1792. statistical notices of N. America. gl 
than the cause from which it springs. Perhaps our 
charity is grafted on indifference. Not setting a very 
high value upon soundnefs of principle or strictnefs 
of discipline, we consider as trifles the varieties ofsen- 
_timents that exist among thedifferent denominations. 
. No denominations being intitled by an establifhment to 
treat the others with superiority ; all mingling together 
upon an equal and familiar footing, we find men inevery 
sect who reach the standard of piety and good mo- 
rals which we have fixed in our ideas ; and therefore 
are apt toconclude that the creed is immaterial if 
‘the life be good. I do not say that this mode of 
thinking is universal in America; particular places, 
especially in Pensylvania, and New England, are to 
be excepted. But you have judged rightly in sup- 
posing that this must be the general character .f the 
Americans. 
You afk “‘ whether there be an uniformity of doc- 
trine among our ministers?”? I have the pleasure to 
inform you that there is. There is the greatest 
harmony at present among the ministers of our 
synod. They profefs to adopt the same standard of 
religious faith, I believe, in general, with great sin- 
. cerity, and without modifications, and secret in- 
_terpretations to accommodaté the standard to ob- 
fique opinions. One reason of this is that this 
country affords few inducements to a man to enter 
into the church, and therefore few temptations to 
disguise his sentiments. The afsuming of the mi- 
nisterial office here, I mean within the synod of New 
York and Philadelphia, is generally the fruit of ho- 
| nesty, anda pious desireof doing good. But this 
