The Pennsylvania journal, or, Weekly advertiser — Philadelphia, Pa., 1776-10-16 00:00:00, page 2

peachmenft, ana to recommend to the ieglflahire the repealing
such laws as shall appear co them to have been enacted con
trary to the principles' of the constitution : These powers they
shall continue to have, for and during the space of one year
from the day of their election and no longer : The faidcoun
cil of Censors shall also have power to call a Convention, to
Meet within two years alter their fitting, if there appear to
them an abfiriute necessity of amending any article of the con
stitution which may be defective, explaining such as may be
thought not clearly expressed, and of adding such as are ne
ceffar, for the preservation of the rights and happiness of the
people : But the articles to he amended, and the amendments
proposed, and such articles as are proposed to be added or
aboliffied, shall be promulgated at least fix months before the
day appointed for the election of such Convention, for the
previous con liberation of the people, that they may have an
opportunity of infttuaing their Delegates on the fubje&
"I AB profefs faith in God the Father, and in Jesus
1 Christ, his eternal Son, and in the Holy Spirit,
one Gon, bluffed forever-more ; and do acknowledge the
Holy Scriptures of the Old and New Teßament, to be
given by Divine Infpuatiort"
New Tell eftdrifted, h/tcadof the foregoing, in Pennfylgania, by
the tenth feblion of the frame of government formed by our late
Convention :
" I do belive in one God, the Creator and Governor of
the Universe, the Rewarder of the Good, and Punisher of
the Wicked. And Ido acknowledge the Scriptures of the Old
and New Testament to he given by Divine fnfpiration."
The word's next immediately following this farpizinc t«ft,
which is quite new on this continent, are, “ And no farther
or other religious tell shall ever hereafter be required of
any civil officer or magistrate in this State."
Q_ U E S T IO N S.
Were the members of the Convention, Christians ? Why
did they 'eave out theword " HOLY" next before the word
“ Scriptures" and also the " profefa of faith in the
Chilian religion;' when they had the antient and approved
form before their eyes?
Did they think, there were not Christians enough in Permfyf
itania to fill the offices of State, who were willing to take the
rest of that antient and approved form? If it be said, that
the making the foregoing " acknowledgement" required by the
new frame of government, is a proof that the person who
makes it is a Christian, then such person could not object
against making a direct and plain " profeffion of faith in the
Christian religion." Why then, is not this " pro
fession of Faith" required in the new test, established
by our late Convention in their new frame of government ?
At this " profeffon of fib" so generally and for so many
centuries eftablilhed in the Chri/lian world, has been publicly
and totally rejoßed from our constitution by the late Conven
tion, is it not therefore evident, that the Convention were of
opinion, that the " acknowledgement" required by their test,
would leave a door open to those who do not believe the
Chilian religion, by some evasion or equivocation to get into
places of profit or trust, notwithstanding that “ acknowledge
ment"?
Was not the antient and approved teff mangled as ft has
been by the Convention, on purpose, that those who do not
believe the Christian religion, may avail themselves of some
loch evasion or equivocation ?
Dors not the tell, invented by the Convention, weaken tide
fecuri', of the Christian religion, by law eftabUfhed, and un
derminc'it as artfully as they could, and as boldly as they
dared to do ?
Is it not rcnifeft, that the design of this attack on our re
ligion was to kiTcn our reverence for it, as the innovation
made by the Convention was utterly unneteffar, ,
Is not this dtt?°n also manifeft by the plan @f govern
ment which the Convention firft pubhflied, in which, there
was no mention of the " Scriptures :" And from the flight
mention of them in the plan now fixed, which they inserted
to fatisfy, and thought w®uld fatisfy the resentment of the
People against them ?
Ts not this design also manifeft, by the fecord fe&ion of
the " Declaration of Rights," fettled by the Convention, —in
.which they fav, ' Nor can any man, who acknowledges the
Being of a God, be just!, deprived or abridged of an, civil
right as a citizen(that is as a member of this State) on account
of his religious sentiments or peculiar mode of religious wor
ibip ?"
