IlMW'fM
OF THE
OEORGZA BAPTIST &SSOCmTZOH.
wswa> wmwm &Th&mQ9
ON THE
10th, 11th, 12th and 13th octobeb, 1834,
WASHINGTON, GA :
tktmrm at vhs christian index orrni
1834.
Library of
Emory University
246657
'JUN 10 1952
MINUTES, &c.
WHITE PLAINS, October 10th, 1834.
1. Tho introductory sermon was delivered by brother V. R.
Thornton, from 1 Cor. 15 : 58.
2. Read the letters from the Churches as herein minuted.
3. Elected brother Jesse Mercer Moderator, and B. M. San¬
ders Clerk.
4. Invited all ministering brethren present, to assist in our
deliberations.
5. Appointed the following Committees, viz: John H.
Walker, J. Roberts, E. Perryma'n and J. Armstrong from the
Association, to whom were added from the Church, brother I.
Moore, S. Johnson and J. Sims, to arrange preaching during
the meeting. John Mercer, A. Janes and J. Lamar, on finance.
J. Davis, A. Sherwood and E. Callaway, to arrange business.
V.. R. Thornton and W. H. Stokes, to examine the Minutes of
corresponding associations.
.6. Called fj- corresponding letters. Received a letter and
minutes from I,:; Washington association, by brother J. P.
Leverett, their messenger; a letter and minutes from tha
Savannah iliv r,by brother I. L. Brooks ; a letter and minutes
from th? Yellow River, by brother J. H. Davis and T. Gibbs;
a letter and minutes from the Ebenezer, by their messenger,
brother A. Pnck; minutes from the Hephzibah by their mes-
scii^-ors, A. Atkins, Je3se Moon-and M. M. Dye; a letter from
the Central by their messengers, J. E. Dawson, W. A. Calla¬
way, Tho3. Cooper, James Evans, and Mark A. Cboper,
requesting a correspondence with this association—postponed
till we receive the report from the Committee of last year on
the Ocmulgee associatipn—a letter from the Augusta Baptist
Foreign Missionary Society with contributions ; and contribu¬
tions from the Columbia.county Foreign Missionary Society."
7. The circular letter was called for, read and adopted—
appoiriied brother W. H. Stokes to prepare the next. Received
reports of i.Lij Ilonfc Mission society—appointed brother James
Mathews to preach the next introductory sermon and brother
Gunn his alternate—adjourned till 9 o'clock to-morrow.
[4]
Saturday—association met, prayer by brother J. H. Walker;
colled the roll and noted absentees.
8. Received a letter and minutes from the Edgefield associa¬
tion, S. C.—and a package of minutes from the Cahaba, Ala.—
a letter and minutes from the Saluda association, S. C. by their
messenger, brother B. Benton. The letter from the Serepta
having failed, brother P. Mathews was received upon satisfactory
evidence of his appointment from that body.
9. Called for the report of the Committee on arrangement
of business—which was read and adopted.
10. Called for the report of the Committee on theOcmuIgee
association, \^hich was read and adopted as follows:
The Committee appointed to notice several sentiments, and
acts found recorded in the Minutes of the three last meetings of
the Ocmulgee association, present the following report.
I. Your Committee have had said minutes under their con¬
sideration, and are sorry to say, that they find the principle
directly asserted, maintained, and enforced, that letters of dis¬
mission from a church by a bare majority are valid, and may
fully remove the membership of the persons holding them, to
any church that will receive them. For proof, we refer you
to page 4th, of the minutes of 1831 of said association, where
it is admitted that certain members were admitted into New
Salem church, on letters from Eatonton church, by majority
only ; and on 14th and 15th pages of the minutes of 1833,
they are asserted to be the members of New Salem church,
and that they were so "upon the validity of their letters," viz:
given by majority. Now we think a number of reasons might
be shown why such a principle of discipline ought not to be
admitted : 1. It is certain to destroy the fellowship and peace
between the churches so dismissing, and those receiving such
members, as has been the case between the Eatonton and New
Salem churches. 2. It throws the decision of all unsettled
difficulties between the members opposing, and those receiving
such letters into whatever church the removing member may
please to select, and at whatever distance, and so precludes any
reasonable hope of fip^l adjustment. 3. If such a principle bo
once countenanced, it will present a temptation to be frequently
acted upon, and so lay the foundation for the destruction of the
harmony of the whole denomination. 4. If such a dismission
is expressed to be in full fellowship, it will be at variance with
the facts of the case. 5. In a word, we consider such a prac¬
tice, as directly overturning one of the principles of the discipline
that has ever been heretofore held most sacred by the Baptist
churches.
11. In the second place, \ye would remark, that exceptionable
[ 5 ]
as the principle itself is, we consider the improinv.'bv jMivated
in the case under consideration, by the accompanv in * ad.nission
by said association, to be found in minutes of id-Ji, page 4th,
that "no baptist church can regularly, according to gospel order,
dismiss a member, unless there is unanimity in tho church,
granting the letter." Now if this admission is not intended to
be altogether denied, and set aside, by the minute of 1.833, it
can mean nothing else but that a member, regardless of gospel
order, may be dismissed from one church and become a mem¬
ber of another church, or be a member ol two churches at the
same time- If a member may be validly dismissed regardless
of gospel order, it would be, in effect, to renounce the gospel
as the only rule for church discipline; for if the gospel be the
only rule, such an act must by it, be unlawful and so be invalid
and worthless; for what can give validity to any act but its
conformity to the rule that is to govern in such cases ? Another
striking inconsistency that presents itself to our mind, in this
case is, that while on 15th page of minutes 1833, New Salem
is declared to hold those members upon the validity of the
aforesaid letters, and that Eatonton church "pretended to
exclude them for their irregularity;" the same association on
4th page of minutes 1831, advises the New Salem church "to
drop the charge (against Eatonton church) on this point partic¬
ularly." We cannot conceive what could be the propriety of
New Salem in dropping such a charge and not sustaining the
character and credit of those persons if they receive her mem¬
bers. All these strange inconsistencies go to prove to us that
the doctrine of the removal of membership by majority only,
is a very new doctrine.
