MINUTES OF THE GEORGIA BAPTIST ASSOCIATION, HELD AT - NEWFORD, WILKES COUNTY, GA., On the 6th, 7th, and 9th of October, 1837. PRINTED AT THE CHRISTIAN INDEX OFFICE. 1837, Library of Emory University 2A66G0 31 INUTliS. The introductory sermon was delivered by Elder Wm. L Ticker, From 2 Tim. 1: 9; "who hath called us with an holy calling, not ac¬ cording to our works, "but according to his own purpose and grace, which Was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began." 2. Read the letters Prom the several Churches, and minuted their State. 3. TC!<- t r Jesse Mercer,, moderator- and Elder W. H. Stokes, clerk. 4. Inv ited ministers of our own. and other evangelical denominations to seats with us. 5. Appointed the following committees, viz: On preaching, J. Mat¬ thews, Sanford, I. T. Irvin and Hawkins, from the Association, to act with three members from the Church at Newford. On business, B. M. Sanders, Tl.o niton and Wilson. On finance, Dickinson, Rabun, and Wil¬ liam Peek. On nominations, Standford, H. Mercer and Janes. On edu¬ cation, Hard, Janes and Ivlallary. On deceased ministers, Callaway, Sanders and Matthews. On publications, Stokes, Mercer, Hard and Wil¬ son. The Association then adjourned till Saturday morning, half past 9 o'¬ clock. Prayer by Elder Hard. Saturday morning: met according to adjournment. Prayer by the mo¬ derator. 6. Received correspondence as follows: From the Edgefield Asso¬ ciation, S. C. a letter and minutes, by brother Cooper; from the Sarepta, a letter and minutes, by the brethren P. Mathews, Chandler and Jones; from the Saluda, S. C. a letter and minutes by the brethren Williams, Bur¬ ton, Kay and Gant; from the Hephzibah, a letter and minutes, by the brethren Atkins and Stapleton; from the Edisto, S. C. a letter and min¬ utes, by brother Wm. L. Tucker; from the Cahaba, a letter and minutes, but no messenger; from the Central, a letter by brother Mallary; from the Ebenezar, a letter and minutes, no messenger; from the Savannah River, brother Harlee was present as a messenger, but no letter or min¬ utes. 7. Read the Constitution and Decorum of the Body. 8. Appointed the following persons, corresponding messengers to other bodies, viz: Wilson and Stokes, to the Edgefield, Wilson to write. To the Sarepta, Carter and Prather, Carter to write. To the Saluda, Thorn¬ ton and Wilson, Thornton to write. To the Hephzibah, Steed, Holmes, Ivy and Mooman, Holmes to write. To the Edisto, Collins and Harris, Collins to write. To the Cahaba, C. M. Irvin to write. To the Central, Sanders, Thornton, Carter, Gunn, Wilson and Callaway, Sanders to write. 4 To the Ebcnezar, Ivy, Cowdrey, Johnston and Jesse Battle, Ivy to write. To the Washington, Thornton, Asbury, James Peek and C. M. Irvin, Thornton to write. To the Tugalo, Mathews and Callaway, Mathews to write. To the Savannah River, Rabun and Hard, Rabun to write. 9. Called for the Circular Letter, prepared by brother Davis, which was not present, but understanding that it would be forwarded, appointed the moderator and clerk, a committee, to revise if necessary, and publish it. 10. Appointed General Meetings, as follows: In the 1st District, at White Plains, on Friday before the 3rd Lord's day in July next. 2nd District, at Aberleen, Friday before the 5th Lord's day in July next. 3rd District, at Bethesda, Friday before the 5th Lord's day in April, 4th District, at Hephzibah, Lincoln county, Friday before the 5th Lord's day in Sept. 11. Read and received the Report on Education. See Report A. 12. The moderator being requested to report progress, respecting the history of the Association, stated, that it would probably be out by the next Spring. 13. Appointed a committee, consisting of the brethren, Hard, Stand- ford, John Skinner, Whitlock and Collins, to look into the standing of Aniioch Church, Richmond county, and to report at the next meeting of this Body.* 14. The committee on nominations reported, that they had fixed upon brother John Q,. West to preach the next introductory sermon, and upon brother Joseph Carter as the alternate; upon brother Hard, to preach the Missionary Sermon, brother Thornton his alternate. Agreed to dispense with the Circular Letter in future. 