Such churches of the Sabbatarian order as desired admission into this confederacy, were required to furnish a written exposition of their doctrinal sentiments respecting regeneration by the Holy Spirit, justification by faith, and salvation through the merits of Jesus Christ, which, proving satisfactory, the right hand of fellowship was extended to their delegate on behalf of the Conference. Here we may observe that this proceeding was not calculated nor intended to establish any inquisitorial censorship of doctrinal views, but to perpetuate good order, unanimity of sentiment, and purity of faith. At the time of the organization of the General Conference, there were several churches of Seventh-day Baptists who remained aloof from that confederacy. Of these, one was situated in a very pleasant country, on the west fork of the Monongahela River, in Harrison County, Virginia. This church, in 1808, sent a letter to the Conference, requesting admission into that body, but stating their practice of receiving first-day members. In consequence of this, their reception was postponed, and an admonitory message upon the subject prepared and sent to them. This church soon fell into a decline; its members removed into other parts, and it finally became extinct. With the exception of the minutes of the General Conference, and one or two other works scarcely deserving of consideration, the Seventh-day Baptists made no attempt to form a denominational literature until 1820, when an association of ministers edited and published a periodical designated the Missionary Magazine. About the same time a collection of hymns for the use of the denomination was made, which met with very general acceptance and applause. After the publication of the magazine had been continued for two or three years, various causes contributed to render the further prosecution of the enterprise inexpedient and unadvisable. Upon the discontinuance of the magazine, the necessity of a denominational literary organ was very generally felt, but engagements in other pursuits, fears of pecuniary losses, and other causes, operated to prevent the enterprise until 1827, when Deacon John Maxson, of Scott, projected and brought into successful operation a weekly newspaper, called the Protestant Sentinel, which, by untiring energy and perseverance, he succeeded in supporting and publishing for several years. The paper was first issued at Homer, then at Schenectady, and finally at De Ruyter. To Deacon Maxson, the publication of this paper appears to have been, from the first, a losing concern. His engagement in the enterprise was not undertaken with the view of expectation of pecuniary profit. He was influenced by considerations far more sacred and important. No doubt in the advantages secured by that enterprise to his brethren he feels amply repaid for all his toils and difficulties; for a man of his benevolent heart and amiable disposition ever forgets