SaiSTORY
CF THE
^EOMGIA BAPTIST ASSOCIATION;
•COMPILED AT THE REQUEST OF THAT BODY,
BY JESSE MERCER.
WASHINGTON, GBO>
1838^
CONTENTS.
CHAP. I. PART I.
L Some account of the Churches, previous
to the formation of the body, - - - 13
2. Formation of the body, ------ 20
3. Compilation from the minutes, - - - - 21
4. Abstract and decorum, - 29
CHAP. II.
1. Compilation from the minutes continued, - 37
2. Missionary Letter, 59
3. Reports of the Missionary Board, - - 66,85
4. Formation of the General Association, - 77
PART II-
Q,ueries propounded and answered, - - - 127
PART III.
Circular [Letters.
1. Church Letter, by Mr. S. Walker, - - 140
2. Church Letter, S. Mercer, 142
3. Circular, by Silas Mercer, ----- 143
4. " by James Mathews, sen. - - 148
5. " by Sanders Walker, - - - - 151
6. " by Jesse Mercer, - 153
7. " by James Mathews, sen. - - 156
8. " by Abram Marshall, - - - - 159
9. " by W. D. Lane, 161
10. " by Jesse Mercer, - - - - - 166
11. " by Mr. Flournoy, 174
12. " by Thomas Rhodes, - - - - 178
IS. " by Wm. Rabun, 184
14. " by Rev. Mr. Boyd, - - - - 189
15. " by Jesse Mercer, 196
16. " by D. W. MarshalV—- * - 201
17. " by E. Shackelford, - - - - 207
18. " by James Armstrong, ... 214
19. " by Jesse Mercer, 222
20. " by Malachi. Reeves, - - - - 228
.21. " by B. M. Sander^ - - - - 234
IV.
CONTENTS.
22. Circular, by J. P. Marshall, - - - - 238
23. " by Jesse Mercer, ----- 244
24. " by W. T. Brandy, - - - - 256
25. " by M. Reeves, ----- 273
26. " by Jack Lumpkin, - - - - 283
27. " by a Committee, 288
28. " by B. M. Sanders, - - - - 301
29. ' by Otis Smith, 312
30. " by E.Battle, 326
31. " by Adiel Sherwood, - - - - 340
32. " by Juriah Harriss, - - - - 348
33. " by W. H. Stokes, 356
PART IV.
Biographical Sketches.
1. Daniel Marshall, - -- -- - - - 368
2. Edmund Botsford, - 375
3. William Davis, 376
4. John Harvey, - -- -- -- -- 378
5. Mathew Talbot, 378
6. The Reeves's, - 379
7. Adam Jones, 382
8. Jeptha Yining, - 385
9. Silas Mercer, - - 386
10. Abraham Marshall, ------- 391
11. Sanders Walker, - -- -- -- - 397
12. James Mathews, sen. 398
13. Joseph Roberts, - -- -- -- - 408
14'. James Armstrong, - 411
15. Jabez P. Marshall, - 413
16. John H. Walker, - -- -- -- - 41&
Erratum.
On page 38th, for Ehenezar read Sarepta Associa¬
tion.
INTRODUCTION.
The Baptists, since the days of the Reformation,
have striven, not so much to give tone to public senti¬
ment upon religious subjects, as they have for a bare
toleration. They have never been so ambitious to
carry their points, as to subvert the religious liberties
of those with whom they differed in opinion. Their
course has been to adhere closely to the doctrines of
the Bible, according to their understanding of those
doctrines—to make a simple, unvarnished exhibition
of truth, and then leave the matter between God and
the consciences of those whom they sought to instruct.
A people pursuing this noiseless, unostentatious
•course, could not be expected to figure so largely in
ecclesiastical history, as those whose policy led them
to court the favor of the great, and to blend their reli¬
gious proceedings with the doings of civil governments.
Owing to these causes the history of Baptists is excee¬
dingly short, extending very little beyond a recital of
their persecutions and sufferings.
As it regards our brethren in our own country, it is
well known, that at the first, they were "a sect every
■where spoken against." To a titled, beneficed eccle¬
siastic, a poor Baptist pre."-'.her presented a spectacle
as revolting as a Gentili " dog" ever did to a self-righ¬
teous Pharisee. Such a dignitary would look upon
one of our plain preachers in his home-spun, as if he
actually wore a branching pair of horns. But notwith¬
standing our ministers were thus despised, they grew,
A 2
VI.
INTRODUCTION,
and their disciples multiplied, till " the little one" has
not ©nly "become a thousand," but hundreds of thou¬
sands.
We have in the general history of the Denomination
by Benedict, an account of the introduction of our pe¬
culiar doctrines into the several States, and of the suc¬
cess which attended their promulgation ; yet, a more
detailed account with respect to each particular State
remains to be a dissideratum.* Nor is it less desira¬
ble that the history, in full, of particular Associations
should be written. The brethren of the Georgia As¬
sociation, being of this opinion, some four or five years
ago, appointed a committee to draw up something of
the sort. But a prominent member of this Commit¬
tee, the lamented Marshall, dying, the work was post¬
poned, till atlength the body requested that we should
undertake it on our own account. To this we assen¬
ted, but from various causes we have been much more
tardy with it than we at first anticipated. We have
at length, however, having brought it up by piece¬
meals, as well as we were able, gotten the work in
readiness to be delivered to those who have been so
long expecting it.
In regard to the book itself, we know that there
are many imperfections tube found in it..- Not to say
a word about our inexperience, in the business of
book-making, the circumstances under which we have
had to labor, have been well calculated to increase
its imperfections. The materials with which we have
had to work, are an old file of the Minutes, and that
not perfect, and such incidents as memory, at this late
day, could supply. Our hope, however, is, that thoie
* Arrangements are making in some of the State* to fur¬
nish such accounts.
INTRODUCTION.
YU.
who may read the book, will be so much interested
with its contents, as to lose sight of the clumsy man¬
ner in which it is executed.
"We have thought it would be gratifying to many
to be informed as to the places where the several an¬
niversaries were held, as well as to the persons who
preached the-opening sermons, &c. &c. We have
accordingly mentioned these places and persons, to¬
gether with the texts upon which the sermons were
founded.
The operations of the Association with regard to
Missions cannot fail, we think, to interest th6 feelings
of the reader very deeply. It will be seen by a re¬
ference to the reports, &c., which we have transcri¬
bed into our book, that the missionary operations of
those times, greatly interested the feelings of those
who have entered their rest before us. It will be seen
too, with how much truth and justice, the missionary
enterprise is now assailed as something new under
the sun. Then, prejudices, now powerful, were un¬
known. Then, strife and opposition now rampant,
showed not their deformed heads. All, or nearly all,
labored and prayed that the Kingdom of Jesus might
become a universal Kingdom—that all might know
him, from the least to the greatest.
We have introduced most of the queries, together
with their answers, proposed to the Association du¬
ring the several years of its existence, thinking they
might possibly throw light upon subjects, in relation
to which many minds have felt difficulty.
Up on the subject of the Circular Letters, we hare
departed a little from what was our original plan. It
was our intention to make a selection from the sever¬
al Circulars sent out from time to time, but in looking
INTRODUCTION.
over, we found the productions of several of our old
friends, long since departed, and thinking that these
letters might be the only memorials we could preserve
of them, we were induced to give most of them pro¬
bably we should have given more if we could have
found them. There may appear to be a considerable
sameness in these Circulars, but notwithstanding this,
the reader will no doubt, find in the perusal much to
his edification, and much to excite him to practical
godliness.
With regard to the Biographical department, all
that we can say will be mingled with expressions of
regret. Our brethren, until a few years past, were al¬
most entirely negligent with respect to the preserving
of the memory of departed worth in any durable form.
Of many, who, in their day, were zealous for the truth,
and who exemplifie4 in their walk, every Christian
excellency, we have not a single line to perpetuate
their memory. In looking over the list of ministers,
who at diffei*ent times belonged to the Association,
we find the names of several, concerning whom some¬
thing might be said, but as some of them never resi¬
ded in this State, and others removed from this, into
distant States, years ago, we are unable to give any
account of them, which might be satisfactory to their
friends. Amongst others on the list just mentioned,
we notice the following: Isaac Busson, Benjamia
Mosely, Thomas Daniel, George Franklin, Thomas
Mercer, Benjamin Davis, John Thomas, William
Cone, George Tillman, John Stanford, and William
Byne.
All these were men of fair standing, durino- their
•onnection with the Georgia Association, and maj
hare remained so till their death—we are whollj
INTRODUCTION.
ix.
able to say. And here we would take occasion to
mention that it is altogether desirable for some notice
to be taken of our ministers as they depart from us,
in order that in years to come, if any one should think
it worth while to write our history, he may not be at
a loss upon this subject. Such a course would, no
doubt, be gratifying to surviving friends. Besides, it
would be a real advantage to the cause generally. It
is said of Abel, that, "he being dead yet speaketh."
His pious example lingers long behind him. So of
Dorcas, after her decease, the garments she had made
during her life, probably for the poor, were exhibited
as evidence of her charity. And why may not the
labors of love of a good minisfer of Jesus Christ be
preserved in memory, not only for the satisfaction of
immediate friends, but as a memento of the transcen-
dant excellency of our holy religion. The light which
such men afford during their stay upon earth, ia
certainly pleasant and profitable at the time, and ought
not in our view, to be extinguished in the grave—but
should be left behind to lure others into the paths of
piety and virtue.
The notice we have taken of certain individuals
may not prove altogether satisfactory to some. But
how could we do otherwise than we have done ? It
was obligatory ypon us to give a faithful history of a
religious body, and if in the details of that history,
some individuals should appear in an unfavorable
point of light, we do not think it can be consider¬
ed our fault. Besides : in doing as we have done,
we have Scriptural example. The sacred wri¬
ters themselves, not unfrequently mention the foibles
of their own dear brethren; showing thereby, that
notwithstanding their great spiritual attainments, they
X.
INTRODUCTION.
still carried about with them the infirmities ofhuman
nature. These writers too, in speaking of themselves,
never disguised any delinquency or weakness which
may have appeared in their conduct. But always
tell .the plain truth, wrhether it praise or condemn
them. So have we attempted to do in regard to some
who were in connection with the Association, the his¬
tory of which we have attempted to write. We have
endeavored to present facts as they really did exist,
not wishing at the same time, to throw a shade upon
the character of any, or to conceal what may be con¬
sidered their excellencies.
Thus we submit the history of the Georgia Baptist
Association. To many of our old brethren, it wrill no
doubt, with all its imperfections, prove to be a rich
treat. It will bring up in review before them, scenes
long since past by, and revive recollections of dear
friends and brethren long lodged irr Abraham's bo¬
som. They will be enabled to look back upon th®
lapse of years, and to trace the leadings of a Gracious
Providence bringing them down to the close of life,
with the blessings of thousands upon them, in view of
their past distinguished usefulness.
And those now upon the field, in the maturity and
vigor of their strength, may be cheered in the midst
of their toils, pursuing the footsteps of those, whose
labors God has been pleased to crown with his rich
blessings. Thousands have heard the glad sound of
salvation by means of the churches & ministers belong¬
ing to the Georgia Association. Many have gone
from these Churches to the newly settled sections of
our own State, and to other States; and through their
instrumentality, other Churches and other Associa¬
tions have been established. By the liberality of the
lliTiiODtjCiTtOM.
Churches belonging to the body, whose history wd
Write, and individuals connected with them, some-1
thing, may we not be permitted to say very much, has
been done towards sending the gospel to the desti¬
tute in heathen lands. The munificence of the same
individuals has been strikingly apparent, in setting on
foot an enterprise, which contemplates the promotion
of education among the Denomination, especially the
education of young ministers. Their efforts upon this
subject appear to receive, to a very pleasing extent,
the Divine approval.
The Georgia Association is still, notwithstanding
the constant drain upon her ranks by western emigra¬
tion and other causes, a highly respectable body, num->
bering more than six thousand communicants in th^
churches in union. It is respectable too, for the tal¬
ent and piety of its ministers, and for the intelligence
and activity of its private members. May this body
always continue as she has done, for the fifty yeare
wad more of her existence, to contend earnestly for
the faith once delivered to the saints; and may sh«
steadily advance in every Christian excellence, until
tine kingdoms of this world shall become the kingdoms
ef our Lord and his Christ—until the church on earth
shall give place to the church in Heavens
history op the
GEORGIA BAPTIST ASSOCIATION.
Some account of the Churches previous to the forma¬
tion of the Body. # .
In attempting to give the History of the Georgia
Association, it may not be amiss to furnish some ac¬
count of the rise and progress of the Baptists, till the
formation of the Body in the year 1784 or '5. Among
the early settlers of Georgia, there were some Bap¬
tists ; but it does not appear that they ever formed any
ecclesiastical connection, till after the celebrated, and
truly evangelical George Whitfield, established his
Orphan House, a little below Savannah.
. In the year 1751, Mr. Nicholas Bedgegood, then in
the employ of Mr. W. as agent for the Orphan House,
embraced the distinguishing sentiments of the Baptists;
this gentleman, went over to Charleston, S. C. about the
year 1757, and was baptized and united to the Baptist
Church in that city, then under the Pastoral care of the
Rev. Mr. Hart. He soon discovered talents for use¬
fulness, and was licensed to preach; his ordination to
the gospel Ministry took place in the year 1759. And
it appears his labors were not in vain in the Lord; for
in 1763, he had the happiness to baptize several per¬
sons, m, and about the Orphan House, to whom, with a
few other Baptists, (probably a branch of the Charles-
'toln Baptist Church,) he administered the Lord's Sup¬
per. This was the first semblance of a Baptist Church
—this the first Baptist communion ever held in the
State.
