Massachusetts 
 General Association 
 
 ! Extracts from the Minutes 
 1322 
 
 Congregations'' Churches 
 
 BX7I46 
 
 M4A5 
 
 1822 
 
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 EXTRACTS 
 
 FROM THE 
 
 GENERAL ASSOCIATION OF MASSACHUSETTS, 
 
 ASSEMBLED AT 
 
 SPRINGFIELD, JUNE 25, 1822. 
 
 BOSTON: 
 
 PRINTED BY CROCKER AND BREWSTER, NO. 50, CORNHIIX. 
 
 1822. 
 
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 3U i soya ayoiAvs 
 
MINUTES 
 
 Of THE 
 
 GENERAL ASSOCIATION OF MASSACHUSETTS, 
 
 The General Association of Massachusetts, convened at Spring- 
 field, Tuesday, June 25, 1822, at five o'clock, P. M. and continu- 
 ed its sessions until Thursday evening. 
 
 Rev. HEMAN HUMPHREY, Moderator. 
 
 Rev. ALFRED ELY, Scribe. 
 
 Rev. RICHARD S. STORRS, Assistant Scribe, 
 
 MEMBERS. 
 
 Rev. Messrs. Ralph W Gridley, > Berkshire Association. 
 
 « « Heman Humphrey, ^ 
 
 " Benjamin Woodbridge, ) Mountain . 
 
 " " Rufus Pomeroy, ^ 
 
 « « Solomon Williams, > H hire Central. 
 
 u u Payson Wilhston, ^ r 
 
 « « Timothy M. Cooley, ) H den . 
 
 « « Alfred Ely, $ 
 
 " " Stephen Crosby, > Brookfield . 
 
 » " Jason Park, $ 
 
 " " *Eber L. Clark, North Worcester. 
 
 '• " Joh L n Rodman, ) Union> 
 
 « " Richard S. Storrs, $ 
 
 « « David Oliphant, Salem and Vicinity. 
 
 « « Sylvester Holmes, > ou Cd 
 
 " « John Shaw, ) 
 
 « '• Enoch Pratt, Barnstable. 
 
 « " John H. Rice, D. D. ) General Assembly of the 
 
 « " John McDowell, D. D. \ Presbyterian Church. 
 
 * Took his seat the second day 
 
4 
 
 Rev. Messrs. Luther Hart, > General Association of Connecticut. 
 " " Isaac Parsons, } 
 
 « « John Walker, > General Association of New 
 
 r I 
 ' $ Hampshire 
 
 Rufus Cushman, General Convention of Vermont 
 
 h D. D. | 
 
 Enoch Hale, Secretary. 
 
 Samuel Osgood, Minister of the place. 
 
 r Evangelical Consociation of 
 Samuel Austin, D. D. J ^ lgknd> 
 
 The moderator opened and concluded the several sessions of 
 the Association with prayer, except the last. 
 
 After the reading of the standing rules of the Association, the 
 Rev. Messrs. Hale, Rice and Codman, were appointed a commit- 
 tee of arrangements. 
 
 Rev. Messrs. Cooley, McDowell, Oliphant, Walker and Hart, 
 were appointed to receive the reports of the several ecclesiastical 
 bodies forming this Association and connected with it, and prepare 
 from them a general report on the state of religion. 
 
 Rev. Messrs. Cannon, Croshy, Holmes, Williston and Storrs, 
 were appointed a committee to ascertain the state of the dele- 
 gations from this to other ecclesiastical bodies, and to nominate 
 delegates for the next year. 
 
 Rev. Messrs. Codman, Fay and Storrs, of the Union Association, 
 were appointed to prepare a Pastoral Address to the churches, 
 to be reported at the next annual meeting. 
 
 Rev. Messrs. Osgood, Codman and Shaw, were appointed to 
 audit the accounts of the Treasurer. 
 
 The Report of the committee, appointed last year to revise the 
 rules of this Association was read. After considerable discussion, 
 several articles in the Report were recommitted for amendment 
 to Rev. Messrs. Austin, Cannon, Williams, Hale and Fisk. The 
 original Report, as amended, was afterwards accepted. 
 
 The Pastoral Address, prepared by a committee of the Berk- 
 shire Association, was read and accepted. 
 
 PASTORAL ADDRESS. 
 
 Dear Brethren, beloved in the Lord, 
 
 We wish now to address you on a subject which 
 cannot fail of being interesting to your hearts, the re- 
 vival of religion in the places where you live. The 
 
subject has doubtless occupied your thoughts, and 
 perhaps has excited many prayers and efforts. We 
 are sure you will hear us with attention, and we trust 
 be willing and prompt to adopt and execute the meas- 
 ures which shall be proposed. All experience as well 
 as Scripture shows, that it' the work of the Lord is re- 
 vived, the Lord must revive it. The heart is too hard 
 to melt at human touch. But the same experience 
 and Scripture show, that if the work of God is re- 
 vived, it will be revived through a blessing on means. 
 Thus saith the Lord God, promising good to his chos- 
 en, I will yet for this be inquired of by the house of 
 Israel to doit for them. Permit us then, Brethren, to 
 propose to you some measures, to be adopted, in de- 
 pendence upon divine grace, with a view to promote 
 the revival of religion. 
 
 1. Then we propose that you all meditate deeply 
 upon the importance of this subject. 
 
 Since you named the name of Christ, how many 
 of your brethren, who used to meet you in the circle 
 of prayer and at the table of the Lord, and who en- 
 gaged with you in plans and efforts of benevolence, 
 have fallen asleep! In a little time your days will be 
 numbered and finished. If then God does not revive 
 his work, the churches must dwindle and ultimately 
 perish, or be filled with unconverted and unholy men. 
 And all those that live and die in sin must be mis- 
 erable for ever. The sufferings which they will en- 
 dure from the rage and rancor of indignant and un- 
 gratified passions, from the accusation of conscience, 
 from the sight and execration of companions, and ab- 
 solute despair of relief; from the worm that never 
 dies, and the fire that is never quenched, are beyond 
 conception. Can you bear that your dearest kindred, 
 your neighbors, your fellow-creatures, should go to a 
 hell so awful, without making all possible efforts to 
 deliver them? And should they be converted, they 
 will not only escape this accumulation of evil, but au- 
 
6 
 
 qtiire ; of God, and enjoy blessedness to the 
 
 ext< i their faculties throughout all eternity. But 
 in contemplating the importance of the revival of re- 
 ligion, we are not merely to consider the happiness 
 which will accrue to the subjects. We are to bring 
 into the account their increased usefulness, and the 
 bearing of their conversion upon the cause and king- 
 dom of God. They will enlarge, strengthen, and 
 edify the church, will adorn all the relations of life, 
 will extend a virtuous and blessed influence over so- 
 ciety, will honor God, their Creator, Redeemer and 
 Sanctifier — they will also be the instruments of con- 
 verting others, and of preparing them to convert oth- 
 ers in their turn, and all those who shall be converted 
 through their instrumentality will share with them 
 the glories of heaven. The immediate effects of a 
 revival are exceedingly happy — the future and ulti- 
 mate effects are immense and glorious. 
 
 2. Let every thing be removed from you which is 
 calculated to prejudice the minds of men against re- 
 ligion, and to stay the influences of the Spirit. Chris- 
 tians may do many things, which will injure the cause 
 of their blessed Master. If they sink into stupidity, 
 unconverted men will be likely to draw the conclusion, 
 either that there is no such thing as religion, or that 
 it is a reality of no considerable value. If they be- 
 come worldly in their conversation and pursuits; if 
 they neglect on trivial grounds the ordinances of the 
 Gospel, if they are backward in supporting divine in- 
 stitutions among themselves, or in aiding the plans in 
 operation for sending them abroad, it is no marvel 
 if sinners are prejudiced against religion. All cold- 
 ness, disaffection and uncharitableness among Chris- 
 tians, all open contention and overt acts of wicked- 
 ness, have a mischievous influence. These things 
 also, being criminal in the sight of God, provoke him 
 to withhold his spirit. We entreat you therefore, 
 brethren, to stir up vour minds to duty. Be not con- 
 
formed to this world, but be ye transformed by the 
 renewing of your minds. Banish from you the ris- 
 ings of suspicion, envy, jealousy, and every evil pas- 
 sion. Abhor that which is evil, cleave to that which 
 is good. Let that purity of temper and life be sought 
 by you which existed at Jerusalem, when the Lord 
 added to the church dailv such as should be saved. 
 Walk in the fear of God, and in the comfort of the 
 Holy Ghost, as the churches in Judea and Samaria 
 did when they were multiplied. 
 