15. Appointed next meeting of this Body, to be held with the Church at Williams' Creek, Warren county, to commence Friday before the 2nd Lord's day in Oct. t ext. AdjourneH, tc mye 7vj.o iria^ morning, half past 9 o'clock. Prater by biother Ckrurlle \ I co c?q fncf of the excessive rain on the Sabbath, there was no meet¬ ing. The neighborhood was disappointed with respect to preaching, and the bi_ 3y with respect to the missionary collection. But the Lord Omni¬ potent reigneth. Monday morning: met according to adjournment. Prayer by brother Gunn. 16. Elected the following brethren, to represent this body in the next Georgia Baptist Convention, viz: Jesse Mercer, Sanders, Thornton, Cal¬ laway, Mathews, Janes, Stokes and West—Hard and Dickinson alter¬ nates. * This Committee will meet, Saturday before the second Sabbath in November LI Jit. 17. Read arid received the report on the decea&o of ministers. Sea Report B, 18. Appointed the 15th day of February next, as a day of fasting, hu¬ miliation and prayer, in reference to an increase of ministers. 19. Read and received the report on publications. See Report C. • 20. Read and signed the corresponding letters. 21. Read and received the report of the Financial Committer. Se« Report D. 22. Dismissed the New Hope Church, in Green county, to unite with the Apalachee Association. 23. Adopted the following RESOLUTIONS: 1. Resolved, That we, individually, make a vigorous effort, to sustain the Christian Index as it is—we want no change. 2. Resolved, That we advise the Churches of this Association, not to hold in fellowship, any member who is in the practice of making or sel¬ ling, as an article of common merchandise, ardent spirits, except as a me¬ dicine, either by the wholesale or retail; all proper effort being made by the Church to persuade such members to desist. 24. Requested the Clerk to superintend the printing and distribution of 3000 copies of these minutes, and ordered that he receive $30 for his ser¬ vices. 25. The moderator addressed the body affectionately, after which it adjourned to the time and place above mentioned. - JESSE MERCER, Moderator. W. H. STOKES, Clerk. Report A. The Committee have not had time to enter fully upon the interesting sub¬ ject referred to them ; they have only, therefore, glanced at a few prominent facts evident to any reflecting mind. The first fact we would present, is the general attention which education receives from all denominations. This age of our republic is characterized by the march of mind. The time is past when the attention of our nation is chained down to arduous toil for the ne¬ cessities of lifev Plenty and peace are ours—population has increased.— The sinews of our mighty nation cannot he employed solely in felling the forest, filling the soil, or in mechanics. We have been compelled to employ our minds, to advance in the arts and sciences for our political and social good. The pleasures of intellectual study are now generally indulged. The charac¬ ter of common schools is elevated, and the literary character of the mass of people as a consequence is also raised. Grand-children now are wiser in gen¬ eral knowledge than grand-parents. All denominations are wisely engaged in making preparations to keep pace with the progress of mind, and to meet the intellectual wants of the age. The second fact is the too general remissness in regard to education a- mong southern Baptists. Other denominations have established and are es¬ tablishing Colleges in tho South, and have much influence over State Institu¬ tions. If we are as inactive as we have been they must evidently secure the intellectual influence of the South. We would refer you to our large towns and villages—Baptist influence is small in comparison with that of other de¬ nominations. Mankind who are not scrupulously conscientious will seek the communion of churches v/hose bodies and clergy are intellectual as well as pious. Another important fact we would impress upon your minds, is the necessi¬ ty which has urged Christians to create literary institutions. All Stale Col¬ leges are liable to this formidable objection; they may fall under the control of an infidel