B
14
HISTORY OF THE
Mr. Benjamin Stirk, one of Mr. Bedgegood's disci'
pies in the Orphan House, having lost his wife while
there, married the mother of the late Rev. Thomas
Polhill, of Newington, in the vicinity of Goshen, IS
miles above Savannah, to which place he removed in
1767. He appears to have been a man of g*ood learn¬
ing, fine natural parts, and eminent for piety and zeal.
As there»was,no Baptist Churchin Georgia, he united
with the Church at Euhaw, S. C. He soon began to
preach, and set up places of meeting, at his own house,,
and at Tuckaseeking, 20 miles higher up the country,
where there were a few Baptists, and who constituted
a branch of the Euhaw Church. But of the useful la¬
bors of this faithful servant of Christ, they were soon
deprived, as he was called to his reward in the year
1770. This was the second bud of a Baptist Church
in the State; indeed, it is not certainly known that they
ever became a regular Church.
In the mean time, Mr. Botsford, a young licentiate
of the Charleston Church, while on a visit to the Eu¬
haw Church, received an invitation to come over and
help this feeble and destitute branch. Encouraged by
the mother Church, and accompanied by the Pastor,
(Rev. Mr. Pelot,) he came and preached to them his
first sermon, on the 27th of June, 1771. His labors
being highly acceptable, he yielded to their solicita¬
tions, and remained with them for more than a year.
But his anxious spirit would not permit him to remain
in one place. He travelled extensively, preaching in
all the surrounding country; and towards the close of
the next year, he went still higher tip the river, and
commenced an establishment at what was at first call¬
ed New Savannah, but now, Botsford's Old Meeting-
House, about 25 or 30 miles below Augusta. Here'
georgia association.
15
lie had the pleasure of seeing the work of the Lord
prosper in his hands.
A little previous to Mr. Botsford's coming over to
Tuckaseeking, Rev. Daniel Marshall, with other Bap¬
tist emigrants, arrived and settled on the Kiokee
Creeks, about 20 miles above Augusta. Mr. Marshall
began forthwith, to preach in the surrounding coun¬
try. His principal establishment was on the Big Ki¬
okee, and from this circumstance, it received the style
of the Kiokee Meeting House. It was located on the
site, now occupied by the public buildings of Colum¬
bia County, called Applington.
Although Mr. Marshall was neither profoundly
learned, nor very eloquent as a preacher; yet, he was
fervent in spirit, and indefatigable in labors; and the
Lord working with him, he soon had the happiness of
receiving and baptizing, many new converts; these,
together with the emigrant Baptists in that section,
were constituted into a regular Church in the year
1772. This was the first Baptist Church ever
constituted in Georgia. At this time," Mr. Daniel
Marshall was the only ordained Baptist Minister in the
State; but, besides him, there were several zealous
Licentiates, L e. Abraham Marshall, Sanders Walker,
Solomon Thompson, and Alexander Scott. By these
the word of the Lord was proclaimed through all the
up-country, and the scattered sheep of Christ wex;e
gathered into this fold from the remotest frontiers.
Thus the word of the Lord ran and was glorified, be¬
lievers abundantly multiplied, and the Church greatly
•enlarged. (
By this time, Mr. Botsford had received ordination
fey the Church in Charleston, that he might be more
fully qualified to .enter £he large and interesting field
16
history of the
of usefulness that lay before him. He had already vi¬
sited Augusta, Kiokee, and other places, which, at that
time lay along the frontiers of Georgia and South Car¬
olina. He became acquainted with Mr. Marshall, and
though there were at their first acquaintance, certain
slight differences between these Ministers with respect
to externals, Mr. B. being of what was then called the
regular, and Mr. M. of the separate order; a more in¬
timate acquaintance soon destroyed these distinctions,
and these devoted servants of the Most High, became
perfectly united in their efforts to disseminate the truth,
and to build up the Redeemer's kingdom. Previous¬
ly to the ordination of Mr. B., Mr. M. baptized for him j
but subsequently, he baptized himself, many of the
happy converts who believed under his ministrations,
at New Savannah, and in the surrounding country;
and in the year 1773, he had the additional satisfaction
to see a Church, regularly constituted in that place.—
This was the second Church in the State. It is
still a highly respectable body, and is a member of the
Hephzibah Association.
These devoted heralds—Missionaries of the Cross,
may well be considered the founders of the Baptist In¬
terest in Georgia. They continued, each in his sphere,
aided by Licentiates, to labor incessantly for the up¬
building of the Churches, and to publish throughout
the widely extended frontier settlements, the Gospel
of the Son of God, with a success, that furnished un¬
equivocal evidence that the Lord was with them.
Yet it does not certainly appear that any other Church¬
es were constituted by them, though materials for
several others were prepared.
Mr. Botsford married and settled on Brier Creek, in
Burke County, in the year 1774. But although he
trEOWEHA ASSOCIATION.
17
purchased land, stuck down his staff and built for him¬
self a house, and for a time, thought that he would en¬
joy his peaceful home for life, his heart was so fully set
upon his work that he could not rest. He suffered not
the charms or cares of domestic life, to abate his fer¬
vent desire for the salvation of his dying fellow men;
nor to diminish aught from his activity in the cause of
his blessed Master. For, as his Biographer says,
"From the Tabernacle which he had pitched upon
Briar Creek, he darted out into many surrounding re¬
gions, both in South Carolina and Georgia, and preach¬
ed the Gospel of the Kingdom, with his accustomed
fervor and success." During this time, the Church on
the Kiokee was multiplying. Mr. Samuel Cartledge,
Loveless Savidge, and Silas Mercer, were added to
the number of her licensed Ministers.
But about this period, the Creek and Cherokee In¬
dians became very troublesome on the frontiers, and
by their frequent incursion greatly harrassed the in¬
habitants, and at length quite broke them up. Soon
after the deeper horrors of the Revolutionary war be¬
gan to fill all with dismay—Savannah fell—Sunbury
surrendered—Gen. Ash was defeated, and at length
the whole country was brought to submit to the Brit¬
ish arms. Many sought safety in flight. Among
these were Mr. Mercer and Mr. Botsford. These
gentlemen were refugees in the interior States till, the
close of the war. But the intrepid Marshall stood his
ground and never deserted his post; like an Apostle,
having his dear people jn his heart to live and to die
with them. Though the din of war was heard, rapine
and violence and blood-shed filled the land with con¬
sternation, the zeal and perseverance of this brave sol¬
dier of the Cross, were not in the slightest degree a-
b 2
18 HISTORY OF THE
bated. Assisted, by a few Licentiates who remained
on the field with him, the good work went on; the spi¬
rit of pure religion was progressive, and even in those
times which tried men's souls, very many were con¬
verted to God.
* During the troubles above mentioned, it does not
appear that many Churches were constituted, yet the
foundations for them were laid. Indeed, it is possible
the Red's Creek (now Aberleen) Church, was con¬
stituted within this period. The Rev. Loveless Sa
vidge, who wa»the Pastor of this Church, was one of
the early Licentiates of the Iviokee Church, and it is
natural to suppose, that he soon succeeded in raising
the Church; but of this, we have no certain informa¬
tion. There was also constituted a Church on Little
Brier Creek, in 1777, which still exists, but under
whose labors we cannot now ascertain; probably by
the zealous efforts of the Rev. ¥m. Franklin and Jo¬
seph Busson, who were resident in this section at the
close of the war. They were useful Ministers in their
day, abundant in labors and good fruits, and their
praise was in all the Churches.
Shortly after the termination of hostilities, when
peace spread her balmy wings abroad, and prosperity
began to bless the country with her genial smile, the
refugees returned; and those who had remained, both
ministers and common members, who had been very
much scattered,[depressed, and almost estranged from
each other, now became animated, arose in various
settlements simultaneously, flawed together as by one
common impulse, and were soon constituted into ma¬
ny Churches.
The Rev. Sanders Walker, who by way of distinc¬
tion, has been called the meeh, residing at that time oa
GEORGIA ASSOCIATION.
19
Fishing Creek, 5 miles north of "Washington, in Wilkes
county, having been ordained to the Gospel Ministry .
in the mother Church, preached the Gospel of the
Grace of God in the regions round about him. There
were in his vicinity a number of Baptists, who either
had emigrated thither, or were the fruits of the labors
of Mr. W. himself and others. Among these brethren
was Mr. John Milner, Sen'r. a most zealous and fer¬
vent exhoi-ter, who afterwards became a preacher,
and was very successful in his efforts to advance the
cause of God and truth amongst the people. These'
were soon gathered together, and in 1783, were form¬
ed, into a regularly constituted Church, under the style
of the Fishing Creek Church.
In the following year, 1784, Upton's Creek Church
was constituted. This was situated in the lower part
of Wilkes, and went by the name of Upton's Creek
for some time, but upon building a new and conve¬
nient Meeting-house some miles below, in a pine
wood, thus surrounded by evergreens, it received the
style of Greenwood, by which it is still known.' By
whom this Church was founded we know not, but
doubtless it was constituted of members from the Ki-
okee Church, and formed under her auspices. Here
the Rev. Peter Smith was settled soon after the war
closed, and it is altogether probable that he was in¬
strumental in the formation of the Church.—He was
the first Pastor. In a short time, however, Mr. S. re¬
moved to the State of Ohio, where he ended his earth¬
ly career. *
These were the Churches in the State when the
Georgia Baptist Association was organized, and it
would seem, were the constituent members of the
body.
20
HISTORY OP THE
Formation of tlie Body.
With respect to the precise date of the Constitution,
there is some doubt, as the records of the early pro¬
ceedings of this infant body, were not preserved.
There are no documents from which either the date or
place of its formation can be fixed with certainty. It
is most probable it took place at the Kiokee Church.
This was the Mother Church, and it would seem rea¬
sonable to suppose, that the Union was formed there.
Indeed, Mr. Benedict, in his history of the Baptists,
seems to admit it; and the living testimony of Rev.
Mr. Cartledge, then a Licentiate in the Church, goes
to the same point, though the Rev. Mr. Sherwood in
his Gazetteer of Georgia, places it at Fishing Cx'eek
Church, but without any testimony now in possession.
It is generally agreed that it was constituted in 1784.
It is evident it was a regularly constituted body in
17S5, because, the Rev. Mr. Mercer and Rev. Mr.
Smith, were received by the Charleston Association
in November of that same year, as Messengers from
the Georgia, then but recently formed. Admitting
however, that it was constituted in 1784, then the con¬
stituent members would have been only, Kiokee,
Fishing Creek, Upton's Creek, (now Greenwood)
Red's Creek (now Aberleen), and Little Brier Creek;
but if it be placed in 1785, then must be added the
Churches at Phillips' Mill and Whatley's Mill, con¬
stituted in that year.
The principal Ministers, belonging at that time to
these Churches, weVe, Abraham Marshall, Sanders
Walker, Peter Smith, Silas Mercer, Loveless Sav-
idge, Wm. Franklin, and perhaps Alexander Scott.
Mr. S. soon after the war, settled in So. Carolina, and
closed, if he ever had any, his connection with this body.
GEORGIA ASSOCIATION,
21
The Association for some time after its constitution
held its sessions semi-annually in May and October;
but of the body itself, or of the Churches, which at
that time increased with great rapidity, only a partial
history can be given.
In May, 1786, the body sat at Fishing Creek; but
of the proceedings of that session, there is no record,
except the letter from the church to the Associa¬
tion, inviting the session of the body to be held
with that church at that time. From this letter it ap¬
pears that the Rev. Jeremiah Walker was then the
Clerk of the church, and one of the messengers of the
Association. Mr. W. had then but recently emigra¬
ted from Virginia and settled on Broad River in El¬
bert county, and as there was no church nearer, he
united with this church, but was soon dismissed, with
others, to form another church, which was constituted
in this same year, and called Hebron.
In 'October, 1787, the body assembled at Green¬
wood, as appears from a letter of correspondence from
the church at Philips' Mill, but of the proceedings of
that meeting there is no account.
In October, 1788, the session was held at Clark's
Station. Of this meeting we have the first printed
minutes, and it would- seem that there ought to be
minutes of all the subsequent meetings, as the chur¬
ches were requested to send their contributions for this
purpose; but alas! but one solitary copy can be
found till the session in 1795.
By the minutes of this meeting it appears that
Abraham Marshall presided as Moderator, and Jere¬
miah Walker served as Clerk. The number of the
churches represented at the meeting was thirty-one*
Besides those mentioned before, there were at this
22
HISTORY OF THE
time, the following churches, viz: Home's Creek,
S. C., Briar Creek, Burke County, Stephen's Creek,
S. C., Vann's Creek, Long Creek of Ogeechee, Pro¬
vidence, Hebron, Walker's Bridge, Buffaloe, S. C.,
Ebenezer, Lower Rocky River, S. C., Upper Rocky
River, S. C., Rocky Creek, Dove's Creek, Clark's
Station, Hutton's Fork, (now Sardis,) Millstone,
William's Creek, Tugaloe, African, Soap Creek,
Clouds Creek, Falling Creek and Indian Creek. The
additional ministers were, Hezekiah Walker, James
Mathews, Charles Bussey, Dozier Thornton, John
White, Thomas Gilbert, Jeptha Vining, John New¬
ton, Jeremiah Walker, John McLeroy, Nathaniel
Hall, Mathew Talbot, and John Cleveland; besides
about a dozen licentiates. The Rev. Alexander Scott
and Jacob Gibson, from South Carolina, attended
this meeting as visiters, and were cordially admitted
as assistants in council.