 3. In whatsoever things you have been unfaithful, 
 humble yourselves before the Lord. 
 
 Good people, the best people, have much to hum- 
 ble them. Perhaps childhood passed wholly away,' 
 perhaps youth, and considerable portions of manhood, 
 before any holy emotions were cherished towards 
 their Maker and Benefactor. When they were the 
 servants of sin they were free from righteousness. 
 And how have they lived since they were converted 
 to God? Very dilferently from what they once did, 
 and very differently from the rest of the world; for 
 they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with 
 its affections and lusts. But they have not loved, serv- 
 ed and glorified God to the extent of his law. No 
 day has passed over their heads in which they have 
 done nothing amiss. No relation has been sustained 
 with all that faithfulness, and no service has been 
 performed with all that spirituality, which God has 
 required. How many opportunities for prayer, read- 
 ing, and meditation, for pious conversation, and for 
 doing good, have been omitted? Were they favored 
 with such discoveries of the purity and majesty of 
 God, of the holiness of his worship, and the strict- 
 ness of his law, as were vouchsafed to Job, Isaiah, and 
 Paul, they would have occasion to adopt their con- 
 fessions. We entreat you then, Brethren, to review 
 faithfully your past exercises and lives, and wherein 
 you find any deviation from the will of God, humbly 
 confess them. To judge ourselves, is the way not 
 
8 
 
 be condemned with the world. It is the way to ob- 
 tain the favor of God; for he resisteth the proud, but 
 giveth grace to the humble. And we would affection- 
 ately recommend to the brethren, to set apart seasons 
 for the purpose of humbling themselves privately be- 
 fore God. Where there is a pious family we recom- 
 mend that they humble themselves before God as a 
 family. And we recommend furthermore to the breth- 
 ren of the churches, that they meet together as a body 
 for this purpose. When Daniel understood that the 
 time for delivering the people approached, he set his 
 face unto the Lord his God, to seek by prayer and 
 supplication, with fasting, and sackcloth, and ashes. 
 His pious brethren, doubtless, followed his example. 
 
 4. We propose to the brethren, to address their 
 fellow-creatures, who are without the pale of the 
 church on the subject of conversion to God. 
 
 Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth will 
 speak. If Christians feel the worth of the soul, how 
 can they mingle with their fellow-creatures from day 
 to day, and say nothing to them on the things of the 
 kingdom of God. We do not think it desirable that 
 Christians, in conversation with the unconverted, 
 should dwell on the more abstruse and difficult points 
 of theology; much less that they should dwell on 
 mint, anise anil cummin. The great subject which we 
 would have them present before sinners has been 
 named, conversion to God. This stands directly con- 
 nected with their everlasting welfare; and they must 
 experience it or be lost. This must be urged. Far 
 be it from us, however, to intimate that we would 
 have the brethren assume a stern and dogmatical air 
 in their addresses. This would be more likely to ex- 
 cite disgust than to secure attention; and in the result 
 would probably defeat the object intended. Nor 
 would we have their addresses take a controversial 
 cast. This would probably lead the persons address- 
 ed to take the attitude of opposers. The simplicity. 
 
earnestness, and affection with which Andrew ad- 
 dressed Peter, and Philip Nathaniel, as stated in the 
 first chapter of John, is a specimen of the manner in 
 which we would have the brethren address their fel- 
 low-creatures; a manner the least likely to excite pas- 
 sion and opposition, and the most likely to produce 
 seriousness, conversion, and salvation. 
 
 In this manner Christians individually are bound to 
 address their fellow-creatures. Nothing can absolve 
 them from their obligationto do it. This leads, 
 
 5. To another measure which we would propose 
 to you, and that is, to call upon God earnestly and 
 importunately to revive his work. "O Lord, revive 
 thy work, in the midst of these years make known, 
 and in wrath remember mercy." Every thing should 
 prompt you to pray for this blessing. It is a blessing 
 of inconceivable importance to the church and to the 
 world. It is one which involves more than any other, 
 the glory of God, and the extension and honor of his 
 kingdom. It is one which God is preeminently will- 
 ing: to grant: and for the consistent bestowment of 
 which, provision is made by the mediation 01 Christ. 
 It is one which God has granted in answer to prayer 
 in instances innumerable. While waiting for the 
 promised out-pouring of the Spirit, the disciples con- 
 tinued at Jerusalem with one accord in prayer and 
 supplication. They were engaged in this service 
 when the day of Pentecost arrived, that memorable 
 day on which three thousand souls were convicted 
 and converted. Brethren, God is more ready to give 
 his Holy Spirit than you are to ask it. Do you then 
 wish to have the churches to which you belong en- 
 larged? Do you wish to have your relatives and 
 neighbors brought into the kingdom? Do you wish to 
 see the millennial day approach? Then pray him with 
 whom is the residue of the Spirit, to revive his work. 
 Are you fearful of an increase of error and vice? Then 
 lift up your cries to God to maintain his cause. When- 
 2 
 
10 
 
 ever you enter into your closets, let it be your prayer 
 to God that he would revive his work. Let this be 
 a part of your supplication, morning and evening in 
 the family. If two or three of you meet together, 
 do not separate till a prayer is offered to the Al- 
 mighty. Let praying circles be formed for the ex- 
 press purpose of imploring the revival of religion. Let 
 the church also be gathered together to pray before 
 the Lord, that his name may be hallowed, that his 
 kingdom may come, and his will be done on earth as 
 it is in heaven. 
 
 Beloved brethren, you cannot do without revivals. 
 If, after adopting the measures we have proposed, 
 you fail of the blessing intended, we entreat you to 
 pursue them. Resolve, as churches and as individu- 
 als, "for Zion's sake we will not hold our peace, and 
 for Jerusalem's sake, we will not rest, till the right- 
 eousness thereof go forth as brightness, and the sal- 
 vation thereof as a lamp that burnetii" — "And now 
 blessed be the Lord God, the God of Israel, who 
 only doeth wondrous things, and blessed be his glo- 
 rious name for ever: and let the whole earth be filled 
 with his glory. Amen and Amen." 
 
 // is expected that the above address will be read to 
 each church and congregation in connexion with the Gen- 
 eral Association, by the minister or some other suitable 
 person. 
 
 Rev. Dr. Rice, in behalf of the General Assembly of the Pres- 
 byterian church, having presented a copy of the revised edition 
 of the constitution of that church, to this Association, accompanied 
 by some very appropriate remarks, the following vote was passed 
 by the Association: 
 
 Voted, That while we most sincerely reciprocate the feelings 
 of Christian affection, expressed by Dr. Rice in presenting the 
 Constitution of the Preshj'terian Church, to this body, the thanks 
 of the Association be presented to the General Assembly, for this 
 
11 
 
 token of their regard; and that the Secretary communicate this 
 vote to the stated Clerk of that body. 
 
 It being ascertained that the gentlemen appointed to preach the 
 Associational sermon, would probably fail, a committee was ap- 
 pointed to select a preacher. Dr. Rice was selected, and consent- 
 ed to preach. 
 
 Some communications were submitted from the committee ap- 
 pointed last year to consider the expediency of forming a union 
 between this body and the General Synod of the Dutch reformed 
 church. These communications were committed to the Rev. 
 Messrs. McDowell, Oliphant and Gile, to report before the close 
 of the present session. 
 
 Wednesday afternoon. At two o'clock attended divine service. 
 The sermon' was delivered by Rev. Dr. Rice, from 2 Cor. v, 14, 
 15. "The love of Christ constrameth us," &c. 
 
 The thanks of the Association were presented to the preacher, 
 for his excellent discourse. 
 
 After public worship, the narratives on the state of religion 
 were read. 
 
 The committee for the nomination of delegates to the ecclesi- 
 astical bodies with which this Association is connected, made their 
 report. After taking and counting the ballots on the several nom- 
 inations, it appeared that the following delegates were duly ap- 
 pointed, viz. 
 
