intimation would be highly uncharitable. | rapidity of the growth of the country. Their opposition was, to what they termed, and no doubt thought too, irregular proceedings. They were wedded to modes and forms. With such persons there is no want of proper feelings, but of large and liberal views of things. The reformer in religion, and the man who makes discoveries in improvements, in science, never fail to be branded with every odious epithet. Power never fails to intoxicate. Man never is placed in greater temptation than when in a position of unlimited power. There is the place where human nature is seen in its nakedness and worst forms of depravity. Unlimited power has always been too much for the church; when this has been in its possession, the fires of persecution have been lighted up. It must be evident to the reader, that the authority given to this Commission, was misplaced. All the men, whom Cumberland Presbytery had licensed and ordained, were silenced with as much au. thority, as if though a Nuncio had come from the Vatican. This is not all; the Presbytery was peremptorily ordered to appear before the Synod at its next meeting. This whole proceeding is unprecedented. Men, who had been regularly licensed and ordained, against whom no allegation, either of iminorality or heresy, was made, were silenced, and that by a commission from a synod. Some of these ministers, who were si lenced, according to the customs of the times, had charge of several churches located in different neighborhoods. Those Licentiates traveled over extensive districts of country, preaching and exhorting every day. When the Commission issued its prohibition, their appointments were days and weeks before them. There were engagements for baptisms, the administration of the Lord's Supper, for solemnizing marriages, organizing churches, instituting new preaching stations, meeting with serious persons, and receiving individuals into the communion of the church. All was frustrated. With sad and mournful hearts and weeping eyes, would these pious men go and relate to assembled congregations what had taken place. It is impossible for us, at this distance of time, to realize the melancholy state of things which really existed. It would savor of extravagance to relate the whole. There is no greater curse, than to deprive a pious people of the means of grace. There could be no sorer evil, than to prohibit the godly minister from preaching the gospel to anxious, listening, famishing, starving souls. After several months of painful suspense and anxiety, the members of the proscribed presbytery came together in the capacity of a counThe situation of the interdicted Presby- cil. It was agreed to petition the Gen. tery was extreme. One part of the preach-eral Assembly, hoping to find a redress ers silenced the other under a formal citation to appear before the Synod. Those who were silenced knew not what to do. The others were filled with uncertainty and inquietude. One general gloom covered the face of all. Every breast heaved with sorrow. All was despondency and uncertainty. When the minister beheld the people without a pastor, his grief rose higher, When the people looked upon the minister, their gloom and despair grew darker. All, old and young, parents and children, partook in the common grief. Even the irreligious felt the influence. Cumberland Presbytery, at this period, embraced a large extent of territory. There were numerous churches, preaching and missionary stations in its limits. The churches seemed to spring up with the of grievances from that venerable body. They held occasional meetings for conference. Most, or all of them, now resumed their labors. The ordinances were again administered, and their labors were abundently blessed. Amid all their discouragements and embarrassments, they had the gratification of seeing the pleasure of the Lord prosper in their hands. In the mean time, the petition of the Council was laid before the Assembly, in session in Philadelphia. That body alleged that it could not act in the case, because it had not been regularly appealed to. It is singular that such an allegation should have come from that reverend body. How could they be appealed to in any other way? A part of the presbytery silenced; the other part summoned by an illegal Commission, to appear before the synod to answer certain allegata. The Council appeared before the Assembly in the only way that it could. There was no other channel of appeal. Kentucky Synod was advised by the Assembly to review its proceedings. This amounted to a tacit admission on the part of the Assembly, that the proscribed Presbytery was right in its proceedings; else why this revision of proceedings recommended. Private intimations were given to the aggrieved party, that in process of time ample amends should be made them. This was confidently relied upon. It gave every encouragement. Whatever may have been the nature and original intention of these private intimations, it is certain they proved fallacious in the end. It cannot be doubted but that there was sincerity in this unofficial in formation. But why it was not made good, at this distance of time, probably, cannot be determined. Whether there was a change of members in