Several queries of moment were received and an¬
swered at this meeting, which will appear under the
head of queries answered.
One thing however occurred on this occasion, which
deserves a passing notice. Mr. James Hutchinson, a
Methodist preacher, appeared at this session and re¬
quested an opportunity to relate his experience and
faith in Christ, with a view to his becoming a mem¬
ber of the church at that place. This privilege was
granted him, and his relation being satisfactory, he
was received into membership. But although he
gave up the Methodist discipline and doctrines, and
embraced fully those of the Baptist denomination, he
did not feel at liberty to give up his baptism; having
been immersed upon a profession of his faith, by the
Rev. Mr. Humphries, a regular minister of the Me-
GEORGIA ASSOCIATION.
23
thodist connection. This was made a question for
the Association then sitting; and to the body there ap¬
peared so much of gospel order in it, that Mr. H. was
admitted by the consent of the body upon his baptism
thus received. But in the end it terminated unfortu¬
nately. Many were not well pleased with such a
course, and therefore, it led on to strife and confusion.
However, as he was an eloquent man, and truly fer¬
vent in spirit, many were conciliated by his zeal and
perseverance; and strong hopes were entertained
that much good would be effected through his instru¬
mentality.
Not long after this, Mr. Hutchinson made a visit to
his relations in Loudon county, in Virginia, and com¬
menced preaching in the woods. The people erected
a commodious arbor and stand, and here he continued
his ministrations with, great success for the space of
twelve months. He received and baptized about 100
persons as the fruit of his labors, and they were form¬
ed into a church. But here ended the joy. For no
sooner did they apply for admission into the Associa¬
tion, than the validity of their minister's baptism was
called in question, which, of course, involved a ques¬
tion as to the validity of the baptism of the whole
church. It became a subject of deep interest in the
Association; a majority prevailed against it, and
consequently the church was rejected. At this parti¬
cular crisis, Mr. H. submitted to a re-immersion,
and his people, with two or three exceptions, followed
his example. Thus terminated a most fierce and dis¬
tressing controversy. So much for admitting a pcedo-
baptist administration of the ordinance of baptism!
Soon after this Mr. H. returned to Georgia, loaded
with goods. He entered into merchandize, and in
24
HISTORY OF THE
him was fulfiled the declaration of Paul to Timothy;
" but they that will be rich, fall into temptation and a
snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which
drown men in destruction and perdition; for the Iovb
of money is the root of all evil; which while some
coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and
pierced themselves through with many sorrows."
He plunged into worldly cares, lost his zeal for God,
fell into transgression and was excluded from the
church. And although he afterwards professed re¬
pentance, and was in some degree restored, he never
regained his former standing and usefulness. He
struggled through a few miserable years in worldly
pursuits, and died at last, under a cloud of darkness
and deep distress.
In May 1789, the Association assembled with the
church on Long Creek of Ogeechee. And regular
annual sessions were held at Whatley's Mill, Bots-
ford's M. H., Powel's Creek, Red's Creek, Philips'
Mill, and Island Creek, up to the year 1791; but of
the proceedings of these meetings there are no records
to be found. This is the more to be regretted as
some very important, and truly interesting occurrences
took place during this period. Besides the prosperity
and rich increase enjoyed by the body, there was a
season of sore trial,—a season of distressing contro¬
versy and division. And it is now to be regretted
that no record of these transactions has been left, as a
beacon to those who live in after times, to warn them
of similar errors and similar troubles. As it is, how¬
ever, we can only give a few sketches from memory.
We have already seen that the Rev. Jeremiah
Walker had emigrated from Yirginia, and become a.
member of this Association. Mr. W. had been a
GEORGIA ASSOCIATION.
25
famous champion for the truth in Virginia. He had
vindicated the doctrine of free and sovereign grace
against the Arminian notions of free will and self-
righteousness. He was hold and resolute in the de¬
fence of religious liberty against the intolerant mea¬
sures of the established clergy. For this he was
shamefully treated and imprisoned. But he endured
all for Christ's sake, not counting even his own life
dear unto him, and came off in the end, more than a
conqueror through Him of whose cause he was the
fearless and uncompromising advocate. But, strange
to tell! after all this, this man yielded to temptation,
and by transgression fell, shamefully fell, from his
steadfastness and sunk into disgrace!
Overwhelmed with a sense of guilt, he left Virginia
and sought a refuge among strangers, in a strange
land; but shame and conviction followed him; and
after a short time he returned to his aggrieved and of¬
fended brethren, made an humble confession, and
besought them to forgive and restore him to their fel¬
lowship. His plea was heard and he was restored.
Thus reinstated he returned to Georgia, sought and
obtained a union and fellowship with the brethren
here; and from his self-loathing and deep humility,
his burning zeal and powerful talents, he acquired
again, a considerable estimation among the churches.
But now he adopted the Arminian scheme of doctrine,
and began to build up the things he had in his better
days attempted to destroy; thereby making himself
in the estimate of the Apostle Paul, a transgressor.
This change of sentiment was probably the result
of a defiled conscience, together with mortified pride;
motives, too, derived from the same corrupt source,
might have induced him, to bring the whole force
c
26
HISTORY OP THE
of his mighty genius, and the power of the weighties t
arguments he could, produce, to bear upon his newly
adopted and beloved system of doctrines- He was
soon joined by several others. These were Matthew
Talbot, Nathaniel Hall of S. C., and David Tinsley,
Mr. T. was his ablest ally.. He had been the fellow-
laborer and joint sufferer of Mr. W. in Virginia; they
were confined for some time in the same prison.
And Mr. T. used to say that he received his first
Arminian notions from Mr. W. whilst thus shut up in
prison. This occurred in the following way. As they
were shut out from the world, incarcerated within the
gloomy walls of a prison for the truth's sake, they fre¬
quently gave vigor to their minds, and wore the time
away by taking different sides upon controverted
points in Theology. Mr. W. used to take the Ar¬
minian side against his friend T., and most gener¬
ally foiled him upon his own ground, at least he was-
successful in making "the worse appear the better
reason," to the no small injury of his brother: For
Mr. T. was induced to adopt the system. This should
be a warning to those who would sport with sacred
things, or play with feigned arguments; like edged
tools in the hands of children, they are always likely
to do more evil than good. Mr. T. was a man of fine
parts, amiable manners and exalted piety. Mr. Hall
and Mr. Talbot, though of humbler gifts, in point of
piety would suffer nothing from a comparison with
him.
"With such aids, it is not at all to be wondered
that Mr. W. for a time, spoiled the peace, and dis¬
turbed the harmonious action of the Association^
These men were labored with, long and affection¬
ately, by several of the ablest ministers in the connec-
GEORGIA ASSOCIATION.
27
tion, but to no purpose. They continued to propagate
their Arminian doctrines. This was the more dis¬
tressing, because it occurred simultaneously with the
ingress of Methodist ministers into the State, who
had already opened their artillery upon the principal
ministers in the Association, Thus they were assail¬
ed by a strong opposition without, and annoyed by a
powerful faction within.
The question, as to the propriety of continuing the
union under such circumstances, was agitated in the
Association; and after due deliberation, it was deter¬
mined, that there was no propriety in Associational in¬
tercourse, where there was no union; and as they could
not maintain fellowship with those- who were endea¬
voring to propagate the erroneous doctrines above
mentioned, the churches were, by a large majority,
advised to call these ministers to account, for the pro¬
pagation of error, and for sowing the seeds of discord
among brethren. They were dealt with accordingly,
by the respective churches to which they belongedj
and excluded. Few of the private brethren in this
State, adhered to them, except a minority of the church
at Hebron, to which Mr. "YV. belonged, and of which
he was the pastor. These also were excluded. The
next step was, to gather these excommunicated per¬
sons together, with such others as could be induced
to unite with them, into little parties, which they call¬
ed churches, six or seven in number, including the
two entire churches on Rocky River, S. C. which
went off with Mr. Hall, their pastor. Of those mate¬
rials an associate connection was formed, which seem¬
ed to prosper for a time, but it soon proved to be of
a mushroom growth. Mr. W. in a very short time,
was called to his account, which event had the effect
2S
HISTORY OF THE
greatly to disspirit his followers; and the body which
he had formed, passed away as though it had not been.
The remaining ministers and brethren, for the most
part, made their recantations, and were restored Co
fellowship by their respective churches. Thus broke
up a fearful and portentous dissension, which, like
the dark cloud that passes off without rain, produced
not such an amount of mischief, as was at first appre¬
hended.
The Association convened in October, 1792, at
Fishing Creek. Abraham Marshall was chosen Mo¬
derator, and Peter Smith, Clerk. It appears from the
minutes of that meeting, that the number of associate
churches had increased to fifty-six. Hence there was
an increase of twenty-seven churches in four years.
The names of these churches are the following: Shoul-
derbone, Buck-eye Creek, Callahan's Mill, S. Caroli¬
na, Scull Shoals, Head of Briar Creek, McBean, Buck-
head, Bark Camp, 1st Williamson's Swamp, 2nd
Williamson's Swamp, Cag Creek, White Ponds, Fort
Creek, Little Ogeechee, Shockley's Ferry, S. Caroli¬
na, Bonnel's Creek, Upper Little Ogeechee, Ohoopy
Creek, Averett's Bridge, Little Ogeechee,Buck Creek,
Watery Fork of Buffaloe, Fulsome's Creek, Sandy
Hill, Ogeechee, Northfort Creek, Beaverdam Creek,
and Fork of Tugalo. And of ministers, there appears
also to have been the following increase: Isaac Bu»-
son, Thomas Daniel,Samuel Cartledge,George Frank¬
lin, Thomas Mercer, Benjamin Davis, John Thomas
Jesse Mercer, Timothy Carrington, Lewis Sheltonr
John Harvey, Benjamin Thompson, William Cone,
George Tilman, John Henderson, John Stanford, and
Edmund Byne.
At this meeting, the Association prepared letters of
GEORGIA ASSOCIATION.
29
correspondence to the Charleston, Bethel, and Kehu-
kee Associations; but it does not appear that any mes¬
sengers were received from any of these bodies; a
letter was received from the Charleston, and one from
the General Committee of Virginia; and a letter re¬
turned. "A petition also from an aggrieved part of
the Ebenezar church was taken up; and after some
deliberation, appointed the brethren Sanders Walt¬
er, Peter Smith, John Milan, Thomas Daniel, Thom¬
as Wilborn, James Mathews, and Jeremiah Reeves,
to visit tlie church, and endeavor to set things in or¬
der amongst them."
The abstract of principles and decorum, which had
been adopted at a previous meeting, were ordered to
be printed with the minutes—and which are as fob
lows :
Abstract and Decorum.
" We, the churches of Jesus Christ, who have been
regularly baptized upon a profession of our faith, are
convinced, from a series of experience, of the neces¬
sity of a combination of churches; and of maintaining
a correspondence, for the preserving of a federal uni¬
on amongst all the churches of the same faith and or¬
der.
And as we are convinced, that there are a number
of Baptist churches, who differ from us in faith and
practice; and that it is impossible to have communion
where there is no union, we think it our duty, to set
forth a concise declaration of the faith and order, up¬
on which we intend to associate, which is as follows:
1st. We believe in one only true and living God;
and that there is a trinity of persons in the Godhead
—the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost; and yet,
there are not three Gods, but one God.
30
HISTORY OF THE
2d. We believe that the Scriptures of the Old. aiid
New Testament are the word of God, and the only
rule of faith and practice.
3d. We believe in the fall of Adam, and the impu¬
tation of his sin to his posterity. In the corruption of
human nature, and the impotency of man to recover
himself by his own free will—ability.
4th. We believe in the everlasting love of God to
his people, and the eternal election of a definite num¬
ber of the human race, to grace and glory: And that
there was a covenant of grace or redemption made .
between the Father and the Son, before the world
began, in which their salvation is secure, and that they
in particular are redeemed.
5th. We believe that sinners are justified in the
sight of God, only by the righteousness of Christ im¬
puted to them..
6th. We believe that all those who were chosen in
Christ, will be effectually called, regenerated, con¬
verted, sanctified, and supported by the spirit and.
power of God, so that they shall persevere in grace,
and not one of them be finally lost.
7th. We believe that good works are the fruits of
faith, and follow after justification, and that they oi>-
ly justify us in the sight of men and angels, and are
evidences of our gracious state.
8th. We believe that there will be a resurrection
of the dead, and a general judgement; and the happi¬
ness of the righteous, and the punishment of the wick¬
ed will be eternal.
And as for Gospel order:
1st. We believe that the visible Church of Christ
is a congregation of faithful persons, who have gained
christian fellowship with each other, and have given
georgia association.
31
themselves up to the Lord, and to one another, and
have agreed to keep up a Godly discipline, agreeably
to the rules of the Gospel.
2nd. We believe that Jesus Christ is the great
head of his Church, and only law giver, and that the
government is with the body, and is the privilege of
each individual; and that the discipline of the church
is intended for the reclaiming of those christians, who
may be disorderly, either in principle or practice; and
must be faithfully kept up, for God's glory, and the
peace and unity of the churches.
3rd. We believe that water baptism and the Lord's
supper, are ordinances of the Lord, and are to be
continued till his second coming.
4th. We believe that true believers in Jesus Christ
are the only subjects of baptism, and that dipping is
the mode.