III. We observe in^he 3rd place, that the said association,
on 16th page of her minutes pf 1833, denies the right of a
church to judge of the spirit of a member returning to seek
fellowship; and the assumption of this as a right, is theie laid
down as one cause of her withdrawal from the Eatonton church,
We cannot conceive how fellowship can be maintained in a
church without regard to the spirit as well as matter of an
acknowledgement. We can see no other alternative, but for a
church to exercise this as a right or to hold her members often
in disunion. It is a right which we have often seen exercised
we think to good effect, and do not remember ever before to
have seen gravely denied.
IV. We will not pretend to say what the association means
by the churches giving up their keys to the association, as is
alledged in 8th and 9th page of minutes of 1833. If she means
that any church-right, or exercise of church authority is to be
given up, we must dissent from such a doctrine; for as the
[ G ]
duties of a church are nil enjoined by divine authority, and fot
their fulfilment depend upon the uncontrolled exercise of her
entire rights, to barter them away would be to violate a divine
trust; and any body in assuming them would usurp a preroga¬
tive held by divine sanction. We conceive a church has no
more discretion in yielding her rights of discipline than she
has to change the ordinances instituted by her living Head.—
Against the above mentioned innovations upon the discipline of
the churches, established by the great head of the church and
long revered and practised by his followers, we would recom¬
mend the foregoing objections to be addressed to said association
in solemn remostrance^-and as we do not consider associational
correspondence to involve the fellowship of the churches or of
individual members, we recommend as heretofore, an interchange
of our correspondence with the Ocmulgee association—hoping
that she may vet discover and abandon her departures from
scriptural rules and wholesome gospel order. *
* Extracts from Minutes of the Ocmulgee Association of J 831.
"10. The committee appointed last year, to endeavor to effect
union between New Salem and Eatonton Churches—submitted the
following' report, which was read and agreed to, viz':
: "The committee after prayerful and serious consideration of the
subjects of difference, between our twp sister churches of New Salem
and Eatonton, and a review and comparison of the facts and feelings
in the case—have as they hope, with feelings of Christian love and
affection, agreed to give the fellowing advice to the sjster churches:
" 1st. We recommend to Eatonton church such a modification of
the entry on their minutes, on the usury quere, as not to express that
" it is consistent with gospel order," and further, that the strong ex-
pressionfe, "discountenanced and pnt down," be expunged, and some
milder terms instituted in lieu thereof.
"2d. Being unanimously of opinion that no Baptist church can
regularly, according to gospel order and church practice, dismiss a
member, unless there is unanimity in the church granting the letter;
we therefore advise New Salem church to drop the charges on this
point particularly, and all the rest of the charges—and the brethren
who have joined New Salem under the letter, obtained by only a ma-
jori y of Eatonton church, to return to E. church, and in the spirit of,
the gospel, acknowledge that their letter was obtained irregularly,
and that they regret any hard feelings and irregular conduct, that
may have existed in- obtaining them.
" 3d. That upon these brethren so doing, we recommend to Eaton¬
ton church to restore fhem to fellowship, and then, if they wish, to
let them depart in peace and brotherly love, by new letters.
"4th. We advise that no more should be said between them, on
the usury question.
Extracts frvm Minutes of 1832.
" 21st. On motion with regard to Eatonton church, voted that we
believe? she has not fully redeemed her pledge, being of opinion, that
[ * ]
11. Application from the Central Association was called up,
whereupon, after some discusiion, it was resolved, that although
there are serious differences existing between the Central, and
some of the sister Associations with which we correspond, vet,
as we conceive Associational correspondence, not to be of so
sacred a nature as to interfere with the fellowship or union-of
either party so corresponding, much less with the members
composing those bodies—that we correspond with (he Central
Association on the same principles that we recognize in our
correspondence with all other Associations.
12. Read and approved the report of the executive commit¬
tee, made to the last Convention.
13. Took up a Proclamation made by the Flint River Asso¬
ciation, to the Baptist Denomination in the United States, as
found in her last minutes, and referred it with its accompanying
matters, to a committee, consisting ofDavis, Stokes and Sanders.
14. A ppointed correspondence to the several Associations, viz:
To the Ebenezer; Armstrong, Tucker and Perryman. To
Tugalo; Sherwood, and J. Matthews. To Saluda; Davis, and
E. Callaway. To Yellow River; Sherwood and Roberts. To
Savannah River; Blanchard, Harris, and Kennedy. To Heph-
zibah; Perryman, Armstrong, and Tucker. Serepta; Sherwood
and Johnson. Washington; Johnson, J. B. Battle. Edaefield;
she required more of some of those members, who returned to her in
accordance with the recommendation of the committee, thairis con¬
tained in that advice.
"22d. Appointed a committee to labor with Eatonton church, and
endeavor to remove the difficulty between .her and this body.
Extracts from the Minvtes of 1833.
" Be it Resolved, Tnat this body withdraw her connexion in terms
of the constitution, from tlie aforesaid Eatonton church, for the cause
of immorality, in that she refuses to comply with her voluntary and
solemn pledge, made in the settlement entered into between herself
and New Salem church, in January 1831, as may be seen in the min¬
utes of the Association of the same date.
