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Journal of the Proceedings
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Seventh Annual Convention
of the
Diocese of Georgia
A. VltEA, FOR THE ©X51TRCK IX?
A SERMON,
DELIVERED IN CHRIST CHURCH, SAVANNAH,
On Smiday morning, April 26th, 1829;
AT THE OPENING OF
THE SEVENTH ANNUAL. CONVENTION
OP THE
BIOCESS or OMSOB.C2-IA.
&Y THE REV. HUGH SMITH, A. JMfc
RECTOR OF ST. PAUL'S CHURCH, AUGUSTA.
lltifcl'sfjeft at tfje request of tlje ^onfearttcm.
AUGUSTA:
frRWTED AT THE GEOUGrA COURIER OFFICE-
3L8?9-
A SERMON.
"BY WHOM SHALL JACOB ARISE? FOR HE IS SMALL."
Amos, 7th chap, latter part of the 2il verse.
How very appropriate, my Brethren, to our condi¬
tion and prospects as a people, is this earnest and
affecting appeal to the Heavens! In th;s, one of the
largest JStates of our extended Union, the spiritu <1
" Jacob," or Israel, to which we are attached is
" small," small in deed. Whether we compare our
number with that of our brethren, who with us have
'' one l,ord, one Faith, one Baptism," in other States,
or with £hat of .other. Christian denominations in our
own State, we must alike feel our insignificance.—
The very term by which our present an ointed meet¬
ing is .dignified, seems almost misapplied, when we
consider haw few are assembled to counsel for the
welfare of our Zion. All .this is against us —It is
calculated to repress ardour and to paralyze exertion.
Were we to 'Judge according to the appearance," we
should despond at once, in regard to any general
success, and .contentourselves with a mere retention,
or at the most, with a zealous improvement of the
few local advantages .which .our communion may
salready possess. But I have n jt arisen, brethren, to
dishearten you by so cheerless a ; rospect, or o urge
upon you this cold and comfortless counsel. Better
prospects open before me—more active measures
suggest themselves to my mind, and demand my
approval. J have read tAfcpr.mise, in the volume
of trut,i, that "a (little one Jffiuld become . thousand,
and a small oae a strong nation." I have seen it
verified.in rthe j>ast history of the Christian * 'hi rch.
" Not faithless, but .believing," 1 am persuaded that it
may. and I trust that it will be so in our own case.—
Our present feebleness, instead of driving us to des*~
4
pondence, or inducing us to shut up our energies iti
inaction, should be the strongest stimulus to zealous,
persevering effort. Instead of doubting whether our
Isreal may arise, we s! ould only be disposed the
more earnestly to enquire how, and " by whom it shall
arise ?"
The text, viewed in connexion with the circum¬
stances under which it was written, is peculiarly
encouraging.
The Prophet, in vision, had seen two successive
and desolating judgments : by the first of which, the
freshness of the earth and all the beauty of its verdure
h;.d been destroyed—while, by the second, the fire of
God was made partially to dry up the waters of the
sea. Well understanding the threatening import of
these visions, aware that they betokened the wrath
that would go forth from the Lord against his people,
the Prophet earnestly and pathetically interceded,
that it might not be thus—that God would "forgive,"
and would " cease"—that He would not " make a lull
end," but " in the midst of wrath, remember mercy."
The intercession was availing. In both cases, "God
repented for this," and said, "it shall not be" He
thought upon the feebleness of Jacob ; and forbore
to smite him in his wrath, lest he should rise no more.
In our oivn circumstances, brethren, may we not,
without any play of fancy, any extravagant conceit,
find something closely analogous to the scene which
passed before the Prophet's eye, or something which
at least gives us a kindred interest in his language X
Fearful calamities, not seen in distant vision, have
now been mournfully realized, bitterly fell; and now,
when these desolating, providences have increased
our general feebli nesaHf and cast a gloom over the
prospects of our most flourishing communions—when
God has literally, " called to contend against us by
firesurely we rnav urge the Prophet's inquiry, with
somewhat of the Prophet's earnestness. Would to
God th t it might also be with somewhat of his
success!
" By whom shall Jacob arise 1— for he is small."
There are some general principles on which. t<; this
question, we might predicate an appropriate answer.
These are derived either from reasoning on admitted,
truths, or from a careful observation of historic facts.
The first tells us what we might naturally expect to
be effective—the other informs us of the means t at
have actually been found effective, in the past experi¬
ence of the Christian Church. In the correctness of
any positions, sustained by the united testimony of
both, we ma-/ rest with unwavering confidence.
Is it asked then of the Christian body, when it
is small in number, by whom, or by what means
it shall arist ? We would answer: I?y its personal
faith and efforts—by the concurrent efforts of Chris¬
tian friends, and by the prayer invoked blessing oi a
covenant keeping God.
1. By its personal faith and efforts, the spiritual
Israel must "arisr."
In its very infancy—in ths extremity of its feeble¬
ness—in the apparent hopelessness of its prospects—
in the full gloom of its darkness, it must still have
faith, unwavering faith, in the power and the promise
of Him who hath said, "Lo I am with you always
even unto the end, of the world" Despondency iu
all its degrees, must yield to cheerful confidence in
the Most High. Remembering that "the things
which are impossible with men, are possible with
God," it must also remember that "all things are
possible to him that belirvethThe secret, bretSiren,
®f much of that supine inaction which prevails in
the Christian world, and which leaves the Church
small in number and circumscribed in limits, is a
latent distrust of the* might, or of the good will, of
Jacob's God; mingleiftvith an utter ignorance, and
consequent non-emnloyment of its own resources.—
There is too little of that " Faith which can remove
mountains" of doubt and of difficulty ; and there is
too little of that determination to do great and goo
things, which never fails, to do great and good tiling
6
The spirit, then, of Christendom, must be rectified;
or, rather, the new spirit which God hath already put
within her—a spirit emulous of all that is great nd
glorious in Christian effort, and which already has
caused " very excellent things to be spoken of
her," must be assiduously cherished, and greatjy
increased. To a certain extent, and within reason¬
able and possible limits, God has made her the
arbitress of her own destiny. She has only to will
and to strive, and she will assuredly accomplish.