Is there not the grossest inconsistency in the proceedings of
the Convention, if the beforementioned “ acknowledgement"
required by them in the " frame of government" means any
thing more than the foregoing “ acknowledgement" required
by them in the " Declaration of Rights ?
Is it not therefore evident, that they thought, there was
some evasion or equivocation admissible in taking the " ac
knowledgement" required by the “ frame of government,"
that might reconcile it to the " acknowledgement" required
by the " Declaration of Rights?"
Is it not evident, that they have in an extraordinary man
ner, and with expressions not used by them on any other oc
casion, endeavour'd to prevent the Christian Religion
from being eflablijbed again in Pennsylvania, when they by the
tenth ft aior rof their frame positively prohibited ' ary other
religious test" from being 6 ever hereafter" required?
Did not the Convention borrow these words, which they
afterwards added to their test, to wit " the rewarder of the
good, and punisher of the wicked," from a hint in the Even
ing Post, Sept. IX, of some reformer, who so far approved
of omiflions in creeds, as to emit the word " CR eator ?"
Is there any State on this continent that has treated the
CWfan religion with so much contempt as our Convention
has done ?
Will not the People of Pennsylvania be partakers in their
guilt, if they fuffer the new frame of government, which
they have formed, so monstrous in this particular, and so
ridiculously finguhr in others, to be carried into execution ?
Do not the foregoing qu-ftions demand the most SERI
OUS and immediate confederation of every sensible, vir
tuous, pious Penyfylvanian ?
"In hoc Signo vinces." I. S.
Messrs. BRADFORDS,
THE resentment of the people of Pennfylvapia is so great
and so general against the new form of government
framed by the late Convention, that the only question that
now engages their attention, is, how they shall get rid of it.
Messrs. BRADFORDS,
You will oblige a friend to true Religion, our great American Cauf,
and Pennsylvania, if ,ou will insert in your next Paper, the
old Trft or ^ ahflection, eftnblimbed by law in this State, and
which is exaril, the fame b, the best information I have received,
with the Test or Ratification eftablijhed in evety State, except
this % the Continent; also the new Test and the Reflions in
clfed.
Old Test in Pennfylvanw, and now effablKhed in other
States of America
It is vain for fomt of die Convention-men to harrangte
upon the wicked designs of those who abhor their proceed
ings, and endeavour to frighten weak persons by pretending
that the objections made against their works, are owing to
difaffc^d me% who want to throw every thing into con
fulion. They will perceive their egregious error in a tew
days, when they observe what are the characters of these who
moft'ftrenuoufly oppose the dcfpicable and detestable p r an of
government that has been invented for us, and when they
observe how those opponents are supported by all profeffions,
societies, denominations and claffits among Ws.
Indeed the Convention men betray their own fears not
withstanding their blustering airs, by the contemptible ex
pedient they R,fe. But we are lick of their proposals.
We know by woeful experience they are ridiculous and
tend to continued confufions. They now would have the
people to proceed on the fifth day of next month with the
elections prescribed by them, under a notion, that the
members then chosen may make such changes in the con
stitution as may be thought proper. Did ever any mortal
hear so absurd a proposal, except from Convention men ?
We are to choofc an ATcmbly torfooth, by virtue of the
new constitution, whose fith bufiuefs shall be to pall,that
constitution to pieces. That Atumbly cannot have any
other powers thin are aligned to it by the new constitu
tion as it is called, .which expressly prohibits them from
making any amendments. The making of theft is cunfigned
to a Convention to meet NINE YEARS he ce, called by
that monder in government " a council of Censors !" What
a strong argument will this be in the mouths of Cunventr
cn men and their creatures, if they should get into the new
Assembly, to prevent amendments ? Wuat tedious debated
and fatal contests may it produce ? T will pledge my life that
we fliall have no harm my in this state, nor any vigour in its
operations, if we fall into this trap.