 To the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church, to meet 
 
 at Philadelphia, on the third Thursday in May, 1823. 
 Rev. Messrs. John Woodbridge, 
 " » Oliver Cobb. 
 
 « « Jonathan L Pomeroy, > Their substilutes . 
 « <■' Cyrus Mann, $ 
 
 To the General Association of Connecticut, to meet at Windsor 
 on the third Tuesday in June, 1823. 
 Rev. Messrs. Samuel Osgood, 
 " " Jonathan Grout 
 u u Elijah Dexter, * Their substitutes . 
 " « Luakin) P'leips, } 
 To the Genera! Association of New Hampshire, to meet at 
 Pembroke, on the first Tuesday of September, 1822. 
 Rev. Messrs. Rufus Pomeroy, 
 " » John Cod man. 
 
 " !! ^° SW ?l H u W,ieS, I Their substitutes. 
 « V David L. Hunn, $ 
 
 To the General Convention of Congregational and Presbyterian 
 ministers in Vermont, to meet on the second Tuesday of Septem- 
 ber, 1822. 
 
 Rev. Messrs. Daniel A. Clark, 
 g " Experience Porter. 
 
12 
 
 Rev. Messrs. Thomas Shepard, > Theirsubstitules . 
 " " David Ohphant, $ 
 
 To the Evangelical Consociation of Rhode Island, to meet on 
 the second Tuesday of June, 1823. 
 
 Rev. Messrs. Samuel Ware, 
 " " Vinson Gould. 
 " " Elias Cornelius, ) m, . , ... . 
 « « Sylvester BurtJ \ Their substltu tes. 
 
 The committee on the communications respecting an union be- 
 tween this body and the Dutch Reformed church, reported a rec- 
 ommendation, that a committee of three be appointed by this As- 
 sociation, to meet a similar committee on the part of the General 
 Synod of the Dutch Reformed church, if they think proper to 
 appoint such a committee; and that the committee on the part of 
 this General Association have power to agree upon a plan of cor- 
 respondence, which plan it shall be their duty when formed, to 
 report to the General Association for their adoption or rejection; 
 also, that the Secretary of the Association communicate to the 
 Moderator or Secretary of the General Synod, notice of the ap- 
 pointment of this committee. This Report was accepted — and the 
 Rev. A. Hyde, D. D., J. Lyman, D. D. and H. Humphrey, were 
 appointed the committee recommended in the Report. 
 
 Reports of delegates from this Body to other ecclesiastical bodies 
 were presented and read. 
 
 Voted, That the next meeting of this Association be holden at 
 New-Bedford, on the fourth Tuesday in June, 1823, at five o'clock, 
 P. M. at the house of Rev. Sylvester Holmes. 
 
 Voted, That the Berkshire Association be requested to fur- 
 nish the Preacher for the next year. 
 
 At nine o'clock, Thursday morning, the business of the Asso- 
 ciation was suspended to give opportunity for the Domestic Mis- 
 sionary Society to hold their annual meeting. In the Afternoon, 
 after the sermon delivered by the Rev. Mr. Codman, before the 
 Domestic Missionary Society, the Association united with the 
 church, with other ministers, and many members of other churches 
 in the celebration of the Lord's supper. 
 
 Rev. Messrs. Storrs, Gile and Codman, were appointed a com- 
 mittee for the purpose of making such extracts from the minutes 
 of the meeting as they shall judge expedient, and to see that 
 they be published in the usual form: and further, that they pro- 
 cure the insertion of such as may be most interesting to the pub- 
 lic in the Boston Recorder, and other papers. 
 
 Voted, That the thanks of this body be presented to the Rev. 
 Mr. Osgood, and to the first church and congregation in Springfield, 
 for the Christian kindness and hospitality which they have mani- 
 fested during the present meeting of this Association; and to the 
 choir of singers for their generous services, their highly satisfac- 
 tory and distinguished performances. 
 
13 
 
 The Report of the Auditing committee on the state of the treas- 
 ury, was read and accepted. This committee recommended the 
 assessment of seventy-tive cents, on the members of the several 
 associations connected with this body. 
 
 The committee appointed to draft a general Report on the state 
 of religion, presented the following Narrative, which was read 
 and accepted. 
 
 NARRATIVE 
 
 Of the state of religion within the limits of the General 
 Association of Massachusetts, and of other bodies in 
 connexion with it, during the last year. 
 
 Each passing year confirms this great promise of the 
 New-Testament, "I will pray the Father, and he shall 
 give you another Comforter, that he may abide with 
 you forever." All the peace and order in the 
 churches, all the comfort and spiritual growth of Chris- 
 tians, all the stability and enlargement of the empire 
 of holiness, are to be attributed to the influence of Je- 
 hovah the Spirit. The period in which we live is 
 truly eventful. "Revivals of religion" have impart- 
 ed a feature to the present age, which gives it a pe- 
 culiar interest. — In reviewing the past year, while 
 we would very deeply lament the formality and failures 
 of professing Christians, and the errors and vices and 
 affecting stupidity of many impenitent sinners, we 
 would record, with devout gratitude, the special tokens 
 of the divine presence. The Churches within our 
 bounds are generally tranquil and prosperous. Upon 
 a number of our Congregations, divine influence has 
 seemed to descend like the silent dew of heaven, and 
 not a few have been deeply impressed with a sense 
 of the importance of spiritual and eternal things. 
 
 From the Berkshire Association, consisting of twenty 
 Churches, we have received animating intelligence. 
 Fourteen of these, viz. Pittsfield, Stockbridge, VVest- 
 Stockbridge, Lenox, Lee, Great-Barrington, Sheffield, 
 Egremont, both Churches in New-Marl borough, San- 
 disfield, Tyringham, Lanesborough and Williamstown 
 
14 
 
 have been blessed with the special influences of the 
 Holy Spirit; and it is charitably hoped, that there 
 have been nine hundred converts, of vvhoui between 
 six and seven hundred have united with the Church. 
 The revivals in all these Churches began with Chris- 
 tians, and first became manifest by an unusual spirit of 
 prayer. Among the apparent means of this exten- 
 sive and interesting work, the most distinguished in 
 connexion with the preached word, were days of fast- 
 ing and prayer, meetings of inquiry, quarterly meetings 
 for special prayer and the instruction of baptized chil- 
 dren, and visits of committees appointed by the 
 Churches to £0 from house to house. All the Church- 
 es in this Association are united in sentiment and pros- 
 perous. 
 
 In the Mountain Association, consisting of twelve 
 Churches, there has been no special attention except 
 in Washington and Hinsdale, and in the latter place, 
 it has been much injured by sectarian influence. 
 
 From the Franklin Association we learn, that in 
 Conway and Ashfield, the spirit has been poured from 
 on high, and in the former place eighty and in the lat- 
 ter fifty, have hopefully become the subjects of renew- 
 ing grace. There is but one vacancy within the limits 
 of this Association, but several in the vicinity, in some 
 of which a strong desire for religious instruction is 
 manifested. 
 
 There have been no revivals, the past year in the 
 Churches composing the Hampshire Central Associa- 
 tion, yet additions have been made to most of them. 
 Attendance on public worship is general and uniform. 
 The Churches, with the exception of two or three, 
 are supplied with pastors, and are distinguished for or- 
 der and harmony. The number of communicants in 
 nine Churches is 2047, of whom 612 belong to the 
 Church in Northampton. 
 
 The Hamden Association is composed of eighteen 
 Churches and twelve pastors. The whole number of 
 
15 
 
 communicants is two thousand one hundred and fifty- 
 five. During the past year 140 have been admitted 
 to the Churches, and there has been a revived atten- 
 tion to religion in Granville, South-Wilbraham, Long- 
 Meadow, and especially in Tolland. The first Church 
 in Springfield, and the Church in Monson, take up 
 a collection at every communion, for the benefit of 
 their poor, and particularly to aid the benevolent ope- 
 rations of the day; and several of the Churches have 
 adopted a uniform confession of faith. 
 
 The Churches in the Brookfield Association have 
 occasion for thankfulness, that the converts in the late 
 revivals, with but few exceptions, are stedfast in the 
 faith, and persevering in the duties of religion. One 
 Church has formed itself into a Missionary Society and 
 raised, the past year, one hundred dollars, in addition 
 to its usual contributions. Another Church, in con- 
 nexion with several members of the Society, is culti- 
 vating a field of five acres, the proceeds of which are 
 to be devoted to the objects of the Education Society. 
 There have been revivals in Greenwich and Oakham. 
 To the church in the former place, fifty-five have been 
 added, and to that in the latter eighty-six. 
 