Faculty. It is notorious that our legislative bodies have looked principally to the Hterary qualifications of Professors, and that infidels have in too many instances become the instructors of our children. The minds of many have been poisoned and their souls have been ruined. It is well known that but little attention has been paid to the religious character of students. Hence it is, Christian sympathy and duty have demanded of the followers of Jesus the erection of colleges that should be free from an im¬ moral atmosphere, and whose teachers should be religious lights, command¬ ing the admiration of the young, and causing them to glorify God. Look at the matter in am extensive point of view. From whom do we select our representatives and rulers? From the intellectual. How necessary then, for liberty, civil and religious, that our rulers be favorably disposed to the gos¬ pel, and thereby be under the influence of its principles'? Shall we be inert, and refuse to co-operate in the great work of giving our children proper in¬ struction 1 An opportunity is afforded you for doing something in this great work.— You are aware that the subject has been presented to your notice, and that a plan was adopted, by which it was hoped we might have established a re¬ spectable collegiate institution. Circumstances have transpired which have warranted those charged with its execution, to drop the original plan, whilst the object has still beea^pt in view. The circumstances are briefly these; the pecuniary embarrassment of the times, the want of unanimity among the Trustees, and the inadequacy of the means in hand. The Executive Com¬ mittee, who were entrusted with the care of the Mercer Institute, believing that the present was a favorable time to advance its interests, have determined to annex a collegiate department to it, and to style the Institute thus changed, the Mercer University. From all the information they possess, they believe their plan to be the only one which nr atr successful attainment of the great object which the denomination des.he. We beg leave distinctly to state that it is not proposed to change the ori¬ ginal plan of academical instruction and manual labor. The Executive Committee have indulged the hope that their plan will be cordially assented to by the denomination, from the fact that many efficient brethren have approved it, and that in a short space of time they have had transferred to them twenty-five thousand dollars of the old subscription. Disunion hath maimed the energies of our denomination in every great work. Possessing strength, we have turned it against our own well being. The committee would affectionately urge your body to lay aside all prejudice, and to come forward with your united effort to sustain the proposed plan. If we fail now, the majority of the denomination may lose coniidence in Baptist effort, and this generation may pass away before we shall accomplish that object so intimately connected with the glory of God, and our own interests. In conclusion, the Committee would propose the adoption of the following resolutions: Resolved, That the plan of establishing a respectable collegiate Institution in the State, with the ample means we possess for carrying it into successful operation, should by no means be abandoned. Resolved, That the abandonment of the location at Washington, though to many a matter of disappointment and regret, should not be allowed to a- lienate the minds of our brethren from a noble and useful enterprise, but should rather stimulate to more vigorous exertion, impress us with the im¬ portance of union and friendly compromise ; and of surrendering up all such predilections and prejudices as might lend to mar the prospect of success. Resolved, That from the best information which can be obtained, we are inclined to the opinion that no other location in the State, than the Mercer Institute, in Greene county, could be selected, which would harmonize to any desirable extent, the views and efforts of the denomination. Resolved, That we approve of the plan adopted by the Executive Com¬ mittee of the Georgia Baptist Convention, for connecting with the Mercer Institute, a collegiate