
that they may alway incline to thy will and walk in thy way.
Endue them plenteously with heavenly Gifts, grant them in
Health and Wealth long to live and, that after this Life, they
may attain everlasting Joy and Felicity, through Jesus Christ
our Lord. Amen.

5th. That the 1st. Collect for the King in the Com-

HISTOKICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS. Ill

munion Service be omitted ; and that the second be altered
as follows instead of " the hearts of Kings are in thy rule
and governance," be said "That the hearts of all Rulers are
in thy governance, &c; and instead of the words "heart
of George thy servant, insert, so to direct the Rulers of these
states, that in all their thoughts, <fc." changing the singular
pronouns to the plural. (1)

7th. That in the answer in the Catechism to the ques
tion "What is thy duty towards thy neighbour?" for "to
honour and obey the king," be substituted " to honour and
obey my civil rulers, to submit myself, $c."

8th. That instead of the observation of the 5th of No
vember, the 30th of January, the 29th of May, and the
25th of October, the following service be used on the 4th
of July, being the Anniversary of Independence.

9th. That in the Forms of Prayer to be used at Sea, in
the Prayer " eternal God, c" instead of these Words
" unto our most gracious Sovereign Lord King George and his
Kingdoms," be inserted the Words " to the United States
of America" and that instead of the Word "Island" be
inserted the Word " Country ;" and in the collect "
Almighty Crod, the Sovereign Commander," be omitted the
Words " the Honour of our Sovereign" and the Worda
"the honour of our Country" inserted.

Service for the 4th of July.
With the sentences before Morning and Evening Prayer.

The Lord hath been mindful of us, and he shall bless
us, he shall bless them that fear him, both small and
great. that men would therefore praise the Lord, for
his goodness, and declare the wonders that he doeth for
the children of men.

Hymn, instead of the Venite.

My song shall be alway of the loving kindness of the
Lord : with my mouth will I ever be showing forth his
truth from one generation to another. Psal. 89. 1.

The merciful and gracious Lord hath so done his
marvellous works: that they ought to be had in remem
brance. Psal. 111. 4.

(1) No sixth paragraph appears In the MS. nor In Bp. White's printed copy of these'
Alterations appended to his "Memoirs," pp. 362-377.

112 HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS.

Who can express the noble acts of the Lord : or show
ibrth all his praise. Psal. 106. 2.

The works of the Lord are great : sought out of all
them that have pleasure therein. Psal. 111. 2.

For he will not alway be chiding : neither keepeth he
his anger for ever. Psal. 103. 9.

He hath not dealt with us after our sins : nor rewarded
us according to our wickedness. Verse 10.

For look how high the heaven is in comparison of the
earth : so great is his mercy toward them that fear him.
Verse 11.

Yea, like as a father pitieth his own children : even
BO is the Lord merciful unto them that fear him. Verse 11.

Thou, O God, hast proved us : thou also hast tried us,
like as silver is tried. Psal. 66. 9.

Thou didst remember us in our low estate, and redeem
us from our enemies: for thy mercy eudureth for ever.
Psal. 136. 23, 24.

Proper Psalms, 118, except, v. 10, 11, 12, 13, 22, 23, to
conclude with v. 24.

1. Lesson Deut. 8. 2. Lesson Thess. 5. v. 12, 23 both
inclusive.

Collect for the day.

Almighty God, who hast in all ages showed forth thy
power and mercy in the wonderful preservation of thy
church, and in the protection of every nation and people
professing thy holy and eternal truth, and putting their
sure trust inthee; we yield thee our unfeigned thanks
and praise for all thy public mercies, and more especially
for that signal and wonderful manifestation of thy provi
dence which we commemorate this day ; wherefore not
unto us, Lord, not unto us, but unto thy Name be
ascribed all honour and glory, in all churches of the Saints,
from generation to generation, through Jesus Christ our
Lord. Amen.

A Thanksgiving for the day, to be said after the General
Thanksgiving.

God, whose Name is excellent in all the earth, and
thy glory above the heavens ; who as on this day didst
inspire and direct the hearts of our delegates in Congress,
to lay the perpetual foundations of peace, liberty, and

HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS. 113

safety ; we bless and adore thy glorious Majesty, for this
thy loving kindness and providence. And we humbly
pray that the devout sense of this signal mercy may renew
and increase in us a spirit of love and thankfulness to thee
its only Author, a spirit of peaceable submission to the
laws and government of our country, and a spirit of fer
vent zeal for our holy religion, which thou hast preserved
and -secured to us and our posterity. May we improve
these inestimable blessings for the advancement of reli
gion, liberty, and science throughout this land, till the
wilderness and solitary place be made glad through us,
and the desert rejoice and blossom as the rose. This
we beg through the merits of Jesus Christ our Saviour.
Amen.( l )

Alterations in the Book of Common Prayer and Ad
ministration of the Sacraments, and other Rites and
Ceremonies of the Church, according to the use of the
Church of England, proposed and recommended to the
Protestant Episcopal Church in the United States of
America.

The Order for Morning and Evening service, Daily
throughout the Year.

1st. The following Sentences of Scripture, are ordered
to be prefixed to the usual Sentences, viz.

The Lord is in his Holy Temple ; let all the Earth keep
Silence before Him. Hab. ii. 20.

From the Rising of the Sun even unto the going down
of the Same, my Name shall be great among the Gentiles ;
and in every Place Incense shall be offered unto my Name,
and a pure Offering : for my Name shall be great among
the Heathen, saith the Lord of Hosts. Mai. i. 11.

[Let the words of my Mouth, and the meditation of my
Heart, be alway acceptable in thy sight, Lord, my
Strength and my Redeemer. Psal. xix. 14.]

2d. That the Rubric preceding the Absolution, be altered
thus "A declaration to be made by the Minister alone, stand
ing, concerning the forgiveness of sins."

3d. That in the Lord's prayer, the word " who" be sub-

1 The Epistle (Philip, iv. 4-8.) and the Gospel (S. John viii., 51-36), were added by the
committee, agreeably to an authority which they conceived to be vested in them. They
also added three introductory sentences (Dent, xxxiii. 27, 28, 29,) and amplified the title of
this service to the following : A Vorm of Prayer and Thanksgiving to Almighty God, for
the inestimable Blessing of Religious and Civil Liberty ; to be used yearly ou the Fourth
Day of July, unless it happens to be on Sunday, and then on the day following.

(2) This sentence, though included in the "Alterations " appended to Bp. White's Me
moirs, does not appear in the Ms., nor is it found in the " Proposed Book."

114 HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS.

stituted in lieu of "which;" and that "those who trespass"
stand instead of "them that trespass."

4. That the "Gloria Patri" be omitted after the "Ocome
let us sing, c." and in eveVy other place, where, by the
present Rubric it is ordered to be inserted, to "the end of
the" reading psalms; when, shall be said or sung "Gloria
Patri, c." or, "Glory be to God on high, and in earth peace
and good will towards men, c" at the discretion of the
Minister.

5th. That in the " Te Deum" instead of "honourable" it
be "adorable, true, and only son;" and instead of "didst not
abhor the Virgin's womb," "didst humble thyself to be born of
a pure Virgin."

6th. That until a proper selection of Psalms be made,
each Minister be allowed to use such as he may chuse.

7th. That the same liberty be allowed, respecting the
lessons.

8th. That the article in " the Apostles creed" "He de
scended into hell" be omitted.

9th. That the Athanasian and the Nicene creeds be
entirely omitted.

10th. That after the response " and with thy spirit," all
be omitted to the words "0 Lord show thy mercy upon us;"
which the Minister shall pronounce, still kneeling.

llth. That in the suffrage "make thy chosen people joy
ful," the word "chosen" be omitted; and also the following
suffrages, to "0 God, make clean our hearts within us."

12th. That the Rubric after these words "and take not
thy Holy Spirit from us," be omitted. Then the two collects
to be said : in the collect for grace, the words " be ordered,"
to be omitted ; and the word " be" inserted, instead of "to
do alway that is."

13th. In the collect "for the Clergy and People," read
"Almighty and everlasting God, send down upon all Bishops
and other Pastors, and the Congregations committed, $c." to
the end.

15. That the Lord's prayer after the Litany, and the
subsequent Rubric be omitted.

16th. That the short Litany be read as follows "Son of

1 Here is an erasure from the manuscript: the article being found
a repetition of part of the 4th. Vide White's Memoirs, p. 367, where
" 13th" is a misprint for " 4th."

HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS. 115

God, ice beseech thee to hear us. Son of God, we beseech thee
to hear us. Lamb of God, that takest away the sins of the
world, Grant us thy peace. Christ, hear us. Lord, have
mercy upon us and deal not with us according to our sins,
neither reward us according to our iniquities." After which,
omit the words "Let us pray."

17th. That the Gloria Patri, after Lord arise, $c. be
omitted; as also "Let us pray," after "we put our trust in
thee."

18th. That in the following prayer, instead of " right
eously have deserved," it be "justly have deserved."

19th. That in the 1st. warning for the Communion, the
word "damnation," following these words "increase your,
c." be read "condemnation;" and the two paragraphs
after these words " or else come not to that holy table, be
omitted ; and the following one be read, and if there be any
of you, who by these means, cannot quiet their conscience, $c.
The words "learned and discreet," epithets given to the
ministers, to be also omitted.

20th. In the exhortation to the communion, let it run
thus "For as the benefit is great, c. to drink his blood, so is
the danger great, if we receive the same unworthily. Judge
therefore yourselves, $c."

21st. That in the rubric preceding the absolution,
instead of "pronounce this absolution," it be "Then shall
the minister stand up, and turning to the people, say, gc"

22d. That in the baptism of infants, parents may be
admitted as sponsors.

23d. That the minister, in speaking to the Sponsors,
after these words "vouchsafe to release him," say "release
him from sin." In the second prayer, instead of " remission
of his sins," read " remission of sin."

24th. That in the questions addressed to the sponsors,
and the answers, instead of the present Form, it be as
follows " the sinful desires of the flesh."

25th. "Dost thou believe the articles of the Christian faith,
as contained in the Apostles' creed, and wilt thou endeavour to
have this child instructed accordingly ?" Answer: I do believe
them, and, by God's help, will endeavour so to do."

Wilt thou endeavour to have him brought up in the fear of
God, and to obey God's holy will and commandments ? Answer
"I will, by God's assistance."

26th. That the sign of the cross may be omitted, if

116 HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS.

particularly desired by the Sponsors or Parents, and the
prayer to be thus altered (by the direction of a short
rubric) " We receive this child into the congregation of Christ's
flock; and pray that hereafter he may never be ashamed, c."
to the end.

27th. That the address "seeing now dearly beloved, c."
be omitted.

28th. That the prayer after the Lord's prayer, be thus
changed "We yield thee hearty thanks, $c." to "receive
this Infant as thine own child by baptism, and to incorporate
him, c."

29th. That in the following exhortation, the words
" to renounce the devil and all his works," and in the charge
to the Sponsors, the words ''vulgar tongue" be omitted.

30th. That the forms of private baptism and of confirm
ation, be made conformable to these alterations.

31st. That in the exhortation before matrimony, all
between these words "holy matrimony," and "therefore if
any man, c." be omitted.

32d. That the words "I plight thee my troth" be omitted
in both places; and also the words "with my body I thee
worship ;" and also "pledged their troth either to other"

33d. That all after the blessing be omitted.

34th. In the burial service, instead of the two Psalms,
take the following verses of both viz. Ps. 39, Verses 6
7, 8, 9, 12, 13, and Psalm 90, to v. 13. In the rubric, the
words "unbaptized or" to be omitted.

For the Declaration and form of interment, beginning
"Forasmuch as, &c." insert the following viz. "For
asmuch as it hath pleased Almighty God, in his wise Provi
dence, to take out of this world the soul of our deceased brother
(sister] lying now before us ; We therefore commit his (her)
body to the ground, earth to earth, ashes to ashes, dust to dust;
(thus at sea to the deep to be turned into corruption) looking
for the general resurrection in the last day, and the life of the
world to com.e, thro' our Lord Jesus Christ; at ivhose second
coming in glorious Majesty, to judge the world, the earth and
the sea shall give up their dead ; and the corruptible bodies of
those who sleep in him shall be changed, and made like unto
his own glorious body, according to the mighty working, where
by he is able to subdue all things unto Hiinself.

In the sentence "I heard a voice, &c." insert "who" for
" which."

HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS. 117

The prayer following the Lord's prayer to be omitted.
In the next collect, leave out the words " as our hope is,
this our brother doth" For " them that," insert " those who"

35th. In the visitation of the sick, instead of the abso
lution as it now stands, insert the declaration of forgive
ness which is appointed for the communion service; or,
either of the collects, which are taken from the Commina-
tion office, and appropriated to Ash "Wednesday, may be
used.

In the Psalm, omit the 3d, 6th, 8th, 9th, and llth verses..
In the Commendatory prayer, for " miserable and naughty"
say "vain and miserable." Strike out the word "purged."

In the prayer "for persons troubled in mind" omit all
that stands between the words "afflicted servant" and "his
soul is full," &c. and instead thereof say "afflicted servant,
whose soul is full of trouble," and strike out the particle
"but," and proceed, "0 merciful God," &c.

36th. A form of Prayer and visitation of Prisoners for
notorious crimes, and especially persons under sentence
of death, being much wanted, the form entitled "Prayers
for persons under sentence of death, agreed upon in a
Synod of the archbishops and bishops, and the rest of the
clergy of Ireland, at Dublin, in the year 1711," as it now
stands in the book of Common Prayer of the church of
Ireland, is agreed upon, and ordered to be adopted, with
the following alterations, viz :

For the absolution, take the same declaration of for
giveness, or either of the collects above directed for the
visitation of the sick. The short collect '*# Saviour of the
world," &c. to be left out; and for the word "frailness,"
say "frailty."

37th. In the Catechism, besides the alteration respecting
the civil Powers, alter as follows: viz. "What is your name?
N. M. When did you receive this name ? I received it
in Baptism, whereby I became a member of the Christian
church. What was promised for you in Baptism ? That I
should be instructed to believe the Christian faith, as con
tained in the Apostle's Creed, and to obey God's holy will,
and keep his commandments.

Dost thou think thou art bound to believe all the articles of
the Christian faith, as contained in this creed, and to obey
God's holy will and keep his commandments?" "Yes
verily," &c.

118 HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS.

Instead of the words " verily, and indeed taken," say
" spiritually taken."

Answer to Question "How many sacraments?" "7\oo,
Baptism and the Lord's Supper."

38th. Instead of a particular Service for the churching of
women, and psalms, the following special prayer is to be
introduced, after the General Thanksgiving ; viz. This to
be said, when any woman desires to return thanks, &c.
" Almighty God, we give thee most humble and hearty
thanks, for that thou hast been graciously pleased to pre
serve this woman, thy servant, through the great pains
and perils of childbirth. Incline her, we beseech thee, to
show forth her thankfulness, for this thy great mercy, not
only with her lips, but by a holy and virtuous life. Be
pleased, God, so to establish her health, that she may
lead the remainder of her days to thy honour and glory,
through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen."

39. The Commination office for Ash Wednesday to be
discontinued, and therefore the three collects, the first
beginning "0 Lord, we beseech thee," 2d, "Omost mighty
God," 3d, "Turn us, Good Lord," shall be continued
among the occasional prayers ; and used*after the collect
on Ash Wednesday, and on such other occasions as the
minister shall think fit.

Articles of Religion.
1. Of Faith in the Holy Trinity.

There is but one living, true, and eternal God, the
Father Almighty ; without body, parts or passions ; of
infinite power, wisdom and goodness; the maker and
preserver of all things both visible and invisible : and
one Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, begotten of the Father
before all worlds, very and true God ; who came down
from heaven, took man's nature in the womb of the
Blessed Virgin of her substance, and was God and man
in one person, whereof is one Christ ; who truly suffered,
was crucified, dead and buried, to reconcile his Father to
us, and, to be a sacrifice for the sins of all men; lie rose
again from death, ascended into heaven, and there sitteth
until he shall return to judge the world at the last day:
and one Holy Spirit, the Lord and giver of life, of the same
divine nature with the Father and the Sou.

HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS. 119

2. Of the sufficiency of the Holy Scriptures for Salvation.

Holy Scripture containeth all things necessary to salva
tion : so that whatsoever is not read therein : nor may be
proved thereby, is not to be required of any man, that it
should be believed as an article of the Faith, or be thought
requisite or necessary to salvation. In the name of the
Holy Scriptures we do understand the canonical books
of the Old and New Testament.

Of the names and numbers of the canonical Books.

Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy,
Joshua, Judges, Ruth, The 1st Book of Samuel, The 2d
Book of Samuel, The 1st Book of Kings, The 2d book of
Kings, The 1st Book of Chronicles, The 2d Book of Chron
icles, The 1st Book of Esdras, The 2d Book of Esdras, The
Book of Hester, The Book of Job, The Psalms, The
Proverbs, Ecclesiastes or Preacher, Cantica or Songs of
Solomon, Four Prophets the greater, Twelve Prophets the
less.

And the other books the Church doth read for example
of life, and instruction of manners ; but yet doth it not
apply them to establish any doctrine ; such are these fol
lowing:

The 3d Book of Esdras, The 4th Book of Esdras, The
Book of Tobias, The Book of Judith, The rest of the
Book of Hester, The Book of Wisdom, Jesus tho Son of
Sirach, Baruch the Prophet, The Song of the three Chil
dren, The Story of Susanna, Of Bell and the Dragon, The
Prayer of Manasses, The 1st Book of Maccabees, The 2d
Book of Maccabees.

All the books of the New Testament, as they are com
monly received, we do receive and account them canonical.

3. Of the Old and New Testament.

There is a perfect harmony and agreement between
the Old Testament and the New ; for in both, everlasting
life is offered to mankind by Christ, who is the only
mediator between God and man ; being both God and
man : and altho' the law given by Moses, as to ceremonies
and the civil precepts of it, doth not bind Christians : yet
all such are obliged to observe the moral commandments
which he delivered.

120 HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS.

4. Of Greeds.

The creed, commonly called the Apostles' creed, ought
to be received and believed: because it maybe proved
by the Holy Scripture.

5. Of Original Sin.

By the fall of Adam, the nature of man is become so
corrupt, as to be greatly depraved, having departed from,
its primitive innocence, and that original righteousness
in which it was at first created by God. For we are now
so naturally inclined to do evil that the flesh is continually
striving to act contrary to the Spirit of God, which cor
rupt inclination still remains even in the regenerate.
But tho' there is no man living who sinneth not ; yet we
must use our sincere endeavors to keep the whole law of
God, so far as we possibly can.

6. Of Free- Will.

The Condition of man after the fall of Adam, is such
that he cannot turn and prepare himself by his own
natural strength and good works to faith and calling
upon God : Wherefore we have no power to do good
works, pleasing and acceptable to God, without the
grace of God by Christ giving us a good will, and
working with us, when we have that good will.

7. Of the Justification of Man.

We are accounted righteous before God only for the
merit of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ by faith, and
not for our own works, or deservings. Wherefore that
we are justified by faith only, is a most wholesome doc
trine, and very full of comfort.

8. Of Good Works.

Albeit that good works, which are the fruits of Faith
and follow after Justification, cannot put away our sins,
and endure the severity of God's judgment; yet are they
pleasing and acceptable to God in Christ, and do spring
out necessarily of a true and lively faith, insomuch that

HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS. 121

by them a lively faith may be as evidently known, as a
Tree discerned by the Fruit.

9. Of Christ alone without Sin.

Christ, by taking human nature on him, was made like
unto us in all things, sin only excepted. He was a lamb
without spot, and by the sacrifice of himself once offered,
made atonement and propitiation for the sins of the world ;
and sin was not in him. But all mankind besides, tho'
baptized and born again in Christ, do often d in many
things. For if we say we have no sin, we deceive our
selves, and the truth is not in us.

10. . Of Sin after Baptism.

They who fall into sin after baptism may be renewed
by repentance : for tho' after we have received God's
grace, we may depart from it by falling into sin ; yet,
thro' the assistance of his holy spirit, we may by re
pentance and the amendment of our lives, be restored
again to his favour. God will not deny repentance of
sins to those who truly repent, and do that which is law
ful and right ; but all such thro' his mercy in Christ Jesus,
shall save their souls alive.

11. Of Predestination.

Predestination to Life, with respect to every man's
salvation, is the everlasting purpose of God, secret to us:
and the right knowledge of what is revealed concerning
it, is full of comfort to such truly religious Christians, as
feel in themselves the Spirit of Christ, mortifying the
works of their flesh and /their earthly affections, and
raising their minds to heavenly things. But we must
receive God's promises as they be generally declared in
Holy Scripture, and do his will, as therein is expressly
directed; for without Holiness of Life no man shall be
saved.

12. Of Obtaining Eternal Salvation only by the Name of

Christ.

They are to be accounted presumptuous, who say, that
every man shall be saved by the Law or Sect which he

122 HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS.

professeth, so that he be diligent to frame his life accord
ing to that law, and the light of nature. For Holy Scrip
ture doth set out unto us only the Name of Jesus Christ,
whereby men must be saved.

13. Of the Church and its Authority.

The visible Church of Christ is a congregation of faith
ful men, wherein the pure word of God is preached, and
the sacraments are duly administered, according to Christ's
ordinance in all things necessary and requisite : And every
Church hath power to ordain, change and abolish rites
and ceremonies, for the more decent order and good
government thereof, so that all things be done to edify
ing. But it is not lawful for the Church to ordain any
thing contrary to God's word; nor so to expound the
Scripture, as to make one part seem repugnant to another ;
nor to decree or enforce any thing to be believed as neces
sary to salvation, that is contrary to God's holy word.
General Councils and Churches, are liable to err, and
have erred, even in matters of Faith and Doctrine, as
well as in their ceremonies.

14. Of Ministering in the Congregation.

It is not lawful for any man to take upon him the office
of public preaching, or ministering the Sacraments in the
Congregation, before he be lawfully called, and sent to
execute the same. And those we ought to judge lawfully
called and sent, who are chosen and called to this work
by men who have public authority given unto them in
the congregation, to call and send Ministers into the
Lord's vineyard.

15. Of the Sacraments.

Sacraments ordained of Christ, be not only badges or
tokens of Christian men's profession : but rather they be
certain sure witnesses, and effectual signs of Grace, and
God's good will towards us, by the which he doth work
invisibly in us, and doth not only quicken, but also
strengthen and confirm our Faith in him.

There are Two Sacraments ordained of Christ our Lord
in the Gospel, that is to say, Baptism and the Supper of
the Lord.

HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS.' 123

16. Of Baptism.

Baptism is not only a Sign of profession and mark of
difference, whereby Christian men are discerned from
others that be not Christened ; but it is also a sign of re
generation or new Birth, whereby as by an Instrument,
they that receive Baptism rightly, are grafted into the
Church ; the promises of the forgiveness of sin, and of
our Adoption to be the Sons of God, by the Holy Ghost,
are visibly sign'd and sealed; Faith is confirm'd, and
Grace increas'd by virtue of prayer unto God. The Bap
tism of young Children is in any wise to be retained in
the Church, as most agreeable with the Institution of
Christ.

17. Of the Lord's Supper.

The Supper of the Lord is not only a Sign of the Love
that Christians ought to have among themselves one to
another; but rather is a Sacrament of our redemption by
Christ's death : Insomuch that to such as rightly, worthily
and with faith receive the same, the Bread which we break,
is a partaking of the Body of Christ : and likewise the
Cup of Blessing, is a partaking of the Blood of Christ.

Transubstantiation (or the change of the substance of
Bread and Wine) in the Supper of the Lord cannot be
proved by Holy Writ; but is repugnant to the plain
words of Scripture, overthroweth the nature of a Sacra
ment, and hath given occasion to many superstitions.

The Body of Christ is given, taken and eaten in the
Supper of the Lord only after an heavenly and spiritual
manner. And the mean whereby the Body of Christ is
received and eaten in the Supper is Faith.

18. Of the one Oblation of Christ upon the Cross.

The offering of Christ once made, is that perfect re
demption, propitiation and satisfaction for all the sins of
the whole world, both original and actual ; and there is
none other satisfaction for sin, but that alone.

19. Of Bishops and Ministers.

The Book of Consecration of Bishops and Ordering of
Priests and Deacons ; excepting such part as requires any

124 HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS.

oaths or subscriptions inconsistent with the American
Revolution, is to be adopted as containing all things ne
cessary to such consecration and ordering.

20. Of a Christian Man's Oath.

The Christian Religion doth not prohibit any man from
taking an oath, when required by the Magistrate in testi
mony of Truth ; But all vain and rash swearing is for
bidden by the Holy Scriptures^ 1 )

The original manuscripts of the preceding "Altera
tions, &c." are still preserved among the manuscripts in
the possession of the General Convention. Immediately
following these, and apparently omitted from Bp. AVhite's
printed copy by inadvertence, is another sheet, con
taining

The Table of Holy Days.

The following Days are to be kept Holy by this Ch'h.
Viz.

All the Sundays in the year in the Order enumerated
in the Table of Proper Lessons with their respective
Services.

Christmas

Circumcision

Epiphany

Easter Day, Monday and Tuesday

1 We have corrected the "Alterations," as given in the Appendix
to Bp. White's Memoirs, from the original MSS. among the Conven
tional documents. In the Articles, however, we have purposely laid
aside tne printed copy as found in the " Memoirs," and also as pub-
li-lu-d in the "Proposed Book," by which the "Articles" in the
" Memoirs" seem to have been corrected, to furnish from the manu
script itself the original changes of the Committee of the Conven
tion, ere they were pruned and polished by the Committee of Revision
who were appointed to prepare them for the press. , The comparison
of the Articles as they are printed above, with those that appear in
the " Proposed Book" and in Bp. White's Memoirs, will of itself alone
prove the great liberties taken by Drs. Smith and White by virtue
of their appointment " to make verbal and grammatical corrections."
It is hardly a question whether, in view, of the restriction of the Con
vention, "that nothing in form or substance be altered," (vide Jour.
1785,) they did not greatly exceed their powers.

HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS. 125

Ascension Day

"Whitsunday, Monday and Tuesday

The following Days are to be observed as Days of
Fasting Viz

Good Friday and Ashwednesday

The following Days are to be observed as Days of
Thanksgiving Viz, The 4th of July in Commemoration
of American independence, and the first Thursday in
November as a Day of Gen'l Thanksgiving.

With this presentation of the Alterations (1) which were
comprised in the " Proposed Book," as it has always been
called, the various allusions to the same in the following
correspondence, to which we have already referred, can read
ily be understood. Few persons have ever seen this remark
able liturgical production, either in its American form or as
reprinted in England ; and, without any discussion of the
principles involved in its publication, the bibliographical
fact may be stated, that a rarer book connected with Amer
ican Church history can hardly be named.

REV. DR. WHITE TO REV. DR. SMITH.
DEAR SIR,

The first Proof Sheet will accompany this and I expect
to send you another by Saturday's Post to Baltimore.
I think we have fallen into an error, which Mr. Hall says
we can easily correct, and our Brethren here join with
me in wishing it corrected. It is ye making ye Litany a
necessary Part of ye Morning Service. The Way I
would propose to correct it is thus. In ye Rubric let it be
" The Litany, c., to be used on Sundays and other Holidays,
appointed to be observed by this Church." After the Prayer
" We humbly beseech thee O Father &c", let there be
this Rubric, " But when ye Litany is not used, the three fol
lowing Prayers shall be said instead thereof," then insert ye
Prayers for ye Congress, for other civil Rulers, and for all
Conditions: then let there follow ye Gen: Thanksgiving,

(1) A critical comparison of these "Alterations" with the original MSS., in the Ar
chives of the (ieneral Convention will be found in the Author's Introductory Chapter to
"Proctor's History of the Book of Common Prayer," Aew York, 1808, pp. x-xxxlx.

126 HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS.

St Chrys'm's P. and ye Benediction. To prevent Repe
tition in ye Evening Service, insert after ye Prayer against
ye Dangers of ye Night, ye following Rubric, "Then shall
be said the Prayer for the Congress and ye other Prayers which
follow it in the Morning Service to ye End thereof"

There will be occasion for a Rubrick at ye Head of ye
Collects, Gospels and Epistles, directing ye Use of ye
Collects for each Sunday and Holiday until ye next Sun
day or Holiday ; after ye Suffrages, at Morning P. when
ye Communion Service is not said ; and always at Even-
ing P.

Quere. "Will it not be best to place ye two Invitations
to ye Communion, at ye End of that Service? At
present they make an awkward Break.

Please to mention these matters to Dr. Wharton, to
whom I desire my affectionate Remembrances.

*****

I am, your aff 'te humble Serv't

WM. WHITE.
Philad'a, Oct'r 19, 85.

REV. DR. SMITH TO REV. DR. WHITE.

October, 1785.
DEAR SIR,

I am favored with yours of the 19th. enclosing the
first Sheet of the Prayer Book and shall expect a second
sheet at Baltimore on Tuesday with one printed Copy of
Dr. Wharton's Sermon and mine by post ; and that 200
Copies more of both will be forwarded pr Stage to the
Care of Mr. Goddard, as I directed in my memorandum,
left for you in the Hands of Dr. Andrews.

On Wednesday last Dr. Wharton came to my House in
Chester. Thursday being a storm, we sat down in the
morning, and devoted the whole Day to those Parts of the
Prayer Book, yet left to be prepared for the Press.

1st. As to the Office of Thanksgiving for the Fruits of
the Earth, we wish to change one of the Lessons, and
also to make some additions to the Thanksgiving Prayer,
which will give it a little more Animation ; by taking
something from Prayers on the same Subject, which Dr
Wharton thinks are to be found as well in the Roman
Missal, as in the Works of Bp. Wilson of Sodor and

HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS. 127

Man both which he will consult on his Return to New
castle, in sufficient Time for the Press.

But our great Business on Thursday was to read over
the Psalms, taking, as we went along, your very judicious
Selection or rather Rejection of particular Psalms and
Parts of Psalms. We propose rejecting some Parts more,
which may have escaped your Notice, and retaining some
few Passages which you have proposed to reject ; for by
taking the Bible- Translation some of these Passages are
truly beautiful; and therefore in going over the Work,
we constantly compared the Bible-Translation with that
of the Prayer Book, and find that out of both, sometimes
using the one and sometimes the other, sometimes in
whole Psalms, and sometimes in particular Verses, we
shall greatly improve the Reading Psalms in general;
but by our Plan there will not so many be retained upon
the whole, as you have left standing. On my Return
from Baltimore, I shall send you, or more probably bring
to Philadelphia this Part of the Work; and then by
counting up the whole Number of Yerses retained and
dividing them by 30, we can average the Number of Verses
(a few over or under as the Sense may require) which we
shall have for daily Service. Out of the Reading Psalms
to be retained in our Book, it will be easy to make a Selec
tion of the best Metre Translations, of the best Psalms,
to which there may be an addition of some of Watts' s best
Psalms, and Hymns for the Festivals and other Occa
sions, which may be got from sundry Authors I hope
some may be offered by Members of our own Church in
America, who are distinguished for their Poetical Tal
ents, and not ashamed to exert them on the Lofty
Themes of Religion. But I am wandering and have no
Time to write what I wish on this particular Topic.

Dr. Wharton left me on Friday, crossed over to An
napolis, and by the good offices of Gov'r Paca and Mr.
Chase, settled all his private Concerns with the In-
tendant, and returned Time enough to preach for me in
Chester this afternoon. He leaves me to morrow, but I
expect a Day from Him on his Return from Talbot, when
we shall take up the Calendar, in which I believe you
have not left us much to do.

I now proceed to answer your Letter, respecting the
first Proof Sheet.

128 HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS.

I do not think it an Error, that the Litany is made a
Part of the Morning Service. I think that Service would
be very incompleat in the essential Parts of Prayer, and
would lose much of its Beauty if left without the Litany.
Altho' it is directed to be used every Morning, yet the
Use of it is not made so necessary, but that, where a
Clergyman is weak in Body, the weather severe, or for any
other good Reason, it may not be omitted.

But I submit to your Consideration, whether as you
propose to alter the Rubric, viz, " The Litany to be used
on Sundays and other Holidays" Wednesdays and Fri
days, will be considered as Holidays. And surely in
large Towns and Cities (of which America will have
many in a Hundred Years more) the good old Custom
of Week-Day Prayers will not be laid aside. But, with
out the Litany, Wednesday and Friday Prayers, (there
being no Sermon) would not draw many to Church. Let
not our Abridgments be too great, at least till we see
how what hath been done will be received. I think,
then, there will be no Harm in leaving the Rubric before
the Litany, as it now is; only striking out the word
"every" and after the Prayer "We humbly beseech
thee &c." you may add the Rubric which you propose,
viz. "But when the Litany is not used, the three follow
ing Prayers shall be said instead thereof" which (as the
latter Rubric may be supposed to explain the former,)
will at least imply a discretionary Power in the Minister to
omit the Litany even in Morning Service, when in his
Discretion he thinks it necessary.

If the Place of the two Exhortations to the Com
munion is to be altered, Dr. Wharton and myself are of
opinion that they should not be placed at the End of the
Communion Service (for it would appear very awkward
to have an Exhortation to an Act of Worship, standing
after the Act itself) but at the Beginning, viz. before the
Prayer "Almighty God unto whom all Hearts be open"
&c., with a Rubric separating them from the Communion
Service, and directing that they be read when the
Notice is give.n, viz., on the Sunday or some Holiday
before the Communion.

The Proof Sheet is returned. You will see the Cor
rections proposed by Dr. W. and myself on the Margin ;
and the Reasons will be obvious. Thus in the Litany

HISTORICAL .NOTES AND DOCUMENTS. 129

" In all Time of our Tribulation :" a Semi-colon yet it is
connected with " Good Lord deliver us" but at the End
of the Sentence, after the Words "Day of Judgment"
there is only a Comma, and so in all the preceding Sen
tences, each of which should have a Semi-colon at the
End of the Sentence, as well as in the previous Division
of the different Members of the Sentence.

After a Proof Sheet or two more, I would not wish to
give you the Trouble of sending the Remainder to me,
unless you have any Alteration to propose ; in which we
must be very delicate, in Consideration of the great
Trust committed to us. Dr. Wharton's best compl'ts.
He sits by me while I subscribe myself,
Yours, &c.,

WM. SMITH.

P.S. As your Letter is a good deal Scrawled and hard
to make out in some Places, you will excuse the Trouble
this may cost in Perusing.

REV. DR. WHITE TO REV. DR. SMITH.

DEAR SIR,

I expect to send you by this Opportunity ye 2 first
Proof Sheets.

Lest you may have left Chester before ye Return of
Wednesday Post, I must repeat ye Substance of my
former Letter.

We are all here of Opinion that ye Litany ought not
to be a necessary Part of ye Morning Prayer. The Al
teration, if you approve of it, may be made as follows.
Let ye Rubric before ye Litany say "to be used on Sun
days and other Holidays appointed by this Church"
After ye Litan} 7 with its attendant Prayers, insert this
Rubrick "And when ye Litany is not said ye three fol
lowing Prayers shall be used instead thereof," setting
down ye Prayers for ye Cong'ss; for ye other Rulers; and
for all Conditions. Then set down ye gen'l Thanksgiving
&c. In ye Evening Service, after ye Prayer for Protec
tion during ye Mght, let there be a Reference to ye
Morning P. for ye Residue.

There is wanting a Rubrick at ye Head of ye Collects,
Ep : and Gs., enjoining ye Use of ye proper Collect in ye

130 HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS.

Morn'g Prayer when used separate from ye Comm'n Ser
vice, and always in ye Evening Prayer.

Quere. Will not ye two Exhortations in ye Commu
nion Service stand better either in ye Beginning or the
End ? At present they make an awkward Break.

Quere, ye Propriety of introducing a Rubric before ye
Prayer for our Rulers in ye Communion Service, specify
ing* that ye same is to be said, when that Service is not
used with ye Morning Prayer. The Clergy here wish for
it ; and many of our Hearers wish that we had been as
tender of Repetition here, as in ye Case of ye Lord's
Prayers.

I hope to hear from you by Return of ye Post and am
Yours &c.

WM. WHITE.

PHILAD'A, Oct'r 21, 85.

P.S. I have just now rec'd a Letter from Dr. Murray;
in which he still hinges on ye Want of ye Concurrence
of ye Laity as ye Cause of Dr. Seabury's Failure.

I observe that ye 2d Proof Sheet has a Rubrick ex
pressing that ye Prayer for Congress &c., shall be said in
ye Evening and at other Times when ye Litany is not
said ; this removes my Objection in Part, but ye 2 Ru
brics are contradictory. I think you will prefer ye Ar
rangement I have proposed.

I hope you have attended to ye Psalms and Lessons.
I recollect in ye case of ye Venite, we agreed to strike
out ye Latin ; accordingly I have done it in ye Proof
Sheet to ye other latin Introductions. For ye same Rea
son (i.e. it's being agreed on in ye case of ye Venite) I
have erased ye unnecessary Provisions against Repe
tition.

Mr Hall keeps ye 2d Proof Sheet so long on it's 2d
coming from ye Press, that I have no Time to review it;
and indeed I have reviewed ye other but imperfectly. I
hope your Accuracy will render another Reading un
necessary.

REV. DR. WHITE TO REV. DR. SMITH.
D'R SIR,

Similar Proof Sheets to ye enclosed were to have been
sent by Saturday's Post; but owing to ye Press, they

HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS. 131

were a few Minutes too late, and are now in ye Office
with my Letter. I determined to take ye Chance of ye
Stage, but knowing ye Uncertainty as to ye Delivery of
Letters, shall let mine remain with ye Sheets in ye Post
Office.

Yours &c.

WM. WHITE.
PHILAD'A, Oct'r 23, '85.

P.S. I have altered the Arrangement in this Proof Sheet
according to ye Plan proposed in my Letter merely for
your Inspection.

REV. DR. WHITE TO REV. DR. SMITH.

DEAR SIR,

Owing to ye Press, I was a few Minutes too late for ye
last Post. I sent Proof Sheets by ye Waggon, which I
consider as an uncertain Mode of Conveyance.

In ye Letter which encloses ye Proof Sheets by this
Opp'y, instead of 3 Prayers read 4; I wrote from Memory
and forgot that for ye Clergy.

I enclose you Extracts from ye Constitution ; to prevent
Errors of ye Transcriber you will compare it with ye
Originals ; I would do it now, but am in great Haste.

Please to express at ye Head of ye Letter to ye Bps.
that ye Original goes by ye Harmony, Cap'n Willet, from

Philad'a.

* * * * *

I wish my aff 'te Respects to such of our Brethren at ye
Convention as I have ye Pleasure of being acquainted
with.

I am

Yours &c.

PHILADA, Oct'r 25, '85. W. WHITE.

REV. DR. SMITH.

REV. DR. SMITH TO REV. DR. WHITE.

October 28, 1785.
DEAR SIR,

I gave you my Thoughts so fully in my Letter from
Chester last Post concerning the alteration of Rubric
before the Litany, that I need not add any Thing further

132 HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS.

on that Head. As the Number of Country Congregations
in America exceed those in Towns I may say fifty to one,
and cannot have the Litany but as part of the Morning Ser
vice, (and which with the Abridgments now proposed, would
appear very short and incompleat without the Litany)
and as for these Reasons, the Convention agreed that the
Litany should be printed in, and as a Part of, the Morning
Service, it would not be proper for us to make so material
an Alteration as to put/<wr Prayers just after the Litany,
as a Substitute for the same, and which will be considered
as an Invitation to indolent or Lukewarm Readers of Pray
ers to cut the People generally out of their general Sup
plication. Of these Sentiments are the Convention here,
whom I consulted on this Point, but without intimating
to them that any such Change was proposed by us of the
Committee, but that it had been mentioned by some as a
Matter worthy of Consideration at some future General
Convention.

The four Prayers stand very properly where they now
stand as an essential Part of the Evening Service at all
Times, and would not stand so properly in the Morning
Service, where they are only proposed as a Conditional Part;
tliat is when the Litany is not used, and when that Con
dition takes Place it is very easy to turn forward one Leaf
to read them. Besides this the Evening Service would
appear quite Naked without them. But I need not have
written half so much to you on this Subject, only from a
Desire that we should by a candid Exchange of Senti
ments go through the great work committed to us, with
the same perfect agreement with which it hath hitherto
been conducted; and I know you will make no Change
from what was done in Convention ; unless in the Exercise
of the Discretionary Power given us, we can all, as a
Committee, agree upon the Expediency of such Change.

As I said in my former Letter, then, Let the Word
"Every" be struck out of the Rubrick before the Litany,
and let the Rest of the Rubric stand as it is printed in the
enclosed Proof; and let the four Prayers and indeed the
whole Evening Service stand also just as they are in the
same enclosed Proof; with their several Rubrics as they
are, and there will be sufficient Latitude for any Minister
when necessary to omit the Litany, and supply its Place
from the Ecening Service; which last Service will look

HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS. 133

much better in this form. You will be pleased to attend
to such Corrections as I have made and particularly in
the Prayer for " all Sorts and Conditions of Men. The
words " Good Estate of the Catholic Church" have been
objected to by our Convention here 1st. because "good
Estate" may be considered in a worldly Sense, and if
taken in any other is but an awkward or antiquated Ex
pression and 2dly the Word "Catholic" although in
telligible enough to many, yet it is not approved of by
many others, on account of the vulgar Application of it
to one particular Church. Now as this Prayer for "all
Sorts and Conditions" is a general Prayer, never to be
used when the Litany is used, why may not the Church
be prayed for in the same words here as in the Litany
viz. "thy holy Church universal" ? And then the Prayer
will be "more especially we pray for thy holy Church
Universal, that it may be guided" &c. Or if you think
it will run better " more especially we pray that thy
holy Church Universal may be so guided" &c.

One or the other of these Corrections is desired by our
Convention, and I have given you their Reasons, and if
you will agree to the Alteration, I heartily concur with
you and think it will be approved by all our Body.

I expect to hear from you by next weeks Post. Direct
to me at Chester by the Eastern Shore Post. I have
a great many People talking round me, and write hi
haste. ,

Yours,

BALTIMORE, 28th Oct'r, 1785. WM. SMITH.

REVD. DR. WHITE.

P.S. Your two Packets by Post have just come to my
Hand. What you propose as a Rubric for the Use of the
Collects is proper. The other Parts of your Letters are
either answered in this and my former Letter, or shall be
on my Return to Chester, for which Place I am just
setting off vi& Annapolis. I say no more about the
Litany. Dr. West, &c., and some more Clergy, Mr. Cutting
in particular, who have come here since our Convention
adjourned, and who are now with me, all concur in this
Letter, and that no Alterations be made respecting the
Use of the Litany, which they all say must continue a

134 HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS.

necessary Part of the Morning Service, unless dispensed
with by any "Minister in his Discretion, for want of
Health, Shortness of Time, such as riding 10 or 12 Miles
to read Prayers and preach twice in the same Day. A
future Convention may consider further upon the whole,
in the mean time we do our Duty in letting it remain as
agreed upon by the Body from which we derive our
Power as a Comm'ee.

N.B. Dr. "West and a few more are about raising the
Money from this State for the Book, but wish to have at
least 1000 Copies for Maryland alone, so that Mr. Hall,
if not too late should be told that 4000 Copies will be
too few. He may venture on 5 or 6000, if he has paper
enough ready.

REV. DR. WHITE TO REV. DR. SMITH.
DEAR SIR,

I expected to have sent you ye 3d Half Sheet by this
Post, but it will be not quite ready. Mr. Hall intends to
proceed quicker hereafter.

We expect ye Paper this Evening; on receiving ye
Proof Sheets from you, (w'ch I suppose will be on Mon
day) we shall have one Sheet ready for ye last Impression.

I say ye less as I consider it uncertain whether this
will reach you in Baltimore.

Yours &c.

PHILA'DA, Oct 29, 85. W. WHITE.

REV'D DR. SMITH.

DR. SMITH TO DR. WHITE.

CHESTER 30th Oct'r 1785.

I have just got back to Chester from Baltimore by the
way of Annapolis, which last Place I left yesterday after
noon. By the Date you will perceive that 1 write on
Sunday, a rainy Morning, Service put off till the afternoon.
As soon as service is over, I must go to Dorset, to attend
the Baptism of my Grandson, and bring Mrs. Smith
Home, who has been waiting for me more than a Week
past. My present Letter will therefore be short ; nor is
there Occasion for a long one. Mr. Bryson writes me
that he deliver'd to you my Letter from Chester by last

HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS. 135

"Week's Post. To both your Letters which I received at
Baltimore, I left an Answer to go by yesterday's Post,
which I hope you will receive to morrow, containing the
general Sentiments of the Clergy of our late Convention,
agreeing with what I wrote you from Chester and have
repeated from Baltimore, concerning the Litany, &c.

By your last Letter you seem to have attended to the
Rubric before the Prayer for Congress, which in my first
Letter (not received by you at the Time of writing) I
wished you to notice, as it would remove your Objec
tions, &c. You say it has removed them in Part, but leaves
a Contradiction between the 2 Rubrics. This too you
will find removed by striking out the word "every"
before the word " Morning" in the Rubric prefixed to the
Litany, so that comparing the two Rubrics together,
sufficient Latitude will be left, without either disbanding
the Litany, or putting a Rubric and Substitution of
Prayers after it, which would stand as an Invitation to
the Lukewarm or Lazy, always to pass over the Litany,
which in the Idea of all the Clergy I have seen was con
sidered by the Convention as a Part of the Morning Ser
vice, indispensible except for some good Reasons, and i1^
hurts their Feelings to think the Use of the Litany
should be thought a Burden, or that our Service could
be compleat without this Excellent Part. Of all this I
have wrote fully candidly and more than enough, and
only repeat lest my Baltimore Packet miscarry. All
Things will stand well, at least in this 1st Edition of our
Book, and till next Convention, in the Order in which
we fixed them at Philadelphia, and as they are in the
Proof Sheets you have sent me, only striking out the
single word "every" in the Rubrick before the Litany.

1 have no Time to read critically the Proofs, farther
than I did in a few minutes at Baltimore. They will be
very safe in your Hands, with one or two Readings.
Let them be work'd off as fast as possible, and a thousand
Copies or two more than we thought of at 1st (w'ch I
think was 4000) if Paper can be got. The Book will be
in great^) Baltimore alone a Sub
scription is on foot, and Dr. West will speedily remit a
large Part of the 100 Dollars, if not more than the whole,

1 MS. imperfect.

HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS.

to which I shall add considerably from this Shore, as
soon as I return from Dorset, which I hope, will be in 3
or 4 Days at farthest.

If my Letter from Baltimore is not come to your
Hand, you will attend to the following Corrections which
I made in the Proofs of the 2d Sheet enclosed therein.

At the End of Morning arid Evening Prayer, viz.
"Here endeth the Order of Morning [Evening] Prayer"
Dele Words " Order of" lest it should be implied that
something might yet be prayed which is disorderly
Prayer for Clergy, instead of "ALL Bishops and other
Ministers, and all Congregations" insert " the Congrega
tions," to avoid a Repetition of the Word all so near the
first all But I think the whole Sentence might be better
altered thus " send down upon the Bishops and Ministers
of thy Church and all Congregations," &c.

In the End of the Rubric entitled " Prayers and Thanks
givings upon several Occasions" to avoid the words
"Prayers" and "Prayer," occurring in the Space of one
Line, let the word " Service" be put for the word
"Prayer" and read "two final Prayers of Morning and
Evening Service."

In the Prayer for "All Sorts and Conditions" please
to make the Correction proposed by the Baltimore Con
vention, as in my said Letter from thence, and read thus
" More especially we pray for thy holy Church Universal,
that it may be so guided," c. Or, "We pray that thy
holy Church universal may be so guided." This will agree
with the Prayer for the Church as in the Litany, instead
of which this is to be used, and rids us of the exception
able word to many, viz. "Catholic" and also the awkward
Words "Good Estate of the Church," by which some will
Bay we mean good Glebes and Salaries or Estate merely
temporal. These little Alterations are in our Power, and
not improper when desired by any respectable Number
of our Brethren.

Our Convention read over with general approbation
the proposed Improvements and Alterations ; but stormy
Weather and that Bay which often renders Business
precarious, made our Meeting Thin, and we adjourned
to meet at Annapolis in April, or sooner if called by me
as Presid't.

HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS. 137

Next Week my Copy of the Address to the Arch
bishops, &c., will go by a Ship from Baltimore or Anna
polis. I wish the Sentence " That these States should
become free, sovereign," &c., had been express'd "separate
Empires, States or Governments." It seems to insult, or
at least to renew old Complaints that we were not free
before. Can an Alteration be made in the other Copies?
I could yet have it made in mine by a Letter to London
p'r Packet N. York. I beg another Copy of said Ad
dress, for I was obliged to send mine, on an Hour's
Notice, without taking a Copy. Governor Paca and our
other Friends in Annapolis, except as above, approve the
Address, and it will be easy to get a Certificate from the
Executive of the State that Granting the Prayer of it can
give no Offence, but is perfectly consonant to the Con
stitution. I shall be at Philad'a Time enough for the
Psalms, Lessons, Kalendar, Preface, &c., to save this volu
minous writing, for 1 find I can not make my Letters
Short. In 2 or 3 Weeks, perhaps sooner if the Bank will
assist us, I shall see you.

Yours,

W. SMITH.

REV. DR. WHITE TO REV. DR. SMITH.

DEAR SIR,

I have rec'd yours of ye 28th which I have sent to ye
Press in ye Manner you approve of, having first reviewed
and compared ye pointing of it with an Oxford Edition
of ye Prayer Book printed in 1775, and adjusted it ac
cordingly. This I think you cannot but approve of, as
ye said Edition appears to have been made on great
Deliberation in that Seat of Letters. I observed that
wherever you had altered ye pointing in ye Proof
Sheet, you had done it conformably to ye same Book.
I intend to bestow ye same Pains on all I shall send to
ye Press.

I expect to send by this Opportunity a Proof Sheet,
containing ye greater Part of ye Communion Service,
which will come to me ye 2d Time from ye Press ; another
is also in hand. I mentioned to you in a Letter which I
sent with ye Sermons by Thursday's Stage, (and which do
not appear to have come to hand when you were setting

138 HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS.

out for Annapolis) that some of our Brethren, supported
by Remarks of ye People, thought ye Prayer for ye civil
Rulers an unnecessary Repetition in ye Communion
Service ; and that ye Evil might be avoided by a Rubric
dispensing with it, provided ye Morning Service had
been used immediately before. I told them I doubted
of our Right to alter it, and therefore merely mention it
to you as Information.

Mr. Provost has enclosed to me a Copy of a Letter
from ye Pres't of Congress to ye Minister at ye Court of
Gr : Britain. After stating our late Proceedings and ye
political Hindrances on a former Occasion, he says, that
if our Application to ye Bps sh'd come before ye King
and Ministry, it is ye Wish of "ye Church of England
Members of Congress," that Mr. Adams may assure them
of our Right to take ye said Step and that ye granting
our Petition would not be an intermeddling in ye Affairs
of these States.

You give me leave to go on with ye Press alone, after
ye first Sheet or two. But it is a Liberty I shall never
use, unless ye Press sh'd be like to stop without it;
which is not a probable Case. At any rate, I shall not
venture on any Alterations without Consent.

I am,

Yours &c.

PHILAD'A, Nov'r 1, 85. W. WHITE.

REV'D DR. SMITH.

I shall direct 3000 Copies.

REV. DR. WHITE TO REV. DR. SMITH.
DEAR SIR,

I have rec'd yours from Chester, and indeed all which
you mention to have written hitherto.

I shall attend to ye Alterations you propose ; all which
I approve, except ye word Ministers for Pastors in ye
Prayer for ye Clergy, which you only seem to throw out
for Consideration.

The latter Word is used in all ye other Places and was
that approved of by ye Convention.

I am sorry I made it necessary for you to write BO
much about ye Litany; it is fixed to your Mind and I am
satisfied.

HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS. 139

I shall do all you desire in respect to advertising, &c.,
except that it cannot be in this Day's Paper, which came
to my House before your Letter.

What you propose respecting ye Letter to ye Bps is too
late ; or I sh'd not object to ye Alteration. The Original
is gone by Willet, and I suppose ye other Copy goes to
day from IN" York by ye Packet and will probably (as ye
Packets sail fast) b delivered before any subsequent
Letter can reach England. I will send you another

Copy, but cannot transcribe it for this Day's Post.
******

I am, in Haste,

Yours &c.
PHILAD'A, Novr. 2, 85. W. WHITE.

Communion Service.

Quere, ye insertion in ye Rubric before ye Exhortation,
ye Words " or so much thereof as he may think con
venient." I have taken the Liberty but can easily
expunge.

Quere, ye leaving out these Words in ye Rubric before
ye Collect "so that ye Ordinary &c." Probably it will
be thought ye Ordinary need have nothing to do, with
out complaint from ye Person forbidden.

In ye Sentences, Quere ye Propriety of inserting those
which relate to ye Support of ye Ministers of ye Gospel,
It is expressly said ye Money shall be given to ye poor.

REV. DR. WHARTON TO REV. DR WHITE.

Nov'r 7, 85.
MY DEAR SIR,

After near 3 weeks Excursion to Annapolis and Talbot
County, I returned home on Saturday evening. I saw
at New Town some proof sheets of the prayer book and
think it will be very well executed. Dr. Smith and my
self laboured hard at the Psalms during a whole day,
and I trust the Selection we made will be satisfactory.
I hope no trifling difficulties will retard the publication
which is earnestly looked for. Should the work be a
twelvemonth in hand, some refinements would be for

ever occurring.

* * * * * *

140 HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS.

What have you done with the Lessons ? My wish is
to see them short, but edifying. If not too late I will
send you some hints upon this head, this day week.
******

Yr sincere Friend and Br.

G. H. WHARTON.

REV. DR. "WHITE TO REV. DR. SMITH.

DEAR SIR,

After you left me, I thought it best to continue ye
Consideration of ye Subject which had been before us.
Accordingly I corrected in ye "Way of private Memoran
dum, to ye end of ye Psalms. Afterwards, finding that
ye Psalms contained 2498 Verses and that they would
be reduced about by our Review, I made my Division ;
in which I have taken Care to make ye Portions as equal
as ye Analogy of ye Subjects and sometimes ye extraor
dinary Length of single Psalms permitted. In some
Places I have omitted a few Verses of what we had re
tained, as not suiting ye preceding and following. I
send you ye Fruit of my Labor, hoping you will review
it and send me such Alterations as may occur to you;
which you may easily do (as I have with me a Copy) by
merely alluding to my Subdivisions. I will then fairly
fix ye Book, pasting from an old Bible such Verses as
we prefer of that Translation.

The Press began on Monday and Mr. Hall assures me
it shall work constantly; and that when ye Assembly
shall rise, he will set 2 Presses agoing.

I am, yours &c.

. W. WHITE.

PHILADA. Nov'r 16, 85.
DR. SMITH.

I suppose it will be best in ye Ash "Wednesday S. to
omit ye Commination Psalm, which may be read on
that Occasion in ye proper Place ; and to introduce ye
Prayer immediately after ye Collect, with a Rubric,
directing ye reading of them after ye Litany and imme
diately before ye Gen. Thanksgiving.

HISTORICAL XOTES AND DOCUMENTS. 141

REV. DR. WHITE TO REV. DR. SMITH.
DEAR SIR,

No Letter came to Hand from you to-day, which I sup
pose is owing to your Visit to Annapolis ; and that on
your Return you will carefully Revise ye Psalms and
examine ye Division I have proposed.

On looking over the Offices as they stand prepared in
ye Prayer Book, I determined to propose ye following
Matters to your Consideration.

1. In ye Baptismal Service will it not be best to omit
ye Command to kneel at ye latter Part of it, this being
often inconvenient, especially in private Houses. As we
have shortened ye printing of ye private B. by referring to
ye public for all that follows ye Declaration, " We receive
this Child &c." may it not be further shortened by Re
ference as follows ? viz ; after ye Address, " I certify you,"
&c. insert this Rubric Then shall follow the Gospel from S
Mark 10, 13 with ye Exhortation and Prayer following ye
same, as in ye Form of P. B.

2. In ye Beginning of ye Marriage Service, we have
changed ye word Congregation into ye Word Company.
Quere, is not either word improper, as there used, if it
be in a private Room, and will it not be better to speak
only of our being in ye sight of God ?

3dly. In ye Burial Service this Verse was struck out
"Lord, let me know my end, &c." But as it stands in ye
B. S, is it not unexceptionable and will it not be ye best
Introduction of ye Psalm ?

4thly. In ye Forms at Sea, there are two Thanksgiving
Psalms. I think one (viz, ye last) will be sufficient.

I was in Hopes of having for you ye fifth Form from
ye Press, but arn disappointed. The two enclosed Forms
will be finally struck off this Week.

I am, yours &c.

W. WHITE.

PHILADA, Nov'r 23, 85.

REV'D DR. SMITH.

REV. DR. WHITE TO REV. DR. SMITH.
DEAR SIR,

I suppose you have not returned from ye Western
Shore, from my not hearing by this Day's Post.

142 HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS.

You will receive by this Opp'y 100 of ye Journal and
will order by next Post what further Number you may
want. We have struck 1000 and it is kept in Press for
as muny more as may be wanted. I thought at first it
was too small an Article for sale ; but found so many Ex
pectants here that ye Distributing of a small Number
would have been a very invidious Employm't ; on ye other
Hand, had many been given and ye same Attention paid
(as in Reason ought to be) to ye other Parts of ye Con
tinent, an unreasonable Number must be struck off. I
asked ye Advice of such Members of ye Convention as
could be consulted and they unanimously advised to have
them sold for ye Benefit of ye Fund ; and Mr. Hull
thought they would bear being put at a Shilling, which
is accordingly done. I have ordered to be packed up
100 for each of your Shores, 200 for Virginia, 100 for S.
Carolina, 100 for New Jersey, 100 for Delaware and 100
for N. York. They are ordered to different Members of
ye Convention, who will of course consider themselves as
accountable to ye Funds for those sent and such as they
may hereafter order. I have sent one to each Member
of ye Convention among us, and a Parcel to England by
Mr. Peters, who set ofl' an Hour ago. I suppose it will be
proper to send a few to some principal Gent'n in ye
States where ye Churches have not joined us ; which may
be an Invitation. Gen : Wayne has undertaken to manage
the Matter for Georgia.

I yesterday rec'd a Letter from Mr. Cutting with ye
enclosed which he says he had no other Way of sending
to you than by this Kesort. He complains dismally of
his solitary Situation and calls aloud for News as an Act
of Charity.

The fifth Form was sent me on Saturday and is now
working. The sixth is not ready. I regret however your
not seeing them in Proof; ye less however as it is plain
sailing and there can be no errors, unless typographical
which I shall endeavour to prevent.

Our Council have given a Certif te under their Seal.
I saw it in ye Draft and observing ye same Proviso in it
as in Gov'rPaea's, I gave Gen: W(') a Memorandum to
this effect. " That if ye Council chose to make such a

1 Wayne ? The MS. is illegible.

HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS. 143

Proviso, it w'd not interfere with our Plan ; but that it
was worth their Consideration, whether it might not be
disagreeable to other religious Societies who profess a
foreign spiritual Jurisdiction, and might think we took
this Opp'y to draw down a Censure on them." How
ever they passed it as in ye Draft.

I am, yours &c.
PHILAD'A, Nov'r 30, 85. WM. WHITE.

REV'D DR. SMITH.

REV. DR. WHARTON TO REV. DR. WHITE.

NEW CASTLE Nov'r 29, 1785.
at night.

DEAR SIR,

******

1 have looked over the lessons which you have re
tained or adopted. Can see no objection to any of them
unless you should deem it more proper to adopt some
of the exhortations to repentance from the Prophets
instead of the lessons from Genesis for the Lent Sundays.
Perhaps the prophecy of Daniel would be no improper
lesson or lessons as preparatory to the completion of the
Christian Sacrifice. Your idea of suiting the lessons to
the several seasons of the Ecclesiastical year agrees per
fectly with mine. The selection w'h you have made I
think meets this idea. I observe but 1 lesson from Daniel,
19 S. after Trin. cap. 3. Now I conceive the 7. 8. 9
chap'rs containing the prophetic history of the 4 great
Empires and of the coming of Xt to be very interesting.
As I observed before, they would suit well the season of
Lent, at least the 9th chapter. As to the general Kalen-
dar, 1 apprehend the Committee has power to alter it, as
the convention judged proper to omit the saints-days. 1
would be for retaining however the Names of a few such
as Lady-day, Michaelmas, All Saints, with the Apostles' days
St. Stephen and Innocents. These 3 last being Scripture
festivals, should not be omitted. I mean a commemoration
of Scriptural Persons and Martyrs. All Saints days of
more modern date should be expunged. No mention,

I suppose will be made of fast or abstinence days.

******

Yrs entirely,

C. H.

144 HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS.

REV. DR. WHITE TO REV. DR. SMITH.
DEAR SIR,

My 3 last Letters lately written to you and which you
had not seen when we parted, contain so much Matter
for your Consid'n that I ought not perhaps to burden
you w'th more until those Points are settled. But think
ing you may possibly wish to have ye Table of Lessons
before you at ye same Time, I herewith send it, together
with a proposed Ru brick for ye Psalms. I wish you to
attend particularly to ye Note written lengthwise of ye
Paper on ye Table of Lessons and containing a new
Arrange't which I have proposed in Consequence of an
Observation of Dr. Wharton's after examining ye said
Table here inclosed ; which he says he approves of after
an attentive Consid'n.

I am, yours &c.

PHILAD'A, Dec'r 6, 85. WM. WHITE.

REV'D DR. SMITH.

P.S. Since writing ye above, it came into my Head to
draw up a few Hints towards a Preface. If you think
they will be not useful towards that Purpose, throw them
into ye Fire.

Hints towards a Preface.

This Church, following ye Example of the Church of
Engl'd in Times past, as is set forth in ye Preface to ye
Book of Common Prayer, hath upon weighty Considera
tions made such Alterations in ye Form of divine Wor
ship, as seem at this Time either necessary or expedient.

The Alterations to which her Attention was in ye first
place drawn, were such as had become necessary in ye
Prayers for our civil Rulers. These have been accom
modated to ye Revolution, which, in ye Course of divine
Providence, has taken Place in the U. States; and ye
principal Care herein has been to make them conformable
to ye proper end of all such Addresses, " That we may
lead quiet and peaceable Lives in all Godliness and
Honesty." And whereas it has been ye Practice of ye
Ch'ch of England, to set apart certain Days for ye render
ing of Thanks to ye Supreme Ruler of ye Universe for
signal Mercies vouchsafed to that Church and Kingdom;
it has in like Manner been now thought to tend to God-

HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS. 145

liness, that there sh'd be two annual solemn Days of
Prayer and Thanksgiving to Almighty God for ye dis
tinguished Blessings of ye Land in which we live ; in
order that we may be thus moved t<^> Gratitude for these
Mercies of his good Providence, which might otherwise
be ye Occasions of Licentiousness.

The Alterations of ye M. and E. Prayer are chiefly,
either for ye avoiding of Repetition, or for ye Disuse of
such Words as have varied from their former Meaning,
or for ye arranging of ye Prayers in a Method more easy
for ye Worshipper. In ye Apostles Creed, one Clause
of uncertain Meaning which was introduced into ye
Church by ye Council of Aquileia about 400 Years after
Christ, is omitted. As ye Psalms are a considerable Part
of ye M. and E. Prayer, it may be proper to mention in
this Place ye Reason of their being so considerably
shortened. "All Scripture is given for Doctrine and
Instruction in Righteousness ;" Yet it is supposed that all
Parts thereof were not indited for Christian Worship ;
and that ye Church hath a Latitude to select such Parts
as she shall judge best suited thereto. Therefore such
Portions only of ye Psalms are retained, as were thought
ye most beautiful and affecting. In order to add to ye
Propriety and Sublimity of ye Psalter, ye Translation in
ye Bible has been preferred, where it was thought to
have a stronger Tendency than ye other to raise Devo
tion. A new Division became necessary in Consequence
of ye preceding Changes ; And it was supposed that ye
Excellence of this Part of ye Service would be still more
encreased, by ye Permission to combine it with that
ancient Doxology somewhat shortened ye Gloria in
Excelsis. In Regard to ye reading of ye holy Scripture
at M. and E. Prayer, ye same Reasons which occasioned
a select Table of first Lessons for Sundays and other
Holy-days seemed to extend in favor of ye making a
Table of '2d Lessons also; which is accordingly done.
Those for ye Morn'g are intended to suit ye several Sea
sons ; and yet without a Repetition of ye Portions of ye
Gospel included in ye Communion Service ; and those for
ye Evening are selected in ye Order of ye sacred Books
Besides this, ye Table of first Lessons has been re
viewed; a few new Chapters are introduced from ye Sup
position of their being more edirying than ye old ; and

146 HISTORICAL NOTES AND pOCUMENTS.

Transpositions have been made where they seemed to
suit ye Lessons more to ye Season of ye jYear. It has
been thought that a Kalendar is unnecessary ; and that
ye managing ye Lessons for ye ordinary Days agreeably
to ye Civil Year is not so expedient as ye making them
correspond, like ye others, with ye Ecclesiastical Year.
Accordingly ye Minister is left to his Discretion in ye
Choice of Lessons for ye intermediate Days, with ye Ex
pectation that such will be taken as ye most nearly suit
those selected for ye Sundays and other Holy-days.

The Offices for Baptism have undergone some Change.
The requiring other Godfathers and Godmothers than
ye Parents is dispensed with, if ye same be desired ; and
thus Regard is still maintained for an ancient and useful
Institution ; and yet ye Complaint avoided, that in some
Cases, especially among ye poor, it is difficult to provide
Sponsors, unless such as will most probably neglect ye
Duties of that Relation, to ye great Hazard of their own
Souls. The Sponsors, instead of answering in ye ^Tame
and Person of ye Infant, now answer for their own Dis
charge of ye Obligation they have come under. The
Sign of ye Cross is retained, from a Conviction of its
having been used in ye earliest Ages of ye Church as
expressive of ye being devoted to ye Service of Christ,
who for our Sake, "endured ye Cross, despising ye
Shame" ; Nevertheless in Tenderness to those who may
entertain conscientious Scruples concerning the Use of
this venerable Rite, ye Minister is to dispense with it,
when desired by ye Sponsors.

The Alterations made in ye Catechism and ye Service
for Confirmation are such as became necessary to make
those Offices correspond with ye Forms for Baptism ;
except ye Change of a few Words of ye Service w'ch was
thought to be not sufficiently clear, in that Part of ye
Catechism which relates to ye holy Communion.

It was thought, that ye Office for Matrimony could
bear considerable shortening; which is accordingly done.

The Visitation of ye Sick is nearly as in ye Old Ser
vice. But a few Verses in ye Psalm have been omitted,
as not appearing altogether applicable to ye Occasion ;
and ye Absolution has given Way to what was conceived
to be ye more scriptural Form used in ye Comm'n
Service.

HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS. 147

In ye Burial Service it was thought proper to omit
some inapplicable Verses in ye Psalms; such Expressions
as seem to pronounce too positively concerning ye State
of ye Deceased ; and ye thanking of God for an Event in
which Resignation only is required.

None of ye Form for "the Churching of Women" is
retained except ye Thanksgiving Prayer, which is placed
among ye other occasional Thanksgivings : it being sup
posed, that many Parts of ye daily Service are equally
applicable to that Occasion with what is omitted.

Such Parts of ye Commination Service as were thought
calculated to produce Christian Penitence are inserted
after ye Collect for Ash-wednesday : except ye Psalm,
which is appointed to be read for ye Day.

The Forms to be used at Sea have undergone very
little Change, other than what arose from adapting it to
ye Revolution.

The Case of such unhappy Persons as have forfeited
their Lives to ye Laws of their Country claimed ye Con-
sid'n of this Church : which has therefore adopted into
her Liturgy ye Form for Visitation of Prisoners under
sentence of Death passed by ye Convocation and Parl't
of Ireland.

The Articles of Religion have been reduced in Num
ber. Yet it is humbly conceived, that ye Doctrines of ye
Ch: of Eng'd are preserved in their full Extent; as being
thought agreeable to ye Gospel. It is therefore foreign to
ye Intention of this Church, to alter any thing which ap
peared to be essential to ye true Sense and Meaning of
ye 39 Articles Nevertheless, some Variation has been
made in ye Expression ; and such parts omitted as were
evidently adapted either to ye Time when ye Articles
were composed or to ye political Constitution of Eng
land.

From ye Psalms translated in Metre by N. Brady and
N. Tate, there have been selected only such a Number as
were thought to make a sufficient Variety for divine
Worship, and ye Parts selected are arranged under Heads
agreeing with ye Subjects of them respectively : which it
was thought would tend to ye judicious Use of them both
in public and in private.

This Church therefore having gone through ye im
portant Work of accommodating her Service to her new

148 HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS.

Situation ; it is hoped that ye divine Blessing will attend
ye same to ye promoting of Piety in her Children, and to
ye influencing them to live in Peace and Love with all

/ O

Mankind.

The above "Hints" are endorsed in the handwriting of
the Rev. Dr. Smith, as follows :

" Proposed by Dr. White.

N. B. The Preface has been composed upon another
Plan by W. S. who has made Use of some of the within
Hints.

See Dr. W.'s approbation of the new Preface and the
Correspondence on this Head in the Letters dated latter
End of Feb'y and beginning of March 1786."

REV. DR. WHITE TO REV. DR. SMITH.
DEAR SIR,

I send you ye Sheets as far as finished and have cor
rected ye Proofs as far as to ye Beginning of ye Burial
Service.

I have just now delivered to Mr. Hall ye Offices of 4
of July and for Nov: as they will be gone on Tomorrow.
I kept them to ye last with ye Hope of hearing from you,
but there was no Post this Week.

In preparing said Offices for ye Press, it occurred to
me. that their wanting Gospels and Ep : made them not
harmonize with ye rest of our Service. Our Brethren here
were unanimous in advising me to add them : and I was
ye more encouraged by Dr Magaw's saying that it was
not thought of in ye Committee. The Passages chosen
are Philipp : 4. 4 to 8, with S. John 8, 31 to 37 and St.
James 1. 16 with St. Matth : 5. 43.

The Lessons taken by ye same Advice for ye 1 Th. in
Nov ? r are Deut'y 28 to V. 15, and S Matth. 7. 7.

I am sorry that I have been obliged to do these Things
without waiting for your Approbation; but I hope they
will still merit it.

The Post is just going so that I can only write myself
Yours &e.

PIIILAD'A, Jan'y 4, 86. W. WHITE.

DR. SMITH.

HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS. 149

KEY. DR. WHITE TO REV. DR. SMITH.
DEAR SIR,

I have lost no Time in making Provision for inserting
a few Tunes in ye P. Book. We have selected some w'ch
I send you ye names of on an enclosed Paper. Mr.
Hopkinson is beginning to copy them for ye Engraver
and I expect they will be done with sufficient speed.

It was natural for me, when on this Subject with a
Gen'n of Mr. Hopkinson's Taste, to communicate to him
our Arrangement respecting ye Psalms. He objected, as
indeed has almost every one to whom I have mentioned
it, to ye running the Psalms into one another. The
Issue of ye Conference with Mr II. was his suggesting a
Plan of which I give you a Sketch on an enclosed Paper
and which I think on ye whole will be ye simplest and
most elegant. Unless you disapprove, I will execute it
on this Plan, altho' I shall have lost some labour of
transcribing: in doing of which however. I became
more and more dissatisfied with ye running of Psalms
into one another ; and indeed in this Way, I find that
many fine Passages must be lost, or else such a Repe
tition made as in ye same Psalm would be improper and
disgusting.

I expect your Draft of a Preface by next Post and am
Yours &c

WM: WHITE.

PHILAD'A, Jan'y 17, 86.
REV'D DR. SMITH.

P.S. On Mr. H's Plan, ye Insertion of ye Term Chap
ter will be unnecessary

REV. DR. SMITH TO REV. DR. WHITE.

I received your last letter of 17th Jan'y and observe
what you say concerning the Objections which have oc-
curr'd as to running our Collection or Selection of Sing
ing Psalms into one another. You know this arrang-
ment was proposed for the Convenience of Clerks and
of the People for finding any proposed Sum. We could
not then think of any better mode. I have no attach
ment to any particular Arrangmeiit that appears best.

150 HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS.

But I could see no Impropriety, nor can yet see any in
making one Chapter or Psalm of all those different Parts
of different Psalms which are selected on the same Sub
ject and in the Psalm metre ; for except in metre 1st. and
in Psalms of Praise &c none of them would be very long
in this way; and I know not how you can make your
Breaks in the same Metre, so as to close the Service with
out running many of them into one another. For of
some Psalms only a Verse or two are taken, and surely
BO small a Portion cannot stand by itself. All the Read
ing Psalms for a Morning or Evening Service, altho not
arranged under different Heads as the Singing Psalms,
are nevertheless run into one another, without Incon
venience. On the Contrary it appears a Beauty. The
same has been done in chusing Psalms for particular Ser
vices even by our Mother Church.

But I have no Objection to the Method now proposed.
As far as I can understand it from your short Scrip, it
was what we first proposed altho some Difficulties then
occurr'd. Mr Hopkinson's Judgment will always have
great Weight with me especially on a Subject of Ele
gance and Taste. I am happy that he has agreed to
devote a few Hours to the Psalmody. Under his Hand,
it will become a most acceptable Addition to the Prayer
Book, and with the Hymns to be annexed will recom
mend the Purchase of it to many, and I hope greatly
encrease their Love both of Public and Private Devotion.

With the assistance of our Organist Mr Lirnburner,
our Clerk and some other Gentlemen of this Town I
have examined the Tunes which are to be engraved and
we generally approve of them ; except Canterbury which
is too flat and inanimate. St. Anne's tho good is too dif
ficult for Singers in General. These two might be ex
changed for some more popular Tunes which you have
omitted, such as Brunswick and Stroud Tune. We also
wish to have in the Collection, the Tune ....
and St. Peters is adapted to that noble Hymn . . .

. . publish'd among the Collection of Hymns

When all thy mercies, my God, &c.

In addition, to the Tunes which are proposed in your
list, we would offer the Six which are enclosed, or such
of them as you think may vary most from those of the

HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS. 151

same metre which you retain. I should wish to see the
first Proof Sheet of the Singing Psalms before it is
work'd off. I hope Mr Hall is now upon it, and I wish
not to delay him.

I enclose you a Collection of Hymns to follow the
Psalms, and which I have every Reason to believe will
be a great Recommendation of our Prayer Book to mul
titudes of our most serious and religious members. The
Methodists captivate many by their attention to Church
Music, and by their Hymns and Doxologies, which when
rationally and devoutly introduced are sublime Parts of
public and private worship. I have arranged the Hymns
under proper Heads, have chosen the best I could pos
sibly find, and have spent several whole Nights this last
week in copying them for the Press, abridging them,
where it could be done and correcting some of them in a
few Places. I shall be happy if they meet with your Appro
bation and save you some Trouble in this Part, as you have
had far more than your Share in other Parts, which it was
not in my Power to ease you from, on account of my
many late Calls from Home.

The Number of Hymns is more than I expected when I
sat down to collect them; but I see none that I could
wish to leave out. On the great Festivals of the Church,
there should be some Variety, at least three or four, and
of different metres, to compleat the Psalmody of the
Day.

There are about eight Hymns yet wanting, which 1
hope to send you next Post ; viz Hymns or Psalms for a
public Fast, Meditational Hymns on Death, Funeral
Hymns, a Hymn on the last Judgment, and a Hymn on
Immortality exhibiting a Glimpse of the ^ingdom of
Glory. But on these two last awful and exalted Subjects
I know not where to chuse. They far transcend the Power
of our common Class of Poets, and those of the Greatest
Genius have left them unsung, at least in that kind of
Verse which is proper for Psalmody. .....

singing Psalms, that those Portions of them

of Hymns, are adapted to particular Occa
sions of Service, Thanksgiving &c as July 4th. 1st Th.
of Nov'r, &c. are not to be printed in their Place with the
other Psalms, which are selected for common Use. Should
any of them be chosen on any other Occasion than those

152 HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS.

to which they are adapted among the Hymns, the Clerk
and Congregation can turn to them where they stand.
The Hymns and Psalmody both together will not be near
so long as the former Psalmody by this Plan, unless your
new arrangment should lengthen them somewhat. The
Hymns will not require two Half Sheets, but were it
more they will pay for themselves in the sale of the Book
and in the Satisfaction which Christians in General will
derive. Few will grudge a Dollar if, with the addition of
Hymns and Tunes &c, we think that should be the Price.
You will not forget to take Addisons 23d Ps. from Spec
tator No 441 his 19th from No. 465, to be inserted among
the Psalms under their proper Metres. You will also
take his Hymn, on Gratitude, from No. 453 to be in
serted among the Hymns where I have left a Blank in
Copying," for want of Time.

As I do not know in what order you have arranged
the Metres in publishing the singing Psalms, I must beg
you to fill up the Blanks I have left for the Metres of the
Gloria Patri, so as to answer to our Select Psalms, for it
will not do to say as formerly such a Metre as Ps. 25,
Ps 123, Ps. 148 &c, as our Psalms and Metres will not now
answer to those Numbers, but to Metre 1st, 2d, 3d, &c. as
you may place. I believe I said before (but have not
Time to look back) that I beg to see the first Proof Sheet
of the Singing Psalms before it goes to the Press, I hope
by next Post I will try by that Time to send you the
Preface or Address nearly upon the Plan you have
sketched. You speak in some former Letter of collect
ing for the Feasts and Fasts some Passages of Psalms to
supply the Place of the Venite on different Festivals.
Will not this take too much from the Reading Psalms of

those Days? Might of Scripture in the

Old and New Testament Easter Day

the Substitute for the Veuite is wholly so ... such
a Choice as this may interfere with the Lessons, and the
Epistles and Gospels of the Day. There are Difficulties
both ways, I leave to your own Judgment. And where
any Thing we had before (as the old Venite a little
altered) will do, I would not introduce for the present at
least any very great alterations. All the Hymns, &c.
except a few from Watts and Addison, have long been in
Use in the Church in the Supplement to Tate and Brady's

HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS. 153

Psalms and other Collections printed with different Prayer
Books, by religious Societies, &c. The Hymns therefore
are only a more copious Collection, arrang'd more pro
perly, of such as have been long -in Use, for even some
of Watts's are not new in our Church, and you know
Dr. Johnson gives them a high name in his Lives of the
Poets. I wish I could have found more than about six or
eight of Watts's to introduce, or that I could glean from
Him what is yet wanted on the last Judgment, and the
Kingdom of Glory. I know not where else to look. If
you know of any on those Subjects I wish you to point
them out. I have got 2 or 3 funeral Hymns to be copied
out in my next, and also Hymns proper for the Service
of the Church at Sea and after Storms, &c., &c.

It is now 4 o'Clock in the morning. I am drowsy and
half blind cannot stay to read what I have written
believe I have forgot nothing material. I shall be
ruined if the Packet does not come safe to your Hand. I
have no Cop}', nor even a List or Table of the Hymns
which I intend should be added at the End, after we
know the Pages to which we must refer. This may be
done by the Printer. You will therefore not fail to ac
knowledge the Receipt of them by the Return of Post.
If I have no Letter, I shall conclude you have not re
ceived them and be very unhappy till I hear that you have.
Yours with great Regard

WM. SMITH.

Sunday night or Monday morning
23d Jan'y 1786.

The Hymns must be printed in a smaller Letter, as
many of the Metres are long. Attend well to the Note
at Bottom of p. 38.

This Letter must stand for a great many for which I
stood indebted before.

REV. DR. WHITE TO REV. DR. SMITH.
DEAR SIR,

I have rec'd your Letter with ye enclosed Hymns ; of
which ye Time admits my saying no more at present, but
that I make no doubt of their being unexceptionable.
If I have any Remarks to make you shall have them in
my next.

154 HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS.

As you have no Objection to ye Method last proposed
respecting ye Psalms, I shall do whatever on a Re-ex
amination appears to our Friends here ye best.

I am afraid your Proposals concerning ye Tunes is too
late to be accomplished without either spoiling what haa
been done or making an Addition in this Article ; which
by ye bye, will be much* more expensive than you ima
gined. However I shall accommodate it to your Ideas,
as much as I should think you would yourself, were you
on ye spot.

I expect we shall finish ye reading Psalms this "Week
and that we shall have ye 1st Sheet of ye singing Ps :
ready for next Post. The waiting for it can be no Injury
in regard to ye composing part, but for the Press work
(which Mr. Hall considers as ye principal) it may put us
back a little.

In regard to ye Selections, instead of ye Venite, I
believe they had better stand as they are. You know ye
Design is to introduce such Portions respecting ye Mes
siah, as could not be agreeably retained in their old
places ; now ye including some Scriptural Sentences must
either supersede some of said Portions or make this part
of ye Service too long ; at least this would be ye case on
Good Friday and Xtrnas Day. With regard to ye reading
Psalms of those Days, I mentioned to you, and requested
you to look at them, that I had in a Rubric at ye End
referred to one portion of ye Psalter to be read on all
these Festivals at Morn'g P. another at Ev'g P another
for ye Morn'g of ye Fast Days and another for ye Even
ing of ye same.

I have been considering ye daily Calendar; and do
not find that we have any power given us on this head.
Nevertheless ye reading ye Apocrypha has been so old
an Objection to our Church, that I believe it would be
taken well if we were to substitute others. My Plan for
this is to divide so many of ye longer Chapters as will
make up for the Number to be expunged ; which I find
on Examination may easily be done. Perhaps too it
might be well to divide as many Chap's of ye Gospels
and Acts as may be suited to ye reading them over twice
instead of thrice in ye year. Those from ye Epistles
may very well stand as they are. I must request your
Opinion on this Head.

HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS. 155

On another Review of my Plan of proper lessons, I am
fully satisfied with it.

I know of no suitable Hymns on the Subjects you have
named.

I do not think it will be necessary to print the Hymns
in a smaller type than ye rest, and if not necessary, you
will agree with me that it will not look so well.
I am,

yours respectfully and affectionately

WM : WHITE.
PHILAD'A: Jan: 25, '86.

REV'D DR. W. SMITH.

P. S. I hope to send you pr next Post ye Psalter com
plete.

REV. DR. SMITH TO REV. DR. WHITE.

I enclose the remaining Hymns. The Psalms of David,
unless where tortur'd by Versifiers, have but few evan
gelical Subjects and stood much in need of a Supplement,
which our Church has allowed from Time to Time and
we have full Power to offer, as neither the Psalms which
we have selected, nor this Supplement of Hymns are
more than an Exercise of our best Discretion in the Work
committed to us, and not an essential Part of our re
formed Liturgy.

You will find the Hymns all upon Evangelical Subjects
and practical Christianity, viz On the Nativity, on the
Passion, Resurrection, Ascension, Gift of the Holy Ghost,
The Holy Communion, Time, Life, Death, Hymns at Sea
and various Occasions of Life, in Sickness, in Time of
public Calamity, Thanksgivings for Mercies received, On
State Days as July 4th, Nov'r 1st. Th. &c., concluding
< with Christ's Commission to preach the Gospel, two
Hymns which when we have Ordination of Ministers at
Home maybe properly sung in Time of public Worship.
The Subjects you see are numerous, and not more than
2 or 3 Hymns at most on any Subject. The Hymns are
generally short too. Should you think that any of them
might be left out, I could wish to know which of them.
There is the greatest Number for the Nativity and for
Funerals, but here we ought not to be too sparing. In
the enclosed Collection Hymns 36, 39, 40-43 are particu-

156 HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS.

larly and beautifully applicable to their Subjects. In
short I have taken great Pains to collect and adapt them,
giving nothing of my own, and I think the Number as
they are generally short (altho amounting to 50) is not
too great, as the Psalms of David are greatly abridged,
and many of them taken out of the Places where they
stood promiscuously with other Psalms, and placed as
Hymns under the Heads to which they belong so that
you will take Care not to print these particular Passages
of the Psalms with the Singing Psalms. Let me hear par
ticularly from you next Post, on this whole Subject. I
am more and more pleased with the arrangement of the
Singing Psalms under the different Heads to which they
will apply which are but four or jive, and finding Hymns

founded on other Scriptures, as we Worship.

Clergy and Laity here are greatly to purchase

Books.

You will please to put the proper Numbers to the
Pages of the enclosed Hymns, as I have forgot at what
my last weeks Copy closed and therefore have mark'd or
pag'd them A. B. C. &c. which you will expunge when
you put the Numbers. Please to put Hymn XXV. on
Recovery from Sickness, in the former Copy next after
Hymn XL of this enclosed Copy being on the same
Subject; and alter the Numbers of the Hymns accord
ingly from No. 25 to No. 40 inclusive.

Next Post shall answer all the unanswer'd Parts of
your former Letters, send you the Preface and conclude
this Business, with great Thankfulness to God who hath
enabled us to carry it forward, with so great Harmony
and Satisfaction to ourselves, and I trust it will be to the
full Satisfaction of our Constituents and the Public.
Write me fully this Week, as I am to cross the Bay next
Sundaj 7 Evening.

Yours

WM SMITH.

30th Jan'y, 1786.

REV. DR. WHITE to REV. DR. SMITH.
DEAR SIR,

I have rec'd yours by this Day's Post ; and agreeably
to your desire, sit down to write to you particularly on
ye Subjects of it.

HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS. 157

I send you (with ye Psalter) ye first proof Sheet of ye
Psalms. Yon will see that I have divided them. You
objected to this in your former Letter, that it will become
necessary to leave out Parts of Psalms for want of enough
to make one Division. I answer, that it will not happen
if we allow that to be enough, which may suffice for one
Time of ye Clerk's singing. You also took notice, that ye
other plan was adopted in respect to ye reading Psalms:
I answer, that ye same Reason does not hold in 3^6 sing'g
Ps: viz, their being used together. Our Brethren here
are clear for dividing them and authorize me to say so,
and Mr Hopkinson thinks ye other Plan very exception-
'able. I beg you to weigh ye matter once more ; and if
after all you sh'd continue in your present Mind, I will
execute it accordingly, provided you will take your Pen
and set down precisely what Psalms shall follow one
another, so as to be a guide to ye Printer. In doing
this you will probably (like myself) be tired of ye Idea
of running them into one another: if not, I will perform
my Promise. You will observe that I have put ye Rubric
mark: I thought this proper to make it harmonize with ye
other Parts of ye Liturgy and to show w T ith what View ye
Ps's are introduced. In ye old Book, they were no Part of
ye common Prayer, but were only used by ye Royal Per
mission ; with us, as I conceive they are to be part of ye
Liturgy.

In Regard to ye Form of ye Hymns I have to Remark
that I think they sh'd be introduced like ye Ps's, with ye
R. mark before them, with a similar direction in Regard
to ye discretion of ye Minister, leaving out ye word Sup
plement, because they will be nearly, if not quite, as
large as the Collection of Psalms. I would change the
latin Gloria Patri to English and call it Hymn 1.

In ye Collection sent up last Week (I do not think ye
other admits ye same Criticism) there are some Lines
which I wish for your Consent to alter, under the Con
dition of Mr Hopkinson's joint Approbation.

" Well may ye Sun as Hell be black,"
I wish for a Substitute for this.

" See streaming from th' accursed Tree,"
may be thus altered,

" Behold fast streaming from ye Tree," &c. &c.

158 HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS.

Mr. Ilopkinson thinks with me, that it is altogether im
proper to transfer Psalms to ye Head of Hymns, merely
to change their Names; and we think that they may very
well stand in their proper Places to be applied discre-
tionately; except where some considerable Changes in
ye Composition to accommodate it to ye Occasion may
apologize for ye Transposition. Or else a Collection be
made from difft. Psalms.

The Psalms applied to ye Ascension must be taken in
so strained a sense as not to consist with ye Liberty al
lowable in composing an Hymn. The two Hymns which
conclude your 2d Collection and which refer to Christ's
Command to preach the Gospel, would suit admirably
well for this Festival.

I enclose you a little Essay of Mr H for ye 4th of
July and ye 1 Th'y in Nov'r. He desires me to mention
that he is conscious of having left out in ye latter some
fine portions of ye 2 Ps's : from w'ch it is taken ; but it
was to make it a reasonable Portion for singing at one
time. He thinks 1 for each Occasion sufficient, and that
for ye other Time of singing, a Portion might be taken at
Discretion from ye Psalms. But if you chuse two for
each Occasion, you have got one for Nov'r against which
there can be no Objection, unless that ye Sentiments are
ye same with those of Ps. 65. As to ye very fine parts of
Ps. 68., I foresee many Objections to ye making it a
stated part of our Service for ye Day. Besides ye Deli
cacy of our Situation, as well as on acc't of ye Prejudice
of our Brethren at our present Appn : to Eng'd, it may well
be questioned whether ye Use of such Expressions be not
inconsistent with ye Sent'ts which sh'd take place with
Peace, however proper " flagrant! Bello." Even the Line
" their proud Oppressors righteous Doom" in (perhaps) ye
best Verse of ye Psalm is rather too strong. I would pre
fer something from Ps. 89 and 18, of which I shall send
you a Sketch on a piece of paper.

I forgot to mention when writing of ye Psalms, ye
Order in which I had arranged the'm. You know ye 4
General Heads we fixed on were Ps. of Praise, &c Ps,
of Prayer &c Ps. of Thanksgiving &c and Ps. of In
struction, &c. I found all w'd range under these Heads
except a few, w'ch I have thought best to put at ye End
under these 2 Heads Prophetical Psalms, applied in ye

HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS. 159

N. T. to ye Character of ye Messiah and Ps : composed
during ye Want of an Opp'y of ye public "Worship of
God. If you propose any Alteration of this Order, you will
be pleased to set down minutely, ye Ps : that suit any
new Heads you may propose. Notwithstanding ye Im
patience of ye Public (and I may add my own Desire of
having this Business out of hand) I very willingly stop
ye Press this Week, to comply with your Desire of seeing
the 1st S. of ye Psalms, before it be worked off. Mr
Hall says it will be to no purpose to go on composing,
as ye preparing a Sheet will not take him half ye Time
of working it off. The Week however will not be wholly
lost ; as to prevent it, I have given him ye Tables for
finding ye Holy days; which take up just a Form. The
Table for Easter I have adjusted to 2 Cycles of ye Moon,
adding ye Epacts, Golden Nos. and Dom: Letters; ye
present Year begins a Cycle and ye 2d Ends at 1823.
This Space makes a convenient Page with our Letter. I
have omitted in this Table all ye Holy days besides
Easter ; because that being known, ye next Table shews
ye others. In all other Respects I shall print ye said
Tables, agreeably to Dr Franklin's BookQ which has

1 DR. FRANKLIN'S PRAVER-BOOK. A copy of this very rare volume,
allusion to which is made above, is in the Collection of Liturgies
gathered by the Rt. Rev. Bishop Stevens, D.D., of Philadelphia. The
following extracts from the Memoir of Granville Sharp, Esq., by Prince
Hoare, will furnish Franklin's own account of its preparation. From
the circumstance in his letter alluded to, this volume is one of the
rarest of modern liturgies.

The title of the book is as follows. " Abridgement of the Book of
Common Prayer, and Administration of the Sacraments, and other
Rites and Ceremonies of the Church, according to the use of the
Church of England together with the Psalter or Psalms of David.
Pointed as they are to be sung or said in Churches. London, Printed
in the Year MDCCLXXIII."

In connection with the efforts of the celebrated Granville Sharp,
Esq., of London, to effect the introduction of the English succession
into America, a correspondence took place with Franklin, extracts
from which, as furnished in the Memoirs of Sharp, pp. 216-218, we
give below :

To HIS EXCELLENCY BENJAMIN FRANKLIN, ESQ.

17th June, 1785.
" DEAR SIR,

******

"I have been informed, that, several years ago, you revised the
Liturgy of the Church of England, with a view, by some few altera-

160 HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS.

them in ye neatest "Way of any I have seen. This Form
will be our "Weeks work.

I have ye Table of proper Lessons ready; and have

tions, to promote the more general use of it. But I have never yet
been able to see a copy of the form you proposed. Our present public
service is certainly, upon the whole, much too long, as it is commonly
used ; so that a prudent revision of it, by the common consent of the
members of the Episcopal Church in America, might be very advan
tageous ; though, for my own part, I conceive that the addition of
one single rubric from the Gospel, would be amply sufficient to direct
the revisers to the only corrections that seem to be necessary at
present I mean, a general rule, illustrated by proper examples,
references, and marks, to warn the officiating ministers how they
may avoid all useless repetitions and tautology in reading the service.
As, for instance, after the Lord's Prayer has been read in one of the
offices, the minister should be directed to omit it in all the others;
though, perhaps, the solemn repetition of it by the communicants,
after returning from the Lord's table, may be deemed a proper ex
ception to the general rule ; that the Collect of the day should not
be read in the first office, but rather in the second service, or vice
versa, at the minister's discretion, but by no means in both, as it occa
sions too plainly a vain repetition. In like manner, every other prayer,
that contains nearly the same petition in substance as any of those
that have already been read in the first office, ought to be omitted in
the subsequent offices. And it will require a very careful and atten
tive revision of the whole Liturgy, to discover all the repetitions, and to
point them out with marginal notes of reference, that the officiating
clergyman may be more easily enabled to avoid tautology. Such a
prudent abridgment of the service, if it were done by common con
sent, to preserve order and uniformity, would afford great relief to
the clergy, as well as to their congregations ;, and both would be
better enabled to fix their attention to their duty during the service;
because the human mind is not easily restrained for any long time
together from wandering, or absence of thought : so that nothing can
be more pernicious to devotion than long prayers and needless repetitions.
This opinion is sufficiently justified by an injunction of our Lord him
self respecting prayer ; which, therefore, I propose as the one additional
rubric necessary to direct us in the use of our Liturgy viz. ' when ye
pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathens do; for they think that they shall
be heard for their much speaking: be not ye therefore, like unto them.'

" The repetitions, and consequent unnecessary length, of our Church
Service, are faults, however, which ' have crept in unawares,' and without
design, by an inconsiderate use of several offices in immediate suc
cession which seem to have been originally intended for separate
times of assembling. But in every other respect, the Liturgy of the
Church of England is an excellent form, both for expression of the
most exalted piety, and for general edification in point of doctrine ;
for, after the most careful examination, I am thoroughly convinced
that it is strictly conformable to ' the faith once delivered to the saints,'
which we ought to ' hold fast.'

" I remain, with great esteem and respect, dear Sir," &c. &c.

"G. S."

HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS. 161

taken more pains with this than with any Part of ve
Book.

As to ye Calendar with ye Table of common Lessons,
I believe all we can do with it is so to divide }^e long

DR. FRANKLIN TO MR. GRANVILLE SHARP.

PASSY, July 5, 1785.
"DEAR SIR,

* * * * * * #

"The Liturgy you mention, was an abridgment of the Prayers, made
by a Noble Lord of my acquaintance, who requested me to assist him
by taking the rest of the book viz. the Catechism, and the reading
and singing Psalms. Those I abridged, by retaining of the Cate
chism only the two questions, What is your duty to God? What is your
duty to your neighbour? with their answers. The Psalms were much
contracted, by leaving out the repetitions (of which I found more
than I could have imagined), and the imprecations, which appeared
not to suit well the Christian doctrine of forgiveness of injuries, and
doing good to enemies. The book was printed for Wilkie, in Paul's
Churchyard, but never much noticed. Some were given away, very
few sold, and I suppose the bulk became waste paper. In the prayers
so much was retrenched, that approbation could hardly be expected ;
but I think with you, a moderate abridgment might not only be useful,
but generally acceptable.

" I am, dear Sir," &c. &c.

"B. FRANKLIN."
i

To these extracts we append the following additional statements
derived from a letter from Bishop Stevens :

" ' This abridgement, together with the preface was drawn up by
Sir Francis Dashwood, Bart., Baron le Dispenser, and given by him
to Lord Mountstuart, 1775. The book was printed in a private press
of his own at West-Wycombe Bucks/

Note written probably by Lord Mountstuart on the title-page of
my copy.

In the copy which belonged to Bishop White there is this auto
graph note by the Bishop :

' This book was presented to me in the year 1785 while ye Liturgy
was under review by Mrs. Sarah Bache, by direction of her father
Dr. Benj. Franklin, who with Lord Le Dispenser, she said, were the
framers of it. W W

I know of but two other copies :

The one formerly Bp. White's (just referred to), now in the pos
session of Mrs. Henry Reed (widow of Prof. Henry Reed, of the Uni
versity of Pennsylvania), the grand-daughter of Bp. White, and the
other in the library of Dr. T. Hewson Bache, the great-grandson of
Dr. Franklin.

This Liturgy seems to have been used in a Society in England.

Very truly yours,

W. B. STEVENS."

162 HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS.

Lessons as to afford ye expunging of ye Apocrypha. I
luive minuted ye Lessons which may be so divided;
omitting in my way a very few Lessons, ye public Read
ing of which appears indecent : and more than a few we
cannot dispense with, without spoiling ye Design of
Laving ye Bible read through in ye Course of ye year.

I rejoice with you on our having so nearly finished ye
Business with so much Harmony and am

Yours aff'y

WM. WHITE.

PHILAD'A, Feb 1, '86.

Pray do not cross ye Bay without writing to me par
ticularly. I have written you a very disorderly and I
suppose incorrect Letter ; but I write in Haste and yet
wish to be full.

Respecting ye Tunes,

I have contrived to substitute Brunsw'ck for St. Ann's.

The Hymn Tune and those you sent up w'd take up
very considerable Room and therefore I mention what
follows.

Mr II. had so fitted his Tunes as to occupy an Half
Sheet on both sides; besides w'ch, he is desirous of
inserting a page of Chants ; and if I comply with this,
it will be to gratify him, as he has taken so much trouble
iii ye matter. !N"ow ye Half Sheet only will be a very
expensive Matter. The Ruling Press alone (if Mr Lea-
coks Proposals are reasonable and he says he has made
them lower than he w'd for any but a charitable Purpose
however I shall consult Judges) will be a Demand on us
for 62. 10 When ye Book comes out it will be some
Time before Remittances of Cash are made from ye
other States, and in ye mean Time I shall have to settle
with ye Printer, Bank, &c. Matters being thus circum
stanced, I wish to add no more to ye Musick. You
know Tunes may be sung besides those printed. For my
Part, I am convinced, that no one Circumstance impedes
singing in our Churches so much as great Diversity of
Tunes.

N.B. Mr. H. thinks ye tunes sent up very bad and
destitute of melody.

HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS. 163

REV. DR. SMITH TO REV. DK. WHITE.

I hope, as you have ordered matters, there will be no
great Delay "at the Press. I received by your sending me
these Proofs, the Psalmody. It was only that I might
have a specimen with me across the Bay as far as the Book
is printed. If you have attended fully to what I wrote in
my former Letter, I think I left you at Liberty to follow
the arrangment you have made of the Psalms, provided
enough could be had from every one Psalm, for a short
Portion to sing, which from memory I did not apprehend
would be the Case, as from some of the Reading Psalms
but one or two Yerses were retained ; and these I thought
must either be rejected in the singing Psalms or joined
with some other Ps. After all I see no Difference in this
mode, for all that comes under the first metre, on Praise
and Adoration, stands exactly in the same Order it would
have done in the other mode, and would have made but
35 Yerses as one Chapter or Psalm. But I am very well
satisfied as it is: only as in the Rubrick prefix'd, all of
them are said to be "selected from the Psalms of David"
the name of David need stand at the Head of each par
ticular new Psalm or Selection. Might it not be "Psalm
1 [from 8th,] and yet it seems as well as you have it so
I have no more to say on this Head.

I think the Substitutes for " come let us sing," &c. on
Christmas, Ashwednesday, &c, Good Friday, &c, as well
as the old one for Easter, in all future Editions, had better
be inserted with their proper Titles in the Place where
they are to be read, that is just after the daily " Yenite"
or " Come" &c. to save the Trouble of turning the Book
and to be consistent with the Rest of our Arrangments.
There is a Precedent for this in the Communion Service,
where all the Prefaces for these particular Days are col
lected into the Place where they are to be said or sung.
If you approve this, it is easy to alter the Rubrick pre
fixed to these new Venite's accordingly. That for Ascen
sion Day might have concluded with the 8th Verse. The
following Yerses, especially from Ps. 2 might have better
been for Whitsunday with some other Yerse* which are
now set apart for it. But I do not now wish to alter the
Press, except in the Rubrick aforesaid, if you approve the

164 HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS.

Transposition of all the Substitutes into one place with
the daily Venite in future Edit. #

The Line " See streaming from th' accursed tree" is
by taking it from the original Author, Watts. 'Tis
altered thus in the Magdalen Collection from which you
recommended in your Xote

See, streaming from the fatal Tree
And the other Line

Thou Sun as deepest night be black.

I can see no more Impropriety in transferring the sing
ing Psalms into Hymns under the Heads to which they
apply, than in the method we have taken to transfer them
under the three proper Heads of Praise, &c. as now to be
published. The few Passages that relate to the Cruci
fixion, to the Ascension, &c. can stand no where so well as
among the Hymns under those Heads. They would

Psalms, or under any of the few Heads

which the taken by Tate and Brady in

versifying the Psalms and the Composition of some other
Parts of Scripture. I pay great Regard to the Judgment
of Mr Hopkinson and my other respected Friends, the
Clergy of your City; but we have Clergy of some Judg
ment here whom I consult also, and in this arrangement
and Collection of Hymns, something of which kind has
been long wish'd, I have some Dependence on my own
Judgment also, and should be happy if you and the other
Gentlemen could agree to have the Specimen of Hymns
offered to the public with as few Deviations as possible
from the Plan which upon great Deliberation I have sub
mitted to you, and Dr Wharton, if he can be consulted.

I cannot conceive for what Reason you say the Psalms
applied as Hymns for the Ascension must be taken in
strained Sense to apply to that Occasion. Are they not
the 24th and 47th, the very same which you have applied
instead of the Venite for that Day ? The two Hymns in
the Conclusion do not apply better to the Ascension than
to Whitsunday, or some other Days. Christ's Commission
was delivered to his Apostles while on Earth, and the
Gifts which ,he sent from on high to enable them to go
forth in his Name were not on the Day of Ascension.
They seem to stand very well where they are either to

HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS. 165

be used on the Occasion as suggested, or any other to
which they will apply. I think less than two Hymns
for any one Festival or Occasion, would not do. You
have forgot to enclose Mr. Hopkinson's Psalm or Hymn
for July 4th. What you propose may, if you will, be
added to July 4th, but the few verses I have taken of Ps.
68, I think might stand. The words proud oppressor you
may alter, and the five Lines which I hinted at in my
note and which are in the following Part of the Psalm,
you know I never intended to be made part of our stated
Service for the present at least.

Please to finish the Calendar as you propose. You
have taken so much Pains with it that unless I could find
Time to take equal Pains in the Examination it would be
wrong to interfere. I think your Plan good, only do not
make any of the Lessons unreasonably long, and contrive
the Introductions and Breaks suitably.

Enclosed you have my Essay of a Preface ; the Post is
just setting off. The Preface or Address which was a
matter particularly entrusted to the committee I have
ever considered as a matter of great Importance as the
first Impressions on the Introduction of the Book may be
of serious Concern. Of this the Church was sensible in
Cha's 2d's Time, on the last Review, when they wrote
their several Prefaces, giving a full account of the Reasons
of all the alterations, the abolition of Ceremonies, &c. I
have therefore interwoven much of that Preface, and
rather than to set forth what we have done ourselves,
which indeed is but little, have given an account of what
the wisest and best members of the Church of Eng'd
have long wish'd to have done, in order to shew that we
are not pretending to be Leaders in Reformation, but
follow them and remain connected with them. This will
state our Work quite in a Light, wherein few consider it,
and give a Historical Information with which the People
in general of our Communion will be pleased, and be made
able to give an answer to Gainsayers.

I have also interwoven the chief Part of your Preface;
but found it unnecessary to give the Reason of every par
ticular Alteration, but rather following the Example of the
old Preface, to pay the necessary mark of Complaisance
to the Reader by observing that a Comparison of the
old Book with the New would sufficiently [show] both

166 HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS.

the alterations and the Reason of them. The Preface
should be set in a small and handsome Letter. It will
not altogether be so long as the old Preface to our Common
Prayer, the Treatise and Ceremonies and other Notifica
tions which were found necessary to preface to that Book ;
and our Reasons for being particular are at least as strong
as ye Ch. of Eng'd in 1662. Many will strive to make
the People believe we are wholly departing from the
Church of England nay treating her as a corrupt and
erroneous Church, by setting up a Reformation of our
own. But I hope this Preface will obviate and confute
these and all such like misrepresentations, especially,
when it has undergone your judicious and sober Revisal.
You must not, i.e. I hope you will not, regard a few Pages
or Sentences more or less in the Length of this important
Part, nor the little additional Expence of the Psalms.
The Book will sell as readily at 7s. 6. as at 5s.

******

You apprehended some Haste and Incoherence in your
last to me. You have all that in this letter, the last Part
of which has been written in the Office while the mail
was closing, having been very late this morning before I
got the Preface concluded. I hope now we have nearly
done and so without more Prefaces f or Conclusions.

I remain, &c.

Yours affect'y

WM. SMITH.
CHESTER, Feb'y 6th, 1786.

REV. DR. WHITE TO REV. DR. SMITE.

DEAR SIR

I rec'd yours of ye 6th with ye Preface. As you seem
not fully satisfied as to the propriety of leaving out ye
Words " of David" I have let them stand. Your criti
cism respecting part of ye 2d Ps: was so evidently just,
that I have given Mr Hall ye trouble of transposing ye
verses from ye End of Ascension Day to ye beginning
of Whits'y. The transposing of ye Substitutes for ye
Venite to the Morning Prayer seems to me not quite so
proper, as ye placing them as we have done in ye Case of
ye 4th of July &c. and ye Collects for Ashwednesday, to
Services appropriate to ye respective Days ; besides which,

HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS. 167

it w'd make" a Break in ye Morn'g Prayer, which at present
stands j ust as it is to be read. The Prefaces in ye Comm'n
being continuations and part of ye sentence of what pre
cedes them, could not have been otherwise placed without
confusing ye officiating Minister. You do not lay stress
on this, and it stands as before.

I give up my Sentiment respecting ye hymnifying
ye Psalms ; and shall only observe, that in mentioning
ye Opinion of our Brethren of this City, my Intention
was not to undervalue yours, or that of our Brethren
whom you have an Opp'y of consulting ; but only to be
a Counterpoise to that Deference I entertain for your
Judg't which might otherwise have made me sacrifice my
Sense of ye matter rather more easily than my Duty in
ye present Business would warrant.

I enclose you Mr Hopkinson's Hymns of which I
request jour Opinion. I intend executing this Matter
agreeably to your Desires. You seem to have left a little
Liberty with regard to verbal Alterations : If I am wrong
you will correct me. I wish you could get rid of "ye
Spoil of Armies once their Dread", as applied to Ascen
sion Day.

I shall be attentive to ye Kalendar. It is not within
our Appointment; and yet I believe we shall be thanked
for so dividing ye Lessons as to serve ye triple Purpose of
shortening ye Service, expunging ye Apocryphal Chapters,
and getting rid of some ye public Eeading of which may
seem immodest. I fear we must let ye New Test't Lessons
stand as at present : and yet ye Gospels and Acts might
be very well worded so as to be read twice instead of
thrice in ye year. As to ye Table of proper Lessons, I
have taken great Pains with it and hope it will meet
your Approbation.

I like your Preface both in Plan and in Execution.
The particularities in mine are rendered unnecessary by
ye Articles you have inserted as proposed at ye Revolu
tion. A few Observations that occurred to me in the
Reading I have noted in a separate Paper and will en
close.

You seem to have applied what I said on ye Art'e of
Expeuce to ye Printer's Business instead of ye Psalmody.
I approved highly of your Proposal in this Respect ; but
eh'd begrudge ye Money, if much were to be inserted.

.168 HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS.

You seem to have been as little versed as myself in ye
Costs of this Business.

You speak of a Dollar for ye Book. I thought of ye
same ; but find some are of Opinion, that it will be con
sidered as forcing Money for our Funds. It is an Objec
tion that sh'd have no Weight, but for our Reading
Psalms, which will make ye purchasing of new Books
indispensably necessary to ye joining in our Service : and
we might have some Regard to those of middling Condi
tion who w'd wish a Prayer Book to be in ye hands of
every Member of their Families.

On ye other Hand, it is natural for us to wish to see
our Labors in this Business productive of some Fruit to
ye Widows and ye Orphans.

I only throw out ye above for your Consid'n and am
Your aff 'te h'le Serv't

i W. WHITE.

PHILAD'A, Feb. 10, 86.

P.S. I request you to consider whether it will not be
best to bring in Addison's Translations " The Lord my
Pasture shall prepare," and "The spacious Firmament,
&c." among ye Hymns. They are not strict Translations.
The latter at least can come in no other way as it is in ye
same Metre with Tate and Brady's Translations of ye 19
Ps. It will not be too late to decipher this by Return of
Post.

P.S. The Dec'r Packet informs of Willet's Arrival : by
whom went ye Original letter to ye Bps.

Some Queries on the Preface to the Common Prayer. (Dr.

"White.)

Page 2d. Quere ye Propriety of saying any Thing about
ye Church of Rome.

Page 10. Prot. Ep. Churches. Would it not be better
in ye singular Number at least it sh'd be so when we
speak of ye Acts of ye late Convention, in order to har
monize with ye Phraseology of ye Constitution.

Page 12. The Apology for not reviewing ye Collects,
&c, appears to me exceptionable. 1st because ye pleading
ye want of Time seems an improper Excuse in Business

HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS. 169

of this Magnitude and holds out ye Expediency of
another Review ; 2dly because we do not know that ye
Conv'tn w'd not have given ye necessary Powers to ye
Comm'ee as is insinuated, and 3dly because there are
other Alterations alluded to which we have not adopted.
I wish ye Expression to be more general ; thus "it will
appear that almost every Amendment &c." Ibid. It is
said, that ye Service is so arranged as that we need not
turn backwards and forwards. This being not exactly
true, I wish ye Exp'n modified.

Page 13. "For ye greater Ease of ye Clerks, &c." This
Kubrick says they are to be sung at ye Discretion of ye
Minister. It may be corrected by putting ye Words "of
chusing" instead of "of ye Clerks."

Page 14, in ye Note. I have here two Remarks to
make. 1. It seems hardly worth while to quote Bp:
Burnet for what is to-be found in so many Writers.
2dly The Explanation will militate against ye whimsical
Ideas of some Persons grounded as they conceive on holy
Writ. We sh'd avoid touching of principle as much as
possible ; and ye footing on which (I think) we sh'd rest
ye Omission of ye Clause with ye Persons alluded to, is
that even supposing their opinion true, yet, being
grounded on a few controverted Passages, it ought not
to be made part of so very concise and general a Confes
sion of our Faith.

Page 15. Son of ye Church say Member lest we may
seem to deny ye Right of female Judgement.

Quere. Ought not some Reason to be given for omit
ting ye Creeds ? The Reason might be that we did not
judge ye Athanasian to tend to Edification, and that ye
Nicene was a Repetition.

And ought not a Reason to be briefly given for "ye
Visitation of Prisoners" if it were only to make an
honest Acknowlegement of our Debt to ye Ch : of Ireland.

REV. DR. WHITE TO REV. DR. SMITH.
DEAR SIR,

I had written you a long Letter, to send by ye Western
Shore Post: but missed ye Opp'y from not knowing that
ye Office had changed their Days. Another Post goes to-

.170 HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS.

morrow Morning, but as you may have left Annapolis, I
have thought it best to reserve it for ye Eastern Shore on
Wednesday. If however, I sh'd have a Line from you
at Ann's informing of your Stay there this Week, I will
repeat ye Substance of what I have written, altho' there
is nothing requiring an immediate Answer.

So I shall say no more at present, except to acknow-
lege ye Rec't of ye Preface, and to express my Appro
bation of it and that

I am, Yours aff'y,

PHILAD'A, Feb 12, 86. W. WHITE.

REV'D DR SMITH.

REV. DR. SMITH TO REV. DR. WHITE.

BALTIMORE, Feb'y 25th, 1786.
DEAR SIR,

As Mr. Green, by his News Paper, knew the different
Places where I was to be every Day during my late Tour
for holding the Election of Vis'rs and Gov'rs of St. Johns
College, he forwarded your short Letter of Feb'y 12th to
Upper Marlboro' where it met me the 22d Ins't on my
way to this Town ; and gave me the great Satisfaction of
hearing that you had received the Preface, and that it
hath met with your Approbation. By our Appointment,
among other Things, we were directed to " accompany
the Prayer Book with a proper Preface or Address, setting
forth the Reason and Expediency of the Alterations, &c."
This therefore was a very important Part of the great
Trust committed to us, and I was exceedingly anxious
that it should be discharged in the fullest and yet least
ostentatious manner possible, holding forth this leading
Idea thro' the whole, that we were not attempting any
Novel Reformations or the least Departure from what has
been the general Sense of the greatest and best men in
our Church for a Century past. If our Address has the
effect intended, it will procure a ready Acceptance of
the Book, and that not upon the mere authority of the
Convention, but upon Principles carrying Conviction to
every rational mind, and enabling them as I hinted in
my last to give a Reason, &c. to all who may call in Ques
tion any Part of the Alterations or Improvements, which
are offered. In this View, the Preface is a necessary and

HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS. 171

essential Part of our Work, and I hope will not be
thought too long as I cannot see in what Part it could
well be abridged without Injury. I speak this from my
own Wish to have had it shorter : for you do not seem to
make any Objection to its Length, or to any Thing else
in it, which as I said before gives me great Satisfaction.
I think I mentioned in my last Letter that if printed in a
smaller Letter it will not take more Room thart the differ
ent Prefaces before the old Prayer Book, which are three
or four, (exclusive of the Act of Uniformity) viz 1st. The
General Preface ; 2d. Concerning the Service of the
Church ; 3d. of Ceremonies, &c, 4th. How the Psalter and
Scripture are to be read. I beg your attention to the
Punctuation, both of the Hymns and Preface as I never
read them over, with a View to Punctuation, and ^ou
have only such Stops or Points as fell from my Pen in a
hasty Transcription.

Please to direct the Book binder to prepare half a Dozen
Copies of the best and first Binding in his Power for my
Use, as I have engaged them to some Persons of Dis
tinction, Friends and Patrons of our great Undertaking.

Our Convention meets the 4th of April. I hope we
shall not be disappointed in our 500 Books : some of
which ought to be distributed in the different Parishes
before that Time. You will give all Dispatch possible.
Dr. West gives you his best Compl'ts. He is just elected
by Baltimore Town, a Visitor and Gov'r of St. John's
College. We meet for the 1st Time, as a Body Corporate
at Annapolis on Tuesday next; and on Wednesday March
1st. I hope to cross the Bay to Chester and to receive
your several Letters which may wait for me there *

* * Have you yet heard any Thing from England ?
Yours, &c.

WM. SMITH.

REV. DR. SMITH TO REV. DR. WHITE.

Mar. 86.
DEAR SIR,

Yours of the 15th does not require a long answer. I
have hastily, since my last, run over the Metre Psalms ;
but except some Corrections in the Punctuation, which I
think might be made to advantage in sundry Passages, I

172 HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS.

see little that needs alteration; and even these are too
insignificant, to require a Table of Errata. A candid
Reader will easily see they are but little Oversights, and
I have seen no Impression of the Psalms or indeed of the
Prayer Book in general, more free from Typographical
Errors, for which we are indebted to your indefatigable
attention to the Sheets, joined I am persuaded to some
considerable Care and Attention in Mess'rs Hall and
Sellers.

In the Hymns enclosed to me in your last are a few
lines I could have wish'd to amend, but hope they are
now printed oft', and so they must stand as they are at
present. You objected in your Letter of Feb'y 1st upon
receiving the Copies of the Hymns, to a Line in the 4th
Hymn (viz for Good Friday) " Well may the Sun as Hell be
black," also in your Letter of Feb'y 16th you objected to
the expression " Spoil of Armies once their Dread" in the
2d Hymn for the Ascension, being Hymn X. I thought
both your Objections well grounded, and readily proposed
Substitutes ; the last of which on Ascension Day (as I
wrote ^you) I considered as a great Improvement; but as
I had % not kept Copies of the original Hymns w'ch I
transmitted to you, I made the Alterations or Substitu
tions, from what my Memory retained of them and in
both Cases changed the Person, viz. putting the 2d Per
son for the 3d ; Instead of

" Thou Son as darkest night be black"

It should be "The Sun" &c and perhaps "deepest night"
for darkest night.

Again in Hymn X, the 2d for the Ascension, in Stan
zas 5 and 6, the 2d Person should be everywhere chang'd
into the Third Person, not only on account of the Rhyme
in the 5th Stanza, as " Thou" does not rhyme to " Cap
tivity," but also on account of the Sense and Beauty of
Connexion, which as I said before, I could not so well
perceive in offering the Amendment from Memory. The
Hymn is in double Rhymes, and the two Stanzas, viz 5th
and 6th should run thus

5 Ascending high, in Triumph, HE

hath Gifts receiv'd for sinful Men ;
And captive led Captivity,
that God may dwell on earth again.

HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS. , 173

6 Ev'n Rebels shall partake HIS Grace

and humble Proselytes repair,
To worship at HIS dwelling Place,
and all the world pay Homage there.

And in Hymn IX (the 1st for the Ascension) which I
consider as one of the most beautiful and animated in the
whole Collection, nay, even sublime, the 1st. and 2d.
Verses taken from Ps. 24, and connected with Verses
that follow, which follow in double Rhymes, should for
Uniformity, had it been attended to in due Season, have
been changed into double Rhymes also, which might easily
have been done as follows, viz. for the words " eternal
Gates," in the 1st Line putting " eternal Domes," and
for the words "his foes" in the 3d Line of Verse 2d put
ting " HIS FOE" which would have been much stronger in
the Singular Number than the Plural, in making it ap
plicable to the one great Foe, whom CHRIST came to sub
due. As the Hymns are of different metres, they might
have been marked as such ; but being all I think of the
first and second metre, the Clerks cannot well mistake
them. I would observe too that in Singing or Metre
Psalms, instead of putting the Numbers of the Psalms,
as the running Title at the Top of each Page, the Top of
the Page, or running Title, had perhaps better have been
the Subjects or Heads under which they are classed, as
"Psalms of Praise and Adoration," "Psalms of Prayer,
&c. Thus at every Opening of the Book, the Clerks or
Ministers would know the Subject, without turning back
to the Title or Heads at the Beginning of each Class or
net of Psalms; and these Titles would have stood in as
little Room at the Top of each Page as " Psalms II. III.
Psalms V. VI. which are of little Use on the Top; as a
Glance of the Eye shews the Number, in the Body, of the
Pages. But all these little amendments (the last of
which is an afterthought) are too late for the Present,
even if they should be deemed amendments.

In that Part of the Preface which speaks of the Fail
ure of the great Work of the Review at the Revolution
in 1689, I would have wished to have said a little more
concerning the Reasons of that unhappy Failure; and
that in the words of Dr. Warner, from the Preface to his
Commentary on the Common Prayer, a very excellent
and judicious Work to which I had not attended when I

174 HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS.

drew up the Preface to our Book. It might jet be added
in a Xote upon the Word "miscarried" in the following
Paragraph of the Preface, w'ch you can easily find. In
my rough Copy it runs thus, which is all that is said,
viz ["But this great and good Work miscarried* at
""that Time; and the Civil Authority of Great Britain
~" hath not since thought proper to revive it by any new
~" Commission'."] The Note .on the foregoing is as fol-
ows, or it might have been interwoven with the Text, or
stood altogether instead of the Paragraph just quoted,
viz

After giving an Account of the alterations intended at
the Revolution, much as I have stated them from the
same authors, as he had to follow, he concludes thus

"But while this important affair was carrying on, the
" Party which was now at Work for the abdicated King,
"took hold on this Occasion to inflame Men's minds. It
" was pretended that the Church was to be demolished,
"and Presbytery set up. The Trumpet of Sedition was
"sounded as usual from the Pulpits. The Universities
"took fire, and began to declare against the Commission
" and against all who promoted it, as men who intended
"to undermine the Church. So that it was very visible
" that the Temper of Men was not cool or calm enough
"to encourage the further Prosecution of this great and
"good Design, which would have been so much to the
" Improvement of our publick Worship, to the Interest
" of the Protestant Religion, and to the Honour of the
" Church of England : and thus it was defeated by the
"Turbulency and restless Spirit of ignorant and factious
"and evil minded men. Why it has not been resumed
" in the Days of more Knowledge, more Candour and
" Christian Charity, is a Question which many good men
" have often asked with Seriousness and Zeal, but which
"no great Men, upon which it lies to do it, I believe,
"have ever answered."

I say that if I had adverted to this Paragraph in Time,
I should probably have inserted it at large instead of the
few general Lines which I have quoted in the two last
Lines of the foregoing Page, and the first line of this ;
or have thrown it in a Note at the Bottom as now pro
posed. Had it stood in the Body of the Preface, it would
come in very well; for after Dr Warner's words "which

HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS. 175

"no great men, upon whom it lies to do it, I believe,
"have ever answered" the next Paragraph of our
Preface beginning, "But when in course of his divine
Providence," &c. would just as well have follow'd, as it
does the few words I have said on the Subject. But I
submit wholly to you, whether it may be proper now to
insert it by way of Note, or in the Body, or to leave the
Preface just as it is without entering more particularly
into the Reasons of the Miscarriage at the Revolution in
England. I would not wish to draw any Opposition to
what has been done in our Church; and yet I fear the
quotation above from Dr. Warner will yet be necessary
(tho' it may be left out for the Present,) to show, if any
opposition arises among us, it will be from the same
Principles as that in England, a Dislike to our American
Revolution. I would not ascribe the Opposition or rather
Disapprobation which I find in some of my Friends to
this Principle, because I believe they are well satisfied
with what Providence has permitted to take Place re
specting American Independency; but they object
strongly to setting the State so much above the Church,
for which you bear much of the Blame on account of
your old Pamphlet^ 1 ) and strenuous Efforts at our last
General Convention to bring that Clause forward re
specting the Controul of the Laity over the appointment
of Bishops, and which may be made a Handle of to
prejudice many against other Parts of our Proceedings.

My learned but zealous high Church little Friend and
Relation (as he says) Mr Smith of Somerset, writes me
as follows which perhaps he did not yet wish me to
communicate to you, altho I believe he cares not who
sees what he writes, yet you will keep it to yourself till
I can see him, which will be in two weeks, but I lose
the Thread of my Discourse I say Mr Smith, who says
he has just received a long Letter from Bishop Seabury
on the same Subject, with an account of their Connec
ticut Constitution writes thus

" I have been looking all this while for a Sight of the
" Prayer-Book altered, and by a Letter from Dr White I
" understand it is hurrying on. A passage in that Letter

1 " The Case of the Episcopal Churches in the United States con
sidered" &c.

176 HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS.

" 1 did not and do not now perceive the Propriety of it
"is this 'I suppose you have heard of our Application
"to the English Bishops, the Convention was far from
"wishing to shew any Dis-respect to the Scots Epis-
" copacy,' " &c. and so he gives me a long extract of your
Letter, and then writes as follows

u These modes of Proceeding may be consentaneous
"with the wisdom of this World, but ill accords with
" that Wisdom, who hath said My Kingdom is not of this
"World Ye are not of the World, &c. To the account
" the Dr (White) gives of Bp. Seabury's Failure (as he is
" pleased to call it) I shall only say thus much. That the
" Case of the Church in all the States, or in any indi-
" vidual one at present is perfectly as a single Diocese
"without a Centre of Unity, the Presbyters of which
" have an unquestionable Right to nominate a Bp., with-
" out the Interference of any Diocese having a Bishop or
" not having one. Bp. Seabury's Failure then, on eccle-
" siastical Principles, is not owing to his being sent by
"Presbyters acting in their private Capacity Certificates
" from the Ruling Powers is without a Precedent iu any
" Christian Ch. in ye Universe. This is fixing the Church
" under the Power of the State for ever and ever with a
"Witness It is making Jesus Christ make Obeisance to
" Caesar ! ! ! Reigning Powers granting Certificates ! Tell
" it not in Gath ! publish it not to the World lest we pub-
" lish our own Infamy The Church in America to de-
" rive her Power, nay her Existence from Temporal Au-
" thority perish the Idea ! Her Charter from the Hands
"of the Eternal runs thus 'As my Father hath sent me'
"&c. 'All Power is given to me in Heaven.' Let us
" render unto Caesar, &c. The Church and the State are
" by God constituted separate, and let no man join what
"he hath separated The Sword of the Cherubim and
" Caesar's are of different Metals, the one pointing to the
"Victim which should prevent the effusion of human
"Blood by his own, the other occasioning multitudes of
" Garments rolled in Blood and the infinite Xumber of
"the Slain. "May the Church rest al\vaj 7 s on its own
" true Foundation Jesus Christ, and the Throne of Eni-
"pire on its proper Basis Mercy. Adieu. May God
"direct you and those who sit in Moses's Seat" &c.

' You will meditate on all this and do with the proposed

HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS. 177

addition in the Preface as you think best, only do not
delay it for sending me Proofs.

In the Paragraph of the Preface beginning " When in
the Course of divine Providence, it pleased Almighty
God that these American States &c", a few Lines after
wards you have the words "these States" a 2d time, dele
the Repetition of "these States." You will supply all
the Omissions of Words, &c. in this Letter for as usual I
put off sitting down to write you till within an Hour of
the Post going off. *

Yours, &c.

WM. SMITH.

REV. DR. SMITH 10 REV. DR. WHITE.

CHESTER, March 1786.
* * * *

With respect to our Friend Mr Hopkinson's Hymns,
that for 1st Thursday in Nov'r is only another arrange
ment of some of the Verses of the same Psalms which
stand in my Collection for the same Day, and whether for
the better or worse you only can tell, as I have no Copy
of those I sent you before, and to which you have given
your general approbation.- If this Hymn of Mr H's Col
lection is all he intends for 1st Th. of Nov'r it is very de
fective, or at least, as there will be Psalmody twice if not
oftener on that Day, we should have more than one
Hymn ; and I leave the matter wholly with you, if the
Business is not already finished, being persuaded that
you will not break in upon the arrangment I had (with
great Application) made without some good Purpose in
view.

As to the 4th. of July. The Hymn offered by Mr. H.
is in many Parts far too flat for the great Occasion, and
no way equal to what I have taken from Ps. 81 and 68.
Thus War darkening all the Land God brings Nations
to Decay Willing Mercy flew How good the Lord has
been and also in the Hymn for Nov'r " Grass for our
Cattle to devour' altho taken from Tate and Brady, does
not read clever, it represents the Poor animals as raven
ous and dying of Hunger, so as to devour all before
them, instead of feeding hapmly and contentedly, upon
Plenty.

1(0 HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS.

The Lines from Ps. 81 (for July 4th) which are in the
Collection I sent you, ending thus

Your Ancestors with wrongs- oppr ess' d,

To me for aid did call,
With Pity I their Sufferings saw

And set them FREE FROM ALL

have far more in them than all that is proposed in their
Room (if it is to be in their Room) or if to be added,
would be superfluity. There can be no objection to the
words "with wrongs oppress'd" for it is stronger still in
Mr Hopkinson's, viz. " To rescue from oppressive Rage"
and in the former, the beautiful Reference to "Ances
tors" will Ages hence continue to be used with a noble
Propriety. However, if these Hymns can come in with
out tearing the whole Texture of the others, and if it be
Mr Hopkinson's wish to have them, I am satisfied, for
unless I had the whole before me, as proposed to be
altered, I cannot take upon me to judge properly, and
must leave that to 3 T ou. Only I wish you to save an exact
Copy, or the whole Originals of the Hymns as I sent
them to you.

As we have kept the Collects, Epistles and Gospels,
for about 22 Holy Days beginning with St. Andrew, and
ending with All Saints, it will be necessary to mark in
tho Kalendar, as heretofore, the Days of the Month, on
which these holy Days fall, and to retain the Table of
Lessons for those Days, as the Churches which think it
proper will still be as ready to observe those Days, or
some of them, as Occasion may require.

I know you have taken great Pains with the Table of
Lessons, and I am persuaded I shall have much Reason
to approve of what you have done; which will be best
considered when the whole is taken together; and it
would be wrong to judge by Piece meal, of any Thing
which the necessity of the Case has made the Work of
one alone, and on which his particular attention hath
been bestowed, taking the whole in one large and con
sistent view.

The same is the Case with Respect to the Preface, on
which, as a most material Part of our Trust and Com
mission, I had determined from the Beginning to bestow
every convenient and possible attention, and it gives me

HISTOKICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS. 179

the highest Satisfaction that you " like it both in the
Plan and Execution." I have no exact Copy of it, only
Notes and Sketches of the principal Parts, so that I can
make no Use of your Reference to Pages in your Re
marks ; but still can answer them in Substance, so as to
enable you to correct it, if not too late for the Press. In
my last from Baltimore I vvish'd you to attend to punc
tuation, &c. both in the Hymns and Preface, as I had not
read either of them over with a View either to the Nice
ties of Language, Grammar or Stops. I proceed to your
Remarks.

1. I think the little Quotation from the Council of
Trent, exceeding proper to shew that all Churches agree
with the Church or England in the Doctrine of her Pre
faces, respecting the Necessity of Alterations, according
to Times and Exigencies. In Maryland we have many
Rom. Catholics, who are even already questioning some
of our weak members, and charging us with Novelties,
and still further Departures from the Catholic Faith.
The answer is ready in the Quotation from a Council of
their own Church, especially that of Trent.

2d. Protestant Episcopal Churches should be in the sin
gular Number; and yet if all our New England Brethren
should not join us, they may say we take too much on us
to call 7 or 8 States the whole Protestant Episcopal Church
of America. I do not remember the Connection of the
Paragraph; but if it be Churches, in the Plural, some
such Idea must have been in my Head ; or it is a mistake
of the Pen. Make this and other like Things consistent
according to your best Judgment; for I know you will
not Aitken( l )-ise any Thing, being too judicious to put a
Patch that would not consort with the Garment at large.

3. P. 12. The apology for not revising the Collects may
be omitted in this Preface. Yet not for Fear of hinting
the Probability of further Reviews, but because there were
other Things besides the Collects w'ch the Ch. of England
at and before the Revolution had in Contemplation to
review, and which we have not yet touch'd upon ; and
therefore every Reader may be left to his own Con
clusion, as to the Necessity of future Reviews, by a Com-

1 A reference, doubtless, to Kobert Aitken, a Philadelphia printer
of some note at that time.

180 HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS.

parison of our Book on the "Whole, with the intended
Alterations at the Revolution, and I think the Credit of
our Work will rise on the Comparison.

Ibid You may say " The Service is arranged so as to
stand as nearly as possible in the Order wherein it is ap
pointed to be read, without the Necessity of turning
backwards and forwards, &c."

P. 13. Say "for the greater Facility of chusing Psalms
adapted to particular Subjects and Occasions of divine
\Vorship;" or some such amendment.

1*. 14. in the Note Bp. Burnet, being a great Name,
and the Expositor of the Articles, seems to me very
proper to be mentioned, and I should think, it being only
;t -Vote, there is no need of leaving it out. There is no
Alteration made in the whole Book, which is like to
create so much Difficulty as the Omission of the Descent
into Hell; and yet wherever I have had Occasion to ex
plain the Matter as in the Note alluded to, it seems to
have given Content. I would not give any Reasons for
omitting the two other Creeds. The Athanasian seems
freely to be parted with on all Hands and as to the Nicene
I would say nothing concerning it in this Edition of the
Prayer Book ; because I believe some whole States will
agree with the three New England States, in having it
inserted at their next Convention, and left optional either
to be used, or to use the Apostle's Creed, altho not both in
the same Morning or Evening Service; while others (I
fear much from Virginia) will be for no Creeds at all, and
also for striking out the Trinitarian Introduction to the
Litany. Yet, I hope, Calmness and sound Argument, thro'
the Blessing of God, may reconcile all, and preserve the
Unity of the Faith in the Bond of Peace.

P. 15. " Sou" of the Church may be made " Member,"
and 1 had no more Idea of excluding the "Daughters"
of the Church, than I have every Sunday, when I say
" Dearly beloved Brethren." Something may be added, in
u few words, in acknowledgment to the Church of Ire
land, for the Office adopted from her. You will know
where to insert it.

I hope, now, my good Sir, we have wholly done; and
it will ever give me Pleasure to testify the great Satis
faction I have had in the Progress of this laborious Work,
and how much it hath been made easy to me, (amidst the

HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS. 181

Avocations I have had, and my Distance from the Press)
by the Candor and Judgment which you have shewn, the
Punctuality of your Correspondence, and the great Pains
you have taken in digesting, transcribing, examining, cor
recting the Press, &c. &c.

I wish to know whether Mr Hall's Calculation of the
Price of his work and Paper was not on 20 Sheets, and
whether there will be any addition to the Price on his
account? Or on the Bookbinders? If none the only
additional Price will be the engraving and Printing the
Tunes. You know it is part of our Appointment to fix
the Price of the Book, direct the Distribution thereof,
take Care that it be sold only for Money and the Profits
applied to the Widows and Fatherless. I can not think a
Dollar will be too much. Had we suffered any Printer
here to do it on his own account, he would have asked a
much greater Price. You know what they charged for
small imported Prayer Books, and the very smallest
School Books Yet for the Reasons you suggest, I wish
it to be as cheap as possible, so as to have some savings ;
for you may be assured that there will be money lost, or
with great Difficulty collected out of the Hands of some
to whom the Books may be sent for Distribution or Sale.
******

I had almost forgotten your Objection to the
" The Spoil of Armies once their Dread"

as applied to the Ascension. You know it is Tate and
Brady's, and hath long stood among our Psalms, but is
easily altered thus, which I think will bring it nearer to
the Evangelical Sense as well as Sublimity of the Ori
ginal, which is Ps. 68, v. 18,

In Triumph, Thou, ascending high,

Hast Gifts received for sinful men,
And captive led Captivity,

That God may dwell on Earth again !

This I think will be very proper for the Ascension.

******

I have preserved and endorsed all your Letters, and
wish you to do the same with mine. They may refresh
our Memories at some future Day, or shew our Children

182 HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS.

after us what honest and conscientious Labour we be-
stow'd on the Work committed to us.

Yours,

WM. SMITH.

REV. DR. WHITE TO REV. DR. SMITH.

DEAR SIR,

******

I send you ye Sheets finished ; besides which there is
another Form prepared for Press containing ye Residue
of ye Psalms and ye 1st Nativity Hymn : besides which
other Hymns are prepared in a detached Way, but can
not be put in Form for want of Quadrats remaining in
ye preceding Forms; as these latter cannot be broken
until ye Rec't of some Paper hourly expected from Mill.
We have not yet suffered for want of it. I lament our
Delays but cannot help them. I will review ye Hymns
to which your Remarks or Mr. H.'s relate and endeavour
to settle them to your Satisfaction. The only liberty (so
far as I recollect) that I have taken with ye others is ye
leaving out some verses in one of ye Hymns at sea re
specting ye blaspheming after a storm which appeared to
me too much like ye language I am not as this Pub
lican. If you dislike this omission, I can atill retain ye
Verses. I have also put ye Glory be to ye Father, &c.
irnmediatel}' after ye Ps's. before ye Notification that ye
Hymns begin : as it is meant to be a Part of a Psalm to
convert it into a X'tn Hymn, but not itself commonly
known under ye Term Hymn.

The Paper I have prepared for the Press relative to ye
Holy days has ye Extra Holid'ys just as you desire. You
have omitted answering me on a very important Ques
tion respecting ye Calendar Lessons. On ye one hand I
find that by our taking it in hand, these 3 important
Points may be gained : ye shortening of ye daily Service,
ye getting Rid of ye Apocrypha, and ye omitting two or
three Lessons very offensive (in public Reading) to modest
ears. On ye other hand it is not within ye Letter of our
Appoint't so that I sh'd not like to accomplish what I
think best on this Subject without your Concurrence.

I shall continue ye Preface to your Satisfaction. As
to ye Punctuation of this and ye Hymns, I had presumed
from a general Glance over ye Points that you had

HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS. 183

attended to them ; but if any appear improper in ye
Proof Sheets I will correct them.

It gives me great Pleasure that you are satisfied with
ye Execution of my part of ye Trust on this occasion ;
especially as I can with great Sincerity make a similar
Acknowlegement; and as I shall alway allow you more
Credit on ye Score of Judgment than you ought to allow
me, so also there is nothing you can say on that of Candor
and Temper which I shall not as freely and fully say of
you.

You are right as to Mr Hall's Estimate of Sheets, and
as to ye price of binding nothing more has past. Mr.
"Woodhouse has half ye Number prepared for ye Covers
and is impatient to begin.

If you are clear as to ye proposed Price I have no
Objection.

It now becomes a Matter of serious Consideration,
whether we shall avail ourselves of ye Copyright, for
which (as I am told by a Gent, interested on these Sub
jects) there are laws lately passed in other States making
ten States in all. I think ye mode of doing it sh'd be
for Mess. Hall and Sellers to enter it in their names, first
executing to us an Acknowleg't of Trust, and so leaving
ye Matter to ye next Convention, which may order a con
veyance of ye Right to ye several Corporations for
"Widows, &c.

I will send you by ye next Post my Opinion of ye
Manner in which we sh'd proceed in regard to ye sale
of ye Books ; and shall only at present say on that head,
that as ye Mary'd Convention is ye first, all ye Copies
that can be got ready for their Use shall be devoted to
them in preference to any demands on ye Spot. I am,

Yours, &c.

WM. WHITE.

PHILADA. .
M'h 8, 86.

REV. DR. SMITH.

P. S. I shall carefully and with pleasure observe your
Desire respecting preserving your Letters; but had I fore
seen you w'd have bestowed ye same Attention on mine,
I sh'd not have sent you such hasty Scrawls.

184 HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS.

REV. DR. SMITH TO REV. DR. WHITE.

DEAR SIR,

I am happy to find that yours of the 8th Ins't leaves
me Nothing to write by this Post, except to repeat my
Sollicitatious that the Printers may be press'd to use all
the Dispatch possible with the Remainder of the Book ;
otherwise it will come too late for our Maryland Conven
tion ; and it is of considerable Consequence that it
should have a ready Reception, with the Sanction of the
Church at large in this State upon its first appearance.
Send me by this Post as many of the remaining Sheets
and Proofs, as you can get from the Press.

I imagined that in my last I had given what you would
consider as a sufficient Answer to your " important Ques
tions" concerning the Kalendar, on which Subject you
had also written in some former Letters. The arranging
the Kalendar in the manner you mention, and which I
had approved of when I saw you last in Philad'a, is a
Work of great Labour, requiring the Reading over almost
the whole Bible, and many Collations and Comparisons
of different Portions thereof. You had taken that La
bour upon you and I am assured have bestowed much
attention and Judgment upon it, while I have been either
engaged in some other Parts of the Work, or called from
Home, as I have been for the greatest part of the past
Winter. Unless therefore I could have time to read all
the proposed Portions of Scripture, with the same atten
tion w'ch you have bestowed (for which Time is not left,
even if I had an exact Copy of the Kalendar as proposed)
it would be wrong for the Reasons given in my last Letter
to interpose, lest by judging of that by Parts, which,
you had under Review in the Whole, I should injure the
Texture, &c, These Sentiments I wish'd you to consider
as an Answer to your Question concerning the Kalendar;
being sensible also that you must have been possessed of
the same Way of Judging and giving ^our Approbation
to some Parts which fell to my share in carrying on our
Work. By just hinting to you not to forget the Place of
the Apostles' &c. or Extra-Holy Days, I imagined that you

would conclude that I could

depend fully on } 7 our Execution of . . Part, viz. the

of Lessons, as you have bestow'd so

HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS. 185

much Attention upon them Yet, still I apprehend that I
have not with sufficient Clearness, express'd what I
wish'd about inserting in the Kalendar the Days to w'ch
I referr'd in my last. I did not mean that they should
stand in a separate Table or Paper, but in the Monthly
Kalendar as they now stand. Thus in January The
Circumcision is 1st Day, Epiphany 6th, Conversion of St.
Paul the 25th. These are all which should stand for that
month. The Rest, as Lucian P., Hilary B'p, Prisca V., and
other Legendaries, Fabian, Agnes, Vincent, and even K.
Charles Martyr all expunged, and 30 of the Rest, of the
other Months, in Order that when the Minister casts his
Eye on the Monthly Calendars, he may be reminded
when any of those Days happen on Sunday, or on Prayer
Days, that he may take the Collects and Lessons, with
the Epistles and Gospels accordingly ; if he, thinks it pro
per or desired by his Hearers, especially the Female Part,
on Wednesdays and Fridays. I think we must not make
our Service too naked, nor will these Days, viz. St. Paul,
the Johns, Andrew, &c. be parted with all at once nor does
it seem necessary. A proper Use of those Days tends to
Edification, and gives some further Knowledge of the
History of the Bible.

On casting my Eye on the singing Psalms, I perceive
some Typographical Errors. Ps. 28, v 2.

When Thou to seek thy glorious Face
Thou kindly, &c.

The first [ Thou~] is [us] in the original, and would be
better [me] As it now stands, the first Thou makes non
sense Again Ps. 38 v. 1st, line 3d wants a foot, viz. the
Word "the" before Cherubs How many little Errors
Typoc/raph. of this Kind may be, I have not examined ;
but will spend a few Hours in looking over the whole
Book, that if the Errors be of any Consideration, we x may
put a little Table of Corrections at the End. Ps. 21 does
not seem to stand under any Metre at all. I see some
Parts of the Psalms appropriated for particular Days as
Hyrnns, as 104 also some Verses applicable only to the
Crucifixion, are in the general Collection w'ch will
make some Repetitions ; but as they are but a few Verses
I would not have any Thing omitted in the Hyrnn on this
Account. I will this Week if possible, look further at

186 HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS.

the Kalendar, but do not delay anything on that account,
I know I shall approve what you have done, as will the

not exactly within the Letter of our

authority. N. B. The 1st Lesson for the 1st Sunday in
Lent on Reading it, appeared to hurt me in some Parts
the Sunday before last. It is an Instructive Lesson on
the Whole, if we could leave out Part of a Chapter, or
pass over Verses, viz. where Lot offers his Virgin Daugh
ters to the Men to do with them as they pleased. If the
Kalendar is in Proof, pray send it, but still I beg no stop
on my Acc't.

I must conclude hastily and am as Ever
Yours,

WM. SMITH.

P. S. My Letters have been as much scrawled in Haste
as yours; but both of us may review and correct any
hasty Escapes of the Pen, &c.

REV. DR. WHITE TO REV. DR. SMiTif.

To the best of my Recollection ye inclosed are ye pro
per Continuation of ye Sheets : if not, and there be a
Chasm, you will inform me and I will supply it by next
Post.

Besides these, I have corrected two Proof Sheets for ye
Press so that I expect we shall have ye Hymns fully com
posed some Time tomorrow.

Then going backwards from ye Morn'g Prayer, we have
a Form composed containing ye Tables for finding ye
Holy days. Two more Forms will be taken up with ye
Tables of Feasts and Fasts of proper Lessons, and of
ye Lessons according to ye Calendar. The Preface will
occupy another Form, besides part of it being thrown for
ward to be on y& same Form or part of Form with ye
Title Page. In short, by this Day Week, I hope to have
ye whole composed : which being done, they may finish
at their Leisure ye Press Work of these few remaining
Forms, only striking off some for ye Bookbinder to
begin.

There is nothing you mention as you wish (in yours
of this day) concerning ye Calendar, but what agreeably
to it is prepared. I sh'd not have troubled you further on

HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS. , 187

this Subject, but that I understood what you had before
written, as applying to ye proper Lessons only. But ye
Ch : you mention, I have thought best to omit wholly.

I am .sorry for ye typographical Errors and hope you
will perform your promise of going over ye whole Book :
Such slips will easier attract your Eye than mine, which
has already run over these sheets, both in ye preparation
and in ye execution.

I am

Yours, &c.

WM. WHITE.
PHILAD'A, M'ch 15, 86.
DR. SMITH.

PS. I have not yet heard a word from Eng'd but hope
that ye Jan'y Packet will bring some Information.

REV. DR. WHITE TO REV. DR. SMITH.

DEAR SIR,

Mr Woodhouse will send you by this Opportunity 6
Setts of ye P. B. including (as I expect) all except ye
reviewed Forms. The Preface will not be in its proper
Form ; but as I intend sending by ye next Post ye Sheets
necessary to complete ye Book, you will please to leave
Directions at Annapolis concerning them, if you sh'd
leave it before their Arrival.

I beg my aff 'te Comp'ts to such of our Brethren at ye
Convention as I have ye Pleasure of knowing and am
Yours afTy

WM: WHITE.

PHILAD'A, Ap. 1, 1786.

REV. DR. SMITH TO REV. DR. WHITE.
DEAR SIR,

On the other Sheet you have some Corrections, w'ch I
wish in the Preface and which I think will appear to you
for the better, if you can make out to read them. Send
me Title Page, Kalendar, Preface, &c. by this Post. The
Printers need only work a few of the Titles and Prefaces,

188 HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS.

till you hear from me next week. A s few will keep the
Book Binder at work.

I am yours, &c.

WM. SMITH.
CHESTER, MARYLAND,
April 3d, 1786.

Corrections. . . . Preface.

Paragraph 1st. for the words "whatever cannot be
clearly determined", say what cannot, &c.

Par. 2d. for "laid down as a Rule" say laid it down, &c.

Par. 4. After the words " too much Stiffness in lie-
fusing," insert, "and" so as to Read too much Stiffness
in refusing and too much Easiness in admitting, &c.

In the Paragraph beginning " 3d. For a more perfect
rendering" after the word Liturgy and before the word
made in the Parenthesis insert [and] so as to read " are
inserted into the Liturgy (and made a Part of the Daily
Service.")

In the 6 Quere. Beginning "Whether in Particular a
Psalm or Anthem should not be adapted and sung, &c,"
insert the word to after adapted, and read adapted to, and
sung at the, Celebration, &c.

In the 8th Quere relating to the Epistles and Gospels,
after the word "especially" strike out the word [as] and
insert [unless] and it will read "especially unless the first
Design of inserting this, viz. as introductory to the Com
munion, &c." putting a Comma after the word Com
munion.

In the llth Quere the word "Baptism" should not be
distinguished by Italics from the other Offices, w'ch are
printed in Roman.

There are several other Things of this Kind, w'ch neither
the Printer nor we perhaps have now Time to notice.

In the Paragraph, beginning " But while these Altera
tions, &c." alter the whole so as to read thus " But while
these Alterations were in Heiiew before the late Conven
tion, they could not but with Gratitude to God, embrace
the happy Occasion which was offered to them (unin
fluenced and unrestrained by any worldly Authority
whatsoever) to take a further Review of the Public Ser
vice, and to propose to the Church at large such other

HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS. 189

Alterations and Amendments therein as might be deemed
expedient, whether consisting, &c." (as it now stands.)

In the next Paragraph in the last line strike out the
words " at that Time" and read " thought reasonable and
expedient". In the following Paragraph " speaking of
the ' Glory to God on high' " after the \_$c] insert "which
may be said, unless" before the words "when it can be
properly sung," the whole to read thus "Glory to God on
high, &c. w'ch may be said, unless when it can be pro
perly sung." In the Paragraph w'ch speaks of July 4th,
for "Blessing" insert "Blessings of civil and religious
Liberty".

In the last Paragraph, strike out so as to make it read
"be received and examined," &c. as it now stands, to the
End.

REV. DR. WHITE TO REV. DR. SMITH.
DEAR SIR,

Several of ye Corrections which you propose in ye Pre
face, I had previously made ! Ye rest shall also be made.

I hope you will not think of altering ye Title Page,
after some are binding. It will be attended with ye fol
lowing Inconveniences. 1st. Mr Smith must give 2 Cer-
tif 'tes different from each other, for ye Act requires ye
Title to appear in ye Certif'te. 2. Several will have
gone (before ye Change) into Quarters, where you will not
wish such Inconsistency to appear to Boston for In
stance where ye Convention of Mass : and R. I. meet on
ye 27 List and wish to have ye whole before them. 3dly.
The Persons who shall purchase ye first Copies will think
themselves defrauded. And after all, there is nothing
that can be so easily amended in future Editions, ye very
nature of ye present making a peculiarity necessary in ye
Title.

I expect to have this Evening ye 2d Page, with Mr
Smith's Certif'te and ye Table of Contents, and to mor
row morn'g ye reviewed Forms. The Intervention of
ye News Paper has delayed them.
I am

Yours, &e.

PHILAD'A, Ap. 5, 86. WM : WHITE.

REV. DR. SMITH.

190 HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS.

REV. DR. SMITH TO REV. DR. WHITE.

CHESTER. 9th April, 1786.

DEAR SIR,

******

We had a considerable Majority of all our Clergy (not
many of the Laity) at our Convention and have agreed
to receive and recommend to public Use the new Book,
as far as the Power of our State Church may be supposed
to extend in our present unorganized State. A few altera
tions are proposed to be offered to the next Convention.
The Niceue Creed to follow the Apostles, with an " or
this." A little Alteration, Or rather discretionary Power
in the Administration of Baptism, where the Minister
may have great Numbers to Baptize together, and an
addition to the Consecration Prayer at the holy Sacrament,
for a Blessing on the Elements, w'ch being only a few
Words, and those extremely proper, and agreeable to the
Practice of all other Protestant Churches, as well as what
was in the 1st Liturgy of Edw'd VI. hath perfectly recon
ciled Mr Smith ( x ) to our Service and will prevent any
further Division between us and the numbers of Clergy
coming among us from Bp. S. and the Scots Church.

In the Scots and Edw'd Ist's Liturgy the Prayer was
exceptionable and leaning much to Transubstantiation in
these words "Vouchsafe to bless and sanctify these thy
" Creatures of Bread and Wine, that they may BE unto us
"the Body and Blood" &c. The Scots still stronger, viz.
"that they may BECOME unto us the Body and Blood"
The Alteration as we propose it is thus, beginning at the
words in the Consecration Prayer, "Hear us merciful
" Father, we most humbly beseech Thee, and vouchsafe
"so to bless and sanctify these thy Creatures of Bread and
"Wine that we receiving them according to thy Son our
" Saviour J.C. holy Institution, in Remembrance," &c. as it
now stands. This reads as well as before, pleases all sides,
and is certainty an Improvement, as there was before no
Invocation of a Blessing on the sacred Elements. When
you send the Book to Mr Parker of Boston, before their
ensuing Convention, send him as from me, with the
Compl'ts of the Maryland Convention, the foregoing pro-

1 The Rev. William Smith, of Somerset, previously alluded to.
Vide ante, p. 175, 176.

HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS. 191

posed addition in the Consecration Prayer, and also notify
our agreement with our New England Brethren in the
Restitution of the Nicene Creed.

I beg by Post at least one complete Book. I have
none at Present. The Title I have not seen, and do not
wish to alter, but it should correspond also with the Title
in the llth Page of the Journal of Convention. When
shall we have Books ? Our Clergy and Laity com
plained much that they should have been obliged to
judge of the Book on a hasty Reading, during the Sitting
of a Convention.

Yours, WM. SMITH.

REV. DR. WHITE TO REV. DR* SMITH.
DEAR SIR,

I think ye proposed Alterations of your Convention
will render our Service more compleat.

Yesterday I rec'd from Mr. Provost a Copy of a Letter
from Mr. Adams to Mr. Jay, w'h I here transcribe.

GROSVENOR SQUARE, Jan. 4, 1786.
D'R SIR,

A day or two after ye Rec't of your Letter of Nov. 1,
and that of Pres't Lee w'ch came with it, I wrote to ye
Abp. of Canterbury, by Col : Smith, for an Hour when I
might have ye Honour to pay my Respects to his Grace,
and was answered very politely that he would be glad
to have ye Honour of seeing me next Day, between 11
and 12. Accordingly I went yesterday, and was very
agreeably rec'd, by a venerable and candid Prelate, with
whom I had before only exchanged Visits of Ceremony.

I told his Grace, that at ye Desire of two very respect
able Characters in America, ye late Pres't of C. and ye
present Sec'y of State for ye Dep: of foreign Affairs, I
had ye Honor to be ye Bearer to his Grace, of a Letter
from a Conv'n of Delegates from ye Ep : Churches in
most of ye Southern States, which had been transmitted
to me open, that I might be acquainted with its contents.
That in this Business, however, I acted in no official
Character, having no Instructions from Congress, or
indeed from ye Convention, but that I thought it most
respectful to them, as well as to his Grace, to present ye.

192 HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS.

Letter in person. The Abp. answered, that all that he
could say at present was that he was himself very well
disposed to give ye Satisfaction desired, for he was by no
means one of those, who wished that Contentions sh'd
be kept up between ye two Countries, but on ye con
trary was desirous of doing Everything in his power to
promote Harmony and good Humour.

I then said that if his Grace would take ye Trouble of
reading two Letters, from Mr. Lee and Mr. Jay, he would
perceive ye Motives of those Gent'n in sending ye Letter
to my Care. I gave him ye Letters, which he read
attentively and returned, and added that it was a great
Satisfaction to him to see, that Gent'n of Character and
Reputation interested themselves in it, for that ye Epis
copalians in ye U. S. could not have ye full and compleat
Enj't of their Religious Liberties without it, and he sub
joined that it was also a great Satisfaction to him to have
rec'd this Visit from me upon this Occasion and he w'd
take ye Liberty to ask me, if it were not an improper
Question, whether ye Interposition of ye E. Bps. would
not give Uneasiness and Dissatisfaction in A. I replied
that my Answer could be only that of a private Citizen, and
in that Capacity, I had no scruple to say that ye People
of ye U. S. in general were for a liberal and generous Tole
ration, I might indeed employ a stronger word and call
it a Right and ye first Right of Mankind to worship God
according to their Consciences; and therefore, I could
not see any reasonable Ground for Dissatisfaction, and
that I hoped and believed there w'd be none of any con
sequence.

His Grace was then pleased to say, that Religion in all
Countries, especially a young one, ought to be attended
to, as it was ye Found'n of Gov't. He hoped ye Charac
ters which sh'd be recommended w'd be good ones.

I replied, that there were in ye Ch's in A. able Men, of
Characters altogether irreproachable, and that such and
such only, I presumed, w'd be recommended. I then
rose to take my Leave, and his Grace then asked me, if
lie might be at Liberty to mention, that I had made him
this Visit on this Occasion. I answered, Certainly, if his
Grace sh'd judge it proper. Thus, Sir, I have fulfilled
my Comm'n and remain as usual, &c.

HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS. 193

"With this I shall send you ye Sheets that were wanting
when you went down. Mr. W. will furnish a Parcel this
"Week. As there is a Vessel soon to sail for Charlestown,
you will approve sending to ye most distant States first.
Be assured, you shall have a Parcel, before a single Book
is sold here.

I am yours, &c.

WM : WHITE.

PHILAD'A, Ap. 12, 86.
DR. SMITH.

REV. DR. SMITH TO REV. DR. WHITE.

CHESTER, April 17th, 1786.
DEAR SIR,

In the Preface at the Bottom of p. 4 there is an Error,
viz. Construction for Misconstruction. It is the last word
of the Page, and is a Capital Mistake indeed! I think it
could not have been in the Copy. In the last Page of
the Preface, 2d Paragraph "Visitation of Prisons, should
be Prisoners I believe there is little else to be observ'd
in the Preface, altho' I cannot say I have read it critically,
yet it seems to read sufficiently correct for the Present. I
shall before June next take the whole Book, and make
every Correction which I think may be necessary in future
Editions, and lay them before the Convention^ 1 ) I hope
you and perhaps others of our Brethren, will do the same.

I wish you had taken my advice respecting David's
114th Ps. which stood before as our 21st, and only have
made a ISTote at the End of the Book that the Psalm was
misplaced, and ought in future Editions to come in, under
its proper metre, as Ps. 16. and that the Metres of 148
and 149 should be exchanged if such Correction be neces-

(1) Dr. Smith's own copy of the Proposed Book, with the manuscript
corrections referred to in this letter, forms a peculiarly valuable and inter
esting portion of the extensive Liturgical collection of Rt. Rev. Bishop
Stevens, D.D., of Philadelphia. This volume, of the authenticity of
which there can be no question, has been kindly placed in the hands of
the Editor of this volume ; and the careful collation of its proposed
changes with the text of the work as "set forth " by the Committee of
Revision, attests the haste and incompleteness of their work, to which this
correspondence bears such abundant proof.

194 HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS.

si\rv ; for it is merely arbitrary which we call 5th and
winch the 6th Metres, if the Gloria Patri's be arranged
accordingly.

As you have taken our 24th Ps. or David's 149th from
the Sheet Gg and placed it Ff., the mere reprinting that
one Sheet Ff, (which you have sent me) will not complete
the Book. Yon will have the first Leaf of the Sheet Gg
to reprint, or else the whole Sheet, if the Bookbinder
does not chuse the Trouble to cut out a Leaf in every Sheet
and paste it in the Book which is immense Trouble,
and will occasion much Delay. For you will observe,
that after the Sheet Ff (vv'ch is reprinted) the 4th. 5th.
6th. 7th. &c. Verses of David's 148th Psalm must come in
the Sheet Gg, where his 149th now stands, and the
beginning of his 96th or our 25th. This, as I said will be
great Trouble and Delay, vv'ch I am sorry for, as the
People are become exceedingly impatient for Copies of
the Book, and the more so as they have more Experience
of its Use. My Congregations w r ere exceedingly pleased
with the two Good Friday Hymns, which as they had not
books, were first read and then sung, and also the two
Easter Hymns No. VII, and No. VIII. but what above
all seem'd to make the greatest Impression was the Two
Communion Hymns, viz. No. XVII, beginning "My God
and is thy Table spread", sung after Sermon as an Invi
tation to the Sacrament, and No. XVIII, beginning,
" And are we now brought near to God," &c, sung after
the Communion. It adds a Solemnity which they con-
fess'd they had not experienc'd before. The Hymns are
indeed beautiful and every Line of them applicable to the
blessed Occasion. Have you yet introduced them in this
way ? When you do you will find it of use to read them
for the first Time yourself, from the Place where you are,
the Desk or Communion Table. Every Communicant
will before another Day have them by Heart as I believe
was the Case here, between Good Friday and Easter
Sunday, as the Book was sent for and sundry Copies
taken in writing, I mean of Hymns 17 and 18. I beg I
may have at least one compleat Book this Post. I gave
all away at Annapolis, except the loose Sheets w'ch 1 had
from Time to Time as Proofs. You will take Care to
have Receipts from the Stage Masters, Skippers, &c. to
whom you deliver Books for distant Places making them

HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS. 195

accountable for the dumber, and make the Clergy to
whom you address them accountable for the Price, one
Dollar. W. S.

REV. DR. SMITH TO REV. DR. WHITE.
DEAR SIR,

I am favored w'h y'r short Note by last Post, in w'ch
you just mention the Rec't of mine by last Post; but as
it appears had not Time to notice its Contents. The two
Corrections in the Preface, and a proper adjustment
respecting the Sheets in the Singing Ps. w'h you have
thought necessary to reprint, have not, I trust, escaped
your ]STotice, as it will be a Conclusion of the great atten
tion and Labor w'ch the Press has cost } T OU. The Post
Rider, I imagine, call'd on you to have some Prayer
Books for his own Disposal, on Commission from sundry
of his Subscribers. But unless he gets them from Book
sellers in Philad'a who may be some Time hence in
trusted with the sale of Copies, it will occur to you that
neither He nor any other Person from the Neighboring
States can have any Copies at Present. The Proportion for
each State must be sent, agreeably to our Plan, to some
one or more of the Clergy in each State, who are to be
responsible for the Money arising from the Copies, as well
as an equal Distribution of the Books in the Proportions
agreed upon in their several Conventions. In Maryland
we have fixed on three Copies out of every five for the
Western Shore; and two Copies for the Eastern, the
former to Dr. West's Care, the latter to mine. And you
will yet have the Trouble to take Receipts for the Books
of the Post or Stage Carriers, or Skippers, &c., obliging
themselves to deliver Parcels or Boxes as directed. The
Expence of Package, and Carriage, &c., to be paid out
of the Profits of the Sale, to make the Price equal in all
Places, for Philad'a should have no superior ad vantage in
the Price, by lying near the Press. The Book should be a
Dollar to a Purchaser in Philad'a as well as in Charlestowu,
Carolina ; and the Stages, where they go by Stage, will not
take them without the Pay advanced, tho' if they could
be got to take them and be paid on the Delivery at New
York, Baltimore, Alexandria, &c., giving their Rec't to
you, it would perhaps ensure their Care of the Parcels
the better, not to have the money till the Service was

19o HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS.

done. Your local Situation will still throw all this Care
and Trouble, upon you, but I know you will not decline
it, any more than you have heretofore in the Prosecution
of this Work. The Book-binder should get all the help
he can. I hope Mr. Marsha^ 1 ) of Boston has a few
complete Copies including the Preface, Calendar, &c. If
he had them not in a bound Book they should be sent in
Sheets, that they may have the whole before them, and
especially the Preface giving them what I hope will be a
satisfactory account of the Reasons, and Expediency, &c.
of all the proposed alterations.

Of the 1st five Hundred Copies for Maryland, let Mr.
West have three Hundred, which may go at Twice, viz.
150 in a Box not to risk all at once, and to make it
more convenient for the Binder. I should be glad of
about 20 Copies this week by our Post and if I cannot
ngree w'h Him for a reasonable Price for the Remainder,
I will order them by water to Duck Creek, and send for

them from thence.

* * * * * *

I am affectionately yours,

WAI. SMITH.
CHESTER, MARYLAND,
April 24, 1786.

REV. DR. SMITH TO REV. DR. WHITE.
DEAR SIR,

I have rec'd twenty two Copies (two in Morocco) of the
Prayer Book. I had to pay at the rate five sh. pr Doz.
Carriage to the Post, w'ch will not do in future. There
is a Stage now set up from Philad'a to this Town, an
Acquaintance of mine of Newcastle, a Colonel Derby, at
the Head of it. I expect him here by next Wednesday's
Stage, which will be the 2d Trip, and shall agree with
Him to bring the Books and to do other Business for me, as
he has also a Stage Boat to Newcastle from Philad'a and
he will have a sufficient authority from me to produce to
you when he calls for the Remainder of our Eastern

Doubtless a clerical error for "Parker," the Rector of Trinity
Church, Boston. The Rev. John R. Marshall, A.M., of Connecticut,
attended the primary meeting in New York in 1784, but his name is
not found in connection with any subsequent proceedings.

HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS. 197

Shore Complement of Books, which I hope may be
ready next week, as the few we have has only increased
the Demand of many, while some Old Persons do not
show much desire to exchange the old for the new Book.
But all I hope in good Time, and without much Uneasi
ness, especially if there be no appearance of Authority
or Compulsion in the Case.