 The Union Association comprises sixteen churches. 
 There have been no recent revivals of religion, but 
 there have been some additions to most of the 
 Churches. An increasing firmness and zeal are visible 
 among Christians, in their attachment to the cause of 
 evangelical religion; and there is reason to believe that 
 truth is advancing. Several ministers have been en- 
 gaged in a plan of pastoral visiting among the Churches, 
 for the purpose of more extensive and intimate ac- 
 quaintance, and thus to produce a mutual and more 
 lively interest in each other's prosperity. Some good 
 effects have been already perceived, in consequence of 
 adopting this plan, but not sufficient to test its useful- 
 ness. A union prayer-meeting of different denomina- 
 tions, has recently been established, which has in- 
 
16 
 
 spired new hopes, and stimulated to new efforts, for a 
 revivaJ of religion. There is a perceptible increase of 
 that enlightened, manly and Christian spirit, which 
 must be relied on as the chief instrument of opposing 
 and overcoming those fatal errors, which yet wear a 
 threatening aspect to the Churches in Massachusetts. 
 
 The Association of Salem and vicinity has been di- 
 minished by the withdrawing of those members whose 
 religious opinions differ from those of the majority. 
 It now consists of fourteen members. No revivals have 
 been experienced, yet some have been added to most 
 of the Churches. They are generally distinguished 
 for good attendance on the means of grace, and for 
 harmony and brotherly love. Popular errors are 
 making no progress. The plan of visiting Churches, 
 adopted by the Union Association, has been pursued 
 here, and with good effect. A union of different de- 
 nominations for prayer has also been effected, and with 
 very flattering prospects. So great has been the in- 
 terest in this unien, that the meeting-houses have been 
 opened for the accommodation of the assemblies, and 
 many have attended from the distance of five and even 
 ten miles. 
 
 The Old Colony Association comprises seventeen 
 churches, five of which are destitute, and four of these 
 unable to support the gospel without the aid of Chris- 
 tian benevolence. On their borders there is an ex- 
 tensive moral waste. Yet during the year two desti- 
 tute Churches have settled evangelical ministers. No 
 particular impression is made by the prevailing errors 
 of the day. Harmony prevails among the pastors-, 
 and some additions have been made to the Churches. 
 Much has been done for the education of pious young 
 men. Three who are now in their collegiate course, 
 and others who are preparing for College, are sup- 
 ported principally by these Churches. A conference 
 of Churches for special prayer has been established, 
 and with good effects. 
 
 _- . 
 
17 
 
 In the Worcester North Association are seven 
 Churches, all of which are supplied. There is an in- 
 creasing attention to the means of grace, and the 
 friends of religion are more decided. Refreshings 
 from the presence of the Lord have been experi- 
 enced in Fitchburg, Ashley, and Winchenden, and 130 
 are the hopeful subjects of divine grace. Of these, 
 sixty or seventy are in Winchendon, and youth are 
 principally the subjects. 
 
 The Barnstable County Association contains nine- 
 teen Churches, all of which are supplied except two. 
 The number of communicants is about three thousand. 
 Since 1808 most of the Churches have experienced 
 revivals, some of them have shared richly in this 
 blessing, and have been greatly strengthened and 
 built uj) in the faith. Of these Churches, one is an 
 Indian Church, under the pastoral charge of Rev. Mr. 
 Fisk, consisting of about twenty members; and the 
 congregation in connexion with it comprises about 
 three hundred and fifty Indians and colored people. 
 
 It may be remarked in general, respecting the As* 
 sociations within our bounds, that the monthly concert 
 is attended and collections taken up; — Sabbath schools 
 are instituted and weekly conferences held; — and the 
 various charitable objects receive increasing patron- 
 age, from contributions, and from the avails of female 
 industry, and of missionary fields. The Theological 
 Institution at Andover, is in a very prosperous condi- 
 tion, and contains 132 students. May it continue to 
 enjoy the smiles of heaven. 
 
 Within the bounds of the General Assembly of the 
 Presbyterian Church, are extensive sections of coun- 
 try, especially on their frontiers, which are destitute 
 of the ordinances of the gospel. From these wastes 
 of Zion the Macedonian cry is heard, come over and 
 help us. Faithful ministers to break unto them the 
 bread of life, are greatly needed, and cannot be ob- 
 tained. But where the means of grace are statedly 
 3 
 
 i 
 
18 
 
 enjoyed, they are manifestly accompanied, in a greater 
 or less measure, with the influences of the Holy Spirit. 
 The monthly concert is generally attended. Much 
 zeal is manifested in the promotion of Sabbath Schools, 
 Bible Classes and Cateclietical instruction. Baptized 
 children and their parents are in many instances, con- 
 vened and reminded of the solemn obligations imposed 
 upon them by their baptismal covenant. In several 
 Colleges, especially Union and Hamilton, there is a 
 large number of pious students. The Theological 
 Seminary in Princeton, continues to enjoy the smiles of 
 the head of the Church. The general interests of 
 evangelical pietv are advancing, and not a small num- 
 ber of Congregations have been refreshed by copious 
 effusions otthe Holy Spirit. 
 
 The Delegates from Connecticut report, that within 
 the last two years, nearly one hundred congregations 
 have participated in special revivals of religion, and 
 more than three thousand have been added to the 
 Churches by profession. The Churches generally are 
 favored with peace; and although the great revivals 
 have in a degree subsided, yet we are cheered with 
 the knowledge, that, in some places, God is still mani- 
 festing his grace, in multiplying converts unto Christ. 
 Benevolent operations are continued and evidently 
 owned of God. Yale College is in a highly flourishing 
 condition. It numbers more than three hundred stu- 
 dents, of whom about one hundred are professors of 
 religion. The charity Students, from forty to fifty in 
 number, are respectable for scholarship, and by their 
 exemplary conduct, exert a salutary influence on the 
 morals of the Institution. In this connexion we would 
 notice, and that with deep and heartfelt grief, the la- 
 mented death of Professor Fisher, who perished in 
 the Ocean on the coast of Ireland! This mysterious and 
 truly affecting dispensation of Providence has cast a 
 gloom over Yale College, and deprived our country 
 of one of her brightest ornaments. Earnestly and 
 
19 
 
 devoutly would we lift up our hearts to God, that this 
 event may be sanctified to the Seminary, and to all 
 the friends of science and of religion! — The Foreign 
 Mission School in Cornwall contains thirty-three Stu- 
 dents, twenty-six of whom are hopefully pious, and 
 nineteen have already made a public profession of re- 
 ligion. 
 
 In our survey of the state of New-Hampshire, while 
 we pause to weep over many desolate places, where 
 delusion and moral darkness prevail, we are happy to 
 find that, in some of these wastes, evangelical pastors 
 have been recently settled, and in others the labors of 
 faithful Missionaries arc well received, and productive 
 of good effects. The last meeting of the General As- 
 sociation at New-Ipswich was succeeded by a revival 
 of religion in that place, and in this blessing several 
 other places have participated. The concert of pray- 
 er is generally attended and religious charities are en- 
 couraged. Where the gospel is statedly preached, 
 there is an increasing conviction of the importance of 
 experimental religion. 
 
 From the State of Vermont the religious intelli- 
 gence communicated, is peculiarly animating to the 
 friends of Zion. While the various charitable institu- 
 tions, and especially the Juvenile Missionary Society, 
 are extending their operations, there is much evidence 
 that these efforts to enlarge and beautify the city of 
 our God, are not unsuccessful. The College in Mid- 
 dlebury, has been blessed with the influences of the 
 Spirit, and two thirds of the students are numbered 
 among the friends of religion. In about fifty towns 
 there have been, during the past year, powerful revi- 
 vals of religion, and above two thousand and five hun- 
 dred have been added to the Churches. "Who are 
 these that fly as a cloud and as doves to their windows." 
 In conclusion the General Association would exhort 
 the Churches to go forward. There is much to an- 
 imate the hopes, and encourage the efforts of Chris- 
 
20 
 
 lians. The present is evidently an era of light. The 
 efforts of Christian benevolence are steadily advancing, 
 and he who has called forth these efforts, is directing 
 them to a glorious issue. There seem to be clear signs, 
 that the predicted time is approaching, when "the 
 earth shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord, as 
 the waters cover the sea." Who ever witnesssed such 
 a great system of beneficence as we now witness? 
 Who ever witnessed such an extensive union in prayer? 
 And who, since the first ages of Christianity, have 
 had, the privilege to record such powerful and exten- 
 sive revivals of religion? May we not even now say, 
 "Lo this is our God, we have waited for him, and he 
 will save us; this is the Lord, we have waited for him, 
 we will rejoice and be glad in his salvation." 
 
