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

the convenience of the Americans who are supposed not to know the Danish language, the Latin language will be made use of on the occasion; for the rest, nothing will be exacted from the candidates, but a profession conformable to the articles of the English church, omitting the oath called test, which prevents their being ordained by the English bishops.

SIR,

Secretary's Office, 6th April, 1785.

Copies of the enclosed letters from Mr. John Adams, and Mr. de St. Saphorin, upon the subject of conferring holy orders agreeably to the principles of the church of England, were this day received by council; who have been pleased to direct that they should be communicated to you.

I must beg that they be returned to this office, as soon as you may find it convenient, and am, Sir, with the greatest respect, Your most obedient

I request you to present to the honourable council, my grateful sentiments of their polite attention to the interests of the episcopal church, in your communication of this morning.

Their condescension will be an apology for my troubling them with the perusal of an act of the British parliament, having the same operation with the libe

ral and brotherly proceeding of the Danish government and clergy. And the liberty I have taken may hereafter exempt some of my brethren, from the suspicion of having entered into obligations inconsistent with their duty to their country.

But, sir, it would be injustice to the episcopal church, were I to neglect to inform the honourable board, that I take it to be a general sentiment, not to depend on any foreign authority for the ordination of ministers, or for any other matter appertaining to religion. As the light in which we shall hereafter be viewed by our fellow-citizens must depend on an adherence to the above mentioned principle; I take the liberty to submit to the honourable council two printed accounts of proceedings held in this city and in New York.

With my most dutiful thanks to the honourable board, and with all due submission, I am, sir,

Their and your very humble servant,

April 6, 1785.

WM. WHITE.

J. Armstrong, Esq.

No. 2. Page 64.

Communication of the clergy of Connecticut, to the archbishop of York.

MY LORD,

New York, April 21, 1783.

The clergy of Connecticut, deeply impressed with anxious apprehension of what may be the fate of the church in America, under the present changes of empire and policy, beg leave to embrace the ear