MINUT E S
OF THE
FLINT RIVER BAPTIST ASSOCIATION,!
HELD AT
FLAT CREEK, FAYETTE COUNTY, GA.,
On the 2511), 27tli and 2Stli Sept., 1817.
PENFIELD, GA. :
PRINTED AT THE 'INDEX' OFFICE.
1847.
*
MINUTES.
1. The Introductory Sermon was preached by J. H. Mil¬
ner, from Matt. 28th chapter, 19, 20 verses. " Go ye therefore
and teach all nations, baptizing them," &c.
2. Read the letters from the several churches.
3. Elected J. S. Callaway, Moderator, and Isaac R. Eskew,
Clerk.
4. Appointed the following Committees: On Preaching, J.
J. Stell, E. P. Allen, P. Eason, T. Phillips, J. Phillips. On
Business, J. S. Dodd, I. R. Eskew, W. J. Milner, W. Jarril,
J. Carter. On Nominations, J. H. Milner, J. Carter, F. H.
Reeves. On Sabbath Schools, J. S. Dodd, E. P. Allen, T.
Dyson. On Temperance, W. J. Milner, E. P. Allen, W. P.
Allen. On deceased Ministers, C. Purifoy, W. Jarril, S.
Beall. On Finance, E. Bailey, P. Eason, P. A. Lawson. On
Publications, J. S. Callaway, J. Carter, W. Jarril, P. A. Law-
son, J. S. Dodd, J. J. Stell.
5. Called for petitionary letters. None offered.
6. Called for correspondence, and received from the Wes¬
tern Association a letter by the delegates, R. Fleming, G. B.
Davis, J. H. Smith, L. Z. Glass, H. R. Harrison and J. Rain¬
water. From the Rock Mountain, a letter and minutes by
brethren L. Towers and W. Thames. From the Tallapoosa,
A. Ellison, J. 0. Luck.
Adjourned to Monday morning, 9 o'clock. Prayer by Bro.
Stephens.
On Sabbath, Preaching by brethren L. Towers and R.
Fleming, to very a large concourse, with good effect.
Monday Morning, 9 o'clock.
Met according to adjournment. Prayer by the Moderator.
7. Called for the Report of the Committee on Business,,
which was adopted,
2
8. Read ihe Decorum.
9. Invited visiting Ministers to seats.
10. Query. What is the duty of Churches in reference to
members applying for and obtaining letters of dismission, and
holding said letters for years in the bounds of the church?
Jlns. We recommend the churches to exercise their discre¬
tionary power.
11. Appointed the following correspondence : To the Wes¬
tern Association, at Beech Spring, Harris county, Callaway,
Dodd, Lawson, McAfee, T. Phillips, A. Reeves, Buckner.—
To the Georgia Association, P. Eason to write. To the Cen¬
tral, at McDonough, Henry county, Purifoy, Duffie, Bently,
Buckner, Eason, Lawson, Carter. To the Rehobotli, at Mid-
way, Bibb county, Carter, Milner, Stephens, Buffington, Pu¬
rifoy, Dyson, Jarril. To the Rock Mountain, at Liberty, De-
Kalb county, Callaway, W. P. Allen, Phillips, Bently, James.
To the Appalachee, Jarril, Purifoy. To the Columbus, Har¬
ris county, Purifoy, Wilson, Jackson, McAfee, Holmes. To
the Tallapoosa, Dodd, Eason, W. J. Milner.
12. Appointed W. J. Stephens to preach the next Introduc¬
tory Sermon, D. L. Duffie, alternate, A. Buckner to write the
Circular Letter, and P. Eason the corresponding letter.
13. Read and adopted the Report on Sabbath Schools. Ap¬
pendix A.
14. Read and adopted the Report on Temperance. Ap¬
pendix B.
15. Read and adopted the Report on Publications. Ap¬
pendix C.
16. Elected J. S. Callaway, J. Carter, W. Jarril, P. Eason,
W. J. Stephens, J. S. Dodd, I. R. Eskew, T. Phillips, J. H.
Milner, D. L. Duffle, delegates to the next Baptist State Con¬
vention.
17. Called for the Circular Letter, which was read and
adopted.