. The whole constitution is intolerable. It is difrcfpe&-
ful to our religion, singular in its kind, confufed, incop
tifent, deficient in feufe and grammar, and the ridicitf of &1
America but curfelves who blufli too much to laugh. Why
fliould we take upon ourfclves the more than Herculean la
bour of eleanfing a thing so impure. "No man (lays the
proveib) can make a silk purse of a few's car."
As to “ throwing every thing into contufi'n," nothing will
do this so eff Dually, as attempting to carry the new govern
ment into execution The people will never fubnot to it,
and therefore let the Convention nun by renouncing at
once all hopes of eftabhlhiog their chimea, reftorc that peape
to the Bate which they have so Grange y diftutbed.
Our oath is plain, broad and direct. Let the Majesty and
authority of the PEOPLE determine as it dial! pieafe
them.
We can have a new convention chosen for the purpose of
forming a new government on the authority of the people
only, as soon as an assembly can Be chosen wider the ordi
nance of the late Convention. This new Convention call
meet next month. Before Chriftmafs at fartheft, a new go
vernment can he formed. The persons who ate to cany it
into execution may be ele&ed and may meet by the tenth day
of January, which is the time of year, that our representa
tives have been aecuftonied to meet for the dispatch of im
portant bufmefs. The winter is approaching, ad there
will be time for putting the whole state into order. If the
emergency of public affairs shall require any ordinances to
be made, the new convention may be expressly authorized
to make such, to continue in force until! the new govern
ment is established. Surely the new Convention with such
an authority expressly delegated to them, may make ordi
nances with more propriety than the late Convention, who
made la ki to bind the people, without the least pretence cf
having received such an authority from the people.
If we proceed in this manner, we ffiali make provision for
every event, that can happen ; and under toe favour of di
vine providence, may expert to lay forid foundations for the
tranquility, honour, and happiness of Pennsylvania.
M 0 N TEGO-B A Y (Jamaica) July 20.
A dangerous conspiracy, which had been for fume time
past concerting amongst the negroes of Harding-hall, Caid
wall, MV. Chambers's, Cocoon, Davis's Cove, the Spring,
the Baulk, Top river, Pell river and several other estates,
in Hanover, was, On Monday last, moll happily difeovered ;
since which between thirty and forty negroes have been taken
up, among whom ^re all the principals as yet impeached. A
fellow named Adam, belonging to Mr. Chambers's Richmond
estate, was among the firft apprehended, and informed of
the above estates. From what has tranfphed of their exa
minations, the infurreaion was intended to be "general
throughout Hanover; and their plan appears to have been a
madacre of several white people, which was to have been
executed some time this week. Those apprehended have not
as yet impeached any other parish, neither have ve been
able to learn with any certainty how the difeovety was made.
PORTSMOUTH, (N w-Hampshire,) Sep.%B.
On Thursday last arrived here the prize thip Royal Ex
change, Lawrence Bowden late master, flic was taken by the
Continental ship Columbus, Abraham Whippie, Esq; com
mander, on the 29th uh. on her paffagq from Grenada to
London, having on board a valuable cargo, cor, fitting f
284 hogsheads and a tierces of sugar, §5 hogflieads of rum,
11 hogsheads coffee, a bales cotton, and some Mad ira wine.
The prze master (Mr. Oiney) informs of two other prizes
being taken by the Columbus, just before this, on th< it paflage
to Europe from the Weft-Indies; and in his passage hither
spoke with the Providence brigantine belonging to the United
States, who informed him of her taking two valuable prizes,
and feat into Providence.
EX E T E R, September 28.
Last Wednesday was sent into Newbury by a privateer be
longing to Salem; a ship from Grenada, bound to London,
having on board 20® hhds. of sugar, 40 of rum, and two of
coffee.
BOSTO N, October 3.