The v» ry energies which she now displays—rlhc
means which she has put into successful requisition,
and the wonderful e "ecis which she is producing
towards evangelizing the earth, had they been pre¬
dicted, or spoken of, a century since, would have been
regarded as the dream of delusion. Had even " the
half been t<dd," it would not have been believed ; yet
a! that very time, these resources unknown to herself,
were within her bosom. At that very time, the lever,
on - liich so many Christian hands have now laid
hold, for which GoJ has found a place, and which is
moving the whole earth, was within her reach. Who
shall doubt, then, but that, even in this favored age of
exertion and of spirit, in every community, there are
a thousand dormant powers that should be awakened »
many fields of promise lelt uncultivated; many hands
folded in idleness, which might profitably labor for
God. I am persuaded, brethren, that the whole
efficiency of our strength, as a body of believers,
has never been fully put forth for the extension
of our principles, and the gathering together of ur
scattered members. God forbid, that I should
underrate the pi >us and availing efforts which
have been made, and to which, under him, we
owe the effective, and, if is trusted permanent
establishment of at least some Churches; but the
fact of their successful establishment, in despite of
difficulties and obstacles which might have been
denned insurmountable, instead of satisfying us fully
^vith what has been done, should be anew,prooltoust
y
of what may be done. Before, then, we regard our¬
selves as discharged from duty, let us ascertain that
otff duty has been fully performed.
Perhaps, toe of the Clergy, even though diligently
engaged in the immediate duties of our individual
stations, ih feeding the <1 >ek specially committed to
us, may have been too little concerned for those sever¬
ed members of our fold, who have wandered " as
sheep without a shepherd." Possibly we have not
felt or urged their claims as we should have done.
You, perhaps, brethren, of the Laity, while faith¬
ful and effectual co-workers with us in all parochial
engagements, hare in some degree forgotten the
claims and the necessities of those who were famish¬
ing for " the btead of life," and had " none to break
it to them."
Femtile influence has been partially, but happily
enliisted, ift the cause of our Zion ; but it may well be
doubted, whether even this has accomplished all,
which its acknowledged power would authorize us to
expect. In the department of Religion, as well as in
that of social life, there is a sphere which belongs
exclusively to woman, and in which she alone can act
with advantage. It requires, indeed, a delicacy of
Serception, arid a peculiar tact, to ascertain, and to
ischarge the duties of this sphere with their full
effect, and yet without " over-stepping the modesty
6f natureand the decorums of her sex. But
these, native feeling, a cultured mind and a pious
heart, together with the friendly counsel of those who
ate mo«t interested in her welfare, will naturally
: ttor should the fear of doing too much, ever
induce toe* to turn coldly from the calls of humanity
and of region, and to resolve, that she will do no¬
thing. In the days of his flesh, holy women minis¬
tered to oiir blessed Lord—'■they wept at the foot of
his Oo&s—-they embalmed his body with their tears—
they were the earliest witnesses of his resurrection,
la the infancy df his Church, they were indeed " its-
nursing mothers? Apostles and martyrs found in
8
them not only compassionate friends, but efficient
fellow workers, and unshrii;king fellow-sufferers in
the cause of Christ. At that early day, their <k praise
was in ail the Churches," and m my of their nam s
have found an imperishable record in the book of
Evangelic History—while thousands more, there
unnoticed, have doubt ess been written in "the Lamb's
Book of Life." These, then, were ' examples to
those that should come after." In this day, when a
new impulse has been given to the Gospel, only infe¬
rior to that attendant upon its introduction, the
daughters of faith should certainly arise to the work
of faith. Perhaps even by them, to a certain degree,
God may cause *' Jacob to arijse." Independently of
that general and indirect influence which they pos¬
sess, and may happily exercise over the community,
as the guardians of its moral purity—the adv. cates
of all that is " lovely and of good report," there is a
direct influence, whif h they may unostentatiously and
unobtrusively employ, to the furtherance of Religi n
and the Church. While we w.-uld deprecate as
totally inconsistent with the beauty and delicacy of
female character, as ultimately subversive of its just
height, as injurious to the peace of the Church at
large, and peculiarly at variance with the sober and
well-ordered arrangements of our own Church, *hat
officious intermeddling with spiritual concerns, which
would make them dictatorial judges—noisy and angry
controversialists—restless proselyters—self-authoriz¬
ed, but scripture-forbidden laborers in the work of
others, to which they have no call; still we would
also deprecate that indifference, which would induce
them to care for none of the sacred things of Zion;
or that worldly-mindedness which, binding them
down to earth, and earthly vanities, would leave them
neither time nor taste for more hallowed pursuits; or
that false delicacy and too shrinking timidity, which
would keep them back from the work of their God.
To them, therefore, we look, and confidently look for
the proper employment of that influence which was
9
given them for good; and which may be most sweetly
exercised in the domestic and social circles, without
marring their harmony, and to the manifest advan¬
tage of all their members; and to them also we look
for those unpretending personal efforts, which none
can better devise or execute, and which, unpretend¬
ing as they are, can effect so much of positive good.
Let those, then, who are so largely indebted to the
Gospel for personal emancipation and respectability,
and who know its diffusion to be the very guardian of
their purity, their happiness, and their rights, become
spirited and unwearied auxiliaries, in the good work
of extending Religion to the destitute in our own
borders, according to the pure and primitive provis¬
ions of our own Church, and doubtless they will in
no wise " lose their reward
In fine, brethren, so confidently do I feel, that ulti¬
mate success depends principally on our own feelings
and exertions, that I can only urge and pray, that "ev¬
ery member of the Church in his own vocation and
ministry, may truly and faithfully" discharge his own
appropriate duty. With ourselves, success must, be¬
yond controversy, originate. We must feel for our¬
selves, before others will, or can feel for us. We
must strive for ourselves, before they will strive with
us. If our own necessities do not painfully interest
our own hearts> how should they interest the hearts
of others ? If we will not give our prayers, our
talents, our services, and our means for our own
cause, by whom, it may well be asked, shall that cause
be sustained 1
Still, brethren, under existing circumstances, I am
aware, that, besides the keeping up of a proper spirit
in our own body, we must awaken a kind generous,
Christian interest in others. Such an interest is
essential to our success. If our Israel, now so small,
ever should " arise," it will be,
2dly. By the concurrent efforts of Christian friends.