18. Appointed General Meetings, for 1848.
First District, at New Providence, Friday before third Sab¬
bath in July.
Second District, at Philadelphia, Friday before fifth Sabbath
in July.
3
Third District, at Flint River, Friday before second Sab¬
bath in August.
Fourth District, at Friendship, Friday before fourth Sab¬
bath in August.
19. Appointed the next session of this body at Mount Olive
Church, Pike county, ten miles S. W. from Zebulon, on Sat¬
urday before the fourth Sabbath in September next.
20. Resolved, That Pastors of Churches in our bounds be
requested to preach regularly to the colored population on
Lord's day, whenever they can procure a congregation.—
And Resolved farther, that whenever it is practicable, we
would most respectfully recommend the formation of the color¬
ed members into separate branches, but to be entirely under
the watch and control of the white members.
Adjourned to 9 o'clock to-morrow. Prayer by brother
Fleming.
Tuesday Morning, 9 o'clocx.
Met according to adjournment. Prayer by Bro. Davis.
21. Query. Have the Anti-missionary Baptists, by their
non-fellowship resolutions, and by their resolutions to re-bap¬
tize applicants who have been baptized by our ministers,
caused divisions among us contrary to the doctrines which we
have learned from the Bible, or not?
Jins. We think they have.
If yea, we then wish to know if it is consistent with Bible
truth and good christian order, to invite their preachers into
our pulpits to preach, or should we avoid them ?
Jins. We believe it is not consistent. Passed unanimously.
22. Query found on the table, Is it right in the nineteenth
century, for the Church to receive into, or hold in fellowship, a
member who is a vender of spirituous liquors, except for med¬
icinal purposes?
Jins. We believe it is not right.
23. Is it necessary that applicants for membership with us
from the United Baptists, should be re-baptized.
Jins. We think it is not necessary, if they were baptized in
order.
4
24. Appointed Isaac R. Eskew, Treasurer.
25. Adopted the Report of the Committee oil deceased Min¬
isters. Appendix D.
26. Bro. J. S. Callaway, Agent for Foreign Mission Board,
presented a Report, which was read and ordered to be printed
in ofir minutes. Appendix E.
27. Adopted the corresponding letter.
28. Adopted the Report of the Financial Committee. Ap¬
pendix F.
29. Paid to W. J. Stephens $42 (deficit) for missionary la¬
bor in 1845.
SO. Resolved, That the thanks of this body be tendered to
the citizens of this vicinity, for their kind and hospitable treat¬
ment of the delegates and visiting brethren, during this session.
31. Ordered the Clerk to have two thousand copies of these
minutes printed at the office of the Christian Index, and cover¬
ed, and to distribute them as follows: To corresponding As¬
sociations, one minute for each of their churches, and the re¬
mainder to the churches of this Association. And ordered
further, that the Clerk have twenty-five dollars for his ser¬
vices. Freight and expenses to be paid out of the surplus
fund.
Adjourned. Prayer by the Moderator.
JOSHUA S. CALLAWAY, Moderator.
Isaac R. Eskew, Clerk.
CIRCULAR LETTER.
The Flint River Association to the Churches which compose the same
sendeth, Greeting:
Dear Brethren :—It seemeth good unto us, being assembled to¬
gether, to address you upon a subject involving the general welfare of
Zion. It was foretold of the Son of God, that " Of the increase of his
government and peace, there shall be no end." Not only no end to
his government, but no end to the increase of that government. We
naturally infer, then, that we, who are professedly his, are not fully
under his influence, nor ever shall be until " every thought shall be
brought into subjection unto the obedience of Christ."
We venture to say, there is much room, or rather great necessity
for the increase of his government among us. Where is the christian
who feels that it is not necessary for him to be more obedient, more
spiritually minded ? Who is it that continues in all things written in
the law of Christ's kingdom to do them ? Not one. Therefore, there
is need of an increase of spiritual influence. And in proportion as
that influence is increased, our peace shall be multiplied, as a natural
consequence. Of the increase of his government and peace, there
shall be no end. The rule of multiplication is enstamped upon the
works of God, as a law. We see the operation of this law in the ma¬
terial universe. The sturdy oak of the forest was once a tender
twig. The broad and deep river, which bears on its bosom the wealth
and pride of nations, is, at its source, a little stream that a child may
wade. The mustard seed, to which the kingdom is likened, is the
least of seeds, yet becometh a great tree. God said to man, in his in-
nocency, be fruitful and multiply. He says to every christian, Grow
in grace and the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.—
Is this not the law of increase ? A multiplication of the talents from
two to four, from five to ten ?