 Voted, That the thanks" of this body be presented to the Mod- 
 erator, Secretary and Scribes, for their faithful and laborious ser- 
 vices, during the present session. 
 
 The meeting 1 was closed by singing the 102d psalm, and uniting 
 in a prayer offered by the Rev. Mr. Cushman. 
 
 Heman Humphrey, Moderator. 
 
 Alfred Ely, Scribe. 
 
 Rtchar.d S. Storrs, Assistant Scribe. 
 
FOURTH 
 
 BOARD OF DIRECTORS? 
 
 ./ 
 
 MASSACHUSETTS DOMESTIC MISSIONARY SOCIETY, 
 
 ADDRESS TO THE PUBLIC. 
 
 BOSTON: 
 
 CROCKER & BREWSTER, PRINTERS, 
 
 No. 50, Cornhill. 
 
 1822. 
 
REPORT 
 
 OF THE 
 
 MASSACHUSETTS DOMESTIC MISSIONARY SOCIETY. 
 
 -1 he Domestic Missionary Society of Massachusetts, held 
 its fourth annual meeting at Springfield, June 27, 1822. 
 
 The meeting was opened with prayer by the Rev. Mr. 
 Humphrey, who, as Moderator of the General Association, 
 presided on the occasion. 
 
 The Report of the Directors was read by the Scribe 
 of the Eastern Executive Committee, accepted, and commit- 
 ted for publication. 
 
 Officers were then chosen for the ensuing year, viz. 
 
 Rev. THOMAS SNELL, Secretary, 
 
 SOLOMON STODDARD, Jun. Esq. Treasurer. 
 Hon. JONA. H. LYMAN, Auditor. 
 
 DIRECTORS. 
 
 Rev. Alvan Hyde, D.D. Joseph Woodbridge, Esq. 
 
 " Theophiltjs Packard, David Mack, Esq. 
 
 " Isaac Knapp, Hon. Ezra Starkweather, 
 
 " Samuel Osgood, Nathaniel Smith, Esq. 
 
 " Joshua Crosby, Hon. John Hooker, 
 
 " John Fisk, Col. Israel E. Trask, 
 
 " Samuel Walker, Gen. Salem Towne, Jun. 
 
 " SeRENO E. DwiGHT, Hon.NEHEMIAH Cleaveland, 
 
 " John Codman, Hon. William Reed, 
 
 " Richard S. Storrs, Dea. Josiah Salisbury, 
 
 " Oliver Cobb, Henry Gray, Esq. 
 
 " John Woodbridge, Dr. Jesse Wheaton. 
 
 Rev. Warren Fay, and Rev. Professor Stuart, having 
 been appointed last year by the Board, to preach on this oc- 
 casion, and both being prevented from attending the meet- 
 ing — the Rev. J. Codman was requested by the Directors to 
 
 
deliver the annual sermon. He accordingly delivered an ap- 
 propriate discourse from Hosea iv, 6, "My people are de- 
 stroyed for lack of knowledge." 
 
 By the audited accounts of the Treasurer, and the Receiver 
 of the Eastern Executive Committee, it appears, that in- 
 cluding a balance on hand, June 26, 1821, of $355,30, the 
 amount received in contributions and donations is, $1,045,64. 
 The expenditures amount to $750,02*. Cash in the treasu- 
 ry, $295,61 $. 
 
 REPORT OF THE DIRECTORS. 
 
 Agreeably to the provisions of the constitution of 
 the Domestic Missionary Society of Massachusetts, 
 the Board of Directors would respectfully submit 
 the following report of their operations during the 
 past year. 
 
 At the last annual meeting of the Board, it was 
 deemed expedient for the more effectual attainment 
 of the great objects of the Society, to organize two 
 Executive Committees, instead of one — and to divide 
 the commonwealth into two districts, the Eastern and 
 Western, making it the duty of each of these commit- 
 tees to direct the operations of the Board in the dis- 
 tricts respectively assigned to them. Although some 
 inconveniences are incident to this new arrangement, 
 especially while it is not perfectly understood by the 
 Christian public, yet it is believed that ultimately, its 
 advantages will become apparent in the increased fa- 
 cility and efficiency of operations founded upon it. 
 
 In the Western district, your Directors have done 
 as much to build up waste places, and strengthen fee- 
 ble churches, as their limited funds would justify them 
 in doing. In November last, they gave a commission 
 to Mr. T. H. Fowler, to perform four weeks service 
 in the towns of Leyden and Orange, Franklin coun- 
 ty, leaving it to his discretion to extend the mis- 
 sion two weeks, if circumstances required it. The 
 principal part of this time was spent in Leyden, where 
 
the people expressed great satisfaction in his services, 
 and much gratitude to the Society for the attention 
 paid to them in their destitute state. They contri- 
 buted fifteen dollars to the funds of the Society, and 
 requested him to inform the Board that they would 
 raise fifty dollars the present season, for the treasury 
 of the Society, wishing that their destitute state might 
 be considered, and that they might receive all the as- 
 sistance that could be with propriety rendered them. 
 Accordingly, Mr. Fowler has since been directed to 
 labor with them six weeks, and to encourage them 
 with the assurance that if the funds of the Society will 
 permit, they shall receive further aid. 
 
 The following parishes in this district have been as- 
 sisted by the appropriation of the annexed sums from 
 your treasury. Egremont has received seventy-five 
 dollars, Holland and North Wilbraham, fifty dollars 
 each; Agawam and Feeding-hills, two hundred and 
 fifty-nine dollars. This last sum was paid for mission- 
 ary labor performed in those places the preceding 
 year, and was principally reimbursed by contributions 
 from the two parishes. We are gratified to state, 
 that in this instance, the object of the Society has been 
 most happily realized. For many years the members 
 of these parishes were as sheep scattered abroad,, 
 having no shepherd. In Agawam, the Congregational 
 church had become extinct, and those who were at- 
 tached to that denomination, felt themselves too weak 
 even to make an effort for securing the regular admin- 
 istration of the word and ordinances. In Feeding- 
 hills, a congregational church existed, but having been 
 long destitute of the ordinances of the Gospel, it had 
 dwindled almost to nothing — there were only two male 
 members and about eight females in it, The assistance 
 afforded these parishes by the Domestic Missionary 
 Society, was accepted with thankfulness, and inspired 
 them with new life. Great exertions were immedi- 
 ately made by benevolent individuals in Agawam to 
 raise a fund to pay their proportion towards the sup- 
 
6 
 
 port of a regular ministry. Their efforts have been 
 crowned with success. About three thousand dollars 
 have been funded, and Trustees have been incorpor- 
 ated to manage it. The remaining part of two hun- 
 dred and fifty dollars, (being one half of the salary of 
 the minister of the united parishes) is generously sup- 
 plied by an individual within the parish. The zeal 
 of the people of Feeding hills, is not less ardent than 
 in Agawam. They have become obligated to pay 
 by subscription, the sum of one hundred and ninety 
 dollars for ten years; and they have been encouraged 
 to expect the sum of sixty dollars, annually, from the 
 funds of the Society, for the same term. Having thus 
 made the necessary provision for the support of a 
 minister, these united societies, in October last, with 
 great unanimity invited the Rev. R. S. Hazen to set- 
 tle with them in the work of the gospel ministry, and 
 he was accordingly ordained. A church was previ- 
 ously formed in Agawam, which is now flourishing, as is 
 that also in Feeding hills. The two churches contain 
 about fifty members. Great harmony prevails, and 
 Mr. Hazen's prospects of usefulness are very flatter- 
 mo-. It has been judged proper to be thus particular 
 in this case, because it may be considered a fair exem- 
 plification of the beneficial tendency of the Society's 
 labors. What has been done in these parishes, may 
 be done in many others in the commonwealth, by the 
 awakened spirit of Christian liberality and zeal. 
 
