Letter from Hn. Roweyn to Consistory at Rochester

              The Reverend Consistory of Rochester

                                                           Brethren-

						Solomon Sahler Esq

had called upon me with the letter of Revd. Mr. Nichols and 
requesting in your behalf my opinion and advice in regard
to your affairs. I have read that letter and with some 
considerable alarm. The propositions it contains strike
at the very root of your existence nad the supremacy of 
your venerable Constitution and it is much to be regret-
ted that there should be among you “busy bodies in other
men’s matters” attempting not only to “subvert govern-
ments” but promising those “divisions and dissatisfactions”
which have so long existed, instead of preaching peace and
reconciliation to you in sincerity and truth. 

					If the propositions
of this letter impress your minds as solemnly as they 
have impressed mine you will find it necessary to act
promptly and with decision and more than ever will
your ordination vows press upon you “to take the over-
sight of the flock and guard against the wolves
which may come into the sheepfold of Christ.” You 
are now sheep indeed without a shepherd, except the 
Great head of the Church and he has committed the interests
of this flock into your hands. Be vigilant: for I fear
you are in more danger than you apprehend.
And it is an important question whether it is not
your indispensable duty not only to orscountenance[sic] but
to separate yourselves from those who may be the [promistery]
of dissentions among you.. but above all adhere close-
ly to your most excellent constitution and stand fast
in the faith. Our church is beset on every side.
Let her not fall a prey to her enemies. 

			My advice is that you have
your certificates of incorporation filed. In the course of
a week or two I trust it will be in my power (and