" It is conceded, that a church detached from an Association, might
plead the sovereignty and independence here claimed by the minori-
ty » * * * "But that a church attached to an Association upon
the principles of our constitution, can claim sovereignty and indepen¬
dence to the same extent in all points, is not conceded." * * *
" When the union or communion shall be broken, in that case, the
churches have agreed to put their keys into the hands of the Associa¬
tion." Extract from Circular of 1833.
"They," (i. e. Richardsun, Hill, &c.) "are to return" (to Eaton¬
ton) " then as the members of New Salem, as required in terms of
the advice," <fcc.
" The committee justified the ground of New Salem by admitting
those (Richardson, Hifl, &c.) to be her members."
[ 8 ]
Kennedy and Mourman. Western; J. H. Walker and J. Q.
West. Ordered a letter to the Cahaba, Stokes to write it. To
the Central; Davis, Armstrong, Stokes and Tucker. Oemul-
gee; Davis, Sherwood, Roberts, Johnson, Sanders and Arm¬
strong. Appointed persons to write the letters and report on
Monday morning. Adjourned till Monday morning, 9 o'clock.
On Sabbath, the stand was occupied first, by brother Jesse
Mercer, who delivered the Missionary Sermon, at the close of
which, a collection of $13(5 73 was taken up in the congrega¬
tion; the evening exercises were conducted by the brethren I. L.
Brooks and James Davis, with apparent good effect.
Monday morning, 9 o'clock, met according to adjournment;
prayer by brother Roberts.
15. Received letters and minutes for the two last years: from
the Tugalo Association, by her messenger, brother M. San¬
ders, whose coming was heartily welcomed.
16. Appointed general meetings, viz:
1 District, at Warrenton, Friday, before the 2d Sab. Aug.
2 do. at Bethel, Columbia, Friday, before 5th Sab. March.
3 do. at County Line, Friday, before 5th Sab. August.
4 do. atSardis, Friday, before 5th Sabbath, May.
17. Called for corresponding letters, which were presented,
read and adopted.
18. Elected the brethren, Jesse Mercer, M. Johnston, Abso-
lam Janes, Jonathan Davis, V. R. Thornton, E. Callaway, B.
M. Sanders and J. Armstrong, to represent this body in the
next Baptist Convention of this State, at Shiloh, Green county,
Friday before the 4th Lord's day in May next.
19. Called for the report of the committee on the Flint River
case, which was read and adopted as follows:
Your Committee having taken into consideration the procla¬
mation to the Baptist Denomination in the U. States, made by
the Flint River Association at her last session, regret to find it
to contain a denunciation of several Baptist Churches and their
Ministers by name, and that for no other alledged cause, than
their having seceded from an Associational union with her bo¬
dy, and refusing to re-unite with them. We no where find in
the Bible any command for Associations, nor rules for the:.r
formation or dissolution. They have heretofore been consider¬
ed by us as creatures of the Churches, founded merely on the
general principles of expediency, formed by them at their plea¬
sure, and dissolved at their pleasure, and never intended to be
clothed with any authority to Lord it over GoJ's heritage.—
We have never been able to perceive any thing so criminal in
the engaging in, or dispensing with Associational union, as for
that alone to make any Church the subject of public denuncia-
[9 ]
tion, or entitle the names of its ministers to be held up to public
odium —their characters assaulted, and their usefulness tram¬
meled, by attempting to excite the prejudice of the community
against them. The regret of your committee is not a little in¬
creased by the consideration, that the said Churches were ur¬
ged to a re-union with said Association, over the head of the
very difficulties that constituted tho two first items ©f your com¬
plaint against said Association, in your labors with them 2
years ago. We are not only led to regret that the principles
with which we were then, and are still, effected, are maintained
by said Association; but our grief is not a litlle increased by
the apparent disposition in our sister Association, to sport with
our feelings, by adopting such a course, immediately after ac¬
knowledging in relation to these very matters, that she might
have departed from the better principles of discipline and gone
too far, and feels sorry that she has given cause of complaint
to her sister, the Georgia Association. We recommend a friend¬
ly letter to be addressed to said Association, expressive of tho
feelings of the Georgia Associat ion on this subject, and request¬
ing her to examine more carefully the ground she is occupying
on this subject. Resolved, That the extracts from her minutes
on which this report is founded, be published in our minutes.*
20. Upon the adoption of the above report, a committee was
appointed to write to said Association, which after a short re¬
cess was presented and accepted.
* Extract from the Minutes of the Flint River Association of 1333-
advice given to the seceding churches.
ARTICLE 12.
Sec. 1. To the McDonough church, that they go to Ramah, for¬
merly the McDonough church, and acknowledge their error in
seceding from the Association, rescind the charges contained in the
McDonough reasons against the committee, and the association, and
endeavor to gain fellowship with said church, which is a component,
member of the Flint River Association, and c n their thus acting and
giving full satisfaction, we advise Ramah Church to receive them.
Sec. 2. As to the Sharon, we conceive that her communication
does not so much as amount to a wish to be in union, but rather an
indignity; we therefore withhold any advice whatever, and for
justification refer (you if need be) to said communication.
Sec. 3. To the Sardis we return the above as an answer, and refer
you to her communication as before.
Sec. 4. To the Smyrna, we say first, that from the conduct of
certain individuals, and publications since the session of the Flint
River Association at Bethel, in Butts county, it must appear obvious
to them, th^t it was a matter of faith ana not of discipline; we there¬
fore give to them the following advice, viz: Return to the association,
acknowledge your error in seceding, rescind the charges in Mc¬
Donough reasons, and the faith published at Sharon, and hold to
original principles and practice.