 In the Eastern district your Directors have not been 
 inactive. The Executive Committee in that district, 
 early applied themselves, after their appointment, to 
 obtain correct information with regard to the waste 
 places around them, and to afford assistance in pro- 
 portion to the means Providence placed within their 
 reach. 
 
 It being represented to the Board, that West Ha- 
 verhill had long been destitute, and that the friends of 
 Christ there, might be encouraged by the appointment 
 of a missionary to visit and labor among them, Mr. 
 
Caleb Hobart was designated to spend six weeks in 
 that parish. From his report, it appears that he em- 
 ployed his time faithfully, not only preaching on the 
 oabbath, but visiting from house to house. He found 
 the people, generally, disposed to converse upon the 
 subject of religion. They appeared to expect from 
 a minister, visits suited to the character of a minister. 
 A few individuals were thoughtful and serious. This 
 parish, however, has long remained a moral waste, a 
 desolation in Zion. It has been destitute of a settled 
 minister more than twenty years: during most of which 
 time they have only received preaching occasionally, 
 or at short intervals. The little church in this place 
 dwindled. Christians hung their harps upon the wil- 
 lows, in the recollection of privileges once enjoyed, 
 and sighing, longed for better days. They were much 
 comforted and strengthened, however, by the labors 
 of Mr. Hobart, and expressed a high sense of grati- 
 tude to the Domestic Missionary Society, in remem- 
 bering them in their low estate. They manifested a 
 strong desire to have a settled minister: and it is pe- 
 culiarly desirable that this people should enjoy such 
 a blessing. 
 
 At Fall River, in Bristol county, great exertions 
 have been made by a little band of believers, to erect 
 a house for the worship of God, and with the aid of 
 charities derived from various sources, chiefly by the 
 instrumentality of Mr. Loring S. Dewey, they have 
 so far succeeded as already to be able to occupv a 
 convenient house, reared by their own enterprise 
 and perseverance. Ultimately the rents of the pews 
 are expected to maintain a minister, but at present, and 
 for at least three years to come, these rents must be 
 applied to liquidate the remaining debt. It is but jus- 
 tice to the praise-worthy zeal of some individuals in 
 that destitute region, to state, that they have done all 
 in their power to repair the desolations of their Zion, 
 that little more can reasonably be expected from them 
 for some years to come, and that they deserve the 
 
patronage and aid of this Society in an eminent degree. 
 The population of the village is annually increasing, 
 by the establishment of extensive manufactories, and 
 it will be readily understood that the character of this 
 population is such as to render the location of a faith- 
 ful and influential minister among them exceedingly 
 desirable. Under the direction of the Eastern Com- 
 mittee, Mr. Dewey has performed ten weeks missiona- 
 ry service among them the past year. 
 
 Various causes, which it is unnecessary to detail, 
 have contributed to weaken the congregational church 
 and society in Carver, Plymouth county. It is suffi- 
 cient to say, that for five years they have been desti- 
 tute of a stated ministry. Their meeting house was, 
 three years since, taken down, and from the difficulty 
 of selecting a suitable scite for another, together with 
 the poverty of the society, it was not till within the 
 last half year that efficient measures were taken to 
 rebuild it. At present, encouraged by the hope of 
 realizing some assistance from the Domestic Mission- 
 ary Society, in the support of a minister, they are 
 making strenuous efforts to rear a house for God, and, 
 with a degree of unanimity that is highly honorable 
 to their Christian spirit,are advancing to the completion 
 of the work. Mr. Charles D. Pigeon has been em- 
 ployed six weeks among this people — and they have 
 been encouraged to expect fifty dollars per annum, for 
 five years to come, in case they settle among them an 
 approved minister of Christ. 
 
 The parish contains about three hundred souls, of 
 these not far from fifty are professors of religion. 
 
 In the parish of upper Beverly, the church has been 
 reduced within a few years from thirty-two male 
 members to seven, and from more than forty females 
 to twenty. The Rev. Daniel Oliver, who has been 
 employed by the Directors, in this parish, has suc- 
 ceeded in healing difficulties, and promoting a spirit of 
 union and effort. He remarks, that what the Society 
 has done for them has given a considerable spring to 
 
their exertions, that they have laid a tax this year of 
 two hundred dollars, and have voted at their parish 
 meeting, their thanks to the Domestic Missionary So- 
 ciety: lie concludes by expressing his opinion, that if 
 the meetings can be kept up, the parish will be saved 
 from ruin. 
 
 It is well known that there are several churches in 
 the commonwealth, and that the number appears to 
 be increasing, who have had to contend with peculiar 
 difficulties in continuing among themselves, the minis- 
 tration of the word and ordinances, agreeably to the 
 usages of our venerable fathers. While the Direc- 
 tors feel the liveliest sympathy with them, and earn- 
 estly commend them in their arduous struggles to the 
 benevolent notice of the friends of truth, they have to 
 lament that the resources of the Treasury have been 
 for the past year so limited, that they have been able 
 to afford assistance but in one instance, and that only 
 to the small amount of twenty-five dollars, to the 
 church in Sandwich, under the pastoral care of Rev. 
 Mr. Hunn. 
 
 With such a view of the destitute parishes in this 
 commonwealth as your Directors have derived from 
 much inquirv, and no slight examination, they feel au<« 
 thorized to state, that with the small sum of fifty or 
 seventy-five dollars annually, some of them might be 
 immediately built up, and supplied with the gospel 
 ministry. Without such assistance they must long re- 
 main in their present unhappy condition. 
 
 So far as we can gain information, we are happy to 
 say, that the destitute parishes, generally, are much 
 engaged to make provision for the regular support of 
 the gospel, according to their ability. They are look- 
 ing with deep anxiety to the Domestic Missionary So- 
 ciety. They are hoping and praying that their breth- 
 ren in Christ, who are more highly favored, will look 
 upon their afflictions, and commiserate them in their 
 desolate condition. The success which has attended 
 the exertions of the Society in several instances, has 
 2 
 
10 
 
 excited an animating hope in their bosoms that they 
 shall once more be blessed with the gospel. We are 
 persuaded, that if the churches could witness the 
 warmth, with which many destitute societies plead 
 for a little assistance, we should not long be under the 
 painful necessity of saying to them, — 'we pity your 
 situation, we would gladly relieve you, — but we have 
 no funds.' Such answers we have been obliged to re- 
 turn in several instances. 
 
 If your Directors might be allowed to suggest any 
 thing by way of advice, it would be, that more effi- 
 cient measures be adopted to bring the wants of des- 
 titute parishes before our churches, that more partic- 
 ular statements of the doings of the Society be pub- 
 lished, with a suitable address, and be circulated 
 throughout the commonwealth, and read in the 
 churches, and that contributions be recommended to 
 be made annually. 
 
 It is our happiness to be assured, that the interests 
 of the Society are growing in the affections of the 
 pious throughout the state. It needs only to be more 
 generally known to obtain increasing patronage. In 
 this age of benevolent effort, while the enlightened 
 Christian regards with growing interest, the pitiable 
 condition of the distant heathen, he will not surely 
 overlook the immortal souls, perishing for lack of 
 knowledge, within the borders of his own beloved 
 commonwealth. While the charity of the Gospel is 
 as extensive as the wants of humanity, he will never 
 forget — that it begins at home. 
 
ADDRESS. 
 
 TO THE CHRISTIAN PUBLIC. 
 
 Dear Brethren, — Allow the Directors of the Do* 
 mestic Missionary Society of Massachusetts, once more, 
 to plead before you the cause of our feeble churches 
 and waste places. To do this with the more happy 
 success, we would first present you with a sketch of 
 the rise and progress of the Society, whose concerns 
 we have the honor to manage under the great Head 
 of the church. 
 