" How shall" our people " hear without a preach¬
er V' and " how shall they preach," who have not
B
10
been commissioned! and where is our own com¬
missioned ministry ? Even for the Heralds of the
Cross—for the pioneers of the Church, we must
be indebted to other and more favored sections
of our country, until it shall please God to " pour
out his Spirit from on High," and to put it into the
heart of some of the son* of the soil to consecrate
themselves to his service—to the gathering in of the
precious harvest, which here whitens and ripens
before fheir very eyes.
I will not, brethren, think so ill of the Church at
large, or of its separate members abroad, as to sup¬
pose that an honest, candid, full statement of our
spiritual necessities, and a plea lor their relief,
prompted by hearts full of intense anxiety, ar d urged
with the holy eloquence ol truth and feeling, can be
coldly arid perseveringly neglected. They will not,
surely, refuse us some of "the crumbsfrom their
well provided spiritual tables. With abundant re¬
sources, temporal and spiritual, they will certainly
give somewhat at least tp ojir comparative destitu¬
tion. The very mariner, on the pathless ocean, will
give to a brother mariner, from his own scanty and
measured store. His heart warms, his eye fills, his
hand is extended, when he hears the cry of those
whose bread is consumed, and whose "water hath
failed." Although in peril himself, he will go to the
relief of thnse, whose peril is greater. Even when
there are no supernumeraries, and whe# the services
of all are needed, some will still be spared to navi¬
gate the bark, which otherwise would never reacli
her port Shall there be more of philanthropy
and brotherly feeling among the rude sons of the
oc ean, than there is in and for " the Ark of Ovist's
1 hurch?"
When I think, brethren, how the cry from distant,
and Heathen lands, has been heard and
swered by ('hristeudom, I cannot think, that they
who are severed f»om us by no wide geographical
limits* who dwell u&derthe same bappy gois^nment,
11
and have the closer tie of christian brotherhood—they
Who are "bone of our bone, and flesh of our flesh,"
will have neither sympathies nor charities for us!
It is uttering no humiliating cry of pauperism—it is
no degrading casting of ourselves upon the eleemosy¬
nary kindnesses of our brethren abroad, to tell them,
that-this is indeed the hoar of our need—th.it the pro¬
ductions of our soil are diminished in value to very
nothing—that gloom and embarrassment rest over
Our commerce—that our cities which had so nobly
provided for their own spiritual wants, and which
Would so willingly have aided others, are t>umed
with fire and that all that can be spared to the
cause of charity, or of God, is pressingly demanded
for the relief of homeless, helpless sufferers. INow
then let our brethren help us, in regard to our spiri¬
tual necessities, and it will be charity indeed.
There is also another most important aid, for which
We are to pray and to hope—-the aid of personal
ministerial exertion. If there be any conviction,
Which would come with sickening force to the heart
6f a lover of the Church and of the souls of men, as
he looked upon the mdrail aspect of this extended
Ktate, surely it would be that, which the Saviour so
touchingly expressed: " The harvest truly is great,
but the laborers are few ;1 and with him he would
exclaim to all His Christian companions and friends,
"pray ye the Lord of the Harvest that he would send
laborers into his vineyard."
Oh! among all that are girding themselves with the
armour of God, and enlisting themselves as good
"soldiers Of Christ," in the cause of his "Church
milit flirt bh earth," it cannot be, that none will come
and share our unecrual contest, for the victo y of truth.
ound vineyards already success--.
fully cultured, and supplied with their own efficient
and pledged laborer^; where they can at best, but aid
those who scarcely need aid, and at last, "enter into
other weft's labors 9" Here is a field, wide, rich,
thronging and clinging of our
12
promising; waiting for " the good seed of the word,y
and capable of producing an abundant harvest to the
glory of God. If there be zeal, if there be kindness,
if there be imong them the warm heart, and the self-
sacrificing, high-souled devotedness of those to whom
" hrist is all, and in all," and who would give all for
Christ, some at least will hear our cry, and will " come
over and help us."
Brethren, behold, here are we, '*two or three"
laborers, in a distridt comprising sixty thousand
square miles, and among a population of probably
hall a million, among whom are thousands—thou¬
sands once nurtured in the bosom of the Church; and
thousands of others who would gladly attach them¬
selves to her communion. How shall we, mortal
ourselves, break the bread, and distribute the waters
of life, to so many perishing souls'! Well may we
ask, " What are we, among so many ?" Oh, " wha
could be sufficient for th se things ?" Did we " come
behind in no gift," and were we " enriched with all
knowledge, and with all utterance," we should still
be found wanting. We should need the martyr spirit
and the unearthly energies of apostolic men, and
apostolic days. Like Philip, we should need " the
angel of God," to point us to the scenes of our mis¬
sion ; and the " spirit of the Lord," to translate us
from spot to spot. We should require the " tongues
of fire," and the hand of power. Without all these,
then, few in number, and but as the ordinary sons of
men, who, or what are we, among so many ?
One spot that was carefully enclosed has been left
for a time untended, through lack of a laborer—one
flock that was gathered, left without a shepherd;* and
" other sheep have we also, (Oh,how many!) who are
not of this fold," who wander " through the deserts
and over the mountains and do not our hearts say
to us, " them also we must bring," that they may
become united to "the one fold under one shepherd 1"
• AlIudiDg to the congregation of Christ Church, Macon.
13
Ye shepherds of Israel! come to our aid. Heat
ye not th»- voice from the Heavens—the voice of Hiin
who " la d down fcis life for the sheep even " the
Chief Shfepherd and Bishop of souls," saying to you5
individually, " Lovest thou me 1 Feed my sheep-
feed my lambs J"
But well has the Psalmist declared, that " it ia
better to trust in the Lord, than to put confidence in
man and they that have felt how often human aids
are withheld, or how impotent when given, will
acquiesce in the declaration. To Gody then, h tus
look, without whom, " nothing is strong—nothing ie
holy." For,
3dly. We may be assured, in answer to the inquiry
of the Text, that it is only by him, that we " shall
arise."
