Chapter III · SEVENTH-DAY BAPTISTS IN THE UNITED STATES. (continued 2)

Rev. Orson Campbell, of Berlin, assumed the spiritual guidance of this church, in connexion with and during the prolonged absence of Elder Green, in 1838 and 1839.

Rev. Russell G. Burdick, the present incumbent, succeeded to the parochial care of this church in 1842.

This church has been blessed with several powerful and extensive revivals, and twice to my remembrance these auspicious seasons occurred during the visitations of Elder John Green. These religious excitements were generally attended with extraordinary exhibitions. Sometimes nearly every individual in the congregation would be prostrate upon their knees, while a mingled utterance of screams, wailings, prayers, notes of grief and joy, would rise in one deep chorus. Ever and anon some sinner who felt his burden removed would burst out in a song of triumph and loud hosannah; others, who had been groaning for hours in the deepest agony, or sitting silent, sullen, and dejected, like images of unutterable woe, would arise with a glory upon their countenances, and words of praise and exultation on their lips. Many entirely lost the use of their limbs, and lay a long time as if entranced. At these meetings there would generally be several ministers, who would officiate at the same time in different parts of the congregation, some in exhortation, some in praying for the distressed, and some in arguments with opposers, who considered such proceedings the height of fanaticism.

FIRST SEVENTH-DAY BAPTIST CHURCH, VERONA, ONEIDA COUNTY, NEW YORK.

This church was organized in 1820, although several years previous a number of families of Seventh-day Baptists had removed from Hopkinton and settled in this place, where they kept up meetings on the Sabbath. The large and respectable family of Williamses appears to have been the principal support of this infant church, which, until 1842, remained without the services of a settled pastor, when

Rev. Charles M. Lewis assumed the spiritual charge.

Rev. Christopher Chester, his successor, was installed in 1848.

A branch church was organized at Schenectady in 1834. John Maxson became its deacon, but so far as I am aware it never had a settled pastor. It continued only a few years. A church was likewise organized in Baltimore the same year, which long since ceased to exist.

SECOND SEVENTH-DAY BAPTIST CHURCH, VERONA, ONEIDA COUNTY, NEW YORK.

This church, a branch of the former, was organized in 1837, but remained in a destitute condition until 1842, when Rev. Elihu Robinson became its pastor, in which relation he continued for several years.

At present they have no settled pastor.

SEVENTH-DAY BAPTIST CHURCH, WATSON, LEWIS COUNTY, NEW YORK.

This church was organized in 1841. Joshua Clarke and William G. Quibell were recognised as licentiates in its connexion. Subsequently they received ordination, and the latter assumed the parochial charge, in which he still continues.

This church, although in its infancy, gives great promise of future efficiency and usefulness.

SEVENTH-DAY BAPTIST CHURCH, NEWPORT, HERKIMER COUNTY, NEW YORK.

This small but interesting community was formed in 1838. It has received ministerial assistance from the Missionary Society at different times, although deprived of the services of a settled pastor.

Elihu Robinson officiated as licentiate in this place for a short period.

EXTINCT CHURCHES.

In 1820, a branch of the Berlin Church was organized in Fox Township, Clearfield County, Pennsylvania, which continued for several years in a flourishing condition. In 1822, John Bliss was ordained to the work of the ministry, and subsequently Jeremiah Bliss was returned as licentiate. But many evil influences were at work, which this church, always weak and feeble, was unable to withstand. Its decline may be dated from 1832, since which period it gradually sunk, its members removed into other parts, and finally it ceased to exist.

It may be conceded that neither legal enactments, penal statutes, nor popular customs, can suppress the course of truth, or prevent the exercise of its legitimate effects upon the minds of men. The progress of our denomination, notwithstanding the adverse circumstances and many disadvantages under which we have laboured, has been steady and unceasing; and although many of our churches are in a state of infancy, their numbers are respectable, and their influence considerable.

Many ministers who have arisen in these fraternities, have removed thence into other parts. Ministers distinguished for evangelical enterprise and fervent zeal, some of whom have been among the first pioneers of the gospel in the western regions.

