The Presbyterian General Assembly, representing the strongest religious force in that region, in 1798 described the then existing condition of the country in these terms: "Formidable innovations and convulsions in Europe threaten destruction to morals and religion.

Scenes of devastation and bloodshed unexampled in the history of modern nations have convulsed the world, and our country is threatened with similar calamities.

We perceive with pain and fearful apprehension a general dereliction of religious principles and practice among our fellow-citizens, a visible and prevailing impiety and contempt for the laws and institutions of religion, and an abounding infidelity, which in many instances tends to atheism itself.

The profligacy and corruption of the public morals have advanced with a progress proportionate to our declension in religion.

Profaneness, pride, luxury, injustice, intemperance, lewdness, and every species of debauchery and loose indulgence greatly abound." From the point of view of the Episcopalian of that day the prospect was even more disheartening.