I wish there could be a little Note of the principal
Errata pasted on the Blank leaf at the End. They are
not many; but "Construction" for ".Misconstruction"
is one of some Consequence and yet a candid Reader
need hardly be told of it.

I am obliged to you for the Copy of Mr. Adams'
Letter, and the Intelligence of the safe arrival of the
Duplicates committed to the Care of Mr. Peters and of
Mr. Duche. I am sorry the latter Gentleman should be
uneasy that he was not made a principal Agent with- the
Archbps. and Bps. If he knew himself, he must know
that his very dubious and indecisive Character made him
perfectly unfit, more especially as he had made himself
an advocate for the- Scots Succession and Dr. Seabury's
high Church Principles. Mr. Adams has acted honor
ably, and a wiser or more Efficacious Measure could not
have been taken by us of the Committee who were entrusted
with this Negotiation. The Papers which were sent
from Maryland including or enclosing Gov'r Paca's Cer
tificate on the Part of this State, and which went under
Cover to my Brother for Dr. Murray and Mr. Mont
gomery, my Brother writes, came safe to Hand in Feb'y
and were delivered. I have no Answers, but daily ex
pect them from Murray and Montgomery, and if they
fall in your Way, or any other Answers you may receive
on this Head, I beg they may be speedily forwarded.
About Wednesday, 15th May, I shall be in Philadelphia,
so that any Thing of that Week may be kept till I see

you.

******

I am yours

WM. SMITH.
CHESTER, 29th April, 1786.

198 HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS.

REV. DR. "WHITE TO REV. DR. SMITH.

DEAR SIR,

******

I also rec'd your Note directing ye Books by ye New
castle Stage: in consequence of which I now send you
50, 2 of which are Morocco ; and these are ye most that
can be spared at present, consistently with our Duty to
ye other States, none of which (I am sure) you would
chuse to have neglected. The Eastern Shore Proportion
of ye whole is (as I understand) 8 in ye Hund'd ; and you
may rely on that Proportion being always ready.

Perhaps on Consid'n you will not think it proper to
print a Table of Errata at present, for these 2 Reasons :
1, because so many of ye Books are already out ; and
2dly, because it is probable more Errata may appear,
which will seem intended, because not included in ye
Table. The Errors you allude to are so evidently typo
graphical, that they cannot be otherwise taken.

You mistook me in Relation to Mr. Duche ; he does
not complain of not being made an Agent in our Busi
ness, but of me as a Correspondent, in not giving him
Intelligence when writing to him on such a Subject.
******

I am yours, &c.

~W~M: WHITE.
PHILAD'A, May 6, 86.
REV'D DR. SMITH.

Tracing as we have thus pleasantly the various changes
as they were proposed, discussed, and adopted by the
Committee of Revision, we cannot better conclude this
section of our Notes than by a transcription of the fol
lowing letter, addressed to the Rev. Mr. Parker, of Bos
ton, giving in brief the reasons for the changes which
have previously occupied our attention; and then by
giving from Bp. White's Memoirs the few pages which
he has devoted to this subject:

HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS. 199

CHESTER, KENT COUNTY, MARYLAND,

17th April, 1786.
DEAR SIR,

Dr. White, having a more ready Communication with
you, than I could have, he has at the Desire of our Com
mittee for the Press, sent you the Sheets of our revised
Prayer Book, and I hope you will have the whole com-
pleat by the Meeting of your Convention, w'ch Dr. White
writes me is to be about the End of this Month. I trust
that after a serious and candid Consideration of what we
have done, it will have the approbation of the worthy
Body, Clergy as well as Laity, who are to meet you in
Convention ; or that if there be some Things, w'ch you
may judge could have been done otherwise, or better, we
can in future Editions come to an easy Agreement on
this Head, as would certainly have been the Case had
we been so happy as to have had your Advice and Assist
ance as we expected at the last Convention. I think
there are few Alterations which you did not wish. As
Chairman of the grand Committee for revising, &c., I
had the Alterations which you had proposed in your last
Meeting, put into my Hands the first Day of our Sitting,
and you will see that I paid a full Attention to them, and
that we have agreed with you almost in every Matter,
except only respecting the Nicene Creed and our Con
vention in Maryland which met last Week have recom-
mend[ed] the restoring that Creed also, so that either it
or the Apostle's may be read at Discretion provided
[both] be not used in one Service. The Maryland Conven
tion have proposed also an Addition in the Consecration
Prayer in the holy Comrnimion, something analogous to
that of the Liturgy of Edward 6th and the Scots Lkurgy,
invoking a blessing on the Elements of Bread and Wine,
which was left out at the first Review of the English
Liturgy, it is said, at the Instance of Eucer, and other
wise because the Invocation favored the Doctrine of Tran-
substant[iat]ion and it does now in the Scots Liturgy pray
ing to bless and sanctify the Elements that they may
become the Body and Mood, &c. We have proposed to re
tain the Prayer and yet avoid the exceptionable part, and
it will run thus

" Hear us Merciful Father, we most humbly beseech
Thee, and with thy Word and holy Spirit vouchsafe so

200 HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS.

to bless and sanctify these Thy Creatures of Bread and
"Wine, that we receiving the same, according to Thy Son
our Saviour J. C. holy Institution, &c."

This I think will be a proper Amendment, and it per
fectly satisfies such of our Clergy and People as were
attach'd to the Scots and other ancient Liturgies, all of
which have an Invocation of a Blessing on the Elements,
as is indeed most reasonable and proper.

I am anxious to 'write you by this Post to have a
Chance of your receiving this before the Meeting of
your Convention. I have therefore no Time to be mbre
particular. Where we have gone further than was hinted
in the Alterations you formerly sent us, viz. in the
Arrangement of the Reading and Singing Psalms, the
Calendars and Rubrics, the Collection of Hymns on
Evangelical Subjects as a Suppl't to the Deficiencies of
David's Psalms and other Matters, w'ch we( J ) have set
forth in the Preface, I say in all this I know you will
exercise a candid and liberal Judgment, and let me hear
from you. We can only in the different States receive
the Book for temporary Use, till our Churches are or
ganized, and the Book comes again under Review of
Conventions having their Bishops, &c. as the primitive
Rules of Episcopacy require.

Excuse this hasty Scrawl from

Your affectionate Brother, &c

WM. SMITH.

P. S. I shall write to Bp. Seabury next Post.( 2 )

Of the Alterations in the Book of Common Prayer.

When the members of the convention first came to
gether; very few, or rather, it is believed, none of them
entertained thoughts of altering the liturgy, any further
than to accommodate it to the revolution. There being
no express authority to the purpose, the contrary was im
plied in the sending of deputies, on the ground of the
recommendation and proposal from New York, whuh
presumed that the book, with the above exception, should
remain entire. The only church to which this remark

1 " I" partially obliterated and " we" substituted in its place.

2 From the Bp. Parker Correspondence.

HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS. 201

does not apply, is that of Virginia; which authorized its
deputies to join in a review, liable however to a rejection
by their own convention. Every one, so far as is here
known, wished for alterations in the different offices.
But it was thought, at New York in the preceding year,
that such an enterprize could not be undertaken, until
the church should be consolidated and organized. Per
haps it would have been better, if the same opinion had
been continued and acted on.

But it happened otherwise. Some of the members
hesitated at making the book so permanent, as it would
have been by the fourth article of the recommendatory
instrument. Arguments were held in favour of a review,
from change of language, and from the notorious fact,
that there were some matters universally held excep
tionable, independently on doctrine. A moderate review,
fell in with the sentiments and the wishes of every mem
ber. Added to all this, there gained ground a confident
persuasion, that the general mind of the communion
would be so gratified by it, as that acquiescence might be
confidently expected. On these considerations, the matter
was undertaken.

The alterations were prepared by another subdivision
of the general committee, than that to which the author
belonged. When brought into the committee, they were
not reconsidered ; because the ground would have been
to go over again in the convention. Accordingly, he
cannot give an account of any arguments, arising in the
preparatory stage of the business. Even in the conven
tion, there were but few points canvassed, with any ma
terial difference of principle ; and those only shall be
noticed.

The first controversy of this description was intro
duced, on a motion made by the Hon. Mr. Page of Vir
ginia, since governor of that state, to leave out the first
four petitions of the litany, and, instead of them, to intro-.
duce a short petition which he had drawn up, more agree
able to his ideas of the divine Persons, recognized in
those petitions. The mover declared, that he had no
objection to the invoking of our blessed Saviour, whose
divinity the prayer acknowledged; and whom he con
sidered as invoked through the whole of the liturgy;
which, he thought, might be defended by scripture. The,

202 HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS.

objection lay to the word "Trinity," which he remarked
to be unauthorised by scripture, and a foundation of
much unnecessary disputation. But he said, that the
leaving out of the fourth petition only, in which only the
word occurred, would leave the other petitions liable to
the charge of acknowledging three Gods ; and therefore,
he moved to strike out the whole. The Rev. Dr. West
of Baltimore answered Mr. Page,-in a speech in which
the Doctor appeared to be in great agitation ; partly
because, as he said, he was unused to unprepared speak
ing ; but evidently the more so, from his apprehensions
arising from what he supposed to be the signal for aiming
at very hazardous and essential alterations. Perhaps
much more would have been said: but during Dr. West's
speech, it was whispered about, that there was really no
use in going into such a controversy; that Mr. Page had
made the motion, merely to preserve consistency of con
duct, that he had attempted the same thing in the sub
committee, and well knew from what had passed, that
there was no prospect of success ; but that he could not
dispense with the bringing of the question before the
body. Accordingly, as soon as Dr. West had finished, it
was put and lost without a division. ( ! )

The next material question, to the best of the recol
lection retained, was on a motion for framing a service
for the 4th of July. This was the most injudicious step
taken by the convention. Might they not have foreseen,
that every clergyman, whose political principles inter
fered with the appointment, would be under a strong
temptation to cry down the intended book, if it were
only to get rid of the offensive holiday ? Besides this
point of prudence, was it not the dictate of moderation,
to avoid the introducing of extraneous matter of differ
ence of opinion, in a church that was to be built up?
Especially, when there was in contemplation the mode
rating of religious tests, was it consistent to introduce a

1 In a controversy since moved in Boston, Bishop Provost has
been named, as having endeavoured to accomplish the omission of
the acknowledgment of the Trinity. It is not true: and the error
may be supposed to have arisen from what has been related of the
effort of Mr. Page. There have been various misrepresentations of
the matter; which have made it the more necessary to state the
fact.

HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS. 203

political one? It was said, that the revolution being now
accomplished, all the clergy ought, as good citizens, to
conform to it; and to uphold, as far as 'their influence
extended, the civil system which had been established.
Had the question been concerning the praying for the
prosperity of the commonwealths, and for the persons of
those who rule in them, the argument would have been
conclusive: and indeed, this had been done by all the
remaining clergy; however disaffected they might have
been, throughout the war. But, the argument did not
apply to a retrospective approbation of the origin of the
civil constitutions; or rather, to a profession of such
approbation, contrary to known fact.

This was one of the few occasions, on which the author
used the privilege reserved by him on his acceptance of
the presidency, to deliver his opinion. To his great sur
prize, there was but one gentleman and he a professed
friend to American independence who spoke on the
same side of the question ; and there were very few, if
any, who voted with the two speakers against the measure.
Bodies of men are more apt than individuals, to calculate
on an implicit submission to their determinations. The
present was a striking instance of the remark. The mem
bers of the convention, seem to have thought themselves
so established in their station of ecclesiastical legislators,
that they might expect of the many clergy who had been
averse to the American revolution, the adoption of this
service; although, by the use of it, they must make an
implied acknowledgment of their error, in an address to
Almighty God. What must further seem not a little
extraordinary, the service was principally arranged and
the prayer alluded to was composed, by a reverend gen
tleman, (Dr. Smith) who had written and acted against
the declaration of independence; and was unfavourably
looked on by the supporters of it, during the whole revo
lutionary war. His conduct, in the present particular,
was different from what might have been expected from
his usual discernment: but he doubtless calculated on
what the good of the church seemed to him to require, in
consequence of a change of circumstances; and he was
not aware of the effect which would be produced by the
retrospective property of the appointment. The greater
stress is laid on this matter, because of the notorious fact,

204 HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS.

that the majority of the clergy could not have used the
service, without subjecting themselves to ridicule and
censure. For the author's part, having no hindrance of
this sort, he contented himself with having opposed the
measure; and kept the day, from respect to the requi
sition of the convention; but could never hear of its
being kept, in above two or three places besides Phila
delphia. He is thus particular, in recording the incidents
attached to the matter stated, with the hope of rendering
it a caution to ecclesiastical bodies, to avoid that danger
into which human nature is so apt to fall, of governing
too much.

On the subject of the articles, a dispute arose in regard
to the article on justification: not as it was at last agreed
on, but as it was proposed by the sub-committee. The
objection was urged principally by the secretary of the
convention the Rev. Dr. Griffith and by the author.
The proposed article was at last withdrawn; and the
words of the thirty-nine articles, on that subject, were
restored. In this, there is certainly no superaddition to
what is held generally by divines of the church of Eng
land. As to the substitute proposed, the objec^on made
to it, was its being liable to a construction contrary to
the great evangelical truth, that salvation is of grace. It
would have been a forced construction, but not to be dis
regarded. Some wished to get rid of the new article
introduced concerning predestination, without stating any
thing in its place. This, it is probable, would have'been
better than the proposed article ; which professes to say
something on the subject, yet in reality says nothing.
But many gentlemen were of opinion, that the subject
was not to be passed over in silence altogether ; and there
fore consented to the article on predestination, as it stands
on the proposed book. The opinion of the author was,
that the article should be accommodated, not to indi
vidual condition, and to everlasting reward and punish
ment ; but to national designation, and to a state of cove
nant with God in the present life. Although this is a
view of the subject still entertained by him ; yet he has
been since convinced, that the introducing of it as an
article would have endangered needless controversy, on
the meanings of the terms predestination and election,
as used in the New Testament. If we cannot do away

HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS. 205

the ground of controversy heretofore laid ; it at least
becomes us, to avoid the furnishing of new matter foi
the excitement of it. As to the article in the proposed
book; although no one professed scruples against what
is there affirmed, yet there seemed a difficulty in dis
covering for what purpose it was introduced. The author
never met with any who were satisfied with it.

On the subject of original sin, an incident occurred,
strongly marking the propensity already noticed, un
warily to make private opinion the standard of public
faith. The sub-committee had introduced into this arti
cle the much controverted passage, in the 7th chapter of
the Epistle to the Romans, beginning at the 9th verse;
and they had applied it as descriptive of the Christian
state. The construction is exacted by a theory, than
which nothing was further from that of the gentleman
(Dr. Smith) who would have" bound this sense of the
passage on the church. The interpretation generally
given by divines of the church of England, makes the
words descriptive of man's unregenerate state; in which
there is a struggle between nature and grace, to the
extent of the terms made use of in Scripture. This
seems necessary to a conformity with the Christian cha
racter, as drawn in innumerable places. It was on a
proposal of the author, that the article was altered in this
particular; although the gentleman who had drafted it
not only earnestly contended for his construction of the
text, but could not be made sensible of the danger which
would have resulted from the establishing of that con
struction, as a test to every candidate for orders.

Less prominent debates on the subject of the articles,
are not here noticed. Whatever is novel in them, was
taken from a book in the possession of the Rev. Dr. Smith.
The book was anonymous ; and was one of the publica
tions which have abounded in England, projecting changes
in the established articles.

On this business of the review of the Book of Com
mon Prayer and of the Articles, the convention seem to
have fallen into two capital errors, independently on the
merits of the alterations themselves. The first error,
was the ordering of the printing of a large edition of the
book; which did riot well consist with the principle of
mere proposal. Perhaps much of the opposition to it

206 HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS.

arose from this very thing ; which seemed a stretch of
power, designed to effect the introduction of the book
to actual use, in order to prevent a discussion of its
merits. The other error, was the ordering of the use of
it in Christ church, Philadelphia ; on the occasion of Dr.
Smith's sermon, at the conclusion of the session of the
convention. This helped to confirm the opinion, of its
being to be introduced with an high hand, and subjected
the clergy of Philadelphia to extraordinary difficulty:
for they continued the use of the liturgy, agreeably to
the alterations, on assurances given by many gentlemen,
that they would begin it in their respective churches,
immediately on their return. This the greater number
of them never did : and there are known instances, in
each of which the stipulation was shrunk back from,
because some influential member of a congregation was
dissatisfied with some one of the alterations. _ This is a
fact which shows very strongly, how much weight of cha
racter is necessary to such Changes as may be thought
questionable.^)

To these remarks of the Bishop, with reference to the
book itself, it seems proper to add his own account of
the publication of the "proposed" Liturgy. Giving in
brief the results of long and after consideration of the
whole subject, it forms an indispensable appendix to the
correspondence we have already given :

Under the foregoing head, there has been noticed what
is here thought a great error in the convention the
printing of the book, without waiting for the reception
of the alterations, and their being in use. A subordinate
error, accompanying the other, was the endeavouring to
raise a profit from the book, although for a charitable
purpose. It had two bad consequences; that of exciting
the supposition, that the books were made the dearer
although, in reality, this was not the fact ; and that of
inducing the committee to send them to the clergy, in
the different parts of the continent ; confiding in their
exertions, for the benevolent purpose declared. Several

1 From Bishop White's Memoirs, pp. 102-107.

HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS. 207

of the clergy again entrusted them to persons, from
whom they got no returns. Hence it happened, that
when the expenses of the edition were paid, there was
not so much left for the charity, as to be an adequate
consideration for such an undertaking. The committee
were at last obliged"to relinquish the design, of saving
for the charity the usual profit of the booksellers ; who,
on that change of plan, made rapid sales of them.

Another bad effect of the publication was, that the
English prelates were not furnished with an account of
the alterations, so soon as they should have been, consider
ing the application that had come before them. For the
committee, having had good reason to believe that the
impression would go on rapidly, had not furnished a
copy of the instrument containing the alterations. Their
waiting first for paper from the mills, and then, for one
interfering object and another occurring to the printer,
brought on spring before the edition was out. It is true,
that the sheets were sent by parcels during the progress.
None however arrived, before the answer to the address
was sent: and this inattention or what seemed such
the bishops could not account for; as the archbishop
afterwards distantly intimated to those who received
consecration in England. Hence arose the caution,
with which the convention were answered by the right
reverend bench ; a caution evidently to be discerned,
in their letter of the 24th of February 1786. For some
of the clergy in the eastern States, from what is here
supposed to have been mistaken zeal, had been very
early in conveying to their clerical acquaintance in
England, an unfavourable representation of the spirit
of the proceedings : a fact, which is glanced at in the
same letter. Although the impression, thus produced,
was so far done away on the arrival of the book, as that
there remained no radical impediment to the gratifica
tion of the church, in granting her request made ; which
must be evident to every one who reads their subsequent
letter ; yet it follows from this narrative, that their mis
apprehension would have been obviated, if the printing
had been confined to the list of the proposed alterations.

From the letter of their lordships it appears, that the
omission of the Article of Christ's descent into Hell, in
the Apostles' Creed, was the thing principally faulted.

208 HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS.

It was the objection made by Dr. Moss, bishop of Bath
and Wells, that swayed in this matter. A gentleman
who had been a member of the convention Richard
Peters, Esq. happening to visit England a few months
after, and having waited on the archbishop at the request
of the committee, the said bishop expressed a wish to see
him ; and, in the consequent interview, declared very
strongly his disapprobation of that alteration. It was
learned afterwards in England, from Dr. Watson, bishop
of Landaff, that the objection came principally from the
quarter here noticed. Indeed he expressed himself in
such a manner, as led to the conclusion, that the bishop
of Bath and Wells only was the objector. No doubt,
the bishops, generally, must have approved of the objec
tion ; considering their concurring in the strong protest
that came from them, on the subject of the omitted
article. However, from the different particulars attend
ing the transaction, the author is disposed to believe,
that, had it not been for the above-mentioned circum
stance, they would hardly have started their objection to
the omission in such a manner, as carries the appearance
of their making of a restoration of the clause, a condition
of their compliance with the request. As to the bishop
of Landaff, he plainly said, speaking on the merits of the
subject, that he knew not of any scriptural authority for
the article, unless it were the passage in St. Peter (mean
ing 1. iii. 19, 20.) And this he said must be acknow
ledged a passage considerably involved in obscurity.
To the two bishops who went for consecration it was
very evident, that the bishop of Landaff was far from
being attached to the objection, in which he had con
curred. It is probable, that the same may have been
true of many others of the bench. But when the matter
was pressed by a very venerable 'bishop, eminent as well
for his theological learning as for an exemplary life and
conversation, and rested by him on the ground of the
contradiction of an ancient heresy, it must have been
difficult in the body to wave the objection, considering
the novel line in which they were acting ; and their in
ability, in a corporate capacity, to act at all.^)

1 Memoirs, pp. 108-111, inclusive.

HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS. 209

n. THE GENERAL ECCLESIASTICAL CON-
STITUTION.

Founded upon the fundamental resolutions set forth
by the primary gathering in New York, in the year 1784,
and modified and rendered more consistent with principles
evolved in the discussion of these measures by the clergy
and the various State Conventions, the General Ecclesi
astical Constitution was first promulged at the meeting in
Philadelphia. It was a time of compacts and constitutions,
and the scattered churches felt sorely their need of some
such bond of union in their efforts for organization.

It is not our place to discuss its plan or principles ; but
we transfer from Bp. White's Memoirs his own interest
ing and exhaustive section which treats of this subject.
Little or nothing more in elucidation will be necessary,
as we have earlier given, in one form or another, the
various preliminaries both of action and opinions that
attended the production of this foundation-stone of our
ecclesiastical compact :

Of the general Ecclesiastical Constitution.

It has been seen, that in the preceding year, at New
York, a few general principles, tending to the organizing
of the church, had been recommended to the churches
represented, and proposed to those not represented. As
all the articles, except the fourth, which recognized the
English liturgy, with the exception of the political parts
of it, were adopted by the present convention, they
became a bond of union ; and indeed, the only one
acted under until the year 1789. For as to the general
constitution, framed at the period now before us, it
stood on recommendation only; and was of no use,
except in helping to convince those who were attached
to that mode of transacting business, that it was very
idle to bring gentlemen together from different states,
for tfce purpose of such inconclusive proceedings.

210 HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS.

The fifth and the eighth articles of this proposed con-
stitution, deserve particular notice; because they have
been subjects of considerable conversation and censure.

The former of these articles provided, that every bishop
should be a member of the convention "ex qfficio." Ac
cordingly, the article was loudly objected to by the clergy
to the eastward ; because of its not providing for episcopal
presidency.

The constitution was drafted by the author, in a sub
committee ; a part of a general committee, consisting of
a clergyman and a layman from each state ; and originally
provided, that a bishop, if any were present, should pre
side. In the sub-committee, a gentleman, without much
consideration of the subject, and contrary to what his
good sense, with such an advantage, would have dictated,
objected to the clause ; and insisted, that he had read,
although he could not recollect in what book, that this
had not been a prerogative of bishops in ancient ecclesi
astical assemblies. The objection was over-ruled, by all
the other members of the sub-committee. But when the
instrument, after passing in the general committee, was
brought into the convention ; the same gentleman, not
expecting to succeed, and merely, as he afterwards said,
to be consistent, made a motion to strike out the clause.
Contrary to expectation, he was supported by another
lay-gentleman, who took an active part in all the measures ;
and who, in the sub-committee, had been of another mind.
Thus a debate was brought on, which produced more heat
than any thing else, that happened during the session.
As the voting was by orders, the clergy, who, with the
exception of one gentleman, were for the clause, might
have quashed the whole article. But this appeared to
them to be wrong ; because it contained nothing contrary
to the principle of episcopal presidency; and the general
object was such, as ought to have been provided for.
Accordingly, the article passed, as it stands on the
journal; that is, with silence as to the point in question.
it was considered, that practice might settle what had
better be provided for by law ; and that even such pro
vision might be the result of a more mature considera
tion of the subject. The latter expectation was justified
by the event.

The other article provided, that every clergyman should

HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS. 211

be amenable to the convention of the state to which he
should belong. This was 'objected to by the English
bishops, as appears in the letter of the archbishops of
Canterbury and York; who there complain, that it fs
"a degradation of the clerical, and much more of the
episcopal character." The foundation of this complaint,
like that of the other, was rather in omission, than in
any thing positively declared. For the bishop's being
amenable to the convention in the state to which he
belonged, does not necessarily involve any thing more,
than that he should be triable by Jaws of their enacting,
himself being A part of the body: and it did not follow,
that he might be deposed or censured, either by laymen
or by presbyters. This, however, ought to have been
guarded against: but to have attempted it, while the
convention were in the temper excited by the alterca
tions concerning the fifth article, would have been to nc
purpose.

In this whole business, there was encountered a pre
judice entertained by many of the clergy in other states ;
who thought, that nothing should have been done towards
the organizing of the church, until the obtaining of the
episcopacy. This had been much insisted on, in the pre
ceding year, in New York. Let us it was said first
have an head ; and then let us proceed to regulate the
body. It was answered, on that occasion let us gather
the scattered limbs; and then, let the head be superadded.
Certainly, the different episcopalian congregations knew
of no union before the revolution; except what was the
result of the connexion which they in common had with
the bishop of London. The authority of that bishop
being withdrawn, what right had the episcopalians in any
state, or in any one part of it, to choose a bishop for
those in any other? And until an union were effected,
what is there in Christianity generally, or in the principles
of this church in particular, to hinder them from taking
different courses in different places, as to all things not
necessary to salvation ? Which might have produced
different liturgies, different articles, episcopacy from
different sources, and in short, very many churches,
instead of one extending over the United States; and
that, without any ground for the charge of schism, or
of the invasion of one anothers' rights. The course

212 HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS.

taken, has embraced all the different congregations. It
is far from being certain, that the same event would have
been produced, by any other plan that might have been
devised. For instance, let it be supposed, that in any
district of Connecticut, the clergy and the people, not
satisfied with the choice made of Bishop Seabury, or
with the contemplated plan of settlement, had acted for
themselves, instead of joining with their brethren. It
would be impossible to prove the unlawfulness of such
a scheme ; or, until an organization were made, that the
minor part were bound to submit to the will of the
majority. There was no likelihood of such an indiscreet
proceeding, in Connecticut. But in some other depart
ments which might be named, it would not have been
surprizing. Let it be remarked, that in the preceding
hypothesis, there is supposed to have been, in the differ
ent neighbourhoods, a bond of union not dissolved by
the revolution. This sentiment is congenial with Chris
tianity itself, and with Christian discipline in the begin
ning : the connexion not existing congregationally ; but,
in every instance, without dependence on the houses, in
which the worship of the different portions of the aggre
gate body may be carried on.^)

1 Bp. White's Memoirs, pp. 99-103.

HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS. 213

III. MEASURES FOR SECURING THE SUCCES- , f
SIGN OF THE EPISCOPATE IN THE ENGLISH
LINE

THE recital of the various and long-continued efforts of
the early American Missionaries for the introduction of a Co
lonial Episcopate, does not fall within the limits we have
marked out for ourselves, in connection with the present pub
lication. It is sufficient to say, that the struggle for the Suc
cession forms one of the most interesting chapters of the his
tory of the American Church. But with the story of its
successful accomplishment we have to do. The opening pages
of the Journal of the Convention of 1785, in alluding to a
proposed " plan for obtaining the consecration of Bishops,
together with an address to the Most Reverend the Arch
bishops and the Right Reverend the Bishops of the Church
of England for that purpose, "(1) direct our attention to this
subject, and require at our hands a more minute and careful
illustration than, perhaps, any other portion of our annals.
The Plan thus proposed, and the Address referred to, appear
in full upon the pages of the Journal. It therefore becomes
principally our duty to group together, with a few prelimina
ries, the interesting correspondence this measure called forth,
and then trace, mainly from unpublished sources, its progress,
with the attendant alternations of hope and fear, to a suc
cessful accomplishment in the consecration of Bishops White
and Provoost at Lambeth the following year.

Insufficient and unsatisfactory as appear to have been the
ideas of the nature and prerogative of the Episcopate, enter-
taine'd by a portion of the Clergy, and even by some of the

(1) Reprinted Journals, I. 19.
I

214 HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS.

Conventions, as has already appeared, the desire for the in
troduction of the Order itself was universal. Appearing
among the fundamental resolutions of the primary gather
ings, both for local and general organization, the recognition
of the three Orders of the Ministry was avowed by every
section of the Church. And the desire was almost equally
general for the introduction of the succession by the English
line. It was with this end in view, that the Clergy of Con
necticut assembled at an early date, as has been already
mentioned, and made choice of Dr. Seabury as their Bishop-
elect. To these proceedings we must first direct our atten
tion, for the purpose of presenting in chronological order the
measures taken for the introduction of the Episcopate.

The following contemporary letters! 1) addressed by a Cler
gyman of Connecticut to the Rev. Samuel Parker, of Bos
ton, supply information of the earliest effort, subsequent to
the peace, made for an American Episcopate. They graphi
cally depict the alarm still felt by the laity at the introduc
tion of Bishops from abroad, and the wise caution of these
first movers towards organization on the established princi
ples of the Church.

There were ten clergymen met. The Connecti
cut Clergy have done already every thing in their power in the matter you
were anxious about Would write you the particulars, if I knew of any
safe opportunity of sending you this Letter, but as I do not, must defer it
till I do. Your sincere friend and Brother,

Pomfret, July 2d. '83. D. FOGG.

Revd. Mr. Parker

Dear Sir. Pomfret, 14th July, '83

I wrote you a few lines 2d inst. by an uncertain conveyance, in which

I mentioned that the Connecticut clergy had done all in their

power respecting the matter you were anxious about; but they keep it a
profound secret even from their most intimate Friends of the Laity.

The matter is this. After consulting the clergy in New York how to
keep up the succession, they unanimously agreed to send a person to
Englatd to be consecrated Bishop for America, and pitched upon Dr.
Seabury as the most proper Person for this purpose, who sailed for En
gland the beginning of last month, highly recommended by all the clergy
in New York and Connecticut, &c. If he succeeds he is to come out as

(1) From the Bishop Parker Correspondence.

HISTOEICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS. 215

missionary for New London, or some other vacant Mission, and if they
will not receive him in Connecticut or any other of the STATES of AMERICA,
he is to go to Nova Scotia. Sir Guy(l) highly approves of the plan, and
has used all his influence in favor of it. The clergy have even gone so
far as to instruct Dr. Seabury, if none of the regular Bishops of the
Church of England will ordain him, to go down to Scotland and receive or
dination from a nonjuring Bishop.

Please to let me know by Mr. Grosvenor how you approve of the plan,
and whether you have received any late accounts from England.

From your affect. Brother.

D. FOGG.

Dear Sir.

I am very glad that the conduct of the Connecticut Clergy meets with
your Approbation in the main. Dr. Seabury's being a refugee was an ob
jection which I made, but was answered, they could not fix upon any
other Person who they thought -was so likely to succeed as he was, and
should he succeed, and not be permitted to reside in any of the United
States, it would be an easy matter for any other Gentleman, who was not
obnoxious to the POWERS THAT BE, to be consecrated by him at, Halifax.
And as to the objection of not consulting the Clergy in the other States,
the time would not allow of it, and there was Nobody to consult in the
State of New York, for there is not one Clergyman there except Refu
gees, and they were consulted. And in the State of Connecticut there are
fourteen clergymen. And in your State and New Hampshire you know how
many there are, and you know there is no compulsion in the matter, and
you will be left to act as you please, either to be subject to him or not.
As to the matter of his support, that must be an after consideration.

Your affect. Friend and Brother,

D. FOGG.

Pomfret, 1st August, '83.

In the mean time, as we have already seen, the Clergy of
the Middle and Southern States, had begun to move in the
matter of union and organization. But these preliminary
gatherings were rendered less general and successful, from
the fact of the action of the Eastern Clergy, and their know
ledge that, even in the event of a failure to obtain consecra
tion in England, there could be little doubt of success across
the Northern border. A little prior to the meeting called at
New York in 1784, the Rev. Mr. Fogg thus writes to his cor
respondent in Boston.
% i

. I was at Norwich about ten days ago, and Mr. Tyler(2)
informed me that the Connecticut Clergy who met at New Haven at Com-

(1) Sir Guy Carleton.

(2) The Rev. John Tyler, A.M., one of the Connecticut Clergy.

216 HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS

mencement, did not propose to meet the Southern Clergy at New York, as
they expect Dr. Seabury will succeed in the Business he went to London
for, and at his return it will be time enough to revise the Liturgy ; they,
however, wrote by Mr. Marshall,(l) one of our Brethren, giving reasons
for their conduct.(2)

Pomfret, Sept. 28, '84. D- FOGG.

Revd. Mr. Parker.

Agreeably to this appointment, the Rev. Mr. Marshall at
tended the meeting in New York, and, as we learn from
Bishop \Vhite,(3) " read to the Assembly a paper, which ex
pressed his only being empowered to announce that the Cler
gy of Connecticut had taken measures for the obtaining an
Episcopate ; that until their design in that particular shall be
accomplished, they could do nothing ; but that as soon as they
should have succeeded, they would come forward, with their
Bishop, for the doing of what the general interests of the
Church might require."

With this feeling of deference and respect, the Clergy of
New England awaited their Bishop. The letters of that time,
still preserved among the interesting correspondence of Dr.
Parker, are full of inquiries and apprehensions as to the suc
cess of their chosen head. Under date of Dec. 21st, 1784,
the Rev. Benjamin Moore, of New York, thus addressed his
correspondent in Massachusetts ; and the letter is all the
more interesting from the fact, that weeks before it was pen
ned, the object of its aspirations was accomplished, and the
first American Bishop had been duly consecrated by the
Bishops in Scotland.

Dear Sir.

Our Church affairs remain as they were. The

Prospect of an American Episcopate seems to be as uncertain as ever. A
letter from Dr. Seabury to a Gentleman in this City has this Expression.
" I have been amused, I think deceived." I am informed, however, that
the Clergy of Maryland, in a late Convention, have fixed upon Dr. Smith
as a Candidate for Episcopal Orders, and that he is to embark for Eu-

(1) The Rev. John R. Marshall, whose name appears in the list of
members present at the Convention of 1784.

(2) From the Bishop Parker Correspondence.

(3) Memoirs, p. 81.

HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS. 217

gland next April. But if the Gentleman who is there at present cannot
succeed, I should suppose, it will preclude every other attempt.

Shall we have the pleasure of seeing you at Philadelphia, at the Gen
eral Assembly of all the Churches ? I hope so that Phrase GENERAL AS
SEMBLY I am not very fond of it escaped me by chance. We will try to
give it a better Character.

with great esteem,

your friend & Brother,

BENJN. MOORE.
Revd. Mr. Parker.

But news of this all-important step was not long withheld
from those who were so intimately concerned in it ; and turn
ing aside from the mass of letters of congratulation and ex
pectancy on the part of the Northern and Eastern Clergy,
we propose to revert briefly, and mainly by a reproduction of
correspondence from the original letter book(l) of Bishop
Seabury himself, to the events of his consecration.

" Amused" or u deceived" the persevering Seabury could
not long be ; and despairing of satisfying the scruples of the
Archbishops in England, he had at length recourse to the
Bishops of Scotland. The English Archbishop subsequently
communicated to Granville Sharp, Esq., a grandson of a
former Archbishop of York, and a prominent philanthropist
of that day, whose agency in the subsequent introduction of
the English succession into America will shortly claim our
consideration, an account of his last interview with the
American missionary. Remembering, as we cannot fail to
do, that the incident is preserved to us by a violent opponent
of the Scots Episcopacy, and doubtless receives a coloring
of exaggeration from this very fact, it is certainly worthy
of preservation, and cannot be dismissed as wholly without
foundation in fact.

" Dr. Seabury, on coming to England, called on the Arch
bishop, of Canterbury for consecration, to the great surprise
of the Archbishop, who was apprehensive that it might give
great offence to the Americans, with whom we had just then

(1) Now in the keeping of the Rev. Professor "Win. J. Seabury, of the
General Theological Seminary, N. Y.

218 HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS.

made peace; and therefore his Grace (the very worthy and
learned Dr. Moore) wished to be allowed some time to consi
der of the request ; upon which Dr. Seabury very abruptly left
the room, saying, ' If your Grace will not grant me conse
cration, I know where to obtain it;' and immediately set off
for Aberdeen.

" The Archbishop communicated to G. S. the account of
Dr. Seabury's behaviour; and G. S., in return, informed his
Grace, that a general convention was actually appointed in
America for the election of Bishops. On hearing this, the
Archbishop gave G. S. authority to assure the Americans,
that if they elected unexceptionable persons, and transmitted
proper certificates of their morals and conduct, and of their
suitable abilities for so important a charge, he would do every
thing in his power to promote their good intentions. "(1)

Towards the close of the year 1782, while the contest of
the American Revolution was drawing near its close, the Rev.
Dr. George Berkeley, the eldest son of the celebrated Bishop
of Cloyne, who seems to have inherited his father's interest
in the American Church, threw out the suggestion in a letter
to a Scottish clergyman, the Kev. John Skinner, " that a
most important good might ere long be derived to the suffer
ing and nearly neglected sons of Protestant Episcopacy on
the other side of the Atlantic, from the suffering Church of
Scotland." "I would humbly submit it," he adds, "to the
Bishops of the Church in Scotland (as we style her in Ox
ford), whether this be not a time peculiarly favourable to the
introduction of the Protestant episcopate on the footing of
universal toleration, and before any anti-episcopal establish
ment shall have taken place. God direct the hearts of your
prelates in this matter."(2)

Resuming this subject after his correspondent had himself
been raised to the Scottish Episcopate, Dr. Berkeley thus

1| Memoirs of Granville Sharp, London, 1820. pp. 213-214.
(2) The preceding extracts, and those immediately following, are from
MS. Seabury Papers," quoted by the Bishop of Oxford in his " History

of the American Church," (London, 1846, pp. 199-212), from which

source we also condense this portion of our narrative.

HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS. 219

answered objections, and removed from the path the many
seeming hindrances.

" As to American Protestant episcopacy (for popish pre
lacy hath found its way into the transatlantic world), one
sees not any thing complicated or difficult in the mere plant
ing of it. A bishop consecrated by the English or Irish
Church would find considerably stronger prejudices against
him, than would one who had been called to the highest order
by a bishop or bishops of the Scotch Church ; our bishops,
and those of Ireland, having been nominated by a sovereign
against whom the Colonists have rebelled, and whom you
have never recognised. The Americans would, even many
of the Episcopalians among them, entertain political jea
lousies concerning a bishop by any means connected with us;
they would be apt to think of "him as of a foe to their wild
prospects of independency, &c.

"I am as far removed from Erastianism and from demo
cracy as any man ever was; I do heartily abominate both of
those anti-scriptural systems. Had my honoured father's
scheme for planting an Episcopal College, whereof he was
to have been President, in the Summer Islands, not been sa-
rjrificed, by the worst minister that Britain ever saw, probably
under a mild monarch (who loves the Church of England as
much as I believe his grandfather hated it), Episcopacy
would have been established in America by succession from
the English Church, unattended by any invidious temporal
rank or power. But the dissenting miscellaneous interest in
England has watched, with too successful a jealousy, over the
honest intentions of our best bishops.

" From the Churches of England and Ireland, America
will not now receive the Episcopate ; if she might, I am per
suaded that many of her sons would joyfully receive bishops
from Scotland. The question, then, shortly is, Can any
proper persons be found who, with the spirit of confessors,
would convey the great blessing of the Protestant episcopate
from the persecuted Church of Scotland to the struggling
persecuted Protestant Episcopalian worshippers in America?
If so, is.it not the duty of all and every bishop of the Church
in Scotland to contribute towards sending into the new world
Protestant bishops, before general assemblies can be held and
covenants taken, for their perpetual exclusion? Liberavi
animam meam.

220 HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS.

"Deeply convinced as I am of the necessity of Episcopacy
towards the constitution of a Christian Church, I hope that
no consideration would (I know that no consideration ought
to) restrain me in this matter, if I was a bishop. A Scotch
bishop, consecrating one or more good men of sound ecclesi
astical principles, might now sow a seed which, in smallness
resembling that of a mustard, might also resemble it in sub
sequent magnificence and amplitude of production. I hum
bly conceive that a bishop at Philadelphia, who had never
sworn to King George, would be very well placed. The
Quakers are a tolerating people. I have written to you cur-
rente calamo"

Suggestions of this moment, and from such a source, could
not pass unheeded. The newly-consecrated Bishop was well
aware of the distinguished position held by his correspond
ent in the English Church, who had refused an Irish bishop
ric but a few years before, and was then among the most
prominent of the Clergy of the land; but still, in his con
sciousness of the imputations under which the Church of
Scotland was then struggling, he could but respond discour-
agingly. "Nothing," he replies, "can be done in the affair
with safety on our side, till the independence of America be
fully and irrevocably recognized by the government of Bri
tain; and even then the enemies of our Church might make
a handle of our correspondence with the colonies, as a proof
that we always wished to fish in troubled waters and we
have little need to give any ground for an imputation of that

To this and other difficulties urged by the Bishops, Dr.
Berkeley replies, under date of March 24th, 1783, as fol
lows:

" I beg leave to observe, with all becoming deference, that
I cannot consider the immediate and unrestricted introduc
tion of Episcopacy into America in the same light wherein it
is viewed by yourself and your venerable brethren, the bishops
of the Scotch Church.

" From the papists one learns that no time is to be lost,

(1) Scabury MSS., quoted by the Bishop of Oxford.

HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS. 221

and that substances are to be preferred to shadows things
essential to the paraphernalia of a Church. If I ever wrote
a sentence under the influence of a humble spirit, I write so
at this moment when 1 do yet adventure to differ from my
fathers in Christ. A consecration in Scotland might be very
secret; it could not be so elsewhere. A consecration from a
persecuted, depressed Church, which is barely tolerated,
would not alarm the prejudices of opponents. I need not
say to Bishop Skinner or his brethren, that an Episcopal
Church may exist without any legal encouragement or estab
lishment, and without the definition of country into regular
and bounded dioceses. Provincial Assemblies will never in
vite a prelate ; provincial assemblies, if they establish any
thing, will establish some human device; but provincial as
semblies will not, now or soon, think of excluding a Protes
tant bishop, who sues only for toleration. Popish prelates
are now in North America exercising their functions over a
willing people, without any aid or encouragement from pro
vincial assemblies. In a short time, we must expect all Pro
testant Episcopalian principles to be totally lost in America.
They are not so now ; and yet Episcopacy must be sent be
fore it be asked: these are lukewarm days. Christianity
waited not at the first, the Church of Rome waits not now,
for any invitation or encouragement. Bishop Geddes told
me that the pope allows him 251. per annum, and that he has
no other settled support; the other popish bishops have 51.
each per annum from the Bishop of Home. Out of Scotland
there is but little known concerning the Episcopal Church
there ; and, generally, it is conceived to be a society purely
political. I believe a secret subscription could be raised ade
quate to the purposes of supporting one pious, sensible, dis
creet bishop, at least for a season after his arrival in Vir
ginia ; and I think I know one person competent and willing
for the great work."(l)

Thus was the way prepared by GOD for the accomplishment
of His wisely ordered plans. Delays and hindrances seem
ingly insurmountable, hedged up the way in England, and
Dr. Seabury found himself compelled, either to seek conse
cration from the remnant of the non-juring Episcopate in

(1) Seabury MS. quoted in Bishop Wilberforce's History of the Ameri
can Church.

222 HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS.

that country, or from their political brethren at the North.
In November, 1783, the question was directly propounded
to the Primus of the Scottish bishops: "Can consecration
be obtained in Scotland for an already dignified and well-
vouched American clergyman, now at London, for the pur
pose of perpetuating the Episcopal Reformed Church in
America, particularly in Connecticut?" In connection with
this query, Dr. Berkeley thus addresses Bishop Skinner :

" I have this day heard, I need not add with the sincerest
pleasure, that a respectable presbyter, well recommended
from America, has arrived in London seking what, it seems,
in the present state of affairs, he cannot expect to receive in
our Church.

" Surely, dear Sir, the Scotch prelates, who are not shackl
ed by any Erastian connexion, will not send this suppliant
empty away.

" I scruple not to give it as my decided opinion, that the
King, some of his cabinet counsellors, all our bishops (except,
perad venture, the Bishop of St. Asaph), and all the learned and
respectable clergy in our Church, will at least secretly rejoice,
if a Protestant bishop be sent from Scotland to America;
but more especially if Connecticut be the scene of his min
istry. It would be waste of words to say anything by way
of stirring up Bishop Skinner's zeal."(l)

Enquiries with reference to the personal fitness of the can
didate, and the causes which led to the rejection of his suit
in England, followed, to which the persevering Dr. Berkeley
made speedy and satisfactory reply. Coupled with a strong
assertion that they need fear nothing from the English au
thorities in granting " a consecration, which can contradict
no law, for a foreign and independent state,"(2) he proceeds
to state clearly and forcibly the obstacles in the way of the
Bishops of the Church of England. " My reading does not
enable me to comprehend how, without an Episcopacy, the
gospel, together with all its divine institutions, can possibly

(1) Seabury MS., quoted by the Bishop of Oxford. (2) Ibid.

HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS. 223

be propagated. In the present state of matters, I do not
see now the English primate can, without royal license at
least, if not parliamentary likewise, proceed to consecrate
any bishop, except for those districts which erst were allowed
to give titles to assistant bishops. In this state of things, I
think the glory of communicating a Protestant Episcopacy
to the united and independent states of America, seems re
served for the Scotch bishops. Whatever is done herein,
ought assuredly to be done very quickly, else the never-
ceasing endeavours of the English dissenters, whose intoler-
( ance has kept back the blessing of prelacy from the Protes
tant prelatists of America, will stir up too probably a violent
spirit in Connecticut against the bishop in fieri. If the
Church of England was to send a bishop into any one of the
United States of America, the Congress might, and probably
would, exclaim that England had violated the peace, and still
claimed a degree of supremacy over the subjects of that in
dependent state. The Episcopal Church of Scotland cannot be
suspected of aiming at supremacy of any kind, or over any
people. I do therefore earnestly hope, that, very shortly,
she may send a prelate to the aid of transatlantic aspirants
for the primitive ordinance of confirmation."(l)

An application so strongly urged claimed immediate as
sent. The Primus of the Scotch bishops, Bishop Kilgour, in
expressing his "hearty concurrence in the proposal for in
troducing Protestant episcopacy into America," continues:
"All things bid fair for the candidate. I hope, indeed, that
the motion is from, and the plan laid under, the- direction of
the Holy Spirit."(2) His acquiescence was seconded by his
brethren in the Episcopate. " The very prospect," writes
another, "rejoices me greatly; and considering the great de-
positum committed to us, I do not see how we can account to
our great Lord and Master, if we neglect such an opportu-

(1) Seabury MS., quoted by the Bishop of Oxford.

(2) Ibid.

224 HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS.

nity of promoting his truth, aud enlarging the borders of
his Church."(l)

With this introduction, detailing the gradual removal of
the difficulties in the way, and the republictaion of the letters
and testimonials borne by Dr. Seabury to England, and sub
sequently laid before the Scottish bishops, as appears from
the records in their "Minute Book," to which we shall shortly
refer, we propose to continue our narrative of the success of
the application in Scotland, by presenting from Bishop Sea-
bury's own Letter-book, already alluded to, the original cor
respondence which is there preserved, as illustrating the his
tory of this important transaction.

Communication of the Clergy of Connecticut, to the Archbishop
of Tork.(2)

New York, April 21, 1783.
MY LORD,

The clergy of Connecticut, deeply impressed with anxious appre
hension of what may be the fate of the Church in America, under
the present changes of empire and policy, beg leave to embrace the
earliest moment in their power to address your grace on that im
portant subject.

This part of America is at length dismembered from the British
empire ; but, notwithstanding the dissolution of our civil connexion
with the parent state, we still hope to retain the religious polity ;
the primitive and evangelical doctrine and discipline, which, at the
reformation, were restored and established in the Church of Eng
land. To render that polity complete, and to provide for its per
petuity in this country, by the establishment of an American Epis
copate, has long been an object of anxious concern to us, and to
many of our brethren in other parts of this continent. The attain
ment of this object appears to have been hitherto obstructed
by considerations of a political nature, which we conceive were
founded in groundless jealousies and misapprehensions that can no
longer be supposed to exist : and therefore, whatever may be the
effect of independency on this country, in other respects, we pre
sume it will be allowed to open a door for renewing an application
to the spiritual governors of the Church on this head ; an applica-

(1) Seabury MS., quoted by the Bishop of Oxford.

(2) These papers were addressed to the Archbishop of York, as, at the
time of their preparation, the See of Canterbury was vacant. Vide White's
Memoirs, page 79.

HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS. 225

tion which we consider as not only seasonable, but more than ever
necessary at this time ; because, if it be now any longer neglected,
there is reason to apprehend that a plan of a very extraordinary
nature, lately formed and publ shed in Philadelphia, may be carried
into execution. This plan is, in br.ef, to constitute a nominal Epis
copate by the united suffrages of presbyters and laymen. The
peculiar situation of the Episcopal churches in America, and the
necessity of adopting some speedy remedy for the want of a regular
Episcopate, are offered, in the publication here alluded to, as rea
sons fully sufficient to justify the scheme. Whatever influence
this project may have on the minds of the ignorant or unprincipled
part of the laity, or however it may, possibly, be countenanced by
some of the clergy in other parts of the country, we think it our
duty to reject such a spurious substitute for Episcopacy, and, as far
as may be in our power, to prevent its taking effect.

To lay the foundation, therefore, for a valid and regular Episco
pate in America, we earnestly entreat your grace, that, in your
archiepiscopal character, you will espouse the cause of our sinking
Church, and, at this important crisis, afford her that relief on which
her very existence depends, by consecrating a bishop for Connecti
cut. The person whom we have prevailed upon to offer himself to
your grace, for that purpose, is the reverend Doctor Samuel Seabury,
who has been the society's worthy missionary for many years. He
was born and educated in Connecticut he is personally known to
us and we believe him to be every way qualified for the Episcopal
office, and for the discharge of those duties peculiar to it, in the
present trying and dangerous times.

All the weighty considerations which concur to enforce our re
quest, are well known to your grace; we therefore forbear to enlarge,
lest we should seem to distrust your grace's zeal in a cause of such
acknowledged importance to the interests of religion. Suffer us
then to rest in humble confidence that your grace will hear and
grant our petition, and give us the consolation of receiving, through
a clear and uninterrupted channel, an overseer in this part of the
household of God.

That God may continue your life and health, make you in his
providence an eminent instrument of great and extensive usefulness
to mankind in general, a lasting blessing to the Church over which
you preside in particular; and that the present and future sons of
the Church in America, may have cause to record and perpetuate
your name as their friend and spiritual father, and, when your
sacred work is ended, that you may find it gloriously rewarded, is
and shall be the devout prayer of the clergy of Connecticut, by
whose order (in convention assembled,) and in whose behalf, this
letter is addressed to your grace, by your grace's most obedient,
humble servant, (Signed,) ABRAHAM JARVIS,

Minister of the Episcopal Church in Middletown,
and Secretary to the Convention.

223 HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS.

Testimonial.

Whereas our well beloved in Christ, Samuel Seabury, doctor of
divinity, and missionary of Staten-Island, in this province, is about
to embark for England, at the earnest request of the Episcopal
clergy of Connecticut, and for the purpose of presenting himself a
candidate for the sacred office of a bishop ; and that when conse-
1 and admitted to the said office, he may return to Connecticut,
;IM 1 there exercise the spiritual powers, and discharge the duties
which are peculiar to the Episcopal character, among the members
of the Church of England, by superintending the clergy, ordaining
candidates for holy orders, and confirming such of the laity as may
choose .to be confirmed We, the subscribers, desirous to testify our
heartv concurrence in this measure, and promote its success; as well
as to declare the high opinion we justly entertain of Doctor Sea-
bury's learning, abilities, prudence, and zeal for religion, do hereby
certify, that we have been personally and intimately acquainted
with the said Doctor Seabury for many years past that we believe
him to be every way qualified for the sacred office of a bishop; the
several duties of which office, we are firmly persuaded, he will dis
charge with honour, dignity, and fidelity, and consequently with
advantage to the Church of God.

And we cannot forbear to express our most earnest wish, that
Doctor Seabury may succeed in this application, as it will be the
means of preserving the Church of England in America from ruin,
and of preventing many irregularities which we seem approach
ing, and which, if once introduced, no after care may be able to
remove.
Given under our hands, at New York, this twenty -first day of

April, in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and

eiyhty-three,

JEREMIAH LEAMING, D.D.
CHARLES INGLIS, D.D.
Rector of Trinity Church, New York.

BENJAMIN MOORE, D.D.

Assistant Minister of Trinity Church,

New York, and others.

Letter to the Archbishop of York.

New York, May 24, 1783.
MY LORD,

The reverend Doctor Samuel Seabury will have the honour of
presenting this letter to your grace. He goes to England at the
request of the Episcopal clergy of Connecticut, on business highly
interesting and important. They have written on the subject to
your grace, and also to the archbishop of Canterbury, and the bishop
of London. But, as they were pleased to consult us on the occa-

HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS. 227

sion, and to submit what they had written to our inspection, re
questing our concurrence in their application, their letters are dated
at New York, and signed only by the Rev. Mr. J arvis, the secretary
to their convention, whom they commissioned and sent here for
that purpose.

The measure proposed, on this occasion, by our brethren of Con
necticut, could not fail to have our hearty concurrence. For we
are decidedly of opinion, that no other means can be devised to
preserve the existence of the Episcopal Church in this country.
We have therefore joined with Mr. Jarvis in giving Doctor Seabury
a testimonial, in which wa have briefly, but sincerely, expressed our
sense of his merit, and our earnest wishes for the success of his
undertaking.

Should he succeed and be consecrated, he means (with the appro
bation of the society,) to return in the character, and perform the
duties of a missionary, at New-London, in Connecticut; and on his
arrival in that country, to make application to the governor, in hope
of being cheerfully permitted to exercise the spiritual powers of his
Episcopal office there ; in which, we are persuaded, he will meet
with little, if any opposition. For many persons of character in
Connecticut, and elsewhere, who are members of the Episcopal
Church, have lately declared they have no longer any objection to an
American Episcopate, now that the independence of this country,
acknowledged by Great-Britain, has removed their apprehensions
of the bishops being invested with a share of temporal power by the
British government.

We flatter ourselves that any impediments to the consecration of
a bishop for America, arising from the peculiar constitution of the
Church of England, may be removed by the king's royal permission ;
and we cannot entertain a doubt of his majesty's readiness to grant it.

In humble confidence that your grace will consider the object of
this application as a measure worthy of your zealous patronage, we
beg leave to remind your grace, that several legacies have been, at
different times, bequeathed for the support of bishops in America, and
to express our hopes that some part of those legacies, or of the in
terest arising from them, may be appropriated to the maintenance of
Doctor Seabury, in case he is consecrated, and settles in America.
We conceive that the separation of this country from the parent
state, can be no reasonable bar to such appropriation, nor invalidate
the title of American bishops, who derive their consecration from
the Church of England, to the benefit of those legacies. And per
haps, this charitable assistance is now more necessary, than it would
have been, had not the empire been dismembered.

We take this opportunity to inform your grace, that we have con
sulted his excellency Sir Guy Carleton, on the subject of procuring
the appointment of a bishop for the province of Nova-Scotia, on
which he has expressed to us his entire approbation, and has written

228 HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS.

to administration, warmly recommending the measure. We took
the liberty, at the same time, of mentioning our worthy brother,
the Rev. Dr. Thomas B. Chandler, to his excellency, as a per
son every way qualified to discharge the duties of the Epis^
copal office in that province, with dignity and honour. And we
hope for your grace's approbation of what we have done in that
matter, and for the concurrence of your influence with Sir Guy
Carleton's recommendation in promoting the design.

We should have given this information sooner to your grace, but
that we waited for Doctor Seabury's departure for England, which
we considered as affording the best and most proper conveyance.

If Doctor Chandler and Dr. Seabury should both succeed, as we
pray God they may, we trust that, with the blessing of heaven, the
Episcopal Church will yet flourish in this western hemisphere.

With the warmest sentiments of respect and esteem, we have the
honour to be,

My Lord,

Your grace's most dutiful sons,

And obedient, humble servants,

JEREMIAH LEAMING, D.D.
CHARLES INGLIS, D.D.
Rector of Trinity Church, New York.

BENJAMIN MOORE, D.D.
Assistant Minister of Trinity Church,

New York, and others.
His Grace the Archbishop of York.

The REV. Dr. SEABURY to the REV. MYLES COOPER, LL.D.

London, 31st August, 1784.
My dear Sir,

I hope this letter will find you safe at Edinboro' in good health and
spirits. Here, every thing, in which I have any concern, continues in the
same State as when I saw you at your Castle. I have been for some time
I>a-t. and yet am, in daily Expectation of hearing from Connecticut; but
there have been no late arrivals, nor shall I wait for any, provided I have
any favourable Account from you, but shall hold myself in readiness to
set off for the North at twenty-four hours notice. With regard to myself
it is not my fault that I have not done it before, but I thought it my duty
to pursue the plan mark'd out for me by the Clergy of Connecticut, as
long as there was any probable Chance of succeeding. That probably is
now at an end, and I think myself at liberty to pursue such other Scheme
as shall ensure to them a valid Episcopacy ; and such I take the Scotch
Episcopacy to be in every sense of the word ; and such I know the Clergy
of Connecticut consider it, and have always done so? but the Connection
that has always subsisted between them and the Church of England, and
the generous support they have hitherto receiv'd from that Church, natu
rally led them, though no longer a part of the British Dominions, to apply
to that Church in the first Instance, for Relief in their Spiritual necessity.

HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS. 229*

Unhappily the connection of this Church with the State is so intimate
that the Bishops can do little without the consent of the Ministry, and
the Ministry have refused to permit a Bishop to be consecrated for Con
necticut, or for any other of the 13 States, without the formal request, or
at least consent of Congress, which there is no chance of obtaining, and
which the Clergy of Connecticut would not apply for, were the chance
ever so good. They are content with having the Episcopal Church in
Connecticut put upon the same footing with any other religious Denomi
nation. A Copy of a Law of the State of Connecticut, which enables the
Episcopal congregations to transact their Ecclesiastical affairs upon their
own Principles, to tax their members for the Maintenance of their Clergy ;
for the Support of their worship; for the building and repairing of
Churches ; and which exempts them from all penalties and from all other
taxes, on a Religious Account, I have in my possession. The Legisla
ture of Connecticut know that a Bishop is applied ibr, they know the
person in whose favour the application is made, and they give no Oppo
sition to either. Indeed were they disposed to object, they have more pru
dence than to attempt to object to it. They know that there are in that
State more than 70 Episcopal Congregations: Many of them large: Some
of them making a majority of the Inhabitants of Large Towns, and with
those that are scattered through the State, composing a Body of near or
quite 40,000: a body too large to be needlessly affronted in an Elective
Government.

On this Ground it is that I apply to the good Bishops in Scotland, and
I hope I shall not apply in vain. If they consent to impart the Episcopal
Succession to the Church of Connecticut, they will, I think, do a good
work and the blessing of thousands will attend them. And perhaps for
this cause, among others, God's Providence has supported them, and con
tinued their Succession under various and great Difficulties that a free,
valid and purely Ecclesiastical Episcopacy, may, from them, pass into the
Western world.

As to anything which I receive here, it has no Influence on me, and
never has had any. I indeed think it my duty to conduct the matter iu
such a manner, as shall risk the Salaries which the Missionaries in
Connecticut receive from the Society here, as little as possible, and I per
suade mysejf it may be done so as to make that risk next to nothing.
With respect to my own Salary if the Society choose to withdraw it I
am ready to part with it.

It is a matter of some consequence to me that this affair be determined
as soon as possible. I am anxious to return to America this Autumn,
and the Winter is fast approaching, when the Voyage will be attended
with double inconvenience and danger, and the expence of continuing
here another winter is greater than will suit my purse. I know you will
give me the earliest Intelligence in your power, and I shall patiently wait
till I hear from you. My most-respectful regards attend the Right Rev
erend Gentlemen under whose Consideration this Business will come
and as there are none but the most open and candid intentions on my
part, so I doubt not of the most candid and free Construction of my con
duct on their part. Accept my dear Sir of the best wishes of

Your ever affectionate, &c.

(1) From the Letter-book of Bishop Seabury, in the possession of the
Eev. Dr. Seabury of New York.

230 HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS.

DR. COOPER TO BISHOP KILGOUR.

Dr. Cooper presents his most respectfull Compliments to Bishop Kil-
gour, and begs leave to acquaint him, that, to Dr. Cooper's knowledge,
Dr. Seabury is recommended by several worthy Clergymen in Connecti
cut as a person worthy of Promotion and to whom they are willing to
Submit as a Bishop.

Edinboro, 13th September, 1784.

Postscript by another hand.(l)

Dr. Berkely in consequence of some fears suggested by Bp. Skinner,
wrote the present Archbishop of Canterbury that application had been
made by Dr. Seabury to the Scottish Bishops for consecration, and beg
ged, that if his grace thought the Bishops here run any hazard in com-
plyiii" with Dr. Seabury's request, he would be so good as give Dr. Berkely
notice immediately, but if his Grace was satisfied that there was no Dan
ger, there was no occasion to give any Answer. No answer came.

From the RT. REVD. BP. ROBERT KILGOUR of Aberdeen, to
the REVD. MR. JOHN ALLAN of Edinburgh.

Revd. and Dear Sir,

I acknowledge by the first opportunity the receipt of yours of the 14th
ult., inclosing Dr. Seabury's letter to Dr. Cooper, which I doubt not you
have received in course.

Dr. Seabury's long silence after it had been signified to him, that the
Bishops of this Church would comply with his Proposals, made them all
think that the Affair was dropped and that he did not chuse to be con
nected with them, but his Letter and the manner in which he accounts for
his conduct give such satisfaction that I have the pleasure to inform you,
that we are still willing to comply with his proposal ; to cloath him with
the Episcopal Character, and thereby convey to the western World the
Blessing ot a free, valid, and purely Ecclesiastical Episcopacy: Not
doubting that he will so agree with us in Doctrine and Discipline, as that
he and the Church under his Charge in Connecticut will hold Communion
with us and the Church here on Catholic and Primitive Prikciples ; and
BO that the members of both may with freedom communicate together in
all the Offices of Religion.

We are concerned that he should have been so long in determining
himself to make this Application, and wish that in an affair of so much
importance he had corresponded with one of our number. However as
he appears open and candid on his part, he may believe the Bishops will
be no less so on their part ; and will be glad how soon he can set out for
the Nonh.

As I cannot undertake a Journey to Edinburgh, and it would also be
too hard on Bp. Petrie in his very infirm State, the only proper place that
remains for us to meet in is Aberdeen.

How soon Dr. Seabury fixes on the time for his setting out, or at least

(1) The preceding correspondence is transcribed, verbatim et literatim,
from Bishop Seabury's Letter-Book, already referred to. A note to the
Bishop of Oxford's account of the same matter, in his History of the
American Church, informs that the " Postscript" above was added by
Bishop Skinner.

HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS. 231

HOW SOON(I) he comes into Scotland, I hope he will address me; as the
Bishops will settle their time of meeting for his Consecration as soon
thereafter as their Circumstances and Distance will permit. With a re
turn of the Bps' most respectful Regards to Dr. Seabury, please advise
him of all this. May God grant us a happy meeting and direct all to the
Honour and Glory of his Name and to the good of his Church. To his
Benediction I ever heartily commend you, and am

Revd. and Dear Sir,

Your Affect. Brother and

humble servt.

Pelerhead, (Signed) ROBERT KILGOUR.

2nd Octr. 1784.

DR. SEABURY TO BISHOP KILGOUR.

London, October 14th, 1784.
Right Revd. Sir

Three days ago I was made happy by the Receipt of a Letter from my
friend in Edinburgh, inclosing one from you to the Revd. Mr. John Allan
signifying the consent of the Bishops in Scotland to convey, through me,
the Blessing of a free, valid and purely Ecclesiastical Episcopacy to the
Western World. My most hearty thanks are due to you, and to the other
Bishops for the kind and Christian attention which they shew to the des
titute and suffering Church in North America in general, and that of Con
necticut in particular; and for that ready and willing mind which they
have manifested in this important affair. May God accept and reward
them freely ; and grant that the whole business may terminate in the glory
of his Name and the prosperity of his Church.

As far as I am concerned, or my influence shall extend, nothing shall
be omitted to establish the most liberal intercourse and union between
the Episcopal Church in Scotland and in Connecticut, so that the Mem
bers of both may freely communicate together in all the offices of Re
ligion, on Catholic and Primitive principles.

Whatever appearances there may have been of inattention on my part
they will I trust, when I shall have the happiness of a personal conference
be fully, and to a mind so candid and liberal as yours, satisfactorily ex
plained.

I propose through the favour of God's good providence, to be at Aber
deen by the 10th of November, and shall there wait the convening of the
Bishops who have so humanely taken this matter under their manage
ment. My best and most respectful regards attend them.

Commending myself to your prayers and good offices, I remain, Right
Revd. Sir, with the greatest respect and esteem.

Your most obdt. and humble Servt.,

S.S.

It appears from the following letter, that overtures had
been made in the interim to the nonjuring Bishops of the
Separation which commenced in 1733 or 1734,(2) and con-

(1) i.e., AS SOON AS.

(2) Lathbury's History of the Nonjurors, 8vo. London, 1845. p. 411.

232 HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS.

tinued to the close of the 18th century. In the year 1780 Price
and Cartwright, two clergymen of this faction, had been con
secrated Bishops by Thomas Deacon alone, and to them pro
posals seem to have been made, as a last resort, to convey
the Episcopal character to the persevering Missionary from
Connecticut. Bishop Cartwright, as we learn from Lath-
bury,(l) was at this time residing at Shrewsbury, " practising
as a surgeon;" and, as appears from Dr. Seabury's reply,
very willingly proffered his services in the way of consecra
tion. Happily this resort was not necessary ; and at the
time of receiving this proposal measures were in a state of
forwardness for the action of the Scotch bishops.

DR. SEABURY to the RIGHT REV. BP. CARTWRIGHT, of
Shrewsbury, (who had been consulted by the Rev. Mr.
Boucher concerning an American Episcopacy), In answer
to a letter from the Bp. to Dr. Chandler, dated London,
October (supposed) the 15th, 1784. (2)

Right Revd. Sir,

Some time ago a letter from you to the Revd. Dr. Chandler respecting
some queries proposed by the Revd. Mr. Boucher was put into my hands.
This was the first information I had received concerning yourself or Bp.
Price. And as I am in Spiritual matters totally independent OF AXY CIVIL
POWEK and have no manner of objection; but a sincere inclination to
conform myself, as near as possible to the Primitive Catholic Church, in
doctrine and discipline, that Letter would have been immediately attend
ed to by me, had I not primarily entered into a negociation with the Bps.
in the North, to obtain through them a free, valid, and purely Ecclesias
tical Episcopacy for the Church in Connecticut. Till within a few days
I have had no decided answer from the North, and therefore did not
sooner write to you, because I could make no certain reply to your letter.
But as the issue of the negociation I was engaged in is such as that I
cannot in honor retreat, I can only at present return you my hearty and
unfeigned thanks for the candid communication and liberal sentiments
which your letter contained ; and to assure you that I shall ever retain the
highest esteem and veneration both for yourself and Bishop Price, on ac
count of the ready disposition which you both show to impart the great
blessing of a primitive Episcopacy to the destitute Church in America.
Should any circumstances render it convenient to open a further corres
pondence on this or any other subject in which the interest of Chri t's
Church may be concerned, I flatter myself with a continuance of that
Spirit of liberality and Christian condescension which your letter mani
fested, and shall make it my study to return it in the most open and un
reserved manner.

(1) Lathbury s History of the Nonjurors, page 412.

(2) The original endorsement in Bishop Seabury's Letter-Book.

HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS. 233

Be pleased, to present my best respects to Bishop Price, and to accept
ye tender of unfeigned regard and esteem from

Right Revd. Sir,
Your most obt. and very humble Servt.

s. s.

" One more hindrance," says the Bishop of Oxford, in his
interesting History of the American Church,(l) "was inter
posed to the fulfilment of these wishes. When the Scotch
bishops had resolved to consecrate, an earnest appeal was
sent to them from an American clergyman, whose own views,
as it afterwards appeared, would be in some measure thwart
ed by the consecration of Dr. Seabury; but who now assur
ed them that he desired to divert a heavy stroke from Epis
copacy, which was likely to suffer through the consecration;"
which, he asserted, was " against the earnest and sound ad
vice of the Archbishops of Canterbury and York, to whom
Dr. Seabury's design was communicated, they not thinking
him a fit person, especially as he was actively and deeply en
gaged against Congress ; that he would by this forward step
render Episcopacy suspected there, the people not having
had time, after a total derangement of their civil affairs, to
consider as yet of ecclesiastical; and if it were unexpectedly
and rashly introduced among them at the instigation of a few
clergy only that remain, without their being consulted, would
occasion it to be entirely slighted, unless with the approba
tion of the state they belong to ; which is what they are la
bouring after just now, having called several provincial meet
ings together this autumn to settle some preliminary articles
of a Protestant Episcopal Church as near as may be to that,
of England or Scotland. . . 'See,' he concludes,
' if you value your own peace and advantage as a Christian
society, that your bishops meddle not in this consecration,'
&c."

It is not difficult to recognize as the author of this com
munication, a pruuiiiieiit clergyman, to whose efforts tur the

(1) Page 210, 211.

234 HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS.

Episcopate subsequent references will be made. It is suffi
cient here to mention, that this disingenuous course failed
utterly of its object ; and that the bishops of Scotland hav-
ino- decided to communicate the Episcopacy to America,
were little disposed to favour individual ambition, or heed
the insinuations of personal prejudice.

We pass to the original record of the Consecration as con
tained in the " Minute-Book of the College of Bishops in
Scotland."! 1 ) These documents, narrating the history and
terms of the intercommunion of the Churches of Scotland
and Connecticut, are of the highest importance, and they re
flect no little credit upon those venerable men by whom they
were drawn up.

SYNOD 1784.

In the name of the holy and undivided Trinity. Amen.

The American States having been by the Legislature of .Great Britain
declared independent, the Christians of the Episcopal persuasion in the
State of Connecticut, who had long been anxiously desirous to have a
valid and purely ecclesiastical Episcopacy established amongst them,
thought they had now a favourable opportunity of getting this their desire,
effected.

With this view, the Rev. Dr. Samuel Seabury, one of the Episcopal
clergy in that State, was sent over to England with ample certificates of
his piety, abilities, and learning, and fitness for the Episcopal office, and
recommendations by his brethren, both in Connecticut and Xew York,
to the Archbishops of Canterbury and York, requesting that he might
be consecrated for the State of Connecticut. After a long stay
in England, and fruitless application for consecration, Dr. Seabury
wrote and made application to the Bishops of Scotland, who, after
having seriously considered the matter, readily concurred to encourag-
and promote the proposal. In consequence of this, Dr. Seahnry came to
Scotland; and having notified his arrival, a day was fixed for his conse
cration, and the place appointed was Aberdeen. On Saturday, the 13th
of November, in the year of our Lord 1784, the following Bishops, viz.:
The Right Rev. Mr. Robert Kilgour, Bishop of Aberdeen and Primus;
the Right Rev. Mr. John Skinner, his coadjutor; and the Right Rev. Mr.
Arthur Petrie, Bishop of Ross and Moray, (the Right Rev. Mr. Charles
Rose, Bishop of Dunblane, having previously signified his assent, and be-
cused his absence by reason of his state of health and great distance,)
convened at Aberdeen, where Dr. Seabury met them, and laid before
them the following letters and papers, viz.: (1.) An attested copy of a
letter from the clergy of Connecticut to the Archbishop of York, recom
mending Dr. Seabury in very strong terms, and requesting he might be

(1) An original copy of the "Concordat" which forms a part of thene valuable papers,
1 in the hands of the Rev. Prof. W. J. Seabury, of New York. It is the one brought by
Bp. Seabury to this country, and differs only in unimportant particulars from the Scottish
Original which is here followed.

HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS. 235

consecrated for Connecticut. (2.) Another copy of a letter from the
clergy of New York to both the Archbishops, signifying their concurrence
and highly approving of the measure. (3.) A full and ample testimo
nial from the clergy of Connecticut and New York, jointly certifying Dr.
Seabury's learning, abilities, prudence, and zeal for religion, and that they
believed him to be every way qualified for the sacred office of a Bishop.
(4.) A letter from the Committee of the Clergy in Connecticut to Dr. Sea-
bury, acquainting him that they had made application to the Assembly
of the State of Connecticut as to what protection might be expected for
a Bishop in that State, if they should be able to procure one. That their
application met with a degree of candour and attention beyond their ex
pectation; and that the opinion of the leading members of the Assembly
appeared to coincide fully with theirs in respect of the need, propriety, and
prudence of such a measure. That these members told them they had
passed a law concerning the Episcopal Church, and invested her with all
the legal powers and rights that is intended by their constitution to give
to any denomination. That the protection asked for was necessarily in
cluded in the act; that let a Bishop come, when he is there he will stand
upon the same ground that the rest of the clergy do, or the Church at
large. That the legislature of the State would be so far from taking any
umbrage, that in this transaction the Bishops would meet their generous
wishes, and do a thing for which they would have their applause. (5.)
A letter from the Committee of Convention in Connecticut to Dr. Sea-
bury, amongst other things, signifying their reliance on his zeal and for
titude to prosecute the affair in such way as he can, and begging he will
remember that, however glad they shall be to see him, and wish speed to
the opportunity that may enable them to bid him a happy welcome, yet
that his coming a Bishop will only prevent its being an unhappy meeting.
(6.) A letter from Mr. Jarvis, Secretary of the Committee, to Dr. Seabury,
accompanying the above letter, wherein Mr. Jarvis says, you may depend
upon it you will be kindly treated in this State, let you ordination come
from what quarter it will. (7.) An attested copy of the above-mentioned
Act of the State of Connecticut for securing the rights of conscience in
matters of religion to Christians of every denomination, passed in the
January session 1783.

The said Bishops thus convened, after reading and considering these
papers, and conversing at full length with Dr. Seabury, were fully satisfied
of his fitness to be promoted to the Episcopate, and of the reasonableness
and propriety of the request of these papers ; and therefore, the day fol
lowing being Sunday, the 14th of the said month of November, after
morning prayers, and a sermon suitable to the occasion, preached by
Bishop Skinner, they proceeded to the consecration of the said Dr. Sam
uel Seabury, in the said Bishop Skinner's Chapel in Aberdeen, and he was
then and there duly consecrated with all becoming solemnity by the said
Right Rev. Mr. Robert Kilgour, Mr. Arthur Petrie, and Mr. John Skinner,
in the presence of a considerable number of respectable clergymen and a
great number of laity, on which occasion all testified great satisfaction.
On Monday the loth, a Concordate betwixt the Episcopal Church in Scot
land and that in Connecticut was formed and agreed upon by the Bishops
of Scotland and Bishop Seabury, to their.mutual satisfaction; and two
duplicates thereof, wrote upon vellum, were duly signed and sealed by all
the four. One duplicate, together with the -above-mentioned letters and
papers respecting Dr. Seabury, was kept by the Bishops of Scotland, to
be preserved among their records; and the other double, together with a

236 HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS.

letter from the Bishops of Scotland to the clergy of Connecticut, wrote
also upon vellum, and duly signed and sealed, was delivered to Bishop
Seabury : and so the Synod broke up. Copies of the Concordate and let
ter are herein inserted, and are as follows :

CONCORDAT.

In the name of the HOLY and UNDIVIDED TRINITY, FATHER, SON, and
HOLY GHOST, one GOD, Blessed for ever. Amen. The wise and gracious
providence of this merciful God having put it into the hearts of the Chris
tians of the Episcopal persuasion in Connecticut in North America, to
desire that the blessings of a free, valid, and purely ecclesiastical Episco
pacy might be communicated to them, and a Church regularly formed in
that part of the western world, on the most ancient and primitive model ;
and application having been made for this purpose by the Rev. Doctor
Samuel Seabury, Presbyter in Connecticut, to the Right Rev. the Bishops
of the Church in Scotland, the said Bishops having taken this proposal
into their serious consideration, most heartily concurred to promote and
encourage the same as far as lay in their power, and, accordingly, began
the pious and good work recommended to them, by complying with the
request of the clergy in Connecticut, and advancing the same Dr. Samuel
Seabury to the high order of the Episcopate, at the same time earnestly
praying that this work of the Lord, thus happily begun, might prosper in
his hand, till it should please the great and glorious head of the Church to
increase the number of Bishops in America, and send forth more such
labourers into that part of His harvest. Animated with this pious hope,
and earnestly desirous to establish a bond of peace and holy communion
between the two Churches, the Bishops of the Church in Scotland, whose
names are underwritten, having had full and free conference with Bishop
Seabury, after his consecration and advancemeut as aforesaid, agreed with
him on the following articles, which are to serve as a Concordate, or bond of
union, between the Catholic remainder of the ancient Church of Scotland,
aud the now rising Church in Connecticut.

AUT. I. They agree in thankfully receiving, and humbly and heartily
embracing the whole doctrine of the Gospel as revealed and set forth in
the Holy Scriptures, and it is their earnest and united desire to maintain
the analogy of the common faith once delivered to the saints, and happily
preserved in the Church of Christ, through His Divine power and protec
tion, Who promised that the gates of hell should never prevail against it.

ART. II. They agree in believing this Church to be the mystical body of
Christ, and of which He alone is the head and supreme governor, and that
under Him the chief ministers or managers of the affairs of this spiritual
society are those called Bishops, whose exercise of their sacred office be
ing independent of all lay powers, it follows, of consequence, that their spir
itual authority and jurisdiction cannot be aftected by any lay deprivation.

ART. III. They agree in declaring that the Episcopal Church in Con
necticut is to be in. full communion with the Episcopal Church in Scotland,
it being their sincere resolution to put matters on such a footing as that
the members of both churches may with freedom and safety communicate
with either, when their occasions call them from the one country to the
other. Only taking care, when in Scotland, not to hold communion in
sacred offices w'ith those pers&ns who, under the pretence of ordination by
an English or Irish bishop, do, or shall take upon them to officiate as cler
gymen in any part of the National Church of Scotland, and whom the
Scottish Bishops cannot help looking upon as schismatical intruders, de
signed only to answer worldly purposes, and uncommissioned disturbers

HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS. 237

of the poor remains of that once flourishing Church, which both their pre
decessors and they have, under many difficulties, laboured to preserve pure
and uncorrupted to future ages.

ART. IV. With a view to this salutary purpose mentioned in the preced
ing article, they agree in desiring that there may be as near a conformity
in worship and discipline established between the two Churches as is con
sistent with the different circumstances and customs of nations ; and in
order to avoid any bad effects that might otherwise arise from political
differences, they hereby express their earnest wish and firm intention to
observe such prudent generality in their public prayers with respect to these
points as shall appear most agreeable to Apostolic rules, and the practice
of the Primitive Church.

ART. V. As the celebration of the Holy Eucharist, or the administration
of the Sacrament of the body and blood of Christ is the principal bond of
union among Christians, as well as the most solemn act of worship in the
Christian Church, the Bishops aforesaid agree in desiring that there may
be as little variance here as possible ; and though the Scottish Bishops are
very far from prescribing to their brethren in this matter, they cannot help
ardently wishing that Bishop Seabury would endeavour all he can, consist
ently with peace and prudence, to make the celebration of this venerable
mystery conformable to the most primitive doctrine and practice in that
respect, which is the pattern the Church of Scotland has copied after in
her Communion office, and which it has been the wish of some of the
most eminent divines of the Church of England, that she also had more
closely followed than she seems to have done since she gave up her first re
formed Liturgy, used in the reign of King Edward VI., between which,
and the form used in the Church of Scotland, there is no difference in any
point, which the primitive Church reckoned essential to the right minis
tration of the Holy Eucharist. In this capital article, therefore, the Eu-
charistick service, in which the Scottish Bishops so earnestly wish for as
much unity as possible, Bishop Seabury also agrees to take a serious view
of the Communion office recommended by them, and if found agreeable
to the genuine standards of antiquity, to give his sanction to it, and by
gentle methods of argument and persuasion, to endeavour, as they have
done, to introduce it by degrees into practice, without the compulsion of
authority on the one side, or the prejudice of former custom on the other.

ART. VI. It is also hereby agreed and resolved upon, for the better an
swering the purpose of this Concordate, that a brotherly fellowship be
henceforth maintained between the Episcopal Churches in Scotland and
Connecticut, and such a mutual intercourse of ecclesiastical correspond
ence carried on, when opportunity offers, or necessity requires, as may tend
to the support and edification of both Churches.

ART. VII. The Bishops aforesaid do hereby jointly declare, in the most
solemn manner, that in the whole of this transaction they have nothing
else in view but the glory of God, and the good of His Church ; and being
thus pure and upright in their intentions, they cannot but hope that all
whom it may concern will put the most fair and candid construction on their
conduct, and take no offence at their feeble but sincere endeavours to pro
mote what they believe to be the cause of truth and the common salvation.

In testimony of their love to which, and in mutual good faith and confi
dence, they have, for themselves and their successors in office, cheerfully
put their names and seals to these presents, at Aberdeen, this 15th day of
November, in the year of our Lord 1784.

(Sic SUB.) ROBERT KILGOUR, Bishop and Primus, L.S.

238 HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS.

Jonx SKIVNER, Bishop, L.S.
ARTHUR PETKIE, Bishop, L.S.
SAMUEL SEABURY, Bishop, L.S.
ARTHUR PETRIE, Clerk.