In connexion with these churches are some very efficient High Schools, and one Literary Institution of a higher class. It is true that these institutions are not of a theological character; nevertheless, they are important appendages of the denomination, and, if well managed, will become what is most needed, and will confer immense benefits upon the community at large. The general diffusion of knowledge will elevate the moral and intellectual standard, and will be the sure forerunner of higher ministerial attainments, and the better management of the churches.

SECTION VI. WESTERN ASSOCIATION.

The churches embraced in this Association, are situated on what was formerly considered missionary ground, although some of them are at present among the most efficient bodies in the denomination. The principal ornament of this section is the Alfred Academy, a very flourishing literary institution, of a high classical character. It appears to have originated from a High School, and went into operation two or three years previous to the De Ruyter Institute.

FIRST SEVENTH-DAY BAPTIST CHURCH ALFRED, ALLEGHANY COUNTY, NEW YORK.

This church was originally composed of emigrants from the Rhode Island and New Jersey fraternities, and was constituted in 1816. The region at that time was extremely destitute, and these pioneers of our faith were required to undergo many hardships, and experience great deprivations in the prosecution of their schemes. Generally their means were moderate, and their worldly advantages limited; but they were zealous for the truth and rich in faith. They found a wilderness, here and there broken by the hand of man: they left smiling fields and growing villages. They found penury and destitution: they left wealth and plenty. They found a region where the songs of David were not repeated, where the Sabbath was not observed: they left flourishing schools and churches. Did they live in vain?

Rev. Amos Satterlee was installed as pastor of the Alfred Church in 1820, which station he filled with great acceptance for several years.

His successors, Daniel Babcock and Richard Hull, were ordained in 1824, and remained with this church about fifteen years, when they removed to other fields.

Rev. James R. Irish became their pastor in 1837, in which relation he continued until 1846.

During the ministry of these brethren, the church has been blessed at intervals with many precious revivals; and it appears to have been from the first in a sound and healthy condition.

Rev. Hiram Cromwell, his successor, remained for only a short period, and was succeeded by

Rev. N. V. Hull, the present incumbent.

Elder Hull is endowed with talents of the very highest order, and perhaps no minister in the denomination is better qualified to shine in a promiscuous assembly. His fine understanding, ready wit, and brilliant imagination, are united to the most fascinating powers of oratory, a demeanour of princely elegance, and the highest style of manly beauty. His services either as a settled pastor, or visiting evangelist, have been highly efficient in this region, and his preaching has been attended with many powerful revivals.

SECOND SEVENTH-DAY BAPTIST CHURCH, ALFRED, ALLEGHANY COUNTY, NEW YORK.

This church, a branch of the former, was organized in 1831, and Elder Ray Green became its pastor. In 1835 Clarke Potter and N. V. Hull were returned as licentiates in its connexion. In 1842, Amos Burdick was also licensed, who continued to serve this church after the removal of Elder Green, until 1844, when

Rev. James H. Cochran assumed the pastoral charge.

He was succeeded by Amos Burdick and P. C. Witter, the present incumbents.

FIRST SEVENTH-DAY BAPTIST CHURCH, GENESEE, NEW YORK.

This church was organized in 1827, and Henry P. Green served as licentiate until 1835, when his ordination took place. Under his ministry, which continued until 1847, the church received many additions, and became a large and efficient body.

Rev. James Bailey, his successor, was installed in 1848.

SECOND SEVENTH-DAY BAPTIST CHURCH, GENESEE, NEW YORK.

This church, a branch of the former, was organized in 1834, and was served by Prentice C. Maine as licentiate, for some time. At present it has no settled pastor, but is supplied with ministerial assistance by travelling missionaries.

THIRD SEVENTH-DAY BAPTIST CHURCH, GENESEE, NEW YORK.

This church, likewise a branch of the former, was organized in 1842, but remained until 1843 without a settled pastor, when their spiritual charge was assumed by L. D. Ayres, who remained until 1847.

Rev. H. P. Green, the present incumbent, was installed 1848.

SEVENTH-DAY BAPTIST CHURCH, CLARENCE, ERIE COUNTY, NEW YORK.

This church was organized in 1828, although Sabbatarians had for some time previous been among the inhabitants of the country, and maintained worship upon their holy day. They remained for a long time without a pastor, but, in 1838, Rev. Nathan V. Hull consented to settle among them. In 1839, James H. Cochran was returned as licentiate, and subsequently, in 1846, as pastor.