But we will speak of the operation of this law upon the subjects of
Christ's kingdom as a body. It is an axiom that each body made up
of component parts, takes its character from the character of the parts
which compose it. A number of legislators constitutes the legislature.
If a majority of the individuals are drunkards, the character of the
body is a drunken legislature, notwithstanding there may be some
sober men in it. So also, if the greater part of the members of the
church are immoral, they no longer constitute the temple of the Holy
Ghost, or a spiritual house, but are become the synagogue of Satan.
When the Saviour ascended upon high, he gave gifts unto men,
and committed the administration of his kingdom to his people ; (for
the Prophet said, the kingdom shall be given to the people of the saints
of the Most High,) and gave them his infallible word which is profita¬
ble for instruction in righteousness ; therefore a great responsibility
rests upon them in the administration of the laws of that government.
The church is itself responsible for her own good government and
peace. There are several particulars in which the church may pro¬
mote the increase of Christ's government and peace :
6
1. By caution and faithfulness in the reception of members. This
is especially necessary in times of excitement, but we fear it is many
times the case, that brethren are least cautious at such times. Past
experience has proved that much peace and good order has been de¬
stroyed for want of caution in this particular. By following their
feelings instead of the word of the Lord, churches have often pur-
chased*trouble at a dear rate, and been rent and divided into parties,
and sometimes destroyed in consequence of their own unfaithfulness.
None should be received but those whose consciences have been purg¬
ed from dead works, to serve the living God, of which the church
must judge.
2. In the next place, the church may promote the increase of
Christ's government and peace, by faithfulness in the exercise of dis¬
cipline. The blessed Saviour took special notice of the church at
Ephesus, that she could not bear them which were evil. Brethren,
do we not bear them which are evil ? Remember from whence ye
are fallen, and repent, lest he remove the candlestick out of his place,
except ye repent. Rev. ii. 2, 5. The rule which requires christians
to bear one another's burdens, does not require them to bear those that
are evil, unto whom their own sins are not a burden. The command
to let the tares and the wheat grow together until the harvest, does
not forbid our removing the thorns, the thistles and the briars. A tare
bears some resemblance to wheat, but a briar does not. The Saviour
said to the church at Perganios, " But I have a few things against
thee, because thou hast there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam
who taught Balak to cast a stumbling block before the children of
Israel, to eat things sacrificed to idols." Now, it is not said that any
of the church at Pergamos did actually cast a stumbling block before
their brethren, or that they did eat things sacrificed unto idols. But
he had a few things against the church, because she had those (in fel¬
lowship) who held the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balak thus.—
Balaam saw the beauties of Israel, and had a prophetic view of the
Messiah, ("I shall behold him but not nigh,") yet he sighed for the wages
of unrighteousness, and was willing that Israel should be cursed, if his
pockets might be filled with money. He would have tempted Israel,
whose beauties he admired, to eat things sacrificed unto idols, so as to
bring the curse of God upon them, for gain. We fear it would not be
difficult to find Baptists among us who not only hold, but practice the
doctrine of Balaam; who tempt and encourage church members to
drink of that abominable cup which has so long cursed the church
with drunkenness. Shall we hold them ? If the Lord reproved the
church at Pergamos, and threatened to fight against her with the
sword of his mouth, for having those who only held the doctrine;
shall we expose ourselves to his judgments by holding those who en¬
gage in the practice ? He will take away out of his kingdom all
things that offend, and which do iniquity. And he will do it by the
discipline of the church, whether they be drunkards, or retailers, or
dancers, or any other abomination. His government shall increase
forever, and the increase of that government shall bring such an in-
7
crease of peace at some future day, that none shall hurt uor destroy-
in all his holy mountain.