5th. We believe that none but regular baptized
church members have a right to communion at the
Lord's table. v '
6th. We believe that it is the duty of every hea¬
ven-born soul to become a member of the visible
Church, to make a public profession of his faith, to be
legally baptized, so as to have a right to, and to par¬
take of the Lord's Supper at every legal opportunity,
through the whole course of his life.
Having laid down a summary of the faith and or¬
der upon which we intend to associate; we therefore,
purpose to mention for the decorum of our association,
the following plan or form of government:
Article 1st. Those members who are regularly
chosen by the churches in our union, shall compose
the association.
2nd. The members so chosen, shall produce letters
32
HISTORY OF T1IE
from,their respective churches, certifying' their ap¬
pointment, together with their number in felloe slap,
those baptized, received by letter, restored, dismissed,
excommunicated, and dead since the last association.
3rd. The members thus chosen and convened, shall
be denominated the Georgia Bajrtist Association.
4th. This Association shall have no power to lord
it over God's heritage; nor by which they can infringe
upon any of the internal rights of the churches.
5th. The association shall have a moderator and
clerk, who shall be chosen by the members present.
6tli. If new churches desire to be admitted into this
union, they shall petition by letter and messengers
delegates, and upon examination, if found orthodox
and orderly, shall be received by the association; and
manifested by the moderator's giving the messenger
or messengers delegates, the right hand of fellowship.
7th. No church in the union shall have a right to
more than two messengers delegates, till she shall ex¬
ceed one.hundred members; and then she shall have
a right^o an additional messenger delegate, for ev¬
ery fifty after the first hundred.
Sth. Eyery query sent to the association, by any
church in the union, shall be read and put to vote by
the moderator, whether it shall be debated; and if
there be a majority for, it shall be taken up and in¬
vestigated; but if not, it shall be withdrawn. Pro¬
vided always, That those be first considered which
affect the union of churches.
9th. Every motion made and seconded, shall come
under the observation of the association; except it be
withdrawn by the member who made it.
10th. Every person who speaks in debate shall rise
'from his seat, and address the moderator, and shall
GEORGIA ASSOCIATION.
33
not be interrupted wliile speaking, except he depart
from the subject.
11th. No person shall speak more than three times
to the same query, without leave of the association.
12th. There shall be no talking or whispering in
the time of a public speech, nor reflections cast upon
the speaker.
13th. No member shall exempt himself from the
association without leave from the moderator.
14th. If any member shall break the rules of this
decorum, he shall be immediately reproved by the
moderator.
15th. It is the business of this association, first, to
provide for the general union of the churches; second¬
ly, to keep up a correspondence with those associa¬
tions i of the same faith and order, that a chain of com¬
munication may be preserved amongst the churches.
Thirdly, to give the churches the best advice they can
in matters of difficulty; and if the communion should
be broken, between, any of the sister churches in the
union, to enquire into the cause of the breach, and use
their best endeavors to remove the difficulty; but if
the breach cannot be healed, to withdraw from any
church or churches, whom they shall look upon to be
unsound in principle, or immoral in practice, till they
be reclaimed. Fourthly, to admit any of the brethren
in the ministry as assistants, if they shall judge it to be
necessary. Fifthly, to appoint a secretary to keep a
book and regularly record the proceedings of every
association, and to see that he is satisfied for his trou¬
ble. Sixthly, to have the minutes of the association
• read (and corrected if need be) and signed by the
moderator and clerk, before the association rises, and
have them printed if they think proper. Seventh, ta
34
HISTORY OP THE
mend this plan or form of government at any time
when the majority of the union shall deem it to be ne¬
cessary. Eighth, to adjourn to any time or place
which they may think to be most proper."
After considering1 and giving answers to several
weighty questions from the churches, the Association
adjourned to sit with the church at Powel's Creek in
October, 1793. But of this, and of the subsequent
meeting, we have no minutes; yet it is evident, that
during this period, the Southern Churches of this nu¬
merous, and now rather ponderous body, were dis¬
missed to form another Association. Which church¬
es, in pursuance of this design, were constituted into
a regular body, under the style of the Hephzibah As¬
sociation. This formation took place, so long before
the meeting of the mother association, in 1795, that a
copy of her minutes was read, a letter written, and
messengers appointed to her at that session.
CHAPTER II.
The Body met at Shoal Creek Meeting House, on
Saturday before the third Lord's day in October, 1795,
and after a Sermon, introductory to business, by the
Rev. James Mathews, Rev. Silas Mercer was chosen
Moderator, and Jesse Mercer, Clerk. The Hephza-
bah Association haying been formed of churches dis¬
missed from the Georgia for that purpose, the number
remaining in connection with the latter was thirty-two,
including two newly constituted churches, viz. Fish¬
ing Creek, Green County, and Newford, Wilkes.—
The Church on Rocky River, S. C. under the pastoral
care of Rev. Nathaniel Hall, applied forlnembership
by letter only, but it was thought best, not to receive
georgia association. 35-
the application-/ until it^should be made by a personal
delegation.
* At this session, a dele^Atidn^eonsistiftg'of die breth¬
ren James Mathews, Benjamin Moseley, Guy Smith,
John Milner, Abraham Marshall, Timothy Carrington
and James Spratlin, was appointed to examine into a
difficulty between Powels Creek and Long Creek of
Ogeechee, on the one part, and Little Ogeeelice on
the other, and to report at the next meeting. Three
queries were laid before the Association, which, to¬
gether with their answers, will be found under the
head of Queries Answered. The Circular Letter
sent out this year, was written by Rev. Silas Mercer,
! upon the causes of declension in religion, and will be'
found under the head of Circular Letters.
N The next meeting of the Association was at Philips'
Mill, on the l-5th of October, 1796. On this qecasion
^ the Introductory Sermon was delivered by the Rev.
John Cleveland. Abraham Marshall was chose-a.
Moderator, and Jesse Mercer, Clerk. Three new
churches were received, which, as nearly as we can
ascertain, by comparing the minutes with those of the
preceding year, were Greg's Creek, Jackson county,
Town Creek, Greene County, and the Beverdams.—
The Corresponding Messengers from other bodies
this year, were Rev. Joshua Palmer and Rev. Rich¬
ard Shackelford, from the Bethel; and the Rev. Thos.
Stanford, from the Hephzebah Associations. The
Rocky River Church, S. C. again applied and was
received, but being nearer to the Bethel, was dismiss¬
ed to unite with that Body.
The Association, feeling their entire dependence
• upon God for every blessing, both of a temporal and
spiritual nature, appointed the first Tuesday in Janu-
36 HISTORY OF THE
ary, April, July and October next ensuing, as da) s of
fasting, humiliation and jirayer. This course was
pursued at some of the succeeding meetings- And
here, we who live at the present day, have an interes¬
ting comment upon the success of those who have
gone before us in the work of the ministry. They
went amongst their fellow men, their hearts burnt
with love to God and to the souls of men, and with a
holy earnestness they besought them to be reconciled
to God. Their hope of success was founded upon
the promise and spirit of the Lord; hence they la¬
bored and they prayed, and a glorious harvest was
the result.
Tho committee appointed at the Shoal Creek As¬
sociation, to look into the difficulties existing between
Little Ogeechec and some neighboring churches, did
not report, .because subsequently to their labors upon
that subject) the churches had become reconciled.
The Association met at Clark's Station, October 14,
1797. The sermon on this occasion, introductory to
business, was delivered by Jesse Mercer, from Isaiah
13: 14.— The Lord of Hosts mustereth the hosts of
the battle. The Body was organized by the election
of Abraham Marshall, Moderator, and Jesse Mercer,
Clerk. The corresponding messengers were, Rev.
A. Scott from the Charleston, Rev. John Waller and
Rev. Moses Holland from the Bethel, and Rev. Thos.
Mercer from the Hephzebah Associations.
Three more newly constituted churches were re¬
ceived, which upon comparing the minutes, appear
to have been, Cabin Creek, Nails Creek and Trails
Creek, all of Jackson County. The Association now
consisted of forty churches—2535 communicants.
There were 23 ordained ministers and 12 licentiates.
GEORGIA ASSOCIATION.
37
The Body adjourned to meet at Greenwood Meeting
House on the 20th of October, 1798.
At the Greenwood Meeting1 in October, '98, the
Rev. Mr. Mosely delivered the sermon introductory
to business, from Isaiah 62 : 6, 7. I have set watch¬
men upon thy walls O Jerusalem, which shall never
hold their peace day nor night, fyc.
Letters were received and read, from 40 churches.
It appears that the Association was making up very
fast for the loss she sustained by the formation of the
• Hephzibah. The officers this year were, Rev. San¬
ders Walker, Moderator, and Jesse Mercer, Clerk.
The persons in attendance from other bodies were,
Rev. James Crowther and Rev. John Harvey from
the Bethel, and Rev. Thomas Mercer from the Heph¬
zibah. Packages of minutes were received at this
meeting from the following Associations, from New
York, Warren, Goshen, Dover, Middle District,
Portsmouth, Kehuka, Neuse. Thus it seems, the As¬
sociation was not only increasing in numbers, but ex¬
tending her acquaintance; diffusing her own light, and
receiving light from others.
The following ministers being present as visiters,
were invited to seats which they accepted; viz. Rev.
James Fowler from South Carolina, Rev. John Stan¬
ford from the Low Country, Ga., and the Rev. David
Tinsley. The latter of the General Baptist connec¬
tion.
At this session, the following churches petitioned
.for letters of dismission to form a new Association,
viz. Shoal Creek, Van's Creek, Dove's Creek, Hollow
Spring, Cabbin Creek, Nail's Creek, Millstone and
Trail Creek, which were granted, and they were ac¬
cordingly formed into an Association, under the style
D
38
HISTORY OP THE
of the Ebenezer Association. The Circular of this 1
year was written by the Rev. James Mathews, upon
the exhortation of the Apostle, Romans 12: 2, " Be
not conformed to this world, &c." The Body ad¬
journed to meet at Island Creek, Hancock County,.
October 19th, 1799.
At die Island Creek meeting, the Rev. Mr. Daniel
having failed to attend, and the Rev. Mr. Walker,
who had been appointed as his alternate, being indis¬
posed, the Rev. James Mathews delivered the intro¬
ductory sermon, from Revelation 12: 7, 8; And there
was war in Heaven: Michael and his Angels fought
against the dragon and his Angels, &c. Letters from
twenty-nine churches were received, the number ha¬
ving been reduced by the .constitution of the Ebene¬
zer Association. The officers were Sanders Walker, ,
Moderator, and James Anthony, Clerk. The minis- -
ters in attendance from other bodies were, Rev. Guy
Smith and Rev. Wm. Davis from the Sarepta, Rev.
John Ross from the Hephzibah, and Rev. Joseph B.
Cook, A. M. from the Charleston-Association. '
The Bethany church was dismissed to join the Sa¬
repta Association.
Information coming to the body of an unhappy dif¬
ference between the Ebenezer and the Fishing Creek
churches, the Rev. Wm. Davis was requested to ad¬
dress a letter to the Ebenezer church, expressive of
the views of the Association in relation to the difficul-
ty'
The Body refused at this session to consider the
petition of certain excommunicated persons, only in
so far as the real merit of the cases was concerned.
The Body now embraced thirty-one churches, twenty
ordained ministers, and two licentiates.
GEORGIA ASSOCIATION.
39
In October, 1800, the Association met at Sardis,
"Wilkes County; Rev. Mr. Heflin delivered the in¬
troductory sermon, from 2 Cor. 4:5, " For we preach
not ourselves, buU. Christ Jesus the Lord; and our¬
selves your servants for Jesus' sake." Rev. Sanders
Walker presided as Moderator, and Rev. Jesse Mer¬
cer acted as Clerk. The church newly constituted at
Poplar Spring, Columbia County, was received at this
meeting, and the Cloud's Creek church was dismissed
to join the Sarepta Association. At the request of the
-Sarepta brethren, the time of the annual meeting was
changed to the Saturday preceding the second Lord's
Day in October of each year.
At this session the following interesting resolution
was adopted, viz.: " That as a spirit of Itineracy has
inflamed the minds of several ministers, who are desir¬
ous to enter into some resolutions, suitable to carry
into effect a design of travelling and preaching the
gospel, a meeting be, and is hereby appointed, at
Powel's Creek, on Friday before the first Sunday in
May next, for that purpose; that the same'day be'ob¬
served as a day of fasting and solemn prayer to Al¬
mighty God, for prosperity on the design, and for a
dispensation' of every new covenant mercy in Christ
Jesus."
It must be highly gratifying to* that part of those old
brethren yet living, who entered into this resolution,
to look back and see how the blessing of the Lord has
followed upon these labors of love and faith. It is
true they may have sown in tears, but they have reap¬
ed in joy a copious harvest.
The meeting of the body in October, 1801, was
held with the church at Williams' Creek, Warren
County. Two new churches were received at this
40
HISTORY OF THE
session, Newhope, Jackson County, and Big Creek,
Oglethorpe County. A proposition was received
from the Philadelphia Association, to form " a general
conference, to be composed of one or more members
from each Association in the United States." But
the Body from prudential considerations, forbore to
express an opinion upon the subject at that time.
The churches on Horn's Creek and Stephens' Creek,
South Carolina, took letters of dismission, to join the
BetUfel Association, it being more convenient to them.