At present they have no settled minister.

SEVENTH-DAY BAPTIST CHURCH, FRIENDSHIP, NEW YORK.

This community, like that of Alfred, dates back to an early period. It originated, likewise, from an emigration of the members of older churches. Between the years 1812 and 1820, many families in connexion with the New Jersey fraternities removed to this place, and became the pioneers of our faith in its then lonely regions. In 1824 a church was constituted. Rev. John Green became its first pastor, in which relation he continued until 1833, when

Rev. Walter B. Gillette succeeded him, and remained until 1842, when he removed to another field.

Rev. Zuriel Campbell followed, who continued until 1845.

Rev. A. A. F. Randolph, his successor, had been for some time his colleague.

Rev. B. F. Robbins, a man of deep piety and irreproachable character, who embraced the Sabbath in 1845, is the present incumbent.

A short time since Elder John Green visited this place, and his presence, as usual, was attended with a gracious revival.

SEVENTH-DAY BAPTIST CHURCH, HARTSVILLE, ALLEGHANY COUNTY, NEW YORK.

This infant community, a branch of the Alfred Church, was organized in 1847.

Rev. Hiram Cornwell is its present pastor.

It gives a cheering promise of future efficiency and usefulness.

SEVENTH-DAY BAPTIST CHURCH, HAYFIELD, PENNSYLVANIA.

This church is the oldest one in this Association, and originated from the Keithian Seventh-day Baptists, who, in 1770, resided in the neighbourhood of Philadelphia. About this time it appears that Rev. James Dunn, with several families of Sabbatarians, removed to this place, where he instituted meetings and organized a church, over which he assumed the pastoral relation. Elder Dunn lived to be very old, but sometime previous to his decease, his reason failed, and he became partially insane. This misfortune, combined with other disadvantages, brought the church into a state of deep depression. In 1821, Rev. John Davis, of Shiloh, made them a visit, and by their unanimous request ordained Isaac Davis to the work of the ministry. Subsequently, however, the church remained in very low circumstances, and in 1829, at which time it was admitted into the General Conference, it only numbered twenty-four members, and was without a settled pastor.[41] Beside the occasional visits of missionaries, it remained thus destitute until 1836, when

Rev. Job Tyler removed into that region and assumed the pastoral charge.

Rev. Thomas B. Brown, his colleague in 1840 and 1841, and subsequently his successor, was installed in 1842, and continued until 1844.

Morris Cole succeeded him as licentiate, in which relation he served the church until 1846, when

Rev. A. A. F. Randolph, the present incumbent, was installed.

SEVENTH-DAY BAPTIST CHURCH, INDEPENDENCE, NEW YORK.

This church was organized in 1834, with very auspicious prospects, and

Rev. Stillman Coon became its pastor, in which relation he continued until 1842, when, being transferred to another field, the church was served by Decatur M. Clarke, as licentiate, for two or three years.

Rev. Sherman S. Griswold, assumed the parochial charge in 1845, and continued two years.

Rev. T. Babcock, the present pastor, was installed in 1848.

SEVENTH-DAY BAPTIST CHURCH, WIRT, ALLEGHANY COUNTY, NEW YORK.

At a very early period in the history of this district, Sabbath-keepers were found among its inhabitants, chiefly emigrants from the older settlements, but they were not gathered and arranged into a church until 1827. Subsequent to that period they remained in low and depressed circumstances, which may be chiefly attributed to their want of the services of a settled pastor. Recently, however, they have been mostly supplied with ministerial assistance by

Rev. James L. Scott, until 1845, when they engaged the services of

Rev. Zuriel Campbell for one year; who was succeeded by Rev. Thomas E. Babcock.

C. T. Champlin, the present incumbent, is a licentiate.

SEVENTH-DAY BAPTIST CHURCH, SCIO, ALLEGHANY COUNTY, NEW YORK.

This church was organized in 1834, but remained for a long time without many additions, or the services of a settled pastor.

Rev. Ray Green assumed the parochial charge in 1845, and continued until 1847.

Rev. Rowse Babcock, the present incumbent, was installed in 1848.

