Page:A semi-centenary discourse.djvu/86

From Wikisource
Jump to navigation Jump to search
This page has been validated.

[ 80 ]

vote was given for Mr. Hughes. A call was subsequently made out, presented to Philadelphia Presbytery, of which Mr.Hughes was a licentiate, and accepted by him. The Presbytery appointed the 4th May 1824, as the time for his ordination and installation, and appointed Dr. Green to preside, Rev. Mr. Chandler to preach the sermon, Rev. Mr. Biggs, to deliver the charge to the pastor and people. On the day above specified, the Presbytery met in the African Church, Dr. Green presiding, Dr. Ely, clerk, present, Revds. Drs.Janeway, Potts, Neill, Biggs, Ballentine, Engles, and Scott, Rev. Mr. Arbuckle, of the Presbytery of Niagara, Rev. Mr. Mclnnes, of the Second Presbytery of Philadelphia, being present, were invited, and took seats. Dr. Chandler preached the sermon from Jer. xxvi. 15: "For of a truth the Lord hath sent me unto you to speak all these words in your ears." Dr. Green propounded the constitutional questions, and offered the ordaining prayer, during which the Presbytery imposed their hands. Mr. Biggs, in accordance to appointment, gave the charge to the pastor and people. The right hand of fellowship was then given Mr. Hughes, and he took his seat as a member of Presbytery The interesting ceremonies being over, and the church, in possession of a new minister, at once assumed a cheerful appearance, for, during the brief period of Mr. Hughes' administration, some who had strayed away from the communion of the church returned, and whilst it may be true that there were none added, yet there appeared a brighter prospect dawning for them. But again was this church doomed to disappointment. Mr. Hughes, after remaining about six months, informed Presbytery that the support received not being sufficient to sustain him, he was compelled to engage in some