[ 1© ]
21. Called for the report of the financial committe, which
was read and agreed to, as follows:
The Committee on Finance have received from the Delegates
of the Churches of the Georgia Association, and from individ¬
uals, their contributions sent up, (as per list of the churches ac¬
companying this report,) and report the aggregate, or total
amount, as follows—viz:
Received for Printing Minutes of the Association, - $106 25
" " Home Missions, 75 50
" " Foreign Missions, - 575 88
" " School Fund, - - - - 49 25
" " Education of young Ministers, - 81 00
" " General Purposes, - ■ - 534 55J
From Kioka Church, on the five years plan, - 20 00
Amount taken by public collection on Sabbath for Missions, 136 73
$1579 16£
The amount for Printing- Minutes, paid over to the ? Ainp 9^
Cleric, Billington M. Sanders, f ^luo ^
Balance paid to Treasurer, James Armstrong1, - 1472 91^
All of which is respectfully submitted $1579 16^
JOHN LAMAR, )
ABSALOM JANES, > Committee.
JOHN MERCER, )
J. S. Callaway, YV. Moseley, M. Lowrie, E. Beall, A. G. Beckam,
J. Almand, L. Stamper, A. B. Reid, A. Cleveland, R. Burk.
Having adopted the above satisfactory report of the committee, in
pursuance, called tor letters and delegates from the above named
churches, but none came forward.
Resolved, That whereas this association had indulged a hope from
the happy and mutual adjustment of all her difficulties with her sister
associations, embracing the whole subject matter arising out of the
secession of several churches and parts of churches within her bounds,
would have been entirely satisfactory, and lead to a happy union and
reception of said churches, and to this end the association was ready
and anxiously waiting their return in the spirit of the gospel of
Christ, upon the principles of the faith of the association, but contra¬
ry to the hope and wish of the association, a determination has been
manifested by the seceding churches, to maintain the grounds of
their seperation and remain a distinct and seperate people. The
Flint River Association therefore, have lost all hope of reclaiming
said churches, and do hereby make known, for the information of
her sister associations, and the Baptist denomination throughout the "
United States, that they are no longer of our faith and order; but
have gone out from us because they were not of us, or they no doubt
would have continued with us. *
N. B.—There are in the above named churches several ministers,
whose names are the following, viz: B. H. Wilson, J. Travis, J. H.
Campbell, W. A. Callaway, Wm. Byers, Wm. Presley and' Johri
Reaves, who was a member at the time of their withdraWment,
CONTRIBUTIONS.
Powelton, -
Mount Zion,
llorob,
White Plains,
Warrenton,
William's Creek,
Salem, (Taliaferro)
Crawford ville,
Kioka,
Pine Grove,
Sharon,
Damascus,
Grove, (Columbia)
Aberleen,
Bethlehem Bethel,
Double Brandies,
SweetWater,
Union, (Warren)
Augusta,
Antioch, (Richmond)
Newhope, (Lincoln)
Bethesda,
Shiloh,
Smyrna,
Newhope, (Greene)
Minutes.
Home
Foreign
School
Ed. y'ng.
General
Mission
1Mission.
Fund.
ministers
purposes.
-
3 00
41 75
-
1 00
6 35
-
2 5(
2G 25
-
2 50
19 00
-
2 00
1 00
9 00
-
2 f>0
11 85
-
1 25
8 62 i-
-
5 00
97 50
-
3 15
2 00
3 00
5 00
.
1 00
9 44
-
1 25
12 00
-
1 25
8 25
-
1 50
50
12 22^
2 00
-
1 25
8 22
-
1 75
33 00
-
2 50
18 90
.
3 00
10 00
-
2 60
13 30
-
2 00
41 00
20 00
1 00
2 81$
-
1 25
2 035
-
4 00
39 75
41 50
.
4 00
46 06$
-
1 50
10 00
10 00
-
1 50
4 00
Greensboro ugh, ...
Phillips' Mill,
Antioch, (Oglethorpe) -
Baird's Meeting House,
County Line, -
Goshen, - -
Clark's Station, ...
Sardis, -
Nevvford, - - -
Rehoboth, ...
' 1 Greenwood, -
©I Union, (Lincoln) -
Lincolnton, - - -
i—i Fishing Creek,
Salem, (Lincoln) ...
f Washington, ...
The adherents of ditto,
By a friend of ditto,
I Two little Boys for translating of Burman Bibles
Hephzibah, -
Ebinezar, -
Friendship Church,
Elim, (Warren) ...
Springfield African Church,
Spirit Creek African Church,
Long Creek, -
50 cents each,
Minutes.
Home
Mission
Foreign
Mission.
School
Fund.
Ed. y'ng.\General
ministers\purposea%
2 00
30 00
48 00
2 50
15 00
15 00
12 25
4 00
11 50
3 00
9 00
10 00
3 00
31 18*
1 50
8 68|
1 50
13 21
4 00
20 00
2 50
5 00
5 81$
3 00
10 25
2 00
22 81|
.1 50
7:37l
1 50
13 25
2 00
18,12*
1 50
8 20
2 00
18 00
18 00
32 50
19 00
24 00
27 00
5 00
10 00
1 00
'
2 00
12 00
2 00
12 00
4 00
1 00
5 75
2 00
4 25
3 00
2 00
S SO
Estate Rev. J imog Mathews, deceased,
Female Missionary Society of Columbia County, .
