The Massachusetts spy. [volume] (Worcester [Mass.]) 1821-1823, 1822-07-17
From Tie Sp1ag fela Esdsralist Of JMlu 81

From the Sprhg field FederaliSt Of July 81
The General Association of Massachusetts
assembled in this town on Wednesday last
There were, we understand, about seventy
clergymen present. The Rev. John Fl. Rice,
ID. ID. from Richmond, Virgo and the Rev.
John Mcdowell, from Elizabethtown, New
Jersey, represented the General Assembly of
the Presbyterian Church. The following is
brief sketch of the proceedings, and servi-
ces of the week -
The object ofthis Association is, 70 ascertain.
annually, the state of the various Churches in
the United States-to devise and consult upon
measures for the increased prosperity of ia
voured sections, and for the relief and oonso-
lation Of those thatsuffer depression and gloom.
Accordingly, reports were read from the va.
rious Associations which were represented in
the Conventon-and thus the present state Of
large portion of the American Church was
brought at one view before this assembly of
Christian Ministers. Most of these reports
were characterized by spirit Of evangelical
piety, while some of them, as we humbly
think, might have been altered, without det-
riment to the matter or spirit. On Tuesday
evening the Rev. Mr.. Guild, of Milton, preach
ed from Cor. xiii. 8.--'t For IRE cas, do Moth
ing against The truth, but for the truth"
On Wednesday, the Association convened,
and in the afternoon Sermon was preached
before them by the Rev. DR.. Rice, from Q
Cor. v. IA" For The lore Of Christ coi,sirain-
eth uS.''
In the evening, a Sermon was preached by
the Rev. DR.. Mcdowell to a crowded audience
from Solomon's Song, iv. i6.--s' .4uake, o
north mind, and come, thou south, blOp upon
my garden, that the spices thereof may for
OH. Let mly belOred come iniO has garden and
eat has pleasant fratitS."-From which passage,
after divesting it in a most happy and striking
manner Of its allegorica character, the preach
err deduced the position, that it was the duty
of the Church to use constant, perevering.
unceasing, fervent prayer for the outpoaring
of Gods Spirit-and then proceeded to urge
the duty in an eloquent and most impressive
manner.
On Thursday, the Domestick Missionary SO.
clety of Massachusetts met, and Sermon was
preached before them by the Rev. John
Goldman, of Dorchester, from Matth. tx. 3d.
They acre scattered abroad as sheep harlng
no stepherd.n
After which the sacrament of the Lords
Supper was administered by, the Rev. Drs.
Rice and Austin, to a very large collection
Of Christians from this town and its vicinity,
and from more distant parts of the Common
wealth.-The scene was highly interesting in
itself, and its interest was much increased by
the most solemn and pathetick manner of DIR.
Rice. The assemblage of so many of the
professed followers of the Redeemer for the
last and only time, in this world, could not but
excite the most moving and interesting re-
Elections.
We cannot doabt that much good results
from such a meeting. Taking the publick SER
vices together, we believe none were offended
many were edited and delighted, and all were
pleased. May the best blessings of Heaven
attend the persons and labours of our reVer-
end visitors.