A letter was addressed to the Body this year from
the meeting at Powelton, held in May preceding,
"which called the attention of the Association to the
propriety and expediency of forming' a Missionary
Society in this State, for the purpose of sending the
gospel amongst the Indians, bordering on our frontiers,
which was unanimously and cordially approbated
The ministers of those times had too much of the spirit
of the Apostles in them, to be afraid of missions. It
is presumed that a resolution of this sort at the present,
would be styled in some places by way of derision, a
new measure—man's work—a wool-gathering busi¬
ness ! Let those who'call themselves "old side
folks," consider this. The meeting adjourned to
meet again at Salem, Oglethorpe County, on the 9th
October, 1802.
At the Salem Association, Rev. Mr. Marshall deliv¬
ered the introductory discourse, from Isaiah 62: 6,7;
I have set watchmen upon thy walls, O Jerusalem, &c.
Rev. Mr. Marshall was chosen Moderator^ and Jesse
Mercer, Clerk.
At the meeting of the Powelton Conference the
foregoing May, upon the subject of an Indian mission,
"it was proposed that a General Committee of the
georgia association.
41
Georgia Baptists should be formed, consisting of three
members from each Association in the State, the lea¬
ding object of which should be, to meet and confer
with other christian societies, in order to remove dif¬
ferences, and if possible, bring about a more general
and close union among real christians, on the princi¬
ples of eternal truth." This being approved, the
Rev. Messrs. Marshall, Walker and Mercer, were ap¬
pointed to meet that committee at Powelton, on Sat¬
urday before the first Sabbath in May next ensuing.—
This looks very much like a Convention, and if the
good sense and piety of those times had permitted, no
doubt it would have been opposed as such.
In looking over the returns made by the several
churches, we conclude there must have been a con¬
siderable revival during the last associational year.—
732 were returned as the whole number baptized, of
which the African church in Augusta reported 220,
Big Creek, Oglethorpe, 88; County-line, Wilkes, 23 ;
Salem, Oglethorpe, 26; Whatley's Mill, Green, (now
Bethesda) 49; Freeman's Creek, Clark, 56; Lower
Beverdam, Green, 28; Philip's Mill, Wilkes, 3S;
Powel's Creek, Hancock, 29; Rocky Spring, Lin¬
coln, 31; Sardis, Wilkes, 33; besides respectable num¬
bers from several other churches.
The meeting of the Body in 1803, was hfeld with
the church at Whatley's Mill, Green County. The
introductory discourse was delivered by Jesse Mer¬
cer, from Solomon's Songs 4: 15, "A fountain of
gardensThe same officers who acted the year be¬
fore were retained.
The churches at Double Branches, Lincoln Coun¬
ty, and Bethel, Hancock County, recently constitu¬
ted, applied for membership and were received.—
d 4
42
HISTORY OF THE
The ministers present from other bodies this year,
were the Rev. Joel Willis from Hephzibah, and Rev.
John Cleveland from the Sarepta Association ; let¬
ters and minutes were received from the Charleston
and Bethel, but no messengers. Also a letter on the
subject of revivals, originally addressed to the church¬
es of the Roanoke Association, Virginia, detailing an
account of a most gracious work amongst those
churches. An address too, was read from the Gener¬
al Committee of the Missionary Conference at Powel-
ton, and the Association concurring in its leading ob¬
jects, a delegation consisting of Rev. Messrs. Mar¬
shall, Walker and Mercer, was again appointed to
meet that committee. The last Saturday of April
ensuing, was appointed as a day of fasting and prayer
for this committee ; " that it be guarded from errors
on the one hand, and directed to objects, the most
proper and useful on the other." General meetings
were appointed at various places ; and it was agreed
that "if orderly ministers of other denominations
should attend any, they should be treated with res¬
pect, provided they make themselves known." The
number baptized this year, was 689; the whole num¬
ber in connexion was 3345. There were fourteen
ordained ministers and seven licentiates. The min¬
utes of this session appear not to have been printed"
till early in the year 1804, to which the clerk append¬
ed the following article : " Doubtlessly there is a
glorious revival of the religion of Jesus. The wicked
of every description, have been despoiled of their
boasted coat of mail; even deists, who stood in the
front of the battle, have had their right arm broken,
their hope disappointed, and their prognostications
metamorphosed into falsehoods. As the fruit of this
georgia association.
43
wdrk, there have been added to the churches of the
Georgia Association, more than 1400. To those of
Sarepta, more than 1000, a year ago, we doubt not
but that number has greatly increased by this time.
To those of Bethel more than 2000. There is, and
continues, a great work in some of the churches of
Hephzibah and Savannah, and is kindling in others.
More than 100 have been added to one church of the
Charleston Association. We are authorized to say,
that in six associations in Kentucky, there are at least
10,000 young converts: To all which we add, that
the accounts from different and distant parts, verbally
received, state that the Lord is doing excellent things
in the earth. O most mighty Jesus, ride prosperous¬
ly because of truth, meekness, and righteousness ; and
thy right hand shall teach thee terrible things. Thy
kingdom come! come ! come !"
The Association met October 13th, 1804, with the
church at Newford, Wilkes County. The opening
sermon by the Rev. Robt. M'Ginty, from Rev. 11:1,
"And there was given me a reed, like unto a rod," &c.
The same officers were continued from the last year's
Association. A respectable representation was pre¬
sent from the Neuse, Charleston, Sarepta, Bethel and
Hephzibah Associations. A circular from the Gen¬
eral Committee of Correspondence at Philadelphia,
requesting intelligence relative to the state of reli¬
gion and other matters, was received and referred
to the "General Committee" of this State, as the most
suitable medium through which the desired informa¬
tion might be obtained.
It was resolved at this meeting to divide the Asso¬
ciation into four districts, in order the better to regu¬
late the various appointments. That service was as-
44
HISTORY OF TI7E
signed to the ministers, Bledsoe, M'Ginty, Marshall,
Mathews and Mercer. The churches at Callahan s
Mill and Plum Branch, South Carolina,, were dis¬
missed at this session, to unite with an Association
nearer to them. The number baptized this year was
284. The whole number in fellowship was 3544.
The session of the Body in October, 1S05, was held
at Powel's Creek; and was commenced by a sermon
from Rev. James Mathews, Mr. Bledsoe having failed
to attend, from Solomon's Songs, 4: 2, " Thy teeth
are like a flock of sliecp that are even shorn, which
came up from the washing; whereof every one bear-
cth twins and none is barren amongst them. Mr. Ma¬
thews was chosen Moderator, and Rev. Jesse Mercer,
Clerk. After the business of an ordinary character
was disposed of, it was discussed whether the Gen¬
eral Committee of Baptists in the State, should be
further encouraged, and after a fair, deliberate inves¬
tigation, it was carried in favor: and instead of three
members, six were appointed to represent the Asso¬
ciation, viz.: Marshall, Walker, Mercer, Lane, Ma¬
thews and Graybill.
The meeting of the body October 11, 1806, was
at the Kiokee church, the oldest in the State. The
Rev. Thomas Rhodes, as the alternate of Rev. Mr.
Lane, delivered the Introductory sermon from Solo¬
mon's Songs, 1: 9, " I have compared thee, O my love,
to a company of horses in Pharoatis chariots." Rev.
Mr. Marshall was chosen Moderator, and Rev. Jesse
Mercer, Clerk. Four new churches in Baldwin, and
one in Green County, were received at this meeting
viz. Fishing Creek, Philippi, Rooty Creek and Ter-
zah, Baldwin, and White Plains, Green. There was
an unusually large representation from other Associa-
GEORGIA ASSOCIATION'.
45
tions at this session. There were present from the
Sarepta, Rev. Guy Smith and Noah Lacy; from the
Charleston, Rev. Amos Dubose; from the Hephzi-
bah, Rev. Vincent A. Tharpe arid Joel Willis; from
the Bethel, Rev. George Delaughter and Willis
Whatley: and from the Savannah, Rev. Alexander
Scott—also, a letter and minutes from the Neuse As¬
sociation. The church at Sardis asked council at this
session, in relation to certain persons who were seek¬
ing to connect themselves with her members, and who
had withdrawn, or otherwise were excluded from
Salem church, " in consequence of a long continued
and unhappy dispute among them." The brethren
Marshall, Bentley, Flurnoy, Williams, Thompson,,
Tarver and Mercer, were appointed to visit these
churches, use labors for a reconciliation, and report at
the next meeting of the Association. The church at
Clark's Station, received a letter of dismission to join
the Sarepta Association, but subsequently, as we shall
see, she reunited with the Georgia. Some common
place business transacted, the Body adjourned to meet
at Town Creek, (now Shiloh,) October 10th, 1807.
At this time the Introductory was delivered by the
Rev. Jesse Mercer, from 1 Peter, 4; 10; "As every
man hath received the gift, even so minister the same
one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace
of God."
Seven new churches applied for membership and
were received, viz. Crooked Creek, Cedar Creek,
Holland's Spring, Salem and Sugar Creek, in Bald¬
win County; and Rehoboth, Wilkes, and Union, Lin¬
coln County.
Rev. Mr. Mercer, from the committee appointed
the preceding year to examine the difficulties between
46
HISTORY OP THE
Sardis and Salem churches, reported that they were
settled.
" The churches at Salem and Skull Shoal, upon
their request, were dismissed to join the barepta As>-
sociation; but the church at Big Creek was refused
the like request, because she insinuated in her pet>
tion that dissatisfaction was in part the ground, on
which the request was made; whereupon the breth¬
ren Rhodes, Mercer, Shackleford, Jacob Mercer,
Baker, Mathews and Wright, were appointed a com¬
mittee to wait on said churches, enquire into the cause
of uneasiness, remove the difficulty if possible, -and
report to the next Association."
In view of the national, and other calamities that
seemed to threaten the land at that time, the Associ¬
ation directed the following article to be printed in
their minutes; viz.: "Being sensibly impressed that
the present national and religious prospects call for
humiliation and prayer: and the Bethel Association
having informed us through her messenger, that she
had thought it proper to set apart the first day of
January next, for that purpose, and requested our
concurrence ; it was unanimously Resolved, that the
same day, together with the Friday before the first
Sabbath in May next, be observed, throughout our
churches, as days of solemn fasting and prayer to Al¬
mighty G-od, that he would, of his gracious pleasure,
avert the alarming prospects of famine, pestilence, (at
least in our sea ports,) war, and of religious luko-
warmness; and preserve us from foreign invasions
and intestine broils, give us to eat in peace and pleiir
ty, and hasten the season when his gracious knowl¬
edge may cover the earth, and all flesh together see
die salvation of our God."
GEORGIA ASSOCIATION.
47
The next meeting of the Association was appoint¬
ed to be held with the church at Ebenezer, Wilkes
County, October 8th, 1S08.
At the Ebenezer meeting Rev. Mr. Marshall deliv¬
ered the Introductory, according1 to appointment, from
Revelation, 1:20; " The seven stars are the Angels
of the seven churches, and the seven candlesticks are
the seven churches." The following churches were
received as constituent members of the Body, viz.:
Montp'elier, Elim, Shoal Creek, Sandy Creek and
Bethsaida. The usual correspondence from sister
Associations was received.
Rev. Mr. Mercer reported that the difficulties
which prevented the church at Big Creek from ob¬
taining a letter of dismission at the former session,
were removed; the church was therefore dismissed
to join the Sarepta Association. The first day of
March, next after the Association, was appointed as
a day of fasting, humiliation and prayer. Upon this
day the people of God were called upon to deprecate
most earnestly, the evils with which the land was at
that time threatened.
The Rev. Mr. Mercer submitted at this meeting the
following Resolution, which was adopted,—viz.:
" Some bond of union being indispensably necessary
amongst ourselves, whereby we may be distinctly
known from others; be it therefore resolved, that this
Association examine the confession of Faith adopted
by the Charleston Association, with a summary of dis¬
cipline annexed, with a view to its adoption. Where¬
upon Mr. Mercer himself was requested to have the
same laid before the next session of this Body."
The session in October, 1809, was held at Terzah,
Putnam County.The Introductory sermon was d^-
48
HISTORY OP THE
livered by the Rev. James Mathews, from Haggai, 2:
4; " Be strong, O Zerubbabel, be strong, O Joshua,
the high priest, and be strong all ye people of the land,
and work ; for I am with you saith the Lord of Hosts"
There was an addition this year of the following
churches, viz.: Little River, Murder Creek, High
Shoals, The Grove, Walnut Creek and Concord.—
The African church in Augusta being in distress upon
the loss of their pastor, the Rev. Moderator, (Mr.
Marshall,) and the Rev. Mr. Boyd were requested to
afford them some assistance.
Agreeably to the request of the Body at the meet¬
ing preceding, the Rev. Mr. Mercer presented a copy
of Charleston confession of faith;, but on motion of
the Hephzibah Association, further action upon the
subject was suspended, until there could be a joint
committee from the two bodies to take the matter into
serious consideration. The Rev. Messrs. Marshall,
Mathews and Baker, were accordingly appointed, to
meet a similar delegation from the Hephzibah, to ad¬
vise in relation to the measure.
The ministers, Ross, Thompson and Moseley, were
requested to look into a difficulty between the church
at Fishing Creek, Baldwin County, and a sister church
belonging to the Hephzibah Association. The Body
then adjourned to meet at Fort Creek, Hancock
County, October 13th, 1810.
At the Fort Creek Association this year, Rev. Mr.
Shackelford delivered the sermon introductory to
business, from Hebrews, 12: 1; " Wherefore, seeing
we also are compassed about with so great a cloud oj
witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin
which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with pa¬
tience the race that is. set before us." Rev. Mr. Ma-
GEORGIA ASSOCIATION.