 This Society originated in the General Association 
 of Ministers in this state. At their annual meeting 
 in the town of Belcher, 1817, they appointed a numer- 
 ous committee from the different sections of the com- 
 monwealth, to take into consideration the expediency 
 of establishing a Domestic Missionary Society: and in 
 case they should deem it expedient, to form and report 
 a constitution. In September following, the commit- 
 tee met in Northampton: and having taken into view 
 the broken and enfeebled state of many churches 
 and societies within our limits, conceived, that the most 
 effectual aid might be afforded them by a society form- 
 ed for this very purpose. Accordingly, in June 1818, 
 the committee reported to the General Association, a 
 constitution, which was approved and unanimously 
 adopted. "The object of the Society shall be to as- 
 sist needy churches, parishes, aud waste places, within 
 the limits of Massachusetts." 
 
 The Society being organized, the Directors held 
 their first meeting in Northampton, on the third Wed- 
 
 r t 
 
12 
 
 nesday in October, 1818; and without any other funds, 
 than what were derived from a few annual and life 
 subscriptions, immediately began their operations. 
 The measures adopted to ascertain with more pre- 
 cision, the number and situation of destitute societies, 
 resulted in a deeper conviction of the importance and 
 necessity of making speedy and persevering efforts for 
 their relief. Oi this description, no less than forty so- 
 cieties were found, whose condition demanded aid 
 from the more favored portions of the commonwealth. 
 
 More effectually to repair these waste places in our 
 Zion, the Directors deemed it necessary, especially in 
 view of their limited means, to bring into action all 
 the resources and energies of their destitute breth- 
 ren — to prompt them to personal efforts to help them- 
 selves. As an inducement to vigorous exertions, the 
 Directors pledged their aid to such an extent as the 
 case might require, or their scanty means allow. This 
 mode of operation has been peculiarly successful; while 
 it has cut off all occasion for the parsimonious cry, 
 "Let them help themselves." The poor, the feeble, 
 the sickly, the afflicted around us, have, by common 
 consent, a claim upon our pity and our help. Why 
 not feeble churches, broken down, oppressed, dis- 
 heartened; who have seen better days, but are now 
 hanging their harps upon the willows? How does it 
 awaken their joys and animate their hopes, to see 
 their brethren remembering them in their affliction, 
 and helping them to rise from their ruins, that they 
 may again enjoy the ordinances of the gospel, and be- 
 come vigorous and fruitful branches of the common 
 vine. 
 
 But, Brethren, the distresses to which many are 
 reduced by poverty, sickness, and outward calamity, 
 present but a faint picture of the unhappy situation 
 of those who dwell in our moral wastes — without a 
 priest — without a sacrifice — the house of the Lord in 
 ruins, or her doors shut for years — the Sabbath pro- 
 faned — the rising generation forgetting the God of 
 
13 
 
 iheir fathers, and becoming strangers to the sanctuary 
 — having no guide in their spiritual inquiries — no com- 
 forter in their afflictions — none to visit their sick 
 chambers and dying beds, to present the encourage- 
 ments and hopes of the gospel. O Christians! Do 
 not their wants excite your commiseration? Do they 
 not demand your prayers, your alms, your eflb ts? You 
 are full and have need of nothing — you are overflow- 
 ing with religious privileges — always under the drop- 
 pings of the sanctuary. Your brethren, indeed, may 
 have erred, and in some measure induced their deso- 
 lations by inactivity: but still show them mercy, as you 
 would obtain mercy of God. You might have been 
 planted in the moral desert, and subjected to all the 
 deprivations and embarrassments of your brethren. 
 Be thankful for your privilegess, and express your 
 sense of their value, by laboring to extend them to 
 the destitute. You may thus perpetuate your spir- 
 itual advantages, and draw upon you the blessing of 
 many who are ready to perish. 
 
 Brethren, what is required of you by the law of 
 love? Were you planted in some of these feeble and 
 waste places of our Zion — where no minister of the 
 cross weeps and prays for the people, between the 
 porch and the altar — where there is no solemn assem- 
 bly — no one to break the bread or dispense the word 
 of life for your edification — and all these privileges 
 beyond your reach, without the aid of Christian friends 
 — in such a condition, what would be your reasonable 
 desire — what your claim upon the Christian public? 
 Would you think them excusable for being deaf to 
 your cries, or for looking with indifference upon your 
 desolations? Ah, brethren, we know what would be 
 your desires — what your claims — what your urgent 
 requests. We are also convinced what will now be 
 your course respecting these feeble, famishing churches 
 — you will remember them in your prayers — you will 
 encourage their hearts and strengthen their hands by 
 your ready contributions, you will not — you cannot, be 
 
 6 
 
14 
 
 satisiied with saying, Be ye warmed, be ye filled. We 
 ehall witness, and they will soon reap the happy fruits 
 of your increased liberality. 
 
 It is seriously believed, that the churches have not 
 attached due importance to the object of this Society, 
 because they have never viewed the existing evil it is 
 designed to remedy in all its bearings. It is a strik- 
 ing fact, that a waste place is rarely to be found alone: 
 others already breaking down, or in ruins, are around 
 it. And why? Because every such moral waste has 
 its baleful influence upon the vicinity, while it affords 
 to disorganizes and the enemies of religious order, a 
 sphere of unresisted and successful action. The 
 march of moral degeneracy and desolation, is not stay- 
 ed by town or parish lines. When one society is 
 broken down, others are soon weakened, and fall vic- 
 tims to tiie destroyer. The deadly influence of these 
 is again felt by others. In a course of years, the 
 evil becomes a wide spreading desolation, to which 
 we can prescribe no bounds, without the signal inter- 
 position of divine grace, or the special efforts of other 
 churches to build up these ruins of our Zion. 
 
 Now, brethren, inquire how your prosperous state 
 can long continue, if these waste places lie unrepair- 
 ed, and are suffered to multiply? What will soon be- 
 come of all our flourishing churches, and united par- 
 ishes; if this wasting pestilence is not stayed in its 
 progress? What too will become of our liberties, our 
 invaluable institutions, literary, humane, and charita- 
 ble, which have been the boast and golry of the state? 
 Where will the evils of such spreading desolation end, 
 unless with the incense of your prayers and alms, 
 you step between the living and the dead, and stay 
 this moral plague? 
 
 We would not confine our address to Christians. 
 We would call upon all the friends of liberty and the 
 state to take a share in this necessary — this laudable 
 work of repairing these waste places, and strengthen- 
 ing the things that are ready to die. Those will hear 
 
15 
 
 this call, who seriously believe, that the institutions 
 which our ancestors established and cherished with 
 so much care, have essentially contributed to our fe- 
 licity. The prosperity and safety of the state de- 
 mand the efforts of every patriot. Christianity makes 
 good citizens, as well as good men — supporters of or- 
 der, as well as of truth. But where should we look 
 for Christianity in its influence and fruits, or even its 
 form, if we were to leave unsupported its public insti- 
 tutions? We might, indeed, see its sacred relics, sad 
 mementos of our loss, floating upon the swelling tide 
 of moral desolation. 
 
 The work already begun can be accomplished. The 
 sacrifice required is small. The scene of operation 
 is almost under your own inspection. The languish- 
 ing — the suffering — the perishing lie at your very 
 doors. The largest sum received into the treasury 
 in any one year, has been less than eight hundred dol- 
 lars. And still many feeble societies have been es- 
 sentially benefitted; while several, which have long 
 lain in ruins, have resettled the gospel ministry, are 
 daily increasing in strength, and will ere long, require 
 no further aid from others. Where has more been 
 achieved in the cause of order, truth, and humanity 
 with means so small and inadequate? Your charities 
 for needy churches and societies have been judiciously 
 bestowed — how they have thus far been appropriated, 
 you may learn from the annual reports of the Direc- 
 tors. 
 
 The continued cries of the helpless, and the impor- 
 tance of the object in view, demand more liberal contri- 
 butions. Were the Christian public sufficiently awake 
 to the subject, and would they set apart but a small 
 portion of their increase to forward the good work, 
 they would soon witness our feeble churches risino - 
 from their ashes, our waste places repaired, and not 
 a church or parish in the commonwealth, but what 
 would be blessed with a spiritual guide, whom they 
 would be able and willing to support. Such an event 
 
 
16 
 
 could not fail to gladden your hearts, to give new 
 life, strength) and glory to our Zion, and enable us 
 to act with more union, vigor, and eiFect, upon the 
 more distant and stronger holds of sin. 
 