On the gift of August last was taken by the fehOoner Han
nah and Molly, and the Dolphin privateers, and carried into
Frenchman's-bay, the brigantine Royal George, commanded
by Dennis Doyfe, having on board the following articles;
viz. 200 tierces of pork, 231 barrels of beef, 270 firkins of
butter, 169 barrels of oat meal, 11 tierces of beef, 1 crock
of butter, 25 sacks split peas, 25 boxes candles, 30 boxes of
soap, 20 barrels pork; die was bound from Waterford in
Ireland to Halifax, out 10 weeks, brings no news, excepting
that they had an account in Ireland, that the British troops
had taken possession of the greatest part of Philadelphia, and
had taken the Continental Coagrefs prisoners.
WATERTOW N.
0&. 7. Wednesday last arrived at Boston, a prize brig taken
by the Coninental ship Columbus, Abraham Whipple, Esq;
Commander, bound from Antigua to Ireland, with rum.
Last Wednesday returned to Salem, after a fliort ciuife, rle
brigantine Maffachuffetts, of this State, commanded by Capt.
Souther. He informs, that a few days after he failed he
fell in with and took a brigantine of about x§a tons, from
Falmouth in England, mounting fix 3 pounders, and having
on board a Captain and about to privates of the r6th reff
of dragoons, with their horses and accoutrements, also the
Chaplain of said regiment, and some dry goods + which the
Capt. fays is his own property. The whole number of priso
ners 35. This vessel failed from Falmouth the 27th of July,
just a month after they embarked, in company with 12 others,
under convoy of the Daphne of 32 guns, from whom they
parted but a day or two before they tyretaken; they all had
the fame kind cf cargo, leaking in the whole 230 horses. A
fleet of about 70 fail failed about three days before them, un
der a strong convoy having on board the remainder of the 16th
regiment of dragoons, and the iaQ division of Hanoverians,
confiding, 'tis said, of 5000 men, bound to New-York. They
were fliort of herfe provisions, some of the horses died of the
Baggers, and 'fis supposed the late gales have deftroyedmany
more. The people in England, we hear, began to be very
uneasy.
The prize above Mentioned we learn, arrived at Townsend
at the e@ftward the middle of lad week.
A privateer belonging to Salem which arrived there last
Thdrfday, fell in with the fleet of 12 fail, and was so elofely
pursued by the Daphne, that the enemy fixed musket balls
into her; but by heaving over all her guns, water and pro
visions, and by jawing down her upper works, they (bravely)
escaped.
We also hear that three more prizes have arrived at the
eaAward, two laden with fifh, the other with melafTes.
We hear that Capt. Greely in a privateer belonging to
Boston, who failed from thence last Monday afternoon, lent
ihto Marblehead iaft Friday a prize brig, laden with park ano
beef.
Saturday last a flbop laden with lumber, was sent into Bof
ton by Capt. Waters. She was bound to New York from the
eastward.-— Is it net astonishing that there fliould bill be fuel
people among us, who would fup,ly our enemies to cut tber
Own throats ?
NE WP OR T, (Rbode-Ifland, September 23,
Last Monday a flrip and a brig taken by the Montgomery
Went up the calf patfage. Oil Wednesday a large ship taker
by the General Greene, and a Baltimore schooner, and a brig
taka by the Revenge, got fate into a neighbouring port
Ou Friday another ship, taken by Captain Munro, went u^
the bay; and the fame night, another brig, taken by th<
Revenge, palled the east passage. All the above are valuable
prizes. That taken by the General Greene, &c. is 310 tons
loaded with 37% hogsheads of sugar, 8^ puncheons ©f rum,
36 pipes, and four hogsheads of Madeira wine, and iSoolb
of copper.
Off. 7. Last Tuesday a prize brig loaded with rum arc
ftfgar, went up the call passage; she was bound for A.<..\r.
for the British fleet and array at New York, and taken by tb<
privateer Industry, Capt. Thomas Child, who had taker
another large brig from Jamaica, loaded with sugar, mahoga
ny and logwood; which, we hear, is fafe arrived at th
east ward.
