of the Almighty, 'not to deliver up the servant that has escaped from his master,' &c. Both clauses, however, the 9th Section of the 1st Article, and the latter part of the 2d Section of the 3d Article, are so clearly null and void by their iniquity, that it would be even a crime to regard them as law."
In September, 1786, the College of Providence, in Rhode Island, conveyed to him through her President, the highest honor which they could bestow, the degree of Doctor of Laws; and the University of Cambridge, in Massachusetts, and of Williamsburgh, in Virginia, soon afterwards did the same. I have before me, the affectionate letter, dated, Feb. 25th, 1791, addressed to Dr. Willard, President of the University of Cambridge, in which he reciprocates the friendship of that institution.
The following letter gives a trait of that more retired beneficence, of which generally, there is no record but with God.
Worthy and respected sir—We want words to express our gratitude to you, for all your labors of love to our afflicted nation. You were our advocate when we had but few friends on the other side of the water. We request you to accept of our thanks, for all your kind and benevolent exertions in behalf of the people of our color, and particularly for your late humane donation to our church.
"Our prayers shall not cease to ascend to the Father of Mercies, and God of all grace for your health and happiness in this world, and your eternal happiness in the world to come—we are, &c.
Absalom Jones,
William Grey,
William Gardner,
Acting Officers of the African Church of Philadelphia."
Before we conclude this section, we may notice, that upon the dissension of the Continental Colonies with Great Britain, and their subsequent separation, much difficulty arose in the Canonical ordination of the Episcopalian Bishops, in the United States; and that Granville Sharp, a consciencious Episcopalian, was mainly instrumental in
