pure and undefiled religion prevails among our northren brethren, Our fervent prayers are, that the Divine Spirit may at all times di- PROCEEDINGS Of a Convention of Clerical and Lay Representatives, from different ST. PAUL'S CHURCH, SCHOMARIE, Pursuant to a resolution of the Western Conference, adopted at Gen. WILLIAM MANN of Schoharie, was unanimously chosen Pre- The meeting was then opened with prayer, by the Rev. J. Z. Sen- The following clerical and lay representatives appeared and took MINISTERS. Rev. George A. Lintner, Schoharie-George B. Miller, Hartwick LAY DELEGATES. Mr. William Mann, Schoharie-Joseph Borst, Middleburgh- The Convention being organized, and ready to proceed to business, Smith and Thummel, in relation to the object of the convention, which was laid on the table. Rev. Prof. Miller having stated his views of the objects of the convention, submitted the following resolution : Resolved, That in the view of this convention, it is inexpedient to form a new Synod, under existing circumstances. After some further observations from different members on the course most proper to be pursued, in relation to the business of the convention, it was Resolved, That the convention adjourn until to-morrow, at 9 o'elock A. M. Prayer by Rev. Prof. Miller. In the evening, divine service was performed in the church, and a discourse delivered by the Rev. P. Wieting, on Deut. xxxii, 6. Wednesday morning, October 27, 1830. The convention met pursuant to adjournment. Prayer by the Secretary. The communication from the Rev. Messrs. Smith and Thummel was then read, and the resolution offered by Rev. Prof. Miller discussed, until 12 o'clock; when the convention adjourned to 2 o'clock in the afternoon. Prayer by Rev. P. Wieting. Wednesday afternoon, October 27, 1830. The convention met according to adjournment. Prayer by Rev. J. D. Lawyer. The discussion of Professor Miller's resolution was continued until a late hour in the afternoon, when the question being taken on its adoption, it was decided in the negative-ayes 4, noes 18. Whereupon, it was unanimously Resolved, That it is expedient to establish, without delay, a new Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in this state. The convention having determined on the formation of a new Synod, it was further Resolved, That the Synod established by this convention, be known and distinguished by the title of "The Hartwick Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in the State of New-York." A committee consisting of Rev. Messrs. Lintner, Lawyer and Lape, and Messrs. J. Sternbergh, Van Alstine and Livingston, was appointed to report a form of a Constitution for the government of the Synod. The convention then adjourned, until after divine service, in the evening. Prayer by the Rev. T. Lape. At early candle light, a discourse was delivered in the church, by the Rev. Adam Crownse, on Matt. xxii, 5. After divine service, the convention again met, and the committee reported the form of a constitution, recommended by the General Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in the United States, for the government of district Synods, which, with some local alterations and amendments, was unanimously adopted by the convention. The convention then proceeded to choose officers for the Synod On canvassing the votes, it appeared that the Rev. G. A. LINTNER was chosen President of the Synod; Rev. ADAM CROWNSE, Secretary, and Rev P. WIETING, Treasurer. The business of the convention being now finished, it was dissolved, and the Synod organized according to the Constitution. The Rev. President having taken the chair, with a short address to the Synod, it was Resolved That the Rev. Secretary be requested to write to the President of the "Evangelical Lutheran Synod of the State of New York," and inform him of the organization of this Synod, and of its friendly disposition towards the ecclesiastical Body from which it has separated. The Rev. President was appointed a delegate from this Synod, to attend the next annual meeting of the "Evangelical Lutheran Synod of the State of New-York." The Synod then proceeded to fix the time and place of its next meeting; and it was Resolved, That this Synod adjourn, to meet again in the Evange. lical Lutheran Church at Johnstown, Montgomery county, on the last Saturday in September, 1831. Concluding prayer by the Secretary. A. CROWNSE, Secretary. Obituary Notice, OF THE REV. JACOB WINGARD. The Lutheran Church, has perhaps never had greater reasons for humility, than at present. The death of a Minister of Christ, at all times produces a void, which cannot, easily be filled and now particularly so, in the case of one, whose youth, piety and peculiar gifts, held before us the prospect of great usefulness. Scarce had we received the intelligence of the early departure of one, before we have to record that of another who has ceased from his labours and entered into rest. The Rev. Jacob Wingard was born on the 2nd December. 1802, in Lexington District, South Carolina, of poor, but respectable parents, and received at an early age such an education, as the country generally affords. He was even then distinguished for his aptness in learning, his affable deportment, and his serious and correct conduct. He was seldom or never known to participate in those amusements which are characteristic of youth. His mind seemed to soar above them and to delight in those more lasting enjoyments, which are peculiar to more advanced life. Though so early distinguished for his irreproachable conduct, he did not seriously seek for the blessings of religion until the early part of the year 1822. When he was made sensible of his sinfulness, he was frequently heard to express himself in the most humiliating terms of his own character and unworthiness, which somewhat excited the attention of his intimate friends. Soon after he had experienced the blessings of Redeeming grace, he felt an earnest desire to spend