that high judicature of the church, or whether there was a sacrifice made to what was esteemed policy, is equally difficult to decide. The Synod, in compliance with the request of the Assembly, reviewed its former proceedings. The result was, a confirmation of what had previously been done. This took place in 1807. It will be borne in mind, that Cumberland Presbytery was, in fact, dissolved by the Commission. At this time it was officially dissolved by the Synod. After this dissolution, Transylvania Presbytery was ordered to settle the matter in dispute, with the Council. The natural tendency of this was to inflame and irritate. In this, though, we see the Council recognized as a responsible body. | [ It is not treated in this case with the disdain due a publican or heathen, but with the decorum of an orderly, talented, pious body. Unfortunately, this kind of treatment was far from uniform. pe In 1808, the Council. sent another tition to the General Assembly, but were again informed that that body could take no action on the case, because an appeal had not been brought to them from Kentucky Synod. Singular information this! Had matters remained to this hour, in an unsettled state, it is not probable that any appeal would have gone up from the synod. It would not have been their policy. In justice, it should be remarked, that some of the most distinguished clergymen of the Presbyterian Church, both sympathised with the council, and helieved that their conduct was altogether justifiable under the circumstances. Had they promptly and decidedly justified and defended in a public manner, the proceedings of the interdicted presbytery, final division might have been prevented. Of ten it is the case, that an unwillingness to assume responsibility, or espouse measures of temporary unpopularity, works almost infinite evil. To this hour there are many of both schools of the Presbyterian Church who candidly affirm that the proceedings against this presbytery were violent, ill-judged, and out of place. It must be borne in mind by the candid reader, that in all churches there are many bad and designing men. The good possess many imperfections. Hence, it behooves us to exercise the charity of the gospel. In 1809, a letter from Kentucky Synod, was laid before the General Assembly, in session in Philadelphia, in reference to the action the synod had taken against Cumberland Presbytery. The Assembly took judicial action on the contents of this letter, and justified the proceedings of the synod in the case. Though the Assemblies of 1807 and 1809, had decided that they could not act on the case, because it had come up by letter, and not by appeal from synod; yet, in 1809, when the matter came before the Assembly, by letter, and not by appeal, the excision of Cumberland Presbytery from the Presbyterian Church, took place. At a recent period, in another portion of the United States, we have witnessed the same venerable body cutting off a larger number of churches and ministers, than in this case. And this body, in turn, for a time, was deprived of all its church property, by a body of people which it was disposed to look upon as a schismatical fragment. Things in the moral, like fluids in the physical world, have a tendency to seek their level. It is not unfrequently the case, that a man's own sins punish him. The evil example he sets infects others; they, in following it, injure the author of it. of a council. It was in August, 1809, they met. All agreed that they should hold together. There was a difference of opinion as to the mode of future operation. Part were in favor of constituting, immediately, an independent Presbytery. Some hesitated and entertained scruples. The final conclusion, unanimously agreed to, was, to appoint two commissioners, to propose terms to Transylvania Presbytery and the Synod. Notwithstanding so many failures, still they hoped to effect an amicable adjustment of their difficulties. Their object was peace. They were willing to pursue any course to achieve this. Ambition was the least of all their char had not entered into their thoughts. To do good, was, what they were laboring for. They wished to keep their churches together, to see souls converted, and the cause of Christ progress. The news of the Assembly's action was received with astonishment, by the mem-acter. Establishing a new denomination bers of Cumberland Presbytery. They had anticipated, altogether, a different result. To this, they had been led by previous intimations from the Assembly. Of course, in feelings, they were totally unprepared for such a decision. It was a stroke of the heaviest disappointment. After the first feelings had subsided, they began to think of future action. Those faithful men could not think of abandoning their churches, their preaching stations, and their sacred callings. What should be done? This was the anxious inquiry of many a heart. They could not think of going to other churches; they were Presbyterians. They felt that they could be nothing else. Classical education, and what they believed to be the doctrine of fatality, taught under the names of election* and reprobation, could not be essential to Presbyterianism. Presbytery was something distinct from both; or, it could adopt