49
thews was chosen Moderator, and Rev. Jesse Mercer,
Clerk.
At this meeting " the churches southward of the
Oconee, including Freeman's Creek on the north of
the Apalatchee, petitioned to be dismissed from this
Association, to form one between the Oconee and Oc-
mulgee rivers, which was granted. And at their re¬
quest also, the brethren Robertson, Mathews, Shack¬
elford, Thompson and M'Ginty, were appointed to
meet them at Rooty Creek Meeting-house, on Satur¬
day before the second Sabbath in November, to aid
them in a Constitution." This new Association, re¬
ceived the appellation of the Ocmulgce Association.
At the same meeting, " Rev. Mr. Mercer from the
committee on the confession of faith, reported, that
after carefully and thoroughly examining the subject,
they were of opinion that, (though the fathers might,
under peculiar circumstances, have reasons requiring
them to make a confession of their faith,) under the
present state of free inquiry, light and liberty, it is
unnecessary to make or adopt any. In which the As¬
sociation unanimously concurred."
The sixteenth article 6f the minutes of this session,
reads as follows: "Resolved, that the subject of the
next circular letter, be our reasons for rejecting Me¬
thodist, or Poedobaptist baptism by immersion, as in¬
valid; and that brother Mercer write the same."—
The whole number of persons baptized within the
bounds of the body this year, was 643.
The session of this body in October, 1811, was held
at the Grove Meeting-house, Columbia County.—
Rev. Mr. Boyd delivered the introductory sermon,
from 2 Corinthians, 5: 20, " Now then, we are ambas¬
sadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by
E
50
HISTORY OF THE
us; we fray you,in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to
God." The Body was organized by the election of
Rev. Mr. Marshall, Moderator; and Jesse Mercer,
Clerk. The Union Church, Warren County, pre¬
sented a letter of dismission from the Hephzibah As¬
sociation, and was received into connexion with this
body.
The Rev. Mr. Mercer requested the Association,
that as he had been appointed at the preceding meet¬
ing to a very delicate service, a special committee
might be appointed for the examination of the letter
he had prepared to the churches. Whereupon,,
Messrs. Marshall and Shackelford were nominated as
that committee.
At this meeting, a circular address was received
from the Rev. David Benedict, of Rhode Island, the
object of which was to obtain a general co-operation
in procuring materials towards publishing a general
history of the American Baptists. Upon this subject
it was "Resolved, unanimously, that it is the express
wish of this Association, that the great design be car¬
ried into effect; and that the minutes may, as much
as possible, contribute thereto, the churches in this
Association are individually requested to forward to
the next meeting, the dates of. their constitution, to be
inserted in the table of the minutes."
The Body seems to have felt, at every step of their
progress, their entire reliance upon Divine aid for suc¬
cess. As an evidence of this fact, they instructed the
following article to be entered upon their minutes:
"'In concurrence with the Hephzibah Association,
Resolved, that Friday before the fourth Lord's day
in December next, be observed as a day of fasting and
prayer to God, that he would graciously pour out hi©
georgia association.
51
•spirit more abundantly, on church and. people, and
that he would spread the wing of his providence over
-our nation and avert impending calamities." This,
we think, is the secret of their success in those times;
for it has ever been the case, that while men have
prayed sincerely, they have prospered.
On the 10th October, 1S12, the Georgia Association
met' at County Line, Oglethorpe County. Rev. Mr.
Marshall commenced the services, (the Rev. Mr. M'-
Ginty having failed to attend,) by a sermon from
Isaiah, 6: 1—4 inclusive. Mr. Marshall and Mr.
Mercer, were the officers at this session. The church
at Clark's Station, was received as a member of the
Body upon a letter of dismission from the Sarepta
Association. The church at Island Creek, requested
.a letter of dismission to join another association more
-convenient, but on account of a difficulty existing be¬
tween her and the church at Bethel, it was thought
advisable not to grant the petition till a reconciliation
between the two churches could be effected. A com¬
mittee of seven persons was appointed to labor with
these brethren.
In view of the distress of the country, on account
of war, the following recommendation was passed :—
"Forasmuch, as the long continued and shameful
abuses of the many and unparalleled blessings, where¬
with the providence of along suffering and indulgent
God, had distinguished this country from all the na¬
tions of the earth, have caused Him, whose govern¬
ment is over all, to suffer the belligerents of Europe to
carry themselves towards us, so as to make war in-
dispensible—and whereas, on the 18th of June last,
the government of the United States was compelled,
having no other resort, to declare war with the Uni-
52
HISTORY OF THE
ted Kingdoms of England and Ireland and their de-
pendances: It is hereby recommended to all the
churches in our connection, to make it the occasion of
constant humiliation and prayer to Almighty God.—
And that the 18th day of June next, be observed in
particular as a day of deep humiliation, confession
and prayer, that God would graciously forgive the
sins of our country; heal the backslidings of his peo¬
ple; have mercy on our enemies; speedily terminate
our calamities by restoring to us the blessings of peace,
and pour out of his spirit on all flesh, to the intent,
that all the nations of the world, instead of seeking
each others blood, may sit together in heavenly pla¬
ces in Christ. And if before that day peace shall
have been concluded, then let the day be observed as
a day of thanksgiving."
The Clerk appended to the minutes, a notice, that
the churches at the Poplar Spring and Mount Peliar,
had altered their appellations to those of Sharon and
Mount Olives.
The session of the Association in October, 1S13,
was held with the church on Fishing Creek, Wilkes
County. Mr. Rhodes being absent in consequence of
indisposition, Rev. Mr. Mercer delivered the Intro¬
ductory sermon, from Genesis, 24: 56 ; " Send me
away, that I may go to my master." Mr. Marshall
and Mr. Mercer were continued as Moderator and
Clerk of the Body.
The cloud of war still hanging over the lanc£, on
motion, a committee consisting of the Clerk, Lump¬
kin, Rabun and Brown, was appointed to draw up an
article, expressive of the sense of the Association on
the subject. This article reads as follows:—
"The article to be drawn up, expressive of our
georgia association. 53
sense of the political state of our nation, was present¬
ed, and after being read several times, was adopted
without dissent. It stands thus:
" That however unusual it may be for us, as a reli¬
gious body, to intermeddle with the political concerns
of our country, yet, at this momentous crisis, when our
vital interests are jeopardized, to remain silent, would
indicate a criminal indifference. We, therefore, in
this public and solemn manner, take the liberty of
saying, that we have long viewed with emotions of
indignation and horror, the many lawless aggressions
committed on the persons, rights and property of the
people of these United States, by the corrupt, arbitra¬
ry, and despotic government of Great Britain, and its
emissaries. And as it has been found necessary to
resist such wanton and cruel outrages by opposing
force to force: Resolved unanimously % That it is the
opinion of this Association, that the war so waged a-
gainst Great Britain is just, necessary, and indispen-
sible—And as we consider every thing dear to us and
to our country, involved in its issue, we solemnly
pledge ourselves to the government of our choice, that
we will by all the means in our power, aid in its pros¬
ecution, until it shall be brought to an honorable ter¬
mination. And we also exhort and admonish particu¬
larly the churches belonging to our connexion, and
brethren and friends in general, to take into consider¬
ation the command of our Lord by his Apostle, " to
be subject to the powers ordained, of God over usand
to be jointly united in the common cause of Liberty
and Independence—to be examples to all within their
reach, by a peaceable and quiet endurance of the pri¬
vations and afflictions of the present war; by a prompt¬
ness to defend their violated rights when called on to
e 5
54 history op the
personal service; and by a cheerfulness in meeting"
the accumulated, though indispensible expences there¬
of—In all things shewing themselves the real friends
of Liberty and Religion, by bringing all their energies
to bear on the measures of the government, thereby
the more speedily (under God J to bring about a hap¬
py termination of these calamities, by the restoration
of an honorable and lasting peace. And for that pur¬
pose we further exhort them to let their united sup¬
plications ascend to the Lord of Hosts that he would
graciously preside over the councils of our nation, be
our sun and shield, and cover our armies and navies in
the day of battle."
The next session of the Body was held at Powelton,
Hancock County, October Sth, 1814, and the three
days succeeding. Rev. Mr. Mathews, who had been
appointed to open the services, being absent, the Rev.
Mr. Davis supplied his place. The officers of the last
year were continued.
On account of the low state of religion, and the ca¬
lamitous state of the nation by reason of war, the se¬
cond Thursday in December, the 18tli of June and
the 24th of August, next after the Association, were
set apart as days of humiliation and prayer. The
ninth article of the minutes of this session, breathes so
excellent a spirit upon the subject of missions, we
cannot withhold it from the reader. It is as follows:
"According to a suggestion in the letter from the
Whatley's Mill Church, brother Mercer presented and
read the circular and constitution of the "Savannah
Baptist Society for Foreign Missions," and then
moved for the approbation of the Association, which
was given most willingly and unanimously—Where¬
upon, it was thought proper to recommend the suh-
georgia association.
55
ject, for its evident importance, to tlic consideration of
the churches. And Friday before the first Sabbath in
May next, was named as a day oil which all who were
individually disposed, as well of other Associations
as our own, might meet at Powelton, in Hancock
County, to form a society and digest a plan to aid in
the glorious effort to evangelize the poor heathen in
idolatrous lands."
The spirit of missions thus manifested has been
increasing in this Body ever since, as we shall see as
we pass on.
In 1815, the Association met at Long Creek, War¬
ren County. The Introductory discourse was deliv¬
ered by Rev. Mr. Mathews, from Romans, 12: 2;
"Be not conformed to this world," &c. Rev. Mr.
Marshall was appointed the Moderator and Mr. Brown
the Clerk.
We insert verbatim, the 7, 10 and 15 articles of the
minutes of this session, as indicative of the state of
feeling which pervaded the Body on the subject of
missions and other matters of general utility. The
7th article reads as follows: " Received from the Bap¬
tist Board of Foreign Missions for the United
States, through its agent, Rev. Luther Rice, the Re¬
port of the Board, accompanied by letters desiring the
aid of this Body in their laudable exertions, to spread
the Gospel of Christ among the heathen in idolatrous
lands. The Association unanimously agreeing to co¬
operate in the grand design, and the more effectually
to do so, resolved itself into a body for missionary pur¬
poses; and appointed the brethren Mercer, Thomp¬
son, Roberts, Rabun and Brown, a committee to di¬
gest rules for its regulation; to send a circular address
to the churches in our connexion relative to the sub-
56
filSTORY OP THE
ject; and to hold correspondence with the corres¬
ponding Secretary of the Board of Foreign Missions
agreeably to request."
The Georgia Association was thus, in the year 1815,
resolved into a missionary society. How has it then
happened that no complaint was ever heard of hef
proceedings in this respect, till she became connected
with the General Association, or, what is now styled
the Convention % The Association at that time, pro¬
posed to co-operate with the Board for Foreign Mis¬
sions, the Convention is only an enlargement of the
plan of operations. Other Bodies, and other Societies
entering into the plan, in order to prosecute more suc¬
cessfully the great design.
The following article speaks well, not only for the
Association, but for the Presbytery, with which they
were to act, for the suppression of vice and immorali¬
ty: "Received a letter from the committee of the
Hopewell Presbytery, requesting the appointment of
some of this Body, to meet in a general Association of
the different denominations, to be assembled at Athens*
Tuesday before the commencement in 1S16, to com¬
bine their efforts to promote morality and virtue, as
well as religion. The brethren A. Marshall and E.
Shackelford are appointed a committee for that pur¬
pose."
The articles that follow show a spirit of dependence
upon the Author of all good for his blessings.
" It is recommended that the 31st day of December
next, be kept, by the churches, as a day of fasting,
humiliation and prayer, in consideration of the low ebb
of vital religion. Let us, brethren, duly observe the
day, by a prompt attendance at our places of worship
<—in the solemn assembly—to confess our sins; mourn
georgia association.
57
over afflicted Zion, and implore Almighty God to pour
out his spirit upon us."
" The 4th of July is also recommended as a day of
thanksgiving to Almighty God for the numerous bles¬
sings, civil and religious, he has conferred on our be¬
loved country. Assemble brethren, and join your
hearts and voices in praises to the parent of all good,
praying also, that he would revive religion throughout
the world."
The Association met October 12th, 1S16, at Beard's
Meeting House, Oglethorpe County. Introductory *
sermon by Rev. Mr. Rhodes, from Mark 13 : 37;
"A?id what I say unto you, I say unto all—watch."
Rev. Mr. Mercer was elected Moderator, and Mr. Ra¬
bun, Clerk.
After some business of a common place kind was
transacted, the following: interesting' articles in relation
' & d
to Missions, passed the Body:
" The commitiee appointed last year, pursuant to a
resolve of this body, to co-operate in the grand mis¬
sionary design, reported a system of rules for the gov¬
ernment of said co-operation; which being read and
amended, was agreed to and reads as follows :
The Georgia Association, impressed with a sense
of duty, and anxious to participate m the missionary
operations now going forward, does for that purpose
make, ordain and establish the following Constitu¬
tion :
1st. The Association shall annually choose seven,
Trustees, to be denominated the mission board of
the Georgia association : who shall appoint of their
own body a President, Secretary and Treasurer.
2d. This board shall be a component member of
"the general missionary convention of the Baptist de-
58
HISTORY OP THE
nomination in the United States of America for foreign
missions, and the organ of domestic ones, accoiding
to the openings of providence, the means had, and the
instructions of the Association, or their own judgment
may direct from time to time.