In reviewing the progress of Sabbatarianism within the bounds of this Association, we find abundant reasons for encouragement. An interest hitherto unprecedented in the modern history of the Sabbath-keepers, has been awakened. Many have embraced the truth in opposition to the popular sentiments of the day, among whom are several ministers of eminent talent and piety, who may be reckoned as pillars in the cause of God.

The number of churches has proportionately increased, but it must be confessed that many of them are infant bodies, utterly unable to support the pastor whose services they require, and without whose presence they can never rise to any degree of strength and usefulness. They want such pastors as the Hopkinton, the Berlin, the Piscataway, and the Shiloh Churches possessed during the first century of their existence. Men who could preach the truth for its own sake, who could share with and for their brethren—live as they did—dress as they did—and even work as they did.[42] Under such plain but substantial guidance, these churches all rose to great spiritual strength and permanence. Whatever honour belongs to him who is instrumental in gathering and organizing a church, much more is justly due to the one, who, at the expense of personal sacrifices and temporal inconveniences, adopts the spiritual infant, administers to its necessities, leads it through the green pastures and by the still waters of the heavenly pilgrimage, and finally brings it to such a degree of maturity that it is able to go alone. It is a lamentable fact, that some of these churches for the want of such leaders are even now threatened with extinction. Upon whom in such cases must the delinquency rest?

SECTION VII. SOUTHWESTERN ASSOCIATION.

Most of the churches embraced in this confederacy are of recent origin. Many of them occupy highly advantageous situations in the broad, the bright, the glorious West, and give every promise of rising to future eminence and usefulness.

SEVENTH-DAY BAPTIST CHURCH, NEW SALEM, HARRISON COUNTY, VIRGINIA.

The history of this church, the oldest one in this Association, is highly interesting. It appears that in 1745, a company of Sabbath-keepers, including one John Davis, removed from Rhode Island, to a place called Square, in Monmouth County, New Jersey. Here they organized a church, and sent said Davis back to Westerly to be ordained, which was done in 1746. They remained here nearly forty years, when the whole church, men, women, and children, emigrated to the place that their descendants now inhabit in Virginia. They went in wagons, drove their cattle, and the cavalcade was many days in performing their journey. Their venerable minister continued with them for many years. He was also assisted by one Jacob Davis, who was esteemed as a very amiable man and worthy minister.

Rev. John Davis his son and successor, was installed about 1800, and continued to serve the church for a number of years. Zebulon Maxson, Peter Davis, and Lewis A. Davis, were likewise associated with him in the ministry at different times, and

Rev. Peter Davis finally succeeded him in 1834, in which relation he still continues.

Ezekiel Bee is a licentiate in connexion with this church.

SEVENTH-DAY BAPTIST CHURCH, LOST CREEK, VIRGINIA.

This church was constituted in 1805, and the large and respectable family of Bonds—its first originators—appear to be still its principal supporters. Richard Bond, while a resident in Maryland, became convinced of the sacred character of the seventh day, from reading the Bible alone. Once convinced of his duty he was not slow in performing it; but embracing the Sabbath, he instituted weekly religious meetings in his family, and was, for a long time, the priest of his household. Subsequently he emigrated to Virginia, and became the founder of the Lost Creek Church. This church has never been large, and for a great proportion of the time it has been without the services of a stated pastor, but the fact of its steady and uniform course amidst these privations, affords conclusive evidence of the valuable materials of which it is composed.

Richard C. Bond, the present incumbent, was installed in 1843.

SEVENTH-DAY BAPTIST CHURCH, HUGHES RIVER, VIRGINIA.

This church, a branch of the former, was organized in 1833. It is in a very weak and depressed condition, containing only seven members.

SEVENTH-DAY BAPTIST CHURCH, SOUTH FORK, HUGHES RIVER, VIRGINIA.

This church, another branch of the eldest fraternity, was constituted in 1842. It contains only nineteen members, and was served by Asa Bee and Joshua S. Davis, as licentiates.

SEVENTH-DAY BAPTIST CHURCH, NORTHAMPTON, CLARKE COUNTY, OHIO.

This church originated from a division, on the temperance question, in the Sabbatarian church at Pike, in the same county. It was organized with seventeen of the seceding members, in 1837. In 1840, it was blessed with a precious revival, and received many additions.