both in a modified form. It was agreed to meet in the capacity The doctrince of unconditional election and predestination was not taught in the Christian church, till the fourth century. Augustine, bishop of Hippo, in Africa, was the author of it. He was partly educated at Carthage, partly at Rome. He was thoroughly versed in Greek literature and philosophy. At Milan, he was a teacher of rhetoric. Fatality was an ingredient of nearly all the ancient systems of philosophy. Did he not derive from the Porch and the Academy, those doctrines of fatality, which he engrafted on the Christian system, and called Predestination? May this not be the origin of all Predestination, which is identical with fatality? The two commissioners proceeded, and presented the terms of the council to the presbytery and the synod. They were heard with indifference. Totally failing, they returned with the unwelcome tidings to their brethren. Again, the inquiry was, what shall we do? Each looked upon the other in anxious suspense. All felt that it was a crisis. Every one felt a weight of responsibility. They fasted and prayed. They sought wisdom from above. They were not the men to waver and shrink from duty, when they knew what it was. To abandon all-they could not think of it. To go forward was a great undertaking. But, they were ready for this, as soon as they were convinced that it was duty. It seemed that they were shut up to the course. There was but one way. The Red Sea must be crossed! In the fear of God, three members of the Council, Rev. Messrs. FINIS EWING, SAMUEL KING, and SAMUEL M'ADAM, proceeded solemnly, under a firm conviction of duty, to constitute a new presbytery. The presbytery thus constituted, called itself Cumberland Presbytery, from which has grown, the present Cumberland Presbyterian Church. Subjoined is the record of their constitution: "In Dickson County, State of Tennessee, at the Rev. Samuel M'Adam's, this 4th day of Feburary, 1810. We, Samuel | M'Adam, in this original constitution, yet M'Adam, Finis Ewing, and Samuel King, there were a number of candidates and regularly ordained ministers of the Pres- licentiates, who placed themselves under byterian Church, against whom no charge the care of the Presbytery. Other oreither of immorality or heresy has ever dained ministers afterward came into the been exhibited before any judicature of new organization. It was not the original the church, having waited in vain for more design of these men to form a new dethan four years, in the meantime petition- nomination, but they were forced to it, ing the General Assembly, for a redress after waiting and petitioning for a redress of grievances, and a restoration of our of grievances, in vain, for many years. violated rights, have, and do hereby agree, The hand of Providence was evidently and determine, to constitute ourselves into manifest in the formation of this infant a Presbytery, known by the name of denomination. Reconciliation could only CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERY, on the fol- be effected by adopting the Westminster lowing conditions: Confession, to do which, the seceding party must have abandoned principles dearer to them than life. The subsequent progress of this Presbytery, evinced that the hand of heaven approved the steps taken in its organization. The ultimate result of measures of this nature, must be regarded as an index pointing to the approbation, or disapprobation of Providence. The advice "All candidates for the ministry, who may hereafter be licensed by this Presbytery, and all the licentiates or probationers who may hereafter be ordained by this Presbytery, shall be required, before being licensed and ordained, to receive and accept the Confession of Faith and Discipline of the Presbyterian Church, except the idea of Fatality that seems to be taught under the mysterious doctrine of Predestination. "It is to be understood, however, that such as can clearly receive the Confession of Faith without an exception, will not be required to make any. Moreover, all licentiates, before they are set apart to the whole work of the ministry, or ordained, shall be required to undergo an examination in English Grammar, Geography, Astronomy, Natural and Moral Philosophy, and Church History. It will not be understood that examinations in experimental religion and theology will be omitted. The Presbytery may also require an examination on any part, or all, of the above branches of knowledge before granting license, if they deem it expedient." Though there were only three ordained ministers, Messrs. Ewing,* King, and Rev. Finis Ewing, one of the founders of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, whose likeness accompanies this work, was born in the state of Virginia. His parentage was highly respectable. At an early period of life he emigrated to the then new state, Kentucky. In that portion of this state, originally embraced in the limits of Cumberland Presbytery, is a large family connexion of his, many of them distinguished for their talents and reputable standing in society. Mr. Ewing became pious, and entered the ministry in early life. Probably he was not more than thirty, or The accompanying print is a very correct likeness, and