Department, and that we recommend the transfer of 4he old subscriptions within our bounds to the Mercer University. Report B. Notwithstanding the harvest is great and the laborers few, the Great Head of the Church hath been pleased, according to his own purpose to take from the field some of his servants, during the last Associational year, whose departure we would notice witlj^^ep humility and heart-felt con¬ cern. Our brother, Joseph Roberts, died at his residence, in Hancock county, 23d of Oct. last. As a pastor, he was long and dearly beloved by the Churches, of whom he had the oversight, and for many years was a faithful ahd useful minister of the Gospel of Christ. With a becoming zeal advocating the cause of benevolence, in view of the advancement of the Redeemer's cause upon the earth. But he has finished his course, faught a good fight, kept the faith, and is gone to receive the crown. His memory is most affectionately and sincerely cherished by us. Our brother, James Blanchard, died at his residence, in Columbia county, 16th of Oct. 1836. His deep piety, spiritual mindedness, Godly sincerity, and soundness in the faith, conspired to render him an accepta¬ ble and useful minister of Jesus Christ. But the number of the days of his ministerial labors were comparatively few. He is gone, and blessed are the dead that die in tlr- Lord, &c.; and while we deeply lament the loss, we are constrained to say, it is the Lord let him do what seemeth him good.—Submitted. i Report €. The Committee on publications, have had the subject under serious consideration, and are well convinced, that it is very important for our Churches and people to be supplied with good religious publications. For, thereby, concert of action in the great work of spreading the Gospel of Christ, can be promoted to a greater extent, than by any other means: First, the views and plans of brethren, in relation to the various enterpri¬ ses of the day, may be extensively made known. Secondly, information as to the success, attendant upon any particular department of Christian benevolence, may also be extensively circulated. Thirdly, valuable ar¬ ticles upon subjects generally, connected with the Christian religion, may be obtained at a very cheap rate. Upon the subject of periodicals, those that we would respectfully re¬ commend to the attention of our brethren, are the Baptist Missionary Magazine, published at Boston at $1 per annum. The Christian Review, published quarterly at Boston and in Utica, N.York, under the editorial care of Elder James D. Knowles, at $3 per annum—a most excellent publication. Allen's Triennial Register, published once every three years at $1 00 and #1 25 a copy, according to binding, containing much statis¬ tical information respecting our denomination. Andlastly: The Christian Index, a paper published in our own State, but which we are sorry to find, is struggling under difficulties for the want of patronage. It is cer¬ tainty matter of astonishment and of deep regret, that many professors ' take political papers of a party kind, to the entire neglect of religious pub¬ lications. Nor is it less distressing, that many take this paper (the Index) for years, but never pay for it. We regret too, that ministers and other influential brethren, do not exert themselves as they might to sustain this paper. Owing to these facts, ^thout a change, the paper must be given up. Our brethren in other States, laboring under the same difficulties, have determined, in several instances, to amalgamate their papers. We have been invited to join in this process of amalgamation. And unless a more spirited effort be put forth, this must be the fate of the Christian In¬ dex. A result much to be deprecated by every friend of benevolence in the State, With respect to standard publications, amongst others we would men¬ tion the Comprehensive Commentary, and the Encyclopedia of Religious Knowledge, the Memoirs of Mrs. Judson, of Boardman and of Dr. Carey; and Mammon, or Harris's Prize Essay, and the Baptist Manual. Which works may be had of brother Richards, now selling books amongst us, or at the office of the Index, at Washington.—Respectfully submitted. 