Increase of government, (i. e.,) improvement in discipline is need¬
ful to purify the church from idolatry. All will grant that the
church ought to be cleansed of idolatry. Our Lord whose govern¬
ment shall increase, has told us that covetousness is idolatry : there¬
fore if improvement in discipline be the means by which covetous¬
ness is to be banished from Zion's inclosures, how necessary for us
that such increase of government be brought about! For surely
there are those in the church who love to join house to house, and lav
field to field to establish themselves in the midst of the earth. And
men of wealth are sometimes connived at by the church, when a poor
member for the same offence, would be arraigned before her bar.—
This calls for increase of government.
There is no necessity for a new book of discipline, or any improve¬
ment of the one we have, if we take the Bible for our discipline, as we
profess to do. But we think there is great need of improvement in
us, before the Bible will be our book of discipline exclusively. We
all say the Bible is our rule of faith and practice; that the Bible teaches
unity of faith and practice, but the churches have great diversity of
faiths, and variety of practices. The Bible does not teach one church
to exclude a member, and another church to retain a member under
similar circumstances—things which are done. These things show ,
that there is need of improvement in discipline before we shall even
have uniformity. The nearer we conform to the Bible the more uni¬
form we shall be, but we fear that personal or carnal feelings are of¬
ten the rule of discipline, instead of the Bible. A church sometimes
writes to the Association that she has the gospel preached in its puri¬
ty, and, in the same letter^writes that she is in a cold state. If both
statements be true, there must be a great want of discipline.
3. In the third place, the Church may promote the increase of
Christ's government, by caution in introducing men into the offices of
the Church. By putting improper men into the Ministry, strife and
division, instead of peace and good government have often been pro-
duced. If the blind lead the blind, both shall fall into the ditch. The
minister is represented in the Scriptures, as a savor of life unto life,
or of death unto death. A minister greedy of filthy lucre, or given to
wine, or contentious, or worldly-minded, or unconverted, is a savor of
death unto death. Such men should not be put into the Ministry, or
suffered to remain in it, because, " As dead flies cause the ointment
of the apothecary to send a stinking savor, so doth a little folly, him
that is in reputation for wisdom and honor." Where God has not be¬
stowed the gifts, men should not bestow the office. Much prudence
therefore, should be observed in putting men into the ministry, if the
church would promote the increase of Christ's government. But this
is not all. Much depends upon the qualifications of the man who holds
the Deacon's office. Much the same moral qualities are required in
the New Testament for Deacons as for Ministers. And the Apostles
insisted especially that the seven men, who were the first Deacons,
8
should be men full of faith and of the Holy Ghost. Do we not often
choose men for Deacons who are without spirituality ? Many Dea¬
cons do not so much as observe family prayer. Should a man be in¬
vested with the office of the Lord's house, who will not fulfil the office
of his own house ? A worldly-minded prayerless Deacon is a great
hindrance to the increase of Christ's government and peace.
The Churches were so organized, that without increase of govern¬
ment, the Scriptures cannot be fulfilled. How shall all know the Lord
from the least to the greatest, without increase of knowledge ? How
shall the time come, when non3 shall hurt nor destroy, nor the nations
learn war any more, without an increase of peace? How shall all things
that offend be taken out of his Kingdom without increase of govern¬
ment ? How shall it come to pass that there shall be no more the Ca-
naanite in the house of the JLord ? How shall the stone cut out with¬
out hands become a great mountain, and fill the whole earth without
increasing ? May the Lord multiply our peace, and increase us in
every good thing, until the kingdoms of this world become the king¬
doms of our Lord and his Christ. Amen.
CORRESPONDING LETTER.
The Flint River Association, to the Sister Associations with whom
she corresponds, sends Christian salutation.
Beloved in the Lord :—We feel under great obligations to our kind
Redeemer for his long forbearance to us ward, and for his protecting
care over us through life, and specially that we are permitted to meet
joyfully with our brethren in our Association.
We wish the correspondence kept up between us. Some of the As¬
sociations who have corresponded with us have failed to represent
themselves this session. We have had a full representation from our
churches, many of whom have been much revived by the out-pouring
of God's spirit. Others complain of coldness.
