Rankin's dedicatory letter to the Associate Reformed Synod

Context

This is the dedicatory letter that opens Rankin’s pamphlet, addressed to the Associate Reformed Synod in Philadelphia. Having lost his case before the Transylvania Presbytery and finding no hope of redress within the mainline Presbyterian church, Rankin turned to the Associate Reformed Presbyterian body—a denomination known for maintaining exclusive psalmody. The letter frames his ordeal as a defense of principles the ARP church itself championed.

Extract

TO THE ASSOCIATE REFORMED SINOD OF PHILADELPHIA.

REVEREND FATHERS,

I prefent you with the event of a fore and tedious trial I have endured in defence of principles you have much recommended; and by exemplary virtues, have contributed much to eftablifh and defend.

That the chief fhepherd may comfort, and confirm your minds in the truth, and crown your laudable efforts, far above, and beyond all that we can afk or think.

Is the prayer of, Sirs, Your much obliged, and obedient humble fervant.

ADAM RANKIN. January 1, 1793.

Significance

This dedicatory letter reveals Rankin’s strategy after losing his case: appealing to a denomination that shared his convictions about exclusive psalmody. The letter demonstrates how the psalmody controversy drove denominational realignment—Rankin explicitly positions himself as defending “principles” the ARP had “much recommended.” This document provides evidence of how individuals moved between Presbyterian bodies based on worship practice disputes, a central theme of the book.