1 B. The Committee on Finance, liave received from the Churches, com¬ posing the Georgia Association, their contributions for various object3, as exhibited in the following table : Min- Don, Aberleen, - - - 1 25 Antioch, (Oglethorpe) 3 Augusta, - - - 3 Bethel, Crawforclville,^ 4 Bethlehem, Bethel, 1 50 Bethesda, 3 42 Baird's Meet. House, 3 20 Clark's Station, 1 50 County Line, 3 Damascus, 1 25 Double Branches, 3 6 Ebenezer, - - - 2 Elim, ----- 1 50 8 Fishing Creek, 2 Friendship, - 1 Greensborough, 2 Greenwood, - 3 Goshen, - 1 50 Grove, - - - - 1 50 Hephzibah, - 2 5 2 Horeb, - - 2 Kiokee, - - 2 50 Lincolnton, 1 50 Long Creek, 2 50 Mount Zion, 1 Newford, 2 Newhope, Greene, 1 50 Newhope, Lincoln, 2 2 New Providence, 2 Pine Grove, 1 Powelton, - 3 50 Phillips' Mill, 2 50 Rehoboth, - - - 2 Salem, Taliaferro, - 1 25 Salem, Lincoln, - - •1 50 Sardis, - - - - 3 50 Shiloh, - - - - 3 Sharon, - 50 Smyrna, - - - - 1 Sweet Water, - 3 Union, Lincoln, - - 1 50 Union, Warren, - 2 Warrenton, - - - 1 25 White Plains, - - 2 50 36 Williams' Creek, 2 Washington ch. & fr'ds. 2 147 African Church, - 3 Beaver-Dam, - - 1 50 5 Salem, Oglethorpe, 1 50 Foreign Missions. 83 10 Bvrman General Bible. 1>ur2',oses. Tefal. 17 43^ 42 72 4 22 20 29 92 724 20 127 75 97 50 86 131 1 166 44 30 10 75 50 84 45 70 20 71£ 23 ll\ 27 75 29 50 28 50 , 2 40 * 29 35 31 35 11 20 50 9 32* 11 324 10 8H 4 11 81i 44 50 20 44 50 111 22 10 25 10 24 25 50 9 25 5 85 16 60 13 22 17 27 38 85 40 85 3 22 35 27 85 56 12 £ 57 624 22 50 25 25 26 14 424 16 424 2 25 3 75 60 4 50 13 124 15 124 ?3 1 46 50 26 28 50 15 17 10 11 25 16 35 17 85 15 18 50 30 50 33 50 6 30 6. 80 7 374 8 374 3 1 50 14 15 2 25 3 50 70* 36 70i 75 904 5 20 624 27 624 343 76 f" 568 3 5 11 50 16 17 50 102 5 269 34} 848 71 149 87 609 89* In addition to what is exhibited in the foregoing Table, your Commit¬ tee have received the following amounts to be applied to the objects un¬ der their respective heads : FOR BURMAN BIBLE. From a lady of Augnstn, church, ... $20 From br. Walker, $>2 ; Females of Horeb ch., $98; 100 In table, 149 87* 269 87£ FOR, BTJRMAN MISSION. From Fishing Creek Church, - - - 19 65 Female Missionary Society Columbia Comity, 80 Union Church, Lincoln, - - - - - 17 05 Bethlehem, Bethel Church, - - - 10 126 70 FOR FOREIGN MISSIONS. From Augusta Female Missionary Society, 31 93| Brother R. Booker, ----- 5 In table, 848 71 885 64f FOR AFRICAN MISSION. From blacks of Fishing Creek Church, - 4 18^ African Churchy Augusta, 10 14 18f FOR GENERAL PURPOSES. From Members of Antioch church, Oglethorpe, 20 Crawfordville Church, a gold button and ring-, (value unnkown,) - In table, ------ 595 89£ Add, - 14 629 89i 629 89$ FOR EDUCATION. From Grove church, $5; Philips's Mill church, $10 15 15 FOR MERCER INSTITUTE. From Kiokee church, last payment, 5 year plan, 20 Mary S. Roberts' second instalment, - - 5 Lewis Moore $1; a friend, $10 11 John Skinner, last payment, 5 year plan, 5 Bro. Standford, do. do. - - - 5 Bro. J. Q,. West, do. do. - 10 56 RECAPITULATION. For Minutes, paid over to Clerk, -f'102 05 For Domestic Missions, ----- 268 34| Foreign Missions, ------ 885 64f Burman Bible, ------ 269 87£ General Purposes, ------ fi29 89£ Burman Mission, ------ 126 70 African Mission, ------ 14 igS. Education, ------- 15 Permanent Fund f>r Mercer Institute, 56 2265 65i Which amount we have paid over to A. Janes, Treasurer of the Bap¬ tist Convention for ihe State of Georgia; also a gold button and ring. All of which is respectfully submitted. R. Q. DICKINSON, ) J. W. RABUN, } Committee. WM. PEEK. \ STATE OF THE CHURCHES. * Absentees; Ministers, in small capitals ; Licentiates, in Italics. CHURCHES and COUNTIES. n Powelton, Hancock county, Mount Zion, do. Horeb, do. White Plains, Greene, Warrenton, Warren, New Providence, do. Long Creek, do. Williams' Creek, do. Salem, Taliaferro, - Bethel, Crawfordville, Taliaferro, lElim, Warren, Kiokia, Columbia, Pine Grove, do. Sharon, do. Co Damascus, do. Grove, do. Aberleen, do. ^1 Bethlehem, Bethel, Columbia, a ^ Double Branch, Lincoln, Sweet Water, Wairen, Union, do. Augusta, Richmond, African, do. Spirit Creek, do. New Hope, Lincoln, Antioch, Richmond3 DELEGATES. John W. Rabun, Charles M. Irvin, Thomas