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CONFERENCE AT HUNTINGTON, L. I.

" I. D. Williamson, vid. Ch. Mass. v. iii. p. 56.

According to previous appointment, a Conference of the New York Association of Universalists was held in Huntington, on Tuesday the 7ih instant, and organized a council by appointing Lewis Seymour, Esq.,. Moderator, and Rev. J. K. Ingalls, Secretary.

Reports were made of the condition of our cause in their several neighborhoods by Rev. Mr. Ingalls. of Southold, L. I.; Rev. Mr. Sawyer, of New York ; Mr. Oakley, of Huntington ; Mr. Scudder, of Babylon. From the reports it appeared that the cause of Universalism in Southold and its vicinity is prosperous beyond any former period; in Huntington it has maintained its own, notwithstanding it has been until recently, without regular preaching for the last two or three years. At present it enjoys the labors of Br. S. J. Hillyer one quarter of the time, and its pros peels are highly encouraging. In Brooklyn, a very flourishing Society has within the last three months been commenced, which employs constant ministerial labor. It has leased the neat and commodious chapel formerly occupied by the Unitarians, and its congregation is very respectable both for numbers and character. It is expected soon to settle a minister, and we entertain confident hopes that its future course will equal its present promise. Notwithstanding so little has been accomplished on Long Island, still we have occasion to be thankful to the Great Head of the Church, that the cause has made, and is making a gratifying progress. Within seven or eight years two churches have been built and a third leased for our use, and a fourth is in contemplation, and some preparation made for its erection.

To secure the more harmonious action of our friends on the Island, the following resolutions were unanimously adopted.

Whereas, we deem unity of action essential to the success of any cause, and as we believe that many friends within the Association, are willing to give their support to the cause of truth, who are prevented by a want of organization ; therefore,

Resolved, That we recommend to them,even where there are but "two or three," to form themselves into Societies, auxiliary to the New York Universalist Missionary Society, which will receive their contributions and secure them the services of some faithful brother, as often as such contributions shall defiay the expense, and as much oftener as its funds may justify ; or, where it is deemed preferable, an independent organization.

Resolved, That we recommend to our friends in every place, that they assemble every Lord's day for the purpose of public worship, to read, and sing, and pray, when the services of a minister of the gospel can not be enjoyed.

It was voted, that Br. Ingalls be requested to prepare the minutes of the Conference, and accompany them with a circular epistle to the frieuds within the limits of this Association.

Lewis Seymour, Moderator. S. K. Inualls, Clerk.

CIRCULAR. The New York Association of Universalists, to all friends of the better covenant, sendelh greeting :

It will be perceived by teference to the resolutions, that an important subject, which the Council had under consideration, wasthe mote effectual organization of our widely scattered numbers, particularly upon Long Island. This portion of our Association contains many friends, without any method or concert of action. There are not enough in any place, perhaps, to sustain preaching by themselves, yet it is believed that by the friends, in different places, becoming acquainted and acting in concert with each other, a circuit might be easily formed, which would soon sustain one or more efficient ministers of the Word.

The formation of societies, auxiliary to the Missionary Society in the city, is deemed an advisable method, and its consideration is earnestly recommended. At any rate, let there be a bondofuoion of some kind; let us know our strength, and exert it harmoniously. Those who are disposed toorganize in connexion with the Missionary Society, can be supplied with preaching, by addressing the Corresponding Secretary, Rev. Win. S. Batch. And the Society will do, in addition, all that its funds may enable it, to assist such auxiliaries, and to have the message of truth and love delivered to those who are destitute.

The regular weekly meeting, on the Lord's day, for the purpose of divine worship, reading, prayer, and praise, we consider vastly important. It would greatly tend to keep alive the interest of the friends in the good cause, promote their growth in grace, and the knowledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. It will also serve gteatly to unite and strengthen their efforts, and to secure the permanent establishment of them in whatever neighborhood it is introduced.

Do not let a neglect of duly in this respect, longer paralyze the hopes of friends, or give countenance to the slanders of opposers. We will hope belter things of you, brethren, and things that accompany salvation; and that when we meet again, many reports shall speak of your faithfulness.

By order of the Council,

J. K. Ingalls.

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* Joshua King Ingalls, “Conference at Huntington, L. I.,” ''Universalist Union'' 7, no. 32 (June 25, 1842): 500-501.


[[Category: Works by Joshua King Ingalls]]
[[Category: Articles from "The Universalist Union"]]
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