Rev. Samuel Babcock is the present pastor, assisted by L. Lippencott as licentiate.

SEVENTH-DAY BAPTIST CHURCH, PIKE, CLARKE COUNTY, OHIO.

This church was constituted in 1824, although Sabbatarians had for some time previous resided in that region.

Rev. Simeon Babcock and Rev. Samuel F. Randolph, were for several years connected with these churches, under whose ministry they were greatly blessed, and the fraternity under consideration numbered 102 members. Subsequently, however, it fell into a decline. The secession of a part of its members, the death and removal of others, combined with other causes, left it in a very weak condition. In 1842, James B. Davis was a licentiate in its connexion. At present it has no stated pastor.

SEVENTH-DAY BAPTIST CHURCH, PORT JEFFERSON, SHELBY COUNTY, OHIO.

This church was organized in 1840, and contained nineteen members. It is in a very pleasant situation, and gives great promise of future usefulness.

Rev. Lewis A. Davis has been the father, and is the pastor of this church.

SEVENTH-DAY BAPTIST CHURCH, SCIOTA, OHIO.

This church was organized in 1842, by emigrant members from Scott and Brookfield. It is situated in a very pleasant country, and will probably become, in time, a large and efficient body.

It is occupied as missionary ground, but has no stated pastor.

SEVENTH-DAY BAPTIST CHURCH, STOKES, OHIO.

This church was organized in the same year as the former, and is much in the same condition. It is blessed with the services of Rev. Joshua Hill, as pastor.

SEVENTH-DAY BAPTIST CHURCH, JACKSON, OHIO.

This church was organized in 1840, and embraced thirty-eight members, most of whom had removed from Pike, Clarke County, to this place. For some time it appeared quite flourishing, and received several additions, but it is at present in a very low and depressed condition, owing to the want of ministerial assistance.

SEVENTH-DAY BAPTIST CHURCH, WOODBRIDGETOWN, PENNSYLVANIA.

This church was gathered through the exertions of Rev. Samuel Woodbridge, and was organized about 1790. All the knowledge that I have been able to obtain of Elder Woodbridge is, that he was a First-day Baptist minister, who became convinced of the sacred character of the seventh day, and embraced it accordingly. Subsequently he removed to this place with his family, where his preaching was blessed to the conversion of many, a church organized, and a meeting-house erected, whose pulpit he occupied until his death. This church likewise received several additions from an emigration of the members of the Nottingham and Pennapack fraternities, among whom we may mention the children of Rev. Enoch David. But the death of Elder Woodbridge was the commencement of its decline, as no one arose to take his place. Its ancient and venerable meeting-house, being without a pastor, soon became almost deserted. Some of its members removed to other parts, and others of them went to receive their reward for loving the law and keeping the commandments of God. In 1843, they numbered sixteen, and Lewis Sammons served the church as licentiate. Since that period its decline has been gradual, and it is a moral certainty that but a very short time will elapse before we shall have to announce the disappearance of another star from our constellation, the extinction of another luminary in the moral world.

SEVENTH-DAY BAPTIST CHURCH, MADISON, INDIANA.

This small company of Sabbath-keepers was organized into a church in 1848, since which period it has received few additions, and has been in a low and depressed condition for the want of pastoral services.

SECTION VIII. NORTHWESTERN ASSOCIATION.

SEVENTH-DAY BAPTIST CHURCH, MILTON, ROCK COUNTY, WISCONSIN.

This large and flourishing church was organized in 1838, since which period it has rapidly increased in numbers, and promises to become a very useful and efficient body. For a long time this region was considered as missionary ground. Recently, however,

Rev. Stillman Coon and Rev. Zuriel Campbell have connected themselves in the pastoral relation with the church, in which they still continue.

Many of its members were emigrants from Scott and the older churches.

SEVENTH-DAY BAPTIST CHURCH, ALBION, DANE COUNTY, WISCONSIN.

This church was organized in 1843, and

Wm. H. Redfield became its servant in the capacity of licentiate, which relation he sustained for one year, when he was succeeded by

Rev. O. P. Hull, the present incumbent, under whose ministry it has enjoyed many precious seasons, and received many additions.

SEVENTH-DAY BAPTIST CHURCH, WALWORTH, WISCONSIN.