LETTER from the Bishops of Scotland to the Episcopal Clergy of the State
of Connecticut, in North America, dated at Aberdeen the 15th of No
vember 1784.

REV. BRETHREN AXD WELL BELOVED ix CHRIST Whereas it has been
represented to us, the Bishops of the Episcopal Church of Scotland, by
the Rev. Dr. Samuel Seabury, your fellow Presbyter in the State of Con
necticut, that you are desirous to have the blessings of a free, valid, and
purely ecclesiastical Episcopacy communicated to you, and that you do
consider the Scottish Episcopacy to be such in every sense of the word ;
and the said Dr. Seabury having been sufficiently recommended to us as a
person very fit for the Episcopate, and whom you are willing to acknow
ledge and submit to as your Bishop, when properly authorised to take the
charge of you in that character Know, therefore, dearly beloved, that we,
the Bishops, and, under Christ, the governors by regular succession, of
the Episcopal Church of Scotland, considering the reasonableness of your
request, and being entirely satisfied with the recommendations in favour
of the said Dr. Samuel Seabury, have accordingly promoted him to the
high order of the Episcopate, by the laying on of our hands, and have
thereby invested him with proper powers for governing and performing all
episcopal offices in the Church subsisting in the State of Connecticut in
North America. And having thus far complied with your desire, and done
what was incumbent on us to keep up the Episcopal succession in a part
of the Christian Church which is now, by mutual agreement, loosed from
and given up by those who once took the charge of it, permit us, there
fore, Reverend Brethren, to request your hearty and sincere endeavours to
further and carry on the good work we have happily begun. To this end,
we hope you will receive and acknowledge the Right Reverend Bishop Sea-
bury as your Bishop, and spiritual governor, that you will pay him all due
and canonical obedience in that sacred character, and reverently apply to
him for all episcopal offices which you, or the people committed to your
pastoral care, may stand in need of at his hands, till, through the goodness
of God, the number of Bishops be increased among you, and the State of
Connecticut be divided into separate districts or dioceses, as is the case in
other parts of the Christian world. This recommendation we flatter our
selves you will take in good part from the governors of .a Church which
cannot be suspected of aiming at supremacy of any kind, or over any peo
ple. Unacquainted with the politics of nations, and under no temptation
to interfere in matters foreign to us, we have no other object in view but
the interest of the Mediator's kingdom, no higher ambition than to do our
duty as messengers of the Prince of Peace. In the discharge of this duty
the example which we wish to copy after is that of the Primitive Church
while in a similar situation, unconnected with, and unsupported by, the
temporal powers. On this footing, it is our earnest desire that the Epis
copal Church in North America be in full communion with the Episcopal
Church in Scotland, as we, the underwritten Bishops, for ourselves and
'our successors in office, agree to hold communion with Bishop Seabury,
and his successors, as practised in the various provinces of the Primitive
Church, in all the fundamental articles of faith, and by mutual intercourse
of ecclesiastical correspondence and brotherly fellowship, when opportu-

HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS. 239

nity offers or necessity requires. Upon this plan, which we hope will meet
your joint approbation, and according to this standard of primitive practice,
a Concordate has been drawn up and signed by us, the Bishops of theChnrch
in Scotland, on the one part, and by Bishop Seabury on the other, the ar
ticles of which are to serve as a bond of union between the Catholic re
mainder of the ancient Church of Scotland, and the now rising Church
in the United States of America. Of this Concordate a copy is herewith
sent for your satisfaction ; and after having duly weighed the several ar
ticles of it, we hope you will find them all both expedient and equitable,
dictated by a spirit of Christian meekness, and proceeding from a pure
regard to regularity and good order. As such we most earnestly recom
mend them to your serious attention, and, with all brotherly love, entreat
your hearty and sincere compliance with them.

A Concordate thus established in mutual good faith and confidence,
will, by the blessing of God, make our ecclesiastical union firm and lasting:
And we have no other desire but to render it conducive to that peace, and
agreeable to that truth, which it ever has been, and shall be, our study to
seek after and cultivate. And may the God of Peace grant you to be
like-minded. May He who is the Great High Priest of our profession,
the Shepherd and Bishop of our souls, prosper these our endeavours for
the propagation of his truth and righteousness : May He graciously ac
cept our imperfect services, grant success to our good designs, and make
His Church to be yet glorious upon earth, and the joy of all lands! To
His Divine benediction we heartily commend you, your flocks, and your
labours, and are, Reverend Sirs,

Your affectionate' Brethren and Fellow-Servants in Christ.

The above letter was duly signed and sealed upon vellum by Bishops
Kilgour, Petrie, and Skinner, and delivered to Bishop Seabury.

After which the meeting was dissolved.

(Signed) ARTHUR PETRIE, Clerk.

A single paragraph from the interesting letter of the Rev.
Dr. Hallam, of New London, addressed to the compiler of
the " Annals of the American Episcopal Pulpit," will fur
nish the only added information we may require concerning
this eventful consecration, as it brings vividly before us the
scene and place where the first Bishop for America received
the laying on of hands;

" The Church to which Bishop Seabury was then indebted
for the success of his mission was but a feeble and oppressed
remnant, having lain for nearly a hundred years under the
ban of the government, the object of political hatred and sus
picion, on account of its stedfast and romantic adhesion to
the exiled Stuarts. The Quixotic invasion of Charles Ed
ward, about forty years before, had served to increase its
unpopularity, and strengthen its bondage. Its worship was
forbidden, and the assembling of more than four of its mem-

240 HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS.

bers for the celebration of its services, subjected them to se
vere penalties. Its worship was conducted by stealth, in the
upper rooms of private houses belonging to its wealthier
members, in which all external signs of the purpose to which
they were devoted were carefully avoided. In such an upper
room, the Consecration of Bishop Seabury took place, and
the old house in Aberdeen which was thus the cradle of the
American Episcopal Church, was, for many years, pointed
out as an object of interest to American Episcopalians."! 1 )

Returning to the Seabury Correspondence, of which we
have already made such abundant use, we transcribe the fol
lowing interesting communication, addressed by the newly-
consecrated Bishop to his old friend and correspondent, the
Rev. Jonathan Boucher, formerly a leading clergyman of the
province of Maryland. It gives us the narrative of the Con
secration in the Bishop's own words; and furnishes us, be
sides, abundant proof of the earnest devotion and zeal with
which he had already entered upon his labors.

BISHOP SEABURY to the REV. MR. BOUCHER.

Edinburgh, Decemr. 3rd, 1784.
My very dear Sir.

I promised to write to you as soon as a certain event took place, and I
have not till now made good my promise. In truth, I have not had op
portunity to collect my thoughts on the subject, on which I chiefly wished
to write to you ; and even now, I expect every minute to be called upon
and probably this letter will go unfinished to you.

Dr. Chandler I suppose has informed you that my consecration took
place on the 14th of November at Aberdeen. I found great candour,
piety and good sense among the Scotch bishops and also among the Cler
gy with whom I have conversed. The Bps. expect the Clergy of Connec
ticut will form their own Liturgy and offices yet they hope the English
Liturgy, which is the one they use, will be retained, except the Commu
nion Office and that they wish should give place to the one in Edward the
Sixth's Prayer Book. This matter I have engaged to lay before the Cler
gy of Connecticut and they will be left to their own judgment which to
prefer. Some of the Congregations in Scotland use the one and some the
other office; but yet communicate with each other on every occasion that
offers. On Political Subjects not a word was said. Indeed their attach
ment to a particular family is wearing off and I am persuaded a little good
policy in England would have great effect here.

Upon the whole I know of nothing, and am conscious that I have done
nothing, that ought to interrupt my connection with the Church of En
gland. The Church in Connecticut has only done her duty in endevour-

(1) Sprague's Annals of the American Episcopal Pulpit.

HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS. 241

ing to obtain an Episcopacy for herself, and I have only done my duty ia
carrying her endeavours into execution. Political reasons prevented her
application from being com plied with in England. It was natural in the
next instance to apply to Scotland, whose Episcopacy, though now under
a cloud, is the very same, in every ecclesiastical sense with the English.

His Grace of Cant, apprehended, that my obtaining consecration in
Scotland, would create jealousies, and Schisms in the Church that the
Moravian Bishops in America would be hereby induced to ordain Clergy
men and that the Philadelphian Clergy would be encouraged to carry into
effect, their plan of constituting a nominal Episcopacy by the joint Suf
frages of Clergymen and Laymen.

But when it is considered that the Moravian Bps. cannot ordain Clergy
men for our Church, unless requested so to do, and that when there shall
be a Bp. in America there will be no ground on which to make such a re
quest; and that the Philadelphian plan was only proposed on the Supposi
tion of real and absolute necessity; which necessity cannot exist when
there is a Bishop resident in America, every apprehension of this kind
must I think vanish and be no more. My own Inclination is to cultivate
as close a connection and union with the Church of England, as that
Church and the political State of the two countries shall permit. I have
grown up and lived hitherto under the influence of the highest veneration
tor and attachment to the Church of England, and in the service of the
Society, and my hope is to promote the interest of that Church with greater
effect than ever, and to establish it in the full enjoyment of its whole go
vernment and discipline.

And I think it highly probable that I may be of real service to this
country by promoting a connection with that country in Religious matters
without any breach of duty to ^he State in which I shall live. I cannot
help considering it as an instance of bad policy that my application for
consecration was rejected in England ; and I intend no offence when I
say, that I think the policy would still be worse should the Society on this
occasioo discharge me from their Service ; which his Grace of York, in
my last interview with him, said would certainly be the case. That indeed
would make a Schism between the two Churches, and put it out of my
pov/er to preserve that friendly intercourse and communion which I ear
nestly wish. It might also bring on explanations which would be disa
greeable to me, and I imagine, to the Society also. However, should the
Society itself be obliged to take such a step, though I shall be sorry for it,
and hurt by it, I shall not be dejected. If my father and mother forsake
me, if the Governors of the Church and the Society discard me, I shall
still be that humble pensioner of divine providence which I have been
through my whole life. God I trust will take me up, continue his good
ness to me, and bless my endeavours to serve the cause of his infant
Church in Connecticut. I trust, Sir, it is not the loss of 50. per Annum
that I dread, though that is an object of some importance to a man who
has nothing, but the consequences that must ensue the total alienation
of regard and affections.

You can make such use of this letter as you think proper. If I can
command so much time I will write to Dr. Morrice on the subject. If not
I will see him as soon as I return to London, which will be in 10 days.

Please to present my Regards to Mr. Stevens and all friends and believe
me to be. with the greatest esteem your affectionate humble Sen-ant,

S. S.(l)

(1) Bishop Seabury's Letter-Book.

242 HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS.

Following this interesting communication to an old friend
and sympathizer, the Bishop of Connecticut addressed the
manly letter we subjoin, to the Secretary of the venerable
Society for the Propagation of the Gospel in Foreign Parts.

BISHOP SEABURY TO THE REV. DR. MORICE.

London, Feby. 27, 1785.
Reverend Sir,

When the Articles of the late peace were published in America, it is
natuial to suppose that the members of the Church of England must have
been under many anxious apprehensions concerning the fate of the Church.
The great distance between England and America had always subjected
them to many difficulties in the essential Article of ordination ; and the
independency of that country gave rise to new ones that appeared insur
mountable : Candidates for holy Orders could no longer take the oaths re
quired in the English ordination Office, and without doing so, they could
not be ordained. The Episcopal Church in America must, under such
circumstances, cease, whenever it should please God to take their present
ministers from them, unless some adequate means could be adopted to
procure a regular succession of Clergymen. Under these impressions the
Clergy of Connecticut met tegether as soon as they possibly could, and on
the most deliberate consideration, they saw no remedy but the actual set
tlement of a Bishop among them. They therefore determined to make an
effort to procure that blessing from the English Church ; to which they
hoped, under every change of civil polity, to remain united ; And commis
sioned the Rev. Mr. Abraham Jarvis of Middletown in Connecticut, to go
to New York and consult such of the Clergy there as they thought prudent
on the subject, and procure their concurrence. He was also directed to
try to prevail on the Revd. Mr. Learning or me to undertake a voyage to
England and Endeavour to obtain Episcopal Consecration for Connecti
cut. Mr. Learning declined on account of his age and infirmities ; and
the Clergy who were consulted by Mr. Jarvis gave it as their decided
opinion that I ought, in duty to the Church, to comply with the request of
the Connecticut Clergy. Though I foresaw many and great difficulties iu
the way, yet as I hoped they might all be overcome ; and as Mr. Jarvia
had no instruction to make the proposal to any one besides, and was, with
the other Clergy, of opinion the design would drop if I declined it, I gave
my consent; and arrived in England the beginning of July, 1783, endea
vouring according to the best of my ability and discretion to accomplish
the business on which I came. It would be disagreeable to me to recapit
ulate the difficulties which arose and defeated the measure, and to enter
on a detail of my own conduct in the matter is needless as his Grace of
Cant'y and his Grace of York with other members of the Society, are
well acquainted with all the circumstances.

Finding at the end of the la't Session of Parliament that no permission
was given for consecrating a Bishop for Connecticut or any of the Ameri
can States, in the Act enabling the Lord Bishop of London to ordain for
eign candidates for Deacon's and Priest's orders ; and understanding that
a requisition or at least a formal acquiescence of Congress, or of the Su
preme Authority in some particular State, would be expected before such
permission would be granted ; and that a diocese must be formed, and *

HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS. 243

stated revenue appointed, for the Bishop, previously to his consecration, I
absolutely despaired of ever seeing such a measure succeed in England.
I therefore thought it not only justifiable but a matter of duty to endea
vour to obtain wherever it could be had a valid Episcopacy for the Church
in Connecticut, which consists of more than 30,000 members. I kuew
that the Bishops in Scotland derived their succession from England, and
that their Liturgy, Doctrines, and discipline scarcely differ from those of
the English Church. And as only the Spiritual or purely Ecclesiastical
power of Episcopacy were wanted in Connecticut, I saw no impropriety
in applying to the Scotch bishops for Consecration. If I succeeded I was
to exercise the Episcopal authority in Connecticut out of the British do
minions, and therefore could cause no disturbance in the ecclesiastical or
civil State of this country.

The reasons why this step should be taken immediately appeared also to
me to be very strong. Before I left America a disposition to run into ir
regular practices had showed itself. For some had proposed to apply to
the Moravian, some to the Swedish Bishops, for Ordination : And a pamph
let had been published at Philadelphia urging the appointment of a num
ber of Presbyters and laymen to ordain Ministers for the Episcopal Church.
Necessity was pleaded as the foundation of all these schemes. And this
plea could be effectually silenced only by having a resident Bishop iu
America.

I have entered into no political engagements in Scotland nor were any
ever mentioned to me : And I shall return to America, bound indeed to
hold Communion with the Episcopal Church of Scotland, because I be
lieve that, as I do the Church of England, to be the Church of Christ.

It is the first wish of my heart, and will be the endeavour of my life,
to maintain this unity with the Church of England, agreeably to those
general laws of Christ's Church which depend not on any human power,
and which lay the strongest obligations on all its members to live in peace
and unity with each other : And I trust no obstacles will arise, or hinder
an event so desirable and so consonant to the principles of the Christian
Religion, as the union of the Church of England and the Episcopal Church
of America would be. Such a union must be of great advantage to the
Church in America, and may also be so at some future period to the Church
of England. The sameness of religion will have an influence on the Po
litical conduct of both countries, and in that view may be an object of
some consideration to Great Britain.

How far the venerable Society may think themselves justifiable in con
tinuing me their Missionary, they only can determine. Should they do
so, I shall esteem it as a favour. Should they do otherwise, I
can have no right to complain. I beg them to believe that I shall
ever retain a grateful sense of their favours to me, during thirty-one
years that I have been their Missionary: and that I shall remember,
with the utmost respect, the kind attention which they have so long paid
to the Church in that Country for which I am now to embark. Very happy
would it make me could I be assured they would continue that attention,
if not in the same yet in some degree, if not longer, yet during the lives
of their present Missionaries, whose conduct, in the late commotions, has
been irreproachable and has procured esteem to themselves and respect
to that Church to which they belong.

The fate of individuals is however of inferior moment when compared
with that of the whole Church. When ever the Society shall wholly cease
to interest itself in the concerns of Religion in America, it will be a heavy

244 HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS.

calamity to the Church in that Country. Yet this is to be expected : and the
Calamity will be heavier, if proper steps be not previously taken to secure
to that Church various property of lauds, &c., in the different States, (now
indeed of small value but gradually increasing) to which the Society alone
has a legal claim. It is humbly submitted to them how far it may be con
sistent with their views to give men, authority to assert, and secure to the
Church there, the lands in Vermont and elsewhere. This it is hoped,
might now be easily done, but a few years may render their recovery im-
j raeticable. The Society has also a library of books in New York, which
was sent thither for the use of the Missionaries in the neighborhood. As
there is now only one Missionary in that State, and several in Connecti
cut, I beg leave to ask their permission to have it removed into Connecti
cut where it will answer the most valuable purposes ; there being no li
brary of consequence in that State to which the Clergy can resort on any
occasion.

Whatever the Society may determine with regard to me I hope it will not
be thought an impropriety that I should correspond with them. I think many
advantages would arise from such a correspondence both to the Church
and to the Society. Their interests are indeed the same ; and I trust the
Society will do me the justice to believe, that with such ability as I have,
and such influence as my Station may give me, I shall steadily endeavour
to promote the interest of both. I am,

With the greatest respct and esteem, Revd. Sir,
Your and the Society's most obdt. and very humble Servt.

S. S.(l)

To this dignified communication the following letter was
returned. It is mainly noticeable from the studied unwil
lingness' to recognize the Scottish Episcopacy, it displays in
its address and close.

' To the Rev. Dr. Seabury, New London, Connecticut." [So directed.]

Hatton Garden, April 25th, 1785.
Revd. Sir.

Your letter of February 27th was read to the Society, &c., at their first
Meeting subsequent to my receiving it.

I am directed by the Society to express their approbation of your Ser
vice as their Missionary ; and to acquaint you that finding They cannot
consistently with their Charter employ any Missionaries except in the
Plantations, Colonies, and Factories belonging to the Kingdom of Great
Britain, your case is of course comprehended under that general rule.

No decided opinion is yet formed respecting the lands you mention.
For the rest, the Society without doubt will always readily receive such in
formation as may contribute to promote their invariable object, the pro
pagation of the Gospel in Foreign Parts.
I am, Revd. Sir,

Your affectionate Brother and
Most humble Servant,

WM. MORICE,

Secretary.(2)

(1) Bishop Seabury's Letter-Book. (2) Ibid.

HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS. 245.

The following extract from a letter from the Rev. Dr.
T. B. Chandler to Bishop Skinner, dated April 23, 1785, gives
us the date of the Bishop's departure, and furnishes us with
a fragment of clerical scandal, for which unhappily there
was only too much foundation.

" Dr. Seabury, of whom you cannot have so high an opin
ion as I have, because you are not so well acquainted with
him, left the Downs on the 15th of last month, and on the
19th he was 65 leagues west of the Lizard, with a fair pros
pect of a good passage, at which time he wrote to me. It
appears from the late letters from America, that there was
great impatience for his arrival, and no apprehension of his
meeting with ill-treatment from any quarter. In my opinion,
he has more trouble to expect from a certain crooked-grained
false brother, (of whose character you must have some know
ledge,) than from any other person I mean Dr. S th,

late of Philadelphia College, now of Maryland. He is a man
of abilities and application, but intriguing and pragmatical.
His principles, with regard both to church and state, if he
has any, are most commodiously flexible, yielding not only
to every blast, but , to the gentlest breeze that whispers !
With professions of great personal esteem for Dr. Seabury,
made occasionally, he has always counteracted and opposed
him as far as he dared, and I doubt not but he will continue
to oppose him in his Episcopal character. He will be able to
do this more effectually if he succeeds in his project of ob
taining consecration himself, with a view to which he is said
to be about embarking for Britain. His character is so well
known by the Bishops here, that I trust they would have the
grace to reject him, even were he to carry his point with the
ministry; and I am sure there is no danger of his imposing
upon your venerable synod." (1)

Early in the spring of 1785, Bishop Seabury sailed from
England for America, visiting Halifax, where several mem-

(1) Vide pp. 46-48, "Annals of Scottish Episcopacy, from the year
1788 to the year 1818, inclusive; by the Rev. John Skinner, A.M." 8vo.
Edinburgh, 1818.

246 HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS.

bers of his family were then residing, in his way.(l) By the
"latter end of June," he was again in Connecticut. His
"reception from the inhabitants," he writes to Bishop Skin-
ner,(2) was "friendly," and he "met with no disrespect."
Perhaps one of the most noticeable proofs of the annoyance
felt by the predominant religious denomination in Connecti
cut, was the change by President Stiles, of Yale College,
who had two years earlier published, in an " Election Ser
mon" of inordinate length, an elaborate attempt to prove
the validity of Presbyterian ordination, of the " usual dedi
cation xof the theses at Commencement from pastors to bish
ops. "(3) But this exhibition of denominational spleen, on
the part of one who had so lately boasted, in the presence
of the State authorities, of the "great proportion in the
American republic" (4) held by the Presbyterians, was of lit
tle moment, though the vain effort to lose sight of the distinc
tion of the office by an arrogant assumption of the name,
was continued for some time on the part of the Presbyterian
ministers. (5) In a country where free toleration had been
proclaimed as one of the fundamental principles of govern
ment, and where the Church and State were almost, and soon
to be wholly, distinct, a spiritual office and an ecclesiastical
title could cause no popular fears nor give occasion to deno
minational intolerance.

(1) Vide an interesting letter from the Rev. Dr. T. B. Chandler to
Dr. (afterwards the Rev. Dr.) Isaac Wilkins, of West Chester, published in
Bolton's "History of the Prot. Epis. Church in the County of West
Chester. (8vo. New York, 1855.) pp. 102, 103.

12) Seabury MSS., quoted by Wilberforce, p. 213.

(3) Vide " Letters occasioned by the publication of a private Epistolary
Correspondence, begun by Mr. Samuel Maclintock, Preacher to a Puritan
Congregation in Greeland, New Hampshire. By John Cosens Ogden, a
Presbyter of the Protestant Episcopal Church in the United States of
America." 8vo. Boston. MDCCXCI. p. 33.

(4) Vide pp. 67, 68 of " The United States Elevated in Glory and
Honor. A Sermon, Preached before His Excellency Jonathan Trumbull,
Esq., LL.D., Governor and Commander-in-Chief, And the Honorable The
General Assembly of The State of Connecticut, Convened at Hartford,
At the Anniversary Election, May 8th, 1783. By Ezra Stiles, D.D., Presi
dent of Yale College." 8vo. New Haven, M,DCC,LXXXIII. pp. 99.

(5) Bishop Wilberforce's History of the American Church, p. 213.

HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS; 247

On August 3d, 1785, Bishop Seabury met his Clergy in
Convention at Middletown. "Joyful indeed was the meet
ing."! 1 ) The " Concordate," which we have already print
ed, with its accompanying letter from the Bishops of the
Church in Scotland, were laid before the assembly, consist
ing, as might be expected, of Clergy only, and these eviden
ces of intercommunion and sympathy were " cordially re
ceived." In reply, the Convocation of Connecticut address
ed the following letter, which is still preserved in the " Mi
nute Book" of the Bishops of Scotland, to which reference
has been previously made.

Letter from the Episcopal Clergy of the State of Connecti
cut in North America, to the Bishops of the Scottish
Church.

New Haven, in Connecticut,
Sept. 16, 1785.

RIGHT REVEREND FATHERS The pastoral letter which your Christian
attention excited you to address to us from Aberdeen, Nov. 15, 1784, was
duly delivered to us by the Right Reverend Bishop Seabury, and excited
in us the warmest sentiments of gratitude and esteem. We should much
earlier have made our acknowledgments, had not our dispersed situation
made the difficulty of our meeting together so very great, and the multi
plicity of business absolutely necessary to be immediately dispatched so
entirely engrossed our time at our first meeting at Middletown, as to render
it then impracticable. We never had the least doubt of the validity or
regularity of the succession of the Scottish Bishops, and as we never de
sired any other BisTiops in this country, than upon the principles of the
primitive Apostolical Church, we should, from the very first, have been
as well pleased with a Bishop from Scotland as from England. But our
connection with the English Church, and the kind support that most of
our clergy received from the Society for the Propagation of the Gospel,
naturally lead us to renew our application to that Church, when we found
ourselves separated from the British Government by the late peace. We
are utterly at a loss to account for the backwardness of the British Church
and Government to send Bishops to this country, which has long and ear
nestly been requested. And we do think that their refusal to consecrate
Dr. Seabury, under the circumstances that we applied for it, was utterly
inconsistent with sound policy and Christian principles.

Greatly, then, are we indebted to you, venerable fathers, for your kind^
and Christian interposition ; and we do heartily thank God that He did of
His mercy put it into your hearts to consider and relieve our necessity.

We also gratefully revere and acknowledge the readiness with which
you gratified our ardent wishes to have a Bishop to complete our religious
establishment. We receive it as the gift of God Himself through your

(1) Wilberforce's American Church, page 213.

248 HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS.

hands. And though much is to be done to collect and regulate a scat
tered, and, till now, inorganised Church, yet we hope, through patience,
diligence, and propriety of conduct, by God's blessing, in due time to ac
complish it, and to make the Church of Connecticut a fair aud fruitful
branch of the Church Universal.

Our utmost exertions shall be joined with those of our Bishop to pre
serve the unity of faith, doctrine, discipline, and uniformity of worship,
with the Church from which we derived our Episcopacy, and with which it
will be our praise and happiness to keep up the most intimate intercourse
and communion.

Commending ourselves and our Church to your prayers and benedic
tion, we are, Bight Reverend and Venerable Fathers, your most dutiful
sons and servants.

Signed in behalf of the whole by

ABRAHAM JARVIS, Secretary to the Convocation of the

Episcopal Clergy in Connecticut.
To the Right Reverend ROBERT KILGOUR,

Bishop and Primus.
ARTHUR PETRIE, and JOHN SKINNER, Bishops, Aberdeen.

A true copy, attested by
(Signed) ARTHUR PETRIE, Clerk.

Leaving for a brief season the introduction of the Scotch
Communion Office, till the minds of the people had been pre
pared for the change, and adopting for consideration merely
the report of a Committee consisting of the Bishop, the Rev.
Abraham Jarvis, the Rev. Benjamin Moore, and the Rev.
Samuel Parker, recommending certain alterations in the Li
turgy, mainly of a nature rendering it consistent with the
civil constitution, the Convention adjourned; Bishop Seabury
being " willing," as he expresses himself in aletter(l) to the
Rev. Mr. Parker, that "the Convention at Philadelphia
should be over before we proceeded any further, as I have
been informed they have some jealousy, to the southward of
the New England States, in Church, as well as in civil,
affairs."

In a rare old pamphlet, preserved in Harvard College Li
brary, is contained the address of the Clergy of Connecti
cut to their Bishop, and his reply, at this the public recogni
tion of his Episcopate. We transcribe these interesting docu
ments, as exhibiting both the piety and catholicity of the
northern Clergy.

(1) Under date of August 8th, 1785. From the original among the
Bishop Parker Correspondence.

HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS. 249

To the Right Reverend Father in GOD, SAMUEL, by

divine Providence BISHOP of the Episcopal CHURCH

in CONNECTICUT.
The ADDRESS of sundry of the Episcopal Clergy in

the /State of Connecticut.

REVEREND FATHER,

\VE, who have hereunder subscribed our names, in behalf of
of ourselves and other presbyters of the Episcopal Church,
embrace with pleasure this early opportunity of congratulat
ing you on your safe return to your native country; and on
the accomplishment of that arduous enterprise in which, at
our desire, you engaged. Devoutly do we adore and reverently
thank the Great Head of the Church, that he has been pleas
ed to preserve you thro' a long and dangerous voyage; that
he has crowned your endeavours with success, and now at
last permits us to enjoy, under you, the long and ardently

desired blessing of a pure, valid, and free episcopacy A

blessing which we receive as the precious gift of GOD him
self; and humbly hope that, the work he has so auspiciously
begun, he will confirm and prosper, and make it a real benefit
to our Church, not only in this state, but in the American
States in general, by uniting them in doctrine, discipline and
worship; by supporting the cause of Christianity against
all its opposers ; and by promoting piety, peace, concord, and
mutual affection, among all denominations of Christians.

Whatever can be done by us for the advancement of so
good a work, shall be done with united attention, and the ex
ertion of our best abilities. And as you are now, by our vo
luntary and united suffrages (signified to you, first at New-
York, in April, 1783, by the Rev. Mr. JARVIS, and now ra
tified and confirmed by this present convention) elected Bishop
of that branch of the catholic and apostolic church to which
we belong, We, in the presence of Almighty GOD, declare to
the world, that we do unanimously and voluntarily accept,
receive, and recognize you to be OUR BISHOP, supreme in
the government of the Church, and in the administration of
all ecclesiastical offices. And we do solemnly engage to ren
der you all that respect, duty, and submission, which we be
lieve do belong, and are due to your high office, and which
we understand were given by the presbyters to their bishops
in the primitive church, while, in her native purity, she was
unconnected with, and uncontrouled by, any secular power.

The experience of many years had long ago convinced the

250 HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS.

whole body of the clergy, and many of the lay-members of
our communion, of the necessity there was of having resi
dent bishops among us. Fully and publicly was our cause
pleaded, and supported by such arguments as must have car
ried conviction to the minds of all candid and liberal men.
They were, however, for reasons which we are unable to as
sign, neglected by our superiors in England. Some of those
arguments were drawn from our being members of the na
tional church, and subjects of the British government. These
lost their force upon the separation of this government from
Great-Britain, by the late peace. Our case became thereby
more desperate, and our spiritual necessities were much in
creased. Filial affection still induced us to place confidence
in our parent church and country, whose liberality and be
nevolence we had long experienced, and do most gratefully
acknowledge. To this church was our immediate application
directed, earnestly requesting a bishop to collect, govern,
and continue, our scattered, wandering, and sinking church:
and great was and still continues to be our surprise, that a
request so reasonable in itself, so congruous to the nature
and government of that church, and begging for an officer so
absolutely necessary in the church of CHRIST, as they and
we believe a bishop to be, should be refused. We hope that
the successors of the Apostles in the Church of England
have sufficient reasons to justify themselves to the world and
to GOD. We, however, know of none such, nor can our
imagination frame any.

But, blessed be GOD ! another door was opened for you.
In the mysterious oeconomy of his providence he had preserv
ed the remains of the Old Episcopal Church of Scotland, un
der all the malice and persecution of its enemies. In the
school of adversity, its pious and venerable bishops had learn
ed to renounce the pomps and grandeur of the world; and
were ready to do the work of their heavenly Father. As out
casts, they pitied us; as faithful holders of the apostolical
commission, what they had freely received they freely gave.
From them we have received a free, valid, and purely eccle
siastical Episcopacy, are thereby made complete in all our
parts, and have a right to be considered as a living, and, we
hope through God's grace shall be, a vigorous branch of the
catholic church.

To these venerable fathers our sincerest thanks are due,
and they have them most fervidly. May the Almighty be

HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS. 251

their rewarder, regard them in mercy, support them under
the persecutions of their enemies, and turn the hearts of
their persecutors ; and make their simplicity and godly sin
cerity known unto all men ! And wherever the American
Episcopal church shall be mentioned in the world, may this
good deed which they have done for us, be spoken of for a
memorial of them !

JEREMIAH LEAMING,
RICHARD MANSFIELD,
ABRAHAM JARVIS,
BELA HUBBARD,

Middletown, JOHN R. MARSHALL,

August 3d, 1785. and OTHERS.

To this address, the Bishop returned the following reply.

BISHOP SEABURY's ANSWER.
Reverend Brethren, beloved in our Lord, Jesus

Christ,

T HEARTILY thank you for your kind congratulations on
my safe return to my native country; and cordially join
with you in your joy, and thanks to Almighty GOD, for the
success of that important business, which your application
excited me to undertake May GOD enable us all to do every
thing with a view to his glory, and the good of his Church !

Accept of my acknowledgments for the assurances you
give me of exerting your best abilities, to promote the wel
fare, not only of our own church, but, of common Christ
ianity, and the peace and mutual affection of all denomina
tions of Christians. In so good a work, I trust, you will
never find me either backward or negligent.

I should, most certainly, be very apprehensive of sinking
under the weight of that high office to which I have been
under GOD'S providence, raised by your voluntary and free
election, did I not assure myself of your ready advice and
assistance in the discharge of its important duties grateful,
therefore, to me, must be the assurances you give of support
ing the authority of your bishop upon the true principles of
the primitive church, before it was controuled and corrupted
by secular connexions and worldly policy. Let me entreat
your prayers to our supreme Head, for the continual presence
of his Holy Spirit, that I may in all things do his blessed
will.

252 HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS.

The surprise you express at the rejection of your applica
tion in England is natural. But where the ecclesiastical and
civil constitutions are so closely woven together as they are
in that country, the first characters in the church for station
and merit, may find their good dispositions rendered ineffec
tual, by the intervention of the civil authority : and whether
it is better to submit quietly to this state of things in En
gland, or to risk that confusion which would probably ensue
should an amendment be attempted, demands serious consid
eration.

The sentiments you entertain of the venerable bishops in
Scotland are highly pleasing to me. Their conduct through
the whole business was candid, friendly, and Christian ; ap
pearing to me to arise from a just sense of duty, and to be
founded on, and conducted by, the true principles of the pri
mitive, apostolical church. And I hope you will join with
me in manifestations of gratitude to them, by always keeping
up tl.e most intimate communion with them and their suffer
ing church. (1)

SAMUEL, Bp. Epl. Ch. Connect.
Middletown, August 3<i, 1785.

To these interesting papers we append, from the same
source, some of the opening paragraphs of the Bishop's pri
mary Charge to his Clergy, delivered the following day.

REVEREND BRETHREN,
Beloved in our LORD JESUS CHRIST.

TT is with very great and sincere pleasure that I meet you
here at this time, and on this occasion ; and I heartily
thank GOD, our heavenly Father, for the joyful and happy
opportunity with which his good providence has favoured us ;
and do beseech him to direct and prosper all our consulta
tions and endeavours, to his glory and the benefit of his
Church,

(1 } The preceding " Address" and " Answer" are printed from " The Ad
dress of the Episcopal Clergy of Connecticut, to the Right Reverend
Bishop Seabury, with the Bishop's Answer. And, A Sermon Before the
Contention at Middletown, August 3d, 1785. By the Reverend Jeremiah
Learning, A.M., Rector of Christ's Church, Stratford. Also, Bishop Sea-
hury's first Charge, to the Clergy of his Diocese, Delivered at Middletown,
August 4th, 1785. With a List of the Succession of Scots' Bishops, from
the Revolution in 1688, to the present Time. New-Haven: Printed by
Thomas and Samuel Green." 8vo. pp. 46.

HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS. 253

At yonr desire, and by your appointment, I consented to
undertake a voyage to England, to endeavour to obtain those
Episcopal powers, whose want has ever been severely felt and
deeply lamented, by the thinking part of our communion.
The voyage has been long and tedious, and the difficulties
that arose perplexing, and not easily surmountable. Yet, by
the favour of GOD, the important business has been happily
accomplished; and the blessing of a free, valid, and purely
ecclesiastical Episcopacy procured to our infant Church ;
which is now completely organized in all its parts, and being
nourished by sincerity and truth, will, we trust, under the
guidance of the Holy Ghost, grow up in him in all things,
which is the head, even Christ: From whom the whole body
fitly joined together, and compacted by that which every joint
supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of
every part, will make increase of the body, unto the edifying of
itself in love. (1)

As, under GOD, the Bishops of the remainder of the old
Episcopal Church of Scotland, which, at the revolution, fell
a sacrifice to the jealous apprehensions of William the Third,
were the sole instruments of accomplishing this happy work ;
to them our utmost gratitude is due; and I hope the sense
of the benefit we have, through their hands, received, will
ever remain fresh in the minds of the members of our commu
nion, to the latest posterity.

Under the greatest persecutions, GOD has preserved them
to this day, and I trust will preserve them ; that there may
yet be some to whom destitute Churches may apply in their
spiritual wants some faithful shepherds of Christ's flock,
who are willing to give freely, what they have freely received
from thir Lord and Master.

With us then, my venerable brethren, it remains, to make
this precious gift which we have received conducive to the
glory of GOD, and the good of his Church. Long have we
earnestly desired to enjoy the full advantage of our religious
constitution; let us then carefully improve it, to all those
holy purposes, for which it was originally designed by our
divine Head, the august Redeemer of sinful men.

Sensible as I am of my own deficiencies, and of the infir
mities of human nature, I shall, by GOD'S grace, be always
ready to do my duty according to my best ability and discre-

(1) Eph. iv. 15, 16.

254 HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS.

tion; and I trust, I shall, by him, be enabled to avoid every
thing that may bring a reproach on our holy Religion, or be
a hindrance to the increase and prosperity of that Church,
over which, I am, by GOD'S providence, called to preside. On
your advice and assistance, reverend brethren, next to GOD'S
grace, I must rely for support in the great work that is be
fore me, and to which I can, with truth, say, I have devoted
myself without reserve. Your support, I know, I shall have ;
and I hope for the support of all good men. Let us then
trust that GOD will prosper our honest endeavours to serve the
interests of his Church, and to make his Gospel effectual to the
conversion of sinners to him, that their souls may be saved
by the redemption and mediation of his Son. Worldly views
can here have no influence, either on you or me. Loss, and
not gain, may, and probably will be, the consequence of the
step we have taken, to procure for our Church the blessing we
now enjoy. But however our worldly patrons may be dis
posed towards us, our heavenly Father knoweth whereof we
are made, and of what things we have need : And HE is able
to open his hand and Jill all things living with plenteousness.(l)
Let us then seek first his kingdom and the righteousness
thereof^) and depend upon the gracious promise of our Re
deemer, that all things necessary to our bodily sustenance
shall, in the course of his providence, be given unto us. (3)

We would wish to linger over the papers and documents
connected with this consecration, and therefore add the fol
lowing fragmentary correspondence occasioned by it, as il
lustrating English and Scotch apprehensions of the move
ments of the Clergy at the Southward.

BISHOP SKINNER TO BISHOP SEABURY.

[EXTRACT.]

Aberdeen, Jany. 29, 1785.
Rt. Revd. and very dear Sir,

I see the difficulties you will have to struggle with from the loose inco
herent notions of Church government which seem to prevail too much,
even among those of the Episcopal persuasion in some of the Southern
States ; hut the better principles and dutiful support of your own Clergy
will enable you to face the Opposition with becoming fortitude and pru-

m Psalm cxiv. 16. (2) Mat. vi.33.

(3) Bishop Seabury's first Charge, pp. 3, 4, 5.

HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS. 255

dence. And may the great and only Head of his Church strengthen you
for the great work to which he has appointed you, and make you the in
strument of frustrating the mischievous Devices of the late Convention.

I see their Resolutions, printed in some of the London papers, exactly
as you transcribed them ; and what ever Views they may have had of the
future Establishment of Episcopacy in America, I think they could not
have contrived more effectually, for suppressing the influence and smoth
ering all the benefits of it, than by entering into such Articles of Union,
as are directly repugnant to its spirit and subversive of its original De
sign. It is somewhat observable that these Articles should be the same
in number with those of OUR CONCORDATE. Which of the two propose a
Union most agreeable to the primitive plan of Church Government and
Unity, let the real friends of the Church be Judges. While her interests
are in such hands as Dr. Smith's, there is no great ground to hope for much
good to her. But I hope he has already overshot his mark in America,
as his warm friend Dr. Murray did lately in London, by his foolish opposi
tion to you. These bustling spirits often hurt their own Cause, by an
over forward keenness in promoting it.

I have had a letter lately from Dr. Berkeley in return for that of which
you was the bearer. Tho' seemingly well pleased with what has been done
in Scotland for the support of American Episcopacy, he appears to have
imbibed some of the fears which you said his Archbishop mentioned about
the introduction of Schisms, &c. But I had .better give you his own
words, which are these. " With all due deference to the prelates who have
signed the concordate and pastoral letter I beg leave to observe that (from
my knowledge both of the principles and prejudices of the American pro-
testant Episcopalians) some parts of that Concordate and Letter, appa
rently calculated for the conduct of a Bishop, to be employed in the first
publication of the Gospel, rather than as Bishop Seabury is to be occu
pied, may tend to occasion SCHISMS, where UNITY is most desirable. I
redde with pleasure and cordial approbation a great part of both those
papers, which I had the "honor to receive in Bishop Seabury's packet."

As the Doctor has not been pleased to mention, what he thinks the ex
ceptionable part of these papers, we are left in the Dark about them. I
can only suspect that he means the Articles respecting the Eucharistic
Service. And yet I think the cautious way in which it is worded, may
convince him or any unprejudiced person that, though we have a great
regard for Primitive Doctrine and Practice, yet our desire of peace and
unity is no less fervent, and nothing was and is further from our intentions
than to throw the least obstruction in the way of that so VERY DESIRABLE
Object. If you think it will answer any good end to comuunicate this to
the worthy Doctor, you may take a convenient Opportunity of doing it,
as I do not choose, for obvious reasons, to enter into any altercations
with him on the subject, unless he had desired a further explanation of
the passages to which he alluded. From what you heard when here I
have the satisfaction to think you are no stranger to our sentiments in
this matter, and I am sure you will not willingly see them misrepre
sented^ 1)

(1) Bishop Seabury's Letter-Book.

256 HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS.

BISHOP SKINNER TO THE REV. JONATHAN BOUCHER.

Aberdeen, 24th June, 1785.

" Our amiable friend, the Bishop of Connecticut, will have many difficul
ties to struggle with in the blessed work he has undertaken ; and particular
ly from certain occurrences in some of the Southern States, which will, I fear,
create no small opposition to the conscientious discharge of his duty. The
busy bustling President of Washington College, Maryland, seems to be
laying a foundation for much confusion throughout the Churches of North
America, and it will require all Bishop Seabury's prudence and good ma
nagement to counteract his preposterous measures. I saw a letter from
this man lately to a Clergyman in this country, wherein he proposes to be
in London as last month, and wishes to know what the Bishops in Scot
land would do, on an application to them from any foreign country, such
as America is now declared to be, for a succession in their ministry, by
the consecratijn of one or more Bishops for them! By this time, I
suppose, he knows both what we would do and what we have done : and
perhaps is not ignorant, that, as our terms would not please him, so his
measures would be equally displeasing to us."(l)

REV. JONATHAN BOUCHER TO BISHOP SKINNER.

" No doubt you have long ago heard of good Bishop Seabury's arrival,
and most affectionate reception among the poor scattered sheep of yonder
wilderness. He carries himself with such a steady prudence, as to have
commanded the respect of eve the most spiteful ill-willers of his order;
and, with all the countless difficulties he has to encounter, yet, by the
blessing of God on his firm mind, there is, I trust, little doubt that the
church will grow under his pastoral care. I have as yet heard only of his
having ordained five presbyters, one or more of whom are from the South
ern States, which I mention, as considering it an acknowledgment of his
powers, even beyond the limits of his preferred district.

" A general convention of the Episcopal Clergy of all North America,
made up of an equal proportion of lay members, was to meet in Philadel
phia about Michaelmas, to form some general plan for the whole Episco
pal Church. Dr. Seabury, I have understood, though not from himself,
was invited and pressed to attend this meeting, but he very prudently de
clined it, as, from its motley composition, he could not be sure of things
being conducted as they ought. He will be there, however, or has been
there, (and Dr. Chandler also,) with his advice and influence ; and this is
the only reason I have to form any hopes of any good coming from the
meeting.

" I hear of some very alarming symptoms attending the poor church in
the Southern States. The few Episcopal Clergymen Jeft there are not, as
you may imagine, men the most distinguished for abilities or work 1 The
enemies of the Church see this, and avail themselves of it. I have sun
dry late letters from thence, which all speak far too confidently, of some
wild purpose of forming a coalition (too like some other coalitions) be
tween the Episcopalians and Presbyterians. I have, by every means in
my power, put those, over whom I have any influence, in my old neigh
bourhood of Virginia and Maryland, on their guard against a measure

(1) Skinners Annals of Scottish Episcopacy, page 50.

HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS. 257

which I cannot but deem insidious, and therefore likely to be fatal. And
I have also called in the aid of those stout champions, Drs. Chandler and
Seabury. God grant that our united efforts may all avail! It adds not a
little to my apprehensions, that all these things are carrying on within the

vortex of Dr. S th's immediate influence, who is bent on being a

Bishop, ' per fas aut nefas,' and who, if he cannot otherwise compass

his end, will assuredly unite with the P ns ; and so Herod and Pontius

Pilate shall again be made friends !

" You may not perhaps have heard, as I have, that he affected to be
much pleased with Dr. Seabury's having returned to America, invested
with the Episcopal character, all which will be abundantly explained to
you when I further inform you of his having found out that one Bishop alone
may, in certain cases, consecrate another. The English of this is plain,
and may account for your not having seen him in Scotland ! The case is
a ticklish one, and will require poor Seabury's utmost skill to manage.

He knows S th well, and, of course, thinks of him as we all do. Yet

if S th is thus properly consecrated, such is his influence, it may be

the means of preventing the sad state of things in Virginia and Maryland
which I hinted at above. Yet it is dreadful to think of having such a man
in such a station. Daily expect further and fuller accounts, and, on your
signifying that it will not be disagreeable to you, I shall have much plea
sure in communicating them."(l)

BISHOP SKINNER TO MR. BOUCHER.

Aberdeen, Jan. 4, 1786.

" The accounts of good Bishop Seabury's favourable reception in
A.merica, you may believe were highly agreeable to me, and my brethren
of the Episcopal Church in this country ; and though as yet we have not
had these accounts confirmed under his own hand, we have no doubt but
that a little time will bring us these refreshing tidings, and open up a
happy correspondence between the pastors of the truly ' little flock' here,
and those of the ' many scattered sheep of yonder wilderness.' I observ
ed in the newspapers the other day a paragraph, as quoted from the Ma
ryland Journal, which gives no more, I hope, than a true account of our
worthy friend's proceedings, and the honourable reception he has met
with. The description you gave of the alarming symptoms appearing in
the Southern States, is indeed very affecting, and shews such a miserable
deficiency in point of knowledge, as well as zeal, among the Episcopal
Clergy in those parts, as could hardly have been suspected among any who
had received regular Episcopal Ordination. It gives me some comfort to
hear that such able advocates for primitive truth and order as Dr. Chandler
and yourself, are stepping forth in opposition to the wild undigested
schemes of modern sectaries. God, of his mercy, grant success to your
endeavours in so good a cause, and raise up many such to strengthen the
bands of his faithful servant, the Bishop of Connecticut, while he stands
single in the great work he has undertaken. But is there no prospect of
his getting some fellow-workers of his own order, to assist him in stemming
that torrent of irregularity which seems to be pouring down upon him from
the Southern States? What you mention of my countryman, Dr. S th.

(1) Skinner's Annals of Scottish Episcopacy, pp. 52-54.

258 HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS.

is too much of a piece with his former conduct, and plainly shews what
some people will do to compass the end they have in view.

" As to what the doctor has found out in favour of a SINGULAR conse
cration, I know nothing that can justify such a measure but absolute ne
cessity, which in his case cannot be pleaded, because, in whatever way the
Scottish Bishops might treat an application on his behalf, there is no reason
to doubt of their readily concurring in every proper plan for increasing the
number of Bishops in America. And as Dr. Seabury must be sufficiently
sensible of their good inclinations that way, I hope he will be the better
able to resist the introduction of any disorderly measure which might be
made a precedent for future irregularities, and be attended with the worst
of consequences to the cause of Episcopacy. If S th must be pro
moted to the Episcopate at all hazards, let him at least wait until there
l>e a canouical number of Bishops in America for that purpose. That thus,
whatever opposition may be made to the man, there may be none to the
manner of his promotion."(l)

Passing from this recital of the measures resulting from the
failure of the first application to England for the Episcopate,
we must go back a little to detail in chronological order the
successful efforts of the Churches at the South for the same
boon.

Letters from the Rev. Dr. Charles Inglis, subsequently the
first Bishop of Nova Scotia, to the Rev. Mr. White, written in
May and June of the year 1783, seem to have been designed at
the time to secure the co-operation of the Clergy at the South
ward in the application for consecration made in behalf of
Dr. Seabury. But the publication of the celebrated pamph
let already so often referred to, " The Case of the Episcopal
Churches in the United States Considered," had rendered the
more conservative Clergy of the North suspicious of its
Author, and unwilling to communicate to him in full the de
tails of their plan for the preservation of the Church. This
jealous reserve appears plainly in the following letter, in
which Dr. Inglis, who was debarred by political causes from
visiting Philadelphia, invited Mr. White to an interview in

New York.

New York, May 21, 1783.

For some Time past I have very much wished to see you, and have
some Conversation on the common Interests of our Church, with which
Politicks have nothing to do. In the late Troubles, I firmly believe

(1) Skinner's Annals, pp. 55-57.

HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS. 259

that you, like myself, took that part which Conscience and Judgment
pointed out ; and although we differed in Sentiments, yet this did not in
the least diminish my Regard for you, nor the good Opinion I had always
of your Temper, Disposition and Religious Principles. I ever shall es
teem a man who acts from Principle, and in the Integrity of his Heart,
though his Judgment of Things may not exactly coincide with mine.

In one Point I am certain We agree, that is, in the Desire of preserving
our Church and promoting the Interests of Religion. This Point, 1 am
persuaded, might be served, could we confer together. The State of Things
is such that I cannot go to Philadelphia, or else I would go with pleasure ;
but you can come here there is no impediment in the Way but a Pass to
come within the Lines, which I shall immediately procure when you arrive
at Elizabeth-Town. Think on this Matter, and let me hear from you."

The death of a child prevented the acceptance on the part
of the Rev. Mr. White, of this invitation; and immediately
upon the receipt of his letter, containing this information,
Dr. Inglis, after exchanging words of sympathy, addressed

the following communication in reply.

" I thank you for the Pamphlet which accompanied the Letter. I had
seen it before, and on being told that you were the Author, concluded that
you wrote it under the Impression that the Case of our Church was hope
less, and no other method left of preserving it from utterly perishing.
From some Hints in your Letter, I perceive that my conclusion was right.
It must be confessed that your apprehensions at that Time were not wholly
without Foundation ; nor is any thing more natural than when we are
anxious about any Object of Moment, to cast about for some expedient
to accomplish it, and to catch at whatever appears practicable, when the
most eligible method is thought to be out of our Power. In making this
Observation, I only give a Transcript of what has passed in my own
Mind on this very subject: and therefore I cannot but applaud your Zeal
in a Matter of such general and great Moment, at the same Time I tell
you candidly my Opinion, with which I believe you will agree, that the
supposed Necessity, on which your Scheme is founded, does not now re
ally exist ; and that the Scheme itself could not answer the End of a regu
lar Episcopate. In short, my good Brother, you proposed not what you
thought absolutely best and most eligible, but what the supposed Necessity
of the Times compelled you to adopt, and when no better Expedient ap
peared to be within your Reach. In this Light the Pamphlet struck me the
moment I heard it was yours ; and your Letter confirms me in the Judg
ment I had formed.

" That the Necessity, there supposed, does not now exist, is demonstra
tively clear ; because the way to England is open, from whence an Epis
copate can be obtained ; to say nothing of other Episcopal Churches,
from which the Relief might probably be procured for our Church. That
the Scheme itself would not answer the end of an Episcopate, is no less
clear; for if adopted and adhered to, our Church would cease to be an
Episcopal Church 1 It is impossible that there can be an Episcopal Church
without Episcopal Ordination ; and the Ordination here proposed is not
Episcopal, that is, by a Bishop, but by Presbyters. But it is needless to

260 HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS.

enlarge on the point, as you very ingenuously own that ' you are not
wedded to the particular plan proposed ;' and your good sense has pru
dently directed you ' to delay rather than forward measures to accom
plish the Object in Contemplation, with Hopes of its being undertaken
with better Information.'

" You desire to know my Sentiments as to 'the Measures to be pursued
for the continuance of our Church.' One principal Reason why I wished
for an Interview, was, thai we might confer together on the Subject. We
might receive mutual Information by an Interview, which cannot so well
be obtained by Letter. Indeed there are many particulars of great Mo
ment in such a Business that cannot conveniently be committed to writ
ing ; for although whatever you say to me would be perfectly safe and
kept secret, as I believe what I say to you would also be, on your Part,
yet there are a thousand little incidental Circumstances that are necessary
to be known, in order to form a right Judgment, which do not occur, per
haps when we write, or would require much time to set down.

" My clear, decided Opinion in general, is, that some Clergyman of Char
acter and Abilities should go from hence to England to be Consecrated
and admitted to the sacred office of a Bishop, by the English Bishops, and
then to return and reside in America. The next consideration to a good
moral Character, sound principles, abilities and learning in this Clergy
man is, that he should be held in esteem by the leading Men in Power in
this Country, as it would reconcile them the better to the Measure. If
such a Clergyman will undertake to go on this Design, he shall have all
the Assistance and Support that I can possibly give him. But whether
Matters are yet ripe for such a Step, or how far you and others may think
them so, is what I am unable to determine. Were it necessary, I could
adduce unanswerable arguments to evince this to be the most eligible
Scheme ; though I verily believe there needs no Arguments to convince
you of it. What I wish you to do, is to keep your Eye upon it, and prepare
Matters, as your Judgment and Prudence shall direct, for its Execution,
when you think the Time for it is come."(l)

These letters very properly introduce the correspondence
of the Rev. Dr. Alexander Murray and the Rev. Jacob
Duche*, two of the loyalist Clergymen then resident in Lon
don, and whose kind offices in the accomplishment of the end
desired are deserving of honourable mention and grateful re
membrance.

REV. DR. ALEX. MURRAY TO THE REV. MR. WHITE.

London, 26th July, 1783.
Dear Sir.

In the course of arranging your affairs of

State, I trust you will not neglect those of the Church : there can be no
thing in Episcopacy inimical to civil liberty in the United States, any
more than in Switzerland, where Presbytery and Popery are established.
. The grievance of having had no Resident Bishops in America
can now be easily and regularly remedied; it depends not now so much on
the will .of this as of that country. You will no doubt have an Ambassa-

(1) From the Bishop White MSS.

HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS. 261

dor or Resident at this Court, to negociate your public concerns, and if he
applies, at the request of any one State or Body of people, for the conse
cration of an American Bishop, you may Irave any of your own Nomina
tion set apart for that Office according to the rules of the Church of En
gland, without requiring oaths of allegiance to this kingdom ; an Act of
Parliament would be no sooner moved for than passed, enabling the bishops
to dispense with whatever was incompatible on the occasion.
What the Scottish Bishops might do in the pre'sent case, I won't pretend
to say, only they must consider you still as subjects of G. Britain till the
Prince they acknowledge absolves you from your Allegiance to him ;
therefore they must have that objection to you which those in England can
have now no longer. If then you plead NECESSITY for Presbyterial Ordi
nations, it is a NECESSITY of your own making, which can never justify
such an extraordinary step, which will necessarily give rise to new divi
sions and sects in your young States, and these, formidable ones. You
may expect thousands of Emigrants who will choose the Sacraments from
the hands of Ministers Episcopally ordained, and will continue as for
merly to call such from England or Nova Scotia (in which a Bishop,
Inglis or Dr. B. Chandler, and College is to be settled) to supply theii
spiritual necessities; better then have an unexceptionable complete
Church Government at once within yourselves, than be constantly de
pending on another people for supplies of any kind. If you are the au
thor of the pamphlet on this subject, it must have been written when you
despaired of such an amicable accommodation as has lately- taken place.
You might have expected peace or truce, without a Recognizance of Inde
pendence, as in the case of the Spanish and Dutch, but now that this is rati
tied in the most solemn manner, you have every thing that is friendly and
reasonable to expect from the British ; they are as generous as brave, and
you may one day combine your forces as the Spanish and Dutch have
done lately. There is nothing new under the Sun. Your mode of Go
vernment would depress the present Episcopalians far below the level of
the Presbyterians, who observe some consistency, and admit Episcopal
Ordination, while we constantly reject theirs, and will also yours.

ALEXR. MURRAY.(l)

REV. JACOB DUCHE TO THE REV. MR. WHITE.

My Dear Sir. Asylum, Aug. llth, 1783.

I have read your Pamphlet with great attention. Reasoning as you do,
on THE GROUND OF NECESSITY, you are certainly right; and the Argu
ments as well as the Cases you adduce, are exactly to the Purpose. But
I cannot conceive that any such necessity at present exists. Ihe venera
ble old Doctrine of Apostolical Succession need not yet be given up. The
Episcopal Clergy have only to wait with Patience ; and they may have, if
they are unanimous a Church in each State, with a Bishop at its head,
chosen by themselves, and regularly consecrated, without taking any oaths
of supremacy, &c., and unconnected with any Civil or Ecclesiastical Go
vernment but their own. The Plan I would propose, would be simply
this. Let the Clergy of each State, (say Pennsylvania for instance,) to
gether with Lay Deputies from each Congregation in the State, assemble,
and with due Solemnity elect one of their Presbyters to ye Office of Bishop.
Let him preside in their Conventions and agree with them upon such at-

(1) From the original, preserved among the Bishop White MSS.

262 HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS.

terations in the Discipline and Liturgy of the Church of England as Cir
cumstances have rendered necessary. Let him wait for an opportunity of
being regularly consecrated; and till such opportunity ofters, let the Con
vention meet and fix upon his Powers, the Mode of supporting him, and
all other things, that may contribute to ye good Order and Government
of the Church. He may do all the Offices of a Bishop, but ORDAIN and
confirm : and he will not be long without receiving Power to exercise these.
All this will be perfectly consistent with your new Constitution. Nay, you
cannot be interrupted in the completion of such a plan, unless Mobs and
Associations should still be suffered to exercise an illegal Power. Each
Episcopal Church of each State to be independent of the others. Or if
for ye sake of Uniformity of Discipline and Worship, throughput the
States, an annual Synod or Convocation be deemed necessary, let the
Bishop of each State, with a certain Number of his Presbyters, be sent
to the Place appointed. But let there be no Archbishop, or Patriarch.
The first consecrated Bishop always to preside. The rest to take Prece
dency according to seniority of Consecration. Though I may never see
you, I shall always be happy to hear of the welfare and increase of the
Episcopal Church. I have much to say on this subject, and think a Church
might now be formed more upon ye Primitive and Apostolical Plan in
America, than any at present in Xtendom.

Ever yours sincerely,

J. DUCHE.

On the eve of his departure for England, Dr. Inglis re-
burned his correspondence with Mr. White, which had been
interrupted by the death of his wife.

New York, October 22d, 1783.
Reverend Sir.

. . Your last Letter contained many Points of

Moment, which require the most serious Consideration. Some of them
could be better discussed at a personal Interview, which was the Reason
of my wishing for one; but since that is now impracticable, I shall give
you my sentiments upon them briefly; for my present hurry in preparing
to embark for England, will not permit me to enlarge on them so fully
as I would otherwise chuse.

As to " the Obligation of the Episcopal Succession," which you say,
"you never could find sufficient arguments to satisfy you of," I need
only declare that I am perfectly clear and decided in my judgment of
it. Before I entered into Holy Orders, I was fully persuaded of
the truth of what is asserted in the preface to our Ordinal, viz. " It is
" evident unto all men diligently reading holy Scripture, and ancient au-
'thors, that from the Apostles' Times, there have been three Orders of
" Ministers in Christ's Church, Bishops, Priests, and Deacons." All my
Reading and Inquiries since (and they have been diligent and impartial,),
have served to confirm me in the Persuasion. The Episcopal Order ori<r-
inated from our Saviour himself in the Persons of his Apostles ; the Suc
cession of that Order was continued by the inspired Apostles, who, equally
under the Influence of the divine Spirit, dictated those Scriptures which
are to be the Rule of Faith and Practice to the Christian Church to the
End of Time ; and also appointed those Ministers, and that Form of Go
vernment which were ever after to continue in the Christian Church; and

HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS. 263

I conceive that we are as much bound to observe their appointment and
directions in the one case as the other.

It is evident from Scripture and Ecclesiastical Antiquity that Bishops
were superior to the other two Orders ; and that Ordination and Govern
ment were chiefly referred to them. The true State of the Question in
this Point is Did the Apostles establish a perfect equality between Gos
pel Ministers? Or, Did they establish a Subordination among these Mi
nisters ? The latter appears as clear to me as the noon-day Sun ; nor are
we more at Liberty, as I hinted before, to depart from what they have in
stituted and appointed in this Respect, than we are to lay aside or depart
from the Scriptures which they left for the Rule of. our Faith and Prac
tice. If they were unerringly guided by the Divine Spirit, in the one Case,
they were so in the other also; and it is certain' Fact, that for 1500 years
after our Saviour's Time, there was no regular Ordination or Ecclesiasti
cal Government but what was of the Episcopal Kind.

But enough of this Head in an amicable, short Letter to a Brother; and
I shall only observe further that few Things have more confirmed iny
Sentiments on this Subject than the poor, flimsy Evasions that have been
used by Men, otherwise respectable, to elude the Force of those Arguments
which have been drawn from Paul's Epistles, and the primitive Writers,
in Behalf of Episcopacy. These men would laugh at such Evasions in
any other Case where their Judgment was not biased or predetermined.

You say that " some settled mode must be adopted for the selecting the
" principal Pastor of the Church ;" and then ask, " By whom is this to be
"done?" I answer, if by PRINCIPAL PASTORS you mean the Incumbents
of Parishes, I apprehend the Right of Presentation should in general re
main in the same Hands as formerly. Thus the Election of a Rector in
Philadelphia and New York, or in other Words, the Right of Presenta
tion, is vested in the Church Wardens and Vestry, and should continue
in the same Hands. Where the Legislature by a publick Law, makes
Provision for the Support of Clergymen, it has a Right to prescribe the
mode of electing or appointing those Clergymen to particular Parishes, as
was the Case, if I remember right, in Maryland formerly. But in my
Opinion, it would be best on many accounts, that on the Demise or Re
moval of an Incumbent, the Church Wardens and Vestry of each Parish
should have the Right of chusing a Succession ; and even where the State
has made legal Provision for the Clergy, I think this mode preferable to
any other; granting no more to the Governor than the authority to Induct
the Person chosen. If by PRINCIPAL PASTORS you mean Bishops, I think
the Clergy of each State should have the Right of Electing, with the Go
vernor's Approbation. But it is time enough to talk of this Point, when
it shall please God to grant this essential Benefit to the Episcopal Churches
in America.

You say, " that some Alterations in our Liturgy are become necessary
"in Consequence of a Change of Circumstances," which is undoubtedly
true ; and ask, " By whom are those to be made ?" I answer by the
Clergy, without Doubt, yet still with the Concert and Approbation of the
Civil Authority. I suppose that all the State Holy-Days, such as Novem
ber the 5th, January 30th, &c., &c., will be laid aside in the Thirteen
States. The Collects for the King and Royal Family must be altered and
adapted to the present State of Things ; for in Publick Worship, Prayers
for the Civil Rulers of the State should never be omitted. And here I
cannot but express my Wish that Harmony and Uniformity might take
place among all the Episcopal Churches ; which can only be effected by

264 HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS.

the Clergy of the several States consulting each other, and agreeing to
adopt the same Collects for this Purpose. Were a Bishop settled in
America, this Point would be easily accomplished ; without one, I appre
hend Difficulties will arise.

You say " The Trial and Deposition of irregular Clergymen is to be
" provided for, and it is to be hoped that this will not be done at pleasure ;
" but under reasonable Laws ;" and ask, " By whom are such Laws to be
" made ?" To this I reply that Clergymen are amenable equally with
Laymen, to the Laws of the State, and are punishable by those Laws, if
they transgress them. But as to any proper Ecclesiastical Discipline, by
which, Irregularities in Clergymen, not cognizable by the Civil Laws, shall
be censured or punished, it is not to be expected until you have Bishops,
and some regular System of Church' Government is settled. I mean not
that Bishops should be vested with Arbitrary Power; or that they should
censure and depose at Pleasure. They are to be guided by Canons, which
point out the Duty of Clergymen, and according to which, the latter
should be judged. Our Church has already provided several such Canons;
and if any more such should be required in this Country, the Clergy, in
Conjunction with a Bishop or Bishops, are the Persons by whom they
should be enacted.

Some years since, I drew up a Plan for an American Episcopate, which
met with the Approbation of several of the most respectable Characters
in England, as well as America. Give me leave to transcribe a few Ex
tracts from it, which will partly convey my Sentiments on the Subject. It
was proposed in that Plan

" That two or more Protestant Bishops of the Church of England be
appointed to reside in America.

" That they are not to have any temporal authority whatever, nor inter
fere with the Rights or Emoluments of Governors.

That their proper Business shall be to Ordain and Superintend the
rgy, and Confirm such as chuse to be Confirmed.
That they may hold Visitations, assemble the Clergy of their respec
tive Dioceses in Convocations, where the Clergy shall be their Assessors
or Assistants ; and that in those Convocations such matters only shall be
transacted as relate to the Conduct of the Clergy, or to the Order and
Government of the Churches.

" That they be vested with Authority to censure delinquent Clergymen
according to the Nature of their Offence; and to proceed even to Depri
vation, in cases which may require it, after a regular Trial ; the Courts in
which such Trials are held, to consist of the Clergy of the Provinces re
spectively where the Delinquent Persons reside ; and the Bishop to pro
nounce the sentence of Deprivation, according to Canon 122."

Here it is supposed that there are Canons or Laws by which the Delin
quent Person is to be tried, according to which the Court is to proceed in
the Trial ; that each Clergyman, as an Assistant to the Bishop, has a Vote
in acquitting or condemning : and that the Bishop, according to his Func
tion, and Superiority of his Order, pronounces or delivers whatever Sen
tence the Court may award. On such a Plan, arbitrary Sway and Op
pression are wholly excluded. It may be proper to observe, that the Ca
nons, like the Liturgy, will require a Revision. The Canons, as they now
stand, are applicable to the State of Things in England, where they we're
made; but many of them are not so in America; and therefore some
should be altered, others wholly omitted, and others again perhaps added,
when a Bishop is settled in this Country ; for untill you have a Bishop,

Clergy,

" Tk,

HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS. 265

you can have no Centre of Union, nor can you act with Regularity and
Order in Matters of this Sort. I could say much more on this Subject,
but really have not Time.

I must be candid in telling you that I can neither see the Propriety or
Advantage of the Scheme you propose to join Laymen with Clergymen
for enacting Ecclesiastical Laws, trying delinquent Clergymen, &c., as
" a collective Body, to whom the extraordinary Occasions of our Churches
*' may be referred." This certainly, if I understand you right, is not the
plan of the Church of England. Many Inconveniences will unquestion
ably attend it the Advantages are doubtful. Instead of attracting Lay-
Members to the Church, I apprehend it would be productive of endless
Broils between the Laity and Clergy probably, of oppression to the lat
ter. The Clergy are already amenable to the Civil Power for Civil Offen
ces ; is not that sufficient? Are not Clergymen the best Judges of Eccle
siastical Offences ? And of the properest Methods to reclaim their er
ring Brethren? which is preferable to punishment, if it can be effected?

There is little Doubt but that a Clergyman of good Character, who went
to England properly recommended, with the Consent of the State from
whence he went, and where he was afterwards to reside, would be conse
crated a Bishop. An Act of Parliament indeed would be necessary to
empower the Bishops in England to Consecrate without administering
the State-Oaths ; but I am confident this Act might be obtained. I am al
most a Convert to your Opinion, that it would be best to request the Bish
ops in England to chuse a proper Person there, a Man of Abilities, Piety,
liberal Sentiments, and unblemished Morals, for the first American Bishop.
All Circumstances considered, it would be better than to send a Person
from hence. There would be fewer Objections to a Stranger, who had
never been in America, and was clear of having taken any Part, in our
late unhappy Divisions, both in England and America, than against an
American Clergyman, however respectable his Character might be. But
a Bishop is absolutely necessary, and either way he ought by all means to
be obtained. The great Point is to procure the Consent and Approbation
of the Legislature of some State to the Measure if this is done, the Rest
will be easy. And here, I must tell you that my only Hope is from Mary
land or Virginia. Nothing of the kind is to be expected from the North
ern States. Consider this Matter, and try what you can do with your
Friends in Maryland. The Church of God calls for your Assistance, and
that of all its other worthy Members, and it is their indispensible Duty to
afford that Assistance as far as it is in their Power.

The News-Papers, some time since announced that the Clergy of Mary
land had chosen Mr. Keene to be sent for Consecration to England ; but I
find the account was premature. Mr. Keene was a very worthy man when
I knew him, and doubt not but he is so still. I shall embark next week
for England, where I shall be happy to give every aid within the Compass
of my Power to any measure of this kind. I shall therefore be glad to
hear from you, and know how matters are circumstanced ; and parti
cularly what Progress is made in Maryland towards procuring an Episco
pate. Direct to me at No. 10, John Street, Oxford Road, London. Per
mit me to give you one hint which may be of Service. In case it should
finally be agreed to send a Clergyman from hence to England to be con
secrated, let the Choice fall on one who has been moderate, and took no
active Part in the late Troubles. This is but a negative Qualification,
which, however, will be of Consequence on the other side of the Atlantic :
other Qualifications, much more essential, will be required both there and

266 HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS.

here ; and I trust there are several here in whom those Qualifications may
be found. Remember, I am perfectly disinterested in this Business; for
there is not the most distant Prospect, nor the least Probability, that I
shall ever return to any of the 13 States. I have been too much injured
in my Character and Property to expect Forgiveness ; and yet when I
leave America, I shall go without a Spark of Resentment or Ill-will to any
Individual that stays behind, and it is my sincere Wish that America may
be happy, flourishing, and not feel the Miseries of which I am apprehen
sive ; to guard against which was the Reason of my taking the Side I did.
Aa to the groundless Calumnies that have been propagated concerning me,
they originated from Party Malice ; and although it was fully in my power
to refute them, I did not think them worthy of my Notice. Take one In
stance as a Sample of all the Rest. By the express Order of Sir Henry
Clinton, I went to examine a Man confined in our Provost on Suspicion
that he was concerned in a Plot to burn this City. I examined this Man,
and was convinced of his Innocence and accordingly made my Report
in writing, by which the man was soon after liberated and enlarged from
Confinement: Yet it was confidently reported that I grossly abused this
Man, and carried a Rope with me to hang him 1

Sincerely wishing you Health, Happiness, and every temporal Felicity,
nd success in your Ministry,

I am, with much esteem,

Reverend Sir,

Your affectionate Friend,

and humble Servant,

CHARLES INGLIS.(l)
Reverend Dr. White.

These weighty words of one of the most prominent of the
Northern Clergy seem to have had their desired effect. The
idea of re-constructing the Church de novo was lost sight of.
The plea of Necessity, as authorizing this marked departure
from the Episcopal polity, suggested in " The Case of the
Episcopal Churches Considered," was never again raised;
and efforts both in Pennsylvania and Maryland, and even
further to the Southward, followed in quick succession, all
looking towards the introduction of the Succession in the
English line.

In the spring of the year 1784, the action of the Connec
ticut Clergy, in recommending Dr. Seabury for Consecration,
was first made known to the Clergy of Philadelphia. (2) In
the following August, 'the Rev. Mr. Duchd, in a postscript,

( 1} From the Bishop White Correspondence.
(2) White's Memoirs, p. 18.

HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS. 267

tlms communicates to Dr. "White intelligence as to the pros
pect of his success.

" You will soon have a Bishop either in Nova Scotia or in
the State of Connecticut. The matter is in great Forward
ness, and your Succession will then be as compleat as it is
here.'H 1 )

In addition to the confident assurances given by the loyal
ist Clergymen in London, who were supposed to be in the
confidence of -the highest dignitaries in the Church, that a
proper application for the Episcopate would be favourably
regarded, the passage of an Act of Parliament authorizing
the dispensing with the usual oaths, in the case of American
candidates for holy Orders, gave further assurance of the
kind feeling still entertained by the Mother Church towards
her children in the West. The Rev. Dr. Murray, in a letter
under date of September 16th, 1784, enclosing a printed
copy of this Act, while not obscurely hinting his own willing
ness to be invited to an American Episcopate, adds the infor
mation that an enabling Act for the consecration of a Bishop
could have been as easily obtained as that authorizing the
ordination of Priests and Deacons.

A little later the same year, Granville Sharp, Esq., whose
interest in the introduction of Episcopacy into America dated
back almost to the time of the Declaration of Independence,
addressed the Archbishop of Canterbury as follows.

"Old Jewry, Nov. 19, 1784.
" My Lord.

; . " I am sorry to see the powers of the late

Act, intended for promoting the Episcopal Church in America, so unhap
pily limited ; and the authority of ordaining priests and deacons for inde
pendent states confined to the Bishop of London alone, though all the
Bishops, as Bishops of Christ's catholic church, are equally entitled to
exercise the same authority : and I am still much more sorry to find,
that neither the Bishop of London, nor any of the other Bishops, have yet
obtained authority to consecrate a Bishop for foreign parts, either sepa
rately or jointly.

" 1 should not have presumed to have troubled your Grace with so long

(1) From the Bishop White Correspondence.

268 HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS.

a letter on this subject, had I not lately been informed that an American
clergyman, who calls himself a LOYALIST, is actually gone down to Scot
land, with a view of obtaining consecration from some of the remaining
XOXJURIXG Bishops in that Kingdom, who still affect among themselves a
nominal jurisdiction from the Pretender's appointment; and he proposes,
afterwards, to go to America, in hopes of obtaining jurisdiction over
several EPISCOPAL COXGREGATIOXS in Connecticut.

" If it is not thought prudent to entrust this authority to any single
Bishop, yet surely there can be no objection to the obtaining an Act to
enable ANY THREE BISHOPS jointly to consecrate unexceptionable persons
who shall bring due testimonials of their appointment or election by the
majority of the Episcopal Christians in any foreign province, city, or dis
trict ; especially if the previous consent of the Archbishop of the Province
be required.

" Your Grace will find some examples of a similar mode of proceed
ing, in a Note at p. 337 of my work(l) viz. of Bishops elected by the
clergy and people of Ireland, and sent over here to be consecrated by your
Grace's predecessors, the Archbishops of Canterbury (or by two or three
Bishops of the province of Canterbury, at the Archbishop's request), to
be Bishops in several dioceses of Ireland, at a time when that kingdom
was entirely unconnected and independent of the British Crown 5 so that
I apprehend these are cases in point.

" I remain, with the greatest respect and esteem,
My Lord," &c., &c.(2)

While matters were in this train in England, and Dr.
Smith, the Bishop-elect of Maryland, was already casting
about how to procure consecration in Scotland, in the event
of Dr. Seabury's success in that quarter, the Rev. Mr.
Duche" addressed the following letter to Dr. White.

Asylum, Deer. 1, 1784.
My Dear Sir.

Having this Moment heard, that the Mail is to be made up this eve
ning to go by ye Packet, I have just time to tell you the following Par
ticulars that I have received your kind Letter with ye Postscript from
X. York by Mr. Hamilton, and am glad to find that you were at a Clerical
Meeting there, and long to hear ye Resultof your Deliberations That you
are right in supposing Dr. Seabury to be ye person hinted at for a Bishop
That Dr. Seabury was actually consecrated a Bishop about a fortnight
since by 3 Nonjuring Bishops at Aberdeen ; not having had it in his
Power to obtain a Consecration here That the Succession of those Bish
ops is indisputable, of which he brings ample Testimonies ; and that on
invitation of ye Convention of ye Episcopal Clergy of Connecticut, he
will embark for that State as soon as possible.

(1) "A Tract on Congregational Courts and the ancient English Con
stitution of Frank-pledge ; the Right of Choosing Magistrates and Officers
of the Militia. With an additional Tract on the Election of Bishops, and
others on forming New Settlements." Published in 1784. A second
edition was issued in 1786.

(2) Memoirs of Granville Sharp, by Prince Hoare, pp. 212, 213.

HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS. 269

These Particulars you may depend on, and also that it is the sincere
Wish of those who wish well to the Interest of ye American Episcopal
Church formed on the Model of our Church of England, that all ye Epis
copal Clergy would receive him with open Arms, and thus at once effectu
ally prevent the growth of Sectaries, from a Division that must necessa
rily ensue if this Providential Offer is not immediately accepted. Dr. Inglis
writes to you by this Opportunity, and heartily joins me in recommend
ing it warmly to you to give a proper, affectionate, and (I must say) filial
reception to good Bishop Seabury, who goes over to you in a character
truly primitive, unincumbered with any temporal Title, or Honours or In
terests, and perfectly disposed to yield Allegiance to ye Civil Powers in
your States. Much more I have to say to you on this Subject. Your
American Bishop, for so I must now call him, is a SCHOLAR, a GEXTLEMAX,
and I am happy to be able to say (what I only believe to be true), A REAL
CHRISTIAN. I hope you will take ye earliest Opportunity of calling to
gether a Convention, or Synod, or Convocation, or some General Eccle
siastical Meeting from the several States, to receive him, and at ye same
Time, to fix upon an Ecclesiastical Constitution for your future Union
and Comfort. I have not time to add more. I shall write again by Capt.
Mercer, as I expect Bishop Seabury in London the 17th of this Month.

I am yours, most affectionately, ,

J. DUCHE.(l)

This letter, which was confidential, and mainly designed to
give Dr. White the earliest intelligence possible concerning
the consecration in Scotland, was followed, agreeably to pro
mise, by another, written on the receipt of the proceedings
of the Convention at New York.

Asylum, Lambeth, Feb. 10th, 1785.
My Dear Sir.

Your Conclusions at N. York, I must tell you plainly are quite incon
sistent with the Discipline of the Church of England, which you profess
to make your Model, so far as she may be supposed unconnected with any
Civil Power. They are also inconsistent with that Form of Ecclesiastical
Discipline, which prevailed in the purest period of the Xtian Church.
They seem to be wholly formed upon ye Presbyterian Model and calcu
lated to introduce the same Kind of Government in the Church, that is
established in your State. Whereas the State, according to their own ac
knowledgment will have nothing to do in Church Matters. You have it
therefore in your [power] to form a Church perfectly primitive, and abso
lutely uncontrouled by any Civil Power, so far as its Laws do not interfere
with those of the State.

Judge then with what Astonishment every true Episcopalian must view
your Treatment of the Episcopal Order, by declaring, as you have done,
that they shall have no Distinction at your Conventions, but only be con
sidered as Members, ex ofticio. I consider this as fundamentally wrong.
An Episcopal Clergyman cannot confound the Orders of Bishop and
Priest, and withhold Assent from due Subordination.

(1) From the Bishop White Correspondence.

270 HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS.

These and other Matters, I hope, will be properly cleared up and settled
on the Arrival of Bishop Seabury, who sails for N. York some time during
the present Month. He is a truly primitive Bishop, consecrated by three
Bishops in Scotland, where the Apostolical Succession has been inviolably
preserved, as appears from the Register he takes with him. He has taken
no Oath of any kind to any Power on Earth, and therefore comes to you
in " unquestionable Form ;" just such a Bishop as you would have wished,
and such as you could by no other means have obtained. Receive him,
therefore, I beseech you, with Cordial affection, and with that Xtian Re
spect, which is due to his high and sacred Office. Suffer no Schism in ye
Church. Providence has sent him to accomplish and preserve a compleat
Union in your new American Episcopal Church. His Consecration, you
know, cannot be approved of here, for Reasons obvious to those, who
know the Connection of the Church with the State. I, therefore, could
not ask him to officiate for me, neither would he for prudential and proper
Reasons. He considers himself, and must be considered here, as a foreign
Bishop. God grant that you may all be kept in ye Unity of the Spirit
and ye Bond of Peace.

Your affectionate Friend and Servt.

J. DUCHE.(l)

N.B. This Letter is for your private use, and not to be shewn.

The successful application of Dr. Seabury to the Bishops
in Scotland served to stimulate the zeal of the large number
of Clergy and others in England who were still desirous of
furnishing the Succession in the English line. The Rev. Dr.
Murray, in referring to the validity of Bishop Seabury's
consecration, adds the following statement, with regard to
the plans of the Bishop-elect of Maryland. (2)

" There are two Colleges of Scotch Bishops, since about the year 1725,
who anathematize each other ; and the Old declares void and null all Or
dinations and Consecrations that have taken place in the New since. Dr.
Smith will inform you at large of this unhappy Schism that happened in
the Scotch Church. If be has an inclination of being consecrated by
that Chruch, I have authority to tell you that he may at anytime, and re
gularly, and canonically too, if he will take the proper steps, a matter of
the last consequence to your infant Church, to render her powers and min
istrations valid without controversy. But I hope neither he nor you will
think of Scotland, whilst there remains the least hope of obtaining a Con
secration in England which will admit of no exception. Upon the re
commendation of a few Missionaries in their obscure private capacity, it
was not to have been expected that Dr. Seabury would have been conse
crated here where no less than an Act of Parliament was necessary for the
purpose. Why did not your last Convention at New York of Clergy and
Laity (for whose benefit Episcopacy is chiefly intended) address the Arch
bishop of Canterbury to lay your case before Parliament. The applica-

(1) From the Bishop White Correspondence.

(2) In a Letter to Dr. White, dated " London, 16th July, 1785."

HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS. 271

tion of such a public, respectable Body of men would have had due weight,
after it had been made apparent that your Assemblies could not, consist
ently with the Constitution of the States, interpose in the matter, so man
aging it in a public manner as to satisfy Parliament that it would give
them no offence, which is carefully avoided here in every instance, that
both Powers may live for the future on good terms, without officiously in
terfering in the administration of the affairs of one another either in
Church or State, considering the Jealousies still entertained on your side
of the water. It is injurious and unjust then to accuse the English Bps.,
when not a single public step has been taken on your part to enable them
to bring your Episcopate forward in any but a most irregular and hurtful
course too, as to its main end of rendering it useful and acceptable to ye
Laity who are most interested in it, or it is nothing but a name, without
sense or substance. Let not Dr. Seabury's failure here discourage you
from applying to the English -Church in a proper channel, and after you
have done the utmost a prudent zeal directs, and you are forced to have
recourse to Scotland, all the world will excuse you, and the whole Old
College of Scotch bishops will take up your case, and not leave it to a few
whose Ordinations and Consecrations are declared null and void. If you
proceed not regularly you will at outsetting Create a Schism in your new
Episcopal Church, much to the satisfaction of other Sects. God bless you
all, and I wish you success. . . Yours affectionately,
Dr. White ALEXB. MURBAY.(l)

Tins' communication was followed by another, much to the
same purport, which as it is, from its brevity at least, a more
creditable specimen of the writer's epistolary powers, and
as besides, from the authoritative manner in which it is pen
ned, we may infer to have been written at the prompting of

others, we append from the same source.

London, 6 Augt. 1785.
My Dear Sir.

In answer to your last I wrote you a letter of 16th ult. but have some
suspicions it may be miscarried. The purport of it was not to discourage
you or any other Clergyman, that is well recommended, from applying to
our Church for consecration, because Dr. Seabury was rejected ; since
none of the respectable part of the Laity in America and but a few ob
scure Missionaries recommended him to an Episcopate. Besides you
must have more Bishops than one in Ama., to continue a succession, un
less you have constantly a recourse to foreign Churches to supply vacan
cies. If you should not succeed in England you can in Scotland, which
I would not have you apply to first, if you can be recommended by the
principal Members pf your respective States, Laymen and Clergy
men.

I expect to see you soon in company with another to make a Triumvi
rate to enable you to consecrate Fathers in God at home in all time to
come. . . . Yours affectionately.

ALEXB. MUBBAY.(2)

(1) From the MSS. of the General Convention.

(2) From the Bishop White MSS.

VOL. I. 41

272 HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS.

In the mean time Mr. Sharp had not been idle. Besides
corresponding with the celebrated Franklin on the subject, he
had written to a Baptist Minister in Rhode Island, the Presi
dent of the College in Providence, furnishing him with in
formation, derived from family papers, throwing doubt upon
the validity of the Scottish consecrations. These documents
had been shown to many persons at the North; and as it appears
from a subsequent letter from Mr. Sharp,(l) copies were placed
in the hands of the Rev. Samuel Provoost, rector of Trinity
Church, in New York, for the purpose of laying them before
the approaching Convention at Philadelphia. The strange
ness, to say the least, of the channel of this communication
with the American Church, though arousing the indignation
of some, (2) did not prevent the Rector of Trinity Church,
from heartily seconding Mr. Sharp's efforts to impair con
fidence in Bishop Seabury's orders; and this act was the
first of a series of petty incivilities and more open hostilities,
the record of which stains the character and Episcopate of
the first Bishop of New York.

Learning from Mr. Manning of the partial success of his
efforts, Mr. Sharp addressed himself to the task of removing
the few remaining obstacles to American consecrations in En
gland. We cannot better detail the story of his success than
by transferring to our pages the following extracts from his
Diary and Correspondence, as published in his " Memoirs."

" Sept 10, 1785. Waited on the Archbishop, at Lambeth,

!1) Sharp's Memoirs, foot note to p. 218.
2) We copy from the Bishop Parker Correspondence, an extract from
a letter written April 27, 1785, by Mr. T. Fitch Oliver, a candidate for
holy Orders, soon after ordained by Bishop Seabury.

"I have lately seen a letter from Granville Sharp, Esq., (London), on
the subject of Dr. Seabury's being nominated by the Scottish Nonjuring
Bishops, which I shall endeavour to show you when I see you in Boston,
if I can obtain permission. 'Tis addressed to president Manning. Has
Mr. Sharp no correspondence with any Clergyman of the Episcopal
Church in this Country, that he writes on a subject of that Nature to a
Baptist Minister? He seems to be dubious as to the Validity of Conse
cration obtained thro' that Channel, but if the Succession has been pre-
lerved, I cannot perceive why it should not be sufficient."

HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS. 273

and communicated to him Mr. Manning's letter respecting
the convention of the Episcopal Clergy this month at Phila
delphia ; also Dr. Franklin's letter on the subject of Episco
pacy and the Liturgy. He assures me that the Administra
tion would be inclined to give leave to the Bishops to conse
crate proper persons. He desired copies of the letters."(l)

Accompanying these letters was the following communi
cation, addressed to the Archbishop.

" Old Jewry, 13th September, 1785.
" My Lord,

" Enclosed I have the honour to send your Grace the copies
of the letters which I promised. . . I think it right to
add also an extract from a letter which I received last year
from an eminent physician at Philadelphia (Dr. Rush, who
was physician-general to the Continental army, and some
time a member of Congress) ; for this affords a proof of such
candour and moderation towards the Episcopal church, from
a Presbyterian, as is seldom known, though I have reason to
think it is not uncommon at present in America. The letter
was partly in answer to my remonstrance on the subject of
Episcopacy.

" Extract of a letter from Dr. Rush, dated 27th of April,
1784 : ' I am happy in being able to inform you that at-
' tempts are now making to revive the Episcopal Church in
' the United States. Though a member of the Presbyterian
' church, yet I esteem very highly the Articles and the worship
' of the Church of England. There are but two ways of
' preserving visible religion, in any country ; the first is, by
' establishments ; the second is, by the competition of differ-
' ent religious societies. The revival of the Episcopal church

* in our country will produce zeal, and a regard to the ordi-
' nances of religion, in every other society. Such is the lib-
t erality produced among the Dissenters by the war, that I

* do not think they will now object to a Bishop being fixed in
' each of our States, provided he has no civil revenue or ju-
'risdiction.'

" I had similar assurances from Dr. Witherspoon, (a mem
ber of Congress arid Presbyterian clergyman) when in England .
last summer; and this inclination to promote Episcopacy is
amply confirmed by Mr. Manning's late account of the in-

(1) Sharp's Memoirs,, pp. 218, 219.

274 ' HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS.

tended convention of the Episcopal clergy of the provinces
of Virginia and New York, at Philadelphia ; as well as by
Dr. Franklin's declaration of his opinion, that ' unless a
4 Bishop is soon sent over with a power to consecrate others,
' so that we may have no more occasion of applying to En-
* gland for ordination, we may think it right to elect also.'
All these circumstances prove, that the present time is very
important and critical for the promotion of the interests and
future extension of the Episcopal Church in America, and
that no time should be lost in obtaining authority for. the
Archbishops and Bishops of England to dispense with the
oaths of allegiance in the consecration of Bishops for foreign
churches, that they may be restored to their unquestionable
right, as Christian Bishops, to extend the Episcopal church
of Christ all over the world.

" An immediate interference is also become the more ne
cessary, not only on account of the pretensions of Dr. Sea-
bury and the Nonjuring Bishops of Scotland, but also to
guard against the presumption of ^r. W y and other Meth
odists, who, it seems, 'have sent over some persons, under, the
name of superintendents^ with an assumed authority to or
dain Priests, as if they were really invested with Episcopal
authority.

" Some accounts of this were read to the Society for pro
pagating the Gospel, in May last, from the letters of their
Missionaries; and I have since heard that some Methodisti-
cal clergymen have procured consecration from the Moravian
churches, which the latter had received from the Bishops of
Poland. . . . These attempts of the sectaries prove
that they perceive among the Americans an increasing incli
nation towards Episcopal government; and, consequently,
they prove also, that the exertions of every sincere friend to
the Church of England are peculiarly necessary at this Time,
to facilitate the communication of a pure and irreprehensible
Episcopacy to America, by removing the obstacles which at
present restrain the Archbishops and Bishops of England
from extending the Church of England beyond the bounds
of the English Government.

"f. should also inform your Grace that America is not the
only part wherein Protestant Episcopacy is likely to be ex
tended, when the rights of election are better understood;
for had I been prepared in the year 1767 on this point, as I
am at present, I have reason to believe that a Protestant

HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS. 275

Episcopal Church would have been promoted in Holland, and
in several parts of Germany and Switzerland, long before
this time.

" How I happened to be concerned in so important an
affair, if your Grace should have leisure and curiosity to be
informed, I am ready to communicate on receiving your
commands.

" I remain, with great respect and esteem,

"My Lord, &c., &c."U)

In connection with this letter to the Archbishop, it may be
well to add, from the same source, an extract from a commu
nication addressed by Mr. Sharp to Dr. Franklin, with refer
ence to the intimation he had made of the .probability of
an election of a Bishop by the Americans. The infor
mation contained in this note was doubtless new to the
celebrated Philosopher, who, a little earlier, when he had
been applied to by some young candidates for holy Orders,
who had been refused ordination in England, in consequence
of the inability of the Bishops to dispense with the oath re
quired by the Act of Uniformity, had consulted first the
Bishops of France, and then the Pope's Nuncio, and after re
ferring them to .the Bishops in Ireland, had finally advised
them to act, in case of refusal, as they would be obliged to
if England were swallow'ed up in the sea. (2)

(1) Sharp's Memoirs, pp. 219, 220.

(2) Vide Sharp's Memoirs, pp. 214, 215. We add, as a curiosity, from
Dr. Franklin's private Correspondence, a copy of this remarkable letter.
To Mess. Weems and Gant, Citizens of the United States, London.

Passy, near Paris, July 18, 1784.
Gentlemen,

On receipt of your letter, acquainting me that the Archbishop of Can
terbury would not permit you to be ordained unless you took the oath of
allegiance ; I applied to a clergyman of my acquaintance for information
on the subject of your obtaining ordination here. His opinion was, that
it could not be done ; and that if it were done, you would be required to
vow obedience to the Archbishop of Paris. I next enquired of the Pope's
Nuncio, whether you might not be ordained by their Bishops in America,
powers being sent him for that purpose, if he has them not already. The
answer was, the thing is impossible, unless the gentlemen become Catholics.

This is an affair of which I know very little, and therefore I may ask
questions and propose means that are improper or impracticable. But
what is the necessity of your being connected with the Church of En
gland? Would it not be as well if you were of the Church of Ireland ?

276 HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS.

" To his Excellency Benjamin Franklin, &c.
"You have intimated a probability that the People of
America, in a certain case, ' may think it right to elect' bish
ops ; but the Episcopal clergy of America will, of course, be
aware, that the mere election of a Presbyter to the office of

The religion is the same, though there is a different set of bishops and
archbishops. Perhaps if you were to apply to the Bishop of Der-
ry,(l) who is a man of liberal sentiments, he might give you
orders as of that Church. If both Britain and Ireland refuse
you: and I am not sure that the Bishops of Denmark or Sweden
would ordain you, unless you became Lutherans: what is to be done?
Next to becoming Presbyterians, the Episcopalian Clergy of America in
iny humble opinion, cannot do better than to follow the example of the
first clergy of Scotland, soon after the conversion of that country to
Christianity; who, when their King had built the Cathedral of St. An
drew's, and requested the King of Northumberland to lend his bishops to
ordain one for them, that their clergy might not as heretofore be obliged
to go to Northumberland for orders, and their request was refused ; they
assembled in the Cathedral, and the mitre, crozier, and robes of a bishop
being laid on the altar, they, after earnest prayers for direction in their
choice, elected one of their 6wn number; when the King said to him,
" Arise, go to the altar, and receive your office at the hand of God." His
brethren led him to the altar, robed him, put the crozier in his hand, atfcl
the mitre on his head, and he became the first Bishop of Scotland.

If the British islands were sunk in the sea (and the surface of this globe
has suffered greater changes), you would probably take some such method
as this : and if they persist in denying you ordination, it is the same thing.
An hundred years hence, when people are more enlightened, it will be
wondered at, that men. in America, qualified by their learning and piety
to pray for and instruct their neighbours, should not be permitted to do it
till they had made a voyage of 6000 miles out and home, to ask leave of
a cross old gentleman at Canterbury: who seems, by/ your account, to
have as little regard for the souls of the people of Maryland, as Kino- Wil
liam's Attorney General, Seymour, had for those of Virginia. TheRev.
erend Commissary Blair, who projected the College of that Province, and
was in England to solicit benefactions and a charter, relates, that the Queen
in the King's absence, having ordered Seymour to draw up the Charter
which was to be given, with 2000 in money, he opposed the grant; say
ing that the nation was engaged in an expensive war, that the money was
wanted for better purposes, and he did not see the least occasion for a col
lege in Virginia. Blair represented to him, that its intention was to edu
cate and qualify young men to be ministers of the Gospel, much wanted
there ; and begged Mr. Attorney would consider that the people of Vir
ginia had souls to be saved as well as the people of England. " Souls

(said he) d your souls I Make tobacco!"

I have the honor to be, gentlemen, &c.,

B. FRANKLIN.

Memoirs of the Life and Writings of Benjamin Franklin, LL.D., by
his Grandson, William Temple Franklin. 4to. London, 1818 Vol ii
pp. 57, 58.

(1) Lord Bristol.

HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS. 277

a Bishop, will not be sufficient to constitute the Episcopal
dignity, nor to confer the kind of authority that is requisite
for those who preside, according to the Apostolic constitution,
in the churches of Christ, without the outward form of lay
ing on of hands by other Bishops, after solemn prayer for
the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, to assist and guide the
elected person in the execution of such a solemn charge and
trust in the church of Christ as must render him most awfulr
ly responsible for his whole conduct before God and man.
I was anxious, that this truly Christian and Scriptural
rite of laying on of hands should be communicated to the
Episcopal church of America by a channel of continuation
from the Apostolic times, that should be as unexceptionable
as possible ; and therefore I wished that the first American
Bishops might be consecrated by our English Bishops, whose
predecessors were particularly instrumental in promoting the
Reformation from Popery (several of them having sealed
their testimony with their blood), and whose doctrine in gen
eral has ever since been limited by the text of Holy Scrip
ture. . . These are my reasons for wishing that the first
American Bishops may receive their consecration rather from
our English Bishops, than from the Nonjurors of Scotland.
I have good authority to say, that several of the English
Bishops (and I have not the least reason to suspect that any
of the rest entertain different sentiments on this point) are
very desirous to promote the Episcopal Church of Christ in
America, or elsewhere, upon true Christian principles, with
out any idea of acquiring the least ascendancy thereby,
which might be derogatory to the independence of free na
tional churches; and though they are at present so unhap
pily bound by the Act of Uniformity, that they cannot dis
pense with the oaths of allegiance and supremacy, yet I am
assured, on the best authority, that they will endeavour to
obtain a due sanction or power to do so, even if an express
Act of Parliament should be thought necessary to effect it,
when ever a proper requisition shall be made to consecrate a
Bishop, or Bishops, for America, provided the elected per
sons, sent from thence, bring with them the necessary testi
monials of their ecclesiastical qualifications, morality, elec
tion, &c., (for the scriptural rubric is, ' to lay hands suddenly
on no man] ; and I have ample reason to think that all due
attention will be paid to so just a demand."(l)

(1) Memoirs of Sharp, pp. 221, 222.

278 HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS.

"With these repeated assurances of success, emanating
either directly or indirectly from the highest authorities of
the Mother Church, the Convention of 1785, by a resolution
adopted on Friday, the 30th of September,(l) directed the
Committee previously appointed for revising and altering the
Liturgy, to prepare " a Plan for obtaining the consecration
of Bishops, together with an Address to the Most Reverend
the Archbishops, and the Right Reverend the Bishops of the
Church of England, for that purpose." This Plan and Ad
dress, which are printed in full in the Journal of the Conven
tion,^) attest the wide-spread desire of the scattered Churches
for the union secured by the Episcopate, and also prove
their preference for the succession in the English line. Re
cognizing as the great difficulty in the way of Dr. Seabury's
application the fact, that the co-operation of the laity and
the concurrence of the civil authority were wanting, they di
rected the particular attention of the State Conventions to
means for effecting the removal of this hindrance. Proofs
of the desire of the laity for the introduction of the Episco
pate were to be secured, and documents certifying the con
currence of the State authorities in the measure, or at least
attesting the want of any constitutional or legislative bar to
the introduction of Episcopacy, were to be obtained from the
various civil rulers. In true republican simplicity, and for
the removal of popular prejudices, they sought to obtain,
by the concluding paragraph of their Plan for obtain
ing consecration, the assumption on the part of their future
Bishops of the lordly titles of English prelates, a provision
which is not unfrequently, though erroneously, quoted as of
authority at the present day.

The Address to the English prelates was manly and digni
fied. Bishop White, in his "Memoirs,"(3) informs us, that
both this and the " Plan" preceding it, were his own compo
sition. As the first out-spoken utterance of the American

(1) Reprinted Journals, I. 19. (2) Ibid. pp. 25-27. (3) Page 101.

HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS. 279

churches, pleading with the Mother Church for recognition
and intercommunion, they are well worthy our consideration,
for, in the language of Bishop White, " thus a foundation
was laid for the procuring of the present Episcopacy."! 1 )

Agreeably to the advice of the Convention, measures were
at once taken to satisfy the English prelates of the concur
rence of the civil authorities. Immediately upon the ad
journment of the Convention, the deputies from Pennsylva
nia addressed the following petition to the Executive Council
of their State.

To the Honourable the Supreme Executive Council of the
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

The Petition of the Subscribers, late Deputies of the Pro
testant Episcopal Church in ye said Commonwealth to a gen
eral ecclesiastical Convention of ye said Church, held in this
City:

Humbly Sheweth ;

That ye said Church has taken sundry Measures for ye ob
taining within itself ye Powers of Ordination, agreeably to
its ancient Institutions of Usage, in order that it may exist
independently of all foreign Authority, Civil or Ecclesias
tical ;

That for ye accomplishing of this Purpose ye said Eccle
siastical Convention have addressed the Archbishops and
Bishops of the Church of England, requesting them to con
fer ye Episcopal character on such Persons, as shall be chosen
and sent to their Lordships by ye said Church in any of ye
United States; a Copy of which Address your Petitioners
now lay before your honourable Council.

That ye said ecclesiastical Convention had reed, undoubted
Information (which your Petitioners are ready to lay before
the Honl. Council) that ye English Prelates, on a similar ap
plication from ye Clergy of ye said Church in one of ye
United States, were not able to take Measures for ye grant
ing of ye Request, because the British Ministry were appre
hensive that it might be offensive to ye civil Authority of ye
said State;

That in Consequence of ye above Information, ye said ec
clesiastical Convention instructed ye Deputies composing

(1) Memoirs of the Church, Page 101.

280 HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS.

their Body, that on their Return to their respective States,
they should make a respectful Application to their civil Kulers
requesting them to certify, that ye said Address to ye Arch
bishops and ye Bishops of ye Church of England is not con
trary to our Laws or Constitutions; and that a Compliance
Avith it will not be offensive to ye civil Powers under which
we live; and

That your Petitioners do accordingly now make the said
Application to your honourable Body ; and as it has been uni
formly the endeavour of ye Episcopal Church in this State
and in ye other States represented in ye late Convention, so
to form their ecclesiastical System, as that it may harmonize
with our civil Duties and the Interests and Happiness of ye
United States ; so they trust, that your Honourable Body
will condescend to their Request; and think it not unworthy
of your Wisdom or beneath your Dignity, to remove ye po
litical Obstacle which may prevent their obtaining the Epis
copal Succession in a Way, which they hope will be thought
reputable to themselves and safe to their Country.

And your Petitioners, as in Duty bound, shall ever pray.
Clerical Deputies: Lay Deputies:

WILLIAM WHITE. SAMUEL POWEL.

SAM. MAGAW. ANDREW Doz.

ROBT. BLACKWELL. JNO. WOOD.

JOSEPH SWIFT. (1)

The response of the Executive Council to this petition we
add below. Dr. White's criticism on its closing paragraph we
have already given in a familiar letter of his to the Rev. Dr.
Smith.(2) From allusions in the same correspondence, it ap
pears that a similar document had been furnished by the Go
vernor of Maryland upon the application of Dr. Smith. The
Certificate subsequently given by the celebrated Patrick
Henry, at the request of Dr. Griffith, and that procured at
this time by the Rev. Mr. Provoost from Governor Clinton of
New York, are also appended ; the one is printed in Bishop
White's Memoirs, the other from an original copy in Mr.
Provoost's own handwriting. The idea that such documents
were deemed necessary by our forefathers to facilitate the in-

!1) From the original among the Bishop White MSS.
2) Ante, pp. 142, 143.

HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS. 281

troduction of a purely spiritual and ecclesiastical office, may
perhaps occasion surprise in our days ; but we can with difficul
ty, at this distance of time, appreciate the apprehensions of the
danger of this measure which had been excited, even in the
minds of Churchmen, by the popular clamour raised against
the Episcopate during the period immediately preceding the
war.

Pennsylvania, ss.

The Supreme Executive Council of the Commonwealth of
Pennsylvania, do hereby certify and make known to all whom
it may concern, that agreeable to the frame of government
and laws of this Commonwealth the clergy and others, mem
bers of the Church of England in Pennsylvania, are at lib
erty to take such means as they may think proper, for keep
ing up a succession of religious teachers Provided only, that
the measures they adopt for this purpose do not induce a sub
jection to any foreign jurisdiction, civil or ecclesiastical.
Criven in Council under the hand of the honourable Charles
Biddle, Esquire, Vice-President, and the Seal of this
State, at Philadelphia, this twenty-fourth day of Novem
ber, in the year of oer Lord one thousand seven hundred
and eighty-four, and in the tenth year of the Common
wealth.

CHARLES BIDDLE, V. P.
Attest, JOHN ARMSTRONG JUN., See.(l)

By His Excellency GEORGE CLINTON,
Esquire, Governor of the State of New
[PRIVY SEAL.] York, General, and Commander in Chief
of all the Militia, and Admiral of the
Navy thereof.
To all to whom these Presents shall come or may concern.

It is certified and made known that by the constitution of
the said State, it is ordained and declared that the free exer
cise and enjoyment of Religious profession and worship, with
out discrimination or preference, shall for ever be allowed
within this State to all mankind, and that there is nothing in
the said constitution, or in any of the laws of the said State,
to prohibit the Clergy and others of the Episcopal Churches
or of any other Church in the said State, to take such mea
sures as they shall judge proper, for keeping up a succession

(1) Bishop White's Memoirs, p. 239

282 HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS.

of religious Teachers, Provided that the means they may
adopt for this purpose be not inconsistent with the peace or
safety of the State and do not induce a Subjection or Alle
giance to any Foreign Jurisdiction or Power, Civil or Eccle
siastical, whatever.

Given under my Hand and the Privy Seal at the City
of New York this 28th Day of December in the tenth
year of our Independence, 1785.

GEORGE CLINTON.
By his Excellency's Command :
ALEXR. CLINTON.

By his Excellency PATRICK HENRY, Esq., Governor of the

Commonwealth of Virginia.

It is certified and made known to all whom it may concern
That the Protestant Episcopal Church is incorporated by
an Act of the Legislature of this Commonwealth, for that
purpose made and provided: that there is no law existing in
this Commonwealth, which in any manner forbids the admis
sion of Bishops, or the exercise of their office ; on the con
trary, by the 16th Article of the Declaration of Rights, it
is provided in the words following, viz. " That religion, or
the duty which we owe to our Creator, and the manner of dis
charging it, can be directed only by reason and conviction,
not by force or violence, and therefore all men are equally en
titled to the free exercise of religion, according to the dic
tates of conscience ; and that it is the mutual duty of all, to
practice Christian forbearance, love and charity towards each
othe," which said Article is now in full force.

In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my name, and
caused the Seal of the Commonwealth to be affixed, at
Richmond, this first day of June, in the year of our
Lord one thousand seven hundred and eighty-six, and
tenth of the Commonwealth.

P. HENRY.(l)

Accompanied by these and similar endorsements from the
Executive authorities of the various States, and enlisting the
further recommendation of the Federal authorities them-

(1) This Certificate, which was obtained at a date subsequent to the
others, was sent to Bishop White by the Rev. Dr. Griffith, Bishop-elect of
Virginia, to be laid before the Convention of 1786. Vide White's Memoirs,
pp. 329, 330.

HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS. 283

selves, (1) the Address of the Convention was sent forth on
its mission. The following characteristic letter, (2) an
nounced its departure.

REV. MR. PROVOOST TO REV. DR. WHITE.

Dear and Revd. Sir,

The Address was sent by the Packet with

recommendatory Letters from the President of Congress and John Jay,
Esqr., who have interested themselves much in our Business. I also en-
clo^ed a Copy I had taken of the Address, with some other Papers relating
to the Church in America, in a Letter to the Bishop of Carlisle.

I expect no obstruction to our Application but what may arise from the
Intrigues of the nonjuring Bishop of Connecticut, who a few days since
paid a visit to this State (notwithstanding he incurred the guiit of misprision
of Treason, and was liable to confinement for life for doing so) and took
shelter at Mr. James Rivington's, where he was seen only by a few of his
most intimate friends; whilst he was there, a piece appeared in a newspa
per under Livington's direction, pretending to give an account of the late
Convention, but replete with Falsehood and Prevarication, and evidently
intended to excite a prejudice against our transactions, both in England
and America.

On Long Island, Dr. Cebra appeared more openly preached at Hemp-
stead Church, and ordained the Person from Virginia I formerly mentioned,
being assisted by the Revd. Mr. Moore of Hempstead and the Revd. Mr.
Bloomer of New Town, Long Island.

I relate these Occurrences, that when you write next to England, our

(1) Vide ante p. 138.

(2) Notices of the animosity borne by Mr. Provoost toward the first Bishop of Connecti
cut other than those which incidentally appear in Bp. White's Memoirs of the Church, can
be found in two privately printed pamphlets by the compiler of this volume, entitled re
spectively " Bishop Seabury and Bishop Provoost : an Historical Fragment " 8vo. 1862, and
" Bishop geabury and the ' Episcopal Recorder' ; a Vindication." 8vo. 1863.

Mr. Provoost persistently spelled Bp. Seabury's name as in the letter given in the text.
We scarcely need add that the article in the New-York Packet to which reference is made
by Mr. Provoost, and which is printed in full herewith, in no sense justifies the construc
tion put upon it by Mr. Provoost.

" We are informed that about twenty of the Episcopal Clergy, joined by delegates of
Lay gentlemen, from a number of the congregations in several of the Southern States,
lately assembled in Convention at Christ Church, Philadelphia, revised the Liturgy of the
Church of England, (adapting it to the late Revolution,) expunged some of the Creeds,
reduced the thirty-nine Articles to twenty in number, and agreed on a letter addressed to
the Archbishops and the Spiritual Court in England, desiring they would be pleased to
obviate any difficulties that might arise on application to them for consecrating such
respectable Clergy as should be appointed and sent to London from their body to, act as
Bishops on the Continent of America, where there is at present only one Prelate dignified
with Episcopal powers viz. the Right Reverend Dr. Samuel Seabnry, Bishop of the
Apostolical Church in the State of Connecticut. Hitherto Mr. Pitt, the British Minister,
has vehemently opposed all applications preferred for consecration to Sees in America ;
this discouragement occasioned Bishop Seabury to secure his consecration from throe of
the Bishops in Scotland, which proves as perfectly valid and efficient as though obtained
from the hands of their Right Reverences of Canterbury, York and London, and is incon-
testably proved by a list of the consecration and succession wf Scots Bishops since the
Revolution in 1688, under William the Third." From "The New-York Packet." tfo. 537,
for Monday, October 31, 1786.

284 HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS.

Friends there may be guarded against any misrepresentations that may
come to them from that Quarter.
I am, with respects to Dr. Magaw and Mr. Blackwell,

Dr. Sir,
Your most sincere Friend and Humble Servant,

SAML. PROVOOST. (1)
New York, Nov. 7th, 1785.

This epistle, betraying the political prejudices of the
Whig Rector of Trinity, New- York, against the tory Bish
op of Connecticut was shortly followed by another in a sim
ilar strain.

REV. MR. PROVOOST TO REV. DR. WHITE.

* * * * * If we may judge from appearances, Dr. Cebra
and his friends are using every art to prevent the success of our appli
cation to the English prelates. A close correspondence is kept up be
tween him, Chandler, (2), Ac., and a few days ago two large packets were
seen at Rivington's address'd to the Archbishop of Canterbury, one of
which it was imagined came from Dr. Chandler.

Governor Clinton assures me that Dr. Cebra is in the Bill of Attainder,
a circumstance which I did not know when I mentioned him in a late let
ter. He certainly would never have run the risque he did by coming to
New- York, unless some political ends of consequence were to be ans
wered by it. * * * *

SAM'L PROVOOST. (3)
New-York, Dec. 28, 1785

With the remark, in passing that there was no foundation
for the unkind judgments of Mr. Provoost other than his
political aad personal prejudices, we turn to the consider
ation of the feeling in England with reference to the meas
ures of the Convention of 1785.

No little alarm was felt abroad by the friends of the
Church in the United States at the reception of the sermon
of Dr. Smith on the first introduction of the new Liturgy
without any further information of the nature and extent of
the alterations proposed. Rumors as to what had been done
in the way of change and correction accompanied and pre-

(1) From the Bp. White Correspondence.

(2) The Rev. Thomas ffradbury Chandler D. D., of New-Jersey, one of the wisest and
twtt of the Colonial clergy.

(3) From the Bp. White Correspondence.

HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS. 285

ceded the petition of the Convention, and those who had
most at heart the introduction of the English Succession
found that new and unlooked-for obstacles to their success
had been raised by these hasty movements. A few extracts
from letters addressed to the ReV Dr. White by his old
friend and correspondent the Rev. Alexander Murray, D. D.,
formerly missionary of the venerable Society in Reading,
Pennsylvania, graphically present the revulsion of feeling
in England caused by these rumors and the influence they
exerted even in minds of the highest dignitaries of the
English Church.

London, 24 December. 1785.
My Dear Sir.

Two days ago only I was favored with yours, and two sermons. Copies
of these and your Petition, Mr. Duche delivered to the Archbishop of
Cant, on the 18th instant. But 1 tremble for the consequences, after you
have, as it is reported, laid violent hands on the venerable fabric of your
mother Qhurch, which has withstood the attacks of ages, without any very
material alterations since Elizabeth. . . . But you will say
all this must have been expected some time or other, but I presume not at
a more unseasonable time than when you were applying for a succession of
Bishops of our National persuasion, and when you had a Rival Church
opening in Connecticut to observe all your motions, and which I suppose
has made no alterations in it? public Worship, but in the Prayers for the
Supreme Magistrate ; tho' now it may proceed to all reasonable lengths in
spirituals alter it ,has obtained the powers of an Episcopal Convention :
While your Convention like another Westminister Assembly has left hard
ly anything for a Bishop in all appearance to do, but to consecrate Deacons
and Priests, according to a system not known in that Church, from which
you desire to derive your Succession.

In any event, before the Abp. can give his opinion on your 'case, he
must have ample documents of your Faith, which is to be collected from
your new Prayer Book, and the Minutes of your Conventions, which you
will not fail to send him without loss of time. Let them be directed to
some Lay gentleman here who is a member of Rome of your States, to act
in concert with a Clergyman or two, whom you will mention to his Grace,
that he may negociate with any or all of these as he sees fit ; for your re
quest must be enforced by your Laity for whose benefit it cheifly is intend
ed, and all possible assurance will be expected that no offence will be
given to your States by the Episcopate you desire.

Your Envoy here, Mr. Adams, will no doubt be consulted, by our Court,
if they take the matter up. Some of your Convention are acquainted
with him, and to him you should send every necessary paper also. It is a
piece of respect due to his public Character, and may engage his good offi
ces in your oehalf. (1)

(1) For an account of Mr. Adams' kind offices in presenting the address of the Conven
tion see ante, pp. 191, 192.

286 HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS.

It is trne, after your own example, your new Liturgy as the Old, is left
open to farther Reviews and amendments, but that must be a work entirely
of your own. For I am confident our Church Dignitaries will not venture
to alter a single tittle of it, lest they raise a loud cry for a Review of the
latter, which has been so often, especially of late, demanded by some, and
thus involve themselves in more contention than ever on that score, if not
in a bitter Religious war, or ocfcsion a more general Schism, and multi
ply Dissenters without number and without end. The followers of Lind
say who have Expunged the two exceptionable Creeds are few indeed.
The Methodists are many, who make him a public Butt of their indigna
tion, to secure and increase their Votaries. Tho' Arianisrn and Athanas-
ism are both very mysterious.

However I would fain hope the best things of my quondam brethren
and fellow citizens of America ; that they have retained the sum and sub
stance of the tenets of our Church and admitted nothing repugnant there
to, the alterations consisting in things indifferent, which may, or may not
be proposed and practised without prejudice to the fundamentals 01 this
Church. If so the Candidates recommended for Episcopal Orders may be
left at liberty to subscribe our 39 Articles of which yours is tantamount,
and thereby obviate an almost insuperable difficulty of obtaining an
Act of Parlament to enable our Bishops to consecrate on other conditions,
for the reasons I have mentioned.

Nor will your proceedings meet with the approbation of the Scotch
Episcopal Clergy, who are superstitiously attached to their antient forms
and usages and cerimonial trumpery ; for had it not been for that, (not-
witbstandjng their political principles to which they are still wedded,)
they would have been long ago extinct.

The few I have had tim,e to mention your Review to, suspect that there
has been a Judas among you, who has betrayed you into this preposterous
measure, to defeat if posible all your views, which in themselves are high
ly prudent and praiseworthy. *****

Your most affec't.

Bro'r. and Serv't.
Eevd. Dr. White. ALEX'R MURRAY. (1)

Reverting to the same subject in an energetic letter
dated two days subsequently Dr. Murray continues as
follows :

Rev'd. Sir.

I have heard of no letters, since your Convention, from D'rs. Smith,
Chandler or Seabury. Had you delay'd your Review, as I strove to per
suade you, there is not an Episcopalian in England but would have secon
ded your Request with all their influence and might, but upon your gar
bled Liturgy they hardly can, without bringing forward a Review of their
own, which might endanger the peace of the State and Church, and revive
the dormant powers of the Convocation. Better then leave your Candi
dates for the Prelatic Order to subscribe our Formula at large, which I sup
pose contains nothing very different from yours, and you may have some

(1) From the Bp. White MSS.

HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS. 287

assurance of success, as I doubt not your Petition is well supported by
your Laity for whose benefit it is intended Yon might have sent a Copy
of it to Mr. DuchS, but having neither that nor any particulars relating to
it but what are contained in Dr. Smith's Sermon, it is as yet only reasoning
in the dark upon the whole of your proceedings, which will appear I hope
more favourable than they do at first view ; only your case had been less
perplexed had you never been members of our Church, but foreigners only
professing all the essentials of its Doctrine, discipline, Worship and Gov
ernment, and nothing contrary thereto. And if your case is considered by
the Abp. it is likely it will be in that light ; without descending to the
particular places or persons abroad to which the Act of Parliament is to
extend, as in that for the Ordination of Deacons and Priests past lately in
your favour, these having subscribed our Articles it is true, but the Bish
op to subscribe yours to the same effect. ....

Among other things I have a large collection of Liturgies down from
the Jerusalem Liturgy to Lindsay's and the Liverpool ; and tho' some of
them excell in one part, they are as defective in another. To compose a
complete one is a Herculean labour, and not to be accomplished but by
divine assistance which may Aim. God grant you in all your undertaking
for the good of his Church which is in no very promising way in America

Your affect. Bro.

and obliged humble Servant
Kev'd. Dr. White. ALEX'R. MURRAY. (1)

The following month the Rev Mr. Duche in his report
of his interview with the Archbishop of Canterbury con
firms the Statements made by Dr. Murray as to the wide
spread apprehensions caused in England by the hasty action
of the convention in adopting the Proposed Book.

Asylum, Lambeth, Jan. 30th, 1786.
Dear Sir.

Agreeable to your Desire I delivered your Packet and Letters with
my own Hand to his Grace the Archbishop of Canterbury. As I had
nothing further in charge I was of course unprepared to answer any Ques
tions. You had given me no Information of the Proceedings of your Con
vention. You had not particularized the Alterations in y'r Liturgy. Of
these Alterations, we have only heard by private letters. How far they
may not be agreeable to our Archbishops and Bishops, I cannot pre
tend to say ; and my own sentiments I withhold, till you have fulfilled
your Promise in sending me a Copy |of the Liturgy. I confess, that as I
sincerely love you all, not only as my dear Countrymen, but as once Mem
bers of the same Church Communion, I feel a sincere anxiety for your
Spiritual as well as temporal welfare and therefore hope you have cau
tiously avoided any thing that may be construed as an essential Deviation
from the long received Doctrines of the Church of England, and may have
any Tendency to widen the Separation from our Church here. Indeed I

(1) From the Bp. White MSS.

288 HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS.

told the Archbishop, what I really took to be the case at that Time, that
the Alterations were merely Mutatis Mutandis.

I mast tell you, however, my Dear Sir, that your Letters to me are
generally so very short, and appear to be written in so great an Hurry,
that I have not the Satisfaction I should have, if you would write me
more at leisure and be a little more particular. Be assured, that while I
live, I shall love vou, and the people with whom you are connected, and
it is my frequent ^Prayer, that the Lord would enable you to give them
proper Food. In this Respect I Endeavour in some measure to labour still
for them and you. And tho' absent in Body, lam sometimes present with
them in Spirit.

Your sincere Friend and Servant.

J. DUGHE. (1)

Added information transmitted through various channels
served to allay somewhat these apprehensions of heterodoxy,
and the following letter from Dr. Murray written early in
the Spring of 1786 though full of earnest deprecations of
change was far more hopeful and encouraging than his last.

London; llth March, 1786.
My Dear Sir.

I would fain hope the day is not far distant when I shall have the hon
our of addressing you Right Reverend. You meet my wishes more and
more, I am pleased with the appointment of Mr. Adams and Mr. Peters,
who have faithfully executed their trust and deserve the public thanks of
your Convention. Mr. Adams has finally obviated all political objections
to your Application, and reconciled the King, the Members, and the whole
Bench of Bishops to it. They are liberal and just enough to distinguish
between Civil and Religious Separation, and not to excommunicate a People
who never made Religion a ground of Contest, unless your Convention will
insist upon doing it now, a thing I never dreamt of till your Alterations,
rather innovations were announced in Dr. Smith's sermon.

Happily I see from your last Journal they are not yet approved, but
only proposed and recommended. If the Church in any of your seven
States reject* them and will adhere to her ancient forms and the political
alterations you have agreed upon, that Church and no more, will be ad
mitted to all the Christian privileges and rights their mother can confer.
Upon other terms it would be as little to be desired as to be expected by
you. It would be absurd to form such a close connexion as you propose
with a heterodox Church. However I suppose you presume upon conces
sions, and I doubt not some will be made you in things indifferent, but you
can expect none in those that are established here as fundamental. These
you can well distinguish. What chiefly gives offence here is your omit
ting the two Creeds, and at the same time the Doctrine of the Trinity in
Unity runs thro' the whole of that part of your service I have yet seen.
For GOD'S sake leave this and all such abstruse points to the discretion of
your different ministers and congregations, lest they lead to an irreparable
Schism, and give offence to well meaning Christians of several Sects among

(1) From the Bishop White MSS.

HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS. 289

you. You know what dreadful effects civil Innovations have lately intro
duced.

Your Articles for number and nature are not arrived here yet tho' they
ought and might have been sent in Manuscript first, as they are the foun
dation of your whole system, then you would not have left your friends
so murh in the dark and a state of suspense. For the Bishops, who are
your sincere friends, you must acknowledge, can corne to no determination
till they see your whole Platform and Documents unlolded. Do like mod
est children submit all your differences to them, and you will never have
reason to repent it. They wish your Spiritual prosperity as much as ever,
and they must be answerable for the consequences of what they do in this
very serious affair, wherein the peace of the Church and State here are
nearly concerned. You must feel for them and request no more than they
can with safety and credit grant. You have it now in your power to build
upon a Rock with great honour and reputation. As a Branch of this
Church you will have the ablest advocate to defend your Community a-
gainst all attacks from Dissenters whether 1'opish or Protestant, and your
Succession will be unexceptionable, which is to be derived only from this
Church and that of Sweden in the Protestant line in all Christendom,
strange to tell ! And you may preserve Protestant Episcopacy uninterrupt
ed, when it may be lost in Europe, as it was about 1641, but in Sweden a-
lone, with regard to all earthly countenance and public protection. In
short see that your Formulary is substantially the same with ours and you
need not doubt of success. The part you sent me of your Prayer Book, I
forwarded directly to the Archbishop, with some remarks in its favour, that
he might have time to examine it before Mr. Peters waited upon him. Aa
I have parted with that, I hope you Will send me one complete. Mr. Pe
ters will inform you that Messrs Montgomery and Duche have stood aloof
and given me no sort of assistance, I believe only thro' fear that I had
started a desperate game since Dr. Seabury's Defection here, which I did
not believe with them ought to divert or finally discourage your applica
tion, if made in the mod,e I proposed, and which you have been pleased to
adopt, as I knew it would be most agreeable to you to apply first to your
Mother Church. If you meet not her expectations, I am ruined in the es
teem of the Archbishop, whom I told your Formulary tho' altered contain
ed still the sum and substance of ours and nothing repugnant in Doctrine,
Worship or Government, but in what respected the separate civil powers
of your country. As there are none but political alterations yet agreed
upon, pray postpone the most exceptionable of the rest to a future day,
when you can discuss them in an Episcopal Convention, with decency, or
der, and consistently with your profession of Prelacy.

Yours most affectionately,

ALEX'R, MURRAY.

Rev. Dr. White and Dr. Smith.

P. S. You must continue your correspondence with Mr. Adams as the
ostensible person with whom the Abp may treat and finally settle your af
fairs to the public satisfaction both of this Government and yours. A Lay
man here of your Church should be also appointed Agent in place of Mr.
Peters, and if I can be of any service to either of them they may com
mand it. Your Churches are supplied I suppose in the meantime with ye
Candidates for Holy Orders. It were to be wished that your Committee
would declare their minds with regard to the proposed Alterations, and if
they are found admissible by the Bench of Bishops you might have an Act

290 HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS.

of Parliament passed in the present sessions which are thought will be
continued till towards June next. Committing -you to GOD'S guidance I
am

Yours,

A. M. (1)

A little later the same month the Rev. Mr. Duche ad
dressed the following letter to his American Correspondent.
It is particularly interesting as plainly and forcibly exposing
the weakness of the argements by which Dr. White and the
Southern Clergy sustained their course in holding back from
union with the Bishop of Connecticut.

Dear Sir. Asylum, March 25th, 1786.

I wrote to you hy Capt. Willett ; but I find since, that ye Archbishop
has returned an Answer to ye Letter of the Convention. This Intelligence
I have from Mr. Peters. But neither he nor I know the Purport of the
Answer. I have not called on his Grace since I delivered your Letters.
And I have avoided all Conversation on the Subject, and shall avoid it,
unless I am called upon to give my Sentiments, on the Propriety and Ex
pediency of immediately granting the Request of the Convention. I am
sure, if this shall be the Case, which I have not the least Reaon in the
world lo expect, I shall say everything that true Affection for the Episco
pal Church in my Native Country can dictate. I am also sure, that our
Archbishop and Bishops here are heartily disposed to do everything, that
can promote the Interest of a Church, which has been so long cherished,
and supported by their Influence, and which under ye good Providence
of the Lord, owes its Existence in America to the Benevolence of the
Church of England.

In ye meanwhile I cannot but lament the Prospect there seems to be of
so Early a Schism among you. Here we could not recognize Dr. Sea-
bury's Episcopal Character. But with you there can remain but one
Point to oe settled, in order to establish future Peace and Harmony, and
that is, the Validity of his Consecration, from Proofs adduced of the un
interrupted Succession in ye Church of Scotland. This once settled, I
should think you might receive him, or at least enable him, by previously
acknowledging his Episcopal Character, to join your General Convention,
and assist yon, and your future Bishops, (from whatever Channel you may
obtain them) in making such further Regulations in Discipline and Wor
ship, as may finally introduce a General Uniformity in the Episcopal
Church throughout the States. If something of this Kind is not done I
fear, an unpleasant Disunion may take Place, and put a Stop to ye Pro
gress of your Church. Bishop Seabury who was much with me, during
hi? Residence here, appears to be a Man of great Moderation, strong
Judgment, good Affection and solid Piety. And I really thought, from
one of your Letters to me, that you were all eager to receive him. But
enough on this Subject. You will excuse these Hints which are suggested

(1) From the Bp. White MSS.

HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS. 291

from real Affection to you All, and a sincere wish, that unanimity and
Brotherly Love may prevail and continue among you. * * *

I approve much of what I have seen of your Liturgy. It is very
remarkable, that your first Introductory (Sentence " The Lord is in his
Holy Temple, &c.," is ye very Sentence I introduced about a twelve month
ago, to be suug at my Chapel by the Orphans, instead of a Voluntary before
ye First Lesson, by way of engaging ye attention of ye Congregation to
Lessons from Scripture. It is used by you with still more Propriety to
introduce the whole Service. The several verbal alterations are of little
Consequence, but can be adopted without giving offence. Not so the leav
ing out one of the Articles of the Apostles' Creed " The Descent into Hell "
which if properly understood, will be found to be quite consistent with ye
Analogy of Faith, and therefore not to be omitted. The words " Descent '
and "Hell, " do indeed want explanation. And so does every other Art
icle of ye Creed. But surely it ought not to have been rejected for this
Reason, otherwise the Scriptures themselves may be rejected. For who
can say, that he understands them, till " his Understending is opened by
the Lord?" And of what use is a Gospel Ministry, but to be Instru
mental in ye Lord's Hands for ihis Purpose ; that is to open the understand
ings of their Hearers ? Every Body here is astonished to find, 'that your
Convention of Clergy and Laity should have thought, that " he was bur
ied " and that "he decended into Hell, " are synonymous Expressions, of
the same Meaning and Import. Could you suppose for a Moment, that the
Soul of Xt was buried with his Body ? Impossible If not, then it must
have been somewhere and in some state. What State could this be but
the State into which all departed Spirits go, at the Death of ye Body, and
remain, till a last Judgment sooner or later, gives them who " die in the
Lord, " as our Burial Service expresses it, " their perfect Consummation in
Bliss in Body and Soul," or dooms the wicked to Eternal Punishment ?. In
this State our, Lord's Spirit must have remained betwixt his Death and
Resurrection. Nay, till his Ascension into Heaven. For though his final
temptations and Combats were compleated on the Cross, yet his Human
Body was not completely glorified, and made Divine till his Ascension and
Session on the Right Hand of God. If you had looked into Bishop Pear
son, and some others of our Church on this Article you wonld have found,
that the Process of Redemption could not have been complete, had not our
Lord passed thro' the several states of Man before, at, and after his Death.
You would have found the Period at which this Article was introduced,
the different Interpretations given to it, by different Persons, in preceding
Ages ; and the Reason, why we retain this Article in ye Sense in which he
has explained it. and in whic i it is held by every sound Divine of the
Church of England. You would not have been offended at the words
" Descent into Hell, " but when properly understood, would have found
them perfectly consistent, as I have already said, with the Analogy of
Faith. The necessity of the Case, and your particular Circumstances may
justify in some Measure your adopting a Republican Form of Church Dis
cipline. But surely there could have been no necessity for a few Clergy
men and Laymen undertaking to leave out a single Article in a Creed,
which is received and adopted by every Xtian Communion even by the
Socinians, I believe, if they may be called Xtians who, like yejollowers
of Mahomet, deny the Divinity of the " Lord that bought them."

Poor Dr. Smith, if we may judge from his Sermon, is sadly fallen off.
Never was a more lean and meagre Performance Had not his name been
prefaced, I should never have conceived the Composition to be his. Dr.

292 HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS.

Wharton's is here thought much superior, though in a moral view, he has
rather lowered the Clerical Character.

I am sure you will receive and answer these imperfect Hints with your
usual Candour. Remember, what I write to you is for you alone, that is
lor your own Perusal. If you think what little I have said, may be of
any weight, you may communicate it in your own Words, without using
my Name, which now, perhaps, would give not the least Sanction to Truth
itself, with those I mean, who view me in a different -Light, from what they
once did. * * * ^ *
I am

Ever yours affectionately

J. DUCHE. (1)

The longed-for response of the Archbishops and Bishops
to which reference is made by Mr. Duche was at length re
ceived and printed in full in the Journal of the Convention
of June, 1786. It also appears in Bishop White's Mem
oirs of the Church(2). The original with the autograph sig
natures of the Archbishops and Bishops, which is still pre
served, forms one of the most interesting and valuable Man
uscripts in the Archives of the American Church. As Bish
op White informs us(2) it was " the omission of the article
of Christ's descent into hell, in the Apostles' Creed," that
was especially distasteful to the English Prelates though
this objection was urged with earnestness only by a sin
gle Bishop Dr. Moss of Bath and Wells. At the same time
the failure of the Bishops to receive the sheets of the " Pro
posed Book" which though sent to them from time to time(3)
as the work passed through the press, miscarried, occasioned
the " caution " which Bishop White noticed as characteriz
ing this important and interesting letter. That there was not
unanimity in urging the omission in the creed referred to,
will appear from the following letter from one of the wisest
and most worthy of the Southern Clergy ; while the com
munications which we subjoin from the Rev. Mr. Parker and
the Bishop of Connecticut will give us the impressions of the
Convention and its work which obtained in New England
and to a large extent in New Jersey and New York.

(I) From the Bishop White Mss.)
(?) Vagea 297 288.)

HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS. 293

KEY. DR. WILLIAM WEST TO REV. DR. WHITE.

Baltimore Town, Nov. 3rd. 1785.
Dear Sir.

If I am not much mistaken Doctor Smith told me, that it was not yet too
late to retain, in the Apostles' Creed, the Descent into Hell. If it be not,
and you Gentlemen can, with Propriety, introduce it so as to be repeated
or not, with the other Articles, at the Discretion of the Minister ; I can
not but think (as I have written to Dr. Smith) that it would be much
better to retain than expunge it. When this Matter came before the
Convention, just at the Conclusion of Business I could not but say I wished
the article to be retained But rather than Engage in tedious and irk
some Debate, I only wished it. And the Reasons for my wish at that Time
occasion my troubling you with this now, if the Article may haply be yet
retained. The only Reasons I heard for expunging it were that it was not
anciently in the creed ; and that it impliea Tautology ; but the former
Reason I believe, will militate in some Measure against retaining another
Article of the same creed, and Bishop Pearson's observations will show
that the Descent into Hell does not necessarily imply Tautology ; For our
Lord's Body only was bnried in the Grave; but his rational Soul (without
which he could not be Perfect Man), during his Separate State after-
Death was in Hell, or that State (whatever it be ) into which the rational
Soul of every Man enters and exists from the Time of his Death, to that of
the General Resurrection. However as this is not clearly and explicitly
delivered in the Sacred writings, the Descent into Hell might, I pre
sume, be omitted without any Injury to the Christian Faith. But I ap
prehend the Omission of this Article may occasion a Diversity of Senti
ments in the P. E. Churches of these United States ; all which, especially
in the only Creed retained, and at this time particularly, I wish to be a-
voided. But I mean not to be troublesome either with my wishes or my
apprehensions; and shall acquiesce under the matured judgment of others
better informed. If therefore what I have observed on this Subject be
either out of Time, or impertinent; pray suppose it all obliterated, or never
mentioned. My dear sir.

Your affectionate Servant.

WM. WEST. (1)

THE BISHOP OF CONNECTICUT TO REV. DR. WHITE.

New London, Jan 18th. 1786.
Dear Sir.

I should have paid the earliest attention to your letter of the 18th. of
October, but that I flattered myself I would have been favored with a copy
of the Journal of the Convention at Philadelphia, and a letter from Dr.
Smith on the subject ; but as I have unhappily been disappointed in both
expectations, I will no longer delay writing to you, least what has hith
erto been only apparent, should become a real neglect.

On the business of your Convention I can at present say nothing because
I know nothing but from report, and that I hope has exaggerated matters ;
for I should be much afflicted to find all true that is reported. You men
tion my disapprobation of your including the Laity in your representative

(1) From the Bishop White Correspondence.)

294 HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS.

body. Your extending the power of the Lay delegate, so far as your funda
mental rules have done, 1 did then, and do now most certainly dis
approve of; particularly in the article relating to the Bishop, who, if I
rigntly understand, is to be subject to a jurisdiction of Presbyters and
Laymen. I hope the general desire to harmonize which you mention will
produce good effects, I assure you no one will endeavour more to effect the
cordial union of the Episcopal Church through the Continent than I shall,
provided it be on Episcopal principles.
I am, Kev. Sir,

with regard and esteem,

your very humble Servant.
SAMUEL, Bishop, Episcopal Church, Connect.
Kev. Dr. White. (1)

REV. MB PARKER TO REV. DR. WHITE.

Boston Jan'ry. 24, 1786.

Rev'd. & Dear Sir.

I -have to acknowledge & return you my thanks for three
Packets received from you with your favours of Oct 24 & Decern'r. & one
Packet since with the Sheets of your new prayer book as far as the Collect
for all Saints Day, with a Note of Dec'r. 27. With your Letter of Octo'r.
24 I received Drs. Smith's & Wharton's Sermons but not the two half Sheets
of the Prayer book which you mention in yours of Decem'r. -1st. Had you
recollected the early Date of that Letter, I believe you will find that no
part of the Prayer book nor the Journals had then come from the press, &
consequently could not have been sent as in your great hurry from your
multiplicity of business you imagined I have received ten half Sheets
beginning with the Collects before the Communion Service, & shall esteem
it an additional favour to have the former Sheets as they contain the
Morn'g. & Even'g. Service which are the most material parts. I have also
to return you my sincere thanks for your most excellent Letter to Mr. Mil
ler A for your politeness in giving me the perusal of it before the Delivery.
It was not a little of a mortification to them that your Letter came thro'
my hands, for I have so uniformly opposed their proceedings that I have
exposed myself to their resentment, & this afforded me such matter of Tri
umph as they could hardly brook. I think you have given your Opinion
of their Book in a very sensible Judicious manner & shew them their error
with great Strength of Arguments I sincerely wish it may have a good
effect. But I despair of seeing them retract as long as their present Read
er continues with them, & let that Period be longer or shorter he must con
tinue a Reader only, for in my Opinion he can never be episcopally or
dained, at least while he retains his present Sentiments, & should he obtain
Ordination from the Congregational Clergy with whom alone he has always
associated, that will forever exclude all Pretence of their being an Episco
pal Church & will open the way for the Minority to recover possession of
the house, which by the way is the most elegant building not only in
America, but there are few exceed it in neatness & elegance even in Lon
don. It coat upwards of 10,000 St'g.

I thank you kindly Sir for adverting in your letter to Mr. Miller to the
knowledge you had obtained of their proceedings, by which means I be-

(1) From the Bishop White Correspondence.

HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS. 295

came exculpated from any Communications on that Subject & that it could
not have been at my request that you so highly disapprove of their Conduct,
Respecting the proceedings of your Convention give me leave to observe,
that the whole proceeding almost, is in direct Violation of the fourth fun
damental Principle agreed on by Convention at New-York, which is that
the American Church shall maintain the Doctrines of the Gospel held by
the Church of England & shall adhere to the Liturgy of said Church, as far
as shall be consistent with the American Revolution & the Constitutions of
the respective States. The State Prayers in the Liturgy I suppose are
here excepted & them only, but how can you be said to adhere to the Lit
urgy of the Church of England, after adopting the alterations made in your
new Praver book Or had this Convention a right to alter amend & dis
annul the proceedings of that at New- York ? I rather think not, because
it was upon those fundamental Principles that Delegates were appointed
for this Convention, & whose business it was not to supercede those princi
ples but to act in Conformity to them. Had I been present at your Con
vention I must have protested ag'st. revising the Liturgy for this reason,
as well as for another which appears to be to have great weight, viz. that
the business of revising Liturgies & framing ecclesiastical Constitutions is
the sole & proper duty of Bishops with advice of their Clergy, & that for
the Clergy & Laity to undertake this is intrenching upon the Episcopal
Authority in matters ecclesiastical. I foresee you will readily retort, how
came then a Convention of clerical & lay deputies assembled at Boston to
invade the Episcopal Province & revise the Liturgy ? I answer they have
not; Certain Alterations were proposed in the Liturgy of the Church, by
the Bishop of Connecticut & at his request lay before the Convention at
Boston for their Approbation, <fe those were made the basis of our proceed
ings, but when approved were not to be adopted till the other Churches had
approved of them also, in order if possible to obtain a Uniformity. And
accordingly we have not yet made any Alterations except a Substitute for
the State Prayers. With respect to your Address to the Archbishops &
Bishops of England give me leave to suggest whether if you succeed in
Consequence of said address in obtaining an Episcopate from England, we
shall not inevitably have two Episcopal Churches in America which like
Jews & Samaritans will have no Communication but be at continual En
mity ? To the Succession thro 1 the Scotch Bishops I think no material Ob
jection can be made, & the obtaining an Episcopate thro' that Line will not
be so unpopular as from the English Line. The people of these Eastern
States still retain a great jealousy of the English nation & will with Diffi
culty be brought to submit to any Authority civil or ecclesiastical from,
thence, insomuch that I imagine it next to impossible to obtain from our
civil rulers such a Certificate as your Convention recommends. To a Bish
op from the Scotch line there can be no Objection, for unconnected with
civil power themselves, there can be no jealousy of a Bishop from thence
introducing any into these States. Was it not for this reason & for our
already having a Bishop in the Neighborhood from the Scotch Church, I
frankly confess it would be more eligible to obtain the Succession from
England as we always have been accustomed to look up to them as Child
ren to their Parent. With respect to the Alterations in the Liturgy & offi
ces of the Ch'h. I must suspend giving my Opinion till I see the whole ;
those in that part of the Prayer Book that is come to hand, are many of
them the same that were proposed by us, & where they differ, I would as
soon adopt one as the other. No Objection I think can be made to the
Omission of the Nicene Creed but the time. Some passages in it are as ob-

296 HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS.

Bcure &, unintelligable as many in the Creed of St. Athanasius, which I am
very glad we are rid of. The Arian Doctrine is gaining ground very fast
in these parts, & the throwing out two Creeds at once which were designed
as a barrier ag'st. that Doctrine will be looked upon by many as acceding
to the same Opinions.

Thus you see Sir that relying on your Candour I have given my Opin
ion of the proceedings of your Convention with as much freedom as you
did yours to Mr. Miller. You will be kind eno' to put the most favourable
Construction on my Expressions, &, not imagine that I presume to find fault
with doings of so learned & respectable a Body but only to inform you of
such Difficulties as lay in my mind respecting our ecclesiastical Affairs,
finally I sincerely wish we may settle down in an Uniformity of Doctrine
& Worship, & still continue one Church cemented in the strictest bonds of
Union. To the obtaining of which I shall exert my utmost Abilities. (1)

Even under the eye and influence of the able and deter
mined Provoost there had grown up dissatisfaction with the
work of the Convention of 1785 ; while at the southward,
fears of doctrinal changes in the future led to the warning
words of Dr. West we give below. It is clear from the
words of the rector of Trinity, New- York, that the presence
of Seabury, in the validity of whose consecration there was
almost universal acquiescence, served most happily as a con
serving element in the later measures attending the organ
ization of the Church throughout the land. At the same
time there can be little doubt that the objections to the Fourth
of July service alluded to by Provoost, formed a grave obsta
cle to the acceptance of the Proposed Book. (2) That the
service itself was the composition of one whose political
course during the war for Independence had been far from
consistent added to the general dislike with which its incor
poration in the Prayer Book was regarded, so that this " most
injudicious step taken by the Convention," as Bp. White
styles it resulted in the general disuse of the service and a
wide-spread disposition " to cry down the intended book, if
it were only to get rid of the offensive holiday."

We add the letters to which reference has been made.

(1) From a copy in the handwriting of Bp. Parker and preserved among hig papers.

(2) Vide ante, pp. 202, 204 for an extract from Bp. White's Memoirs (pp. 104, 105) giving
a discussion of the whole subject.

HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS. 297

EEV. MR. PROVOOST TO EEV. DR. WHITE.

Dr. Sir.

I was informed a few days ago by three different gentlemen that they
had just seen a Box directed to me at the Elizabeth Town Ferry House in
this City and, in consequence of this information, have at length got the
first parcel of Prayer Books. I sincerely believe the threatening has been
of avail in this case as well as the former.

Such a strong party has been raised against the alterations that I am
afraid we should not be able to adopt the Book at present without danger
of a Schism the ostensible objection is that they were made without the
sanction of a Bishop, but the Thanksgiving for the Fourth of July in all
probability is one principal cause of the opposition. The sale of the
Books has been very dull only thirteen have been disposed of.

Mr. Ogden has given you an account of the Extraordinary proceedings
at Perth Amboy. I flatter myself our Convention in this Slate will be
influenced by a more liberal and Christian Spirit.

I am, Dr. Sir, with the most sincere regard
your affectionate Brother

and Hum'le. Serv't.

N. York, May 4th, 1786. SAMUEL PROVOOST. (1)

KEY. MR. WEST TO KEY. DR. WHITE.

Baltimore Town, May 4th, 1786,
Reverend and dear Sir.

Inclosed you will receive by CaptDe Course, the Proceedings
of the late Convention at Annapolis. They would have been conveyed to
you sooner, had I not been called and detained from Home on the account
of my Brother's Sickness and Death.

Yesterday I received a Box per Stage, directed to me in this Place, and
containing 10 Dozen Copies of the New Prayer Book: but no Directions
either by Word or Writing attended ; so that I know not in what manner
or at what Price they are to be distributed.

I have been lately told that a Pamphlet (2) has censured the Proceedings
of the General Convention ; and, among other things thrown out that the
Dispersion of the New Prayer Book has been delayed with artful Design.
The Charge, I am convinced, is as false as it is unchristian ; But I am sorry
that the Neglect of the Printer or Binder has given such an Handle to
those who, perhaps, wish evil to the Protestant Episcopal Church in these
States. Should the next General Convention discover great Haste and

(1) From the Bp. White Correspondence.

(2) The Pamphlet to whih reference is made was the following, viz. "Remarks on the
Proceedings of the Episcopal Convention for forming an American Constitution. Address
ed to the Publick. With Proposals for them in Future Conventions. And an account of .
the Plan proposed for an American Church. By a Layman. Printed by S. Hall, in State-
Street. Boston. MDCCLXXXVI. 8vo. pp. 8."

The copy of this pamphlet preserved among the Archives of the General Convention
bears the following autograph note by Bp. White, "A Pamphlet in Opposition to what was
transacted in New- York, in ye Autumn of 1784 & presenting ye Proposal of a Church to be
formed by Professors of all Denominations ; probably with a View to ye Scheme of those
who call themselves Unitarians. W. W."

Dr. West's sensitiveness as to doctrinal changes is noticed by Bp. White. Memoirs, pp.
103, 104. Vide ante, pp. 201, 202.

298 HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS.

Eagerness to confirm and ratify authoritatively this newly -revised Liturgy,
&c., and before it has been well digested and approved by those who are
concerned in it : I fear it will have a Tendency rather to separate than
unite its members. And to prevent this Calamity, sufficient Warning seems
to have been already thrown out, even by its Enemies, .in the Pamphlet I
have mentioned. This Pamphlet I have neither seen, nor heard the Par
ticulars of. Dr. Andrews, who was lately in this Town, communicated to
me all on which I have founded my Opinion. The very Title-Page of
the Book itself supposes the envenomed Charge to be groundless ; and in
deed, it supposes "also. That the Church shall have an Opportunity of
weighing it deliberately, before it shall be finally ratified and adopted. For
the 'Title- Page presents it as " the Book of Common Prayer, &c., as revised
and proposed to the Use of the Protestant Episcopal Church." If then it
is proposed only ; certainly it ought to be considered by each particular
State Church ; and if so, a proper Consideration of so important a Matter,
must in the Opinion of all, require sufficient time for mature Deliberation.
These are Sentiments which you know prevailed at our late Convention at
Annapolis ; and tho' the Members have ratified the Book, according to
their Powers ; yet, I believe, they could have wished those Powers to have
been more enlarged than they either felt or found them to be. However,
it is to be hoped that a more general and satisfactory Representation of
the Ch'h. in other States, will make up what has been wanting in our own :
and happily remove all Doubts and Fears concerning the Introduction of
a revised and improved Liturgy. * * * * *
I am, reverend and dear Sir,

with hearty Good-Wishes

for your Happiness

and Prosperity

your affectionate Servant
WM. WEST. (1)

Baltimore, Town, May 12th 1786.
Dear Sir.

I am sorry to understand that Censure has

been thrown upon the Proceedings of the Episcopalians since their Conven
tion in Philadelphia ; But I trust that this and every other Aspersion will
be done away by their Prudence, and the Spirit that will prevail and actu
ate them. Could Harmony but prevail among the Brethren throughout
the States, how certain would be this desirable Event ; Matters, involving
Diversity of Sentiments concerning Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction, I arn sure
ought not to prevent it And I will hope that nothing, touching the Doc
trine of the Trinity, as it has been received by our Ch'h. will ever come on
the Tapis, so as to introduce Controversy respecting the real and eternal
Divinity or Godhead of the Three Persons. Aly Reason for this last Sen
timent you, I presume, are no stranger to. I am sorry to observe, that
some, who readily enough espouse the Doctrine in General are unwilling
*to acknowledge That Adoration is due to the Eternal Spirit, as very and
Eternal God ! Should any Expression, or Manner of Expression be adopt
ed, Either in our Service or our Articles, favorable to such an Idea; I am
too well convinced that the Harmony of our Ch'h. will assuredly cease !
Philosophizing Conclusions, I trust, will never have weight sufficient to

(1) From the Bishop White Correspondence.

HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS. 299

overthrow the plain Truths of Revelation ; nor the refined and subtle Ideas
of any professed Christian to bring in Question the Propriety of addressin^
the Eternal Trinity, as we now do in the Begnining of our Litany. How
weak must be the Argument against the Address to say " No such Term as
that of Trinity is to be found in Scripture" ! Arguments similar to it may
be used against this and that Expression throughout the Liturgy, so that,
in the end, the mere Expression must be attended to, and the plain and
certain Truth unattended to or at least not asserted ! Should such Mat
ters be proposed at the next Convention, I shall be sorry that my Absence
from it should put it out of my Power to Dissent with my Tongue, and
with my whole Soul from them !

It is on the Supposition that some such Matters may possibly be pro
posed, that I have given you the Trouble of reading the last Paragraph ;
and doing all in my Power to prevent what, in my Opinion, would be
attended with Consequences fatal to the Peace and Harmony of the Prot
estant Episcopal Church in America.

It would give me Pleasure to hear the Success of the late Application
to the Arch bishops and Bps of England : Pray when is an answer Ex
pected ; or has one arrived ?

I am, Dear Sir,

Your affect'e. serv't. and brother.

Rev'd. Dr. White. WAI. WEST.(l)

On the whole, the letter from the English Prelates in re
ply to the address of the Philadelphia Convention of 1785
was favorable ; and its reception gave fresh vigor to the efforts
for securing the succession in the English line. Hurrying
off, by the hands of a Presbyterian minister travelling south
ward, a transcript of this Communication to Dr. White who
had in common with the Clergy of the Middle and South-
era states been impatiently awaiting its arrival, Provoost
writes as follows :

Dear Sir.

I send by the Reverend Dr. Rodgers the

Copy of a very affectionate Letter received by yesterday's packet from the
Prelates of England. It was thought proper to detain the Original till it
had been produced to the Convention to be held a few days hence in this
City Pains have been taken to misrepresent our proceedings, yet I flat
ter myself from the seeming Candour of the Bishops that these misrepre
sentations will do us no material Injury.

Your most affectionate Brother,

and very Humble Servant,

SAMUEL PROVOOST (1)
New York, May 13th, 1786.

(1) From the Bishop White Correspondence.

300 HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS.

Dear Sir.

I wrote by Dr. Rodgers, and am now to acknowledge the receipt of
yours of the 14th and 16th Instant with the inclosed from our worthy
Friend Richard Peters, Esq. The Bishops' reply to our Address had been
communicated to our Convention and copies taken by some of the Cleri
cal brethren before your Cautionary Letter arrived, but with no intention
of publishing it. The Convention after sitting two days without doing
anything very material adjourned to the second Tuesday of next month
in expectation of a more numerous meeting and to give the ditferent con
gregations an opportunity of perusing the new Prayer Book before the
Question for adopting it came forward. The Package with the fifty Books
(viz 45 black ana 5 red bound) was brought safe to me Early last Wednes
day morning. But I can get no account of the hundred which were first
sent.

Your best friends in this City approve of your conduct in not admitting
persons ordained by Dr. Cebra to your pulpit. The Clergy in K Jersey
act with the same precaution. Mr. Sprague and Mr. Rowe were not to be
received as members of their Convention.

The Archbishop by not choosing to answer private inquiries has left the
matter in Dubio, ana you may still act literally even in that respect upon
the principle of sub Judice lis est.

But I really think our Line of Conduct is plain before us. As the Gen
eral Convention did not think proper to acknowledge Dr. Cebra as a Bis
hop, much less as Bishop of our Church, it would be highly improper for
us in our own private Capacities to give any sanction to his Ordinations.
It would also be an insult upon the Church and to the truly venerable pre
lates to whom we are now making Application for the Succession. For
my own part I carry the Matter still further and as a friend to the Lib
erties of mankind should be extremely sorry that the conduct of my
Brethren here should tend to the resurrection of the sect of Non-Jurors
(nearly buried in oblivion) whose slavish and absurd Tenets were a dis
grace to humanity, and God Grant that they may never be cherished in
America which as my native Country I wish may always be saved to Lib
erty both civil and religious.

I am with sincere regard.

Dr. and Rev'd Sir,

Your most affectionate Brother,
and Humble Servant,

Rev. Dr. White SAMUEL PROVOOST.(l)

N. York, May 20th, 1786.

Following closely upon this communication was another,
revealing a latitude of theological belief, of itself quite
enough to account for the fears of the more conservative
clergy, that the doctrines of the Catholic Faith were likely
to be tampered with in the Convention now near at hand.

" I am sorry to find that your Convention has not been without

its altercations. The doctrine of the Trinity has been a bone of conten-

(1) From the Biihop White Correspondence.

HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS. 301

tion since the first ages of Christianity, and will be to the end of the world.
It is an abstruse point, upon which great charity is due to different opin
ions, and the only way of securing ourselves from error, is to adhere to
Scripture expressions, without turning into definitions. The following
lines of the Bishop of Llandaff, in his late collection of Theological Tracts,
shew a truly Christian and liberal spirit:

" ' Newton and Locke were esteemed Socinians ; Lardner was an avowed
one; Clarke and Whiston were declared Arians; Bull and Waterland
were professed Athanasians; who will take upon him to say that these
were not equal to each other in probity and Scriptural knowledge ? And
if that be admitted, surely we ought to learn no other lesson, from the di
versity of their, opinions, except that of perfect moderation and good will
towards all those who happen to differ from ourselves. We ought to en
tertain no other wish, but that every man may be allowed, without loss
of fame or fortune, et sentire quce velit, et quce sentiat discere. This abso
lute freedom of Inquiry, it is apprehended, is the best way of investigating
the sense of Scripture, the most probable means of producing an unifor
mity of opinion, and of rendering the Gospel dispensation as intelligible to
us in the 18th century, as we presume it was to the Christians in the first. '

" Strong objections, in my opinion, may be made against the validity of
the Nonjuring consecrations in general, and stronger still against Dr.
Cebra's, in particular. I never had the pleasure of any conversation with
you upon this subject, and real want of time obliges me to waive the dis
cussion of it at present. The line of conduct (1) our delegates are to ob
serve towards the persons ordained by the Doctor will, I hope, be pointed
out to them before they go do Philadelphia.

SAM'L PROVOOST."(2)

New York, June 10th, 1786.

Passing from these evident tokens of dissension arising
among the few Churchmen in America, we give, as a pre
face to our notices of the Convention of 1786, the following
interesting letter.

THE REV. Dr. IKGLIS TO THE REV. Dr. WHITE.

London, Mortimer Street, No. 15.

Reverend Sir. June 6, 1786.

* * * * Before this time, you have probably received the
Answer of the English Bishops to the Conventional Letter addressed to
them, dAiring to know whether they would Consecrate Persons sent here
for that Purpose, I need not therefore say much about it it was friendly,
and shewed a Disposition to grant your Request but it was cautious, as it

(1) That " line of conduct " was marked out by the following resolution, passed in Con
vention, in St Paul's Chapel, New York, three days after. It was the clotting business of
the Session as recorded in the thin, dingy pamphlet giving the proceeding*! of the opening
meetings of that Convention, whose doings, at a single gathering, now-a-days, require a
volume for their record.

" Resolved, that the persons appointed to represent this Church, be instructed not to
consent to any acts that may imply the validity of Dr. Seabury's Ordinations."

(2) From the Bishop White Correspondence.

302 HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS.

was reported that you were about to make great Alterations not only in
the Liturgy, but in the Creeds and Articles. Since that Time, the Bishops
have received the Whole of your Common Prayer Book, as altered by the
Convention ; and observing with Pleasure that the great, essential Doc
trines of Christianity are preserved ; particularly, the Doctrine of the
Holy Trinity and our Saviour's Atonement, which in this Country are vio
lently attacked at present by Socinians and Materialists : They have taken
np the Business with greater Zeal, and mean to comply fully with your
Request, if you yourselves will put it into their Power.

His Grace of Canterbury is particularly solicitous and active in promot
ing the Measure. He will apply for an Act of Parliament this Session to
Empower him and the other Bishops to Consecrate the Persons you may
Bond over. By this Packet he will write another Letter to the Conven
tion, (directed under Cover to you,) and stating those Conditions on which
he and the other Bishops will comply ; and those Conditions relate solely
to yourselves to the Interest and Welfare of the Church in America ; for
the Bishops are no further concerned in them, than as they will hereby be
Enabled to comply with your Request in a Manner that is consistent with
the Dictates of their Conscience.

The Conditions are such as, I trust, you and the other American Clergy
will think reasonable and advantageous; and I hope are practicable.
They are principally those that follow : 1. A Restoration of the Article
which has been expunged out of the Apostles Creed. 2. A Restoration of
the Nicene and Athanasian Creeds, so far at least as to leave the Use of
them Discretional. 3. Securing to the future Bishops that just and perma
nent Authority, which is not only necessary for the right Discharge of
their Duty and Benefit of the Church ; but which is warranted by Holy
Scripture and Practice of the Christian Church in every Period of its Ex
istence. And, 4. Proper Testimonials, such as the peculiarity of the Case
demands, of the Competency in Point of Learning, the unblemished Moral
Character, and Soundness in the Faith, of those who may be sent over for
Consecration.

No man who has any Regard to Virtue or the Purity of Religion, will
object to the last Condition. With Respect to the Creeds, I hope a Com-

Sliance with the Requsition, will not, on mature Reflection, meet with
pposition. I am a Stranger to the Reasons which induced the Conven
tion to Expunge the Descent into Hell; but I may venture to afSrm they
were not solid; and I say this after being well acquainted with the History
of this Article, and the fanciful Explications that have been given of it by
different Persons. The Convention probably thought it a Tautology ; but
it really is not. It relates to a different Thing from our Saviour's Death or
Burial these Articles declare that our Saviours Soul was separated from his
Body, which was Death the Body was then laid in a Grave, i. e. was Bur
ied; But the Soul descended, or went into Hades, i. e. the Place of departed
Souls. So that this Article holds out a different Object of our Belief from
the two preceding Articles. Accordingly it is received at this Day by
every Protestant Church in Christendom I might say, by every Christian
Church upon Earth.

As to the Nicene and Athanasian Creeds, they unquestionably contain
the great, Essential Doctrines of our common Faith, as it has been ever
professed by the Catholic Church of Christ. If there have been Gainsay-
ere of those Doctrines in different Ages, that should not stagger our Faith ;
any more than the Assertions of Deists or Atheists should shake our Belief
in Revelation. And if it be considered to what Lengths the Spirit of In-

HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS. 303

novation in Religion may carry men how many there are at this Day
who are zealous to overturn the Fundamentals of Christianity, and what
Encouragement they will receive by expunging those Creeds : I trust that
those among you who have the Honour' and Interest of Christianity at
Heart, and are zealous to preserve pure and uncorrupt that Faith which
was once delivered to the Saints, will be induced to reconsider this Matter,
and restore those Creeds, so far at least as the Bishops require were they
fully replaced as before, it would be much better.

With regard to your future Bishop's permanent Authority, I consider it
as absolutely necessary to the Peace, Order and good Government of your
Churches. When I first saw the Regulation made on this Head, I was
astonished how any People professing themselves Members of an Episco
pal Church, could think of degrading their Bishop in such a Manner. No
Episcopal Power whatever is reserved lor him but that of Ordination and
perhaps Confirmation. He is only a Member ex officio, of the Convention
where he resides, but is not to take the Chair, or Preside, unless he is asked ;
whereas such Presidency is as essential to his Character, as Ordination.
St. Paul's Bishop was to receive, and judge of Accusations brought
against Presbyters ; as hath been the Case of Bishops ever |ince : But your
Bishop has nothing to do with such Matters the Convention, consisting
mostly of Laymen, are to receive, and judge of Accusations against him
In short, his Barber may shave him in the Morning ; and in the Afternoon,
vote him out of his Office.

I was astonished, I say, at this Regulation, and could not account for
the Clergy's agreeing to it but my astonishment ceased, when I was as
sured by a Letter from America, that all the Clergy, except one, opposed
it ; but were out-voted, or overawed into a Compliance, by the Laity.
This accounted for the Matter ; it is only one of the Evils which I foresaw
would attend the Introduction of so many Laymen into Conventions ;
and be assured it will be followed by many others. However I am sensi
ble of your Situation, and that you cannot do as you would. Now, view
ing the Matter in this Light, I consider the Interposition of the Bishops
here on this Head, as a great Advantage to the Church and Clergy with
you; for it gives the Clergy ground to stand on which they had not before.
They may now with Propriety, and I trust, with Effect, plead for that Au
thority in their future Bishops, which is essential to their Character, and
necessary for the good Government of your Churches.

The Authority of Bishops, as such, is purely spiritual ; it has nothing to
do with Civil Constitntions, or their different Forms. It existed as fully
when Christianity was persecuted by Heathen Emperors, as when Empe
rors became Nursing Fathers of the Church it exists as fully now in
the Roman Cantons or Republics of Switzerland, as it does in the King
dom of France. It is therefore idle to say, that because the American
States are Republics, therefore Bishops residing in them must be stripped
of their spiritual or ecclesiastical Powers ; for the one is no Reason for
the other, nor does the Consequence by any means follow. The purely
spiritual or ecclesiastical Authority of a Bishop, and you should aim at no
more, may be as well allowed and exercised in a Democratic State, as in
an absolute Monarchy. It is a pity that some of you did not think of A.
Bishop Usher's Scheme of Episcopacy, which I would recommend to your
Consideration. Agreeably to the spirit of the Times when he wrote he
lopped off all external Appendages, but still preserved the Essentials of
Episcopacy.

The Bishops here have no Right to interpose Authoritatively they can

304 HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS.

only admonish and advise; but when they do this in Matters which are
for your Benefit, and which are necessary to enable them to serve you,
consistently with their Duty and Conscience, their Advice should have

Seat Weight You will find a benevolent brotherly, Christian Spirit
eathes throughout their Letter, joined to a proper Regard for the Inter
ests of Religion. I sincerely wish their Letters may have the desired ef
fect, as it will tend much to the Benefit of the Church ; and I flatter my
self that no endeavours of yours will be wanting for this Purpose.

It gives me great Pleasure to find that your Academy is likely to flour
ish under Mr. Andrews, (1) of whom I always heard a good Character.
The Presbyterians have behaved with Respect to your College(2) just as
I Expected they have uniformly behaved so whenever they gained an
Ascendency, and had Power in their Hands.

With sincere, best wishes for your
Health and Happiness, I am,
Reverend Sir,

Your affectionate Friend
and Brother,

CHARLES INGLIS.(3)
Eev'd Dr. White.

P. S. This Letter is secret and confidential the Communications it
contains are for your own private use. Tiie Arch-Bishop's Letter has not
been seen, nor will be, by any Person but myself, except the Bishops who
join in it I thought it would be of Service to you to have this Intelli
gence, and it is for this Reason I write. C. I.

In much the same strain writes the Rev. Dr. Murray
whose interest in the Church in America was unabated.

REV. DR. MURRAY TO THE REV. DR. WIHTE.

London, 8th June, 1786.
Dear Sir.

I wrote you about Christmas last by Capt. Kearsely, and in March by
William Bingham, but having only a few minutes notice of Mr. Peters' de*
parture, I left further and full intelligence to him.

About the middle of April after that, the Abp. of Can'y. only
received the last part of your proposed Liturgy and Articles, and [he]
thinks you have made rather too free with ours, especially in omitting
" our Saviour's descent into hell," which you must restore to its former
place, if you desire to continue in Unity with your mother Church ; that
one Creed at least may be left entire. This Article his Grace insisted upon
the 30th ult'o. I had the honour of an audience at his own desire on the
affairs of your Church which he thinks I have so much at heart, and for
which I have said more than most would venture to do in the present
stage of its progress, and the strange aspect it has taken from the altera
tions proposed in it ; but as these are only, like an intricate bill in Parh-

(1) The Re\. John Andrews, D. D., at that time principal of the Academy of the Pro-
twtant Episcopal Church in Philadelphia.