 Christian Brethren, the subject is before you — you 
 hear the cries of the helpless — you see their wants — 
 you feel their sufferings — you will send them rebef. 
 Many stand waiting to be your almoners, without 
 money and without price. Supply the means, and 
 the desolation of many generations are repaired. You 
 are acting for Zion, and for Zion's King. To him 
 you must account as his stewards. Never let it be 
 said, "1 was an hungered and ye gave me no meat — 
 thirsty and ye gave me no drink." But little is asked 
 of that abundance God has given you; that little is of 
 infinite importance. Do your duty — cheer the hearts 
 of your brethren — honor your Savior — and may the 
 God of heaven replenish your stores and your hearts 
 from his treasures. 
 
 "0 Shepherd of Israel, thou that leadest Joseph like 
 a flock — look down and behold, and visit" '•these lan- 
 guishing vines, ere they die.' > " 
 
 Signed in behalf of the Directors of the Domestic 
 Missionary Society. 
 
 Thomas Snell. 
 
 By a vole of the Directors, all ministers in the commonwealth, favora- 
 ble to the object of the Society, are requested to read the foregoing "Ad- 
 dress 1 ' to their congregations, and the "Report of the Directors, " if they 
 think proper, on an early day, that the Society may become more gener- 
 ally known, and measures adopted to increase its funds, without unne- 
 cessary delay. 
 
To the foregoing Report and Address, the Publishing Committee 
 have thought proper to annex the Constitution of the Massachusetts 
 Domestic Missionary Society, for the information of those not al- 
 ready acquainted with it, and to revive the recollection of its pro- 
 visions, in its friends and patrons. 
 
 By a reference to the books of the Treasurer, it is found that 
 there are not more than twelve annual subscribers in the whole 
 Commonwealth; and of these, it does not appear that more than 
 two or three have paid more than once. The funds of the Society 
 have been derived almost exclusively from life memberships and 
 Donations. 
 
 A list of the Life members will be subjoined. The Donations 
 have been published quarterly in the "Boston Recorder," and 
 would be added here, if the details of the Treasurer's audited 
 account were at hand; but the publication of the Report has been 
 so long delayed unavoidably, that it is not thought expedient to 
 delay it any longer, for the purpose only of republishing those 
 donations. It is hoped that the Report of another year will furnish 
 a much longer list of Benefactors to the feeble churches in the 
 Commonwealth, than the present publication could furnish, if their 
 names were all inserted — that many ladies will show their regard 
 to their Pastors, and especially to Him whom their Pastors serve, 
 hy making them Life members; — that Clergymen and influential 
 Laymen will exert themselves to obtain annual subscribers — and 
 that the benevolent generally, will testify their sympathies in the 
 afflictions of Joseph, by immediate exertions to enlarge the funds 
 of this Domestic Institution. One Association at least, has recent- 
 ly resolved to make an united effort for this end — and it is believ- 
 ed that the Good Cause would be essentially promoted if the other 
 Associations in the State would adopt a similar resolution without 
 delay. 
 
18 
 
 CONSTITUTION. 
 
 1. The Society shall be called the Domestic Missionary Society' 
 of Massachusetts Proper. 
 
 2. It shall consist of the members of the General Association of 
 Massachusetts Proper for the time being, and of such other persons 
 as shall either be duly elected, or subscribe the requisite sum for 
 constituting membership. 
 
 3. The object of the Society shall be to assist needy churches 
 and parishes, and waste places within the limits of Massachusetts 
 Proper. 
 
 4. Any person may become a member of the Society by sub- 
 cribing two dollars, to be paid annually; and any person a member 
 for life, by paying into the treasury, at any one time, twenty 
 dollars. 
 
 5. The Society shall meet annually on Thursday in the week 
 of the annual meeting of the General Association of Massachusetts 
 Proper, at 9 o'clock, A. M. 
 
 6. Beside the Moderator and Clerk of the annual meeting, who 
 shall be the same as the Moderator and Secretary of the General 
 Association for the time being, the officers of the Society shall be 
 twenty four Directors; twelve clergymen and twelve laymen, a 
 Secretary, a Treasurer, and an Auditor; the two last always to be 
 laymen, all of whom shall be chosen by ballot at the annual 
 meeting. 
 
 7. The Directors shall meet annually at the time and place of 
 the meeting of the General Association, and at such other times 
 and places, as they shall appoint; and may adopt such rules, and 
 appoint such Committees as they may judge conducive to the object 
 of the Institution. And it shall be their duty to devise means for 
 the support of missions, to appoint, instruct, and, if necessary, 
 to recal missionaries, and prescribe the places where they shall 
 labor; to fix the compensation of missionaries, and to pay them by 
 orders on the Treasurer; and generally, to adopt such measures, 
 from time to time, as they shall judge expedient for carrying into 
 effect the objects of the Society. They shall make report annually 
 to the Society of their proceedings. 
 
 S. The Treasurer shall take charge of the funds of the Society, 
 managing them, and keeping his accounts under such regulations, 
 as shall from time to time be prescribed by the Directors. 
 
 9. The Secretary shall faithfully record the proceedings of the 
 Directors, and in their name correspond with those persons who 
 may have business to transact in connexion with the Institution. 
 
 10. This Constitution shall not be altered, except at an annual 
 meeting of the Society, and with the concurrence of two thirds of 
 the members present. 
 
 Per order of the Committee, 
 
 Jedidiah Morse, Chairman. 
 
19 
 
 MFE MEMBEHS. 
 
 Hon William Ueecl, 
 
 Hon. Ezra Starkweather, 
 
 Hon. Salem Town, Jr. 
 
 Israel E. Trask, Esq. 
 
 Col. David Mack, 
 
 Nathaniel Smith, Esq. 
 
 Rev Jedidiah Morse, D. D. 
 
 Rev. John Fisk, 
 
 Rev Hoswell Hawks, 
 
 Col. David Mack Jr. 
 
 Rev John Keep, 
 
 Rev VVm.fi Ballentine, 
 
 Rev. Daniel Tomlinson, 
 
 Rev. Micah Stone, 
 
 Rev. Thomas Snell, 
 
 Elisha Lee, Esq. 
 
 Rev. John Cod man, 
 
 Rev. Jonathan L. Pomeroy, 
 
 Rev. Luke Wood, 
 
 Rev. E. Phelps, 
 
 Henry Gray, Esq. 
 
 Rev. D L. Hunn, 
 
 Rev. S. Holmes, 
 
 Rev. John Crane, D. D. 
 
 Rev. Warren Fay, 
 
 Rev. Otis Lane, 
 
 Rev. Gardner Hayden, 
 
 Rev. Oliver Cobb, 
 
 Rev. Elias Cornelius, 
 
 Rev. Nathan Perkins, 
 
 Rev. Joseph Goff, > 
 
 Rev Enoch Pond, 5 
 
 Rev. Kalph W. Gridley, 
 
 Hon. Lewis Strong:, 
 
 Rev. Jonathan Homer, 
 
 Rev. David Jewett, 
 
 Rev Samuel Dana, 
 
 Rev B. B tt isner, 
 
 Josiah Salisbury, Esq. 
 
 Mr. Nathaniel Willis, 
 
 Rev. Sereno E. Dwight, 
 
 Rev. L. Sheldon, 
 
 Rev. S. P. Williams, 
 
 SOURCES OF MEMBERSHIP. 
 
 } 
 
 Fein. Cent Soc. in New Braintree. 
 Fem. Char. Soc. in Peru. 
 
 Rel Char. S c. of New Braintree. 
 Brookfield, and North Brookfie/d, 
 
 Rel. Char. Soo. in New Braintree and vie. 
 
 Benev. Soc. in Sandwich. 
 
 Mon. con. in New Bedford. 
 
 Fem. Cent Soc. in Northbridge. 
 
 Fem. Aux. Char. Soc. in CharlestOWH. 
 
 Females in S airbridge. 
 
 Ladies in Egremont. 
 
 Ladies of his parish in Rochester. 
 
 From Mr. J. B. Lawrence. 
 
 Fem. Cent Soc. 2d. par. in Amherst. 
 
 Don. from A. B. & C. 
 
 Fem. Cent. Soc. in Williamstown. 
 
 By Ladies. 
 By Ladies. 
 By Ladies. 
 By Ladies. 
 
 By Ladies. 
 
 New year's Gift from his Soc. in Easton. 
 
 Ladies in his parish. 
 

DATE DUE 
 
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