From Him, " cometh every good and perfect gift*
From Him, " all holy desires, all good counsels, and
all just works do proceed." Acknowledging his
influence, even upon the decisions of our own minds,
and the resolves of our own wills, we must feel that,
independently of him, we could neither " think those
things which were gc od, nor have grace to bring the
same to good effect." We would either be wholly
wanting, in effort, or our efforts, unsanctified and
unblessed by him, would end in fruitlessness and
disappointment.
This, brethren, is not the place ; neither is this
the occasion, for a labored statement or proof
of ihe Doctrine of his Providence. I assume that
doctrine as admitted. I presume you to receive it in
all "its length, and breadth, and height, and depth
and with all its blessed and encouraging deductions.
You have seen God displaying his power, and effect¬
ing his purposes through all the Kingdoms of the
Natural World. You know that it is He who cl thes
the earth with verdure and beauty, or withers it by
the breath of his displeasure. He " made it so sure
that it can never be moved." except by his own ^vill.
He hath " appointed to the sea its bounds ,which it
14
eannot pass at any time to turn agalA and cover thg
earth." Witli similar sovereignty, al hough in a differ¬
ent mode, he rules over the department of mind; over¬
throwing the counsel of the crafty, and restraining
the wrath of the furious, " or making even that wrath
to praise him." Surely, "theLord God omnipotent
reigneth." He is "Governor among the > ations," and
" King among the people.'* " He putteth down one,
and setteth up another." Shall he then, thus guide,
direct, and overrule "the kingdoms of this world," and
still be indifferent to " the Kingdoifi of his dear Son V'
Against such a thought, our hearts revolt. It is Con¬
futed by all the records of past history—it is at
Variance with all the solemn assurances of yet unac¬
complished prophecy. In the ages that are past,
even from his first covenant with man, the Church
that was to be " gathered out of the world," was
fever dear Unto God—watched over by the holiest
guardianship of his Good Providence—furthered by
" the wholesome strength of his right hand," and
enriched by the best gifts and graces of his Good
Spirit: "He has reproved even Kings for its sake."
His language to an opposing world has ever been,
" Touch not mine anointed, and do my Prophets no
harm." Under its greatest depressions and disper¬
sions, He has ever preserved to himself t% a seed and
a name to serve himand it requires but a glance at
the mutations of the world, to See how wonderfully
they <ave all been overrnled for the good of that
" little flock to whom it is his good pleasure to give
the Kingdom." Can we suppose then that this Pro¬
vidence will now be withdrawn from the Church,
when it exists under its last and most spiritual dispen¬
sation ? When the Son of his love " hath pur¬
chased it with his own blood," shed upon it abun¬
dantly the effusions of spiritual grace, and ascended,
to plead in person, its cause in the Heaven of Heavens'?
Surely, brethren, this Church, once comparatively
"fa*off," i^ now brought nearer unto God, b} virtue
of its union with Christ. He is "the Tine"—It is "the
15
Branch,* He is "the Head'WIt is #c*he Bo<2y.3>~^
His own glory is inseparably connected with its
s; ccess ; and for that success His unfailing word is
pledged. " Jjq ! I ara with you always, even to the
end of the wor;d." " The Gates r-f Hell shall not
prevail against it." Here then, brethren, we found
our confidence—a confidence not t > be shaken. God
hath always loy d and guarded his Chur h, and hath
promised to love and guard it forever. That promise
he will fulfil. " (lath He said, and shall He not do it 1
Hath He spoken, and shaty He not make it good V9
Behold, "the Heavens and the Earth shall pass
away ; but of his word not one jo$, pr one tittle shall
fail !" His guardianship oyer it as a whole, necessa¬
rily supposes a similar guardianship over the parts.
In bis premise to the whole, each of these parts has
a share and an interest; and we, as one of the mem*
bers, should rejoin in the anticipation, and strive *>y
holy engageduiess and pr^y^r, to secure and hasten
forward its early and complete fulfilment.
Deeply i^npre$6ed,then, with a sense of our depen-
dence,iet m rejoice that the w*ay of access is now
ope^dto "the Father of tighij" and life,through the
mediation of his Spn ; and that we may now " come
with ?bol4ness tpthe Throng ofGrace,to find strength
to help in tame ^of njged." It i^ written for our encourr
agement, that "if we, being evil, kpow how to giv®
good gifts unto o^r children how much more shall
©Hr Heavenly Fitberglve k^s Holy Spirit," and all
o&ejr needful blessings, "to them that ask him-"^
Let,w " fsk then, that we may revive ; let lis seek*
that w,e %d; let us knocks that a doqr joaay be
opened ms." Prayer is the very language
natural to piety. S^e c^irnpt, ^axe &Qt pjove, without
a# 9|*peal t<? H^avei*. T&e motto engrave# on the
tableta^of her faeart, .is this: " Jn all tfcy way? a&-
knowledge Him, and he shall direct thy j»aJ& " Fop
fhe Church? we are specially eryo^4 to pray.—
".JPray ye for pe^ce of J^usaLan^" " Fr^j ye.
IB
into his viney&rd " How many such prayers, dhce
uttrred by tongues that were eloquent, for i-od, and
to Hod, but long since stilled in the silence of death,
are recorded in the scriptures, at once as models and
incitements to us! Let us then obey tb#' injunctions
of God, and follow the example of his Saints. Let
us " make mention of the Lord and keep not silence,"
until " He establish and make Jerusalem a praise in
the earth, a joy of many generations." In our cl >sets,
in our families, in the sanctuary, let the theme that
concentrated most the intensity of devotion, and
that most effectually prompts that " wrestling" in
prayer, which ever " hath power with God and pre-
vaileth," be the Church—the Church in her purity,
her enlargement, her perpetuity—the Church, first
to be extended over the earth, and then to be trans¬
lated to the Heavens.
Brethren! to ourselves, both God and man, look for
" all good fidelity," in the trusts committed to us.—
To our brethren in Christ, we look for such aids as
the Providence of God hath put in their power, and
as the cla'ms of Christian philanthropy and Christian
brotherhood ask at their hands; and to the great
* Head of the Church," we raise the eye of faith, in
the fullness of trust and love, for that crowning bles¬
sing, without which vain would be the help of man.