3d. The board shall meet as often as may be found
expedient, and may appoint an agent or agents, to as¬
sist in exciting a more general interest amongst the
churches in the missionary cause, in collecting monies
from churches or individuals, and forwarding them to
• the Treasurer of the board annually, at or before the
sitting of the association.
4th. The President shall convene the board at dis¬
cretion, and preside in all the meetings of the board:
but if absent at any meeting, his place shall be filled by
a Chairman, pro. tcm.
5th. The Secretary shall faithfully record all the
proceedings of the board, register the names of church¬
es or individuals who may contribute to its funds, with
their amounts, and the particulars relative to the ap¬
plication of them; and maintain a regular correspond¬
ence with the Baptist Board of Foreign Missions, such
other societies, churches or individuals as he may
think proper, or the board may direct; so as to enable
the board to act correspondently with the general
board, and with such other societies as may be found
expedient to carry the purposes of the association into
full effect,
6th. The Treasurer shall receive and take care of
all monies paid into his hands.; and pay them out to
the order of the Secretary only, drawn pursuant to a
resolve of the board. He shall keep a book and pre¬
serve a fair and faithful record of all his receipts and
expenditures.
GEORGIA ASSOCIATION.
59
Vth. The trustees shall take such measures with the
Treasurer, as shall secure the funds of the board, ex¬
amine his, and the books of the Secretary, at or just be¬
fore the meeting of the association to see that all is cor¬
rect and proper.
8th. The board may appoint one or more of their
own body, or of the'association, to represent them in
the General Convention to be held in Philadelphia in
May, 1817, and trieniaily. And shall report a correct
and full statement of their proceedings annually to
the association—and make a faithful surrender of all
their trusts to those who shall be chosen to succeed
them.
The Association then proceeded to the choice of
seven trustees, agreeably to the first article of the fore¬
going rules, and on counting the votes, it appeared
that brethren Mercer, Rabun, Rhodes, Mathews,
Davis, Reeves and Roberts, were duly appointed to
that duty.
7th. Received an address from the correspondent
of the general board for foreign missions, and ordered
it printed with these minutes."
The following interesting letter from the late Dr.
Staughton, as the corresponding Secretary of the Fo¬
reign Missionary Board, was read and ordered to be
printed with the minutes.
" To the Reverend Jesse Mercer, Correspondent of the
Georgia Baptist Association :
Dear Sir.—Instructed by the Baptist Board of For¬
eign Missions, I have the pleasure of addressing you.
Your heart has, no doubt, been enlarged and glad¬
dened at a view of these signs of the times, in which
we.have the felicity to live. In the rise and spread of
Missionary and Bible Institutions, the Lord has opened
60
history of the
prospects before us of the near approach of the latter
days, which prophets and kings, which martyrs and
reformers never saw While other religious commu¬
nities are clad with zeal as with a cloak, the reflection
is pleasant that our own denomination has been stirred
up to holy and vigorous action. It is not assuming
too much to say, that a large proportion of the Mission
ardour which is felt by thousands, may be traced to
the influences of the spirit of our GOD on the heart
of our excellent brother Dr. William Carey.
The success attendant on the mission, whose more
immediate seat is at Serampore, on the waters of the
Ganges, has excited no common degree of surprise
and gratitude. Our American churches have heard
of the display of the arm of the Redeemer in the
East, with those thankful sensations which the trans¬
lations of Scripture, the conversion of idolators, and
•the visible growth of the empire of the Messiah, are
calculated to originate and support. Twenty stations
have already been formed by that favored Institution,
and about forty preachers, most of them natives, and
a few years ago worshippers of ideal divinities, false
and dead, are now teaching men to turn from their
vanities, and to serve the living and the true God.
One of these mission stations, highly important on
account of the greatness of the population, the wretch
ed condition of the inhabitants and its proximity to
the Chinese empire, is the kingdom of Burmah. The
God of mercy, who a few years ago gave to our de¬
nomination our worthy brethren Luther Rice and
Adoniram Judson, has in his providence, without
any concurrence on our part, placed the latter at
Rangoon, a principal sea-port of the Burman domin¬
ions. By the.present time, himself and his compan-
GEORGIA ASSOCIATION.
61
ton in life, have no doubt surmounted the difficulties
attendant on an acquisition of the language of the
country. O! that in this new tongue, our brother
may be assisted to preach the wonderful things of the
kingdom of God!
In December last, our brother G. H. Hough, mem¬
ber of the Baptist church, in Pawtucket, R. I., with
his wife and two small children, together with our
sister Charlotte H. White, member of the Baptist
church in Sansom-street, and who it was believed,
would not only be an acceptable associate of Mrs.
Hough, but might become useful as an auxiliary, in
the mission, set sail from the port of Philadelphia, for
Calcutta, on their way to Rangoon. Edw'd. Thomp¬
son, Esq. furnished a passage and provisions for the
voyage without any charge to the Board. They are
now probably at their destination. May the head of
the Church send great prosperity.
For the purpose of inciting, with the blessing of
God, a missionary flame among our churches and As¬
sociations, and of encouraging the formation of auxili¬
ary institutions, the Board have believed it their duty
to continue brother Rice some time longer in this coun¬
try. His labors during the last year and the prece¬
ding, have been wonderfully blessed. He is appoint¬
ed to fulfil a similar course during the current year,
at the close of which a meeting of the General Con¬
vention will ensue. His amiable disposition, his ex¬
emplary deportment, his self-devotion to the most ex¬
cellent of causes, must ensure him the kind attentions
of all who love the kingdom of the Son of God.
The attempt which in the course of the good pro¬
vidence of the Lord, has recently been made to com¬
bine the Baptist denomination in the United States,
v
62
HISTORY OF THE
in one ardent effort to transmit the gospel to the hea¬
then, is indeed something new and unexpected, but lS
is beautiful and prosperous. Our European brethren?
have commenced the glorious race before us. We
have wished them God speed. We have endeavored
to assist them. The time, however, has come, when
the Lord calls on us as a body, ourselves to act for
the glory of his name. This conviction is generally
felt, and the brethren throughout the Union come for¬
ward in the work with holy readiness,.awakened zeal"
and humble joy.
It is the wish of the Board to concentrate the com¬
mon exertions to the utmost practicable degree.—
They will be happy to maintain with yourself and
your brethren, a constant and intimate correspond¬
ence. Their second Annual Report you will shortly
receive. ' They will find pleasure in communicating
to you all the interesting information they may at any
time possess, and will be gratified by any^useful ob¬
servations or intelligence which you may find it in
your power to impart.
Wishing you, most sincerely, much of the presence
and blessing of the Lord Jesus, and uniting with you
in prayer and effort that the "sons of the stranger"
may "join themselves to the Lord to serve him, and
to love the name of the Lord,"
I am, dear sir, very respectfully yours,
WM. STAUGHTON, COR. SEC'RY.
Philadelphia, July, 1816."
The session in October, 1817, was held at Goshen,
(late Rocky Spring,) in Lincoln County. Rev. Mr.
Roberts commenced the services with a sermon foun¬
ded on Psalm 27: 4, " One thing have I desired of
the Lord, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in
GEORGIA ASSOCIATION, 63
the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold
the beauty of the Lord, and to inquire in his temple."
Rev. Mr. Mercer was Moderator, and Mr. Rabun,
Clerk.
The church lately constituted in Augusta, Georgia,
was received into the Body at this meeting.
A letter of friendly correspondence was received
from the Hephzibah Association, upon the subject of
itinerant and missionary labors; to which the mis¬
sionary board, connected with the Georgia Associa¬
tion were requested to respond. Also, a letter from
Dr. Staughton, containing a pleasing account of the
prosperity of the mission cause, both foreign and do¬
mestic. As the Association had thus commenced its
operations in the great missionary enterprise, in which
it has been enabled by the blessing of God to perse¬
vere up to the present time, it was found necessary to
invest a fund for that object—the amount contributed
this year was $282 61.
In October, ISIS, the session was held with the
church at Powelton, Hancock County. Rev. Mr.
Reeves preached the introductory sermon from Psalm
30 : 16, 17, " Let thy work appear unto thy servants,
and thy glory unto their children : And let the beauty
'of the Lord our God be upon us." The officers of
the former session were continued.
The spirit of missions was rapidly on the advance
in the Body at this time, as will appear from the fol¬
lowing extracts, taken from the minutes: " Received
with pleasure, two circular addresses from the Secre¬
tary of the Baptist Board for Foreign Missions in the
United States. One containing a very flattering ac¬
count of the, prosperity of the mission cause, general¬
ly—-the other detailing their views respecting the e$»
64
HISTORY OF THE
tablishment of a seminary, for the education of candi¬
dates for the ministry. Our best wishes attend their
laudable efforts."
"deceived a communication from the Secretary^ of
the Kentucky Mission Society, inviting our co-opera¬
tion in the establishment of a school in that State, for
the education of the youth of both sexes, belonging to
such of the neighboring Indian Tribes, as may be dis¬
posed to avail themselves of the opportunity. The
subject was taken up and considered by the Associa¬
tion as a beautiful theory, but very doubtful in prac¬
tice. The Moderator was instructed to communicate
our disapprobation of the plan proposed."
" The Mission Board, having closed their proceed¬
ings for the year past, made the following report,
which was read and approved.
The Georgia Association Board, for foreign and
domestic missions, to the Association of which it is the
Board, report:
That on their appointment, they received two hun¬
dred and sixty dollars, eighty-seven and a half cents,
of which sum they forwarded one hundred and forty-
three dollars to the Treasurer of the general Board-
leaving a balance of one hundred and seventeen dol¬
lars, eighty-seven and a half cents, which is now let
out on interest, being under an impression, that it was
best to economise, and begin with such sums as would
enable the Board to increase their appropriations as
circumstances might require, and their funds justify..
Early in the spring, they addressed letters to all the
ministers of the churches in your bounds, with a view
"to stir up their pure minds by way of remembrance
to "this gra'ce:" And the result is manifest in the-
good returns made to this session from the churchev
GEORGIA ASSOCIATION. 65
The work in which the general Board is engaged, is
confessedlygreat, and of the first magnitude; especi¬
ally as it combines the domestic with the foreign mis¬
sion. The evangelizing of our own Indians, is alone
the broad work of ages. We invite the association to
inspect the moral state of the Heathen in our own
country; and ask, that if they had been taught to cheat,
steal, lie and swear, by men called christians, does it
not prove they can, and that it is a shame they have
not beep a long time ago, taught the fear of God, the
sin and saviour of man, and also to pray! If every
where on the face of the globe—multitudes are per¬
ishing for lack of knowledge, like a harvest waving
with more than golden ripeness, may it not be asked
with surprise, why we have been idle so long? We
say then, in the words of the report of the Board of
the Powelton Mission Society—" The obligations of
christians, to effectuate the great command, are origi¬
nal, and of the most binding force. The enlistment is
during the service. The missionary fervor then
should be vivid, firm and constant, and the efforts vig¬
orous, prompt and perpetual." Will you, as invited
by the saviour, lift up your eyes on the fields, and
behold them white nigh unto harvests And pray the
lord of the harvest to send more laborers into his har¬
vest. In this sentiment, the Board most cordially
unite and say, "thy kingdom come!—thy will be done!
As in Heaven, so on earth; for thine, O Lord, is the
kingdom and power, and thine be the glory forever.-—
Amen!"
At this session of the Body, it was thought advisa¬
ble to dispense with the old method of having an in¬
troductory sermon preached on the first day of the
meeting, and in lieu thereof, to have an Association
F 6
6(J
HISTORV OF THE
sermon delivered 011 Monday, during the progress of
the meeting. But in 1820 this order was done away
and the former course again adopted.
In October,, 1819, the Association met at Kiokee.
The services were commenced by a sermon from the
Rev. Guy Smith, founded on Romans 6: 22 "But
now being made free from sin, and become servants to
God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end •
everlasting life." The officers of last year were still
continued. The church at Mount Olives, received a
letter of dismission to unite with the Ebenezer Asso¬
ciation.
In relation to what was doing upon the subject of
.missions at this time, the following report will show.
" The mission board presented their annual report,
which after being examined, was approved, and reads
as follows:
To the Georgia Association, their Mission Board sub¬
mit the following Report:
That soon after their organization, they transmitted
to the Treasurer of the general board, the quota due
from the Association, as a member of the Baptist
Convention in the United States, for foreign and do¬
mestic missions—they at that time too, had the gratifi¬
cation of information, that an increasing desire pre¬
vailed among the Creek Indians for instruction; and
that it was the opinion of some of their Chiefs, if
schools were once established, and the Indians could
see their benefit, that they would support them of
themselves. On this subject, we opened a corres¬
pondence with the general boa2-d, and have been as-
'sured that they were desirous to enter actively on the
work, to the extent of their means, but were unable
to obtain a suitable person, or persons, to be employed
GEORGIA ASSOCIATION.
67
in such a service; and enquire whether one could not
be obtained among us, &c.
We are happy to find, that at the last session of
Congress, $>10,000 were appropriated annually, sub¬
ject to the direction of the President, for the civiliza¬
tion and improvement of the Indians: but especially
are we gratified, that the President has given it as his
opinion decidedly, that "in order to render the sum
as extensively beneficial as possible, it ought to be
applied in co-operation with the exertions of benevo¬
lent associations, &c." This measure will secure one
great object, never to be out of view in Indian reform,
the morality and religion of those to whose care is
confided the instruction of the Indians; thus the door
is flung wide open before us, and invites our entrance.
