born and educated within the bosom of the Presbyterian Church.

The members of this synod were, to a remarkable degree, harmonious in their doctrinal views. There is no indication of diversity of opinion on any important subject; there were no doctrinal controversies, and but one instance of the infliction of censure for erroneous opinions. Besides this negative evidence, we have the positive proof to be found in the frequent declarations of the adherence of the synod to the Westminster Confession, and the unanimous adoption of that formula as a part of the new constitution. 1

1

The strictly presbyterian character of the synod is manifest from its records, which may challenge, as to this point, a comparison with those of any similar body. The men who professed to derive their ecclesiastical "origin from the church of Scotland;" who declared that they "adopted her standards of doctrine, discipline, and worship," and whose ecclesiastical proceedings are so fully in accordance with their professions, cannot be suspected of a want of presbyterianism.

A much more interesting point is the religious character of the synod. On this subject little can be learned from the minutes. The impression, however, made by the plan of

1 In an interesting letter written by the Rev. Dr. King, of Franklin county, at the beginning of the war, there is a strong testimony to the unanimity of the synod in reference to matters of doctrine. He tells his correspondent, “I think that our synod will be very cautious, as they have hitherto been, with respect to the admission of ministers from Europe, and especially from such places as are suspected of encouraging Arminianism, &c. and where they are so lax as to the admission of candidates. It is a particular happiness for us as yet, that we have been cautious, and divine providence has favoured our endeavours; for I do not know that any minister belonging to our synod can be reasonably suspected of leaning to any but the Calvinistic scheme." This letter was written in answer to one dated April 13th, 1775.-See Pittsburgh Herald, April 22, 1836.

union adopted in 1758; by the tone and sentiments of the numerous documents having reference to practical subjects; by the frequent appointment of days for special religious observance; by the care taken to promote the religious education of the young, and to maintain a high standard of piety in the ministry; and by the efforts made to extend the blessings of the gospel to the destitute, is that, as a body, the synod of New York and Philadelphia was distinguished for its piety. And this impression is confirmed by the fact, that so large a number of its members are still held in grateful remembrance as devoted servants of God.

As to the state of religion throughout the church during this period, neither the limits of this work, nor the materials at the command of the writer, admit of its being here fully considered. It is known that, in general, the gospel was faithfully preached, that many new churches were organized, and old congregations were enlarged. It is known, also, that in many parts of the church there were revivals to a greater or less extent. Under the administration of Dr. Finley, there was, as already mentioned, a revival in the college of New Jersey, during which about fifty of the students became members of the church. There were frequent seasons of this kind also in Pennsylvania, especially under the ministry of Mr. McMillan, Mr. J. Smith, and Mr. Powers. With regard to Virginia, it is stated, "that from the consitution of the Hanover presbytery, (1755,) to the removal of Mr. Davies, (1759,) the progress of religion was more rapid than from that time to the division of the presbytery, (1770.) In the latter of these periods, it appears to have been declining as to the life and power of it, in those places where before it was most flourishing; but it spread to other places, and the church was extended much further during this period. And though

there was no remarkable revival of religion, it was gradually taking root in a few in many places." The period

from the division of the presbytery until the formation of the general assembly, was marked by several revivals. That which occurred within the bounds of the presbytery of Hanover, "was begun and carried on principally under the ministry of the Rev. J. B. Smith, who had charge of the congregations of Cumberland and Briery. The word at this time appeared to have a peculiar effect on the minds of the people. All who attended seemed to feel in some measure; and many were deeply affected, turned from their wicked practices, and earnestly engaged in seeking the favour of God. Some of these impressions soon wore off, but generally they continued for some time. A considerable number of those that were awakened obtained a comfortable hope of their acceptance with God, and joined the church. The manner of the Spirit's operation was similar to what has been known in revivals, very various, yet producing the same effects in essential points. This work seemed to go on for several years, without any abatement of the fervour which appeared at first; but, as might be expected, this at length subsided." It is further stated, that, "at this time a greater attention to religion than usual prevailed through the whole country."

Nearly at the same time there "was a very considerable revival within the bounds of the Lexington presbytery. It began, and continued to prevail most, in the congregations of Lexington and New Monmouth, which were under the pastoral care of the Rev. William Graham, but extended more or less into all the congregations within the bounds of the presbytery. It prevailed considerably in Washington Academy, so that many who were at that place, have since

1 MS. History of the Church in Virginia.

2 Ibid.

been licensed to preach the gospel of Christ, and are now settled in the congregations of this and the adjoining presbyteries." 1

The effects of the revolutionary war on the state of our church were extensively and variously disastrous. The young men were called from the seclusion of their homes to the demoralizing atmosphere of a camp; congregations were broken up; churches were burnt, and in more than one instance pastors were murdered; the usual ministerial intercourse and efforts for the dissemination of the gospel, were in a great measure suspended, and public morals in various respects deteriorated. From these effects it took the church a considerable time to recover; but she shared, through the blessing of God, in the returning health and prosperity of the country, and has since grown with the growth, and strengthened with the strength, of our highly favoured nation.

1 MS. history prepared by the Lexington presbytery.

A LIST

OF THE

MEMBERS OF THE SYNOD OF NEW YORK AND PHILADELPHIA, FROM 1758 TO 1788, INCLUSIVE.

The years as given in the list, indicate the first appearance of the names of the new members on the minutes, which was in many cases some years after their ordination. The letter P. is placed after the names of the graduates of the college at Princeton, New Jersey; Y. after those of the graduates of Yale; and H. after the graduates of Harvard. The word "received," is placed after the names of those who were admitted as ordained ministers from other churches; and the place whence they were received is mentioned, whenever it was stated on the minutes. 1

1 It was found very difficult to make out the list of members here given, on account of the great diversity in the orthography of the names as written in the minutes; to the frequent omission of a full record of the absent mem. bers, and to various other sources of perplexity.