ence of intelligence, of education, and of constitutional character. But, as in an army, combination of force is found to excite their courage for an enterprize, more hazardous to every one engaged in it than a danger from which he would shrink in his individual character; so, in a representative body, a member of it is prone to calculate on a degree of submission, beyond what he would have imagined in the capacity of a sole legislator, although clothed with authority greater than that in the other case supposed.

In the estimation of discreet persons generally, ecclesiastical legislation is thought to have been carried too far. What the author sees cause to lament, is, that many who acknowledge this fact, and who are ready to lay unsparing hands on matters formerly established, would bind on the church something new and needless, and likely to excite diversity of opinion. They will do this with good intentions, and without being aware of the inconsistency. In a church having the secular arm for its support, what has been mentioned would be an evil: but it must be ruinous, if it should be dominant in a church so much acted on as ours by opinion of persons of all degrees in life, under antorganization as it were of yesterday, and therefore not having the support of habitual submission to its decisions. In these circumstances, independently on other considerations, there is a call to the acquiring of a weight of religious character, not only in the episcopacy, but in the other clergy, and in the lay gentlemen, to whom may be committed the important work of making changes in ecclesiastical in

stitutions. Even with the advantage of such a character, let them be aware of the truth of the maxim, that one property of the art of governing, is the taking of care not to govern too much.*

6thly. The last contemplated improvement, is the suggesting of the hope, that the time which has been spent, and the cares and the labours which have been bestowed, by some who have gone to their rest from their labours, and by others who have still on their hands a part of their work to be performed, will be applied to the proper end-the promoting of truth and godliness. In every age of the world, there is open a wide field for exertions to this effect; but the remark applies especially to the present period, in which there have occurred extraordinary and successful exertions, for the propagation of the gospel:

* During the convention of 1789, and while they were engaged in the review of the book of Common Prayer, a lady of excellent understanding, being often in the way of hearing the subject discussed by some members of the body, addressed them to the following effect-" When I hear these things, I look back to the origin of the prayer book: and I represent to my mind the venerable compilers of it, ascending to heaven in the flames which consumed their bodies. I then look at the improvers of this book in"-(naming some gentlemen not wanting in respectability, but very little furnished with theological knowledge.) "The consequence is, gentlemen, that I am not sanguine in my expectations of respect to be paid to your meditated changes in the liturgy." Without raising any question concerning the logic of this speech, can there be a doubt with those who know human nature, that something like it is the language of many a heart in the religious world, on the introduction of any novelty of which the propriety may be doubtful?

partly produced by formidable combinations for the destruction of it; which have been overruled to events in contrariety to the licentious principles taught, and to the disorders which they were intended to perpetuate. Doubtless, we are to ascribe the issue to the good providence of God, who, in a variety of ways, "makes the wrath of man to praise him." In America, which lays open immense countries to future population and culture, the incitement applies with extraordinary stress of argument: and while it should prompt all the members of this church to put forth their best endeavours, each man in his sphere, and according to his ability; it admonishes him, to be himself in the consistent profession, in the practice of the duties, and in possession of the consolations of the gospel: without which, he is not likely to be influential over others; and if this should happen, his lamp will be without the oil, which is necessary to prepare him for the reception of the spiritual bridegroom.

3. AN APPENDIX

OF ORIGINAL PAPERS.

No. 1. p. 61.

Communication with the court of Denmark.

Copy of a letter from John Adams Esq., to the president of congress, dated, the Hague, April 22, 1784. SIR,

I received, sometime since, a letter from an American gentleman now in London, a candidate for orders, desiring to know, if American candidates might have orders from protestant bishops on the continent, and complaining that he had been refused by the bishop of London, unless he would take the oaths of allegiance, &c.

Meeting soon afterwards the Danish minister, I had the curiosity to inquire of him, whether ordination might be had in Denmark. He answered me, that he knew not, but would soon inform himself. I heard no more of it until to day, when the secretary of his embassy, Mr. De Rosencrantz made me a visit and delivered me the papers, copies of which are enclosed.

Thus, it seems, that what I meant as current conversation only, has been made the subject of the deliberation of the government of Denmark and their

SS

faculty of theology; which makes it necessary for me to transmit it to congress.

I am happy to find the decision so liberal.

I have the honour to be, &c.

(Signed.)

J. ADAMS.

Translation of a communication of Mr. de St. Saphorin, to Mr. John Adams, dated, the Hague, April, 21, 1784.

Mr. de St. Saphorin, has the honour to communicate to Mr. Adams the answer he has received from his excellency the count de Rosencrone, privy counsellor and secretary of state for foreign affairs of his Danish majesty, relative to what Mr. Adams desired to know. He shall be happy if this answer should be agreeable to him, as well as to his superiors and useful to his fellow-citizens. He has the honour to

assure him of his respect.

(Signed, &c.)

Translation of the copy of an extract of a letter from his excellency the count de Rosencrone, privy counsellor of his majesty the king of Denmark, to Mr. de St. Saphorin, envoy extraordinary from his majesty to the states general.

The opinion of the theological faculty having been taken on the question made to your excellency by Mr. Adams, if the American ministers of the church of England, can be consecrated here by a bishop of the Danish church? I am ordered by the king to authorise you to answer, that such an act can take place according to the Danish rites, but for