(2) Helen-ing to the temporary usurpation by the Legislature of Pennsylvania of the cor
porate power of the " College and Academy of Philadelphia."

(3) From the Bp. White Correspondence.

HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS. 305

ament, published for consideration, to be repealed, amended, or approved
at your next convention ; and the best things are hoped from your delib
erations then, in due consistence with your Address to the Abps. and
Bps. wherein you profess an adherence to the Doctrine, Worship, Gov
ernment and Religious principles of the Church of England, his Grace is
disposed to bring forward, if possible, a bill this session to vest the
Bench with discretionary power to consecrate Bishops for foreign States ;
to the benefit of which Act your Church will be entitled, if your next Con
vention renders it comparable to ours in its religious tenets. In any event
you should lose no time in sending his Grace the Journal of your Proceed
ings accompanied by a Letter from your President, explaining any thing
that may appear exceptionable. If all the parts of your Liturgy be not
literally the same, I hope they will be found substantially the same with
ours ; otherwise you would as little desire, as expect, the proposed connec
tion.

The Abp. is your sincere friend, as indeed all the Bps. are, and you
have every thing to expect from them that they can contribute towards the
enlargement of Protestant Episcopacy which, in all Christendom, prevails
only here and in Sweden. The work they began when you were fellow
subjects, they will without prejudice or resentment, see completed, if obsti
nacy on the part of you, their Children, prevent it not. They are your
Fathers in God still, and you owe them all due attention and submission
as such tho' they have no longer any Jure jurisdiction over you. It is far
from their hearts to entertain an injurious thought of you, or a cold con
cern for your first and best interests for the loss of that. An overruling
Providence has determined that, for good and wise ends, yet unknown to
us but the Unity of the Church is not cannot be dissolved thereby, but
remains unalterably the same, under all the changes and chances of the
Kingdoms of this World ; so that your Church and ours must still continue
in Unity, so long as they profess the same religious principles, which remain
to be considered by our Bps , after you have put the last hand to your
new Liturgy, which you have given no public sanction to as yet, and
therefore nothing in the mean time can be pronounced of it, only you can
witn the utmost safety submit it to their correction, if they can with pru
dence undertake it, but they will do the most they can to assist and ac
commodate your Church. You need entertain no doubt of their good dispo
sitions to you. In short, if it had not been for your Alterations, or Inno
vations you would have had before now your Succession without trouble
or difficulty. Had Dr. Seabury, who proposed no religious alterations, had
patience to have waited for such public recommendations as vours, he would
have readily have succeeded here ; the fault was not in the Bishops that he
did not.

The descent into hell may be restored verbatim to ye Creed by explain
ing it in the words of Dr. Clarke's Catechism, in your first Article after
buried, " and he departed into the state of separate souls," or in terms to
y't purpose. But let me have done, and not dictate. . .

Expecting to hear from you soon I am

Dr Sir,
Your most obed't and hum'e Serv't,

ALEX'R. MURRAY. (1)

Revd. Dr. White.

(1) From the Bishop White Correspondence.

306 HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS.

We have earlier given an important letter from Mr. Pro-
voost in which his lax views of theology are only too appar
ent. We therefore add an earnest disclaimer of any loose
ness of doctrinal belief from the pen of the amiable West
of Maryland written on the eve of the first Convention of
1786.

KEY. DR. WEST TO THE REV. DR. WHITE.

Baltimore Town, June 9th, 1786.

Dear Sir.

***** It gives me singular Satisfaction to under
stand that the Archbishops and Bishops of England are so ready to aid
the Ch'h in these States.

I felt no surprize that they should desire to see the Proceedings of the
late G. Convention at Philadelphia before they gave that Body a final
Answer. But I could have wished those venerable Gentleman had re
posed so much Confidence in them as to suppose they had not departed
essentially from the Principles and Doctrines of the Ch'h of England; and
that, to save Time, they had endeavoured to procure an Act of the Parlia
ment, then sitting, enabling them, on certain Condition?, to exercise the
Powers thereby conferred.

I wish to God tliat no constructions may be put on any of the late con
ventional Proceedings, by which a Departure from what some of the Ch'h
of England may deem Essential to its Doctrines, may be inferred! A Di
versity of Sentiment among even her own Members seems naturally pro
ductive of such a Fear. The proposed Restoration of the 1. 2. 4. and 5
Articles might possibly have arisen from Apprehensions similar to those
which once alarmed me on the Subject of the Trinity; and which, I can
didly confess to you, have not yet entirely subsided. I know you will
interpret with Candour and with Kindness my private Sentiments thus
communicated to you ; and therefore I give them. I fear that on compar
ing the old Article concerning, the Three Creeds, with the New Article con
cerning the Creed, an Handle may be made by some to say we have at
least virtually, departed from the Doctrine of the Ch'h of England
For the Reason assigned, in the New Article, for receiving and believing
the Apostles' Creed, is Because it may be proved by the holy Scripture;
and the Reason assigned, in the old Article, for thoroughly receiving and
believing the three Creeds is Because " they may be proved by most cer
tain warrants of holy Scripture." I fear we ourselves must confess that the
Difference of the two Articles, when contrasted is somewhat striking ; and
that a Person, fond of discovering faults, might say. the Ch'h of England
asserts the Scripture Truth of the Three Creeds ; but the P. E. Ch'h in
America rejects that Doctrine, and asserts the Scripture Truth of the
Apostles' Creed only ; thereby virtually rejecting the Doctrine of the Ch'h
of England, by implying that the Apostles' Creed may be proved by the
holy Scripture, but that the other two cannot. Should such an Idea be
taken up, the next thing we may probably hear, is that the Convention at
Philadelphia have rejected the Nicene and the Athanasian Creeds! The
Truth is, they omitted, but did not reject them; and could the Motive, in-

HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS. 307

ducing that Body to omit them, have been as public as the actual omission,
I trust no illnatured Reflexions would have been made.

But I hope the Integrity and Caution of the 2d General Convention
will enable them to demonstrate to the World that they mean not t:> alter
the fundamental Doctrines of the Ch'h of England ; nor to depart from
the Doctrines of revealed Truth in the Gospel. Perhaps when the Busi
ness concerning the Nicene Creed comes Before the Convention, an Oppor
tunity may be Embraced, at the same time, to distinguish between the
very different Ideas of rejecting and omitting. The Doctrine of the Atha-
nasian Creed I believe, to be as true as that of the Apostles' ; but as it may
not be so plainly delivered as the latter, and consequently not so level to
the Capacities of all; it may certainly be omitted in the Performance of a
Service in which all join, without Censure ; but as its Doctrines, tho' not so
plain perhaps, are equally true, it might not, I conceive, be rejected, or
even omitted, in such a manner as to give Offence to those who believe them
to be supported by Revelation. However I will trouble you no more on
this subject; but with hearty good Wishes for yourself and family, con
clude my long Letter, begging you to excuse it in

Your affect. Servant.

. WILLIAM WEST. (1)
Eev. William White, D. D.

Philadelphia.

The Kev. Henry Purcell, D. D., who subsequently ob
tained an unenviable notoriety in connection with matters
under discussion in the Convention of 1795, in a letter dated
" Charleston, June 22nd, '86 " writes as follows, upon the
adjournment of the South Carolinia Convention of that
year.

"I'm happy you have at last heard from the venerable and
revd. Bench at home, tho' 'tis quite dissonant to my Idea of
Independency and Sovereignty ; yet as the Majority was
for it, 'twas folly to kick against the Pricks. I'm fortuuate
however in one Respect that my Notions were thoroughly con
genial with that of the Community here for they have re
solved (and 'tis the Opinion of 19 in 20) not to have Bishops
in this State. Georgia and North Carolina think the same ".

In Connecticut the attitude was that of expectancy. At
the Convocation at Middletown a few alterations in the Lit
urgy had been proposed, (2) and these had been adopted in
the main in Massachusetts and Ehode Island with a few

(1) From the Bishop White Correspondence.

(2) Vide, Hawk s and Perry's Conn. Church Documents, II. pp. 284-286

808 HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS.

others. (1) But even the slight additions to the Middletown
alterations which were made in Massachusetts were unpala
table to the Connecticut Churchmen, and the Rev. Bela
Hubbard writes from New Haven, under date of September
17th, 1785, " As to the alteration proposed by your Con
vention in the good old book of Common Prayer, I can at
present only say, that our Convocation are slow in taking up
a matter of so much consequence."

Bishop Seabury writing more at length, a couple of months
later, gives expression to the same view of the proposed lit
urgical revision.

BISHOP SEABURY TO REV. MR PARKER.

Wallingford, Nov. 28th, 1785.
Dear Sir.

. . . Between the time of our parting at Middletown and the Clerical
meeting at New Haven, it was found that the Church people in Connect
icut were much alarmed at the thoughts of any considerable alterations
being made in the Prayer Book; and, upon the whole, it was judged best
that no alterations should be attempted at present, but to wait till a little
time shall have cooled down the tempers and conciliated the affections of
the people to each other. And since the Convention at Philadelphia,
which, as report says, has abrogated two creeds and nineteen Articles, and
taken great liberties with the Prayers, &c , we are more apprehensive of
proceeding to any alterations.

In this case it is thought best by such of our Clergy as I have had oppor
tunity of consulting, to endeavour to get one or two Bishops more, partic
ularly in the Eastern States ; and then to let them meet, with a number
delegated from the Clergy, and agree upon such revision as shall ensure
uniformity among themselves at least. Our wish and hope then is, that
no alterations may at present take place with you, but that yon would
turn your attention to the procuring another Bishop, to the eastward, in
the course of the next Summer.

Let me have your sentiments on this matter, as soon as your conven-
iency shall permit. I shall be at New London the last of this week, and
hope I shall not again be called out in the course of the month, unless to
give you a half way meeting, in case you should think it advisable.
Your affectionate, humble Servant.

Rev. Mr. Parker. S. SEABURY. (2)

A letter (3) from the Rev. Mr. Bass, who was soon to be
chosen first Bishop of Massachusetts, will attest the feeling

(1) Vide, Reprint of the Massachusetts Journals. These alterations have been earlier
given, ante, pp. 91-93

(2) From the BUuop Purker Correspondeuce. (3) Ibid.

HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS. 309

entertained throughout New England with reference to these
liturgical changes, and the Episcopacy and consecration of
Seabury.

REV. EDWARD BASS TO KEY. SAMUEL PARKER.

Newbury Port, Jan. 3d, 1786.
Rev. and dear Sir.

. Dr. Smith observes somewhere ii his Sermon, that the
Convention at Philadelphia touched, or were disposed to touch the Liturgy,
in the way of revisal and amendment, with trembling hands. If that
were really the case, I fancy their hands were paralytic during the whole
session ; for, by Dr. White's letter, they seem to have touched abundance
of the Service, and to have made many and weighty alterations. I have
always been of opinion, that we never should coalesce with these gentry,
and that it was much more natural for us to endeavour to come to a uui-
formity in these four Northern States. Dr. White appears to be desirous
of a member from hence, at their next Convention. I could never learn
that in any of their meetings and debates they have ever taken the least
notice of Bishop Seabury, which I look upon as a grat neglect, if not
even a disrespect to and contempt of the Episcopal Order. They have
indeed resolved to endeavour to obtain an Episcopate among themselves,
but it is, in my humble opinion unpardonable, in the mean time, not to
place the Bishop who is upon the spot, at the head of their Convention.
Truly very unepiscopal conduct ! For my part, I wish to have little to
do with them. The alterations and (if we may presume to call them so)
amendments which were agreed upon at Boston last fall, are, I find, in gen
eral very acceptable ; they are certainly so here, and I have conformed to
them in my public ministrations since the adjournment of our Convention
to April 26th, 1786

To words such as these it is only necessary to add the
language of the Rev. Mr. Parker of Boston, whose means
of accurate judgment were surpassed by none :

" In these Northern States I much doubt whether a Bish
op from England would be received, so great is the jealousy
still remaining of the British nation. Of a Scotch Bishop
there can be no suspicions, because wholly unconnected with
the civil power themselves, they could introduce none into
these States Was it not for these reasons, I frankly confess
I should rather have the succession from the English Church,
to which we have always been accustomed to look as children
to a parent." (1)

(1) From the Bp. White Correspondence.

310 HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS.

Meantime there has sprung up an interesting Correspond
ence between the amiable White and Bp. Seabury, grow
ing out of the dignified commuincation from the Bishop
which was read before the Convention and which already
has its place in our pages. (1) The letter from Dr. White
in reply to the Bishop's communication has not been pre
served. It was acknowledged by Bp. Seabury in a brief
letter which we give below and to which we add from the
'original Draft in Bp. White's handwriting the reply. With
these letters and one from the Bishop to Mr. Parker, giving
an extract from a communication from the celebrated Jon
athan Boucher, a refugee clergyman from Maryland, and
one of the most learned and excellent of the Colonial clergy,
we shall turn to the consideration of the proceedings of the
first Convention of 1786.

REV. DR. WHITE TO BISHOP SEABURY. %

Rt Rev'd. Father in God.

I had ye Honor of your Letter by Mr. Wood, and am happy in ye Opp'y
of apologizing for not sooner furnishing you with ye Journal of ye late
Convention and ye sheets of our proposed P. Book.

The Truth is, Sir, I had presumed on Dr. Smith's sending you all neces
sary Information until very lately, when ye Dr. was in Town, I found
that ye many Journeys in which he has been engaged had delayed that
matter longer than he would have wished. I then furnished him with ye
sheets of ye P. B. and necessary Papers so far as ye Press had gone and
since I rec d your Letter I find they have gone on to Conn't. They
are now followed by ye Sheets which contain ye Psalter: ye Rest shall be
sent as soon as printed and I further enclose a few of our Journals.

I am happy in believing Sir from your last obliging letter, that I had
taken in a stricter sense than you intended what you had said of Lay
Representatives. As to ye Mode of trying Clergymen I apprehend yt ye
Convention has not yet taken any Steps in adjusting it. If I am rightly
instructed in what w'd be proper on such a Subject, ye Method may
vary according to local Circumstances ; and altho' there may be nothing
incongruous for Laymen to have some Part in that Matter, yet ye
m[inisteria]l character should not be taken away but by that higher
Order of Clergy who convey it. And this, as I suppose is ye Reason
that ye 122 Can. of ye Church of England requires after ye Trial of an
Ecc'l. Person a Bp. shall pronounce ye Sentence of Dep. or Deg'n.

I hope, Sir, that any Reports which you may think unfavorable to ye
late Conv'n will appear on Inquiry an Exaggeration. They may have

(1) Ante, pp. 7681.

HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS. 311

erred for want of sufft. Information, but I am confident it was not their
Design to depart from Episcopal'n Principles, and that they wished to main
tain what appeared to be such from ye System of ye Ch of England
only accommodating them to local circumstances in such matters as it
cannot be supposed involved Principle.

I am, Rt. Revd. Father in God, with great respect &c. (1)

Endorsed " a Draft of a Letter to Bp. Seabury Feb. 1. '86."

New London, May 24th, 1786.
My Dear Sir:

I this day received a letter from the Rev. Mr. Boucher, Vicar of Ep
som, in England, who is a good deal in the confidence of the Archbishop
of Canterbury, and among other things of less moment, though among those
things of less moment is, that my Reverence makes some noise in the Gen
tleman's Magazine, and, upon the whole, the world is on my side, he says:

" The two Archbishops and seventeen Bishops have signed an answer
to the decent, but very injudicious application of the Convention in Phil
adelphia, of which this is the purport: that though they feel much for, and
are cordially attached to their brethren in the United States, they can give
no decided answer to their application, till they certainly know whether
or no they are of the Church of England." Then follows : " Their reformed
Liturgy is amazingly weak, (but I believe not heterodox) their discipline
savouring much more of the Kirk than of our Church. But of these things
our folks thought themselves not at liberty to take notice, till they had
seen some authenticated copies of their proceedings."

The business, therefore, is postponed for some time ; and unless they
alter their plan of government, at an end in-England. I humbly beg par
don of the Bishops in England. They are not so low in principles as I
feared they were.

Accept my best wishes, and believe me, my dear Sir, your ever affection
ate Brother and humble Servant,

SAMUEL, Bp. Connect. (2)

THE CONVENTIONS OF 1786.

The first Session of the Convention of 1786 was barely
organized, when the Kev. Robert Smith, of South Carolina,
moved :

"That the Clergy present produce their Letters of
Orders, or declare by whom they were ordained."

This motion, as we are informed by Bishop White, in his
" Memoirs of the Church "(3) was aimed at the Rev. Joseph
Pilmore, a 'convert from Methodism, who had received Or-

(1) From the Bp. White Correspondence.

(2) From the Bishop Parker Corespondence.
(3; Second Edition, pp. 115, 116.

312 HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS.

ders from Bishop Seabury, and the Rev. William Smith, of
Stepney Parish, Maryland, who had been Ordained in Scot
land, by a Bishop of the Church from whence Seabury had
obtained consecration. The judicious application of the
" Previous Question,'^ moved by Dr. Smith, and seconded
by Dr. White, precluded the discussion which it was antici
pated would grow out of this motion, and the resolution
itself was lost.

Mr. Provoost, not satisfied with this expression of the
will of the Convention, soon came directly to the point with
a motion

" That this Convention will resolve to do no act that shall
imply the validity of Ordinations made by Dr. Seabury." (1)

Again the " Previous Question " cut off discussion, and
the main question was determined in the negative, New-
York, New-Jersey and South Carolina, alone supporting it.

So determined was the feeling of opposition to Bishop
Seabury shown in these measures, that a compromise resolu
tion was unanimously carried, on motion of Dr. White, sec
onded by Rev. Robert Smith, of South Carolina, to the
effect

" That it be recommended to this Church, in the States
here represented, not to receive to the Pastoral Charge, with
in their respective limits, Clergymen professing Canonical
subjection to any Bishop, in any State or country, other than
those Bishops who may be duly settled in the States repre
sented in this Convention."

This resolution, as explained by its author in the " Me
moirs," (1) so frequently referred to, was offered with a view
to meet the allegation made on the floor of Convention, that
Bishop Seabury required a pledge of Canonical obedience

(1) From the Bishop White Correspondence.

HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS. 313

from those who received Holy Orders at his hands, even
though they might reside outside the limits of his immedi
ate Diocese. The Rev. Mr. Pilmore, the only one in the
body who had received Orders from the Bishop of Connecti
cut, expressly denied this charge, and the resolution for
which, as Bishop White expressly states,(l) there was never
" any ground," other than this apprehension, was carried
without opposition.

The following day, the Rev. Robert Smith, with a perse
verance worthy a far better cause, returned indirectly to the
attack, and there was passed, unanimously, on his motion,
the following resolution :

" That it be recommended to the Conventions of the
Church, represented in this General Convention, not to
admit any person as a Minister, within their respective limits,
who shall receive Ordination from any Bishop residing in
America, during the application now pending to the English
Bishops for Episcopal consecration."

This matter disposed of, the Convention proceeded to the
consideration of the letter from the English Prelates. Resolu
tions expressing the "grateful sense of the Christian affec
tion and condescension manifested in this letter '"' (2) were
adopted and the Rev. Drs. Smith, White and Wharton with
James Parker, Esquire, of New Jersey, and the Hon Cyrus
Griffin of Virginia were appointed to draft a reply. The
original draft which was from the pen of the Chairman of the
Committee, Dr. William Smith, we give below. A compar
ison of this paper with the letter as sent which is printed on
the pages of the Journal (3) will confirm the statement of
Bp. White that it was " considerably altered in a motion of

(1) Memoirs, Second edition, pp. 115, 116.

(2) Vide Kepriuted Journals, Perry's Edition, I. 37. (3) Ibid. I. pp. 44, 45.

314 HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS.

the Hon. John Jay, Esq., who thought the draft too sub
missive." (1)

To -he Most Reverend and Right Reverend Fathers in GOD, the Archbish
ops and Bishops of the Church of England,

MOST WORTHY AND VENERABLE PRELATES !

The clerical and lay deputies of the Protestant Episcopal Church 'in the
States of New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland,
Virginia, and South Carolina this day assembled in Convention in Christ
Church Philadelphia, had the honour to receive your letter dated London
Feb. 24th 1786, in answer to their address of Octo'r 5th 1785.

Your Christian Condescension and goodness, on this occasion, have fill
ed our hearts with the most lively sentiments of gratitude ; and we desire
to offer our thankful acknowledgements to your venerable Body, for hav
ing taken the earliest opportunity of attending to our address, with that
true and affectionate regard wrfich you have always shewn to that branch
of the Episcopal Church, planted by your great and pious Predecessers in
America. We are, moreover, greatly encouraged by the fatherly assurance
you give us that "nothing is nearer your heart than the wish to promote
our spiritual welfare ; to be instrumental in procuring for us the compleac
exercise of our holy religion, and the enjoyment of that ecclesiastical con
stitution, which we sincerely believe to be truly apostolical, and for
which (we trust) the most unreserved veneration will ever be maintained
by our Church in America." We are also happy to be further assured
that, on your "parts, you will use your best endeavours (which you give
us hopes will be successful) to acquire a legal capacity of complying with
the prayer of our address."

The Joy which we feel on this occasion would therefore be complete,
were it not for the apprehensions you, our venerable Fathers, have sug
gested to us, "that in the proceedings of our last convention some altera
tions may have been adopted or intended which the difficulties of our sit
uation do not seem to justify ;" but we are greatly comforted, at the same
time, by the kind assurance which you give us, and our firm dependence
on your goodness, "that you are disposed to make every allowance which
candor can suggest for those difficulties ; and that you think it just, both
to yourselves and to us, to wait for an explanation."

Nevertheless, while we regret that any difficulties have arisen from mis
representations of our proceedings thio' any private -or uncertain chan
nels ; we are, at the same time, greatly edified with the caution exhibited
to us, by those whom we revere as the chief Guardians and Depositories,
under GOD, of the doctrines of the Church, whereof we profess ourselves
members.

From those doctrines no essential deviations were intended by the con
vention, and we are confident it will appear that none have been made in
the book which hath been proposed, ana which we thought it but just and
candid to publish to the world, and particularly to have it presented to
your Lordships before any Clergyman nominated to the office of a Bishop
among us, should be sent to you for consecration. In the mean time it
was to be our endeavour, to remove as far as possible every objection that
might remain or be apprehended among our Civil Rulers ; to which we

(1) Memoirs of the Church, p. 116.

HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS. 315

believe nothing could more -contribute than an open and candid publica
tion of the Alterations which seemed necessary or expedient, either in a
civil or religious view. We conceived moreover that this declaration of
our doctrines and public worship, would contribute effectually to do awav
any prejudices against our Church, which may still be found among ouV
fellow Citizens at large ; these prejudices we are persuaded are few and
inconsiderable. For some time past they have happily been subsiding,
and your Lordships will undoubtedly approve of every measure which a
sister Church can adopt towards completing the circle of Christian Charity
and forbearance.

Some alterations became necessary upon the principles set forth in the
preface to the proposed book of Common Prayer ; but we apprehend that
there are none such as can induce your venerable Body to consider us as
having adopted "an ecclesiastical system which will be called a branch of
the Church of England, but which may appear to have departed from it
essentially either in doctrine or discipline." We have already expressed
our hope that there is no Buch departure, or should it appear to your
Lordships that there is any, we shall be happy to have it pointed out
to us.

Our book is only a proposal although we must say it is a very accepta
ble one to "those of our Church whp have had the greatest opportunity of
being made acquainted with it. But we have not established it, nor do
we consider ourselves as having authority so to do in the Churches of any
of these States till they are fully organized and have their Bishops in Coun
cil and Government with them. When those shall be sent for consecration
to the Church of England, they will be informed in what points, if any,
there may appear to be essential deviations either in doctrine or discipline ;
and they, as well as the Conventions in the different States, will undoubt
edly pay all that deference to your exalted characters which we know to
be necessary for maintaining a perpetual harmony and union with the
Church of England in all essentials.

We therefore Pray, That as our Church, in sundry States, hath already
proceeded with nominations of Bishops and in others may soon proceed
with the same ; you will be pleased to give us as speedy an answer to this
our second address, as in your fatherly regard you were pleased to give to
our former one ; as it is our wish that some at least of the persons nomin
ated should embark for England, so as to put themselves under your pro
tection and patronage, against the meeting of Parliament next winter.
We are with great and sincere Respect

Most worthy and venerable Prelates. (1)

To these measures were added the tentative adoption of
a Constitution for the American Church; and the reading of
a Memorial (2) and Communication from the Church in

(1) The original is endorsed on back in Bp White's handwriting "Proposed Answer to
tho Letter from the Bps. not agreed to." It was tho't too full of Compliment.

The above is in ye Hand-writing of Mr. F. Hopkinson. The Document was delivered to
a Comm'ee; was altered by Mr. Jay, a Member of it. The Original Letter was drawn up
by Dr. Smith. W. W."

(2) This Memorial from the pen of the celebrated Thomas Bradbury Chandler, D. D.,
appears m fall in the Appendix to Bp. White's Memoirs, (pp. 298 300) and in the ''Pro-
cesdinga of the Convention of the Protestant Episcopal Church, in the State of New Jer
sey; Includiag the Threo first Meetings. With an Appendix. Irentou, 1787. pp. 13-15.

316 HISTORICAL XOTES AND DOCUMENTS.

New Jersey, which was referred to " the first General Con
vention which should assemble with sufficient powers to
determine on the same." (1)

It should not be forgotten that this wise and temperate
Communication was as Bp. White expressly states, (2)
among the causes which prevented the disorganizing of the
American Church.

Prior to the adjournment, a Committee of Correspondence
was appointed with power to convene the Convention in
"Wilmington on the receipt of letters (3) which were shortly
expected from England and which, it was hoped, would com
municate, as in fact they did, the assurance of the success
of their efforts for the Episcopate in the English line.
The letters which we give below add further particulars to
our knowledge of the circumstances attending the final pass
age of the. Act, than appear in the pages of Bp. White's
Memoirs or in the Journals.

REV. DR. MURRAY TO THE REV. DR. WHITE.

London, 28 July, 1786.
Dear Sir.

Your favour of 4th April I received the 5th Inst via. Liverpool, with
the remaining parts of your Liturgy, but I had before then, just as the
June packet was ready to sail for N. York, taken the Liberty to remind
the Archbishop of your Church concerns, and he wrote you accordingly
by that opportunity which made it unnecessary for me also to advise you
tnat your Consecration bill had at last been passed, tho' late, owing to your
own delays. This you had besides announced in all our News papers by
the Packet. I waited then to send you the Act printed. I pressed it twice
a week, and with some threats. In the end I expect [it] in a lew days.
But as the Mediator for your port is to sail to-morrow I thought it proper
in the meantime to give you the material parts of the Act, which is that it
gives authority to either of our Archbishops to consecrate Bishops for
foreign nations, " who profess the worship of Almighty God according to
the principles of the Church of England, they having the good learning,
" foundness of faith, and purity of manners of the Candidates ascertained
to them," (the Bps.) The other parts of the Act are much the same with
that for consecrating Priests, which I sent you. 1 need hardly remark the
liberal catholic spirit the Act is stamped with. It leaves room for adrnit-

(1) Reprinted Journals, Perry's Edition, I, p. 38.

(2) Memoirs, p. 120.

(3) These letters together with the Act of Parliament anthorizing the Consecration
desired are printed in the Appendix to Bp. White's Memoirs, pp. 30R-210

HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS. 317

ting local differences in lesser matters which effect not the vitals of our
holy religion and the constitution of our Apostolic Episcopal Church.

Yours affectionately
The Reverend Doctor White. ALEX'R. MURRAY. (1)

THE REV. MR. DUCHE TO THE REV. DR. WHITE.

Asylum, August 12th, 1786.
My dear Sir.

I am thankful to you for your kind Letter and Present of ye New
Liturgy. I will say no more on the Subject of ye Alterations, than that I
sincerely wish the whole had remained as it was, Excepting what relates to
the Civil Government, and State Holidays of great Britain. It certainly
was not proper for such a small Number as your Convention consisted of,
and most of them unacquainted with Ecclesiastical Matters, to undertake a
Reform in things, that will be deemed Essential by many, or most who
wish to be of their Communion. I am sorry for the weakness of the
Argument used for expunging the Article in ye Apostles' Creed. It has
hurt your Convention much in the Opinion of the People here, both Clergy
and Laity. The Athanasian Creed might ha~ve remained in ye Book for
such as chose to use it. And the Nicene, who can object to the Use of that ?
But I have done, and only beg you not to be offended at my Freedom. I
hope your Convention will strictly follow the good Advice of our Archbish
op's last letter.

I would not have you think, from what I have Raid, that I disapprove
of all ye Changes in your Liturgy. I approve much of many of them.
But as ye smallest Change must be productive of some Dissention, I only
think that nothing should have yet been attempted. I therefore cannot but
commend the Church of Jersey for rejecting as you tell me, all alterations
except the Political ; and yet you say, that you " expect the Book will
remain in its present proposed Form." I think you will change your
Opinion on ye Receipt of ye Archbishop's Letter.

I am happy to hear, that you maintain a friendly Correspondence with
Bishop Seabury: you give me some Dawn of Hope, that there will be no
Schism on his Account.

It is reported here, that yourself, Dr. Smith, and Mr. Provoost are coming
over to be consecrated. I shall be very happy to see you here, But I could
not have you attempt ye Voyage till you have a full Assurance of Success.
In Point of Character, and Qualifications, I think, you stand the fairest
and best of any other ; and I sincerely wish, that every Impediment, as to
your Ecclesiastical Constitution and Liturgy may be effectually removed.

Your sincere and affectionate Friend,
Rev'd. Dr. White. J. DUCHE (1)

THE REV. DR. MURRAY TO THE REV. DR. WHITE.

No. 23 Winchester Ro\v. Paddington, 5th Sept'r. 1786.
Dear Sir.

A few days since I received yours of 27th June last, with 26 prayer

(1) From the Bp. White Correspondence.

318 HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS.

books, and as many constitutions and sermons, which I am sending with
as many letters to the A'bps. and Bps. who are all in the country.

I called upon Mr. Smith, secretary to Mr. Adams, who is just now at
Amsterdam, and he delivered the '2a Address at Lambeth when the Abp.
was on his visitations in the countrv. I am happy to hear of the harmony
that pervades in your Churches, and I think the principal part of the Mod
erate Presbyterians and Lutherans must approve and in time form a co
alition witli you. Yours is that moderate Episcopacy which they have at
home and abroad long regretted the want of, far greater Unity in Govern
ment, and an uninterrupted regular succession of holy Orders. But what
kind of an Episcopate is that where the Bishop is not perpetual president
in his own diocesan Convention ? This is not according to the principles of
the Church of England, and I wish you may not meet with some difficulty
on that head. The Apostles' Creed also you must retain entire, and use the
Nicene on some holy days once a year, as in the Swedish Church.

No State holy day whatever should have been interwoven in your ser
vice. They are intolerable yokes on all Churches, but you will meet with
no trouble on that account here, for we have eno'w of them, God knows,
and by the people never regarded, 'tho ye prior clergymen must observe
them in some shape or other.

I expect to see you sooner than hear from you,

and am D'r Sir, Youra

A. MURRAY. (1)

The Reverend Dr. White.

Meantime a busy correspondence was kept up between
the indefatigable White and the principal Clergy both at the
northward and at the south. From a mass of Manuscript
letters we cull the following as exhibiting the tone and tem
per of the times. They are given in chronological order
and will suitably introduce the notice we propose to give of
the adjourned Convention of 1786. It will be seen from the
allusions to the fact which these letters contain, that the
State Conventions had availed themselves of the suggestion
made by the Committee of Correspondence, to proceed to
the choice of Bishops-elect in anticipation of the favorable
reception by the English Bishops of the action contempla
ted, and subsequently taken, at the adjourned Convention;
and this choice had fallen upon the Rev. Samuel Provoost,
D. D., in New York ; the Rev. William White, D. D., in
Pennsylvania ; the Rev. William Smith, D. D., in Mary
land and the Rev. David Griffith, D. D., in Virginia

' / O

(1) From the Bp. White Correspondence.

HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS. 319

THE REV. JOHN BOWDEN TO ISAAC (afterwards KEY. DR.)

WILKINS.

Dear Sir.

. The Accounts from your Part of the country, are
not so favourable as from St. John's. Your Government is not well spoken
of. Numbers have come away exasperated complaining of Injustice and
Breach of Faith ; and it is said, that a large Part of the Refugees to this
Day, have not drawn their Lands. Refugees, I know, are a very discon
tented Set of Mortals, and I have no Doubt, that much of their Clamor is
groundless. But yet, I fear your Governor is exceedingly faulty, and too
deficient in all the Requisites for good Government. I wish, that you
were his Mentor then, I am sure, a benevolent Intention to promote the
Happiness of the Community, would mark the whole Administration.

It is probable that you have heard of my being in Connecticut. In a
political View, this is by far, the most eligible State to live in. Distinc
tions have entirely ceased all oppressive Laws are repealed, and Whig
and Tory stand upon equal ground. Not so in New-York: That State is
indelibly marked with Infamy. The highest Whigs in the City execrate
the Conduct of the Legislature, and it is not uncommon to hear those, who
stood foremost in promoting the Revolution, sigh their discontent, under
all the Splendor and Advantages of Independence. I once thought, that I
. should see no more Trouble in my Day ; but I have altered my Mind ;
All Things seem to tend to a State of Anarchy ; and unless I take my Flight
to another World pretty soon, I believe I shall see the political System
here, in much such a Condition as the natural was, at the Creation
" without Form and Void, and Darkness lay upon the Face of the Deep."

The Eastern States, bid fairest for a Continuance, under their present
Form of Government. The Manners of the People are simple and their
Mode of living frugal. But from N. York westward, Luxury and
Dissipation have made a rapid Progress. All Ranks are vying with one
another in Extravagance. We have put on the fashionable Manners, and
assumed the gay Complexion, of an old established Nation, long flowing
in Wealth ; and arrived at the last Period of Folly and Vice ; whilst in
our political Infancy. If this State of Things does not produce Ruin, there
will be one exception in the History of Mankind to that position " the
same Causes always produce the same Effects."

Amidst all these Disorders, nothing affects me as much as the State of
the Church. It is much to be feared, that there will be a separation of the
Eastern and Western Churches. The former, stedfast in Episcopal Prin
ciples, would send no delegates to the grand Convention at Philadelphia,
last September, because, the Year preceding, the Convention held at N.
York departed wholly from the Principles of the Church, in Regard to
Government. (The Pamphlet herewith will give you the Particulars.)
Yet, that Convention had the Modesty, to apply to the English Bishops,
to invest Persons sent from this Country, with Episcopal Powers. The
Answer was a civil put off. The Bishops said, that they understood, great
Alterations had been made in the Government and constitution ot the
Church ; but as the Convention had sent no authentic Copy of their Pro
ceedings, a decisive Answer could not be given. An authentic Copy has
since been sent ; and great hopes are entertained of success. But, I am
fully satisfied, that the English Bishops, will never give their Sanction to
a Plan of Government, which leaves out the Episcopal Character. Bishop
Seabury makes a very respectable Figure at the Head of this Church. Hia

320 HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS.

Abilities, Firmnesfi, Diligence and circumspect Conduct give Church-Men
great Hopes, Dissenters great fears. He consecrated about a Month since,
the Church lately built in this town ; and confirmed near 400 Persons.
Nothing is wanting to make this Episcopate flourish, but a little pecuniary
Assistance. The loss of the Society's Bounty is severely felt.
From your sincere Friend and humble Servt.

JOHN BOVVDEN, (1)
Norwalk, August 2d 1786, Isaac Wilkins, Esq.

THE KEV. DB. WEST TO THE REV. DB. WHITE.

Baltimore August lOih 1876.
Dear Sir,

Some Time ago I received your Favour enclosing the Sermon
preached at the opening of the Second Gen. Convention; and for the
Pleasure enjoyed in its Perusal I thank you.

. . . . In his passage lately thro' this Town Doct. Smith gave me a
transient Sight of the Return made by the Abps and B[>s of England to
the first Address of the Gen. Convention; and a like Sight of the last Ad
dress to that venerable Body. They are I hope convinced by this Time that
we mean not to depart from the Doctrines of their Ch'h in any fundamental
Point. But if they purpose to suspend their Endeavours on our Behalf till
they can be satisfied it may never hereafter be laid to their Charge, That
they have been instrumental in enabling us to form a Schism, by having
aided us to organize our Church ; I fear their Endeavours must always re
main Suspended. For it appears to me that this Difficulty can never be re
moved by any Declaration or Proceedings on our Part ; unless indeed
we subordinate our Church to their Authoritative Control ; which cannot
be done. For the American Church, when duly organized, will undoubted
ly claim full and independent Powers as a Church ; and no man can say
beforehand what it may think proper to do hereafter. I hope therefore, the
venerable Body will gratify our Request from the Charitable Presumption
that we mean not, at present, to depart from the Church of Engl'd in any
essential ; and that it will never be laid to the charge of the American Epis
copal Church that she has ever deviated from the important Doctrines .
and Essential Truths of the Gospel.

But tho' we were duly organized, and our several Orders properly sup
plied, I fear that tho Liturgy, &c., as lately proposed for the Use of the P.
E. Chh in these States will meet with opposition even from its own Members.
And a Diversity of Sentiment on this Head will too certainly dissolve
that Union, by which alone it may be expected that the Chh can be per
petuated. This Fear has caused me to admire the Prudence of the Eng
lish Chh in retaining Old and less perfect Forms rather than risk the Con
sequences even of an Improvement, among a People strongly attached by
long Habit and a Kind of Veneration to the Old Form. Even granting
a New Form, &c., to be as perfect and unexceptionable in all its Parts as
any human Production can be ; what advantages would flow from it if the
Bulk of the People either cannot or will not approve it? And if, in such un
happy Circumstances, the Adversaries of our System can find a Handle a-
gainst the Work, and by raising Prejudices among the weak and ignorant
should draw them away from our Communion; Quere, whether the abso-

(1) From the original copy in the possession of the late Govenour Wilkins, Esq.

HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS. 321

lute Improvement on the old Liturgy, &c., and a perfect Conformity to the
Doctrines and Truths of the Gospel will be able to remove those Prejudices,
and counteract the Design of those Adversaries? But the Lot is cast!
And may the Gracious GOD bless its Issue with Success ! Some Congrega
tions already have, others probably soon may introduce the New Liturgy ;
some will wait, perhaps, till more satisfactory Appearances may induce
them to adopt a Form, &c., to w'ch they have no Objections ; and others
till they shall see the Book finally completed for the Use of our Church.
The Effects of this Diversity may possibly discover themselves Time
enough for some future General Convention to secure the Foundations of
the Church against the Machinations of those who may not wish it Pros
perity ! In the mean time I cannot but say, that I wish it had been rec
ommended to all Congregations, Not to adopt the New Book till something
final and fully satisfactory to the Chh at large had been agreed upon, at
least by all the Churches represented in the General Convention. But
what has been done I am sure was done for the best, by much better Judg
es than myself in this important Matter; and therefore I hope it will end

happily

Your affectionate Brother

and humble Servant,

WM. WEST. (1)
The reverend Doctor White.

THE REV. DR. GRIFFITH TO THE REV. DR. WHITE.

Fairfax Glebe 15th Aug't 1786
Dear Sir

The Communications from the Archbps of England which,
you was so kind as to enclose in your last, are of a very serious nature in
deed, and must engage the attention of all who are anxious to see a final
and happy settlement of our Ecclesiastical affairs.

You wish to know my. Sentiments respecting the measures it may be
necessary to adopt on receiving the expected accounts. It is a subject I
have not had sufficient time to think on : But was that not the case, I (
should be at a loss to advise, as I know not to what extent they mean to
carry their objections. Those which already appear, will, I fear, be pro
ductive of great embarrassments, ; the principal cause of which, I think,
will be the situation in which we have put ourselves by resolving to do
nothing finally until the Orders of our Ministry were compleated, while
they, on the other hand seem determined not to comply with our request,
until we have determined on such a Liturgy and such Articles as shall be
satisfactory to them. This seems to be the principal difficulty attending
our present situation, from which there appears to me, but one probable
way of being relieved.

We know it is the Opinion of the Episcopalians, pretty generally, that
no Convention wherein all the Orders of the Clergy are not represented,
is competent to the business of instituting or altering Doctrines or modes
of Worship. But will it satisfy them if these are made under the Superin
tendence and with the approbation of the Archb'ps and Bps. of the Church
of England? If it will this may, perhaps, be the best Ground for us to
go on, and prove the speediest way, not only to obtain Consecration, but
to reconcile the People generally, to the alterations which may be agreed on.

(1) From the Bp. White Correspondence.

322 HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS.

I am apprehensive that the Bps. of England entertain suspicion, that
should they Consecrate for us before we have tied ourselves down, in cer
tain Points relating to Doctrine and Worship, we may hereafter deviate
essentially, from them in these respects: And if this be the case we shall
never succeed with them at least until the Doctrines and Worship are set
tled. Whether I am right in my conjecture, will perhaps be more fully
known from the Expected Communications.
. . I remain

Your affectionate Brother
and hu'ble ser'vt,

DAVID GRIFFITH. (1)

THE REV. DR. SMITH TO THE REV. Dr. WHITE. "

Lancaster, 18th Aug't, 1786, 4 o'Clock P. M.

Dear Sir.

At Carlisle, on my Eeturn from Juniata, on the 15th. Instant, I
received your Letter, giving me an Account of the last Communications
from the two Archb'ps of Eng'd. I had never any Doubt, but that on
seeing our Book, such great and liberal Prelates as they are known to be,
would take a Pleasure to protect and patronize our Church, as a great and
growing Branch of their own.

I presume any Advice I could give concerning the calling the Conven
tion would be now too late, as a majority of the Committee have approved
the Measure. If that be the Case, I can have no Objection either to the
Time or Place of Meeting. But I can see little use in giving the Conven
tion the Trouble to meet in Pursuance of anything w ch you have men
tioned to me from the Letter of the Archb'ps. There can be no Doubt of
a general Compliance with the Alterations they recommend (the Athana-
sian Creed excepted,) whenever any new Edition of the Prayer Book shall
be directed by a Convention having Ecclesiastical and Spiritual Authority
to ratify a Book for our Church. And till such Convention can be had
(which certainly will not be next October) we have already determined
not to enter upon the Consideration of any Amendments or Alterations
whatever. Should we take up those hinted by the Archb'ps, how shall we
refuse to go upon those also which have been proposed by different State
Conventions ? And may we not then at the End of next Convention, at
Wilmington (could we possibly get Seven States together in October) leave
our Book in a far more exceptionable Point of View with those Prelates,
and many of our own Church than it now is. For I think it stands now
with as few Objections to it both in America, and for what appears, in
England, as ever it will. There are also some things proposed or recom
mended by the Archb'ps which cannot be complied with by some States at
all, or at least not without calling their Conventions, and perhaps altering
some Part of their ecclesiastical Constitutions, all which would require more
time than to October, and probably would be productive of much Con
fusion. However you and the other Members of Committee will find
me ready to meet every Difficulty, and to do my utmost for the general
good of the Church, but I think we have no Difficulties left unless we cre
ate them among ourselves. Much do we owe to the two worthy Archb'ps.

CO From the Bp. White Correspondence.

HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS. 323

I need not write more. I am pushing to be at Home on Sunday, and will
strive to be at Philad'a about Wednesday next, the 23d, Instant. .

In Haste,

Yours,
Bev'd Dr. White. WM. SMITH. (1)

THE REV. DR. WHITE TO THE REV. MR. PARKER.

Dear Sir

The Comm'ee of ye Ep'l Church send you by this Conveyance, an
Invitation to their Brethren of your State & those adjoining, to ye ensuing
Convention at Wilmington.

I have considered that it may be desirable to you to be informed of ye
Substance of ye Letters of ye A'bps ; which came by ye June Packet.

In regard to ye proposed Prayer Book, they solemnly exhort us to re
store ye omitted Article of ye Ap' Creed, & they wish that we would re
tain ye other two Creeds in ye Book, altho' we sh'd not think proper to
enjoin ye Use of them. It does not appear as if a Conformity to ye
above were made a Condition of complying with our Request. They also
Bay that there are some verbal Alterations, of which tney do not see ye
Necessity or Propriety,

In regard to ye Ecc'l Constitution, all they say of it, is ye requesting us
to revise ye 6th Art., which they think derogatory to ye Clerical & espec
ially ye Ep. Character, (this you know we have altered ; whether satisfac
torily or not we are yet to learn )

In regard to ye Sufficiency of ye Persons who may be recommended for
Consecration, their Graces require as follows :

As to their Learning they will be satisfied with their being recommen
ded as competent.

As to their Faith, they wish to require no more subscription, than their
subscribing ye Form prescribed in ye 10th Article of ye Ec'l Constitution ;
earnestly hoping however, that we shall previously have done what they
recommend respecting ye Creeds.

As to their Morals ; they require their bringing two Certificates, Forms
of which are set down, one to be signed by at least the Major Part of ye
Gen. Conv'n certifying that they know of no Impediment to ye Consecra
tion of ye parties, & ye other to be signed by at least ye Major Part of ye
Conventions respectively sending them, declaring on personal knowledge,
that they are meet for ye Holy Office of Bp. Besides this, ye Persons to
be sent & their Intentions are to be notified in ye Churches where they re
spectively reside ; to give all Persons an Opp'y of making objections, if-
any they have.

Their Graces promise us further Communications ; which I suppose will
come with ye ACT, when passed.

Altho' I nave not had ye Pleasure of hearing from you, I hope ye Books
came safe to Hand, which were sent by ye Sloop Industry, Cap'n Colib.
I am, very aff"y

Your Brother & humble Serv't

WM. WHITE. (2)

Philad'a Sept. 1st, 1686.

(1) Bp. White Correspondence.

(2) From the Bp. Parker Correspondence.

324 HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS.

THE KEV. ME. PARKER TO THE KEY. DR. PROVOOST.

Boston, Septem'r 15 1786.

Rev'rd Sir.

I have the honour to acknowledge the Receipt of a Letter from the
respectable Gentlemen of the Com'tee ot the gen'l Convention acquainting
us of a Meeting of said Convention to be held at Wilmington in October
next. I shall with all Speed communicate its Contents to my Brethren in
these Sta-.es and wish they may find it convenient to delegate some person
to represent them in said Convention.

I have also to acknowledge my particular Obligation to you, Sir, for the
Journal of the late Convention, and the Extract you were so obliging as
lo communicate from the Whitehall Evening Post. I beg leave to con
gratulate you on your Election to the first Order of the Clergy in our
Church, and on the favourable prospect of your being inducted to that
facred office in the way which you esteem the most eligible. It is my most
fervent wish that a Uniformity of Doctrine and Worship may be contin
ued thro'out the United States, to the accomplishing of which I have no
doubt you will exert your utmost Influence.

I am with respectful Compliments to your Brethren of the Com'tee,
and our Brethren of the Clergy in your State,
Your affectionate Brother,

and very humble Serv't
Rev'd. Dr. Provoost. S. PARKER. (1)

THE REV. MR. PARKER TO THE REV. Dr. WHITE.

Boston, Septem'r 15, 1786.

Bev'd Sir.

I have to apologize for not having in properer Season acknowledged
the Receipt of your obliging favours of the 28 June and 1st July. The
Box of books came very sale and I arn under particular Obligations for
the Copies of your Excellent Sermon at the opening of the Convention.

Our Convention met here on the 20th of July and seem'd disposed to
adopt your A Iterations in the book of common prayer but were discouraged
Irom tne circumstance of your not being agreed in the use of it in those
States which were represented in the Convention by which those Alter
ations were proposed. Indeed the Alterations proposed in our own Con
vention in beptem'i last had been sent to the several Churches in these
States and Returns received from them purporting their approbation of
them and readiness to adopt them. And tho yours are in a great meas
ure similar, yet, as there are some things wherein we disagree, it was
thought best, all things considered, to leave it optional with the several
Churches to adopt which they like best, or even to continue the use of the
old Liturgy (the State prayers excepted) until we become complete in our
officers and one common Liturgy is established by the first Order of the
Clergy to whom alone, we are ot opinion, this matter appertains.

I have however in my own Church with these Alterations adopted the
Psalms as selected and altered by your Convention, which we have re
printed by themselves and which I think much more suitable for public

(1) From the Bp. White MSS.

HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS. 325

worship than the collective body of David's Psalms. Had we generally
adopted your book, we should have had occasion for more than you Sent
but I doubt as the case is, whether a third of them will be sold. Should
they not be in demand hereafter, I shall return the remainder and trans
mit you the Money for those that Shall be sold. We cannot expect to be
united in one common Liturgy till the several States shall have obtained
Bishops and they have agreed upon one that shall be calculated lor gen
eral use and ratified by their Authority.

I am very sorry to see with what coolness and Indifference some of the
Gentlemen in your Convention speak of Bishop Seabury, because I foresee
that this Conduct must create a Schism in the Church. However Eligible
it may appear to them to obtain the Succession from the English Church,
I think there can be no real Objection to Dr. Seabury's Consecration or to
the Validity of orders received from him ; and I am firmly of opinion
that we should never have obtained the Succession from England, had he
or some other not have Obtained it first from Scotland.

When the Convention discouraged the settling more Clergymen in yonr
States under Bishop Seabury's Ordinations, if they meant to limit it, during
the pending of your application to England, and were actuated herein from
a principle of not doing any thing that might possibly give Umbrage to the
English Bishops, it may be a prudent Step ; but if it was not from this
motive, it seems to be a declaring war ag'st him at a very early period
and forebodes a settled and perpetual Enmity. (1)

Your ecclesiastical Constitution is much mended but I think not yet
quite right, especially in the 8th Article. A Bishop amenable to Laymen
was not, I believe, the Custom in the primitive Ch'h.

Your Letter of the 1st Instant accompanied with one from the Com'tee
empowered to summon the gen'l Convention, witn a Journal of the late
Convention from Mr. Provoost, came to hand yesterday. You will be
kind eno' to return my sincere thanks to the Gentlemen of said Com'tee for
their obliging Invitation to the gen'l Convention to be held at Wilmington
the next month. I will take particular Care to communicate it with all
Speed to my Brethren in these States, but am confident that it is not in
our power to comply with the Invitation. Our Number here is so small
and the distance so great, that we cannot leave our churches so long as
it would require to attend Said Convention, nor is the Necessity for our
attendance very urgent. Nothing more I suppose can be now done with
respect to establishing the revised Liturgy, and as to removing the Imped
iments to the obtaining the Succession there can be no difficulty now you
are in so fair a train and the Act for empowering the Archbishops to con
fer the Episcopal character on Persons out of the British Dominions has
obtained the royal Assent. This I fiud is the Case by an Extract from the
Whitehall Even'g Post of July 6 sent me by Kev'd. Mr. Provoost. The

(1) That this view of the case wag not confined to Parker we may infer from the follow
ing extract from a letter preserved among the Bp. Parker Correspondence from the Rev.
Mr. Bass, afterward first Bishop of Massachusetts.

Newbury Port, Sept. 30th, 1789.
Dear Sir:

I have perused yonr enclosed papers, and find that our Southern

brethren are like to obtain consecration for their Bishops elect ; and also, by a motion re
specting Dr. Seabury, that they are nearly ripe for making a schism in the American
Church. Wiseacres ! What a ridiculous figure must they make in the eyes of every secta
ry or anti-Episcopalian! In the name of wonder, what objection can be raised against the
validity of Dr. S's ordinations, that may not as well be made against those of the English
Bishops?. . . EDWARD BASS.

326 HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS.

Nicene Creed I wish to see restored to tbe Book ; the Athanasian not,
unless the Damnatory Clauses are omitted. As to the Article in the
Apostles' which is omitted, I am not a little surprized that their Graces
sh d be so strenuous about it, for I cannot suppose that they hold that
our Saviour suffered the Pains of the Damned the three days his body laid
in the Grave, or that his Soul was in that place which in the N. Testament
is called hell. If they hold no more than is implied in the word Hades,
or the place of separate Souls, which I take to be the Creed of all Protes
tants, I do not see that it is a very essential Article, because it is implied
in the foregoing, that he was dead and buried. And why not this Article
as necessary in the Nicene as in ye Apost' Creed.

The Subscription they require respecting the faith of the Persons to be
admitted to that Order is modest enough, and at the same time full enough
and such as I cannot see how an Arian or Socinian can set his hand to,
and if adhered to by the Bishops must exclude persons of that Faith from
being admitted to the Ministry in the Church.

Mr. Freeman applied to Bishop Seabury in June last for Ordination
hut at a Convention of the Clergy at Stratford the Bishop by the Advice
of his Clergy did not think fit to confer Orders on him upon such a pro
fession of his faith as he thought proper to give which was no more than
that he believed the Scriptures. He extended his journey as far as New-
York and was, as he says, assured by Mr. Provoost that as soon as he sh'd
obtain Consecration he would ordain him ; this hope alone sustains him
at present and was it not for this I believe he would relinquish all thoughts
of obtaining Orders in the Church. Whether Mr. Provoost can do this
consistently with the profession he is to make and the Constitution he
must,8ubmit to, rests with him.

When do you nominate a Person for Bishop in your State, as I make no
doubt of your being the man, do you intend to repair to England for
Consecration, or obtain it from those who shall go before you. Do you
esteem it essential that there sh'd be three Bishops concerned in the Con
secration of one, or may it be done by a less number, not canonically I
suppose, but as that Canon is not binding here, will it be adhered to, or is
that number essential. If a Bishop duly consecrated has the whole power
in himself, why may he not communicate his power, and if he can, why
are three necessary.

When you see Dr. Smith I will thank yon to make him my most re
spectful Compliments and inform him that I received his Letter of April
12, and should have done myself the honour of returning an Answer but
had previously written to you Every thing I could think of upon the
Subject and supposed that you would communicate to him, whatever of
mine was worth nis notice and that therefore a letter to him was unneces
sary. Please to make my best Regards to all our Brethren of the Clergy
and believe me to be with esteem and respect theirs and your

Affectionate Friend and Brother
S. PARKER.(l)

THE REV. DR. GRIFFITH TO THE KEY DR. WHITE.

Fairfax Glebe, 16th, Septr. 1786.
Dear Sir.

Yours, with the enclosed Letter and Act of Parliament, I rec'd y ester-
(1) From the Bishop White Correspondence.

HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS. 327

day, and have this Day sent them to the Chairman of the Standing Com
mittee, from whom I just had a Letter enclosing the following resolutions.

" i That the above Communications (meaning those formerly sent
from the Archb'ps) did not arrive in time sufficient to call a Convention be
fore the period fixed for the Meeting of the General Convention, Philad'a.

2. It is the opinion of this Committee that no cause at present appears
which makes it necessary to call a Convention, and that they think it
advisable to postpone such call until they have heard that the Archb'ps or
Bishops of England have obtained the Parliamentary power they wish to
Enable them to consecrate such Persons as may be sent from the Ameri
can Episcopal Church for that purpose."

From those resolutions you may see that Virginia cannot be represented
in the ensuing General Convention. For altho' the Standing Comm'ee
may, upon the rec't of the last Communications, call a Convention, it will
be the last of October before it can meet. I hope you will be enabled
to do what is proper without us. I expect we shall be the only absent
State.

As the Persons elected to the Episcopal Office are to produce a testimo
nial from the General Convention, I should be glad to know if you think
there would be any impropriety in my applying for it without attending
personally, and whether a printed Copy of the Journal or a Certified Ex
tract would be the most proper Voucher for the choice of the Virginia
Convention. If I fail of obtaining a Testimonial from the next Gen'l Con
vention, I am apprehensive my going will be delayed to the next fall.
I wish you would call upon some Brother who is most aHeisure to preach
at the Opening of the next Convention ; a duty to which I was appointed.

I rec'd a Notice from the Gen'l Convention at least two weeks ago, and
Bent it to Mr. Griffin with a request that it might be forwarded immedi
ately to the Standing Comm'ee.

I remain affectionately,

Yours, &c.,
Eev. Dr. White. D. GRIFFITH. (1)

THE REV. DR. WHARTON TO THE REV. DR. WHITE.

New Castle, Sep'r 18. '86
My Dear Sir.

Your kind fav'r with the enclosed papers was delivered to me a few
moments ago. You have my most sincere congratulations on your hon'ble
appointment ; tho' considering the necessary fatigues of a fall or winter
voyage, perhaps Mrs. W. at least, will not thank me for rejoycing at this
Event. I see no difficulty in complying with the Archb'ps requisition,
except the making our past Conventions appear rather ridiculous. How
ever if Hell must at all events be retained, I think a rubric should be in
serted to explain its meaning in that place. If the use of the Creeds be
discretional, no harm can arise from giving them a place in an Appendix.
As to the Testimonials they are very satisfactory to me, Those from the
G'l Con'n particularly so.

We meet at Dover the 26th Inst. and must organize our little Church as
well as we can. We must belong to some Diocese, and I suppose the mat
ter will be between Maryland and Pennsylvania. Some have hinted that

(1) From the Bishop White Correspondence.

328 HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS.

if the Jersey's unite with von, it would be most expedient for us to join a
Church Government with Maryland. It will depend much upon the opin
ion of the Kent County Congreg'ns.

I hope the Conv'n at Wilmington will be full and respectable. We
shall meet very conveniently at the Academy. Wilm'n by that time, I
expect, will be my place of residence.

Yours Affectionately,
CHAS. H. WHARTON.(l)

THE KEV. DR. PROVOOST TO THE REV. DR. WHITE.

Dear Sir.

I can with sincerity assure you that the Judicious Election at your late
Convention, afforded me the most cordial satisfaction. It was what I had
earnestly wished for and (I) am convinced it will give pleasure to every
Episcopalian in the States in union.

I delayed answering some of your late Letters till I might give you an
other account of the proceedings of the Convention of the Prot. Episp. Ch. in
this State. They met the 2d and broke up yesterday afternoon. The prin
cipal part of their business was signing my Credentials (which they did
unanimously) and appointing the Rev'd Mr. Moore, the Hon. James
Duane, John Rutherford, Esq'r and myself to attend at Wilmington.
They also recommended to the several Episcopal Congregations in the
State of N. York to contribute to the Expence of my Voyage to Europe.
As most of the Country Members were anxious to get home, they had not
time to appoint a Committee to draw up instructions for their Delegates
to the Gen. Convention, but it was the general opinion of the Conven
tion that we should be left unshackled as to the * *
(2;to the English Prelates. To satisfy your inquiries and partly upon my
own account I went this morning to the Post Office and was informed by
Col'l Bedlow that the Mails for England are regularly closed the first
Wednesday in every month and the packet obliged to sail the Day following
provided wind and weather will permit. I should entertain the same scru
ples with yourself as to going in company with the Gentleman alluded
to, (3) but I am perfectly convinced he will never be able to obtain the
requisite Testimonials from the General Convention.

The letter to Mr. Pollard was signed by Mr. Jay and myself and sent
immediately by post to Boston ; previous to the receipt of it the Honble.
Mr. King at my requisition had sent to Massachusetts, a copy of the Com
munications from the Archbishops by the June packet, and also notice
of a general Convention proposed to be held at Wilmington the begin
ning of October tho' I could not specify the particular Day.

Should it be in my power to attend the meeting of the Corporation, I
shall with pleasure accept ef your Polite Invitation. If not I shall make
a tender of it to the Rev'd Mr. Moore. If my Health which has lately
been very indifferent will any way admit of it I shall undoubtedly be at
Wilmington the 10th of next month.

Please to excuse any inaccuracies in this Letter as I write with a most

(1) From the Bishop White Correspondence.

(2) A portion ot the letter, which is copied from the original among the Bp White Cor
respondence, is illegible.

(3) Unquestionably Dr. William Smith, Bishop elect of Maryland.

HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS. 329

violent Headache and am really afraid to read it over myself least I should
[find] it necessary to send a fairer Copy.
I am D'r Sir

Your most affectionate Brother

and very Humble Servant

The Rev'd Dr. White. SAM'L PROVO'STU.)

New York, Sept. 22, 1786.

THE REV. DR. GRIFFITH TO THE REV. DR. WHITE.

Fairfax Glebe 26th Sept'r 1786.
Dear Sir.

I will not say that I congratulate you on your Election to the Episco
pal office, because 1 do not know that it is matter of rejoicing to be called
to the difficulties and high obligations of so sacred and important a Station.
But I very sincerely congratulate the Church on the appointment of a
Person so well reported of, and who, I am confident, will add both to her
reputation and her usefulness.

I told you, in my last, that I expected the Church in Virginia would not
be represented in the Ensuing General Convention. I am confirmed in
this expectation as I have not yet heard from the Chairman of the Standing
Comm'ee. to whom I forwarded the Arch'bps. Letter and Act of Parliament
in a few hours after I rec'd them. I, at the same time, asked your opin
ion respecting the propriety of my applying to the Gen'l Convention for a
Testimonial, apprehending that should I neglect the approaching opportu
nity, I might not be able to go to Europe (if necessary) till the next fall.
Whereas, if 1 am not detained for want of Testimonial, it is probable I may
be Enabled to go before Christmas. The measure appearing highly neces
sary, (for me at least,) I have, without waiting for your answer, taken the
liberty to enclose you a copy of our Journal, (I despaired of getting a
certified Extract in time) which I offer as an authoratative voucher for my
being regularly (I might say legally) elected to the Episcopal office in this
state. If the Convention has no objection to granting the Testimonial, I
shall rely on your friendly offices to do whatever may be necessary on the
occasion.

I think your State Conven'n. was right in not restricting, too much, their
deputies to the General Convention. It is this kind of Latitude which,
alone, can secure the union of the Churches a point, in my opinion essen
tial to her existence, and to which all inferior considerations should give
place. I do not apprehend any difficulty from this quarter on acct. of our
not being represented ; I think our Convention will not risque a separa
tion for the sake of small differences. Our late Instructions, which you
will find in the Journal, speak the Sentiments of the Members, pretty gen
erally on that head. I am, already, anxious to know the result of your
meeting, and what path you will pursue in order to avoid the difficulties
which threaten our affairs. I know not what to advise, but am persuaded
that if you do not determine with caution, it will be imprudent for any
one to cross the Atlantic without waiting to be informed how the altera
tions are rec'd by the English Bps. How would it do if Persons, going
from this Country, were left at liberty to subscribe conformity to the Doc
trines and Liturgy now used in the Church of England (Prayers for Civil
Rulers and Political matters excepted) until altered by competent EC-

(1) From the Bishop White Correspondence.

330 HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS.

clesiastical authority? This might answer our purpose, and I think ought
to satisfy their Lordships. They admit that every National Church has
power to decree rules and Ceremonies, and to regulate modes of faith and
worship. If this be true, why should the American Episcopal Church
be deprived of this right ! But are they not apprehensive that we may
depart too far from their established Doctrines and Worship, and will
they not refuse to consecrate for us until we have tied ourselves down to
continue the Practices which they thall prescribe? I fear this is what they
intend, and is, I think our principal difficulty ; from which we might be
easily released, if not prevented by an unreasonable and ill -grounded
Jealousy. If any thing like what I have hinted should be adopted by the
Convention, it will be necessary to wait for an answer before we proceed,
which will occasion considerable delay. But can any thing be propoeed
which will not require waiting an answer from England? I fear not, with
out too slavish a compliance on our part.

I do not see how it will be possible for you to avoid going to Europe ;
for, unless N. Jersey has made an appointment, I think the next Conven
tion will not grant Testimonials to a number more than sufficient for con
tinuing the succession, according to the opinion of English Bps. Should appli
cation oe made in favour of any improper Person I hope there will be those
among you who will not hesitate to oppose it. It will be more proper,
in my opinion to object to an unworthy Person in America, than oppose
such a one in England, because if the Person is guilty of the charges
brought against him, they may be more Easily proved on this than on
the other side of the Atlantic. As no Person will be Consecrated who
does not obtain a Testimonial from the Gen'l Convention, I hope they
will, at their next meeting, pay a sacred regard to that part of their
business.

Very few of the Prayer Books have been sold in Alexandria. One Box
was sent a few Days ago to Mr. Benj'n Day in Fredricksburg, from whom
I have not yet heard. I had a Letter from Mr, Buchanan lately, but he
does not say whether any of the Books are sold. The time for putting
them off, in that part of the Country, will be at the meeting of the Assem
bly and Convention, which must happen in a short time.
I remain, Dear Sir,

Your affiectionate Friend and Brother

and most humble Serv't
DAVID GRIFFITH. (1)

Rev. Dr. White.

THE REV. DR. PURCELL TO THE REV. DR. WHITE.

Dear Sir

I fear the further Sale of the Form (2) is at an end here. The
People in general are disgusted with it, more particularly, the Psalter.

H. PURCELL.
Charleston
Sep 28 86

(1) From the Bp. White Correspondence.

(2) The Proposed Book.

HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS. 331

THE KEY. DR. WEST TO THE REV. DR. WHITE.

Baltimore, October 4th 1786

Dear Sir,

I am almost ashamed to acknowledge thus late the Favors I
received from you so long ago as the 24th of August But hear me and
you will incline to excuse the seeming Fault. Before I could well give an
Answer I was called by urgent Business to Virginia : where I was detain
ed so long that both your and Dr. Smith's Letters on the Subject of the
approaching Convention at Wilmington have, till now, rested in my
Drawer.

Before I went to Virginia I wrote several Letters to Delegates inform
ing them of, and pressing them to attend, the Convention ; since which Dr.
Smith I presume has addressed them : so that I hope they will meet the
Delegates from other Chhs, and form a full Convention for the Dispatch of
all such Business aw may require immediate Deliberation in this Body.

I have written to Dr. Smith some things concerning the Athanasian
creed ; which, from the Purport of his Letter, I have almost supposed is
Required by the Abps to be restored to our Liturgy, as a Term of conse
crating American Candidates. But if so, I am apprehensive we shall
still meet with Difficulties in obtaining Consecration, notwithstanding the
Act of Parliament to that Purpose. Such warmth of Argument I remem
ber to have been once used by some Lay-Deputies on the Subject of the
Trinity ; that I entertain but small hope that the earnest Request of their
Graces will be complied with, as to the Restitution of the Creed in Ques
tion. But if this cannot be done, my Idea is, that, in consequence of the
very respectable Address of two Abps, and also of Instructions from sev
eral Chhs relative to the Restitution of the Nicene Creed, the Clergy have
a fair and tempting Opportunity of revising their Article concerning the
Creeds. And I hope that, on such an Occasion, the Athanasian Creed, if
not restored, may yet be mentioned (either in a Rubrick or in the Article)
in such Terms as to testify, that tho' it be not inserted in the Book of
Prayer, yet we do not controvert the Truths contained in it, but having
retained the Use of the Apostles' and Nicene Creeds, we have judged it less
necessary to retain that of the Athanasian also ; especially as the Defini
tions respecting the Eternal and Ever-blessed Trinity therein contained,
may not be properly understood by weak Minds.

As to the other Request of their Graces, concerning the Descent into
Hell ; I can see no Cause why our Chh should drag the Saw on the Sub
ject, especially since, even in the Judgment of our own Convention, it is
no more than a Tautology. But if a Mother Chh, or the Fathers of that
Chh think otherwise, why need we be stiff in opposing so harmless a Re
quest? But I trouble you no more on the subject

Your affectionate Servt.

WM. WEST.(l)

THE REV. DR. GRIFFITH TO THE REV. DR. WHITE.

Fairfax Glebe, Octob'r 6th 1786.
Dear Sir.

I send this in the expectation that it will find you at Wilmington.
Your two last I have rec'd, and am glad to hear you rec'd the Journal in

(l)From the Bp. White Correspondence.

332 HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS.

time. My late Colleague (who it seems had apply'd to the Standing
Comm'ee, for a reappointment of the last Deputies, and from whom he had
rec'd no answer) is of my Opinion that we have no right to sit in the next
Gen'l Convent'n without a new Election. This Opinion would determine
me had I been in doubt before. Bnt I am satisfied you will do as well
without us, and that no inconvenience will arise in this quarter from our
not being represented. . . . .
I remain, Yours,

very affectionately

D. GRIFFITH. (P
Rev'd Wm. White. D. D.

The meeting, of the adjourned Convention of 1786 was
prefaced by the following steps on the part of the Commit
tee of Correspondence to which had been assigned the duty
of convening it. We transcribe from the duplicate copies
in the handwriting of the Secretary the Hon. Francis Hop-
kinson, the several letters which accompanied the documents
they transmitted to the State Conventions and which also
indicated the course of action deemed advisable by the Com
mittee.

Reverend Sir.

As Members with you of the Committee of the General Convention
we enclose you a Copy of a Letter we lately received from the Lords Arch
bishops of Canterbury & York with the Form of Testimonials referr'd to
in their Letter.

From these Papers we presume that, after receiving the further Commu
nications which we are encouraged to expect, there will be a necessity of
using the Powers vested in the Committee to call a general Couvention, &
to give that notice as may permit the assembling of trie Conventions in the
different States previous to the meeting of the general Convention.

We therefore request your Opinion as to the time for the general Con
vention & take the Liberty, on our Part, to propose that it be some Day
in the First or Second Week in October next ; the third Day of that
Month being the meeting of a Corporation at Philadelphia, at which will
be present many Gentlemen from several States, who may , after finishing
the business of the Corporation, repair to Wilmington, to which Place the
General Convention must be summoned.

We request your full & speedy answer A am Sir,

Your assured Friends

& very humble Servants (2)

Philad'a, July 24th 1786.

;1) From the Bp. White Correspondence.
2) From an unsigned tisane-paper copy endorsed by Bp. White "Copy of Letter to ye
others of ye Comm'ee" and preserved among the Bishop's Correspondence.

HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS. 333

THE COMMITTEE TO THE ARCHBISHOPS.

Most Reverend Fathers in God.

As members of a Committee of the Protestant Episcopal
Church we do ourselves the Honour to Acknowledge the Receipt of your
condescending Favour which came to Hand within these few Days by the
June Packet.

We shall, without Delay, inform the other Members of the Committee,
not residents in this State, of the Receipt of your Letter ; which with the
further Communications your Lordships haye encouraged us to expect,
will make it necessary for us to use the Power vested in the Committee of
calling a General Convention for the completion of the great & important
work in Hand a work which your Lordship's kind and ready attention
hath placed in such Forwardness as give us substantial Reason to hope
that a happy Issue will e'er long crown what hath been so happily begun.
We have the Honour to be,

Most Reverend Fathers,

With all due & sincere Respect

Your Most obedient and

very humble Servants, (1)
Philad'a, July 24th 1786.

THE SECRETARY OF THE COMM'TEE TO THE HON. JOHN
ADAMS.

Philad'a, July 27th 1786.
Sir.

As Secretary of the general Convention of the Protestant Episco
pal Church, I am directed to address the enclosed Packet to your Care, &
request your forwarding it as speedily as may be to the Archbishop of
Canterbury. Your former attention to the affairs of our Church has im
pressed the Convention with proper sentiments of Gratitude & they ex
pressed their acknowledgments in a letter to you, which went by the Ship
Caesar, a few weeks ago, accompanying Dispatches of which the enclosed
are duplicates. A Copy of that Letter would have been forwarded here
with, out the Convention hath long since broke up & the Original hath
lome how been mislaid.

I am Sir, with sincere personal Regard.

Your Affectionate Friend
and most obedient humble servant

FRA'S HOPKINSON. (2)
His Excellency John Adams, Esq'r,

Minister, &c., at London.

The proceedings of the adjourned Convention of 1786 are
found in the Journal (3) and are noticed by Bp White
in his Memoirs(4). The letters from the Archbishops and

8) Endorsed by Bp. White "Committee's Letter to ye Abps."
) From the Bp. White Correspondence.

(3) Vide Reprinted Journals, Perry's Edition. I. pp. 47-62.

(4) Second Edition pp. 26, 27, 120-122.

334 HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS.

the Forms of Testimonials already referred to are spread
upon the pages of the Journal and the legislation conse
quent thereupon may be found there in full. The words
" He descended into Hell" were restored to the Apostle's
Creed. It was ordered that the Nicene Creed should be re
inserted in the Book of Common Prayer. The declaration
required in Art. 10 of the General Constitution was modi
fied so as to conform to the existing state of things with
reference to the " Proposed Book ;" the subscriptions to
alterations of the Liturgy of the Protestant Episcopal
Church in the United States of America in order to render
the same conformable to the American Kevolution and the
Constitutions of the respective States(l) being alone required
till the ratification of the new Book of Common Prayer.
The Preface in the Proposed Book was amended so as to
make it consistent with the reinstatement of the omitted
clause in the Creed and the fourth Article of Religion in the
same Proposed Book was altered to render it conformable to
the adoption of the Nicene Creed. The Athanasian Creed
was rejected by the following vote.

New York, Pennsylvania, and South Carolina, Nay : New
Jersey and Delaware, divided. An address to the Arch
bishops was agreed to: the testimonials of Drs. Provoost
and White and the Rev. Mr. Griffith for the Episcopate
were signed and a Committee of Correspondence chosen,
whereupon the Convention adjourned sine die.

Although it does not appear on the Journals, the Corre
spondence which we proceed to give affords us no uncertain
testimony that the application of the Rev. William Smith,
D. D., Bishop elect of Maryland, for recommendation was
refused. Enough will appear from the incidental allusions to
this unhappy event in the letter which follows, to attest the
wisdom of the Convention in its course. It was to the

a) Ant pp. 110, 111.

HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS. 335

credit of both Dr. Smith and Bp. White that the promi
nent part necessarily taken by the latter in this matter never
interrupted the friendship which had long existed between the
two, and that the close of a life, honored and useful, sav
ing where these derelictions from duty are concerned, was the
occasion of the Bishop's editing the works of the venerable
Doctor, consisting of discourses which had received the honor
of a commendatory vote of the General Convention itself.

THE KEV. DR. GRIFFITH TO THE REV. DR. WHITE.

Fairfax Glebe, 20th October 1786.

Dear Sir.

I have rec'd your Letter, dated since your return from Wilmington
and am greatly obliged to you, as well for the information it contains, as
for your kind attention to the business of the Testimonials.

The discussion of the Maryland affair must have been very painful, and
I feel myself happy in having been absent on such an occasion, yet most
heartily approve of the conduct of the Convention in a matter of so much
importance to the reputation and consequently to the usefulness of the
Church. I should hope and expect that after so publick and general a cen
sure on his conduct, the Gentleman and his Friends will desist from any
further attempt to obtain Consecration. However, I think it would be
proper for you to carry with you a Minute of the proceedings on that oc
casion, and to lodge them with the Archbp. of Canterbury. Who was the
lay member from Maryland, and who were the two who voted in favour
of the Application ?

Your resolution respecting the Creeds will, I make no doubt, be satis
factory both in England-, and to the Church in the different States. I
think there is no reason to apprehend a non-compliance from Virg'a.

I have forwarded Copies ot the Papers I last rec'd from you to the Chair
man of our Standing Committee from whom I have not yet heard on the
subject of the Act of Parliament, tho' it is more than five weeks since I
sent it to him. In his last he told me they had determined to call a Con
vention as soon as they were satisfied that the Act had passed the British
Legislature. They certainly must have heard of it before this, as it has
been published in most of the Newspapers. I look for nothing but delays
and difficulties so long as the present Comm'ee exists, as I know some of
the members to be unfriendly towards Episcopacy, and that others among
them, will not be satisfied unless the head of the Church resides in or near
Williamsburg, and is so pliant in his disposition that the sole direction
of the concerns of religion may be in their own hands. To this I attri
bute the delays in calling a Convention.

We shall be again warmly attacked in the present session of Assembly.
The Presbyterians are petitioning for a repeal of the incorporating Act,
and the Baptists for the sale of the Glebes and Churches. It would seem
that nothing will satisfy these people but the entire destruction of the
Episcopal Church. I know not what will be the issue of this business, as
many of our ablest defenders and warmest friends are not in the present
Assembly.

336 HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS.

Dr. Madison has, at length, published his Sermon (at the Opening of
our last Convention) against Articles and Subscriptions, with a vast quan
tity of Notes. I have not yet seen it, but I expect to receive a Copy very
soon. If it comes in time, I will send it to you. It may serve to amuse
you an hour or two on board iShip, and will be a sort of curiosity on the
other side of the Water.

As the Packet sails early in Nov'r I shall take this opportunity of wish
ing you an agreeable voyage, and a speedy and safe return to your family.
Whe'ther I shall see you in England is very uncertain, as the time of my
departure is quite so. It does not depend on a variety of Circumstances,
for had I a Testimonial from the State Convention, and Money sufficient
for the purpose, I should certainly accompany you and Dr. Provoost in
the Packet. But I must wait with patience till these necessary things can
be obtained. I hope to hear from you before your departure, and that
you will not fail to write me from England by every convenient Oppor
tunity.

I am pleased to hear that our Boston Brethren are so well satisfied with
the Alterations in the Liturgy, and I am not without a hope that the Epis
copal Churches in all the States will, before long, be united in the same
form of worship and in one system of Government and Discipline. Chris
tian forbearance and Moderation on one hand, and a relaxation from big
otry and prejudice on the other, will do it.

Be pleased to remember me very affectionately to Mr. Duclie and his
family. I esteem them very highly for the goodness of their hearts and
for many instances of a polite and friendly attention.
I am, D'r Sir,

Your very affectionate Brother

and most hu'ble Serv't

DAVID GRIFFITH.

P. S. Very few of the Prayer Books have been sold in Alexandria,
and Mr. Buchanan Bays nothing about them. (1)

THE REV. DB. WHABTON TO THE REV. DR. WHITE.

Wilmington Octr 21, '86
My Dear Sir

I am florry to learn you arrived at home un
well but do not wonder at your being indisposea by keeping such unrea
sonable houiT, and by the agitation of mind occasioned by the obstinate
perseverance of a certain Rev. Gentleman (2). I own I was never more
affected than by his self-sought disgrace.

. . . . I am now fully settled at this place, and have flattering pros
pects of competence and happiness. Shall look for yr. return with anx
ious Solicitude and never fail commending you to the Divine Protection.
. . . . GOD prosper you, My Dear Sir, and return you speedily and
well to your family and friends. Of the latter, be assured, no one can be
more sincerely Yours than

Your affectionate Br. in Xt, and

Most obt. humble Servant
Rev. Dr. White CHARLES H. WHARTON. (1)

(1) From the Bp White Correspondence.

(2) Evidently, Dr. William Smith.

HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS. 337

THE REV. DR. GRIFFITH TO THE REV. DR. WHITE.

Alexandria 26th Octobr. 1786
Dear Sir

I wrote to you six days ago in answer to yours from Wil
mington, but having just reed, a Letter from Dr. Madison, I could not quit
town without informing you of the contents, which are that the Commit
tee had met on the subject of the Act of Parliament and were of opinion
there was nothing in that or the Archbps' Letter which could justify the
calling a Convention "It appearing still a doubt whether Consecration
can be obtained in England, or the Bps. there will consider the alterations
made here as sufficiently important in their Estimation to justify a refusal
of the request that has been made. We suppose they will decide upon ihe
perusal of the Book." The want of Money at present is also given as an
excuse for not calling the Convention together, which, I think, would be
the only thing to hasten the Collection of it. I now expect nothing more
will be done in this business till the Convention meets in May next. May
GOD bless you and waft you pleasantly and safely across the great deep is
the fervent wish of

Your Affectionate
and very hu'ble Serv't
DAVID GRIFFITH. (1)
Eev'd Dr. Wm. White.

T. CRADOCK, ESQR., TO THE REV. DR. ANDREWS.

Balte. 27th Octr. 1786
Bevd. and Dr. Sir,

Your favour was given me on my way to our Con
vention and I take the first opportunity of giving you the earliest notice
of the steps I took respecting Dr. Smith.

Mr. Johnson was the only Lay-delegate there besides myself : him, with
Dr. West, I consulted, and the conclusion was that Mr. Johnson and my
self address'd Dr. Smith upon the subject. He persevered in his resolution,
denied the Charge, and insisted upon the information you gave to be laid
before the Convention (which was, in fact, intended) that a proper investi
gation might be made and his innocency prov'd. The matter stands thus
at present. He will insist upon your proving the Charge of intoxication
and it is necessary to be done (as it is so strenuously requested) before the
next Convention, when the matter will again be taken into consideration.
The Doctor requir'd of me an extract of your Letter, which was granted,
and will, I make not the least doubt, write to you on the subject. It gives
real pleasure that the matter is on this train, as our Convention may now
act with a proper consistency and their conduct reflect no dishonor on the

Church or themselves

lour affect'e Serv't
T. CRADOCK. (2)

(1) From the Bp White Correspondence.

-<2) From the Bp White MSS. Endorsed by the Bishop as "A Letter of T. Cradock Esq r
to Dr. Andrews concerning Dr. Smith."

338 HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS.

" FROM SAM'L JOHNSON, ESQ'RE TO DR. ANDREWS,

CONCERNING DR. SMITH." (1;

Baltimore, October the 31st, 1786.

Rev'd Sir.

From what I have lately heard, I am persuaded, that an account of
our late proceedings at the Convention of this estate, will be acceptable
to you.

On Tuesday last a small number of the Clergy, and no laymen but my
self, attended; Doctor Smith was not arrived, and therefore as we were
few we adjourned to the next Day; at which time the Doctor, and Doctor
Keen with a few others that were there in Town, not exceeding twelve in
all. attended, and received information of the alterations made in General
Convention, as to the Church Service and of the intelligence from the
Archbishops.