The Lady Washington privateer, Capt. Janies Godfrey
has lent a fine ship into a port ia the Maffachufett's State
loaded with 425 hogsheads ofifugar, some rum, cotton, &c
A ship loaded with dry goods, bound to Quebec, and ta
ken by Capt. Crawford, went into a fife port yefterd&y;
about the fame time another ship from Jamaica, with sugar
rum, &c. taken by Capt. Coffin, went into a secure harbour.
N E W-H AVEN. O^ber 9 .
For several days pad, numbers of the militia from the flatt
of the Massachusetts-Bay, have been passing thro' this town,
in companies to the caftward. We hear they are to render
Vous at Fairfield, for the present.
NEW-LONDO N, October 4.
Lad Lord's day le'nnight, Capt. Rowe, with a party %
men, landed at a place called die Old Man's, near Brookhaven
on Long-Illand, in order to remove his family from Corum
main, where he met one Richard Miller, a native of Eafi
Hampton, who had taken a commission under General Howe
and was inlifting men for the regular army, and as he wa
riding by Captain Rowe's door, where a centry was placed
Miller was hailed and ordered to flop, which he refufed to do
and rode the fafter, and after being repeatedly called upon to
flop, and he not regardnag; the guard fired at him, when z
ball entered his body, and he died the next morning.
Left Wednesday a prize ship from Jamaica, bound to Lon
don, was sent into port by the armrd brig defence, belonging
to the State of Connecticut, commanded by Capt. Seth Hard
ing; she failed from Montego bay in company with 200 sari
under convey of two men of war, who had parted with them
and returned into port. Her cargo consists of 3^6 hogsheads
of sugar, 158 ditto of rum, 16 bails of cotton, a quantity of
coffee and mahogany, and fas two turtle on board. She fc
about 300 tons, called the John, M'Donald, master, was ta
ken 12 days ago. An embargo being laid on rhe Gripping in
Jamaica, on account of rhe infurreaion among the negroes,
for want of provisions, detained the above fleet; who whe&
they failed were at short allowance of provifions.'
General Stirling and Mailer Lovel, who were prisoner.
with Lord Howe, have been exchanged for Governor Brown,
of Providence and Major Skeen.
Extract of a letter from Haeriem, OPober 8.
'' I have just had half an hour's conversation with Lord Ster
ling, who returned from his captivity yesterday, who fays,
that he believes, from his best intelligence, that the enemy
does not exceed is,ooo sick and well, but is certain they are
not 16,000 in all. The reinforcements they can receive con
fin only of the lift division of the Hessians, about 3000. This
he knows from the information of one who saw the fleet at
sea, which confided of about 70 fail, among which were
300 heavy horses for carriages. 3or 400 light horfeare ar
rived, but no more expected."
By accounts from the fouchward we learn, that a Spanish
brig was arrived from Havannah at Virginia with io,eoo dol
lars, to purchase flour, &c. Bv her we learn, that Spain had
a&ually declared war against Portugal, and that a large ar
mament was expected at Havanna from Gid Spain in a ihort
time alter he failed; and that several other merchant veiled
were loon to follow him for this continent.
By express from General LEE, at Amboy, dispatched on
Saturday last, we learn, that tl\f enemy had evacuated Sta
ten-lfland, and that our people had again taken possession of it.
On Tuesday the Bth inflant, two of the enemy's flrips of
warad two tenders passed, through a heavy fire from our
bat teries, up the North River, as high as Col. Phillips's Farm,
and in their way, they took two gundaloes and one ortwo
Ihallops.
Saturday last arrived here the ship mentioned in cur last,
taken by the brig General Montgomery, flic proves to be the
ship Thetis, Capt. May, with 314 hogflieids of sugar, 90
puncheons of rum, &c. from Montego Bay for London, and
belonged to a fleet of near zoo fail, who, left Jamaica in
Auguftlaft, under convoy of t wo men of war. The above
flrip, in coming up, touched on the Cheveaux de Frize, where
she would have, in all probability funk, had it not been for
the timely assistance she received from the Row-Galle, -Meu a
PHILADELPHIA.