This church, mostly composed of emigrants from New Jersey, was organized in 1849, and contains twenty-one members, with a prospect of large additions.

It has no settled pastor.

SEVENTH-DAY BAPTIST CHURCH, FREDONIA, IOWA.

This church was organized in 1842, and Rev. Rolean M'Reynolds, formerly a First-day Baptist, a minister of exemplary character and eminent talent, became its pastor, in which relation he continued for some time.

At present it has no settled pastor.

SEVENTH-DAY BAPTIST CHURCH, FARMINGTON, ILLINOIS.

This church was constituted in 1849, and consists mostly of emigrants from Shiloh, with the family of

Rev. Samuel Davison, the present pastor.

It is said to occupy a pleasant and healthful situation.

REMARKS.

A majority of the churches embraced in this Association may be considered as enjoying all the advantages of a healthful climate and fertile soil, with facilities for commerce. Although few in numbers, their prospects are most encouraging, perhaps too much so. It is not in the sunlight of worldly prosperity that the good seed rises to maturity and bears much fruit: the mind, exulting in temporal advantages, the accumulation of riches, or the acquisition of worldly honours, is too apt to become cold and indifferent to the subject of religion. We trust that it may not be so with these sister fraternities, who have designed to hold up the light of the truth, and to witness for the Sabbath among an apostatizing community. May they grow in grace as in numbers; may they become rich in heavenly wisdom as in earthly goods; moreover, as they have received liberally may they be disposed to give liberally, and to bear in their hearts and upon their prayers the burdens of a perishing world. In connexion with this subject another consideration is presented. These churches occupy situations as desirable as can be found throughout the whole country for mercantile, mechanical, or agricultural avocations, and embrace every variety of soil, scenery, and climate. Some are located on broad meadow-like prairie; others amid a diversified landscape of hills and valleys; and yet others in the neighbourhood of marts of commerce, and communicating with lakes and rivers. No brother need forsake the Sabbath, in order to find a more eligible or advantageous situation than could be obtained in contiguity with the settlements of the Sabbath-keepers; and no person, whatever may be his denominational character, who wishes to emigrate, will find in any locality a state of society more elevated, moral, and Christian-like, or schools more really useful and well-conducted than are to be found among the Sabbatarians. In tracing the history of our denomination, there occur many reflections of a pleasant and interesting character, particularly in connexion with our missionary efforts. The review of the fields of labour thus occupied would prefigure in a remarkable degree our gradual expansion and increase. First we see those good old fathers, over whose graves the flowers of centennial summers have bloomed and withered, making short journeys from Rhode Island to New Jersey, and perhaps to some parts of Pennsylvania. This, at that time, was missionary ground. Subsequently the area was extended. Where was the missionary ground in their youth to those venerable men who have grown gray in the service of the sanctuary? In the wildly beautiful and romantic region of western New York and Pennsylvania, where a glorious harvest has arisen as the fruit of their labours. Then gradually expanding westward, Ohio, Wisconsin, and Iowa, became alternately the theatres of new scenes of trial and triumph. Intimately connected with the progress of our denomination in this region are the names of Rev. L. A. Davis and Rev. J. L. Scott, both indefatigable missionaries, through whose instrumentality several of these churches have been gathered and organized. Is not our missionary ground still expanding? Does not the time approach when the broad plains of the Missouri will be so occupied? when the region of the Rocky Mountains will be so occupied? when Oregon and California will be so occupied? Does it appear impossible or improbable? All that is necessary for its realization, is the application of means, and faith in the promises of God.

SECTION IX. GENERAL SUMMARY.

The reader who has followed me through this brief and imperfect sketch of the history of the Seventh-day Baptist Denomination, cannot fail to perceive that our churches have gradually and healthfully increased in numbers, notwithstanding the continual opposition which is manifested to the cause we advocate, and the continual discouragements that we have to encounter both in society and business. It is now about one hundred and seventy years since the first Seventh-day Baptist church was organized in America; and the efforts which have been made within the last thirty years have accomplished more to advance the interests of the cause than what was done for nearly a century and a half preceding. This has not been produced by any special excitement, but by increased energy and courage, and by the multiplication of means for disseminating the truth; and those means have but just begun to develope their influence. Our Education, Missionary, and Tract Societies are yet in their infancy; our denominational paper is only beginning to acquire a circulation corresponding to its merits, indicative to other denominations of Christians of our literary resources,—and yet effects that would have astonished our ancestors have been realized. In 1805, we numbered eight churches, and about one thousand five hundred communicants. Twenty-five years increased that number to three thousand four hundred; but the five subsequent years to more than four thousand five hundred. In 1840, we numbered a fraction over five thousand members, which in three years increased to six thousand. At this period, there are about seven thousand communicants in the connexion. There are sixty-five churches united with the Conference; sixty ordained ministers, and about thirty licentiates.