Thus, true to ourselves, and furthered b; ;th by earth
and Heaven, we shall be enabled to exchange the
desponding question, "By whom shall Jacob arise?
for he is small," for the thankful acknowledgment,
He hath arisen and hath " shaken himself from the
dust, and hath put on his beautiful garments, and
girded himself with strength." God "hath h#ped
him, and hath poured his benefits upon him." "Tile
Lord hath redeemed Jacob, and glorified himself in
Israel." " Even so, oh Father, so may i$ seem good
in thy sight."
I offer, brethren, a few closing remarks, under a
solemn sense of their importance and practical bear¬
ing ; with an affectionate solicitude for interests that
must be dear to all our hearts.
11
Small as has heretofore been our Zion, thus far at
least, there has been "peace within her walls" We
have been too few in number—too widely separated—
too much interested in a common object, to do ought
else than feel and "love as brethren.'''' Let me
intreal, that the same spirit may be still preserved.
It is essential alike to the comfort and the success of
our labors. Let none of those unhappy divisions, of
Which at a distance we have heard, dnd over which,
as men, as christians, as lovers of the Church, we
cannot but mourn—let none of those party distinc¬
tions and party names, which have been so rife of
mischief to the general cause of religion and the
Chtirch, ever be introduced among us. I should
regard him who would sow the seeds of dissentioh
in our spiritual enclosure, as sowing " tares among
ttie wheat." I would say of him, It is an " enemy
that doeth this." Though he came uhder a specious
title, as a messenger of peace, and arrayed as "ah
angel of light," I should remember the Apostolic
caution: " Mark them which cause divisions and
offences among you, and avoid them."
This , is no party language, for it comes not from
a party dgertt. It can have, therefore, no invidious
or party bearing. I am persuaded that our course of
duty and of prudence resolves itself into these few
pat ticulars : Fidelity tb our doctrinal standards, not
simply because they are ours, but because they
Embrace the doctrines of the Bible—-the doctrines of
Wg gross; obedience to cononical authority—estab¬
lished eclesiastical discipline; and a conscientious
adhertifyce to our prescribed formularies of worship.
tb which all who profess thein-
ililves of" tl$<emvrck, dome up>, ahd of which
MMe should mil atfcVt minor points, oh irhich pfer-
Wk Uhhnimity be ittiplofesibie! aWl cfertainh^ is
tfot essential, fflfyuKffce invariably waived, as temi&g
to thb& "que6tii*rik find strifes of words, whereof
f&cc6f|Hn£pk tfitt W? stft) coriie fenvy, strife, raiting,
l^llVsth^isinf?1 why should tire- "for meafc" fbr
C
18
trivial discrepancies, "destroy the work of God-
destroy our brethren for whom Christ died ?" I ask
not, I advocate not, in any case, the abandonment of
principle ; but surely the time has come, when the
spirit of peace and the counsel of peace, can alone
promote th*; work and restore the reign of peace;
when oil must be thrown upon the troubled waters of
contention, and He whom the winds and the sea obey,
be supplicated to speak the winds to peace, or the
spiritual Ark, tost with tempests, will scarcely wea¬
ther the storm, and rest at last upon " God's Holy
Hill." The dearest wish of my heart, is for the peace
of Jerusalem; and it I know that heart, the last
prayer for the Church which it will prompt as it bursts
in death, will be, " Lord Jesus give peace to thy peo¬
ple, and bless thine heritage." Onus, brethren, few, tri¬
ed, engrossed as we are, the cultivation of that spirit,
the adoption ofthrit counsel, are peculiarly incumbent.
There is before us a mighty work of evangelizing!—
What have we then to do with disputes or parties ?
To our work, brethren, to our work, in the spirit of
pence, of love, and of a souitd mind; so shall the "very
God" and " Prince of Peacu" go with us !
Again, brethren, in the prosecution of this evan¬
gelizing work, let us remember, that we enter not
into the field, to wage an unhallowed, unchris¬
tian warfare, against others who may regard
themsrlves as " Soldiers of the Cross," and be war¬
ring agai ist Sin and Satan. If they do at all
" cast out the evil spirits in the name of Christ," who
are we* that we should desire to <rforbid them," be¬
cause they "jolfow not us ?" Our master hath said,
" forbid them not." We propose not. therefore, any
unkind, unchristian interference with those who go
not with us to the work of the Lord. There is room
enough for us and for them ; and each may do good
in his own way. Our true policy undoubtedly is, to
av id all needless collision with them, which nlajr
weaken -ur common fo
enemy, and all needless
i9
which would involve us in their difficulties, mistake^
or defeats. As far as we deem them wrong, we would
strive and pray that they may be brought to the
acknowledgment of unadulterated truth—as far as
they are right, we would " bid them God speed."—
However widely we may differ from them on some
points, and however honestly we may avow, and firmly,
but prudently and temperately inculcate our own
views, we would still remember, that " by them also
Christ is preached, and therein we do rejoice, yea,
and will rejoice."
Influenced by such a spirit, and acting under such
feelings, surely, brethren, wv may reasonably expect
a reciprocity of Christian kindness and comity. We
work for God, and we should not, therefore, be op¬
posed by the servants of God. The disgusting and
degrading acts of studied proselytism, are foreign to
our institutions, and to our social spirit. We do but
propose, to open a spiritual asylum, for our own
spiritual outcasts, and for others, who have no spiritu¬
al home—to lift up a standard for our own people,
and for the people who have rallied round no sacred
banner—to do the utmost good in our power, accord¬
ing to our own views of expediency, and in our own
way. In this, we only do that, which others do. We
but imperfectly fulfil our duty to our own members—
to the Church—to the Christian public, and to the
Great Head of the Church. We only enter upon $
work, the non-performance of which has too long
been our reproach, and may perhaps be justly de¬
manded at our hands.
i hir Articles of faith, and our devotional formularies,
have lofig been before the Christian public ; and
Protestaftt "Christendom, has long since passed upon
tlifem its decision, and sealed them with the stamp of
jits general approval. Some of the warmest admirers
atoa eulogists of both, have been those, who. from the
prejudires of education? or from some minor grounds
of preference, have-been attached to other com «iu-
pions. -|S'endeavoring then to extend a Church,
f m.