Thomas Locket of Lori!'Crook,
Thomas Giiham of Oglethorpe County,
A friend from [Jepzebah, (Lincoln)
Augusta Female Missionary Society, -
Augusta Sabbath School Collection.,
From two little boys of An^usta, missioaa-ry-boxcw,
.Brother S. Hall of Long Creek Church,
Brother Elijah Jones from ditto,'
John Veasey, -
Thomas J. Wheeler, (Iloreh)
From lvioka Church on five year pi in, £>25 00, -
William Battle,
Mrs. D. Shorter, -
Collection after Missionary Sermon, $1')3 73,
Minutes.
Home
Mission
F< :rd j n
Miss'^n.
Sr.hool
Fund.
5 0,
80 03
5 00
-
2 50
1 00
115 00
2 00
1 -25
3 00
3 00
" 2 50
:
125 25
1 00
75 50
5 9 .3
. 6 ;j" 1
40 25
$103 25
$375 cS1
ne-
miiiislrr-
5 CO;
2 59
2 00
2 00
ei on.
[ t4 ]
2J. A.)j> >i;ir; el ii»o west Association to be held in Augusta,,
on l'Yiday before • ii.j ^ud S ujnatn in Oolober next: Brother
Sh<wvvood to preacii the mission sermon, and brother Thron-
totj !iis alternate.
RESOLUTIONS.
Resolved, That we recommend to the members of our Chur¬
ches, the Christian Index, and Temperance Banner, published,
at Washington, in this State; and also that they patronize Sab¬
bath Schools and Temperance Societies.
Resolved, That Brethren E. Perrvman, J. H. Walker, J.
H arris, A. L. Kennaday, C. D. Mallary, J. Blanchard, Robert-
sou and Taylor, and other ministering brethren of our Associa¬
tion, be requested to attend as often as they can, the Spirit Creek
(African) Church, near Agusta.
Resolved, That Brethren Jesse Mercer, Armstrong and
Stokes, be a committee to extract from the minutes of the Oc-
mulgee and Flint River Associations, whatever they may think
necessary to explain our proceedings in relation to those Bodies,
and have the same, in form of notes, appended to these min¬
utes.
Resolved, That the Clerk contract for the printing and dis¬
tribution of 3000 copies of our minutes, and that he receive $30
as his annual compensation for such services.
CI HLCUIj Alt.
Dearlij Beloved Brethren,—We would invite your serious
attention on the present occasion, to the important subject of
hearing the word. Preaching is an ordinance, of God not
entirely confined to the Christian dispensation. From the old,
Testament history it appears, that Ezra upon the return of the
Jews from Babylon assembled them in the streets of Jerusalem,
and ascending a stage, or pulpit for the advantage of being
better seen and heard, read the Law in the ears of the people,
and gave the interpretation thereof. It is probable that he did
little more than, agreeably to the natural import of the phrase
interpretation, translate paragraph by paragraph, the Hebrew
original into the Svriac or Chaldee; which perhaps was better
understood bv the Jews than their original language, in conse-
O o O 7
quenee of their long captivity. From that time, or shortly after,
Synagogues were erected in the different cities in Judea, and ^
regular officers were appointed to read, first the Pentateuch, and
then the prophets, and explain them it) ample paraphrase or
con inei)f«. Such was the origin of preaching. When th©'
<>fthe rime was come for God, in his infinite mercy, to
i 15 ]
send forth his son, fiis appearance \\a^ brst ai rn-unced by John's
proclaiming iri the wild-rues*', prepare \« uav />r the Lord,
which after a short time, was ssueeei tied bv rh<> minis¬
try of%Christ and his Apo,si!e^, with uh-ni ibe <h . p< iwuion of
the gospel, properly, speaking, commem-yd. A;'cr bis resur¬
rection, our Lord extended the coirmiis-i. >n di" t>w o all
nations; saying, go and teach all iniions l.aj tizing them in
'the name of'the father, of the sou, fmd <•!' K<- h..U ^h7»st; or as
^you have it in MarTt,go.ye into all. ibe word. and preach the
gospel {o every creature. Upon ibe (oi umu n 01 christian
churches, an order of rncn>as'a|>j«<iiii(</d l'< v be.' \| iess |'ur[.ose
of preachiag the word and adminMcrini the ,-;icim>.( ni>. The*
privilege of readipg tl^e scriptures in < ur owii nniiv'e biniju.we,
is of inestimable value, hut- were ii. i'hih h in.'.n- universal than
it is, it would not supercede.ibe n< ei-ssitv <>:' iuarutv ilm word.
For there are not only^difRcsiiiies in ibe Rib,'e w hich ivquiie to
be elucidated and sefrning cent ladirtic us. to fe.-ovd. but ibe
living voice of a preacher, is nclntirahi v adjipw d to aunk'ti
attention, and to excite im interest, ;isf welfas - o i | K ;bo ^,-u.
£ral truths of reyela'i" u to (be vn.iieMs ca*M's of <-l>> i>'i; n « ,\j < ri-
en.ee, and ihe reyulafion o!" In m,ai) ronduei, he who knows ho\1r,
forcible areri'rht words; a'nd b<>\v''ept,inhn i* »o !><• moved by
map-, Jia§ consulted 'on/ I'm •»■>/>. bv appointing an order of men
wljose office it isrt.<> add e-s their felb>>v erenmn s on ibeir 'e:er-
•nal concerns; 'stronu feeling i< ti'ttie-a'lly e< *itt;,ii_i uk, ^ Andjf,
as the wis? man* ohserv;-, im-h sb:trp< n'r'rh iron. u< Hoili the
countenance of a ir:m his-jfi'ii nd;'.' ihft»f**m bined »•<?< et of <•« ,uiii
tenance, gesture, arid vejee. [icem'np: ,n\.iinj. a i ouer'ul ;i|'| eri|
tojfh,e understandirvg'and the b"»ri, on suhje^xn1'- V v>rla-iio'*
moment.ran scarcely la'il.o1'great, but indepopdotnl y <»f
the natiiral tendene / o/"ibe efn i>'i■■ n niin's'n nvprotbo'e vm^'ual'
. improvement,, ih derive* n pee'n'iar. .'■■ffieaev ironv its being a
<3ivi»ne appointment. Jt i<Miot mer*4v a -larund; item ;dsu an
Instituted, means, of .pood. A*nd whatever <««>d .»pnornf««; hy'
^pectal authority,-he <rrf>ci«incl v eng'ijrc^tn Ides** provided it Be
^fttertded to ni'h rinht dispn'-'i'Ten'-', and from right motives.—>
iSttthouoh the nifit hlou e'h v herr»-it- lis*.ejb, v Iter the gospel
w' not preaelv' i. the pfTects n'" hi< operation rar».'lv- to he diss-
cemflcf; And \\'P wi4n«>«s few or no indiea,ior>« o' n renewed
out of the honing of. Phr'isiendotn. Wbnn God pro?