and be spent in the cause of Salvation. He was for sometime in a state of suspense. Having the most ennobling views of the Christian Ministry, and the most humiliating of himself, he was fearful least he might be detrimental to the cause. After much conflict of mind on this matter, he at length surrendered himself to his master, believing that he was ealled of God, to be an ambassador of Jesus Christ. In the autumn of 1825, he presented himself to the Synod as a candidate, and received a license to preach the Gospel. He continued from that period to the fall of 1829 actively engaged in the duties of his profession in South Carolina; throughout the whole course of his ministry he possessed the same views of the sacred office, which he previously had. He was as a city set upon a hill, which cannot be hid, and as a candle that giveth light to all around it, adorning the doctrines of God our Saviour, in all things. The same food which he administered to others, nourished his own soul. He endeavoured to avoid the slightest means, by which of fence could be given to any one. By his affectionate manners and Evangelical spirit he conciliated the feelings of all denominations. His preaching was characterized with fervour and zeal, he kept constantly in view the Doctrine of Christ crucified. He was peculiarly gifted as an extemporaneous speaker, and every word which passed from his lips appeared to be the effusions of his heart, and rivetted the attention of his hearers. Few men have ever been more instrumental in doing good, in so short à period. The Lord appeared to accompany him with his blessing, and there are many who can trace back, their first impressions of religious truth to his ministry. His constitution was naturally feeble, and by close attention to study was easily impaired. By his continued application, he had made a considerable progress in classical and sacred Literature, and thinking that he might be more useful to the church, by gaining a greater proficiency therein, and that a change of climate would be beneficial to his health, he was induced in the fall of 1829, to repair to the Gettysburg Seminary. In the course of the following spring, he had a violent attack of fever, from which he never recovered. By the direction of his Physicians he returned to the south early in the fall, after a long and tedious journey, during which he had one of his arms fractured. His situation was very precarious, though it was not considered hopeless at the time. He was able to attend the meeting of the Synod in November, when he was ordained, but a short time after his disease appeared to be terminating in the consumption. In the last moments of this faithful servant of God, we have seen it verified, that, "the path of the just is as the shining light which shi neth more and more unto the perfect day." In his own language "as he approached borders of the grave, the clouds began gradually to disperse, and the sun to shine with all its brightness into his soul." Some friends going into his room, he asked them to sing for him "On Jordans stormy banks I stand," stating that it had just been the subject of his meditations, upon which a delightful conversation ensued as to his future prospects of happiness. When his end was fast approaching he addressed a clerical brother, "Oh live close to God, if you wish to be happy at such a time, practice dying every day, if you wish to be prepared for death, oh! preach it to your people and practice it yourself." He quoted many passages of scripture, which were applicable to his circumstances and condition, "I am now ready to be offered up and the time of my departure is at hand." "My heart and my flesh faileth, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever." "Oh! Death where is thy sting, Oh! Grave where is thy victory." That Gospel which he had preached to others, forsook him not when he most needed it. It proved a comfort and cordial to his soul, when his earthly friends could no longer lend their assistance. Though he felt the truth of the words, which he often repeated in his dying moments, "The pains, the groans, the dying strife, Fright our approaching souls away;" yet it was his constant theme, "I am happy, I am happy, blessed be God, I am created anew in Christ Jesus, I am quite comfortable, happy and glorious." He frequently put the question (whether to himself or to others, it is not known) "How are you? How do you feel ?" to which he replied himself, "I am happy, I am happy." And thus he contiued till nature decayed, and rendered him incapable of speaking. And even in death, a smile beamed upon his countenance, in testimony that his last enemy was destroyed, and that his spirit had departed in peace, to the realms of Bliss. Never perhaps have the triumphs of faith and the power of religion been more fully displayed, than in the death of our much beloved friend and brother. Zion mourns, but her confidence rests upon an arm of omnipotence, and he who has commanded us to pray that he would send forth labourers into his vineyard, will never take one from it without some wise intention. He departed this life on the 13th day of January 1831, aged 28 years 1 month and 11 days. His remains were enterred at St. Michaels church, in Lexington district, on the following day. A large congregation attended to unite in paying their last tribute of respect to a departed friend. Rev. Mr. Strobel preached from Phillipians 1st chapter and 21st verse "For to me to live is christ, and to die is gain," and Rev. Mr. Sheck from Luke 19 chap. and 13 verse, "Occupy till I come." An address was delivered by Rev. Mr. Rawl of the Methodist church, and the funeral service was performed by Rev. Mr. Dreher, at the particular request of the deceased; 484 Hymn New York collection was sung at the grave, and we parted with the prayer upon our lips, "Lord let me die the death of the righteous and let my last end be like his," South Carolina 17th January 1831. |