20
u built upon the foundation of Apostles and Prophet
Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone,"
in which the humiliating and converting doctrines of
the Cross, shall be preached, and the worship and
the ordinances of God maintained, we shall in some
small degree at least, be advancing that good work,
tp which so many Christian hearts are devoted ;
"casting in our mite," into that rich fund of spiritual
privilege, which is the glory and the comf rt of this
n latter d. yfurthering the cause of the Redeemer,
and the salvation of souls.—Surely, then, " all that
love the Lord Jesus Christ," will rejoice in our
success.
Brethren, there is a state of society, a degree of
advancement peculiarly adapted to the successful
introduction of our services—-when enlightened
minds ask for an enlightened ministry, and when
piety looks for warmth without extravagance—for
zeal united with knowledge, and tempered by
prudence. In many parts of the diocese, that statfe
has confessedly been reached; and in these I ani
persuaded, those services would be hailed with delight.
Our enlargement, hitherto retarded by unavoidable
causes, may now reasonably be anticipated on human
grounds of probability, far more, under the sanction
Of Divine \ romise. Let us not miss the golden season
of opportunity : Let us not be outdone, by so many,
who, at least in pur estimation, cannot boast so
ancient an origin—so sublime a worship—so jyell
ordered a polity. Now, let us "be strong in the Lord,
and in tlie power of his might." We have only to
establish the Church; to prpvide for the settlement
of its ministry,and for the observance ofits ordinances;
and it will then ma^e its own wa^ apd manliest, t$s
own power; for it carries its witness with it, aryithe
shield of God for its dtef^nqe. ^
Bretlirei^ if indeed w? ^ in sapestj M
it in deed, ifntljer than word. - ^ t$i$Ye,
€tct as those wh- > 4" believe.
Sowing fajut, au4
21
let us think upon " the sure word of Prophecyand
let our eyes look upon the fair ^scenes which its hea¬
venly pencil hath sketched to our view. Behold! God
hath said it, and it shall be done. This moral desert
over which piety well might weep, shall yet " rejoice
and blosgdm as the rose : it shall blossom abundant¬
ly." Yea, to carry your thoughts still further, this
whole earth, now filled with violence and crime, shall
yet become the " Kingdom of the Lord, and of his
Christ." Let us, then, perform our part towards the
furtherance of God's mighty schemes. Let us do
what we can, and God will do what we desire.—
"Jacob shall arise, and his cause, and the cause oi his
God, be glorified.
The path of duty is plain—the obligation to it
Universal and commanding—-its fffects are certain as
the pledge jpf Gi d-7-T#s rewards through his free
grace and iiifpute mercy, in Christ Jesus our Lord,
are as " high as fieavenb,'' as lasting as Eternity,
JOURNAL
op the
of the
SEVENTH ArfTNtTAZ CONVENTION
op The
P&OTESANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH IN THE STATE OP GEORGIA,
Held ip Christ Church, on ihe 27th and 28th April, 1829.
Savannah, 27th April, 1829.
This being the day appointed for holding the
Seventh Annual Convention of the Protestant Epis¬
copal Church, for the State of Georgia ; and this city
having been selected as the place of meeting, several
of the lergy and lay delegates attended at Christ
Church, at 10 o'clock, A. M.
Divine Service was conducted by the Rev'd Hugh
Smith, Rector of St. Paul's Church, Augusta.
The Rev'd Mr. Smith, was then invited to take the
Chair, and Mr. A. Gould to act as Secretary pro tem.
Thellev'd H. Smith, Rector of St. Paul's Church,
Augusta, and the Rev'd E. D. Neufville, Rector of
Christ's Church, Savannah, having taken their seats
as members of the Convention, certificates of Lay
Delegation,which were examined and approved, were
presented by the following gentlemen :—■
WM. B. BULLOCH, )
DR. J. BOND READ,4 From Christ Church, Savannah,
DR. WM. PARKER, I >
ARTEMAS GOULD, from St. Paul's Church, Augusta,
Who accordingly took their seats, as members, of the
Convention. The Convention was then organized
by the choice of the following Officers, viz:
REV. H. SMITH," ?■ resident, . f
J. BOND RE^D,1Treasurer, ,
. A. GOULD^^e^^ f;
28
On motion, it was Resolved, That the same rules
of order adopted by the previous Conventions of
this Diocese, be adopted as the rules of this.
On motion of Mr. Bullock, seconded by Dr. Parker,
it was Resolved, That the thanks of the Convention
be presented to the Rev'd Mr. Smith, for his impres¬
sive and very appropriate Sermon, delivered yester¬
day in Christ's Church ; and believing that it is
calculated to advance the interest of Religion and
the Church, that he be requested to furnish a copy
of it for publication.
The following Parochial Reports were then re
ceived
CHRIST CHURCH-Savannah.
In the flourishing condition of this Church, whicli
has increased considerably in number during the last
year, the Rector has good reason to be encouraged,
and to hope that his labors have been, and w ill be,
abundantly blessed. The individuals engaged in the
Sunday School and missionary departments, have
manifested a commendable zeal ; although in the
latter, but little has been accomplished, that little,
however, he trusts, is but the first fruits of an exten¬
sive and plentiful harvest. The Society of Ladies,
whose organization Was noticed* in the last Report,
has, by the active industry of its members, placed the
sum of Two Hundred Thirty-nine Dollars and Eighty
Cents, at the disposal of the Managers of the Mis¬
sionary Fund in this State. The, Sunday School
Library, collected by the personal exertions of the
superintendantis, .consists of 137 volumes, and the
scholars are becoming more and more interested in it.
A class of colored children has been formed, the
instructions of which are confined to the elementary
prit^ciples of religious knowledge, and right under¬
standing of the scriptures.
The following is^a statement of the official acts
performed sirtce the last Convention
24
Baptisms, adults—White 2 ; Infanta, White,
Do. colored ! ; do col red 3.
Total 28.
Funerals 12—Marriages 10.