^q^J.loMake out f* fieople for-bis' name from nmonu 'he Gentiles,
ihjp ptpjj |)^) too'k, was to ponimisMon 'be apostles to preach
tbe'gbspe/, toveverv ' creafii^'. To this Paul solemnly
aftryi^ion, in ^ first .Flei-.tle to t^e Coriqjhinh^
rnrYl(p"t- snlvauenn, when in'the wisdom
bv wisdom knew j}ot God, it pleased him, by
[1G]
the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe. So
intimdsi' bv divine appointment, is the connection between th&
salvation ut man, and the ministry ot the word.'t>ai the method
ol'salviiihUi under the gospel derives from !i;» i;rr its distin¬
guishing :i|ij <•!Virion; being denominated th>- h<-;n o» faith.
Jude iu i»lv«• manner, asserts it. to Be the iii.sTthmu nt.\-i cause of
our re^tiu-r.nii-ii, "<>i his own will begat he u* i< \ :< word of
truth." A lid if ilie sume'pui pose, lVter rtmit d> the chi istians
whom lie v<as addres>ing, i.ijht "they ue,re born not of corrup¬
tible scmI, biii <>i incorruptable, by ihe woid,'' v hich uoid h0
adds, is • hv'the gospel jireifh'-d unto you." But as we w h»
are assembled < 11 ihe pres< nt occasion, consist o;' if ni!>'.->s and1
mcss< n.,er.s t'ii.ni i number of associated churche.s, which w®
consider our>eives addressing in 1 his our circu'ur epistle, we
shall confine ourselves in our subsequent remar!;s. lo such
■headso'"a>!v;ee on ho duly ol hearing the. woid us we deem
appropr'Ji '■ »o ihe ( baricier o; pro'es>ing cbritiint,s.
1. I'ri v i.ms io M.ur ni!erin^ into the hou-o oi' God, seek a
prepared ln.-nr:, and implore ihe hiessinir .of God on the minist¬
ry ol h > 1 ok!. Il rnav bo presumed ibat no p. a I < bristian,
will ne,J< <■ to pie'iicc liis titu nds;nee on social won hip with
■secret pi.-i\ i r; but let the aeqiio-i'ion of a devout ^i d serious
frame, ;'i. . «! 'n-ni the <nir*, vfi|.i»jps, and poluM ns of' the
world, ; • , j:nj,i( d with earnest desires after God, and the
coomunin- of his gra> «, 'erm a principal subject ot your
devoiion-s. F«.rgei »>».r n. implon' a I>i< >>ii g t n 'he public min¬
istry, that it I!,:,y in \ OI.H--1 Iv' S :■ i.r! in o In-rs, the,
great purports it j< Md io ansvier. Ai.d fl'ut 'hose mea¬
sures ol as-i ian'^' mav be nrtbrd* d io vour minis: r<*, which
fchall replenish them wi'li ii^ht, l^v. and liberty; that ihev may
■speak the invs'or'.. o'" iIk-ijO'-pel ;i< it (>iigbt to be spt ken. PpfS-
tors arid pet. n o w<m!d bulb deii\e on inent nHv-'ntaof's front
such a praeti ■(■— Im.-e in 'heir capacity <>!"e.\hil>itin^, these in.
their pro|)!irafi' n for iec< i\inj the m\,-teries oi th" Gospel.'1 As
the duties iff iIk- elo-"t have 'he happiest ten'leivv. bv solemni¬
sing arid e|pv;)iinMf the mind. to prepare iiir-fho.se of the sanct¬
uary, so the eonvic:i'ori of your having born" vour minister
•your heart b^ nre th" throne oi'oraeo, v* on d apart from ev ry
Otjier consid-radori, dispose him to Jrddiess von with j'liyrrieiR
ted z°al and ton lern ns. \V" should-consider it as such, a to¬
ken for <;ood,'as we|| ;is sik'Ii an uneqiiivc>eal ppuofof" vnnr-Bt*.
tachment, as would greatly suiiinate and suppn'rt us under «ll
our discouragements.