Pray for us that the Lord may revive his work in all the churches,
that we may be as a city set on a hill, and that the Gospel may run and
be glorified through the wide spread world. We have had a harmo¬
nious session. The Gospel has been preached to an extensive congre¬
gation, with power from day to day. Christians are rejoicing in their
Saviour and sinners are crying and turning to God.
JOSHUA S. CALLAWAY, Moderator.
Isaac R. Eskew, Clerk.
APPENDIX.
[A.]
The Committee on Sabbath Schools beg leave to Report: That we
rejoice to find the cause progressing in some churches and settlements,
yet we have reason to regret that some of our Churches are doing
nothing in this noble cause.
Resolved, therefore, That we most sincerely recommend Pastors to
give the best attention to those Schools now in operation, and that they
lay before those Churches without Schools, their duty in this good
work ; and that the Deacons take a deeper interest, and lend their aid
in getting up and carrying on a school in every Church and neighbor¬
hood in our bounds.
E. P. ALLEN, Chairman.
[B.]
The Committee on Temperance, respectfully offer the following
Report: Your Committee are gratified in being able to report that,
in their humble opinion the Temperance cause is rapidly advancing
in the bounds of this Association, as well as elsewhere. Several new
and flourishing Societies have been organized in our bounds ; the op¬
position is also gradually giving way. We recommend the following
Resolution,
That our Ministers be recommended to use their influence in get¬
ting up and encouraging Societies for the promotion of Temperance,
and that our brethren generally be encouraged to promote Temper¬
ance for the sake of peace, harmony and religion.
W. J. MILNER, Chairman.
[C.]
We the Committee to whom was referred the subjects of Publica¬
tions, beg leave to make the following Report: Whereas the Chris¬
tian Index, under the direction of God, by its worthy Editor, is well
calculated to unite the influence and pious intelligence of our denomi¬
nation, and thereby facilitate their union and co-operation in the cause
of Christ; we most earnestly recommend our brethren to use all pru¬
dent exertions to give it a more extensive circulation.
2dly. The Missionary Journal, published by H. K. Ellyson, of
Richmond, Va, It is published monthly in handsome pamphlet form,
and is filled with the most interesting Missionary intelligence.
3d. The Baptist Guardian, edited by Prof. Reynolds, of Richmond,
Va.
4th. The Southern Baptist, edited by Bro. Hayne, of^ Charleston,
S. C.
10
5th. And last, yet no doubt most important of all, the Southern
Baptist Publication Society, located in Charleston, S. C. And we
your Committee do hope and fervently desire, that the Association will
now adopt the wisest and most prudent measures, by which to afford
present and future facilities to this institution, which every Southern
man must see is necessary to preserve our Southern institutions, both
civil and religious.
J. S. CALLAWAY, Chairman.
[D.]
The Committee on Deceased Ministers, Report, That we notice
the death of our much esteemed and aged father and brother, Eden
Taylor, who departed this life last November, having been a watch¬
man on Zion's walls more than forty years. Resolved, That we deep¬
ly sympathize with the bereaved family.
C. PUREFOY, Chairman.
As Agent for Foreign Missions, 1 had intended to visit each Church
in this Association during the Associational year past, but owing to
afflictions of myself, first, and then of my family, I was able only to
visit the following, and received as follows :
From Sardis Church, Pike,
(Paid over to the Convention,)... $ 5 20
J. J. Milner, 1 00
S. J. Brown, 1 00
P. S. Milner, 1 00
E. J. C. Milner, 1 00
From Friendship Church, Pike,
Miles G. Jackson, 5 00
Samuel Maddox, paid 5 00
Spencer Stamper, 2 00
B.H.White, paid 10 00
G. Ellis, paid 1 00
P. T. Allen, paid 1 00
S. Ellis, 1 00
From Liberty Church, Pike,
L.Martin,.... paid 50
G. B.James,. .paid......... 50
W. Cothen, . .paid 20
Isaac Martin, paid 25
From Hebron Church, Pike,
Jesse Lawrence, paid 50
Mary Jermany, paid X 00
From Mount Olive Church,
A.J. McAfee, ...........paid.... 1 00
E.E. McAfee, paid., 00
11
Wm. Vaughn and J. Jordan, paid 5 00
A. Tarver. paid......... 50
M.T.Jordan, paid 50
From Zebulon Church, Pike,
Pitt Milner, 1 00
J.P. Milner, paid 1 50
W. W. Arnold, 2 50
W. E. Mangham, paid 2 00
T.C.Taylor,.. paid 1 00
From Philadelphia Church, Henry,
The Church, ...paid 5 00
James Waters, from Macedonia, paid... 1 00
JOSHUA S. CALLAWAY,
Agentfor F. M. Board.
