1792] l^i^V. WILLIAM SMITH, D. D. 363 



separation from the former centre of their ecclesiastical union, had be- 

 come unconnected with one another, the first objects which engaged 

 the conventions, successively held, were : the reuniting of the compo- 

 nent parts of the body, the obtaining of the Episcopacy, and the 

 reviewing of the Liturgy — objects of so great magnitude and difficulty 

 that the measures most proper to be pursued could not be ascertained 

 without frequent deliberation, nor determined on without much time 

 and pains: although now happily carried into effect, with every ap- 

 pearance of stability, and, it is hoped, to general satisfaction and 

 edification. 



Our Church being thus organized on those principles of doctrine, 

 discipline and worship, which we had inherited from the Church of 

 England, and which had been handed down to us, through her, from 

 the Apostles and the early fathers of the whole Christian church, it must be 

 seen that the principal object to be promoted by all, in their respective 

 stations, as the effect of so good a system, is an evangelical profession of 

 religion, manifesting itself in holiness of heart and life — an effect which 

 may be looked for wherever provision has been made for the stated 

 preaching of the word and the administration of the sacraments. 



There are, however, many places in which no such provision can be 

 made by those who are to be benefited by it, owing to the difficulties 

 attendant on the first settlement of a country, and to the circumstances 

 of the settlers, which, in general, are barely competent to yield them a 

 subsistence. Of persons thus situated, there are very many on the ex- 

 tensive frontier of the United States, who, having been educated in the 

 faith and the worship of our Church, wish to have the benefits of its 

 ministry, but who are too few, in their respective neighborhoods, to 

 provide for it among themselves, or indeed to expect it at all, unless on 

 the itinerant plan now proposed; and that to be principally supported 

 by their richer brethren, who are also more advantageously situated for 

 a combined effort. 



Under these circumstances, the convention have thought it a duty, 

 arising out of the trust committed to them by the Great Head of the 

 Church, to direct their attention to a people whose circumstances so 

 strongly claim it ; and to call on the pious and liberal members of 

 their communion to aid them in the undertaking which these sentiments 

 have suggested. 



It has ever been held a duty, incumbent on every branch of the 

 Christian Church, not to neglect, as far as opportunity shall offer, the 

 publishing of the glad tidings of salvation, even to heathen nations. 

 Accordingly, it cannot but be the desire of every member of our com- 

 munion that something may be attempted by us, in due time, for as- 

 sisting in every laudable endeavor for the conversion of our Indian 

 neighbors, notwithstanding former disappointments and discourage- 

 ments. And it is the sincere wish and prayer of those who now address 