In the afternoon Doctor Craddock came, and before the meeting of the
Convention after Dinner, showed me your Letter ; which Doctor West and
Doctor Clagget also saw. We were by that time satisfied that Dr. S. was
determined to bring on the affair, relative to his being recommended as a
Bishop, before the Convention, and therefore thought it best, to Jet him
see your Letter. Doctor Craddock and myself, were obliged to perform
this very disagreeable Task hoping it would prevent the necessity of any
notice being taken of it in Convention; but in that we were disappointed.

Dr. S. produced to the Convention a Testimonial or Certificate from the
Vestry and Church Wardens of his Parish ; strongly recommending him
for his very great Services, in the character of their Minister ; which he de
sired to be entered on the minutes of the Convention ; this Certificate
mentioned the Recommendation which the Clergy had signed some years
since. (2) Doctor Clagget in a very respectful manner to Dr. S. informed

(1) Endorsement in Bp. White's handwriting on the original letter preserved among the
manuscripts of the Qeueral Convention.

(2) This important recommendation we give below fron. the original Ms. still preserved in
the family of tuu lute Dr. Smith.

Maryland, Annapolis, August 16. 1783.

My Lord.

Whereas the good people of this State in Communion with tho Church of England have
long laboured and do still labour under great difficulties through tbe want of a regular
Clergy to supply the iiuiiiy parishes that have for a considerable time been vacant

To prevent theruf re and guard against such an unhappy situation for the Inture We, the
Convention or meeting of the Clergy of the Church of England have made choice of and do
recommend our brother the Rev. Doctor William Smith as a lit and proper person, and
every way well qualified to be invested with the sacred office of a Bixhop in order to per
petuate a regular succession of Clergy among us. We do with the greater confidence pre
sent unto your Lordship tuis godly and well learned man to be ordained and consecrated
Bishop, being perfectly satisfied that he will duly execute this office whereunto he is called
to the edifying of the Church and the Glory of Uod.

Your Lordship's well known zeal for the Church and Propagation of the Christian Relig
ion induces us to trust that your Lordship will compassionate the case of a remote and
distressed People and comply with our earnest request in this matter, for without such
Remedy the Church in this Country is in imminent danger of becoming extinct.

That your Lordship may long continue an ornament to the Church is the hearty Prayer
of

My Lord

Your very dutiful and
most obedient Servants,

John Gordon, St. Michael's, Tnlbot County ; John Mac. Pherson, Wm. & Mary Parish,
Charles County ; Wm. Thomson, St. Stephen's Parish, Cecil County; Samuel Keene, Dor
chester & Great Choptank Parishes, Dorchester Co. ; Wm. West, St. Paul's Parish ; Balti
more County ; George Goldie, King and Queen, St. Mary's; John Bowie, St. Peter's, Talbot ;
John Stephen, All Faith Parish, St. Mary's County; Walter Magowan, St. James' Parish,

HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS. 339

the Convention, that he was obliged at that time to mention what Dr.
Wharton had informed him, relative to Dr. S.'s being much intoxicated
when at New York in the Convention. Dr. Craddock produced your Letter ;
and Dr. West mentioned what he heard from Col. Rogers of this Town, and
requested that his name to the recommendation might be struck out which
Dr. S. refused as the charge was not made out. Dr. S. then moved that an
inquiry should be made into the truth of these charges ; which was accord
ingly ordered by the Convention, so that the truth of the Facts alledged,
is now to be supported by Evidence in those different Places, or by Persons
of Character who were present at the time ; these gross Acts of Immorali
ty (if established) will certainly silence the warmest Friends of that Gentle
man ; many of whom are of tlie Clerical Order. It is much to be lament
ed that things are in this critical Situation ; the prospect is gloomy on every
side. Should the Doctor be so fortunate, to show himself innocent of the
charges against him, and be recommended to the Bishoprick yet the
strong prejudices against him will greatly lessen that reverence and respect
which will be always paid to that dignified Station, when the Person who
holds the same is of acknowledged Piety and moral Rectitude. Should the
charges be made out we shall loose the Services and assistance of a very
able man ; who will certainly withdraw himself. Thus the Church here is
likely to suffer be the Case as it will. But we must do what is right and
trust to Providence for the rest.

I remain Rev'd Sir,

Your most obed't Humble Serv't
SAM'L JOHNSTON.

THE REV. DR. WEST TO THE REV. DR. ANDREWS.

Baltimore, October 31st, 1786.

Dear Sir.

I have received your's inclosing a Letter to Doctor Smith ; but too
late to do what you requested concerning the Delivery of it. I therefore
give you this early Information, that you may determine what is to be
done with it. Doctor Cradock happened to be at my House just returned
from the Convention, when your Packet came to Hand ; and had the peru
sal of those Sentiments which you proposed giving him through a Copy.

This Gentleman, just before a particular Business was brought before
the Convention, shewed me, out of Doors, your Letter to him concerning
Doctor Smith ; and Mr. Johnson, himself, and I judged it to be not only
aifectionate and friendly, but necessary also to apprize the Doctor o the
Matter ; hoping that he might desist from a Pursuit, which you and I
have long since endeavoured to prevail on him to decline. But, it seems,
he was determined to persevere ! And Doctor Cradock produced the Par
agraph in your Letter concerning him. This brought on an Event, which
I have but too good Reasons to believe, has provoked the Doctor to with
draw all his Kindness from me. Several very serious and solemn Conferen-

Ann Arundel Co. ; Wm. Hanna, St Margaret, Ann Arnndel ; Joseph Messenger, St. Andrew's
Parish, St. Mary's County; Thos. Jno. Claggett, St. Paul's Parish, Priuce George's Co. ;
Thomas Gates, St. Ann's, Annapolis; John Andrews, St. Thomas, Baltimore Co. ; Hamilton
Bell, Stephney. Somerset County ; Francis Walker, Kent Island, Queen Anne's; John Stew
art. Poit Tobacco Parish; Leo. Cutting, All Hallow Parish, Worcester Co ; Will. Smith,
Stepney I'arish, Worcester County; Ralph Uiginbothom. St. Ann's Parish, Ann Arundel
Co.; Kdward Gantt, Jr., Christ Church Parish, Calvert Co.; Hatch Dent, Trinity Parish
Charles Co.

340 HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS.

ces have parsed between us, in Private before, in whicb I endeavoured to
diseuale him from the Pursuit of tbe Episcopal Character. But finding
all my affectionate Labours to this Purpose fruitless, I required in so
many Words, that my Name should be expunged from the recommendatory
Letter. This happened in April last. Bui long before that Time even
when we were with him in Annapolis I did embrace the very Opportu
nity, to which you allude in your Letter to him and plainly told hin in
your presence, that " I did not desire my Name to appear in that Recom
mendation."

Such was the State of tbis Matter, respecting the Doctor and myself
when the above mentioned Paragraph of your Letter was presented to the
Convention by the honest and candid Doctor Cradock. You cannot there
fore be surprized at my Concern, on understanding that my Name (how
insignificant soever) should, notwithstanding all that had passed between
Doctor Smith and myself on that Subject, appear on the Occasion it did at
Wilmington. I felt much Concern indeed ; and could not but express it to
t'ie Doctor, who thought proper to bring the Business before The Brethren
(as he expressed it.) Accordingly he introduced the Affair, which orig
inated with Col. Rogers, into open Convention ; and was pleased to bring
into Publick what had passed between himself and me in Private ; together
with the Reasons w'ch through Friendship, I had been induced to give
him for my Opinion and Conduct on the Subject. Seeing therefore the
Matter brought to this unhappy Crisis, and voluntarialy too by the Doctor
himself, I thought I should have sinned against the Conviction of my own
Mind, had I remained either silent or reserved on so important a Subject.
In open Convention therefore I, solemnly as in the Presence of God, deliv
ered my Sentiments concerning the Whole Matter, and in this public man
ner both revoked my Name, and required that it might be expunged from
the Paper.

What passed after this, respecting the Doctor and myself, it is un
necessary to trouble you with. Doctor Cradock has given you full Infor
mation concerning som^ Matters in which you are now particularly inter
ested, as Doctor Smith has insisted upon your making good the Charge.
And Doctor Claggett will, I presume, give Information to Doctor Wharton
concerning some Things in which he is particularly interested ; in Conse
quence ol a Communication, respecting Doctor Smith, from Mr. Wharton
to Mr. Claggett, which the latter Gentleman modestly mentioned in Con
vention. My Motive for writing thus largely on a Subject so ungrateful,
is to satisfy you that I have long since, done what your letter proposes
respecting the Erasement of my Name.

It^istonished me to hear, by your Letter, that there is not a Church in
your City w'ch will admit Doctor Smith to their Pulpit. Certainly some-
tiling very notorious and immoral must have been done by him to produce
euch an Effect. However this Gentleman, by having required certain
Charges to be made good must now, perhaps, appear in a Point of View
more public than ever heretofore ; and I wish from my Heart, that every
Mouth may declare him innocent.

With sincere good Wishes for yourself and Family,
I am, dear Sir

Your affectionate Servant

WM. WEST. (1)

(1) From the Bp. White MSS.

HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS. 341

HON. FRANCIS HOPKINSON TO THE REV. DR. WHITE.

Philad'a, Nov'r 17th, 1786.
My dear Sir.

I hope this Letter will find you safe arrived in London, and success,
fully advanced in the Business on which you went. Soon after you sailed
Dr. Andrews wrote a Letter to some Gentleman in Maryland, who was a
Member of the Convention of that State respecting Dr. Smith's moral
Character, in which he spoke pretty freely of him, and desired that his
Name might be withdrawn from the Recommendation of 1783. Dr. Smith
had obtained a recent Testimonial from his own Vestry of his good Con
duct and Fitness for Episcopal Consecration, and was at the Time en
forcing this Recommendation with the Convention. The Person to
whom Dr. Andrews wrote communicated his Letter to the Convention
whereupon the Convention broke up until Enquiry should be made. The
Doctor raged with Resentment and threaten'd all the vengeance of the Law
against Dr. Andrews. He came up to Philadelphia, as was thought, for
this Purpose, But after being here 10 Days or a fortnight, he returned
without instituting the threaten'd Suit. Indeed his real Business turned
out to be with our Legislature to sollicit a Division of Bedford County in
order that a County Town may be established on some Lands he has there.
I need not protest that I love and wish you well.
I should be very glad of a Line or two from you.
I am with great Truth,

Your affectionate Friend

Bev'd Dr. White, FRA'S HOPKINSON. (1)

London.

THE REV. DR. ANDREWS TO THE REV. DR. WHITE.

Philadelphia. November 24, 1786.
Dear Sir.

- As you will probably be anxious to know how

Dr. Smith made out with the Convention of Maryland I enclose you some
Letters which were written to me concerning it ; which will give you full
information, and at the same time, me little trouble.

Yours affectionately

JOHN ANDREWS. (2)

We gladly turn from further consideration of this un
pleasant fragment of our history. During the progress of
this correspondence, the two Bishops-elect set sail on the 2d
of November for England and arrived at Falmouth on the
21st of the same month. The story of the successful ac
complishment of the long struggle for the Episcopate in the
English line is detailed at length in the pages of Bp. White's

(1) From the Bp White Correspondence.

(2; This letter from Dr. Andrews enclosed the preceding communications on this sub
ject which we have given in chronological order.

342 HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS.

Memoirs (I) and we need not reproduce it here. It will be
more to our purpose to give in passing certain letters indic
ative of the feeling at the Northward respecting the meas
ures taken at the Conventions of 1786 and the prospect of
a speedy success of the Church in the Middle and Southern
States in their efforts for the Succession from the Mother
Church of England. The letter which we give below from
the Rev. Benjamin Moore, an assistant Minister of Trinity
Church, is of no little interest in view of its testimony
toward the feeling entertained in New York respecting the
consecration of the Bishop of Connecticut.

FROM THE REV. MR. MOORE TO THE REV. MR. PARKER.

New York, Nov. 4, 1786.
My dear Sir.

The day before yesterday Dr. White and Dr. Provoost embarked on
board the Speedy packet for Old England with the expectation of obtain
ing consecration from the English Bishops. You know there is an act of
Parliament authorizing either of the Archbishops, together with such of
the Bishops as they may desire to call to their assistance, to consecrate
Bishops for the American States. When his Grace of Canterbury sent a
copy of the act in a letter which accompanied it, he intimated, that it was
expected, before persons were seat for Episcopal Orders, every obstacle
should be removed, by a full compliance with the requistions which had
been made. In the late Convention at Wilmington all objections were
obviated, excepting only that it was resolved not to re-admit the Athana-
sian Creed. The gentlemen, however, thought they might venture to go,
and I dare say they will succeed. It sometimes happens, in doubtful cases,
that to act as if you were sure of success, is the most effectual way to ob
tain it. Possunt quia Posse videntur. Dr. Griffith, who is another Bishop
elect, through some mistake, did not obtain the necessary testimonials from
the State Convention, and is, on that account, detained a few months
longer

I have my fears, but am not so very apprehensive as you appear to be,
that a schism must take place in our Church. A few people in this State,
from old grudges on the score of politics, have determined to circumscribe,
as far as they possibly can, the authority of Bishop Seabury. But they
will not be able to effect their purpose to any great degree. His Episco
pal powers have already been acknowledged oy most of the Southern
States, and Truth and Justice will in due time, get the better of Prej udice
and Partiality.

Your affectionate Friend and Servant,

B. MOORE. (1)

(1) Pp. 27-8, 124-110.

(2) From the original letter among the Bishop Parker Correspondence.

HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS. 343

The following winter the Convocation of the Connecticut
Clergy met at Wallingford, Feb. 27th. (1) It was there de
cided to send another Presbyter to Scotland for consecration,
as co-adjutor Bishop to the overworked Seabury. Jeremiah
Learning, D. D., was first chosen, but he declined in conse
quence of age and infirmities. The pious Richard Mansfield
was next elected- by the suffrages of his brethren ; but he
felt the burthen too heavy to be borne, and the choice finally
fell on the Rev. Abraham Jarvis, who was deputed to go
to Scotland " To obtain consecration, that the Episcopal
office might be canonically conferred." (2) We gather from
incidental allusions to the matter, in the correspondence of
the time, that it was part of the plan of the Bishop of
Connecticut, that a Bishop-elect for Massachusetts and
New Hampshire should soon follow; and all eyes looked to
the excellent and zealous Mr. Parker, of Boston, to com
plete the canonical number for the transmission of the Epis
copate in the Scottish line.

This was, however, to be a last resort. It formed no
part of the intention of Bishop Seabury to keep aloof from
his fellow Churchmen, if union was possible on terms honor
able to himself and the Church from which his orders were
derived. To this end he deferred the action contemplated
by the Convocation, and on the arrival of the newly conse
crated Bishops of New York and Pennsylvania, he addressed
to them letters of congratulation, and an offer of terms of
union.

These letters we give below.

BISHOP SEABURY TO BISHOP WHITE.

New London, May 1st, 1787.
Right Reverend and dear Sir.

It is with great pleasure I take an opportunity of present-

(1) The particulars of the proceedings of this Convocation are taken from a racy letter
of the Rev. Roger Viets, who was present at the session. The original letter is preserved
among the papers of Bishop Parker, to whom it was addressed.

(2) Vide Sprague's Annals of the American Episcopal Pulpit, page 238.

344 HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS.

ing my congratulations on your safe return to Philadelphia, and on the
success of your application to the English Archbishops.

You must be equally sensible with me of the present unsettled state of
the Church of England in this country, and of the necessity of union and
concord, among all its members in the United States of America, not only
to give stability to it, but to fix it on its true and proper foundation. Poss
ibly nothing will contribute more to this end, than uniformity in worship
and discipline, among the Churches of the different States. It will be my
happiness to promote so good and necessary a work ; And I take the liber
ty to propose, That, before any decided steps be taken, there may be a
meeting of yourself and Bp. Provoost, with me, at such time and place as
shall be convenient ; to try whether some plan can not be adopted, that
shall, in a quiet and effectual way secure the great object which, I trust, we
should all heartily rejoice to see accomplished. For my own part, I can
not help thinking that, the most likely method will be, to retain the pres
ent Book of Common-Prayer, accornodating it to the Civil Constitution of
the United States. The Government of the Church, you know, is already
settled ; a body of Canons will however be wanted to give energy to the
government, and ascertain its operations.

I have written to Bishop Provoost on this subject, and have invited him
to visit us at the stated Convocation of our Clergy which is to be held at
Stamford Thursday after Whitsunday. I regret that the distance and time
will not probably permit you to do us that favour ; more especially as I
think it would greatly promote so essential an object as the union of all
our Churches must be esteemed. May God direct us in all things !
Believe me to be Right Reverend, and dear Sir,

Your affectionate Brother,

and humble Servant

Bt. Rev, Bp. White. SAMUEL, BP. CONNECT. (1)

BISHOP SEABURY TO BISHOP PROVOOST.

May 1, 1787.
The Eight Beverend Bishop Provoost, New York.

Right Reverend and dear Sir:

It is with pleasure I take this opportunity of presenting my con
gratulations on your safe return to New York, on the success of your ap
plication to the English Archbishops, and on your recovery from your late
dangerous illness.

You must be equally sensible with me of the present unsettled state of
the Church of England in this country, and of the necessity of union and
concord among all its members in the United States of America ; not only
to give stability to it, but to fix it on its true and proper foundation.
Possibly nothing will contribute more to this end, than uniformity in wor
ship and discipline among the Churches of the different states. It will be
my happiness to be able to promote so good and necessary a work ; and
I take the liberty to propose, that before any decided steps be taken, there
be a meeting of yourself and Bishop White and me, at such time and place
as shall be most convenient, to try whether some plan cannot be adopted
that shall, in a quiet and effectual way, secure the great object which I

(1) Prom the Bp. White Correspondence.

HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS. 345

trust we should all heartily rejoice to see accomplished. For my own part
I cannot help thinking, that the most likely method will be, to retain the
present Common Prayer Book, accommodating it to the civil Constitution
of the United States. The government of the Church, you know, is already
settled. A body of Canons will, however, be wanted, to give energy to
the government, and ascertain its operation.

A stated Convocation of the Clergy of this state is to be held at Stamford,
on the Monday after Whitsun-day. As it is so near to New York, and the
journey may contribute to the reestablishment of your health, I should be
much rejoiced to see you there; more especially as I think it would pro
mote the great object, the union of all the Churches.

May God direct us in all things !

Believe me to be, Rt. Rev. and dear Sir,

Your affectionate Brother and humble Servant,

SAMUEL, Bishop of Connecticut. (I)

Bishop Seabury, in a letter written a few days afterward,
to his friend in London, William Stevens, Esq., thus ex
presses his views on the prospect of union and comprehen
sion.

BISHOP SEABURY TO WILLIAM STEVENS, ESQ., OLD BROAD
STREET, ROYAL EXCHANGE, LONDON.

New London May 9th, 1787.
My very dear Sir :

It is so long since I heard from any of my friends in London, that
I cannot help feeling some uneasiness on that account. I did hope that I
should have received some intelligence respecting the two American
Bishops, and particularly, whether they were laid under any restrictions ;
and, if so, what those restrictions were. Those gentlemen have returned,
but I do not find their arrival has made much noise in the country. I
have written to them both, proposing an interview with them, and an
union of the Church of England through all the States, on the ground of
the present Prayer Book, only accommodating it to the civil Constitution
of this country; and the government of the Church to continue unaltered
as it now is, with a body of Canons to give energy to it, and direct its op
eration. I know not what effect this overture may have. Bat my fears
are greater than my hopes. Every thing I can fairly do to procure union
and uniformity, shall certainly be done.

My letters were accompanied by a packet of charges, directed to my
good friend, the Rev. Mr. Boucher, which I hope came safely to him. I
shall set out in a week to attend a meeting of the Connecticut Clergy at
Stamford. I have invited the two Bishops to visit us ; and as I shall then
know how my proposals are likely to be relished, I will from Stamford

write to Mr. Boucher by the way of N. York. This goes ma Boston.

Your affectionate, humble Servant,

S., Bp. Conn. (2)

(1) From Bp. Seabury's Letter Book now in the hands of the Rev. Prof. W. J. Seabury of
New York.

(2) From Bp. Seabury's Letter Book.

346 HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS.

The response of Bishop White to Bishop Seabury's pro
posal is contained in a letter from the Bishop of Connecti
cut to Mr. Parker, of Boston, which we give below :

BISHOP WHITE TO BISHOP SEABURT.

, Philadelphia, May 21st, 1787.

There is nothing I have more at heart than to see ye members of our com-
mnnion, throughout ye United States, connected in one system of Eccle
siastical Government; and if my meeting of you, in concurrence with
Bishop Provoost, can do anything towards ye accomplishment of this great
object, my very numerous engagements shall not hinder me from taking a
journey for ye purpose. But I must submit it to your consideration
whether it will not be best previously to understand one another, as to ye
views of ye Churches in which we respectively preside.

We have been informed (but perhaps it is a mistake) that ye Bishop
and Clergy of Connecticut think our proposed Ecclesiastical Constitution
essentially wrong, in ye leading parts of it. As ye general principles on
which it is founded were maturely considered and compared with ye max
ims which prevail in ye ecclesiastical system of England, as they have re
ceived ye approbation of all ye Conventions southward of you, and of one
to the northward; as they were not objected to by ye Archbishops and
Bishops of ye English Church, and as they are generally thought among
us essential to ye giving of effect to future ecclesiastical measures, I do not
expect to find ye Churches in many of ye States willing to associate on
any plan materially different from this. If our Brethren in Connecticut
should be of opinion that ye giving of any share of ye Legislative power
of ye Church to others than those of ye Episcopal order is inconsistent
with Episcopal Government, and that ye requiring of ye consent of ye
Laity to ecclesiastical laws is an invasion of Clerical rights, in this case, I
see no prospect of doing good in any other way than contributing all in
my power to promote a spirit of love and peace between us ; although I
shall continue to cultivate ye hope of our being brought, at some future
day, to an happy agreement.

As to ye Liturgy, if it should be thought advisable by ye general body
of our Church to adhere to ye English Book of Common Prayer (ye politi
cal parts excepted) I shall be one of ye first, after ye appearance of sucn a
disposition, to comply with it most punctually.

Further than this, if it should seem ye most probable way of maintain
ing an agreement among ourselves, I shall use my best endeavours to effect
it. At ye same time, I must candidly express my opinion, that ye review
of ye Liturgy would tend very much to ye satisfaction of most of ye mem
bers of our communion, and to its future success and prosperity. The
worst evil which I apprehend from a refusal to review is this, that it will
give a great advantage to those who wish to carry ye alteration into essen
tial points of doctrine. Reviewed it will unquestionably be in some places,
and ye only way to prevent its being done by men of ye above description
is ye taking it up as a general business. I have been informed that you,
Sir, and our Brethren in Connecticut think a review expedient, although
you wish not to be in haste in ye matter. Our Brethren in Massachusetts
have already done it. The Churches in ye States southward of you have
iufficiently declared their sentiments ; for even those which have delayed

HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS. 347

permitting ye use of ye new book, did it merely on ye principles of ye
want of Episcopal order among them.

If, Sir, we should be of a different opinion in any matter, I hope we
shall be so candid as mutually to think it consistent with ye best intentions,
and a sincere desire to promote ye interest of our holy religion. This jus
tice you have always received from, &c., &c.,

(Signed) WM. WHITE.

The above, my dear Sir, is the whole of a letter from Bishop White, that
relates to the subject. It is in answer to one from me to him, in which I
proposed a personal interview with him and Bishop Provoost previously
to any decided steps being taken respecting the Liturgy and Government
of the Church, and mentioned the old Liturgy as the most likely bond
of union. I send it to you without a comment, and shall be glad of your

opinion respecting it. Your affectionate, humble Servant,

S., Bp. Connect,(l)

Congratulations poured in upon the excellent Bishop of
Pennsylvania, and with the expressions of satisfaction at the
successful accomplishment of the strong desire for the An
glican succession, there were added abundant opportunities
for the exercise of the newly acquired Episcopal powers, not
alone in Pennsylvania, but elsewhere at the South. The
following letters which we give and which, in common with
many of these documents, appear for the first time in print,
are from the invaluable correspondence of Bp. White which,
he preserved with religiouP care throughout his career and
left as the material for the future history of the Church, of
which he was, to a great extent, under God, instrumental
in reorganizing and perpetuating.

THE REV. DR. CLAGGETT TO BISHOP WHITE.

St. James, Ann Arundel County, April 24th, 1787.
Right Rev'd Sir.

I have just now heard by Mr. Weems of your Return to America in
Bishop's Orders. The Information gives me great Pleasure, and I would
beg leave thus early to congratulate you on the Occasion. Permit me
Right Rev'd and Dear Sir, to inform you, that a Convention of our Chuich
will be held at Chester Town in Kent County on the fourth Tuesday in.
May next, and I have Reason to believe that ye Lay Representation will
be more complete than it ever has yet been in this State, and that Matters
of Magnitude will be then brought forward. In this Situation of our Af
fairs I would take the Liberty to solicit your Presence there, if you can
possibly make it convenient. A Gentleman of your Character, a Native

(l)From the original letter in the possession of the Bev. Dr. Perry.

348 HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS.

of this State, a Fishop of our excellent Church Presiding in our Church
Assembly would give Weight and Dignity to all our proceedings; it would
have a direct Tendency to promote the Interest of ye Church, to unite us
all firmly together, and to fix us in a more desirable Situation than we
have been in since ye Revolution. I should think myself highly honored,
by ye Reception of a Line from you by Mr. Weema' Return, informing me
whether you think it will be in your power to attend or not ? In case you
can not possibly make it convenient, I shall embrace the first opportunity
of paying my respects to you personally in Philadelphia.
With sentiments of the most perfect Esteem,

I have the honor to be
Right Rev'd Sir

Your most dutiful Serv.
THOS. JNO. CLAGQETT.(l)

THE REV. DR. GRIFFITH TO BISHOP WHITE,

Fairfax Glebe, 28th April, 1787,
Dear Sir.

Your Letter of the 15th, certifying your safe return made me very hap
py. It is an event about which I have been exceedingly anxious for many
reasons, and altho' some of them are of a selfish nature, yet be assured
that I partake, in no small degree, of that Joy which your real friends
must feel on the occasion. Since your departure for Europe, the repeal
of our incorporating Ac, and the revival of some Old Laws in conse
quence of it, have placed the Episcopal Church in this State (myself iu par
ticular) in a very embarassing situation ; so much so that I believe it
would puzzle our whole bench of Chancellors to determine our Exact sit
uation. I consider my own as very critical, and am anxiously awaiting
the meeting of our Convention (16th. May) which 1 hope will determine
what is proper to be done. Should theW>e of opinion that I ought to pro
ceed immediately to Engand I shall seWout as soon as they lurnish me
with a sufficiency to defray the Expences of the Voyage, of which, by the
bve, there is no appearance as yet. As there are frequent opportunities from
tins place, frugality as well as convenience will determine me to take ship
ping here; and as I know not how sudden my movements may be after
the Convention rises it is my earnest wish to possess all the information
you have to communicate previous to my leaving home, which will be
about the 10th. of May. I must request you to lose no time in doing this
as your Communications may be necessary either to determine some of
the resolutions of the Convention, or for the regulation of my own con
duct at a time when I consider myself to be very critically situated.

I remain, my dear Sir,

Your very affec't Brother,
and most huble. Serv.
D. GRIFFITH.(1)

THE REV. DR. GRIFFITH TO BISHOP WHITE.

Fairfax Glebe, 28th May 1787.
Dear Sir

The day before my departure for Richmond (from whence I
am just returned) I rec'd your two letters of the 3rd and llth of May

(1) From the Bp. White Correspondence.

HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS. 349

which I, purposely, have delayed answering till the husiness of our Con
vention should be over. As soon as I receive the Journals, I will send you
a Copy ; in the mean time I can only inform you, in general, that we have
passed an Ordinance for the management of our Temporalities, revised
the Canons, instituted under the incorporating Act, with very few altera
tions, agreed to the general Constitution, instructed the Deputies to the
next General Convention (a Mr. Andrews and myself) to propose rejecting
the descent into Hell, and the Nicene Creed from the Liturgy, and, which
is more extraordinary, have directed the Standing Committee to write to
Bishop Provoost and yourself, requesting that you or either of you, will be
pleased to Consecrate a Bp. for this State. Those who were for leaving
things as settled at Wilmington, gave very little interruption to the instruc
tions for rejecting, &c.. being persuaded that they will be over-ruled by the
General Convention. And as to the other resolution, I was in hopes your Let
ters to me would so far have satisfied the Advocates for the Measure, that
they would not insist on it. Such parts of your Letters as related to the mat
ter in debate were read, but without the Expected effect. They are in hopes
you may be prevailed on to act contrary to your own Sentim'ts, the Opinion
of the Bishops of England, and the general practice of the Christian Church.
Their first proposition was that you and your Brother of N. York should
request Bp. Seabury to unite with you in the intended Consecration ; but
this project was rejected as impracticable, and the more absurd one adopt
ed. I expect you will very shortly hear from the Standing Committee on
the subject, all the members of that Committee present, except one, were
in favour of the resolution. The principal Argument used was that it
would be impossible to raise so much money in the State as will be neces
sary to defray the Expences of a Voyage to Europe. But the truth is that
some of the friends to the Measure wish to prevent, if possible, the intro
duction of a Bp. into the State. What other Construction can be put up
on the conduct of those who not only endeavour to throw difficulties hi the
way of its accomplishing, but propose such alterations in the Canons as
would deprive the Bp of the right of Judging of the qualifications of Can
didates for Orders, and even compel him to Ordain such as were offered by
any two Presbyters, though himself should not approve of them. They
have also ventured to assert the Equality of Bps. and Presb'rs in primitive
times, and made attempts to deprive the former of his right of precedency
in Ecclesiastical assemblies. What more could the most zealous Presby
terian have proposed, to abolish all distinction in the Orders of the Minis
try, and overturn the Ep'l Ch ? The number of those men is very small,
but as their intention is disguised with great art, and sometimes asserted
with popular Arguments, they frequently draw in some well disposed per
sons to support their measures. There was also among us another party
who promoted the measure not because they expected it would be regarded,
or because they were anxious to have it carried into effect, but, merely
because they hoped, thereby to deprive me of a Testimonial. For, after
the resolution was carried, they opposed the signing of the Testimonial,
not because they had any thing to object, as they declared, but because it
was now rendered quite unnecessary; presuming that they should unques
tionably succeed in their application to yourself and Bp. Provoost, or one
of you. They were however disappointed in their main object, for their
conduct was so obviously malicious and mischievous, that the Testimonial
was signed by more than four fifths of the Members present. The friends
of the Episcopal Church (myself in particular) have had, I do assure you,
a very disagreeable time of it. But we had also the satisfaction to see our

350 HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS.

opposers foiled in almost all their absurd proposals, and they have so clear
ly discovered themselves, their principles and designs that their influence
must, I think, be much lessened in future.

If a prospectof difficulties could alone discourage me there are enough
in view to induce me to decline the Episcopal Office, and could I see any
probability of its being filled by a Person who would support the Charac
ter with propriety and oppose with firmness the ruinous Schemes of this
junto of innovators, I would certainly relinquish it immediately. We
nave some worthy Characters among us, but I lear they are not sufficient
ly known, and hive too little of the publick confidence to render their
election certain. From this consideration 1 have determined to persevere,
considering it as absolutely necessary at this time for the defence and fur
therance of the Ep'l Ch. in Virginia. I am persuaded a great majority of
the Convention mean well, and I trust will endeavour to give it all the
support they can. They have recommended to the Parishes to supply their
quotas of Monev immediately ; and I shall embark for England as soon as
they send enough to pay the Expence of the Voyage unless you and Bp.
Provoost shall pronounce it unnecessary. As to the rest I submit it to
GOD ; with full confidence in his promises that He will not forsake either
his Church or his faithful Servants. I must beg you to let me hear from
you as soon as you have determined upon the answer to be given to the
Standing Comm'ee.

Mr. Vasey was here on his return from Philad'a and informed me that
he had made known to you his desire of entering into our Church. Mr.
Fairfax and myself gave him such a Testimonial as we thought his gener
al Character and our knowledge of him would justify. Itisa circumstance
much in favour both of his Morals and Talents, that he was one of the two
sent out by Mr. Wesley with Dr. Coke; and I ought likewise to mention
that it is more than two years since Mr. V. made known to me his intention
of applying for Ep'l Ordination. The People in a very respectable Parish
are desirous to have him for their Minister, as I have been informed by
one of the Vestry, who wrote to me more than 12 Months ago on the Sub
ject. For the forms presented by the Convention of this State, as necessa
ry to be observed previous to Ordination, I refer you to the 16th of our
Canons, which you have in our Journal for 1785. But as Mr. Vasey has
been in the Itinerant way ever since his arrival in America, it will be nec
essary, in his case, to satisfy you in some other manner than that prescrib
ed by our Convention.

I nave a very poor acc't to give you of the P. Books. Of those sent to
me one half were left with Mr. Geo. Richards at the Printing Office in Al-
exand'a The remainder were sent to a Mr. Benj'n Day at Fredericksburg,
and tho' they were Advertised in the Papers more than 4 months, not more
than 20 have been sold by Day and only 7 by Richards

The price of the Books is complained of every where in this State. It
is certainly a principal cause of their not selling among us, Another is
that a new Edition is Expected with alterations. My opinion is, that the
only way to get rid of this Edition will be to lower the price, and that
very soon. A member of our Convention told me that he would take an
hundred on his own acc't if they were set at two thirds of a Dollar, which
s about the price people in general would be willing to give.

I saw Dr. West a few Days ago at the funeral of his Mother, who told
me that the Convention of Maryland, at their last meeting in Chester,

HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS. 351

chose Dr. S. for their Presid't and appointed him one of their Deputies to
the next Gen'l Convention it was the only thing done by them.
With respectful remembrance to Mrs. White I remain

Your affect'e hu'ble Serv't

D. GRIFFITH, (1)
BISHOP PROVOOST TO BISHOP WHITE.

Dr. and Right Revd. Sir :

I have the pleasure to inform you that our Church Convention after
sitting 3 Days during which the greatest Harmony prevailed among all
the members broke up this afternoon. I have copied some of our most
material Regulations which I enclose for your perusal, the whole of our
proceedings shall be forwarded as soon as they come from the press.

Tlie Standing Committee mentioned in the 6th of the regulations con
sists of the Revd. Mr. Bloomer, the Reverend Mr. Beach, the Rev. Mr.
Moore, Mr. Duane and Mr. Jay. They are also at my request to be a
Council of Advice and I have a right to call them together whenever I
think it expedient.

The Letter from the Virginia Committee Dated the 4th. of June never
reached me till the 23d. In my answer I declined complying with their
request, and at the same time exhorted them to use every exertion to en-
enable Dr. Griffith to embark immediately for England.

I shall hold an Ordination on Sunday the 8th. of June. Six Candidates
have already been mentioned to me for Deacon's Orders, but out of these
only three or four at most will be admitted. I feel myself quite overcome
with the fatigue of sitting so long in Convention and must conclude.

I am Dr. Sir,

Your most affectionate Brother,

SAML. PROVOOST.(l)
N. York, June 29. 1787.

THE REV. DR. GRIFFITH TO BISHOP "WHITE.

Fairfax Glebe, 4th July, 1787.
Dear Sir:

The expedient yon propose for raising money (application to particular
Persons) will not, I fear, answer the end. If it is not improper, yet there
are too many difficulties in the way to admit any hope of success. It
is not possible, without sending a messenger on purpose to convey Letters
safely and in tolerable time, from this Corner of the State to every part of
it. Besides I am ignorant of the proper Persons to whom to direct them.
I am also apprehensive that an application from me (on such an Occasion)
would not be well rec'd. and that an improper construction might be put
on it. I expect some attention will be paid to the recommendation of the
last Convention, as soon as the Journal is published ; at least so far as to
provide a sufficiency for the expences of the Voyage.

I much fear that an application to the delegates now at Philada. will
meet with the countenance of but few of them. Several of them, perhaps,
would contribute if asked, but most of them are unfriendly, and I do not
know of more than one (a member of the Standing Comm') who would

(1) From the Bishop White Correspondence.

352 HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS.

give himself the least trouble to promote the speedy settlement of our ec
clesiastical system. I consider the present season as lost by the delay
already made, and that it would not be proper to go sooner than the fall,
even if the means for paying the expences were furnished. The Bishops
of England are, I expect, all in their Dioceses, and will be till the meet
ing of Parliament, so that one might be detained a considerable time
should he arrive at an unlucky season.

With respect to the Prayer Books, I shall make trial of what you offer
(letting them go by Dozens at 6 shillings your currency) but I fear they
will be a dull article even at that reduced price, such is the indifference in
this part of the world, towards everything connected with religion.

I remain, D'r. Sir,

Your affect'e hubl'eServ't

DAVID GRIFFITH (1)
i
In a familiar letter to the Rev. Bela Hubbard, the Rev.

Mr. Parker of Boston thus comments on the overtures of
Bp. Seabury for union with Bps. Provoost and White.

We print it from the original draft in Mr. Parker's hand
writing which, as was his wont, he carefully preserved among
his papers, for future reference.

REV. MR. PARKER TO REV. MR. HUBBARD.

Boston, June 1, 1787.
Dear Sir :

Your favour by Mr. Miles was duly received, upon his arrival in town,
and I have to return you my thanks for the same. I had previously heard
from Bishop Seabury, that he had made an overture to the Brethren of the
Lawn to meet him at Stamford ; but my faith in their acceding to the pro
posal was not very strong : though I think had not the invitation been ,
made quite so soon after their arrival, and before matters were arranged
among themselves, Bishop White would have accepted it, he having fre
quently expressed his mind to me by letter, of a readiness to coalesce with
his Northern Brethren and to form one Church in all the esr-entials of doc
trine, discipline and worship. Some strong prejudices, upon the old score
of politics, still remain in the minds of the New York gentlemen against
Bishop Seabury, and therefore of their Bishop your deponent saith not.
The grand obstacle to a union, I foresee, will be in matters of government.
The Southern States have admitted Laymen to take part with them ; Con
necticut has not. They cannot rid themselves of the Lav brethren, and
you will not admit Laymen. This will keep you apart. I impatiently wait
to hear the result of your meeting.(2).

In answer to the latter part of your letter, I can only say two words,
Nolo Episcopari.

The consecration of a Bishop for Massachusetts, and the
selection of Mr. Parker as the first to fill this sacred office

(1) From the Bp Whit* Correspondence. (2) From the Bp. Parker Papers.

HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS. 353

there, were desired, not only by the Bishop and Clergy of
Connecticut, but also by the far-seeing Bishop White, who
seems to have judged, rightly enough, as- the sequel proved,
that this step once determined upon, would be the connect
ing lipk between the separated Churches. There is frequent
allusion to this subject in Bishop Seabury's letters, and
in those of the Connecticut Clergy found among the corre
spondence of Bp. Parker. We append, in passing, an ex
tract from an earlier letter to Mr. Parker, from the Bishop
of Pennsylvania, under date of July 5, 1787, in which this
action is strongly urged, on the very grounds we have indi
cated

" I wish most sincerely that Massachusetts would unite with us, and
choose a person for consecration ; not merely as it would tend to cement
the Church throughout the whole continent, but because I think it would
add to the wisdom of our determinations whenever a General Convention
shall be held for the final settlement of our ecclesiastical system. (1)

In carrying out these pacific views, the amiable Bishop of
Pennsylvania entered into correspondence with the venera
ble Jeremiah Learning of Stratford, one of the most influ
ential of the Connecticut Clergy, and a bosom friend of
Bishop Seabury. We regret that the letters written by
Bishop White are lost ; but their tenor can be readily in
ferred from the earnest replies which we append. These
replies prove conclusively the hearty concurrence of the
Clergy of Connecticut in the views and conduct of their
Bishop.

THE REV. JEREMIAH LEAMING TO BISHOP WHITE.

Stratford, July 9th, 1787.
My very dear and Rev. Sir :

I have received your kind favour of the 21st of last month, for which
you have my hearty thanks. Your views of a union of the Church in
these States give me the greatest pleasure, and you are pleased to desire
me to consider what will be the best method to accomplish the end desired,
and to communicate it to you.

(1) From the Bishop White Correspondence.

354 HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS.

It appears to me, that if you, Bishop Provoost and Bishop Seahury
could have a private meeting, all matters might be adjusted in such a
manner, that a union might be easily effected. For all those difficulties
which disturb that mutual concord, which ought to be among Christians,
have their rise from some little misunderstandings. And provided the
parties were brought together, and would explain themselves to each other,
in meekness and love, all disagreeable passions would subside and be ex
tinguished forever.

But to reconcile differences, when they are come to their full growth, is
attended with so many difficulties, that it seldom proves successiul. Will
it, therefore, be a matter of wisdom or prudence to put this business off to
some future day, at a great distance? I must say, that I wish this meet
ing might be as soon and as private as possible, that no evil angels might
have any knowledge of it, wno would be glad of an opportunity to throw
in the firebrands of dissension.

If this meeting could be effected as proposed, I doubt not but a union
would take place so far as is necessary. That peace which consists in un
ion of mind and agreement in judgement, in every point, is rather to be
wished than hoped for, in this imperfect state.

There are more persons that are now labouring, with all the insidious
arts which they can muster up, for the ruin of the Church of England,
than you can conceive. All tne Infidels and Dissenters in England and
these States are our most mortal enemies. However they disagree in sen
timent, they unite for our destruction. And you will soon find they are
engaged as much to divide as you are to unite us.

These enemies have always opposed the scheme of Bishops for America.
It was by their machinations that Bishop Seabury failed in obtaining his
desire. These enemies supposed, when he had applied and was refused,
there was an end to the Church in this country. But when they found he
had obtained the favour of the old Scotch Bishops, and had received the
Apostolical power, they started and cried out, What shall we do now ? for
the Americans will have Bishops, and we cannot prevent it. An expedi
ent was soon found. We are resolved what to do. Let there be an act of
Parliament granting liberty to the Bishops of England to consecrate Bish
ops for America, and then set up a huge cry, that Bishop Seabury is a
Nonjuror. By this means we shall divide the Church and they them
selves will demolish it.

Shall we be made tools by these designing men, to do that which they
cannot do without our help? The Church has always received her wounds
from her own sons, who suppose that other men are as honest as them
selves. When our enemies cry up moderation, they mean nothing more
or less than that we should renounce our own principles and embrace
theirs. When all is considered, said and done upon the subject, we shall
find that the Church of England is the best model we can find, as it is reg
ulated so exactly according to the Scriptures, by which the order of the
first Church was fixed,

Tlieodosius, though a great patron of the Church, by assuming to him
self the power of erecting new models in the government of it, thereby
destroyed the being and constitution of a Christian Church; for if it rests
upon the Divine right, derived from our Saviour and his Apostles, it is then
iu no man's power to alter it ; if it does not, it is no Christian Church, for
there can be no such thing unless it came from Heaven. My kingdom is
not of this world, says our Saviour. If the religion we profess, the officers
to administer, and the ordinances are not all divine, it is all a mere delu-

HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS. 355

sion at the best. These points are so clear in Revelation, that we must
hold them or renounce all Revelation itself.

The Church in this state would be pleased to have the old forms altered
as little as may be ; but for the sake of a union they will comply as far
as they possibly can. And I do not see. how a union can be more advan
tageous to us than it will be to you. If it is reciprocal, both ought to
give way, and not to be too rigid. And I trust this will be the result, when
matters are maturely considered.

I am with every sentiment of esteem, regard and friendship,
Right Rev. Sir, your most obedient, humble Servant,

JEREMIAH LEAMING.(l)
The Rev. Bishop White.

In his letter of congratulation to Bishop White, Mr. Par
ker still agitates the matter of union and comprehension.
Giving, as this letter does, evidence of the feeling of the
New England States, other than Connecticut, with reference
to this subject, its testimony to the general desire for union
on principles of mutual independence and equality, becomes
of importance ; and the reply to it, which will follow in
chronological order, is explicit and to the point.

KEV. MR. PARKER TO BISHOP WHITE.

Boston, July 19th, 1787.
Right Rev. and Dear Sir :

I feel conscious of a neglect of duty and a deficiency in politeness, to
have to acknowledge the receipt of two letters from you, before I had con
gratulated you on your advancement to the dignity you now possess, and
your return from two long and dangerous voyages. The disturbed state
of my family through sickness, and my own indisposition at the time of
Mr. Montague's going to Philadelphia, and prior to that period, must apol
ogize for this neglect. However late, I would now present you with my
sincere congratulations on your having arrived at the highest order of the
Clerical character, and your safe arrival to your native shore, and cor
dially wish you may prove a rich blessing to the Church under your Epis
copal care, and promote the interest of true religion throughout these
States.

Mr. Montague duly delivered your letter of the 8th inst., with respect
to the Prayer Books you sent me last year. I have not the pleasure to
inform you of a rapid sale of them. Our Convention had previously
adopted the alterations, a copy of which were forwarded to you, which was
not altogether similar to yours. We have in our parish, adopted the
Psalms as altered by you, but as we reprinted the Psalter here, it made no
demand for the Prayer Books. But a dozen of them are disposed of,
though they have been several times advertised for sale by the bookseller.
What the probability is of a further sale will depend very much upon the

(1) From the Bishop White Correspondence.

356 HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS.

future movements of the Church in this State. Should a union take place
between the Southern and Northern States, upon the plan of these altera
tions, no doubt they will meet a quick sale here : but as they are not yet
adopted, even by some of the states represented in the Convention which
proposed them, I cannot promise that they will be in demand here. I
cannot myself consent to any further alterations, till a uniform Liturgy is
agreed upon by the whole Church in these States, and to effect this I shall
be willing to give up anything but the essential doctrines of our Church,
and to adopt anything not repugnant thereto. But I fear from the oppo
site dispositions of Connecticut and the Southern States this will not be
effected, though I cannot see why upon the supposition of a different eccle
siastical form of government, the Bishops of the several states may not
agree on one common Liturgy, and a uniformity of worship be preserved,
ii not of discipline.

Nothing will be determined in this state respecting a Bishop till we see
how matters are settled between you and the Bishop of Connecticut. We
are but six clergymen in the whole state (exclusive of Mr. Bowen) and are
divided in our sentiments respecting the expediency of obtaining a Bishop.
Two seem to adhere to Connecticut, two to your states, and the other two
will join either party that will bid fairest to cement the whole. Should
the case happen, that a person should be chosen for consecration for this
state, will it be necessary for him to go to England to obtain it, or can
two Bishops confer it authentically ; or is Dr. Griffith on his way to Eng
land, or will the Southern Bishops nnite with Bishop Seabury in this act ?
If this last question is premature or impertinent, I beg pardon, and re
quest not an answer to it. The reason of my proposing these questions is,
that the answers may operate very considerably in the determinations of
the Clergy here. . , . .

In the mean time, I remain, with every sentiment of respect and esteem,
Your most obedient and very humble Servant,

S. PARKER.(l)

Right Rev. Bisnop White.

Learning in the zeal and fervor of his desires for union,
lost no time in replying to Bishop White's response to his
first communication. His letter again bears testimony to
the fraternal sentiments of the Bishop of Pennsylvania, and
points to the single obstacle yet remaining, the animosity
cherished by Bishop Provoost toward Bishop Seubury, as
all that was yet to be surmounted, ere a general union
might be effected.

REV. JEREMIAH LEAMING TO BISHOP WHITE.

Stratford, July 30th, 1787.

I am so anxious, my dear and Rev. Sir, lor^the prosperity of the Church,
that I cannot do less than acknowledge immediately the receipt of your

(1) From the Bishop White Correspondence.

HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS. 357

favour by Dr. Johnson, who informs me that your sentiments are the
same with ours in respect of the union.

If you, Bishop Provoost and Bishop Seabury could be brought together,
at the meeting of the gentlemen who have the care of the fund for Cler
gymen's widows, all matters might be adjusted. And whatever may be
agreed upon by you three, each Bishop may bring his own Clergy to ac
quiesce in it; and by that means matters would be fixed upon a perma*-
nent basis.

You are the only person who can prepare the way to effect this schemo.
And nothing is wanted to do it, but only to bring Bishop Provoost to
adopt it. And I cannot think he would hesitate a moment, if he knew
the sentiments of his own Clergy in that respect as fully as I do.. They
all to a man, would be overjoyed to find such a plan taking place. There
is no one thing he can possibly do, that would raise his character so high
among his Clergy, as this will. And there can be no risk in undertaking
the affair. You would do essential service to the Church in general, and
Bishop Provoost in particular, provided you can effect this business, and
convince him of the wisdom he will manifest in taking such a step now as
will fix the willing obedience of his Clergy to him all hia life after. The
act, at his first setting out, that pleases and strikes the attention, will be
of more advantage to him than he can imagine.

When you have persuaded Bishop Provoost to acquiesce in the measure
of having a private conference with you and Bishop Seabury, upon the
subject of a union, be so good as to write to Bishop Seabury and invite
him to meet you, and I doubt not he will attend. 'As he first proposed it,
will it not be proper to acquaint him you are now agreed to have such a
meeting, which, in my opinion, is the only method by which the end de
sired can be effected.

One thing further, provided you should bring about a union, which I
doubt not will, be the event, if you are brought together, it will save Dr.
Griffith the trouble and expense of going to England, for he can be canon-
ically consecrated here.

I have written now lest if I put it off till Dr. Johnson's return, you may
not have time to prepare matters before the meeting; and it appears to me
there ought not to be any delay in this affair. I hope you will not esteem
me over officious in this business ; if you do, my apology is this ; I have
been forty years in the service of the Church, and I believe I am the
oldest Clergyman in America, and I am very desirous to see it complete
before I die.

God bless your labours for the converting of sinners and the building up
of saints. Thus prays, Right Rev. Sir,

Your most obedient, humble Servant,

JEREMIAH LEAMING. (1)

Bishop White.

Bishop White's answer to Mr. Parker, to which we have
already referred, will serve as a reply to both of these letters.
It was written, as we infer from one of its statements, after
consultation with the Bishop of New York.

(1) From the Bishop Parker Correspondence.

358 HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS.

BISHOP WHITE TO THE KEY. MR. PARKER.

Philad'a, Aug'st 6. '87.
Eev'd and dear Sir :

Your friendly letter of July 13 was delivered me ye other day by
Mr. Amory, and I request you to accept my thanks for your congratula
tions and good wishes.

I will be very explicit with you on ye questions you put in regard to an
nnion with Bp. Seabury, and ye consecration'of Dr. Griffith. On ye one
hand, considering it was presumed a third was to go over to England, that
ye institutions of ye Church of that country require three to join in ye
consecration, and that ye political situation of ye English prelates prevents
their official knowledge of Dr. Seabury as a Bishop, I am apprehensive it
may seem a breach of faith towards them, if not intended deception in us
were we to consecrate without ye usual number of three, all under ye
English Succession : although it would not be inconsistent with this idea,
that another gentleman under a different succession, should be joined with
us. On ye other hand, I am most sincerely desirous of seeing our Church
throughout these States united in one Ecclesiastical Legislature, and I think
that any difficulties which have hitherto seemed in ye way might be re
moved by mutual forbearance. If there are any further difficulties than
those I allude to, of difference in opinion, they do not exist with me: and
I shall be always ready to do what lies in my power, to bring all to an
agreement.

As to Dr. Griffith, he is ready to go to England as soon as he shall be
provided with money for ye purpose ; and it was contrary to his opinion,
ye writing to Bishop Provoost and to me, requesting us, or either of us to
consecrate him. My answer was to this purport: that our Convention, by
adopting ye English Book of Ordination and Consecration, had made it
necessary for us to adhere to ye canonical number that besides this, I should
be very cautious of breaking down such a bar against consecration on
surreptitious electionsye evil against ye which canonical number was intend
ed and that it would be indelicate to ye English Bishops. I find from Bishop
Provoost yt he wrote a similar answer. There ye matter rests for ye pres
ent. 1 remain in hopes that they will now take effectual measures for
raising ye necessary supplies.

With regard to ye Prayer Books, when I wrote last, those left in this
city were almost gone. Since that we have got supplied from other states,
where they laid on hand ; so teat as ye distance is great they may as well
continue with, you, until either you shall despair ot selling them, or there
shall be a demand elsewhere. 1 do not wish to give you much trouble in
ye affair; but perhaps your booksellers would take them by ye doz: at a
discount of 1-oth, and if so, I shall be obliged to you to part with them at
that rate. In several of ye states ye books have lain on hand from an ex
pectation of another edition, of which there is not ye least probability
until this be sold, if then. The state of ye sales, at present, is somewhere
between ye half and two-thirds ; I believe nearer the latter.

The haste in which I am obliged to write my letters is not consistent
either with correctness or a fair hand. I beg vou will excuse these defi
ciencies ; and am, Kev'd and dear Sir,

Your affectionate Brother,

Rev'd Sam'l Parker. WM. WHITE.(l)

(1) From the Biihop Parker Correspondence.

HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS. 350

Though the succession in the English line had been ob
tained, the number requisite for the canonical transmission
of the Episcopate was not complete, and yet the Church in
Virginia took little or no interest in obtaining consecration
for its Bishop-elect. The following letters reveal a sad pict
ure of the apathy of both clergy and laity in a matter of
vital moment to the being and perpetuity of the Church.

THE REV. JOHN BUCHANAN TO BISHOP WHITE.

Right Rev'd Sir.

Be pleased to accept, at this late period, of my congratulations for your
safe return to America, and of my nearly prayers for your success in the
great and important Office you fill. May you long live to be an Orna
ment to our Church, and an instrument in the hands of Providence in diff
using genuine Christianity.

I have to acknowledge the receipt of two letters from you with two par
cels of prayer-books, and to thank you for communicating so largely to
me the proceedings of the General Convention of the P. E. Church. I am
sorry to inform you that I have not had such success in disposing of these
prayer-books as I wish, partly owing to the people's being sufficiently sat
isfied with the old ones, and their apprehensions of future alterations, or to
their not being generally adopted. ....

It will no doubt 'give you great concern when I inform you that as
Treasurer to the Church, I have received little more than 20 as a fund to
defray the Expences of consecrating Dr. Griffith, and I have little expec
tation of receiving more ; so that that Gentleman will meet with a cruel
dissappointment, and the Church in this State remain without a head, and
consequently without discipline.

This will be handed you by Mr. William Cameron, Brother to the Rev'd
John Cameron with whom you have corresponded, who is to apply to you
for Ordination. I have had little personal Acquaintaince with him, but
am well informed by Gentlemen of Character and veracity in this place
that they have known his deportment to be serious, decent, and respectable,
and, it is hoped, if admitted into holy Orders, he will prove useful in that
sacred character, and be an addition to our Church. As such I recommend
him to you and sincerely desire you may confer ordination upon him.
I am, with the highest respect and esteem,
Right Rev'd Sir,

Your most ob't Serv't and Brother,
JOHN BUCHANAN,

Richmond, 10th Sept'r 1787. Rector of Henrico Parish. (1)

THE REV. DR. GRIFFITH TO BISHOP WHITE.

Fairfax Glebe, 14th Nov'r, 1787.
Dear Sir.

The enclosed Papers were brought me by the bearer, Mr. James Mai-

(1) From the Bp. White Correspondence.

360 HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS.

well, a Candidate for Orders in the P. Ep'l Church, on a supposition that I
was fully authorized to exercise the Episcopal Office. He now waits on
you for the accomplishment of the Object he has in view. I never had
the pleasure of seeing Mr. Maxwell until this Day; but from the well
known Character and established reputation of Mr. Me. Croskey and Mr.
Vere, I have no doubt he justly deserves the Character given him by these
Gentlemen. He was formerly known to Dr. Andrews, and has a Testi
monial signed by him and some others, some time before the beginning of
the late war, when he was about going to England on the same business
that now carries him to Philadelphia.

I have delayed writing to you for some time in the expectation of being
able, shortly, to send yon some satisfactory information both respecting
the Episcopate, and the Sale of the Prayer Books, but have not yet rec'u
answers to my enquiries concerning either, altho' it is a considerable time
since I wrote to the different Gentlemen to whose care I entrusted the lat
ter, and to our Treas'r who was to receive the Contributions for the former.

Dr. S. I am told persists, and insists on his Election. He keeps the af
fairs of the Church in Maryland, in great confusion.

Your affectionate hu'ble Serv't,

D. GRIFFITH. (1)

P. S. Mr. Avery who signs the Letter addressed to the Bp. of Virginia
was formerly a clergyman of character he is now, or lately was, a mem
ber of the Senate for this State.

Another year opened with little prospect of the completion
of the number canonically required for the transmission of
the Anglican Succession.- In New England, the Church
received the ministrations of the Bishop of Connecticut, and
showed little interest in the measures adopted in the middle
and southern states. Bishop White on the one hand and
Rev. Mr. Parker on the other were laboring for the union
of the two Churches, but even their efforts flagged in view
of the opposition to their plans anticipated or felt from the
Bishop of New York. From the correspondence in our
hands we transcribe the following letters of interest.

BISHOP PROVOOST TO BISHOP WHITE.

Eight Reverend and Dr. Sir.

I am afraid you begin to think me negligent in not having
replied sooner to your favour of the 18th of last December. The reason
of the Delay was the Expectation I had of seeing some of the Clerical
Members of the New Jersey Convention and being able to give you their
Sentiments upon the subject you have stated. But Mr. Ogden has left us

(1) From the Bp. White Correspondence.

HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS.

for the Winter, and the only Clergyman belonging to that State I have
since conversed with was entirely unacquainted with the persons mentioned
as Candidates for Holy Orders. He was however of opinion that it would
be prudent to delay the Ordination of these Persons till the next meeting
of their Convention in order that time might be afforded to make the nec
essary inquiries into their Characters, and also because he imagined it was
the intention of that assembly that ouly their allowed members should
take the Liberty of recommending.

As the Rubric you allude to is the only restriction left upon the Ameri
can Bishops by the General Convention as to the Literary Qualifications
they are to require in the persons who offer themselves for holy orders, it
is the general Sentiment here that it ought not to be dispensed with.
I am with great Esteem

Rt. Rev'd and D'r Sir

Your affectionate Brother,

SAM'L PROVOOST. (1)
New York, January 15th, 1788.

THE REV. DR. WEST TO BISHOP WHITE.

Baltimore Town, Jan'y 21st, 1788.

Right Reverend Sir.

Agreeably to your .Desire I have perused and forwarded your Let
ter to the rev d Dr. Claggett ; and am sorry you should have experienced
the disagreeable Sensations occasioned by the Subject. I am not con
scious that I am among those who may have given you cause to think,
that, in their Opinion, you have been too easy in admitting to Holy Orders.
I never thought that Bp. White would act, in such or any other Matters,
contrary to the Suggestions of his own Mind ; and my Reasons for think
ing so have been because all who have mentioned that Gentleman in my
company, as well as the Sentiments I have entertained of him, ever sincrf'
the personal acquaintaince with which he has honoured me, have rivetted
in me an high Opinion of his Integrity and Rectitude of Heart. I hope
therefore, respected Sir, that you do not suspect Win. West to be one of
those who have censured your Conduct, especially In a Matter, which, he
thinks, rests chiefly with yourself.

How far the Precedents of Bps. in the Ch'h of England (from w'ch I
presume the P. E. Ch'h in these States never intended to depart) may in
fluence our Bpa. in the Instance of Ordination is to themselves and not to
others ; and how far particular Regulations relative to Candidates for H.
Orders, in our Ch'hs distant from them, may lay claim to their Observa
tion, must also be left to themselves to determine. As it cannot be that
any Bp. can personally know all who may apply for Ordination, a Testi
monial of the Candidate's moral and pious Conversation (not only for 3 or
4 years last past ; but, if it might be, even from his youth,) seems highly
proper and desirable ; And I have always thought that Recommenders to
this Purpose should, in the Act, consider themselves responsible to one high
er than the Bp., even to God himself! But as to other Qualifications of
the Candidate, I mean his literary Abilities and Aptness to teach, these, I
have supposed are to be judged of more by the Bp. himself and his assis
tant Presbyters immediately about him, than by any others; and that

(1) From the Bp. White Correspondence

362 HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS.

being BO " Learned in the Latin Tongne, Ac.," (as pointed out by the 34th
Canon of the Ch'h of England) the Candidate is to be deemed sufficiently
learned as to languages.

Indeed an illiterate Ministry will eventually bring Reproach upon the
Ch'h ; and the more learned, as well as pious, the Teachers are, in all Things
leading to Edification, the more apt they will, undoubtedly, be to teach,
and to "adorn the Doctrine of God their Saviour in all Things" But
when it is considered that, frcm a Variety of Circumstances, great Latitude
must be allowed both to Bps. and those who recommend, it must be con
fessed, I think, by all, that a conscientious Recommendation is the only
one that can be expected. The Ch'h in Maryland has not, I believe, point
ed out any particular Degree of literary knowledge to which the Candidate
must have attained, before his Recommendation ; and, as one of those,
whose Signature (while I remain Secretary) may possibly be desired by
Candidates, I should be glad to know the least Degree of literary Attain
ment absolutely necessary to the due Qualification of a Candidate.

. As to the Designation of a Bp. for this our Ch'h, I
have not coincided in Sentiments with some others, perhaps ; and I think
I have Reason to believe that, on this Head, I have lost the Friendship of
one, for whom I entertain an high Regard on some Accounts. And as to
the Revised and final Ratification of our Liturgy, &c., tho' I wish for Con
sistency and perfect Harmony among the federal Ch'hs ; yet I am per
suaded a Meeting of the General Convention would not, as yet, effect the
Business

Many Congregations with us have not, I believe, adopted the New Lit
urgy ; and among them, that in which I officiate is one. The Reason is
not because the Members object to it ; but because they expect it will be
more perfected ; And till this happens they remain satisfied with the Old.

I am right reverend Sir,

Your very humble Servant

WM. WEST. (1)

THE REV. DR. GRIFFITH TO BISHOP WHITE.

Fairfax Glebe, 12th Jan'y 1788.

Dear Sir:

The expected information from Richmond was, as is usually the case
with my Letters, long in coming to hand ; and the enclosed, from Mr. Bal-
main, containing the whole of what was done there, I send for your satis
faction.

Mr. Woodville has, probably, informed you that I did not go to the
Convention . I declined it from a persuasion that, as nothing of impor
tance was to be proposed, except the support of the Episcopate, very few
would attend. The event proved that 1 was right in my conjecture. The
Letter .mentioned by Mr. Balmain, as returned to me, was written to the
President to inform him of my resolution to decline the Episcopal Office,
their being no Convention, and consequently no President, the Letter was
returned unopened.

You will now, my dear Sir, I presume, conclude, with me, that (even if
I had not determined to decline) Virginia is not to be depended on for the

(1) Prom the Bp. White Correspondence.

HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS. 363

completing of our Ecclesiastical System, at least not in proper time, and
without some risk of further inconveniences. I have not any reason to
believe that greater exertions will be made in favour of some other Person.
I wish you may meet with more zeal and promptitude, in this business,
from some of the neighbouring States ; tho' I confess, I am not very san
guine in my expectations on that score ; However, I am of opinion no
time should be lost in making application.

As to calling a General Convention, I see no necessity for it until we are
assured that some Person, nominated to the Episcopal Office, is willing and
ready to depart for England. General Conventions should not be too Ire-,
quent, and only called when absolutely necessary ; otherwise, People, espec
ially those who live at a distance, will be tired of the inconveniencies at
tending them, their being too common will occasion their being neglected,
and we may, on pressing occasions, fail of getting such as are lull and res
pectable.

It is true, as Mr. Bull told you, that our Canons rsquire a Deacon to con
tinue such six Months, But this can affect a Bishop of Virginia only ; It
would subject to very unreasonable hardships, Gentlemen who travel a
great distance for Ordination.

Your affectionate hu'ble Serv't

DAVID GRIFFITH. (1)

But to return to tne northward. It was almost unavoid
able that Mr. Parker, in his efforts to heal the breach be
tween the Connecticut Church and that at the Southward,
should lie under suspicion from one so outspoken and straight
forward as Bishop Seabury. At Boston a portion of the
" Proposed Book," the Psalter, was reprinted for use in the
Church over which Mr. Parker was Rector, and other alte
rations than those required by the changes in the civil rela
tions of the United States were made in the Prayer Book,
on the authority of a Convention held shortly after Bishop
Seabury's return to this country.

Exaggerated reports of these alterations were borne to
the ears of the Bishop of Connecticut ; and on occasion of
an invitation being extended to him to preach the annual
sermon in Boston before the Episcopal Charitable Society,
the Bishop referred to these changes, and expressed his
unwillingness to countenance, by his presence, these unau
thorized departures from the " good old Look of Common
Prayer." Bishop Seabury's first letter on this subject is

(1) From tho Up. White Correspondence.

364 HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS.

not preserved. The answer of Mr. Parker is a valuable con
tribution to our general Church history

THE KEY. MB. PARKER TO THE BISHOP OF CONNECTICUT. '

Boston, Jan'ry 28, 1788.
R't Rev'd Sir.

Your favour of the 15th did not reach me till the evening of
the 21st instant, and the departure of the Post the next morning prevent
ed my answering it the last week.

I am very sorry to find that you have any reluctance to pass the festival
of Easter at Boston, on account of any irregular or unprecedented conduct
in our Church. I know not what accounts may have come to your ears
respecting the great alterations we have made in the Liturgy of the Church.
I natter myself you have heard more than is really true. I had the hon
our of transmitting to you, Sir, a copy of these alterations, adopted by a
Convention held in this state, Sept., '85: no others have been since added,
except the Psalms. The gentlemen of the Charitable Society would think
themselves honoured with your company at their annual festival ; but I
cannot i'eel myself at liberty to promise a recession from our present mode
of carrying on the service, as I apprehend it would be attended with great
convulsions in our Church. And if you will indulge me in the statement
of a few facts relating to those alterations we have really made, and the
grounds upon which they were adopted", you will be the better able to
judge how far our conduct has been reprehensible.

In the year 1785, I think in the month of June or July, there being
then but four Clergymen of the Episcopal Church in the three states of
B,hode Island, Massachusetts and New Hampshire, and there being in
those states eighteen or twenty Churches, three of the Clergymen of Mass
achusetts thought it advisable to invite a Convention of all the Churches
to consult upon some plan for maintaining uniformity in Divine Worship,
and adopting such other measures as might tend to the union and prosper
ity of the Episcopal Church. There being but four Clergymen, and so
many Churches without, it was absolutely necessary to call in the War
dens and delegates from those Churches who had no Clergymen. This Con
vention was proposed to be held on Sept. 7, 1785. In the mean time,

"being informed that the Bishop of Connecticut proposed to meet his Cler
gy in Convocation, on August 3, in that year, I was requested by my
brethren in the ministry, and the wardens and vestry, to attend that meet
ing, in order to learn what proceedings that body would take, that the pro
posed Convention in this state might be able to act in unison with them.
The attention and politeness I received from yourself, Sir, and the Cler
gy of your diocese, demand my grateful acknowledgements. I had the

honour of a seat in the first Convention ever held in America. Upon dis
cussing the subject of the expediency of some alterations in the Liturgy
of the Church, it was proposed and agreed to, to choose a committee to at
tend the Bishop, to propose such alterations as should be thought necess
ary, and to report them to the next meeting of the Convocation. Having
the honour of being named on that committee, in conjunction with the
Kev'd Messrs Jarvis and Bowdoin, you will recollect, Sir, that we spent
Friday and Saturday in that week upon this subject, and that most, if not
all the prooosed alterations were such as we were under obligations to you

HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS. 365

for, or snch as you readily agreed to. These proposed alterations were to
be reported to the next meeting of your Convocation, and by your express
desire, to the Convention that was to meet in this town the following
month, and were, I think, transmitted by you to the Rev'd Dr. Smith, of
Maryland, to be communicated to the Convention to be held at Philadel
phia, in the month of October. The substitutes for the state prayers were
to be immediately recommended to the Churches of Connecticut ; and your
injunction was received and adopted, with the alteration of one single
word by our Convention The other proposed alterations were also agreed
to, and were to be sent to all the Churches in those states for their ratifi
cation. In our peculiar situation, without a Bishop, and most of our
Churches without a Clergyman, what other mode could we devise? Till
then I had not made, and did not think myself at liberty to make, any
alterations, even in the state prayers, otherwise than by omitting the pray
ers for the King, &c. Give me leave, R't Rev'd Sir, to ask what other
mode we could have devised, in our peculiar situation, without a Bishop,
and most of onr Churches,without a Clergyman ? As we conld not proceed
in the most regular way of having our Li turgjt altered by a Bishop, we
thought we had taken the next most regular step;- that of gaining the con
sent of a neighbouring Bishop, who, we were led to suppose, would enjoin
the same in his diocese. We kept our Convention under adjournments till
July following, in order to see what would take effect in Connecticut, and
at the Southward. The Convention held in Philadelphia, in October, went
more thoroughly into alterations than we had proposed, which terminated
in reprinting the Prayer Book. The Churches in Connecticut, taking the
alarm at the proceedings of the Philadelphia Convention, began to think
it best not to start from the old ground ; and, if I am rightly informed,
sent memorials to the Bishop in Convocation, not to accede to any altera
tions in the Liturgy, further than the substitutes for the state prayers.

When our Convention met in July, by adjournment, we found that we
were left by our brethren in Connecticut that they thought it not advis
able to make any alterations. The Convention at the South-ward, thougb
they acceded to some of our alterations, had gone much further, and did
not adopt the substitute for the state prayers ; and the Churches in this and
the neighbouring states had readily come into our proposed alterations, as
they had signified to the Convention, one only excepted : what was there,
in the power of the Convention, then left to do, to preserve a uniformity ?
For my own part I was nonplussed we found we missed our object, and
the only thing left to our choice was, to leave it to the option of the sev
eral Churches to adopt the new alterations, or continue the old Liturgy, as
should be most agreeable.

My Church chose the alterations, and on the first Sunday in August,
1786, they were introduced, and have been strictly adhered to ever since.
With those alterations suggested by yourself, and adopted by this Conven
tion, it was judged best by some of our Church, to take the Psalms as select
ed by the Convention at Philadelphia. The reasons adduced for this pro
cedure were the great length of the morning service, which the reading the
Psalms thus selected would considerably shorten, and that certain passages,
which were peculiar to the state of the Jewish Church, and in particular
those called the cursing Psalms, and not so well adapted to worship under
the Christian dispensation, were omitted.

This, Sir, being the true state of facts, you will be able to judge how far
we have acted irregularly, and whether you can with propriety visit us
under these circumstances. I am not, for my own part, so much attached

366 HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS.

to our alterations, as to be unwilling to part with them, save in two in
stances : I mean the omission of the Athanasian Creed, and the frequent
repetition of the Lord's Prayer. To return to these I should feel a reluc
tance; but still would be willing to sacrifice rny own sentiments to the
general good.

I am at the same time confident that, should I attempt it, it would cause
a convulsion in my Church, [such] as would go near to its total destruction.
And sure I am that is an event you would not wish to see take place.
But let us suppose it -might be effected without this risque. Will our return
ing whence we have departed produce a uniformity through these states?
If this was probable, I should most surely advise it. You value us in this
state at much too high a rate, by supposing that our joining either side will
bring about the desired uniformity. The Church is inconsiderable here,
compared with what it is in yours or the Southern States. And would
not our returning, without producing the intended end, discover an insta
bility and fondness for change, that would be greatly prejudicial to the
welfare of the Churches? This I will venture to assert, that when the
several Bishops in America have agreed upon a uniform Liturgy, that it
will be adopted by the Cmirches in this state.

Thus, R't Rev'd Sir, I have taken the liberty to lay before you this state
ment of facts, and the probable consequences of our compliance with what
you wish ; and however mistaken I may be, I have endeavored to do it
with all that respect due to your character and office. Your known good
ness and candour will excuse me if my pen has let any thing slip that is
improper, for I assure you it was not intended.

I can only now add, Sir, that the gentlemen of the Charitable Society,
and particularly myself, would think ourselves honoured with your com
pany at the annual festival, and highly favoured by your preaching to
them on that day, (and I will add,' on the Sunday preceding, if you can
make it convenient;) but at the same'time they cannot authorize me to
promise a recession from our present mode of performing the service, as
they are apprehensive that such a measure would* especially at the present
time, when the Episcopal Church is peculiarly situated, tend to create di
visions and parties among ourselves.

A committee of the Society was chosen at the last yearly meeting, to ap
point some other gentleman to preach, in case you should not accept the
invitation. You will, therefore, please to let me know, as soon as conven
ient, the result of your determination,

And believe me to be, with all possible respect and esteem,
K't Rev'd Sir, your most obedient,

And very humble Servant, S. PARKER.(l)

R't Rev'd BISHOP of Connecticut.

It was not in the nature of Bishop Seabury to allow any
misconception of his motives, or wrong interpretation of his
conduct, to remain long unexplained, and the post soon bore
to the hands of Mr. Parker the Bishop's reply. Only a frag
ment of it is still preserved, and that is contained in the

(1) From the original draft, preferred among the Bishop Parker Papers.

HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS. 367

MS. Letter Book of the Bishop, from which we have tran
scribed it. It is gratifying to know, that this frank discus
sion caused no interruption in a life-long friendship, and the
Easter visit of Bishop Seabury to Boston soon followed,
proving how completely all misunderstanding had been re
moved.

BISHOP SEABURY TO EEV. MR. PARKER.

February 13, 1788.

It was not my design to excite any resentment, or create any cool
ness, and I hope I have not done so. Indeed I have no suspicion of it
from any expression in your letter. But I could not help observing that
it was written with more formality than you used to write. Notwithstand
ing the statement of matters in it, I cannot help thinking you have been
too hasty in adopting the alterations as you have done that it has ren
dered a union among the Churches the more difficult, and clouded the small
prospect of uniformity, which gave any encouragement to aim at it. That
some of our Clergy have been too backward in accommodating the service
of the Church to the state, or rather the temper of the country, I will not
deny ; I have more than once told them so. But errors may be committed
through haste, as well as by delay. I am far from ascribing ill designs to
you, or to any one who acted with you : but you must forgive me iP I re
peat it such alterations as have been made are unprecedented in the Epis
copal Church, without the concurrence of your proper Bishop. Forgive
me, too, if I say, I did not flatter myself with having any steps taken in
returning to the old service for my sake. I have been too long acquainted
with my own unimportance, to expect it. But I did and do wish to have
as great a uniformity as possible among our Churches ; and I was grieved
at a measure which I thought impeded so good a work. I never thought
there was any heterodoxy in the Southern Prayer Book : but I do think
the true doctrine is left too unguarded, and that the offices are, some of
them, lowered to such a degree, that they will, in a great measure, lose
their influence.(l)

It was not long after the return of Bishop Seabury from
his visit to the Eastward, that Mr. Learning renewed his
correspondence with the Bishop of Pennsylvania in an inter
esting letter, which we give in full.

THE EEV. JEREMIAH LEAMINQ TO BISHOP WHITE.

Stratford, June 16th, 1788.
My Bev. and dear Sir :

I have received your kind and obliging letter, dated the 10th of last
February, and I should have answered it before this time, but have waited

(1) From Bishop Seabury's Letter Book.

368 HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS.

to hear how the affair turned out, after the Convention in Virginia, with
Dr. Griffith.

As to the affair upon which our correspondence commenced,

it appears to me, that the union of the Churches is, at present, a mat
ter that cannot be effected. I was in hopes to see it accomplished soon
after your return from England. But you inform me some object, and

will have nothing to do with the Scotch Succession. Dr. P y (1)

is at the bottom of the plan. He has contrived it to make this country
all Unitarians ; for, to accomplish that, he must demolish the Church in
these States. However, if we do not lend him a helping hand, he cannot
do it. The Church will never fall, unless it is pnlled down by her own
members.

Perhaps you will say, you cannot think there is any such scheme on
foot. It will not be long before you will find that what I have told you
is fact The Presbyterians are employed by , to fill all the South
ern States with their sort of Ministers, before the Church is supplied with
Episcopal Clergymen. Where people have no principles about the nature
of a Christian Church, a man ordained by the Laity is as good as any.
And a man who professes to believe no creed, but only this, that he believes
not in any creed, is as good a Christian as any man can be. By this scheme
the Unitarian doctrine is to take place. In order to preserve the Church,
the members should be vigilant, lest the foundation should be undermined
by clandestine enemies. If true Christianity is not preserved by the Epis
copal Chur,ch, it will soon take its flight from these States, for Unitarians
will be the whole.

In order that the common people, members of the Church in this state,
might understand the nature of the Christian Church, and some of its
leading doctrines, I have lately published a small treatise upon various
subjects, a copy of which I now send you. This I should not have pre
sumed to do, if you had not in a familiar manner expressed your desire
that I would communicate to you any matters that might turn up with
regard to our Church.

If you should, upon the reading of it, approve what I have advanced,
I should be glad to know if reprinting of it would be of any advantage
to the people of your State, who are under your care, If we desire to pre
serve the Church, we must acquaint the people for what end the Church
was appointed, and what the doctrines of a Christian Church are, in or
der that they may understand them.

Thus I have expressed my sentiments freely, and perhaps have been too
open. But this must be my apology : in love I have done it, and in love
I hope it may be received.

I am, with every sentiment of esteem and regard, Right Rev. Sir,
Your sincere friend and very humble Servant,

JEREMIAH LEAMING. (2)

Right Rev. Bishop White.

Passing from the recital of these efforts for union we turn
again to the painfully interesting correspondence of the
Bishop-elect of Virginia with Bishop White.

(i;Dr. Prietly. (2) From the Bishop White Correspondence.

HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS. 369

THE KEV. DR. GRIFFITH TO BISHOP WHITE

Fairfax Glebe, 9th July, 1788.
Dear Sir,

I have rec'd. yours of the 24th of June; an answer to the former
part of which I sent you some time since, in a Letter in which was enclosed
one from Mr. Balmain to me.

The zeal of the Persons you mention to support our Ecclesiastical System
is very commendable. The proposal, (had it been in time) could, I should
suppose, have given no offence, especially on the footing of a loan ; tho' I
confess, I see little probability that it would be repaid in any tolerable
time. However, as I have determined to relinquish the appointment, I
shall only say on this Subject, that I wish no more time may be lost, and
that immediate application may be made to the Church in the other States
united with us.

I shall inform you of what you wish to know respecting the P. Books
and Journals, as soon as I can hear from the Persons to whom they are
entrusted. Mr. Vasey is accountable for 100 copies. He sailed for Eng
land about three or four weeks ago. I will send you Dr. Madison's Sermon,
by the first convenient private opportunity.

I sincerely congratulate you on the Establishment of the Federal Con
stitution, and pray that it may be productive of more than the many bles
sings we expect from it.

I remain Dr. Sir,

Your affectionate hu'ble Serv't,

Rt. Rev'd. Bp. White. DAVID GRIFFITH.(l)

Nor was the state of the Church in Maryland much better.
The refusal of the Wilmington Convention to recommend the
Bishop elect was followed by no attempt to choose a less ob
jectionable candidate and heart burnings and dissensions pre
vented the growth of the Church at this critical period of her
existence

THE EEV. DR. WEST TO BISHOP WHITE.

Baltimore Town, July 14th, 1788.
Right Reverend Sir.

I have received your Favour from Harford, for which I thank you.
Presuming, from your Information, that the Convention of the Ch'h ia
Virginia was to set just before the Meeting of ours, I addressed Mr. Grif
fith on the Subject of Consecration, as at Richmond : But have since un
derstood that no Convention of that Ch'h has happened. From which
Circumstance I conclude that possibly Mr. Griffith, tno' perhaps willing to
be consecrated, is not duly prepared. For as his Nomination or. Appoint
ment to the office of Bp. was, probably, before the Arrival of those Tes
timonies, Expressly required by the Bps. in England, it seems to me that
a Convention must necessarily be, to comply with the Requisites indispensi-

(1) From the Bp. White Correspondence.

370 HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS.

bly enjoined by them, before he can expect Consecration, even tho' duly
recommended by the General Convention of the P. E. Ch'h. This appears
to me the more unfortunate, because the present state of our Cfc in. in
Maryland will, perhaps, place her among the last of those who shall be
completely organized !

I presume you are no stranger (tho 1 not informed by me) to the unhap
py Circumstances under which we have been and still are labouring on
this Head. Indeed I have hinted to you that probably I had forfeited
the Friendship of a Person for whom I entertain a very high Regard, on
account of his singular talents and real Usefulness in many Respects. It
is unnecessary to relate what passed between us two, on this Subject, in the
Presence only of our God ! To my very great surprize it was all dragged in
to Convention more than a twelve-month ago ; and I waa under the irk
some Necessity of demanding in Public, what I had peremptorily insist
ed upon in Private before, that my Name should be expunged from those
who had formerly recommended him for Consecration. Then it was that
a Scene commenced, which it ^till hurts me to reflect upon! And then too
it was that one, whom I really love and respect, vented a Spirit of Bitter
ness upon rne, which confirmed me in my previous Conviction that we
had not been happy in our Early Nomination of a Man to the sacred of
fice of Bp. ! But I trust that Gentleman is now better affected towards
me. Our last Convention was the only one, at which I have been present,
without hearing something of a Bp. The Necessities of our Chh. seemed,
in my Apprehension at least, to nave been postponed to this Business,
which tho necessary, was not equally so with certain Rules or Canons
for putting into Execution the Principles of our Ecclesiastical System
(herewith sent you). The Gentleman ot whom I have been speaking waa
clever; and I am hopefnl will render the Chh. all the Services in his Pow
er, without touching any more a Subject which has hitherto proved rath
er injurious to her than otherwise. I have troubled you with these Mat
ters, in Order to apologize for the seeming Backwardness of our Chh. in
perpetuating a Succession of its Ministry. But I trust other Chhs. are more
happily circumstanced than this, and that, being so, they will recommend
and send forward a Gentleman to complete the Canonical Number neces
sary for the desirable Purpose. And may Heaven long continue amongst
us those two who have so readily and happily done their Parts !

