Pastoral Letter from the Synod of New-York and Philadelphia

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Pastoral Letter from the Synod of NEW-YORK and PHILADELPHIA, to the Congregations under their care; delivered from the Pulpit on the 20th of JULY, 1775, being the day appointed by the Honourable Congress for a General Fast.

VERY DEAR BRETHREN: The Synod of New-York and Philadelphia being met, at a time when publick affairs wear so threatening an aspect, and when (unless God in his sovereign providence speedily prevent it) all the horrours of a civil war throughout this great Continent are to be apprehended, were of opinion, that they could not discharge their duty to the numerous Congregations under their care, without addressing them at this important crisis. As the firm belief, and habitual recollection of the power and presence of the living God ought at all times to possess the minds of real Christians; so in seasons of publick calamity, when the Lord is known by the judgments which he executeth, it would be an ignorance or indifference highly criminal, not to look up to him: with reverence, to implore his mercy by humble and fervent prayer, and, if possible, to prevent his vengeance by unfeigned repentance.

We do, therefore, brethren, beseech you, in the most earnest manner, to look beyond the immediate authors

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The Synod cannot help thinking, that this is a proper time for oppressing all of every rank seriously to consider the things that belong to their eternal peace. Hostilities, long feared, have now taken place; the sword has been drawn, in one Province, and the whole Continent, with hardly any exception, seem determined to defend their rights by force of arms. If, at the same time, the British Ministry shall continue to enforce their claims by violence, a lasting and bloody contest must be expected. Surely, then, it becomes those who have taken up arms, and profess a willingness to hazard their lives in the cause of liberty, to be prepared for death, which to many must be the certain, and to every one is a possible or probable event.

We have long seen, with concern, the circumstances which occasioned, and the gradual increase of this unhappy difference. As Ministers of the Gospel of peace, we have ardently wished that it could, and often hoped that it would, have been more early accommodated. It is well known to you, (otherwise it would be imprudent, indeed, thus publickly to profess,) that we have not been instrumental in inflaming the minds of the people, or urging them to acts of violence and disorder. Perhaps no instance can be given on so interesting a subject, in which political sentiments have been so long and so fully kept from the pulpit; and even malice itself has not charged us with labouring from the press. But things are now come to such a state, that we do not wish to conceal our opinions as men and citizens; so the relation we stand in to you seemed to make the present improvement of it to your spiritual benefit our indispensable duty. Suffer us, then, to lay hold of your present temper of mind, and to exhort, especially the young and vigorous, by assuring them, that there is no Soldier so undaunted as the pious man; no army so formidable as those who are superiour to the fear of death. There is nothing more awful to think of, than that those whose trade is war should be despisers of the name of the Lord of Hosts, and that they should expose themselves to the imminent danger of being immediately sent from cursing and cruelty on earth, to the blaspheming rage and despairing horrour of the infernal pit. Let, therefore, every one who, from generosity of spirit or benevolence of heart, offers himself as a champion in, his Country' s cause, be persuaded to reverence the name, and walk in the fear of the Prince of the Kings of the earth; and then he may, with the most unshaken firmness, expect the issue either in victory of death.

Let it not be forgotten, that though, for the wise ends of his providence, it may please God, for a season to suffer his people to lie under unmerited oppression; yet, in

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After this exhortation, which we thought ourselves called upon to give you at this time on your great interest — the one thing needful — we shall take the liberty to offer a few advices to the Societies under our charge, as to their publick and general conduct. And first, in carrying on this important struggle, let every opportunity be taken to express your attachment and respect to our Sovereign King George, and to the Revolution principles by which his august family was seated on the British throne. We recommend, indeed, not only allegiance to him from duty and principle, as the first magistrate of the empire, but esteem and reverence for the person of the Prince, who has merited well of his subjects on many accounts; and who has probably been misled into the late and present measures by those about him. Neither have we any doubt that they themselves have been, in a great degree, deceived by false information from interested persons residing in America. It gives us the greatest pleasure to say, from our own certain knowledge of all belonging to our communion, and from the best means of information of the far greatest part of all denominations in this Country, that the present opposition to the measures of Administration does not in the least arise from disaffection to the King, or a desire of separation from the Parent State. We are happy in being able with truth to affirm, that no part of America would either have approved or permitted such insults as have been offered to the Sovereign in Great Britain. We exhort you, therefore, to continue in the same disposition, and not to suffer oppression or injury itself easily to provoke you to any thing which may seem to betray contrary sentiments. Let it ever appear, that you only desire the preservation and security of those rights which belong to you as freemen and Britons, and that reconciliation upon these terms is your most ardent desire.

Secondly: Be careful to maintain the union which at present subsists through all the Colonies. Nothing can be more manifest, than that the success of every measure depends on its being inviolably preserved; and therefore, we hope that you will leave nothing undone which can promote that end. In particular, as the Continental Congress, now sitting at Philadelphia, consists of Delegates chosen in the most free and unbiased manner by the body of the people, let them not only be treated with respect, but encouraged in their difficult service; not only let your prayers be offered up to God for his direction in their proceedings, but adhere firmly to their resolutions; and let it be seen that they are able to bring out the whole strength of this vast Country to carry them into execution. We would also advise, for the same purpose, that a spirit of candour, charity, and mutual esteem be preserved and promoted towards those of different religious denominations. Persons of probity and principle, of every profession, should be united together as servants of the same Master; and the experience of our happy concord hitherto in a state of liberty, should engage all to unite together in support of the common interest; for there is no example in history in which civil liberty was destroyed, and the rights of conscience preserved entire.

Thirdly: We do earnestly exhort and beseech the Societies under our care, to be strict and vigilant in their private government, and to watch over the morals of their several members. It is with the utmost pleasure we remind you, that the last Continental Congress determined to discourage luxury in living, publick diversions, and gaining of all kinds, which have so fatal an influence on the

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Fourthly: We cannot but recommend, and urge in the warmest manner, a regard to order and publick peace; and as in many places, during the confusions that prevail, legal proceedings have become difficult, it is hoped that all persons will conscientiously pay their just debts, and to the utmost of their power serve one another, so that the evils inseparable from a civil war, may not be augmented by wantonness and irregularity.

Fifthly: We think it of importance at this time, to recommend to all of every rank, but especially to those who may be called to action, a spirit of humanity and mercy. "Every battle of the warriour is with confused noise, and garments rolled in blood." It is impossible to appeal to the sword without being exposed to many scenes of cruelty and slaughter; but it is often observed, that civil wars are carried on with a rancour and spirit of revenge, much greater than those between independent states. The injuries received or supposed in civil wars, wound more deeply than those of foreign enemies; it is, therefore, the more necessary to guard against this abuse, and recommend that meekness and gentleness of spirit, which is the noblest attendant on true valour. That man will fight most bravely who never fights until it is necessary, and who ceases to fight as soon as the necessity is over.

Lastly: We would recommend to all the Societies under our care, not to content themselves with attending devoutly on general fasts, but to continue habitually in the exercise of prayer, and to have frequent occasional voluntary meetings for solemn intercession with God on the important trial. Those who are immediately exposed to danger, need your sympathy; and we learn from the Scriptures, that fervency and importunity are the very characters of that prayer of the righteous man which availeth much.

We conclude with our most earnest prayer, that the God of Heaven may bless you in your temporal and spiritual concerns, and that the present unnatural dispute may be speedily terminated by an equitable and lasting settlement on constitutional principles.

Signed in the name, presence, and by appointment of the Synod:

BENJAMIN HAIT, Moderator.

New-York, May 12, 1775.