Neel, H. McLellan, - - - John A. Evans, Thomas Whaley, S. Johnson, I. Moore, .... Peter Cody,* William Castleberry,* Samuel Hall, Thomas J. Beck, Adam Jones, M. Jones, .... R. V. Asbury, L. Torrence, .... Radford Gunn, John Chapman,* James Peek, H. Mercer, Wm. Peek, J. Chapman,* John Swain, Joel E. Mercer,* G. Ivy, S. Smith,* ...... Juriah Harris,* C. Collins, David Stanford, R. Bolton, H. P. Porter, . - A. L. Kennaoy,* Leonard Steed, F. S. Taylor,* Billington Blanchard, (no return) A. L. Zachery, William M. Williams, John Skinner, William Skinner, G. W. Toole, A. Pearre, - Isaac Willingham, Robert Searls, W. P. Steed,* Hugh Montgomery, Mann Donaway, Joseph Holmes, G. W. Hardaway, William J. Hard, E. Mustin,* Jacob Walker, John Walton, William Blair, W. Moncrief, T. T. Tillory, .... b ft b Co* N' o o- a Co' ri o ja- 0 4 14 0 0 3 2 0 0 3 4 0 8 ' 5 5 1 0 5 12 1 13 5 1 0 6 8 2 2 4 6 0 0 5 10 1 1 21 38 6 0 5 5 0: 1 3 5 V 0 3 8 1 o I 16 1 1 2 6 0 0 1 6 o 0 1 2 1 5 1 15 3 1 7 8 7 1 2 1 1 4 16 10 7 13 6 17 27 2 2 3 0 01 1 2 0 0 1 68 / iMia BtLJ K7 • * Absentees ; Ministers, in small capitals; Licentiates, in Italics. CHURCHES and COUNTIES. Bethesda, G-".ne county, Shiloh, "<• Smyrna, do New Hope, do . Philips' Mill, Taliaferro county, Antioch, Oglethorpe county, Beard's, do County Line, do Salem, do w Greensboro', Greene county, ' Goshen, Lincoln counly, Clark's Station, Wilkes county, Sardis, do New ford, do Rehoboth, do Greenwood, Lincoln county, - Lincolnton, do Salem, do Hephzibah do Fishing Creok, T7ilkes county, Washington, do Friendship, do Eberifzer, do Union, Lincoln county, I^Beaveidam, Wilkes county, DELEGATES. V. R. Thornton, A. Janes, R. Q. Dickinson, C. N. Daniel, William Sanders, William Muncrief,* Ira 0. McDaniel,"* Edmund Akins, S. P. Arnold,* - William Terrell, Moses F. Foster, - Richard Anderson, James T. Hackn^v, - Jack Lumpkin,* William Lumpkin, James Davant, Samuel Brook, William Edmundbon, Edicard Meadows,* John Wynn, V. Brown, John Hawkins, Joseph Landrum, .... B. M. Sanders, Vincent Sanf'ord, .... W.W.Stokes, W. H.Norman, .... James Mathews, 1. N. Bolton, .... Enoch Callaway, 1. T. Irvin, R. Strozier, T. Favor, - Majors Pullf n,* James Pullen, .... Wyciie Jackson,*' Win. W.Frather, James Burdelt, - Samuel Paschal, George Shank, Samuel Wright, John ZHIars, Alexander Johnston, .... John W. Wilson, John Bentley, - Joseph A. Carter, Adam Hernsberger, Micajah A. Lane, Wr,n. T. Lane, .... Jesse Mercer, W. H. Stokes, .... Garret Oglesby, William Walton, - John Q. West, Jones Kendrick, - - - - John Simmons, Newel House, - John W. Jones, Seaborn Callaway, - 8 14 10 20 £ 7 5 2 i i 17 4 0 10! 24 lu SO 4 4 1 12 0 0 22 IF: 1C 16 U If 1] CIKCURAR DEXTER. The Georgia Association, to the Churches of which she is composed, sends Christian zalutution : Dear Brethren,—Trite as the topic may appear, we have cho¬ sen for our annual circular, the subject, of Missions and Ministerial sup¬ port. Comparatively, we have done much towards these objects, yet we cannot repress the conviction, that, it has fallen far short of what we should have done. The duty of the ministry to "go into ail the world and preach the gospel to every creature,'' is expressly stated, arid their claim upon the church for a support, m the meanwhile, is laid down in terms equally explicit. - What say the scriptures ? 1 Cor. 9 : 7-1-5. "Who goeth a warfare at any ritne at his own charges'? who plan- teth a vineyard, and eateth not of the fruit, thereof? or who feedeth a flock, and eateth not of the milk of the flock? S iy I these things as a man? or saith not the law the same also ? For it is written in the law of Moses, thou sh^lt not muzzle the month of the ox that treadeth out the corn. Doth God take care for oxen ? or saith he it altogether for our gakes? For our sake?, no doubt this is written; that lie that ploweth should plow in hope ; and that he that tnresheth in hope should he parta¬ ker of his hope. If we have sown unto you spiritual things, is it. a great thing if we shall reap your carnal things? If others be partakers of this power over you, are not we rather? Nevertheless, we have not used this power; but suffer all things, lest we should hinder the gospel of Christ. Do ye not know that they which minister. about holy things live of the things of th* temple? and they which wait at the altar are partakers with the altar ? Even so hath the Lord ordained, that they which preach the gospel should live of the Gospel." Again : 1 Tim. 5: 17, IS.