[F-]
Your Committee on Finance, have received for Minutes, $64 25:
from your former Clerk $27 57. We have also received from the
Executive Committee of the second District $48 70, which we have
paid over to brethren Duffie and Kimbell for Missionary labor in said
District. The first District also has paid to C. Purefoy $100 for Mis-
sionary labor in said District.
We have for Texas Missions $19 50, and in contributions by the
Association for their purposes $13 65.
For Southern Baptist Publication Society, $25 in cash, and $177 in
pledges to be paid at the Baptist State Convention.
F 8 P. EASON, Chairman.
SCALE OP THE CHURCHES.
CHURCHES.
COUNTIES
DELEGATES.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
f 6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
I-!':
15.
16.
17.
18.
l'J.
20.
21.
*22.
23.
24.
25.
26.
27.
28.
29.
[30.
Mount Zion,
Holly Grove,
New Providence,
Shiloh,
Paran,
Tovvaliga,
Macedonia,
Indian Spring,
Philadelphia,
Indian Creek,
Liberty,
Tirzah,
Bethlehem,
Flint River,
Flat Creek,
Shiloh,
Salem,
White Water,
Antioch,
Betlisaida,
Bethlehem,
Friendship,
Hephzibah,
Sard is,
Mount Olive,
Zebulon,
Liberty,
Hebron,
Griffin,
Bethel,
Monroe,
Butts,
Henry,
JaspeT,
Fayette,
Pike,
Total,
Jiangs of Ordainsd Ministers in Small Capitals
W J Stephens, J James,
J Wooten, Wm Harrison,
T Dyson,
F H Reeves, N Phillips,
C Purefoy, W W Stephens,
W Jarril, D L Duffie, D Evans
J Carter, WG M'Michael, R Mayo,
S Beall, J M Phillips,
J S Callaway, I R Eskew,
E Bailey, N Chatham,
J T Bently, D James,
A Buckner, P Eason,
II Clark, T Lane,
E P Allen, W P Allen,
T PniLLirs, J Phillips,
J J Stell, L Murphy,
A Reeves, R Porter,
F Howel, E Drewry,
A Brown, J II Crittenden,
J S Dodd, JH Corley,
G Upchurch, J BCook,
J Buffington, M G Jackson,
A Cook,
W J Mdner, S J Brown,
J C Holmes, A J McAfee,
J II Milner,
(J B James,
B Lee,
P A Lawson,
J Smith,
Licentiates in Italics
38
I7J 199 10 141 35 22
60
119
81
58
60
184
240
62
71
89
45
81
90
129
61
29
34
40
64
107
85
53
44
125
97
50
30
39
96
20
PASTORS
2 00
2 00
2 00
1 50
1 50
2 00
5 00
2 00
2 00
2 00
1 50
1 50
1 00
3 00
2 00
1 50
1 50
1 50
2 00
2 00
2 00
2 00
2 00
2 00
3 00
3 00
1 75
3 00
5 00
1 00
5 00
Tex.
Miss.
19 50
10 70
5 00
9 25
Stephens.
W. Jarril.
Carter.
Stephens.
Jarril.
do.
Carter.
do.
Callaway.
James.
Phillips.
Cleveland.
Jarril.
Callaway.
Phillips.
do.
Threlkeld.
Tommie.
Phillips.
Dodd.
do.
Stamper.
do.
Callaway.
Garland.
Milner.
P. S. Milner
Cleveland.
Wilson.
Cleveland.
'2313 64 251