To the number of communicants, ten have been
added ; but from the death of one, the withdrawal of
onie, and the removal of three, the present numb r is
113.—In the Sunday School (J. A. Clifford, siiperin-
tendant) there are Teachers 14; Scholars (white) on
Register 97; Average Attendants 53; In the Colored
School 35 ; the whole number of Scholars 132.
E. D. JNEUFVILLE, Rector.
ST. PAUL'S CHURCH—augusta.
Rev. Hugh Smith, Rector.
Since the last Convention, there have been Bap¬
tised —Adult, white I; Children, white, 20; Children,
colored. 2—Total 23.
Communicants added, 8; Died, 4; Removed 2;
present number ?2. 1 / , * ,
Marriages, 7—of which one was "solemnized at
Hamburg, and. one at Edgefield Court-House, S. C.;
and two in Burke County, in this State.—Funerals 5.
The Sunday School attached to this Church, has
been recently re-organized, and is now in successful
operation. The sum of $45 was lately collected
towards the purchase of a Sunday School Library.—
About 60 volumes have already been |ftrticured, to
which others will shortly be added*
john f. LLQYDr$upe.rinteiiddnt]M[aU Department.
missmatjlit>a fyytlqtj, Do. Female Deparimpnt,
james harrison, Secretary. 1.
edwlm b: webster, Librarian.
^here are five Female and four Male 'fefcliej^j
ind fi^y-two Srh.ifars, dfwhom about forty ire regu¬
lar attendants^ ^
The "Female Missionary Society ot St. t*aiJ$s
^i«rfeh,'lduriiig the last yeftr, heljiM#F^l§|&
benefit of the
25
Diocese; from which was realized the sum of nearly
Three Hundred Dollars.—Another was to have
been held in the ensuing month ; but the recent heavy
calamity with which our city has been visited, has
rendered a postponement necessary. They deserve
much praise for the zeal and spirit of their operations,
and it is trusted will not soon "become weary in well
doing."
During the last year the Church sustained a heavy
loss, in the removal by death of its esteemed, liberal
and pious Senior Warden, Dr. Anderson Watkins.
It is, however, consolatory to reflect, that to the
ministrations of this Church, he thankfully ascribed,
under God, his conversion from " darkness to light
that his Christian life was a happy exhibition of the
power of Christian principle ; and that his death was
singularly peaceful and'happy. He gave a solid proof
of his devotedness to the interests of this Church, by
a liberal testamentary bequest of Five Thousand
Dollars, of which the interest is to be applied solely
towards the support of the officiating minister. The
Rector is happy to state that the Congregation under
his charge continues steadily to increase in numbers,
and he trusts *also, in piety. In its progressive
extrication from pecuniary embarrassment, in its
peaceful and happy state, and in the affectionate
attachment of its members, he finds abundant cause
for gratitude to the Giver of all Grace.
Extract from the Report of the Rev*d Thomas S. W Mott% per-
forming Missionary services at St. Simon's Island, Geo.
Mr.^lott slfjates, that he " arrived on the Island in
«the early part of November, and with the exception
of a few weeks, during which he was confined by an
iattaqk of fever, has officiated regularly once every
Sabbath, which, on account of the scattered state of
the population, is as frequently as Public Worship can
be con^&$^ntly attended." He, farther states that,.
endaats was not more thai*
0
about ten whites, and twenty of the slave population*
It has now increased to from thirty-five to fifty whites,
with as many colored people as the Church dan well
accommodate ; and that " in short, there are but a
very few individuals on the Island who possess tfre
means of conveyance, that are not in m6 habit of
regular and punctual attendance."
A very gratifying proof of the estimation in which
the services of Mr. Mott were held, and of the favora¬
ble impression he had produced, as Well as of the
desire of the people for the ertjc ymerit of the minis¬
trations of the Church, was furnished by the resolu*
tions adepted at a meeting, held for the purpose of
securing his fjermarierit Settlement oil the Island : by
which, considering the small numbed of tWose who
could contribute, a very liberal Gffet* wets rriade fot
his support.
Mr. iVIo^t further writes—■" On my first arrival, I
could learn of but two d^Wee C^iirattjcgilitS. Froitf
whf-1 c&ule it is impdSsibfe tb tlWugk°pfobsibH'
for want of the adflldtfty, Mifl B&st^
nor the late Mi*. Mktfi&Mt, '®i£ pewfid-
tieritlv located for * atoy itee ufrdti ttie Island, ettfc
adiriinist&red ihe Sacr^erit erf the Lord's Supfiei^.-^
Since my arrival it has been adminrkei-edto,Itfiink;
seventtidividiials, which is f)roba%!y tittife
since the days of Oglethorpe. Oii the thfrd of May^
the last Sunday 1 expifect to be here, we expect &
small addition to the communion. *
Oyring the winter, there have beeji two Baptisms
and three Funerals. * ^
It only remains for me to say that I have been
Much pleased WitH my sifti&fidn. ffifcbe famtlyof
TWomag B King, I&j. wftii \^bbni I Have
almost the whole of itfjr time, and whose pri$lc?^piii^fc
arid liberality towards thfe CKiirbh &rC Wfrrt&y W fell
prraike, I Kate e£$fc A&tf ckd 'W& tittfro&t k1$!dtre6S fam
hospitality, as vvell &s froifi every %HHy iibdti tftje?
Island. Indeed tlie Uniforrii gbcrtl iviU^itfli wMoh^f
ha$e where bfe&tt'
m
there are few places where a minister could be more
happily situated; and the patient attention with
which the people have listened to me on the Sabbath,
shows that there is a highly reasonable prospect of
doing good.
The number of inhabitants is small it is true ; but
then they are united in favor of the Episcopal Church,
I believe without exception ; and 1 am persuaded
that by the constant exertions of a faithful minister,
this parish would become one of the most harmonious
and, in many respects, most flourishing in the coun¬
try."* ' .
No reports were received from the Church at
Macon.
After some discussion, it was then Resolved, That
the subject of the alterations in the Liturgy, proposed
by the House of Bisliops, at the last General Con¬
vention of the Protestant Episcopal Church in the
United States of America, and referred by that Con¬
vention to the consideration of the several State
Conventions, subsequently referred by the last Dio¬
cesan Convention of this State to the present Conven¬
tion, apd; to 'be finally acted upon-at the ensuirtg
General Convention of the Protestant Episcopal
Church, to be held in Philadelphia, on the second
> Wednesday jn Aii^isl iiext, be now taken up.