2; Establish in vc>tif minds Hu* h.iahesi reverence apd eslp^ni
of the Gospei. U<»e- lleci 'lie miracles wrought fo confirm
the sanction, theavv ul sanction, by which a due reception Ofjl'
[ 17 ]
is enforced^ and the infinite value ol ilnt Blood by which It#
blessings were rasilied and procured. , .Recollect, lli.it on its as-
ceptance or reception, on the eili-cis w Inch it .produces on the
heart and li!e, depends cut1 state lor eternii v. .Since ihere is no
oMi 't* in Niris d >v ised ior our recoverv, n.» o,Iit name given un-
d r hftfive.n hv which we can be saved, besides that which It
exhibits, ii is not merely the inc-imiptahie seed oi' regeneration,
it is aUothe mould into which our souls must he cast, in order
to-our hearing i he image of Christ, who is the first horn among
many brethren. It is necessary to re-cive iis impress in every
part; nor is there any thing in us u hat it on-lit to be; anv thing
truly excellent, but in proportion to its coinbrm tv t<» that pat-
torn. I s operati >n is n >1 to be c »n iii"d to inn : <,r place; it is
the verv element in wti'ch th° Christian isapp«anted to live, and
to receive confintnlaccessi >ns of spiritu d strength and pit ity,
until lv is presented faultless in the presence of the d. vine i^Iq-
rv. The more you esteem the gosp I, the more will you be at¬
tached to that ministry in which its doctrines are developed, and
its du-ies explained and inculeuH'd; because, in tin present state -
of the world, it is the chief, though not the oalv, meam of pos¬
sessing yourselves of its advantages. To tremble fit God's
word, is also mentioned, ns on" ol'th- most essential features in
tha character of him to \Vhom (■ id wi'l look with approbation.
3. ITear the word witb attention. If you a re convinced oft he
justice of the preceding remarks, nothing further is requisite to-
convince von of the propriety of. this advice, sinv; they all com¬
bine to enforce it. We would only remark in general, that
the knowledge derived from a discourse, depends en;i"el v upon
''attention; in exact, proportion to which will he the progress
nwde |>v a mind of a uiven capacity. Not to listen with atten¬
tion. is the same thin-/ as to have ears which hear not, and eyes
whieh see not. While von are hearing whatever trains of
thought of a foreign, arid extraneous na'ure, obtrude thf mselves,
shou'd be"resolutelv repelled. In the power of fixing ih" atten¬
tion, th° most pernieious o' the intellectual habits, m inkiud dif¬
fer irrea^lv.; but everv man possesses some, and it will increase
th° m <('(.' it is exerted. I1 we cultivate a habit ot attention, it
\v111 b" 'o ne natural; th Might will s-nke its r><its deep, and we
fchiiV'h hv d-'grees, n-» difficultV' in billowing the track
ofth" Ion-res'connpe'»>fl discourse.
•. 4. FT-ir the wo rd o''(v>d with impartiality. There is a class
of he irers who have their lavorite topic-', to \\ liicli thev are so
im ribc|eratelv ait'ielvd,' that they are aim i.-sl oll'-ndpil i! they
^are hut, hrou'i-hr forward on all occasion-;. \\ Inle th,jre are
• (*r at least equal inipor,iW'*e. which they can seldom be
rev-ailed'iinwri to listen t« with patience. Cornea re never plea-
[ 18 ]
seel but with doctrinal statements. They are in raptures while
the preacher is insisting on the doctrines of grace, and the pri¬
vileges of God's people; but when be proceeds to inculcate the
practical improvement of these doctrines, and the necessity of
adorning the profession of them by the virtues oi a holy lile,
their countenances lidl, and they make no secret oliheirdis-
gust. Others, are all for practical preaching, while iliev have
no relish tor that truth, which alone can satisiy the heart; but
as it is a symptom of a diseased state o! body to be able to relwli
onlv one sort oflood, it is not less so of the mind to hive; a taste
for only one sort of instruction. l.t is difficult to suppose that'
suc'i persons love the word of God, as the word oi God. for if
they did, every part of it, in its due proportion, and ,ts proper
place, would be acceptable. It is possible, in consi quence of
the various exigencies of the Christian lile, that there may be
seasons to which some views of divine truth may be peculiarly
sui'atile, and on that account heard with superior advantage and
delight; but this is periectlv consistent with an inii artial at¬
tachment to the whole of divine revelation. But to (eel an hab¬
itual distaste to instruction, the most solid and scriptural, unless
it be confined to a lew favorite topics, is ap imallable indication
of a wrong state of mind.
5. Hear the word with constant self-application—hear not
for others, but for yourselves. What should ue think ol a per¬
son, who, after accepting an invitation to a least, and taking
his place at the ta.ble, instead of partaking ofthe repas'-, amused
himself with speculating on the nature of the provisions, or the
manner in which thev were prepared; and their adaptation to
the temperament of the several guests, without tasting a single
article? Such, however, is the conduct of those who bear the
word without apphiagit to ihemselves, or considering the as¬
pect it bears on th-'ir individual character. Go Jo the house of
God with a serious expectation and desire of meeting ui'h some¬
thing suited to vnur particular state; something that shall lay
the axe to.tlv roof of \our corruptions m irtil'y your evsilv he-
setting sin; and confirm the graces in which you are most defi¬
cient. Receive with meekness the ingra'ted word, which is able
to save \ottr souls. Despise not men of plain talents who preach
tb;> truth, and appear to have your eternal welfare a,t heart.—
Give me, said an ancient saint, the .preacher u ho imbues my
mind wit I) such a love of the word of God, as ma ices me desir¬
ous of hearing it from an v mouth. ■
Finally, b'eo-ejul alter vou hav> hoard'the word, to retain
and perpetuate its impressions, Meditate, retire, and digest it
in your 'houghN. Turn it into prayer. In a word, spare no
pains to; fasten it upon your hearts. You have read, dear brelh^
[ 19 ]
ren, of those to whom the gospel was preached as well as to us,
but the word did not profit them, not being mixed with faith ia
them that heard it. Endeavor to exert upon it distinct and
vigorous acts of faith, and thereby to mingle and incorporate it
with all the powers of the mind and all the springs of action.'