— "Let the Elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, es¬ pecially they who labor in the word and doctrine. For saith the scrip¬ ture, thou shalt not muzzle the ox that treadeth out the corn : and the la¬ borer is worthy of his reward." And again ; 2 Tim. 2: 6. "The hus¬ bandman that laboreth must be first partaker of the fruits." Once more ; Gal. 6: 6. ' Let him that is taught in the word communicate unto him that teac'neth in all good things." Need we add any thing to these plain declarations of the scriptures? It is true, the Apostle, in a number of in¬ stances, waived his right to compensation, wrought with his own hands, & was not chargeable to them ; but it was always from motives of expedi¬ ency, and he so expressly tells them: 2 Thes. 3: 8, 9. "Neither did we eat "any man's bread for nought; but wrought with labor and travail night and day, that we might not be chargeable to any of you : not because we have not power, but to make ourselves an ensample unto you to fol¬ low us." Let it be remembered too, that the Apostle had no family to support, that ho had no children who claimed at his hands, by the strong¬ est ties of our nature, food, elothingand education. In order that ,we may attain to a correct understanding of the subject under consideration, it is essential that we call to mind the fact, that the apostle had been preach¬ ing and writing to the Gentiles—to the heathen—a people whose mind# 1 4 were prejudiced against. the gospel by the prepossessions of many ages. Under such circumstances, how necessary was it that lie should avoid ev¬ ery thing which might cause the gospel to be spoken against—every thing which might call in question the benevolence of his intentions and the pu¬ rity of his motives. He acted upon the same principles of expediency which we now do in sending missionaries to the heathen, who do not ask of them a support, lest by that means their motives might be questioned and the gospel hindered. And now, brethren, we trust tiau world had now luit a moiety of their zeal, patience it self-denial; then indeed would "Zion arise and shine, her light being come, and the glory God being risen upon Iter." Did God ever intend that his cause upon earth should be carried forward without human instrumentality, or pe¬ cuniary means] Under the old dispensation he required his people to give a tenth of all they made for its support, and although we are under a new and more glorious dispensation, He will test our love to him by our willingness to make sacrifices for his honor and glory. "For breth¬ ren, ye have been called unto liberty, only use not liberty for an occa¬ sion to the flesh." Gal. 5: 13. Let us consider the wants of the world, the claims of perishing millions. They call upon us, not for small sums only, but for great sums. "There is that scattereth, and yet increaseth; find there is that withholdeth more than is meet, but it tendeth to poverty. The liberal soul shall be made fat: and he that watereth shall be wa¬ tered also himself." Prov. 11: 24,- 25. "Charge them that are rich in this word, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us freely all things to enjoy ; that they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate."l Tim. 6: 17, 18. The Lord has already blessed the feeble means we have used for the proinotion of his kingdom and glory, beyond our expectations. The field indeed seems white unto the harvest. Who will not thrust in the sickle ? who will not work for him who, "though he was rich, yet for our sakes became poor, that we, through his poverty, might be rich." "Awake, awake, put on thy strength, O Zion ; puton thy beautiful garments, O Jerusalem, the holy city ; shake thyself from the dust." May the Lord bless you abundantly with the rich consolations of the gospel, and cause you to abound in every good word and work, is our prayer. JESSE MERCER, Moderator. H, Stokes, Clerk.