RECAPITULATION OF CHURCHES FOR 1849.

Date of Number of

Designation. Organization. Communicants.

EASTERN ASSOCIATION.

Newport, 1671 28

First Hopkinton, 1708 344

Second Hopkinton, 1835 173

Third Hopkinton, 1835 166

Marlborough, 1811 131

New York, 1845 33

Piscataway, 1707 174

Pawcatuck, 1840 172

Plainfield, 1838 83

Richmond, 1843 25

Shiloh, 1787 261

South Kingston, 1840 25

Waterford, 1784 110

Westerly, 1837 72

CENTRAL ASSOCIATION.

Adams, 1822 230

First Brookfield, 1797 200

Second Brookfield, 1823 109

Third Brookfield, 1823 128

De Ruyter, 1806 111

Diana, 1846 18

Hounsfield, 1841 65

Lincklean, 1831 104

Otselic, 1830 50

Preston, 1806 81

Richland, 1845 14

Scott, 1820 176

Truxton, 1824 51

Watson, 1841 66

First Verona, 1820 70

Second Verona, 1837 31

Berlin, 1784 272

Petersburg, 1829 109

WESTERN ASSOCIATION.

Amity, 1834 27

First Alfred, 1816 437

Second Alfred, 1831 249

Clarence, 1828 77

Friendship, 1824 155

First Genesee, 1827 171

Second Genesee, 1834 60

Third Genesee, 1842 39

Hartsville, 1847 54

Hayfield, 1771 85

Hebron, 1833 61

Independence, 1834 118

Pendleton, 1844 20

Persia, 1832 59

Scio, 1834 40

Ulysses, 1845 17

Wirt, 1827 34

SOUTHWESTERN ASSOCIATION.

First Hughes River, Va., 1833 12

Second Hughes River, Va., 1840 7

New Salem, Va., 1745 71

Lost Creek, Va., 1805 68

Jackson, Ohio, 1843 40

Northampton, Ohio, 1837 20

Port Jefferson, Ohio, 1840 31

Sciota, Ohio, 1842 20

Stokes, Ohio, 1842 22

Pike, Ohio, 1824 30

Madison, Ia., 1843 12

Woodbridgetown, Pa., 1780 4

NORTHWESTERN ASSOCIATION.

Albion, Wis., 1843 90

Milton, Wis., 1838 112

Walworth, Wis., 1849 21

Fredonia, Ia., 1842 9

Farmington, Ill., 1849 16

In dating the organization of the churches, I have had recourse to Clarke's History, and to the old Conference Minutes; between which and the minutes for 1849, I discovered some discrepancies. Should the reader wish to institute a comparison between my work and other documents, he will please refer to these sources, by which, for several reasons, I consider it safest to be guided.

Besides these churches, there are many scattered families of Sabbath-keepers in different parts of the Union. The Rev. Isaac P. Labagh, a minister of eminent ability and attainment, in connexion with the Episcopal Church in New York, is an observer of the Sabbath.

CONCLUSION.

It may be observed, in conclusion, that these churches exhibit nothing peculiar in their forms of worship. Psalmody is universally practised, and the science of vocal music is cultivated in all the older churches.

Previous to 1822, Rippon's Collection of Hymns was generally used. About that time a new collection, designed particularly for this denomination, was made and published by a committee appointed for that purpose by the General Conference. Recently that collection has been superseded by another, which is in present use.

Sabbath schools and Bible classes have been instituted, and generally receive attention in all the churches; and the same may be said of conference and prayer meetings.

There are also tract and missionary societies within the bosoms of the different fraternities, whose officers constitute the board for the transaction of business.