But this you can never accomplish without deep and serious
reflection, for want of which, it is too often left loose, and
exposed like uncovered seed, which the fowls of heaven easily
pick up and devour, then corneth that wicked one, says our
Lord, and taketh it out of his heart, and he becometh unfruitful.
How many hearers, by engaging in worldly conversation, or
giving way to a vain and unprofitable train of thought, when
they leave thesanctuary, loose the impressions they had received,
instead of conducting themselves like persons who have just
been put in possession of a treasure which they are anxious t»
secure from depredation.
CHURCHES. COUNTIES.
First District.
'.nvi'lton,
io int Zion,
lorub,
V'h' e Plains,
v'.invnton, >
Cr >ek,
■ V111 jam's Creek,
liin,
i.,1 -n,
5 h :1,
ii.cii/nl District.
I ok T\ .
' : t ' (jr.MVO,
i iron,
> i:M !.-n.i3,
■ r.> <\
. > r c v),
■ 't.iiicli.'-n,
i Bniic';rs,
Wwltcii',
! 1!;>'>,
>. ■ i n a,
.ll'luC I,
uVioui Cli'irc'j,
Hancock,
.rropne,
W'a
f'aliuf mto,
- j!;i n > a,
1 i'.:ip >
tu.' l'.:
DELEGATES NAMES.
Maj.colm Johnson,'JohnTfiasj', R T B iftie, -
Thomas ivje il, Absalom E, Reevos", - - - -
Joseph Roberts, J. B. IIattle. -
Isaac Moore, Samuel Johnson,-' - - -
JPntec Ci>'ly." William Castlejorry,* - -
W. L. Tucker, John V<n<y, - - -
Jethro Darken, B F. ! luah'.Tt, - - - -
William Hill, B iro!) M. Roberts, - . -
vaofjud Gunn, Rich ml (I>i -m, - - -
1. i>A.-is,'l>. Alo'a.io'-Vf, A. (j. j iiics, tl. Alfrcor, J. Ciiapmm, W Poe!-
\ P»!nnG»r!. J. Uarui.ss,* \. TT-wjie, W. Pi its,*
\. t\.E<NBOY. L B ;\Jul.iey,i!
i > i» ij'in r. J. Q. Marshall, - -
i\3i. s J. Odriloilu'e.* -
J ,Vi:v, Wiilu n N 'vvnri", - - ' - .
i i n .SiC'ia■••r, vV"11!it:u S;{i i ?i t, - - - , -
I Mai i 'I wi" i it•>, \Vilii i i) .Vler-'i•V'.'t.li r, - - -
i' i).n is \ >t > i rl m ,e £> ).!,£< - - ■»
4>] i'i; i:iYM vn, IF. iJ. - - - -
E: k el .1:1dm, ^a n le Na .v n i i, - - -
'. J. .W.vlyjry,* fr'er -t, - - -
lun-'j il> it is i i. Tufins Wj' ls, - - .
Wav;h.i, ). WAi/raa, F. N.*w.:iin, W. 3 ir, -
1 k.4.0tja 1 *..a «J J * m *
a
4
611
1 9
2
A.
5*
*5
H
6
2
6
10
15 yi
1
4
6 3
6 1
a
5
12
m
' i J
1
no
3 :i
V11
•>! -)
d 1?'
=i
.U
1
23 13
m
3.
104
im
F6
11-
127
76
5 '
3',".
•2Y>
54
' 7 Z
21
57
dV ■
'i,
riff.
G,
I'i
I
| J-,.
. Newbope,
\Third District.
Bethesda, '
Shiloh,
Smyrna,
New Hope,
Greenesborough,
Philips'.Mill,
Antioch,
B;iird's M. House
County Line,
Fourh Disttrict.
Goshen,
Clark's Station,
Sard is,
New ford,
Rehoboth,
Greenwood,
Lincolnton,
Salem,
Hepzibali,
Fishing Creek,
Washing-ton,
Friendship,
Ebenezer,
Union,
Lincoln,
Greene,
Wilkes,
Oglethorpe,
Lincoln,
Wilkes,
Lincoln,
<«
4* ■
Wilkes,
John H. Little,* Thomas Tillory,* -
Jno. Mercer, A. Janes, S. Morr'ss, R. Q. Dickinson, C. N. Daniel,
(t. Jenkins, J. H. Vrasy. W. Li. 1'rice, D. Goer, VV. Munerief,
V. 11. ThoitNroN. S. Watson, - -
\dtel Sherwood M. F. Foster, - - - -
:i. M. Sanders, T. G. Janes, -
l imes Devant, Richard Anworson, -
Tack Lumpkin,* VVm. Lumpkin, K. Lump'.in, W. Jewel, G. Ynuny
Brooks, scnr., J. H. Left wich, S. D. Durham, W. L. Crenshttw,
E. Mea/lows, J. VVynri, J. M. Callaway, - -
Thomas Simmons, J. S. Walton, - - -
f. Matthews, I. N. Bel'on,
E. Callaway, J.T. frvin, S.Callawny, L.J.
H. Montgomery, F. M'Clendon, - :
W. Jackson,* J. Burdett, J. W. Cunp->r,
J. Jj. Walker, J. Bently, W. ft. Eiart, -
J. Zellars, W. Dallas,
I. M'Cord, J. Wright *
F. Mourman, E Ross,
F. Armstrong. M. A. Lane, T. Blakeiv,
Fesse Mercer, W. II. Stokes,
W. Walton, W. Curry,
/. Q. West, J. Holmes, -
John Simmons, N. House, *
n 6|
121:«
:\\
!aw;=v, A. B. Call'iwav,
15 C
19 8
14 4
la 10
4
;4
10
3 2.>
2 ;
1
2
2
41 1
II
4 2
1