These proposed alterations of the Liturgy, were
then Aiken up separately, and after mature delibtra-
tion'and full dWcj|ssion, were all agreed to unani-
n^isly, the first only excepted, in regard to which
thece was one vote in the negative.f
* .fKas n,ot received until tjie morfiing after the risi^j*
,qf the Copg^tipn ; but the gratifying nature of the intelligence
$hipfi it cpprtinnica^ejs, renders proper and expedient, its insertion
,it> the Journal. , '0i..
,i^A jecond c«^wuj»|c^tipp gives the still more gratifying informa-
Uon,,fh^t Mr. Mott ^ill R^qbabjy retrain fit St. Simons', during the
©PWiflg ||*r. -
f Thfl tfaesa alterations, without giring thejK
Af.loncrth. mav.hn.hriaflv stated. .The 1st. provides, that instead of
28
On motion : Resolved, That the Delegates to the
next General Convention, be instructed to ofFejr for
consideration the following canon:—\o clergyman
of this Church hereafter ordained shall become Hec¬
tor, Minister, or assistant Minister of any Church of
Congregation in a city, or populous town, until he
shall have served for at least two years, as a Mis¬
sionary in some destitute part of the country, or
shall have been instrumental in building up some
new Church or Congregation.
It was then moved and carried, that in case of the
employment of Deacons as Missionaries, in thte
Diocese, those of the clergy in Priests' orders, be
requested, according to their proximity, to visit the
stations of such Missionaries, for the purpose of
administering the Lord's Supper ; and that the ex¬
penses attendant on such visits, be defrayed out of
the funds of this Convention.
The Convention then adjourned until one o'clock,
to allow of a meeting of the " Protestant Episcopal
Society, for the advancement of Christianity in Geor¬
gia." At one o'clock it resumed its Session.
The following Report from that Society, in the
form of an extract from the minutes of its proceed¬
ings, was then presented to the Convention.
"A Committee was then appointed to examine the *
the Psalms for the day of the1 month, the Minister may either use
one of the selections, as.now, or else any other Psalm or Psalm$,
except on those days on which " proper Psalms" «re appointed.
The 2d provides, that 11 the Minister may, at his discretion, instead
of the entire lessons, read suitable portions thereof, not less than
fifteen versos;&c. The5d proposes, instead;of the preface i&
the "office of confirmation,'^ another preface to be used instead of*
the former, at the discretion of the officiating Bishop, as more gene¬
ral in its character, and better suited to the different ages of those
who come to be confirmed. The 4th proposes a discretionary
prayer,which the Bishop may,or may not, at his pleasure, substitute
for the first collect in the office of confirmation, " in order to cor¬
rect the injurious misapprehension of certain terms,1' in the firsf
collect. Th6 5th and last renders more definite, the rubric which
requires the reading of the Anie-CommOnion Service, or the Goth-
maodraents, Epistle & Gospel, on all Sundays-and othar Holy
29
accounts of the Treasurer, who reported that they
had examined th said accoun s, found them correct,
arid a balance in the Treasurer's hands of Three
Hundred and Fifteen Dollars and Ninety Cents.
The Rev'd Mr. ' mith reports th<;t the sum of
Fifteen Dollars voted by the lust Convention, for the
purchase of Prayer Books, has been expended by
him for the purchase of Forty-four Prayer Books, of
"which one half have been left for distribution and sale
in Augusta, and the remainder sent to this City fot
the same purpose. Also, that of the sum of Twenty~
Jive Dollars, appropriated for the purchase of Tracts.,
the greater part has been appropriated to that pur¬
pose, a small sum only remaining in his hands, to be
applied as opportunity may offer.
Resolved, That the Diocesan Sunday School
Depository, established by the last Convention, be
dissolved in consequence of the inconvenience which
is found to result from it; and that the thanks of this
Conventionbe tendered to >'r. John Barry, for his
attention to the duties of his agency.
On motion of Mr. Smith, the sum of Thirty Dol¬
lars was voted for the purchase of Prayer Books and
Tracts during the present year.
On motion : Resolved, That this Society do pledge
themselves to the Convention, and to the members
of the Church in this {State, to employ at least two
Missionaries, on or before the first day of December
next, by and with the advice and consent of the
standing Committee of this Diocese; and that the
clerical members of the Convention be requested to
use theft* best exertions to redeem this pledge."
This Report having been read, was then, on motion
of the Convention, unanimously accepted.
The fo lowing gentlemen were elected memberisof
the Standing Committee, Tiz :—Rev'd il Smith,
Rev'd E. D. iVeufville, Dr. J. B. Read, Dr. T. I.
Wray, Fs F Campbell, Fsq.
And the following as Delegates to the next Gene¬
ral Convention, viz:—Rev'd H. Smith, Rev'd" E. D.
30
Neufville. Hon. George Jones, Dr. J. B. Read, E. F.
€ampb-11, Esq. and Gerard M'Laughlin, Fsq.
The i onvention have received no formal Report
from the - tanding Committee; but they learn with
pleasure from individual members of that Board,
that Mr. Theodosius Bartow has been received as a
candidate for orders, and has already very hjnorably
passed his first examination.
On motion: Resolved, Thajt the Rev'd Mr. Smith's
Sermon of yesterday, and the Journal of the present
Convention, be published in pamphlet form.—that 200
copies be struck off—and that the Rev'd Mr. Smith
and IV/r. A. Gould superintend the prin ing.
On motion: Resolved, That the next Annual Con¬
vention beheld in Augusta on the Monday next after
faster Monday, 1830, and that the Rev. Mr. Neufville
be appointed to preach the Sermon at its opening.
The Convention then adjourned until to-morrow
ft ten o'clock. i:
April 28th, 1829.
The Convention mejt agreeably to adjournment.
On motion, it was Resolved, That the present pro¬
vision for the payment of the expenses of the Dele¬
gates to the State Convention, be repealed.*
No further business being present ed lor considera¬
tion, the Convention adjourned.
HI Gil SMITH, President
A- Gould, Secretory.