indicates a man of intellect, originality, and independence of thought. He was no less distinguished as a preacher than a writer. A volume published by him, a tures," possess more than ordinary merit. number of years ago, entitled, "Ewing's LecThese lectures treat of a number of doctrinal, and practical subjects of religion, in a very clear, scriptural, and concise manner. A number of manuscripts were left by him at his death. Rev. F. R. Cossitt, D. D., editor of the "Banner of Peace," Lebanon, Tennessee, as I learn, is about to publish a complete edition of Mr. Ewing's works, together with a life of him. This is much to be desired. Mr. Ewing's correspondence with Rev. Dr. Miller, Princeton, New Jersey, is said to be valuable, as throwing light on the origin of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. of Gamaliel was correct. He said, let the Apostles alone, if their council, or work, were of men, it would come to naught; but if, of God, it could not be overthrown. By reference to the record of constitution, it will be seen that these men were not despisers of human learning. They examine their candidates, and licentiates, on the various branches of English literature. They were desirous of sending out men of sense, learning, and piety, to preach the Gospel. It is known to all, that when a term of reproach is attached to a person, or body of people, however innocent, it often adheres an incredible length of time. Though the term of reproach be as light as a feather, yet it adheres with all the tenacity of a feather to tar or glutinous substances. The politician, often, has the tact to turn such things to his own favor. It is not so in religion. The only course is patient endurance, following the example of Christ, when reviled, not reviling again. No man can, in sincerity, who is acquainted with the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, say that it is now, or ever has been, opposed to education. We shall presently see the reverse of this. Objections, with apparent sincerity, have been urged against the origin of this denomination. These objections call in question the genuineness of its ecclesiastical existence. The men, it is said, who founded it, were under synodical censure, sanctioned by the action of the General Assembly. Peter, and the Apostles, who set up the Christian church, on the day of Pentecost, were under the censures of the Jewish church. Luther was excommunicated and anathematized by the reputed successor of St. Peter at Rome. The same censures and curses, it is presumed, rest with their full energy, to this hour, on the whole Lutheran church. When Henry VIII. revolted from the See of Rome, and established what is now termed the Episcopal church, censures were thundered forth from the Vatican. Wesley, censured and excommunicated, established the Methodist church. In the recent unfortunate division of the Presbyterian church, each party claims to be the true Presbyterian church, and, of course, looks upon the other as a schismatic body. In this way | all Protestant denominations are of doubtful and spurious origin. So is the Catholic church. For the Greek and Latin churches for a long time contended, each, that it was the true church, and that the other was a heretical fragment. The Pope and the Patriarch, from Rome and Constanti nople, pronounced their censures, and excommunications, one against the other. The best church, and the most apostolic, is the one whose doctrines and practices are the purest. Faith, without works, is dead. Without charity, churches, as individuals, are but as a sounding brass, or tinkling cymbal. Now, that the new Presbytery, or properly speaking, the new denomination, had assumed an independent existence, was to come the hour of trial. No period in the history of the Independence of the United States, from the declaration of rights, in 1776, to the present time, formed such a crisis, as from the conclusion of peace in '83, to the adoption of the Federal Constitution in '89. A sense of danger, British wrongs and outrages, and the excitements of the times, had, during the strug. gle for Freedom, held the colonies together. But, during the period referred to, they were as a rope of sand, or as the coopers vessel without hoops. There seemed scarce a cementing principle to exist, save the prudence of the people. When the parent is bereft, by the hand of death, of a child of affection and promise, at first, the very excess of grief, produces a kind of excitement, that enables him the better to bear the loss of his child. But, when the first deluge of grief begins to subside, there is a painful depression that threatens to crush all the energies of the soul. Now, that all the circumstances accompanying the unfortunate rupture had passed away, and the body of men who had so long and so painfully been oppressed in their ecclesiastical connection, stood alone as a distinct denomination, it might naturally be expected that a day of trial was at hand. Some predicted their speedy dissolution; others, that they would run into the wildest heresies and excesses. Their best friends feared the worst consequences. They, themselves, under the pressure of great responsibilities, gave way, as would be natural enough, to occa |