Your humble Servant,

WM. WEST.(l)
Right Reverend William White, D. D., Philadelphia.

It was left to the erratic Purcell of South Carolina to dis
cover defects in the proceedings at Wilmington in a charac
teristic letter which we append simply to illustrate the pecul
iarities of a man of whom we shall learn more bye and bye.

THE REV. DR. PURCELL TO BISHOP WHITE.

Dear and Rt. Rev. Sir.

I could be very severe upon the different
Reception that our Reform has met with in the various States. And it

(1) From the Bp. White Correspondence.

HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS. 371

is on tins, m a great Measure, that I fix my Data, that the Convention then
held at Wilmington was illegal and unconstitutional. There really was
not a Majority of the associatad States And I can most unequivocally
prove, without calling unto my Aid the Manner in which you met after
adjourning sine die, to be unparliamentary without a fresh Delegation,
that even the State of So. Carolina was unrepresented. This you'll say
is strange indeed but tis no less so than true. Mr. Smith possessed a Power
of nominating one or more Lay Gentleman to sit with him in the Con
vention ; but twas hardly presumable that he would have made a choice of
a Minor in the first Instance, and in the next one who had never been
baptiz'd a Member of our Church. This I keep snugg to myself, 'tis not
known but I am sorry that our Church should originate (for I date
its Era from the first Convention) not in that perfect Purity or according
to primitive Usage, so as to defy the tongue of Censure. But I forbear at
present.(l)

Another letter from the Bishop elect of Virginia continues
the painful correspondence with which we are already so fa
miliar.

THE JUv. DR. GRIFFITH TO BISHOP "W HITE.

Fairfax Glebe, 27th Nov. 1788.
Dear Sir.

A few days ago I wrote to you by Mr. F. Fairfax who, I hope, is safely
arrived in Philad'a. I still find myself much embarrassed to reply to the
proposal in your last letter, notwithstanding I have taken so much time to
consider of it. This embarrassment arises from my reflections on the
present State of Church Governm't in Virginia with the absolute neces
sity there appears to be for compleating our eccles'l System, and the con
sequences that must foHow from my complying with the proposal. My
resignation not having been rec'd, there might, perhaps, be no impropri
ety in my going to England for consecration, especially if it should be con
sidered as a measure absolutely necessary for perfecting our Church system ;
Butr the present difficulties are the Situation in which I shall find myself
at my return the consequences that must result to my family the effect
it will probably produce in my Parish the absolute impossibility for
me, circumstanced as I am at present, to Exercise the Episcopal office con
formably to our Canons, and the odium which this may bring on the Epis
copal Character.

When I accepted the office to which I was chosen by the Convention of
Virginia, I had great reason to expect their support from my Parish I was
induced to hope that a more adequate Provision would be made, and
greater punctuality observed in the Payments, and besides, I had the
greatest reason to believe that my property in the Town of Alexand'a
would, independent of other expectations, furnish my family with a com
petent living. In all these resources I find myself disappointed, at least
for the present time. What I have to expect from the Convention you
already know ; nor is it probable that I shall be better or more punctually
paid by my Parish than heretofore, and you may believe me when I assure

(1) From the Bishop White Correspondence.

372 HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS.

you that the whole of what I have rec'd for the last 7 or 8 years does not
amount to 50 pr annum on an average. My property in the Town pro
duces hardly any thing; the oppressive laws of the State legislature
have either driven away, or disabled from improving, the Persons who
had leased my Ground. My present dependence for the support of a large
family is my Glebe, which, tho' extensive, is but poor land, and requires
close attention to procure from it a sufficiency of necessaries. What then
must be my situation when in the exercise of the Episcopal office in this
large State, which if faithfully attended to, will require a frequent absence
of many weeks, as my duty would call me more than 300 miles from home?
The consequence must be-a neglect of my principal means of subsistence
and the Education of my children, to which I am, now, obliged to attend
it must be attended with additional expenses, amounting to a much greater
item than the whole of what I now receive it must lead to disagreement
between me and my Parishioners, who I believe, would not be content if I
was, frequently, to leave them for many weeks together ; and it might
furnish them with a p!ea for witholding the very small sum I now receive
from them. Besides,' circumstanced as I now am, it would not be possible
for me to exercise the Episcopal Office in a suitable manner and agreeable
to our Canons ; the want of Money to defray the necessary expences of
Visiting and Confirming would prevent the performance of these duties,
(unless I would undertake to travel as a mendicant) and this, tho 1 a reason
able and proper excuse, would not, I fear, be sufficient to preserve one
from censure ; there are always captious and unreasonable Men to be found
who would attribute it to remissness or indolence ; and the clamours of
such Men, aided by a little party Spirit, might be sufficient not only to
bring censure on an individual, but also to excite a prejudice against the
Episcopal Character in general. My situation being such as I have rep-
r-'.sented it, and such being the attendant consequences of my officiating in
the Episcopal Character under such circumstances, you can be at no loss
to know my determination on the present question. I believe neither of
us expected to be enriched by accepting the Office of a Bishop. I wa?, and
still arn, willing to engage in the laborious undertaking, my time and ser
vices I would willingly devote, and were I in independent Circumstances
would do more; but these being as I have now represented them, I can
only resolve to do what prudence dictates, and necessity compels, i. e. re
linquish the appointment. I have come to this resolution with the great
er reluctance as there appears to me but little probability of our Eccle
siastical System's being soon perfected, either from this or any neighbour
ing State. If I am wrong in my apprehensions, respecting other States,
be pleased to inform me ; To be assured to the contrary would relieve me
from great anxiety, which I feel on the account, and afford me a very sin
gular satisfaction.

In a Union of the Churches in the different States, Virginia is, certainly,
of considerable importance, both from the number and consequence of its
members. These, I am sorry to say, are declining very fast, occasioned
not so much by the Zeal and Activity of dissenters, as the want of discip
line among ourselves. This must continue to be the case so long as our
Eccl'l System is incomplete. Unfortunately for the Episcopal Church in
Virginia, it has, hitherto, been, almost without discipline ; and tho' I am
happy in knowing that the Clergy are, in general, disposed to submit to
and promote it, yet, in the separated State in which they live, it will never
gain ground without a Superintending power. This, I much fear, we shall
not have in Virginia, in any reasonable time, if we are to depend on our

HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS. 373

own Member8 for its introduction and support ; For, besides the general
backwardness to contribute on such occasions, the whole Country is, at
this time, so greatly distressed for Money, that people of large fortunes find
it extremely difficult to obtain small sums for the most necessary purposes.
I can devise no other way for the introduction of an Episcopate in Virg'a
than by applying, either to the Society for propagating 'the Gospel, or to
the friendly Office of the Bishops of England. The Society, I should sup
pose, having a much less number of Missionaries than formerly would have
something to spare on so necessary an occasion. I should hope that, if
the means were in their power, they would not be prevented by prejudice
from complying with the request. But should that be the case, yet, if the
English Bishops would patronize a Subscription among the wealthy Peo
ple of their Nation, the business might be effected. You, Sir, I make no
doubt, know, pretty well, how such proposals would be received. If you
are of Opinion that they would meet with a friendly reception, either from
the Society or the Bishops, and would not be too degrading, I would en
gage to go over in the Spring provided yourself and Bp. Provoost with or
without Dr. Chandler would recommend the Measure. I have thrown
out this as a hint for your consideration, on a supposition that the business
could not be effected soon, in any other

I was called on yesterday by a Mr. Robert Ayres, a Methodist Preach
er, his business was to inform me of his wish to obtain Episcopal Ordi
nation and to settle near Fort Pitt in your State. He desired also that I
would inform you of his intentions. Of Mr. Ayres I have nothing to
say but that I never saw nor heard of him till yesterday. He brought no
recommendatory Letter to me has one from a Dr. Wheeler addressed to
you. Mr. Ayres has been 4 years a Preacher, from which may con
clude that his conduct has been unexceptionable for at least so long a time.
The Disenters, I am told, are renewing their attacks on the Church prop
erty, in the present Assembly. 1 expect that Buchanan will let me know
the issue of their application.

-I remain D'r Sir,

Your affect' e and obed't Serv't

D. GRIFFITH. (1)

Belief from the peculiar difficulties attending the comple
tion of the succesion in the English line was offered from an
unexpected source. The proposition contained in this let
ter should be considered in connection with a later commu
nication from the same source.

REV. DR. MURRAY TO BISHOP WHITE.

Winchester Kow, Paddington, Dec'r 3d, 1788.
Bishop White,

Right Reverend Sir.

Now to the old Subject ..... Your
Triennial Convention meeta in July next. Pray explode not your old

(1) From the Bp. White Correspondence.

374 HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS.

Litnrgy, but leave a poor Remnant at least of the present generation
to offer up their public devotions after these accustomed forms. Popular
opinions or prejudices are not to be corrected in haste. Of this the good
people of N. York were aware, and proceeded soberly and cooly to give no
handle to Methodists and Dissenters ; but your Hot-heads under a more
Southern sun drove on like Phaetons, and quickly lost their course and
credit; they are not inspired with ye Grace of final perseverance and
steadiness. They blow hot and cold, or they would not have been till now
without a third Bishop, which is very mysterious indeed. Do they still
stick, as you mentioned^ at the dangers and expense of a Voyage. I wish
I had not resisted the repeated solicitations of Bishop Provoost who urged
me to undertake the Superintendence of the Jerseys. But who could have
then foreseen your straits or my return in easy circumstances. You men
tion the Virginia Convention met as in May last which made me look out
every month after for the arrival of Dr. Griffith but hearing nothing fur
ther of him since, I went last week to enquire of the Archbishop, but not
finding him at home, as it seems he never is from 7 to 4, since the King's
lingering nervous fever, I left notice with his Chaplain who by his Grace's
Order favoured me with the following account, that, " The Lord Archbish
op has not received any information of the person who was to come over to
be consecrated." He is anxious to see your business finished here, and
expressed some surprise before now that it was not.

May I then with great deference and submission tender my poor ser
vices to such of your good people as would cordially accept them whether
in N. Jersey, Delaware or Maryland, the most convenient for my private
business, till a fourth Bishop was consecrated when I would resign, and
read Sunday evening lectures with the good Abp. Leighton, in your Acad
emy or some placid place of retirement from public engagements, singing
old Simeon's solemn requiem.

After what has passed, my case is obvious and simple. As I have lived
upwards of three years under the immediate inspection of the Archbishops,
and Bishops of London, and personally known to both, the Testimonials,
with their formalities, necessary in your case, are entirely useless in mine
which requires no more than for the Committee of any Provincial Conven
tion, or for the Vestries of any Part or District thereof to set forth, that
" Being well or credibly assured of the good learning, the soundness in the
faith, and purity of manners ; of the Rev'd A M . of the parish of St.
Mary le Bone, in the county of Middlesex, in Great Britain, D. D., mem
ber of the Episcopal Academy, and honorary citizen of Philad'a, in the
State of Pens'a, have duly elected, and with all submission (because my
character must be submitted to cognizance here) do recommend the said
A M . to his Grace, the Lord Archbishop of or to be consecrat
ed Bp. in agreeably to a British Act of Parliament, entitled An Act,

Ac., passed the day of , in the year of our Lord , and of his Brit
annic Majesty's reign the ." Some Instrument to this effect, accompa
nied with a joint Letter from you and Bp. Provoost, approving the choice,
is all that is necessary.

As there is no occasion for -Testimonials, so there is as little for Sub
scriptions here, but only in America, in order to be admitted a Member of
Convention, and not to assist only at Consecration, or the Clergy who con
secrated you must have subscribed your 20 Articles, Constitution, &c. It
was enough they tacitly acknowledged them to be " according to the prin
ciples of the Church of Eng'd." Accordingly an English Bp. only on his
travels thro' your Parts might canonically assist you at Consecrations or

HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS. 375

Ordinations, without subscribing to Articles or Oaths religious or civil.

You know my sentiments too well to think that I would sow the seeds
of Schism or Sedition, by being allowed a latitude in the first instance.

As to Citizenship in its legal full extent, tho' I conceive I have not for
feited it, yet from prudential considerations I do and must waive it.
Meantime it is enough that you do me the honour, as you readily can, to
have me chosen a Member of your Episcopal Academy which entitles me or
any one else not attainted to honorary Citizenship where it is, that is to Pro
tection in Person and Property at least. This appears necessary to obviate
a strange ambiguity in the Act of Parliament, respecting "citizens out of
his Majestie's dominions," tho' that particular relation is quite foreign to
your intentions and Request, which betray no such narrow spirit, from all
that can be collected from your Correspondence and Addresses.

The meaning, tho' mistaken, is however dubious, and to be guarded
against. Dr. Seabury was consecrated when he was not only an Alien but
an Enemy to the Commonwealth of Connecticut and was peaceably receiv
ed there notwithstanding.

I have not heard from Dr. Smith since you left this, .but I have every
reason to believe that he would give me no opposition, but countenance
and encouragement, as a Senior brother, and no Rival. It is a pity he had
not been more guarded. He would have been so useful and active.

Thus I have taken the earliest opportunity of informing you of my
present Situation and Resolutions. If you can avail yourselves of them, it
will give me the sincerest pleasure, without expectation of fee or reward.
As to honour or dignity, none can be derived from any department in your
Church while the 8th Art. of your Constitution remains in force, which is
humiliating in the extreme ; but that you have good reason for it I doubt
not.

I hazard the whole with you and Bp. Provoost only. Were anything of
the kind to transpire. I would be exposed anew by some Grub Street Scrib
blers whom I would not provoke, tho' I little regard.
Your most obliged

and most obedient Servant

A. MURRAY.
Bishop White.

Right Reverend Sir.

Just as I was finishing Bishop White's letter

I take the liberty for the sake of despatch to address it to you, to forward
it after perusal with your opinion on what equally concerns you both.
The Southern Conventions have served you ill 'tis true,
to leave you so long in the lurch, but you may yet waken them to a sense
of mutual obligation. If you can do better than in the way I have pre
sumed to propose, I have my desire, which is neither lucre nor ambition
but an hearty concern for an Orphan Infant Church, which has struggled,
and has yet it seems to struggle thro' many and great difficulties.
In haste, Right Rev'd Sir,

Your most obedient

and most obliged Servant

A. MURRAY. (1
Bishop Provoost.

(1) From the Bp. White Correspondence.

376 HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS.

BISHOP PBOVOOST TO BISHOP WHITE.

N. York Febuary 16th 1789.
Bight Reverend and D'r Sir

As your early receiving the inclosed may be of some consequence to Dr.
Murray I send it by the first post. I am afraid the conversations you,
were witness to in England may have raised expectations in the Dr. which
it will not be in my power to gratify. Soon after my arrival I really
mentioned his Situation to some Gentlemen of Influence in the Church of
N. Jersey and that it was probable he would have no aversion to become
their Bp. provided he was duly elected, but not being listened to with the
attention I could have wished, I had no encouragement to press or to re-
Bume the subject. The same causes which prevented the election of Mr.
Beach will I am convinced be a bar for some time to their choosing any
other person. 1 have not had time to pay a due consideration to the Doc
tor's Proposals, but I shall always be ready to unite with you in any rea
sonable mode that may be pointed out of rendering him every service in
my power.

I am in great Haste D'r Sir

your most affectionate Brother

SAM'L PROVOOST. (1)

It was from Massachusetts that the proposition tending
to unite the divergent lines of Episcopacy finally came. In
a letter, the date of which, other than the year, the good
Bishop, in the hurry and labor of a wearisome correspond
ence, forgot to append, the following language is used :

BISHOP WHITE TO MB. PARKER.

Philadelphia, 1788.
Rev'd and dear Sir

Give me leave te take ye opportunity of asfcing whether our

brethren of Massachusetts are determined still to keep at a distance from
us, or whether they will meet us in Convention next July? If there are
any matters in which we do not think exactly alike, you may rely on it
that there is an accommodating spirit on our part. If ye same should not
be found on theirs also ; much more, if there should continue a backward
ness even to confer with us: it is evident we shall never build up one re
spectable Church, pervading ye United States; and consequently shall
never be so flourishing as some other religious societies who will accomplish
that object.

We miss your society in another point of view. Of ye Southern States
it is evident that ye Church is not sufficiently numerous, in some of them,
to encourage their choosing a Bishop ; while, in others, there are very par
ticular circumstances preventing such a measure: so that even should Dr.
Griffith repair to England for consecration, ye business would be imperfect,
unless there were at least a fourth ready against his return: and we sup-

(l) From the Bp. White Correspondence.

HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS. 377

pos there, that ye respectability of ye Church in Massachusetts would war
rant our looking to them in this business.

I have formerly expressed to you another reason for my wishing you
with us; and ye reason still exists: ye effecting of a junction with our
brethren of Connecticut.

It must be considered by all as a surprising instance of negligence in our
Church ; her not availing herself of ye present opportunity of obtaining
ye entire and independent possession of that Episcopacy which she had so
long complained of ye want of. Our brethren in Virginia are no doubt
most to blame. But when their indifference in ye case of Dr. Griffith had
shown that there was 110 dependence from them, it should have been taken
up elsewhere. The only excuse is what I have already stated ye smali-
ne?s of our communion in some states, and very particular circumstances

in others.

I can only add further at present, that I remain
Your affectionate Brother,

Rev'd S. Parker. WM. WHITE. (1)

This letter was a great advance toward the union so ar
dently desired by the Churchmen of the North. It was
doubtless communicated to the Bishop of Connecticut, whose
criticisms upon it are contained in a letter of his addressed
to Mr. Parker. This letter we give below :

BISHOP SEABURY TO THE REV. MR. PARKER.

December 16, 1788.
Rev'd and dear Sir:

I intended to have written to you more particularly concerning a
union with the Southern Churches : but I am obliged to go out of town
for two or three days, and shall not be back in time for the post. I can
now only observe, that as it appears to me, all the difficulty lies with those
Churches, and not with us in Connecticut. I have several times proposed
and urged a union. It has been received and treated, I think, coldly.
And yet I have received several letters urging such a union on me, a3
though I was the only person who opposed it. This is not fair. I am
ready to treat of and settle the terms of union on any proper notice. But
Bishops \V. and P. must bear their part in it, actively, as well as myself;

and we must come into the union on even terms, and not as underlings.

Your affectionate, humble servant,

SAMUEL CONNECT. (2)

In the following month Mr. Parker replied to the letter
addressed to him by the Bishop of Pennsylvania. This
communication, a long and able discussion of the matter,

(1) From the Bishop Parker Correspondence.

(2) From the original letter among the Binhop Parker Correspondence.

378 HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS.

and its temperate and conclusive arguments must have car
ried conviction with them.

THE REV. MB. PARKER TO BISHOP WHITE.

Boston, January 20th, 1789.
Eight Rev. Sir :

I was honoured some time last month with your letter, which being
without date leaves me uncertain how long it was on its passsge, nor could
I find out the bearer. I have been waiting some weeks for an opportuni
ty to send to Philadelphia by a private hand, otherwise should have been
more punctual in acknowledging the receipt of yours.

You ask, Sir, "wheiher your brethren of Massachusetts are determined
Btill to keep at a distance from you?" I am quite at a loss how to answer
the question. True it is that the Churches in Massachusetts have at present
more the resemblance of Independent congregations than of Episcopal
Churches, having one common centre of union and communion. There are
but six Episcopal Clergymen in the state: two of these have received
Orders since the Revolution ; one from yourself, the other from Bishop
Seabury ; two of the other four are so lax in their principles of Episcopal

government, that I rather think them averse to uniting under any common
ead. The Churches are without funds, and the Clergy supported by vol
untary contributions, and most of them so small and poor as to afford their
ministers but slender support. This being the case, your supposition that
the respectability of the Church of Massachusetts would warrant your
looking to them to complete the number of Bishops in the English line, is
not, you will readily perceive, well founded. Greater difficulties would
arise in this matter than a stranger would imagine ; so great, indeed, that
I despair of ever Seeing it effected here.

If there is anything in the power of the clergy here that could effect a
reconciliation between the Church of Connecticut and Philadelphia, it will,
I am sure, be embraced with cheerfulness. Something I hope will be at
tempted in the spring. It appears to me that a union might take place,
even if the constitutions of government and the Liturgy varied a little in
the different States. An absolute uniformity of government and worship,
perhaps, will never take place under a Republican form of civil govern
ment, and where there is such a variety of sentiments in religious matters.
Still I conceive we may become so far united as to be one Church, agreeing
in the general principles of discipline and worship.

The late alteration that has taken place in the political principles of the
Nonjurors in Scotland, their being no longer entitled to that name, I should
suppose will remove one bar to a reconciliation with Bishop Seabury. If
our brethren in Connecticut are so tenacious of the rights of the Clergy, as
not to be willing to yield any part of Church government to the Laity,
why need that be an impediment to an union with those in offices pertain
ing to the Episcopal chair, who think the Laity are entitled to a share of
the government ? For my own part, I am not of opinion that the Church
of England is entirely free from Lay government, and I am still more of
the opinion that a Church existing under such constitutions of civil gov
ernment as are adopted in the United States, especially where it has no
funds of is own to support its officers, can never flourish without yielding
to the Laity who hold the purse-strings, a share in the government.

This, however, in my mind, is the greatest obstacle to a union with our

HISTORICAL NOTES AXD DOCUMENTS. . 379

brethren m Connecticut. It is in vain to dispute which form comes near
est to, the primitive practice. The question is, which is most expedient
under our present circumstances? They are doubtless too rigid in their
sentiments, at least for the latitude of America, and must finally be obliged
to relax a little. They think, on the other hand, that your Constitution is
too dernocratical for Episcopal government, and especially in permitting the
Laity to sit as judges at the trial of a Bishop, and to have a voice in de
posing him. Bishop Seabury in a letter to me last month, has these words :
"All the difficulty in effecting a union lies with the Southern Churches,
and not with us in Connecticut. I have several times proposed and urged
a union, it has been received and treated, I think coldly. And yet 1 have
received several letters urging such an union on me, as though I was the
only person who opposed it ; this is not fair. I am ready to treat of and
settle the terms of union, on any proper notice ; but Bishops White and
Provoost must bear their part in it actively as well as myself, and we must
come into the union on even terms." Here certainly appears a disposition
to unity ; where, then, is the impediment?

I have lately heard that some proposals have been made by the Convo
cation at New York for a reconciliation. What they are, if any such have
been made, I am not yet able to learn. I heartily wish that we were one body,
and the Church in every state completely organized. Nothing on my part
shall be wanting to effect this desirable end. If my meeting you in Con
vention next July would have any tendency to bring this 'to pass, I would
willingly accept your kind invitation; and would endeavour to come prop
erly authorized to accede to any proper terms of accommodation. In the
mean time, I could wish to know if any general principles are agreed upon
which it is supposed the opposite parties will accede to, and which would
be the basis of the union. If some preliminaries of this kind were previ
ously settled, it would much facilitate the business, and afford a more
pleasing prospect of success.

Any communications of this kind you can find leisure to make will be
most gratefully received by

Your most obedient and very humble Servant,

Right Rev. Bishop WHITE. S. PARKER. (1)

Meantime further letters from Dr. Griffith continue
the story of the efforts of this worthy man to obtain the
Episcopate to which he had been elected by the suffrages of
the clergy and laity of Virginia.

THE EEV. DR. GRIFFITH TO BISHOP WHITE.

Fairfax Glebe. 10th Feb'y 1789.
Dear Sir ;

I have rec'd yours of the second of Jan'y. Your objections
to the proposal in my last satisfy me with respect both to the propriety of
applying and the practicability of succeeding in the modes hinted at by
me. I was by no means sanguine in my expectations of success in either

(1) From the Bishop White Correspondence.

830 * HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS.

way ; but as I supposed you must be acquainted with the Sentiments of the
Euglish Bp's on those subjects, I ventured to mention them.

1 have determined, notwithstanding the difficulties in the way, to go to
England for Consecration, provided I can be furnished with the means.
You mention my waiting for the Virginia Conven'n this, I believe,
would defeat the resolution I have taken, for I am persuaded there will
either be no Convention or so thin a one that little could be expected from
it. But should there be a full Convention and should their resolves be fa
vourable, (which I really believe they would) yet I have no reason to sup
pose they will be more attended to than those already passed. The gener
al scarcity of money is an additional reason for inducing me to believe
they would be regarded with some inattention. To wait lor our Conven
tion would, in my opinion, be attended with the loss of another year, with
out accomplishing the business ; I have resolved, therefore, if I am enabled
to do so, to set off as early in the Spring as I can. And you will greatly
oblige me by informing me, as soon as possible, whether I am to expect the
proffered assistance, that I may be preparing for my departure. With re
spect to the necessary quantum you will be the best Judge who have made
the trial. I can only say that, tho' I would not make a job of such busi
ness, it is only reasonable that every attendant expence should be allowed
for, and that I should quit my borne with great reluctance if I thought it
would be in the power of accidents to reduce me to distresses in a Strange
Country remote from my friends.

If your answer favours my determination I shall write you further on
the subject, as I shall want information in many particulars, and your
friendly assistance in procuring some introductory Letters.

With great esteem, I remain, D'r Sir

Your affectionate hu'ble Serv't
DAVID GRIFFITH.(l)

The R't Rev. William White, D. D.

THE REV. DR. GRIFFITH TO BISHOP WHITE.

Fairfax Glebe, 30th April 1789.
Dear Sir.

I embrace this opportunity, the return of Mr. Foot, to inform
you that I have received your two last Letters by the Post, on the con
tents of which I have only to observe, that had I known the motives of the
Gentleman for making the proposal you was pleased to Communicate to
me, I never should have given you so much trouble on that Score. The
Ohject which appeared to me of importance, was the completion of our Ec-
clesiasfl System, and not the particular occasion in reserve. This great ob
ject, if I understood the matter right, was not likely to be effected, soon,
in any other way than by my perseverance. This consideration, together
with the necessity of a Superintending Officer, (for the want of which the
Church in Virginia is not only manifestly but rapidly declining) induced
me to bid defiance to difficulties, the many difficulties that stood in my way,
and engage in the arduous work. It has pleased GOD, in his providence, to or
der it otherwise, and, I have no doubt, for some good purpose towards his
Church. I acquiesce, cheerfully, in the dispensation, having a double
satisfaction therefrom ; for I find myself relieved from a load of anxiety,

(1) From the Bp White Correspondence.

HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS. 381

and I have also the satisfaction to know that the business is not impeded
through any neglect or backwardness in me. The only Mortification I
feel on the occasion is that I did not receive an answer in time to alter the
arrangements I had made in my domestic affairs.

I am much pleased to hear of the restoration of the College Charter
have you restored the Provost to his office ?

I remain, D'r Sir,

Your affec'e hu'ble Serv't

DAVID GRIFFITH (1)

In the meantime the proposal of Dr. Murray had not
been lost sight of as the following letter shows.

BISHOP PROVOOST TO BISHOP WHITE.

Rignt Reverend" and D'r Sir.

Before the receipt of your Letter I had sent an Answer to Dr. Mur
ray in which without entering into the merits of his Scheme I mentioned
to him the little encouragement I had to propose it to New Jersey, and
that the suddenness of his intended departure from England would be a
grand obstacle to its being embraced any where. Your Judicious observa
tions will doubtless convince him not only of the impropriety of it, but
also of the impracticability of its Execution either here or in England.
The Doctor took my conversation rather too seriously, but I have really a
regard for him and shall be ready to meet his wishes whenever I can do it
in a regular and consistent manner.

As to our Friend Dr. Griffith my opinion is, that as he has Delayed his
Departure so long, it will now be a point of prudence and Delicacy to wait
the result of the next Virginia Convention ; should the difficulty of fur
nishing him with the necessary means for his Voyage to England be still
urged as the only Reason for protracting the time of his Consecration, his
Friends will then be enabled to assist him without any impropriety in the
manner they proposed and he will also have an Opportunity of getting his
Credentials renewed in Gen. Convention.

The Members of the Committee of Correspondence in this State will
not be able to meet together till the adjournment of oar Legislature which
it is expected will take place in a few Days. There is no doubt but that
Dr. Smith's proposal will be approved of by them except as to Connecti
cut. An Invitation to the Church in that State to meet us in General
Convention I conceive to be neither necessary nor proper not necessary,
because I am Informed that they have already appointed two persons to
attend the next gen. Conv ; without any Invitation not proper ; because it
is publickly known that they have adopted a Form of Church Government
which renders them inadmissible as members of the Convention or Union.

The following is the Resolve alluded to in your Letter

"Upon Motion of Mr. Harrison seconded by Mr. Rogers, it was unani-
"mously Resolved, That it is highly necessary in the opinion of this Con
tention that measures should be pursued to preserve the Episcopal Suc-
"cession in the English Line, and

'Resolved also That the union of the Prot: Episc: Ch: in the United
"States is of great importance and much to be desired ; and that the dele-

(1) From the Bp White Correspondence

382 HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS.

"gates of this State in the next general Convention be instructed to pro-
"mote that union by every prudent measure, consistent with the Constitu-
"tion of the Church and the continuance of the Episcopal Succession in the
"English Line."

Delegates to the next General Convention

Reverend Messrs Beach, Moore, Ellison, Bloomer. Hon. James Duane,
Col'l Giles, Messrs Harrison and Rogers.

As I am always happy to see your friends I can't conclude without ex
pressing my obligation to you for your late Introduction of Mr. Harrison
to my acquaintance. I find myself greatly prejudiced in his Favour and
have only to regret that ha has given us so little of his Company. With
affectionate Compliments to Mrs. White and Family I remain with much
esteem D'r Sir

Your affectionate Brother

N. York SAM'L PROVOOST. (1)

February 24. 1789.

THE REV. DR. MURRAY TO BISHOP WHITE.

4th May, 1789.
Dear Sir :

As the proposal I made was only an expedi
ent to hasten the organization of your Church in an easy way, as I con
ceived, it is as well it cannot be adopted, for by the time I can see you
I trust it will be much better accomplished. It was hardly to be expected,
at my time of life, that I could have resided in Maryland or Delaware but
at the hazard of my health and usefulness. Indeed it mattered little where
I resided at my own expense to answer a temporary purpose only. Your
Constitution is so pure and primitive that it lorbids Non-residence " in all
cases whatsoever." But does not the yet deranged state of the Church re
quire a Supernumerary Itinerant Bishop for the convenience of confirma
tion and ordination to ye South of you? Will it be no prejudice to the
Church that your Constitution also forbids any few districts or counties
choosing a Bishop, without a majority of those in a State are agreed ?

The more sound and zealous part of the people may remain destitute at
this rate, of divine ordinances, because oi the opposition or lukewarm-
ness of the other. Pardon these remarks. You must know best who are
on the post.(l)

A further letter from Dr. Murray expresses his philosoph
ical acquiesence in the failure of his proposal of himself for
an American Episcopate. It was certainly no discredit to
this worthy and amiable man that he should thus suggest a
solution for the vexed problem, and the fact that Bp. White
ever regarded him as a deserving and estimable brother will
free his memory from any suspicion of self-seeking in this
expression of his willingness to return to his American home
in the character of a Bishop of the Church of God.

(1) From the Bp. White Correspondence.

HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS. 383

While these letters were passing and repassing the
Churchmen at the north had not remitted their efforts for
union, and at length, with prospects of success. But, even
at this late day, Bishop Provoost was implacable. His own
Convention, much to his annoyance, had taken measures
looking to a union. He had himself declined acting on the
absurd proposition of the Virginia Convention, that, in con
nection with Bishop White, he should proceed to the conse
cration of Dr. Griffith to the Episcopate of Virginia, with
out waiting the completion of the canonical number of Con-
secrators. But in his personal dislike of Bishop Seabury,
even in the midst of the presages of the much desired union,
which all his efforts could not prevent, he wrote to Bishop
White as we have seen above.

Without waiting for the receipt of Mr. Parker's reply,
Bishop White addressed a cordial invitation to Bishop Sea-
bury and the Connecticut Church, to send representatives
to the coming Convention in Philadelphia, on terms honor
able to both parties. This overture was met in the kindly
spirit which prompted it, and a hurried note from the good
Bishop of Connecticut to Mr. Parker tells the result to one
who, perhaps, more than any other, had been made the in
strument of healing the divisions of the American Church.
To this brief note we add a longer communication from the
excellent Mr. Learning, and then proceed to give, in full,
Bishop Seabury's letters to Bishop White and Dr. "Wil
liam Smith.

BISHOP SEABURY TO THE KEY. MR. PARKER.

April 10th, 1789.
Bev'd and dear Sir :

I believe we shall send two Clergymen to the

Philadelphia Convention, to see whether a union can he effected. If it
fail, the point will here be altogether given up.

I am, Rev. Sir, your affect. Bro'r and Serv't,

SAMUEL, BP. CONNECT.(l).

(1) From the Bishop Parker Correspondence.

384 HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS.

THE KEV. MB. LEAMING TO BISHOP WHITE.

Stratford, June 9, 1789.

Rev'd and dear Sir :

The circumstances of my family have prevented my attendance upon
the two last Conventions in this state ; but I hear Bishop Seabury had a
letter from you, in which you observed that you had received a letter from
me and had answered it ; but as you heard nothing from me, supposed it
had miscarried. You were right in that conclusion, for that letter hath
not come to hand.

I am unacquainted with the subject of your letter to Bishop Seabury ;
but report says there was something in it concerning the union of the
Churches which thing I most reverently wish might take place upon
that plan that we may worship God according to our consciences.

I have no doubt that such an event would be agreeable to Bishop Sea-
bury ; and to all the Clergy of this state, and to the Church Universal.

I cannot conceive the reason why you should apply to the Bishops of
England to consecrate a Bishop for these States, when we have three
Bishops in them already. It appears to me we ought to be united, in or
der that the line of succession of the English and Scotch Bishops might
unite in America, as they were derived from the same line originally.

Bishop Seabury has twenty Clergymen in this state, and a very respect
able body of people under their care, who are true sons of the Church ;
and if any state snould send to the English Bishops to consecrate a Bish
op, it would cast such a face upon affairs, as would exclude all possibil
ity of a union : for such a measure would not be adopted unless they de
signed to keep up a separation from us. We shall do every thing in our
power for a union, that is consistent with prudence, benevolence and re
ligion. More than this no one can expect.

I am not able to see why there may not be a, general union, although
we did not agree in every little circumstance. I suppose you agree with
us in all Articles of Faith. Although you have cast out two of our
creeds, I imagine you do not mean to deny the Divinity of our blessed
Lord : for if we are ever justified, it must be by the merits of Christ, and
no created being can do any thing by merit for another. All he can do is
only to act up to the dignity of his nature ; and God has a right to all
this, because he gave all the ability.

I do not wish this letter to be laid before the General Convention ; but
if you think proper, I should have no objection to its being seen by some
Gentlemen of candour, that wish a union of this Church with yours.
I am your most obedient, humble Servant,

JEREMIAH LEAMING.(l)

BISHOP SEABURY TO RIGHT REV. DR. WHITE.

New London, June 20th, 1789.
Right Rev. and dear Sir :

Your favour of December 9th, 1788, came safely to me, though not
till the middle of February. I heartily thank you for it, and for the sen
timents of candour and Christian unity it contains, and beg you to believe
that nothing on my part shall be wanting to keep up a friendly inter-

(1) From the Bishop White Correspondence.

HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS. 385

course, and the nearest possible connection with you, and with all the
Churches in the United States, that our different situations can permit.

That your letter has not been sooner attended to has not been owing
to disrespect or negligence I was unwilling to reply to the great and in
teresting subject of union between the Church of Connecticut and the
Southern Churches, merely on the dictates of my own judgment ; and as
we were about to call a Convention of Lay delegates from our several con
gregations, to provide for the support of their Bishop, and to consider of
the practicability of instituting an Episcopal Academy in this State, it
was thought best that the point of sending Lay delegates to the Geneial
Convention should come fairly before them. The annual Convocation of
our Clergy was also to meet in June, and I determined to take their sen
timents on the subject of sending some of their number to your Conven
tion.

When the matter was proposed to the Lay Convention after some con
versation, they declined every interference in Church government or in
reformation of Liturgies. They supposed the government of the Church
to be fixed, and that they had no right to alter it by introducing a new
power into it. They hoped the old Liturgy would be retained, with little
alteration ; and these matters, they thought, belonged to the Bishops and
Clergy, and not to them. They therefore could send no delegates, though
they wished for unity among the Churches, and for uniformity of wor
ship ; but could not see why these great objects could not be better se
cured on the old ground than on the new ground that had been taken with
you.

The Clergy supposed that, in your Constitution, any representation from
them would be inadmissible without Lay delegates, nor could they submit
to offer themselves to make a part of any meeting where the authority of
their Bishop had been disputed by one Bishop, and probably by his influ
ence, by a number of others who were to compose that meeting. They
therefore, must consider themselves as excluded, till that point shall be
settled to their satisfaction, which they hope will be done by your Con
vention.

For my own part, gladly would I contribute to the union and unifor
mity of all our Churches ; but while Bishop Provoost disputes the valid
ity of my consecration, I can take no step towards the accomplishment of
so great and desirable an object. This point, I take it, is now in such a
state that it must be settled, either by your Convention, or by an appeal
to the good sense of the Christian world. But as this is a subject in which
I am personally concerned, I shall refrain from any remarks upon it, hop
ing that the candour and good sense of the Convention will render the
further mention of it altogether unnecessary.

You mention the necessity of having your succession completed from
England, both as it is the choice of your Churches, and in consequence of
implied obligations you are under in England. I have no right to dictate
to you on this point. There can, however, be no harm in wishing it were
otherwise Nothing would tend so much to the unity and uniformity of
our Churches as the three Bishops, now in the States joining in the consecra
tion of a fourth. I could say much on this subject, but should I do so, it
may be supposed to proceed from interested views. I shall therefore leave
it to your own good sense, only hoping you and the Convention will de
liberately consider whether the implied obligations in England, and the
wishes of your Churches be so strong that they must not give way to the
prospect of securing the peace and unity of the Church.

386 HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS.

The grand objection in Connecticut to the power of Lay delegates in
your Constitution, is their making part of a judicial Consistory for the
trial and deprivation of Clergymen. This appears to us to be a new pow
er, utterly unknown in all Episcopal Churches, and inconsistent with their
Constitution. That it should be given up, we do not expect ; power, we
know, is not easily relinquished. We think, however, it ought to be giv
en up ; and that it will be a source of oppression, and that it will operate
as a clog on the due execution of ecclesiastical authority. If a Bishop
with his Clergy are not thought competent to censure or depose a dis
orderly brother, or not to have sufficient principle to do it, they are unfit
for their stations. It is, however, a presumption that cannot b^ made,
and therefore can be no ground of action.

If the power with which your Constitution invests Lay delegates be
conformable to the sentiments of some of our best writers, I confess I am
unacquainted with them ; and as I profess myself to be always open to
conviction and information, I should be glad to know to what writers I
am to apply for that purpose. And as to the principle* which have governed
in the English Church, I have always understood that the Liturgy and
Canons and Articles were settled and agreed upon by the Convocation,
and were then; by Act of Parliament, made part of the English Constitu
tion. I know not that the Laity had anything further to do with it.

With regard to Massachusetts and Rhode Island, I never understood
your Constitution has been adopted by either of them. Mr. Parker, in
Boston, and I suppose the other congregations there, adopted your Litur
gy with but little variation ; but I know not that it was done elsewhere.
And an attempt to introduce it into Newport, I speak my own opinion,
has laid the foundation for such dissentions in that congregation as, I fear,
will long continue.

Was it not that it. would run this letter to an unreasonable length, I
would take the liberty to mention at large the objections that have been
here made to the Prayer Book published at Philadelphia. I will confine
myself to a few, and even these I should not mention but from a hope they
will be obviated by your Convention. The mutilating the Psalms is sup
posed to be an unwarrantable liberty, and such as was never before taken,
with Holy Scriptures by any Church. It destroys that beautiful chain,
of Prophecy that runs through them, and turns their application from.
Messiah and the Church to the temporal state and concerns of individu
als. By discarding the word Absolution, and making no mention of Re
generation in Baptism, you appear to give up those points, and to open
the door to error and delusion. The excluding of the Nicene and Athana-
sian Creed has alarmed ye steady friends of our Church, lest ye doctrine
of Christ's divinity should go out with them. If the doctrine of those
Creeds be offensive, we are sorry for it, and shall hold ourselves so much
the more bound to retain them. If what are called the damnatory clauses
in the latter be the objection, cannot these clauses be supported by Script
ure ? Whether they can or cannot, why not discard those clauses, and
retain the doctrinal part of the Creed ? The leaving out the descent into
Hell from the Apostle's Greed seems to be of dangerous consequence.
Have we a right to alter the analogy of faith handed down to us by
the Holy Catholic Church? And if we do alter it, how will it appear
that we are the same Church which subsisted in primitive times? The
article of the descent, I suppose, was put into the Creed to ascertain
Christ's perfect humanity, that he has a human soul, in opposition to
those heretics who denied it, and affirmed that his body was actuated by

HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS. 387

the divinity. For if when he died, and his body was laid in the grave
his soul went to the receptacle of departed spirits, then he had a human
soul as well as body, and was very and perfect man. The Apostles'
Creed seems to have been the Creed of the Western Church ; the Nicene,
of the Eastern ; and the Athanasian, to be designed to ascertain the Cath
olic doctrine of the Trinity, against all opposers. And it always appeared
to me, that the design of the Church of England, in retaining the three
Creeds, was to show that she did retain the analogy of the Catholic faith
in common with the Eastern and Western Church, and in opposition to
those who denied the Trinity of persons in the Unity of the Divine Es
sence. Why any departure should be made from this good and pious
example I am yet to seek.

There seems in your book a dissonance between the Offices of Baptism
and Confirmation. In the latter there is a renewal of a vow, which in the
former does not appear to have been explicitly made. Something of the
same discordance appears in the Catechism.

Our regard for primitive practice makes us exceedingly grieved that
you have not absolutely retained the sign of the Cross in JBaptism. When
I consider the practice of the ancient Church, before Popery had a being,
I cannot think the Church of England justifiable in giving up the sign of
the Cross, where it was retained by the first Prayer Book of Edward the
VI. Her motive mav have been good ; but good motives will not justi
fy wrong actions. The concessions she has made in giving up several
primitive, and I suppose apostolical usages, to gratify the humours of fault
finding men, shows the inefficacy of such conduct She has learned wis
dom from her experiences. Why should not we also take a lesson in her
school ? If the humour be pursued of giving up points on every demand,
in fifty years we shall scarce have the name of Christianity left. For
God's sake, my dear Sir, let us remember that it is the particular business
of the Bishops of Christ's Church to preserve it pure and undefiled, in
faith and practice, according to the model left by apostolic practice. And
may God give you grace and courage to act accordingly !

In your Burial office, the hope of a future resurrection to eternal life is too
faintly expressed, and the acknowledgement of an intermediate state, be
tween death and the resurrection, seems to be entirely thrown out ; though,
that this was a catholic, primitive and apostolical doctrine, will be denied
by none who attend to this point.

The articles seem to be altered to little purpose. The doctrines are
neither more clearly expressed nor better guarded ; nor are the objections
to the old articles obviated. And, indeed, this seems to have been the case
with several other alterations ; they appear to have been made for alter
ation's sake, and at least have not mended the matter they aimed at.

That the most exceptionable part of the English book is the Communion
Office may be proved by a number of very respectable names among her
Clergy. The grand fault in that office is the deficiency of a more formal ob-
lation of the elements, and of the invocation of the Holy Ghost to sanctify
and bless them. The Consecration is made to consist merely in the Priest's
laying his hands on the elements and pronouncing, " This is my body, &c.,
which words are not consecration at all, nor were they addressed by Christ
to the Father, but were declarative to the Apostles. This is so exactly
symbolizing with the Church of Rome in an error ; an error, too, on which
the absurdity of Transubstautiation is built, that nothing but having fall
en into the same error themselves, could have prevented the enemies of
the Church from casting it in her teeth. The efficacy of Baptism, of Con-

388 HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS.

firmation, of Orders, is ascribed to the Holy Ghost, and His energy is im
plored for that purpose ; and whv He should not be invoked in the conse
cration of the Eucharist, especially as all the old Liturgies are full to the
point, I cannot conceive. It is much easier to account 1'or the alterations
of the first Liturgy of Edward the VI, than to justify them ; and as I have
been told there is a vote on the minutes of your Convention, anno. 1786, 1
believe, for the revision of this matter, I hope it will be taken up, and
that God will raise up some able and worthy advocate for this primitive
practice, and make you and the Convention the instruments of restoring
it to His Church in America. It would do you more honour in the world,
and contribute more to the union of the Churches than any other alter
ations you can make, and would restore the Holy Eucharist to its ancient
dignity and efficacy.

I shall close this letter with renewing a former proposal for union and
uniformity, viz. that you and Bishop Provoost, with as many proctors from
the Clergy as shall be thought necessary, meet me with an equal number
of proctors from Connecticut. We should then be on equal ground, on
which ground only, I presume, you would wish to stand, and I doubt not
everything might be settled to mutual satisfaction, without the preposte
rous method of ascertaining doctrines, &c , &c., by a majority of votes.

Hoping that all obstructions may be removed by your Convention, and
beseeching Almighty God to direct us in the great work of establishing
and building up His Church in peace and unity, truth and charity, and
purity,

I remain with great regard and esteem,

your affectionate Brother and very humble Servant,

SAMUEL, BP. CONNECT.

I presume you will lay this letter before the Convention, and I have to
request that 1 may be informed of their proceedings, as soon as convenient,
as all our proceedings will be suspended till then or, at least, till Novem
ber.

The remarks on your Prayer Book are the principal ones I have heard
made. They are here repeated from memory, and I have not your Book
at hand with which to compare them.

I observe you mention that the authority of Lay delegates in your Con
stitution is misunderstood. We shall be glad to be better informed, and
sh>ll not pertinaciously persist in any unfair constructions, when they are
fairly pointed out to us. That the assent of the Laity should be given to
the laws which affect them equally with the Clergy, I think is right, and
I believe will be disputed no where, and the rights of the Laity we have
no disposition to invade. (1)

BISHOP SEABURY TO THE REV. DR. WM. SMITH.

New London, July 23, '89.

The wish of my heart, and the wish of the Clergy and of the

Church people o/ this state, would certainly have carried me, and some of
the Clergy, to your General Convention, had we conceived we could have
done it with propriety. The ground on which Bishop P. disputes the va
lidity of the Scotch Episcopal succession can best be explained by himself:

(1) From the origional MS. preserved among the Bishop White papers. As this letter is
mutilated more or less on every page, we have supplied the ouiisfcioiis from the first draft
of this paper contained in Bishop Seabury'g Letter-book.

HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS. 389

I know not what it is. And the ground on which the Letters of Orders
were called for from every Clergyman, in a former Convention at Phil
adelphia if I have been rightly informed in order to make a distinct
ion between English and Scotch ordinations, they can best explain who
were concerned in it. As I know not precisely how this matter ended, I
shall say no more about it. But while this matter stands as it does, and
there is a Resolve on the minutes of the New York Convention strongly
reflecting on Bishop Seabury's Episcopal character while by your own
Constitution no representation of Clergymen can be admitted without Lay
delegates ; and no Church can be taken into your union without adopting
your whole plan, I leave you to say whether it would be right for me, or
for my Clergy, to offer ourselves at a Convention where we could be ad
mitted only in courtesy? Should we feel ourselves at home ? or, as being
on an equal footing with the other ministers ?

The necessity of a union of all the Churches, and the disadvantages of
the present disunion, we feel and lament equally with you : and I agree
with you, that there may be a strong and efficacious union between Church
es where the usages are different. I see not why it may not be so in this
case, as soon as you have removed those obstructions which, while they
remain, must prevent all possibility of uniting.

My joining with Bishops W. and P. in consecrating a fourth Bishop was
some time ago proposed to Bishop W., and by him declined. His noncom-
pliance has had a bad effect here. It has raised a jealousy of attempting
an undue superiority over the Church of Connecticut, which, as it at pres
ent consists of nineteen Clergymen, in full orders, and more than 20,000
People, they suppose as respectable as the Church in any state in the
Union.

Before I wrote to Bishop White I took the most deliberate pains to ob
tain the sentiments of both Clergy and Laity ; and I shonld not now think
myself at liberty to act contrary to their sentiments, even did not my own
coincide with theirs. I have, however, the strongest hope that all difficul
ties will be removed by your Convention that the Connecticut Episco
pacy will be explicitly acknowledged, and that Church enabled to join in
union with you, without giving up her own independency.

A great deal, my dear, sir, will depend on the part you now act. The
dread of alterations in the Liturgy here arises from the observation, that
every review of the Liturgy has set the offices of the Church lower, and
departed further from primitive practice and simplicity. The book you
published was a remarkable instance of depreciating the offices, and we
hope to see it remedied. To enter into particulars after what I have writ
ten to Bishop W. will be useless. But if a uniformity of worship be
aimed at, I know of no other method besides the one I mentioned to Bish
op W. to leave the matter to the Bishops and the Clergy. It is their
business ; and if your Laity will not consent to it, they interfere out of their
sphere. (1)

As the time for the Convention of 1789 drew near, the fol
lowing letters passed between Dr. Griffith and Bp. Provoost
and Bp. White. They are well worthy of preservation as

(1) From Bp. Seabury's Letter Book.

390 HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS.

important contributions to the history of this period of our
Church's organization.

THE REV. DR. GRIFFITH TO BISHOP WHITE.

Fairfax Glebe, 18th June, 1789.

Dear Sir.

I have no copy of my Letter to you of the 30th of April, but from
what ia suggested in yours dated the 30th of May, which 1 have r'cd. I
fear I have been understood as censuring the Gentlemen who made the
proposal you was so obliging as to communicate, or that I conceived my
self improperly treated by you. However incautiously I may have ex
pressed myself on that subject, you may rest assured that I feel no resent
ment against any Person for his conduct on that occasion, and that I enter
tain not the least suspicion respecting the propriety of yours particularly,
through the whole of that business. I deem it, however, an unlucky cir
cumstance that I was not acquainted with the motives that induced the
proposal, as it certainly would have prevented me from offering myself
(very imprudently I acknowledge) at the time I did. But I viewed the
subject in a very different light from the Gentlemen before alluded to, and
being anxious to complete our Ecclesiastical System, as well as desirous to
prove my disinterestedness, I suffered myself to be led by a warm (I will
not say blind) zeal, which, but for the interposition of Providence, would
soon have brought me into great and additional perplexities. The Grace
of God is, I believe, a sufficient support for his faithful Servants ; yet hu
man nature shrinks at the approacla of such difficulties as I had in pros
pect, and I confess I feel much satisfaction at my deliverance from the
weighty and oppressing Cross I was about to take on myself for the re
mainder of my Pilgrimage on Earth. The Cross I allude to is the partic
ular inconveniences and distresses that must have attended me in the dis
charge of the Episcopal Office.

The Virg'a Conv'n met at the stated time between 30 and 40 Members
assembled. They did nothing except settle the Parochial, or rather Party,
disputes in two of the lower Parishes, and again represent, to the Members
of our Communion, the deplorable state of the Church in Virg'a. They
made no alteration in the former appointm't of deputies to the General
Convention, and, to show that I am not angry with them for neglecting
their Bp. elect, and have not as some may expect, quitted, in disgust, the
cause of the Church, as well as to gratify a respectable Majority of its
Members in this State, who wish, I believe, that I should represent them,
and to keep from among you certain troublesome innovators, I have de
termined to go to the ensuing Conven'n. I cannot find that they have
given any additional instructions respecting the ratification of the Prayer

I remain, D'r Sir,

Your affectionate

and very hu'ble Serv't

DAVID GRIFFITH. (1)

(1) From the Bishop White Correspondence.

HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS. 391

BISHOP PROVOOST TO BISHOP WHITE.

Dear and Right Reverend Sir.

Your Letter of July 13th, was delivered to me by the Rever
end-Mr. Hurt who is to dine with me to-day and I shall be happy to shew
him every attention due to your recommendation.

I am very sorry to inform you that it will not be in the power of Mrs.
Provo'st and myself to accept your kind and repeated Invitation. I have
been so much indisposed for some days past with a constant fever and vio
lent headaches and have so little prospect of immediate amendment (for I
have already been bled by Dr. Bard without receiving the relief I expect
ed) that in compliance with the advice of my friends I have laid aside all
thoughts of attending the General Convention.

I have every reason to think the Church of this State will be fully rep
resented and I hope the present information will prevent any Inconven
iences that might have arisen from my non-attendance without giving you
timely notice.

I am Dear Sir

Your most affectionate Brother

SAM'L PROVOOST. (1)
N. York July 22d 1789.

(1) From the Bp White Correspondence.

THE CONVENTIONS OF 1789.

At the meeting of the General Convention of the Church
in the Middle and Southern States, in July, 1789, a letter
from the Rev. Samuel Parker, enclosing an invitation from
the Clergy of Massachusetts and New Hampshire to the
Bishops of Pennsylvania and New York, to unite with the
Bishop of Connecticut in the consecration of the Rev. Ed
ward Bass, their Bishop elect, demanded immediate atten
tion. This measure, as we are assured by Bishop White,
was set on foot by the energetic Parker ; and, as appears in
the sequel, was not so much intended to bring about Mr.
Bass's consecration, as, by the presentation of a case in point,
to effect that union which was the desire of the great body
of Churchmen throughout the land. The tendency of this
measure had not escaped the vigilant eyes of Bishop Pro-
voost in New York, and the attempt was made by the most
prominent Layman of Massachusetts, Dudley Atkins Tyng,
Esq., to interest the various vestries of Massachusetts and
New Hampshire in opposition to Mr. Bass's consecration,
on the ground, that none but the Clergy had been permitted
to participate in his election. It required the most deter
mined and painstaking effort, on the part of Mr. Parker, to
counteract this opposition, to the strength of which he refers
in a letter we shall subsequently give. But by his judi
cious measures, the growing discontent was allayed, and on
the third day of the session the following document was in
troduced.

"An act of the Clergy of Massachusetts and New Hamp
shire, recommending the Rev. Edward Bass for consecration,
was laid before the Convention, by the Right Rev. Dr. White,
and is as follows :

392

HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS. 393

The good providence of Almighty GOD, the fountain of all goodness,
having lately blessed the Protestant Episcopal Church in the United States
of America, by supplying it with a complete and entire Ministry, and af
fording to many of her communion the benefit of the labours, advice and
government of the successors of the Apostles :

We, Presbyters of said Church in the States of Massachusetts and New
Hampshire, deeply impressed with the most lively gratitude to the Su
preme Governor of the universe, for his goodness in this respect, and with
the most ardent love to his Church, and concern for the interest of her
sons, that they may enjoy all the means that Christ, the great Shepherd and
Bishop of souls, has instituted for leading his followers into the ways of
truth and holiness, and preserving his Church in the unity of spirit and
the bond of peace, to the end that the people committed to our respective
charges may enjoy the benefit and advantage of those offices, the admin
istration of which belongs to the highest Order of the Ministry, and to
encourage and promote, as far as in us lies, a union of the whole Episco
pal Churc i in these States, and to perfect and compact this mystical body
of Christ, do hereby nominate, elect and appoint the Rev. Edward Bass, a
Presbyter of said Church, and Rector to St. Paul's, in Newburyport, to be
our Bishop ; and we do promise and engage to receive him as such, when
canonically consecrated and invested with the apostolic office and powers
by the Right Reverend the Bishops hereafter named, and to render him all
that canonical obedience and submission which, by the laws of Christ, and
the constitution of our Church, is due to so important an office.

And we now address the Right Reverend the Bishops in the States of
Connecticut, New York and Pennsylvania, praying their united assistance
in consecrating our said Brother, and canonically investing him with the
apostolic offices and powers. This request we are induced to make from a
long acquaintance with him, and from a perfect knowledge of his being
possessed of that love to GOD and benevolence to men, that piety, learning
and good morals, that prudence and discretion, requisite to so exalted a sta
tion, "as well as that personal respect and attachment of the communion at
large in these States, which will make him a valuable acquisition to the
Order, and, we trust, a rioh blessing to the Church.

Done at a meeting of the Presbyters whose names are under written,
held at Salem, in the County of Essex, and Commonwealth of Massachu
setts, the fourth day of June, Anno Salutis, 1789.

SAMUEL PAIIKER, Rector of Trinity" Church, Boston.
T. FITCH OLIVER, Rector of St. Michael's Church, Marblehead.
JOHN COUSENS OGDEN, Rector of Queen's Chapel, Portsmouth N. H.
WILLIAM MONTAGUE, Minister of Christ Church, Boston.
TILLOTSON BKUNSON, Assistant Minister of Christ Church, Boston.

A true copy. Attest : SAMUEL PARKER.

At the meeting aforesaid,

Voted That the Kev. Samuel Parker be authorized and
empowered to transmit copies of the foregoing Act, to be by
him attested, to the Right Reverend the Bishops of Connec
ticut, New York and Pennsylvania ; and that he be our
agent to appear at any Convocation to be holden at Penn
sylvania or New York, and to treat upon any measures that

394 HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS.

may tend to promote an union of the Episcopal Church
throughout the United States of America, or that may prove
advantageous t;o the interests of said Church.

EDWARD BASS, Chairman.

A true copy. Attest : SAMUEL PARKER."

Following the presentation of this important document,
as we learn from the journals

" A letter was also read from the Right Rev. Dr. Seabury,
Bishop of the Church in Connecticut, to the Right Rev. Dr.
White, and one from the same gentleman to the Rev. Dr.
Smith.

Upon reading the said letters, it appearing that Bishop
Seabury lay under some misapprehensions concerning an
entry in the Minutes of a former Convention, as intending
some doubt of the validity of his consecration

Resolved unanimously, That it is the opinion of this Con
vention, that the consecration of the Right Rev. Dr. Seabury
to the Episcopal office is valid. (1)"

On being referred to the committee of the whole, this mat
ter was discussed day by day, until Wednesday, August 30,
1789, when, as appears from the Journal

" The Rev. Dr. Smith, in order to bring the business before
them to a conclusion, offered the following resolves :

The Committee of the whole, having had under their deliberate consid
eration the application of the Clergy of Massachusetts and New Hampshire,
for the consecration of the Rev. Edward Bass, as their Bishop, do offer to
the Convention the following resolve*;

1st, Resolved, That a complete Order of Bishops, derived as well under
the English as the Scots line of Episcopacy, doth now subsist within the
United States of America, in the persons of the Right Rev. William White,
D. D., Bishop of the Protestant Episcopal Church in the State of Pennsylva
nia; the Right Rev. Samuel Provoost, D.D., Bishop of the said Church in
the State of New York and the Right Rev. Samuel Seabury D. D., Bish
op of the said Church in the State of Connecticut.
2d, Resolved, That the said three Bishops are fully competent to every prop-

(1) Reprinted Journals of the General Convention, Perry's Edition I. pp. 70, 71.

HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS. 395

er act and duty of the Episcopal office and character in these United States,
as well in respect to the consecration of other Bishops, and the ordering of
Priests and Deacons, as for the government of the Church according to such
rules, Canons and institutions as now are, or hearafter may be duly made
and ordained by the Church in that ca^e.

3d, Resolved, That in Christian charity, as well as of duty, necessity and
expediency, the Churches represented in this Convention ought to contrib
ute, in every manner in their power, towards supplying the wants and
granting every just and reasonable request of their sister Churches in these
States ; and, therefore.

4th, Resolved, That the Right Rev. Dr. White and the Right Rev. Dr.
Provoost be, and they hereby are requested to join with the Right Rev.
Dr. Seabury, in complying with the prayer of the Clergy of the States of
Massachusetts and New Hampshire, for the consecration of the Rev.
Edward Bass, Bishop-elect of the Churches in the said States; but, that
bef'-re the said Bishops comply with the request aforesaid, it be proposed
to the Churches in the New England States to meet the Churches of these
States, with the said three Bishops, in an adjourned Convention, to settle
certain articles of union and discipline among all the Churches, previous
to such consecration.

5th, Resolved, That if any difficulty or delicacy, in respect to the Arch
bishops and Bishops of England, shall remain with the Right Rev. Drs.
White and Provoost, or either of them, concerning their compliance with
the above request, this Convention will address the Archbishops and Bish
ops, and hope thereby to remove the difficulty.

These resolves were unanimously agreed to as the Report
of the Committee.

The Committee having finished the business committed to
them, rose and reported to the Convention the above resolves.

On motion of the Rev. Dr. Smith, seconded by Mr. An
drews, this report was unanimously agreed to. (1)

The measures thus happily inaugurated are again referred
to as the Convention drew near its adjournment, when the
following action took place :

" The committee for preparing an address to the Most
Rev. Archbishops of Canterbury and York, reported an ad
dress, which was read and adopted.

Ordered, that it be engrossed for signing, and that it be
signed by the members of the Convention, as their address,
and by the President officially.

Ordered, that it be published in the Journal of the ad
journed meeting of this Convention.

(1) Reprinted Journals, Perry's edition, I. 74, 75.

396 HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS.

On motion, Resolved, That the Eight Rev. Dr. White,
Rev. Dr. Smith, Rev. Dr. Magavv, Hon. Mr. Hopkinson,
Mr. T. Coxe, and Mr. Burrows, be a Committee to forward the
above mentioned address ; to prepare and forward the necessary
answers to the Rev. Mr. Parker and the Clergy of Massachu
setts and New Hampshire, respecting their application for
the consecration of the Rev. Edward Bass, their Bishop elect;
to answer, as far as may be necessary, the Right Rev. Dr.
Seabury's letters ; to forward the minutes and proceedings
of this Convention to the English Archbishops and Bishops ;
and also to the Right Rev. Dr. Seabury, and to the Eastern
and other Churches not included in this union, to notify to
them the time and place to which this Convention should
adjourn, and request their attendance at the same, tor the
good purposes ot union and general government ; and to call
such special meetings of the Convention as may be neces
sary." (1)

Bishop White lost no time in addressing a hurried note
to Bishop Seabury, expressing his satisfaction at the pros
pect of a speedy union, on terms such as could not fail to
commend themselves to all right-minded men.

BISHOP WHITE TO BISHOP SEABURY.

Philadelphia, Aug. llth, 1789.
Eight Rev. and dear Sir :

My delaying to acknowledge the receipt of your last letter arose
from ye near meeting of ye Convention, to which it had an evident rela
tion. And I now defer it longer, with ye expectation of our soon discus
sing ye weighty contents of it more fully and effectually than can be done
in correspondence. For I cannot for a moment suppose that you will see
cJiuse to decline ye unanimous invitation which you will herewith receive
from ye Convention to their adjourned meeting.

However conscious of rectitude in tiie part I have taken, and which will
appear to you from the Journal, I am not without apprehension that it
will be misunderstood by a Brother for whom I entertain a sincere esteem,
and with whom I wish to be united in religious labors. I can conscien
tiously declare that my professed obligations are not supposed, either
without due deliberation, or with a desire to create difficulties. (2)

(1) Reprinted Journals, Perry's edition, I. 86.

(2) In the original draft of this letter, from which we transcribe it, the following para
graph is here appended: "And if it shall appear from ye answer of ye Archbishops,
either that 1 am released from ye said obligations, or that they were imaginary, I will join,
without delay, in the proposed consecration of Mr. Bass. Further, it is my earnest wish to
be relieved from them, that one of these two may appear, and I have so expressed myself
in my letter to ye Archbishops of Canterbury.

HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS. 397

Before I conclude, permit me, Sir, to draw your atteution to ye case of a
Mr. Marsh, a young gentleman born and educated in Connecticut, whom
I ordained a Deacon last winter, for ye purpose of assisting (as a Curate) a
Clergyman of my acquaintance in Maryland, who employed him in ye ca
pacity of a Tutor in a large boarding school. Mr. Marsh has lately in-
iormed me that some domestic affairs induce his settling in his native
country, and that he has ye offer of a parochial cure there. My reason
for mentioning him to you is, partly to assure you that 1 believe his title
to have been a sincere one, according to his prospects at that time, and
partly to testify in his favour, that from ye accounts I have received of
him from gentlemen in ye neighbourhood of his late residence, some of
them my friends and near relatives, I believe him to be a deserving young
man, and of unblemished morals.

With ye agreeable expectation of soon taking you by ye hand,
I am, Right Rev. and dear Sir, your aff. Brother,

WM. WHITE. (1)

P. S. Dr. Smith informs me he expects Bishop Seabury will take a bed
at his house. This prevents an invitation to mine, to which I had previ
ously invited Bishop Provoost, and in which I could not accommodate
both in a suitable manner and agreeably to my own wishes. But I shall
hope to have as much of Bishop Seabury's company at my house, as his
conveniency shall allow.

The address to the English Prelates we give in full, and
add to it the interesting letter from Bishop White to the
Archbishop of Canterbury, which accompanied it, prefacing
the whole with the brief minutes of the Committee appoint
ed to forward it, which we transcribe from the original MS.
in the hand-writing of Dr. Smith, among the papers of the
General Convention.

MINQTES OF THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE COMMITTEE.

August 14th, at Mr. Hopkinson's. Present, Right Rev. Dr. White, Dr.
Smith. Dr. Magaw, Mr. Hopkinson and Mr. Coxe.

The address to the Archbishops of Canterbury and York, enclosed in a
letter from the Committee accompanied with a private letter from Bishop
White, and two copies of the Journal of the Convention were forwarded
to New York, to the Hon. Robert Morris, with a request that he would
forward the same to England by the first and safest conveyance ; Bishop
White to have the charge of writing to Mr. Morris.

Agreed that a duplicate of the Address to the Archbishops, and all the
accompanying papers, be immediately prepared and sent by Dr. Smith to
the Rev. Dr. West, in Baltimore, to be forwarded to England by a ship
from that port, which is speedily to sail.

Agreed that the letter to Bishop Seabury with the Journal of Conven
tion, and copy of the address to the Archbishops, be forwarded to the Hon.
Samuel Johnson, LL. D., at New York, to be by him sent to Bishop Sea-

(1) From the Bishop White Correspondence.

398 HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS.

bury. Dr. Smith to take the charge of this communication to Bishop Sea-
bury, through the hands of Dr. Johnson.

The letter to the Rev. Dr. Parker, in answer to the application of the
Clergy of Massachusetts, respecting the consecration of the Rev. Dr. Bass,
accompanied with a copy of the address to the Archbishops, were commit
ted to the care of Mr. Tench Coxe, to be by him forwarded to New York,
and from thence through the hands of some of the Massachusetts delegates,
to Dr. Parker in Boston.

Dr. White is requested to write to Dr. Parker by post, to notify him
that he may soon expect to receive this communication, in the way above
directed, and to request Dr. Parker to acknowledge the receipt of the same
as soon as possible.

The letter to the Clergy of North Carolina, addressed to the Rev. Mr.
Cutting, to be communicated, was committed to the care of Bishop White,
to be forwarded by the Rev. Mr. Wilson, lately ordained Presbyter for the
Church in that State, or by some other safe and speedy conveyance.

The letter to the Clergy of Georgia was committed to the care of Mr.
Coxe, to be forwarded by water to Savannah. (1)

AN ADDBESS to the most Reverend the Archbishops of Canterbury and York
Most Venerable and Illustrious Fathers and Prelates.

We, the Bishops, Clergy and Laity of the Protestant Episcopal
Church in the states of New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware,
Maryland, Virginia and South Carolina, impressed with every sentiment
of love and veneration, beg leave to embrace this earliest occasion, in Gen
eral Convention, to offer our warmest, most sincere and grateful acknowl
edgements to you, and (by your means) to all the venerable Bishops of
the Church over which you preside, for the manifold instances of your
former condescension to us, and solicitude for our spiritual welfare. But
we are more especially called to express our thankfulness for that particu
lar act of your fatherly goodness, whereby we derive, under you, a pure
Episcopacy and succession of the ancient Order of Bishops, and are now as
sembled, through the blessing of God, as a Church duly constituted and
organized, with the happy prospect before us of a future full and undis
turbed exercise of our holy religion, and its extension to the utmost
bounds of this continent, under an ecclesiastical constitution, and a form
of worship which we believe to be truly apostolical.

The growing prospect of this happy diffusion of Christianity, and the
assurance we can give you, that our Churches are spreading and nourish
ing throughout these United States, we know, will yield you more solid
joy, and be considered as a more ample reward of your goodness to us,
than all the praises and expressions of gratitude which the tongues of
men can bestow.

It gives us pleasure to assure you, that during the present sitting of our
Convention, the utmost harmony has prevailed through all our delibera
tions ; that we continue, as heretofore most sincerely attached to the faith
and doctrine of the Church of England, and not a wish appears to pre
vail, either among our Clergy or Laity, of ever departing from that
Church in any essential article.

The business of most material consequence which hath come before us,
at our present meeting, hath been an application from our sister Churches

(1) In the handwriting of Rev. Dr. Win. Smith, and preserved among the papers of Bish
op White.

HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS. 399

in the Eastern States, expressing their earnest desire of a general union of
the whole Episcopal Church in the United States, both in doctrine and
discipline ; and, as a primary means of such union, praying the assistance
of our Bishops in the consecration of a Bishop elect- for the states of Mas-
sachusetts and New Hampshire. We therefore jndge it necessary to accom
pany this address with the papers which have come before us ou that very
interesting subject, and of the proceedings we have had thereupon, by
which you will be enabled to judge concerning the particular delicacy of
our situation, and, probably to relieve us from any difficulties which may
be found therein.

The application from the Church in the states of Massachusetts and New
Hampshire is in the following words, viz :

The good providence of almighty God, the fountain of all goodness;
having lately blessed the Protestant Episcopal Church in the United States
of America, by supplying it with a complete and entire Ministry, and af
fording to many of her communion the benefit of the labours, advice, and
government of the successors of the Apostles.

We Presbyters of said Church in the States of Massachusetts and New
Hampshire, deeply impressed with the most lively gratitude to the Supreme
Governor of the universe, for his goodness in this respect, and with the
most ardent love to his Church, and concern for the interest of her sons,
that they may enjoy all the means that Christ, the great Shepherd and
Bishop of souls, has instituted for leading bis followers into the ways of
truth and holiness, and preserving his Church in the unity of the spirit and
in the bond of peace, to the end that the people committed to our respec
tive charges may enjoy the benefit and advantage of those offices, the ad
ministration of which belongs to the highest Order of the Ministry, and to
encourage and promote, as far as in us lies, a union of the whole Episco
pal Church in these States, and to perfect and compact this mystical body
of Christ, do hereby nominate, elect and appoint, the Rev. Edward Bass, a
Presbyter of said Church, and rector of St. Paul's, in Newburyport, to be
our Bishop ; and we do promise and engage to receive him as such, when
canonically consecrated and invested with the apostolic office and powers
by the Right Reverend the Bishops hereafter named, and to render him
all that canonical obedience and submission which, by the laws of Christ,
and the Constitution of our Church, is due to so important an office.

And we now address the Right Reverend the Bishops in the states of
Connecticut, New York and Pennsylvania, praying their united assistance
in consecrating our said brother, and canonically investing him with the
apostolic office and powers. This request we are induced to make, from a
long acquaintance with him, and from a perfect knowledge of his being
possessed of that love to God and benevolence to men, that piety, learning
and good morals, that prudence and discretion, requisite to so exalted a
station, as well as that personal respect and attachment to the communion
at large in these States, which will make him a valuable acquisition to the
Order, and, we trust, a rich blessing to the Church.

Done at a meeting of the Presbyters whose names are underwritten, held
at Salem, in the County of Essex, and commonwealth of Massachusetts,
the fourth day of June, Anno Salutis, 1789.

SAMUEL PABKER, Rector of Trinity Church, Boston.

T. FITCH OLiVF.R.Rector of St. Michael's Church, Marblehead.

JOHN COUSENS OGDEN, Rector of QUEEN'S CHAPEL, Portsmouth, N. H.

WILLIAM MONTAGUE, Minister of Christ Church, Boston.

TILLOTSON BKUNSON, Assistant Minister of Christ Church, Boston.
A true copy. Attest : SAMUEL PABKEB.

400 HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS.

At the meeting aforesaid,

Voted, That the Rev. Samuel Parker be authorized and empowered to
transmit copies of the foregoing Act, to be by him attested, to the Right
Reverend the Bishops in Connecticut, New York and Pennsylvania; and
that he be appointed our agent, to appear at any Convocation to be holden
at Pennsylvania or New York, and to treat upon any measures that may
tend to promote an union of the Episcopal Church throughout the United
States of America, or that may prove advantageous to the interests of the
Baid Church.

EDWARD BASS, Chairman.

A true copy. Attest : SAMUEL PAEKEB.

This was accompanied with a letter from the Rev. Samuel Parker, the
worthy Rector of the Trinity Church, Boston, to the Right Rev. Bishop
White, dated June 21st, 1789, of which the following is an extract:

' The Clergy here have appointed me their agent, to appear at any Con
vocation to be held at New York or Pennsylvania ; but I fear the situa
tion of my family and parish will not admit of my being absent so long as
a journey to Philadelphia would take. When I gave you encouragement
that I should attend, I was in expectation of having my parish supplied
by some gentlemen from Nova Scotia: but I am now informed they will
not be here till some time in August. Having, therefore, no prospect of
attending in person at your General Convention next month, I am re
quested to transmit you an attested copy of an act of the Clergy of this
and the state of New Hampshire, electing the Rev. Edward Bass our
Bishop, and requesting the united assistance of the Right Reverend Bish--
ops ol Pennsylvania, New York and Connecticut, to invest him with
apostolic powers. This act I have now the honour of enclosing, and hope
it will reach you before the meeting of your General Convention in July.

" The Clergy of this State are very desirous of seeing an union of the
whole Episcopal Church in the United States take place ; and it will re
main with our brethren at the southward to say, whether this shall be the
case or not whether we shall be an united or divided Church. Some lit
tle difference in government may exist in different States, without affect
ing the essential points of union and communion."

In like spirit, the Right Bev. Dr. Seabury Bishop of the Church in Con
necticut, in his letter to the Rev. Dr. Smith, dated July 23d, writes on the
subject of union, etc., as followeth :

" The wish of my heart, and the wish of the Clergy and of the Church peo
ple of this State, would certainly have carried me and some of the Clergy
to your General Convention, had we conceived we could have attended
with propriety. The necessity of an union of all the Churches, and the
disadvantages of our present dis-union, we feel and lament equally with
you ; and I agree with you, that there may be a strong and efficacious
union between Churches, where the usages are different I see not why
it may not be so in the present case, as soon as you have removed those
obstructions which, while they remain, must prevent all possibility of
uniting. The Church of Connecticut consists, at present, of nineteen Clergy
men in full orders, and more than twenty thousand people, they suppose,
as respectable as the Church in any State in the union."

After the most serious deliberations upon this important business, and
cordially joining with our brethren of the Eastern or New England Church
es in the desire for union, the following resolves were unanimously adopt
ed in Convention, viz.

HISTORICAL NOTES .AND, DOCUMENTS. 401

Resolved 1st, That a complete Order of Bishops, derived as well un
der the English as the Scots line of succession, doth now subsist within
the United States of America, in the persons of the Right Rev. William
White, D. D , Bishop of the Protestant Episcopal Church in the state of
Pennsylvania ; the Right Rev. Samuel Provoost, D. D., Bishop of the said
Church in the state of New York ; and .the Right Rev. Samuel Seabury,
D. D., Bishop of said Church in the state of Connecticut.

2d, That the said three Bishops are fully competent to every proper act
and duty of the Episcopal office and character in these United States ; as
well in respect to the consecration of other Bishops, and the ordering of
Priests and Deacons, as for the government of the Church, according to
such canons, rules and institutions as now are, or hereafter may be duly
made and ordained by the Church in that case.

3d, That in Christian charity, as well as of duty, necessity and expedi
ency, the Churches represented in this Convention ought to contribute in
every manner in their power, towards supplying the wants, and granting
every just and reasonable request of their sister Churches in these Sta.es ;
and, therefore,

Resolved 4th, That the Right Rev. Dr. White and the Right Rev. Dr.
Provoost be, and they hereby are requested to join with the Right Rev.
Dr. Seabury, in complying with the prayer of the Clergy of the states of
Massachusetts and INew Hampshire, for the consecration of the Rev. Ed
ward Bass, Bishop-elect of the Churches in the said States ; but that,
before the said Bishops comply with the request aforesaid, it be proposed
to the Churches in the New England States to meet the Churches of these
States, with the said three Bishops, in an adjourned Convention, to settle
certain articles of union and discipline among all the Churches, previous
to such consecration.

5th, That if any difficulty or delicacy, in- respect to the Archbishops
and Bishops of England shall remain with the Right Rev. Drs. White and
Provoost, or either of them, concerning their compliance with the above
request, this Convention will address the Archbishops, and hope thereby
to remove the difficulty.

We have now, most venerable Fathers, submitted to your consideration
whatever relates to this important business of union among all our
Churches in these United States. It was our original and sincere inten
tion to have obtained three Bishops, at least, immediately consecrated by
the Bishops of England, for the seven States comprehended within our
present union. But that intention being frustrated through unforeseen cir
cumstances, we could not wish to deny any present assistance, which may
be found in our power to give to any of our sister Churches, in that way
which may be most acceptable to them, and in itself legal and expedient.

We ardently pray for the continuance of your favour and blessing, and
that, as soon as the urgency of other weighty concerns of the Church will
allow, we may be favoured with that fatherly advice and direction, -which
to you may appear most for the glory of God and the prosperity of our
Churches, upon the consideration of the foregoing documents and papers.

Done in Convention, this eighth day of August, 1789, and directed to
be signed by all the members as the act of their body, and by the Presi
dent officially.

WILLIAM WHITE, D. D.,
Bishop of the Protestant Episcopal Church,
in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and President of the Convention.

402 HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS.

NEW YOBK. Abraham Beach, D. D., Assistant Minister of Trinity
Church, in the City of New York. Benjamin Moore, D. D., Assistant
Minister of Trinity Church in the City of New York. Moses Rogers, Lay
Deputy from New York.

NEW JERSEY. William Frazer, A. M., Rector of St. Michael's Church,
in Trenton, and St. Andrew's Church, in Arnwell. Uzal Ogden, Rector of
Trinity Church, Newark. Henry Waddell, Rector of the Churches of
Shrewsbury and Middletown. George H. Spieren, Rector of St. Peter's
Church, Perth Amboy. John Cox, Samuel Ogden, Robert S. Jones, Lay
Deputies.

PENNSYLVANIA. Samuel Magaw, D. D., Rector of St Paul's Philadel
phia, and Vice-Provost of the university. Robert Blackwell, D. D., Sen
ior Assistant Minister of Christ Church and St. Peter's Philadelphia.
Joseph Pilmore, Rector of the United Churches of Trinity, St. Thomas'
and All Saints. Joseph G. J. Bend, Assistant Minister of Christ Church
and St. Peter's, in Philadelphia. Gerardus Clarkson, Tench Coxe, Francis
Hopkinson, Lay Deputies.

DELAWARE. Joseph Cowden, Clerical Deputy. Stephen Sykes, Clerical
Deputy James Sykes, Lay Deputy.

MARYLAND. William Smith, D. D., Provost of the College and Acade
my of Philadelphia, and Clerical Deputy as late Rector of Chester Parish,
Kent County, Md. And for Thomas John Claggett, Rector of St. Paul's,
Prince George's County. Colin Ferguson, D. D., Rector of St. Paul's,
Kent County. John Bissett, A. M., Rector of Shrewsbury Parish. Rich
ard Carmichael, William Frisby, Lay Deputies.

^VIRGINIA. Robert -Andrews, Professor of Mathematics in the College of
William and Mary.

SOUTH CAROLINA. Robert Smith, D. D., Rector of St. Philip's Church,
and Principal of Charleston College. William Brisbane, William Bur
rows, Lay Deputies.

BISHOP WHITE TO THE ARCHBISHOP OF CANTERBURY.

Most Rev Father in God ;

When I had ye honor of taking leave of your Grace at Lam
beth, and even when I addressed you after my return to Philadelphia, I
little expected that there would again come under your Grace's delibera
tion any difficulty in ye concerns of a Church for which you had so affect
ionately interposed your good offices. And it was my opinion that noth
ing remained but ye presentation of a third candidate with ye recommen
dations which had been prescribed.

It was not long, however, before an application came to me from ye
Church in Virginia, a similar one being sent to my Brother, Bishop Pro-
voost.'desiring us to consecrate ye worthy gentleman who had been before
appointed by yt Church to repair to England for consecration. But al
though we have on all occasions done your Grace ye justice to declare
how far you have been from imposing any restrictions interfering with
the ecclesiastical independence which has arisen from ye civil Revolution
in our country, yet we thought there were obligations laid on us, by ye
nature of ye transaction, and especially by those addresses of our Conven
tions which had received ye interpretation of ye English Prelates. The
responsibility I profess on this subject must be my apology for troubling
your Grace with my enclosed answer to ye proposal from Virginia. Bish-

HISTORICAL NOTES AND DOCUMENTS. 403

op Provoost sent a similar answer, and we have ye satisfaction of know
ing that our conduct was agreeable to ye Churches in which we respect
ively preside. Owing either to neglect, manifested by ye Church in Vir
ginia, or else some causes of which I am not a competent judge, ye worthy
i)r. Griffith found himself obliged by Providence, honor and delicacy, to
resign his appointment, and has lately deceased, much lamented by a nu
merous acquaintance in this part of America. So that, at present, there
is not the least appearance of a speedy appointment for consecration from
any State southward of this, of which I pretend not to assign ye cause;
although I can declare ye full belief, ana I think I may say knowledge,
that it is not from any desire of relinguishing Episcopal Government and
Ordination. But within a short time, Bishop Provoost and I have re
ceived an a