Shall we now engage or not 1 This question we
respectfully submit to the decision and instruction of
the Association.
At the last meeting of the Baptist Convention, a
constitutional provision was made for tlfe erection and
endowment of a classical and theological seminary,
"for\he purpose of aiding pious young men, who, in
the judgment of the churches of which they are mem¬
bers, and 'of the board, possess gifts and graces suit¬
able to the gospel ministry." Under this provision,
the board proceeded on the work, and drew up and
published a plan for the government of the institution,
&c.; but to this plan so many objections were made
from various parts of the United States, that the board
has suspended further operations, and referred the
subject to the next session of the Convention. Whe¬
ther this fact does not add such vital importance to
the next meeting of the convention ; and whether the
subject is not big with such consequences to the whole
68
HISTORY OF THE
Baptist connection in the United States, as to require
us to have a member in that body, is a question which
we also beg to submit to the wisdom and prudence
of the Association.
We hope to be indulged by the Association, in the
expression of the heart-felt pleasure we have had in
witnessing the increase of means and efforts calculated
soon to illuminate the world with the Redeemer's
glory. The Bible is to the missionary of the cross,
what John the Baptist was to our Lord; and when
the Lord shall give his word to the nations, "great'
will be the company of those who publish it." In
this view of the subject, how do Bible and Missionary
Societies rise in importance; and, as they rise, fill the
enlarged heart with sacred ardour, and constrain the
joyful exclamations, " come Lord Jesus, come quick¬
ly" ? come and
" Assume thy right, thy cause maintain,
Wher'er the lucid sun has shone,
There plant thy cro.-s, enlarge thy reign,
And claim the nations for thy own."
The British and Foreign Bible Society, has-been
able to issue the year past, no less than 123,247 Bi¬
bles, and 136,784 Testaments.
The American Bible Society, has issued the year
past of Bibles, 23,870, and of Testaments, 7,248.
It is said of the great Russian Bible Society, that
"it causes the sacred word to run and be glorified
among the rude tribes, which make up the popula¬
tion of that vast Empire."
Of the Bremen Bible Society, we know but little*
but what we do know is pleasant. 'Tis said from
that society, Mr. Van Ess, a Roman Catholic preacher
alone has distributed among Roman Catholics, no
GEORGIA ASSOCIATION,
69
fewer than.233,341 Testaments; and among Pro¬
testants, 5,334 Eibles, and 2,800 Testaments.
The Boston and other Marine Bible Societies, are
causing "those who go down to the sea in ships, to
see the wonderful works of God in the redemption of
their souls:" add to this the formation of a Bible So¬
ciety lately in Paris, the issues of Bibles from all the
missionary presses in pagan countries, and those cir¬
culated from all the minor establishments in the inte¬
rior of all Christendom; and who can doubt but that
the day dawns, and the latter-day sun of glory has¬
tens to rise ? " When the glory of the Lord shall be
revealed, and all flesh shall See it together;" this
"the mouth of the Lord hath spoken!"
It must g'ive every pious heart sacred joy to be an
actor on this theatre, and to have contributed in the
least, to the accomplishment of events so glorious.—
In this view of the subject, congratulating the church¬
es of the Georgia Association, for the promptness
which has marked their zeal for the Lord of hosts, in
coming to his help against the mighty.
The Board with sentiments of gratitude to God, for
his manifold grace bestowed on them the year past,
and of christian respect for their brethren, beg leave
to subscribe themselves fellow-laborers in the cause
of their common Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
Attest, JESSE MERC EH, President.
WM. RABUN, Secretary:'
In connection with the above report, " a circular
was received and'read from the Baptist Board for,
Foreign Missions of the United States, containing a
, very animating view of the success that attends the.
missionary exertions in different places of our own.
country, and many other parts of the world—also a,
70
HISTORY OF THE
request that our friendly advice might be communi-.
cated to them, on the subject of the establishment of
a Theological Seminary, for the^assistance of young
ministers of promising gifts and talents. The sub¬
ject was referred to our Mission Board, and they
were instructed to communicate the views of this As¬
sociation to that body ; and if practicable to procure
a delegate to represent us in the next Missionary Con¬
vention of the Baptist denomination in the U. States."
But in the midst of the prosperity of this religious
body; whilst success attended their exertions at home,
and inviting fields were whitening abroad, death en¬
tered, and for a time filled their hearts with sorrow.
The following resolution appears upon the minutes
of this year: "The death of our aged and venerabl®
brother Abraham Marshall, having been communica¬
ted to us by the church at Kiokee : it is therefore Re¬
solved unanimously, that this Association feel sensibly
afflicted by this providential dispensation; by which
the church has suffered the loss of their beloved Pas¬
tor, and this body has been deprived of the services of
one of its most valuable members."
In 1820, the Body met at Bethesda, (formerly
Whatley's Mill). The meeting was opened with a
sermon by Rev. Mr. Armstrong, from Luke 6: 26;
" Woe unto you when all men speak well of you! for
so did their fathers to the false prophets." The Rev.
Mr. Mercer was elected Moderator, and Rev. Jabex
Marshall, Clerk.
The church at Damascus was received as a constit¬
uent member of the body at this session.
The Missionary Board made the following report:
"The Mission Board of the Georgia Association
report—That soon after their appointment, they were
GEOttGlA ASSOCIATION.
71
sailed to deep mourning, by a severe stroke of that
mysterious Providence, whose steps are in the deep:
and whose goings are beyond the weak perceptions
of mortal worms, in the death of our much beloved
brother William Rabun; but it was the Lord, and
we must be dumb.
Pursuant to the recommendation of the Association
last session, we appointed one of our body (brother
Mercer) to represent us, in the Baptist Convention;
and we trust the important objects of that body, and
the transactions of the late meeting will receive your
candid attention and explicit support. A copy of
their proceedings, is herewith laid before you, and an
address of the board of missions.
With regard to a school among the Creek Indians,
we were of opinion, as the Ocmulgee Association had
set forward a design of the same nature, it would be
proper to form a co-operation with them in the effort:
And we are happy to inform you, that a pleasing con¬
cert has been readily formed in this important object.
But previously, the Baptist Board of Missions for the
United States, had anticipated it as a work of no dis¬
tant period, and only wanted a proper person to be¬
gin, to enter afctively into the design. On the sug¬
gestion of brother Rice, concurred in by brother
Mosely and Mercer, brother Francis Flournoy was
appointed to the superintendance of the contemplated
establishment, and to be missionary to the Nation;
and we are gratified that this appointmenl has been
concurred in by the Ocmulgee Association. And we
hope soon to receive his acceptance of this appoint¬
ment, and see him enter on the duties of his station.
The plan which has been adopted for the Institu¬
tion, places it under the patronage of the General
72
HISTORY OF THE
Board, to be governed by the regulations of the gov¬
ernment of the United States, and according to the
joint council of the Georgia, Ocmulgee and Ebenezer
Associations, and such others as may join in the de¬
sign. It requires that all the teachers, and other per¬
sons connected in the Institution, shall be of decent,
moral and exemplary conduct, and of Baptist senti¬
ment. That the superintendant shall be a regular
Baptist Minister of good respectable character, and
shall be missionary to the Nation, &c.
It is made the duty of all belonging to the establish¬
ment, to strive fro?n the first to impress on the minds
'of the Indians, a becoming sense of God, as the crea¬
tor of all things; and of Jesus Christ as the only Sa¬
viour of perishing sinners, Sfc.
On our appointment we received in specialty and
money, the amount of $703 65. Of that sum we
have appropriated for missions and expenses $202 90.
Leaving $500 15f."
(The report from the Board of Managers of the
Baptist General Convention in the United States, will
be read with great interest:
" The Board of Managers of the Baptist General
Convention in the United States, have the pleasure
of renewing to the Georgia Association, the assurances
of their Christian love, and of their ardent desires and
supplication for the prosperity of the Churches, and
the diffusion of the kingdom of the glorious Redeemer.
We have lately had the pleasure of witnessing ano¬
ther triennial meeting of the Baptist Convention.—
Among the delegates we were gratified with behold¬
ing many of the venerable "fathers" in our churches
who "have known Him that is fi-om the beginning;"
together with many of our "young men,'' who "are
GEORGIA ASSOCIATION.
73
Strong, and the word of God abideth" in them. The
interview was harmonious. The subjects spread be¬
fore them were of the highest moment, and their con¬
sultations deliberate and solemn. It is humbly be¬
lieved that the session was held under the approving
" shadow of the Almighty."
In reviewing the several mission stations, Rangoon
presented some considerations of an afflicting charac¬
ter. The amiable young Wheelock has been called
by death from the mission field which his zeal had in¬
fluenced him to select. He died on his passage from
Rangoon to Calcutta. At the latter place, his widow
■at present resides. Should she wish to return, the
Managers consider it their duty to meet the expendi¬
tures that may arise from her passage. They hope
she may find a sphere of usefulness among the pious
missionaries around her. Mr. Hough has left Ran¬
goon, and is employed in the printing department at
Serampore. His immediate connexion with us has
consequently ceased. Our beloved brother Judson
and his excellent wife, are actively engaged in their
missionary work; and brother Colman and his partner
are eagerly treading in their footsteps. A zayat, or
building, in addition to. the mission house, has been
erected in a public situation, where, to numerous in¬
quirers, they daily expound and testify the kingdom
of God. One Burman has given evidence of saving
conversion, and been baptized in the name of the Lord
Jesus. Others are solemnly affected. We beseech
you to contribute to their success, by the fervor and
frequency of your prayers. Without the descending
influences of the Spirit, of God, missionaries, like
Noah, may condemn the world, but the world will
not be saved.
6
74
HISTORY Or TH2T
From the trial which for three years has been made-,,
and from the opinions of several judicious brethren
in the western and southern sections of the Union, th©'
Managers, at a large meeting, were led to determine
that St. Louis and St. Charles be no longer regarded
as missionary stations under their direction and sup¬
port. Mr. Welch has discovered an inclination to
continue at St. Louis, and in its neighborhood; th&
Board wish hinr success in his labors. They had re¬
solved that Mr. Peck become an associate with Mr.
M'Coy. Some engagements into which Mr. Peck
had entered, it has since been found, will prevent his.
removal from his present station until the close of the
current year, when it is expected he will be occupied
Agreeably to the resolution of the Board, *
Brother M'Coy has gone from his late situation to
Fort Wayne. The Managers recommended and ap¬
prove of this change, as it will bring the mission more
immediately into the centre of an Indian settlement,,
and furnish him with the greatest prospect of doing
good, by instructing and publishing the way of salva¬
tion. He is endeavoring to acquire the language of
the natives, that he may converse and preach without
the embarrassment of an interpreter^
The Managers have resumed their mission amongr
the Cherokees, with renewed ardour. Missionary
measures were for some time suspended, in that quar¬
ter, from the uncertainty whether these Indians would
continue to occupy the land of their progenitors, or
retire westward. Liberal appropriations have heeo.
made to enable brother H. Poesy, assisted by Mr,
Dawson, a well qualified teacher, to effect a perma¬
nent, and, with the blessing of the Redeemer, a pros¬
perous establishment, in that benighted region.
GEORGIA ASSOCIATION.
75
• In the Georgia and Oakmulgee Associations, the
tgenerous wish is maturing into holy effort, to instruct
and evangelize the Indians of the Creek nation. The
Board rejoice in their purposes of Christian benevo¬
lence, and will be happy in the co-operation of their
•counsels and exertions. They have appointed the
Rev. Francis Flournoy, a brother in whom the Mana¬
gers place great confidence, as possessing excellent
■qualifications, to commence the good work in such
way as his own judgment and the advice of his breth¬
ren shall conclude most expedient.
The Indian School at the Great Crossings, pros¬
pers under the active and benevolent care of the Rev.
Mr. Ficklin. The Board will ever feel happy to
contribute to its success. They have placed it under
the direction of a Superintending Committee, in whose
piety, prudence, and zeal, they possess a cheerful re¬
liance.
They consider it due to the impartiality and benev-
•olence of the General Governments to state, that it
has already contributed liberally to the Western sta¬
tions, with a view particularly to Indian reform, and
has promised to augment such assistance in proportion
.us the extent of the efforts of the Board shall widen.
Several brethren who have received tnore or less of
assistance from the Board in their incipient attempts
as missionaries, are laboring with acceptance and suc¬
cess, particularly in the south-west parts of our Union,
and are now supported by their personal exertions,
and by the beneficence of the friends of evangelic
truth.
Among the various topics which have called into
action the discussions and resolutions of the Conven¬
tion and its Board of Managers, the education of
76
HISTORY OF THE
godly youth called to the work of the ministry by the
churches, has received its deserved attention. An
Institution is in operation, in which eighteen young
men are engaged in a course of intellectual and liter¬
ary improvement. A site for its ultimate establish¬
ment has been procured, on an eligible eminence, in
the vicinity of Washington city. Buildings are erect¬
ing, and it is cheerfully expected that in a few years,
by the united efforts of Associations, Churches, breth¬
ren and friends, it will become a source whence the
streams of learning and piety will spread through our
large and increasing denomination.
The Managers, influenced by a conviction of duty,
as well as from sentiments of affectionate esteem, are
grateful to the God of missions for the continued
health and distinguished exertions of their worthy
Agent, the Rev. Mr. Hice. It is their prayer that his
valued life may be preserved. They, with pleasure,
commend him to the benevolent regards of all who
are longing for the promised glories of the latter days,
and hope his application for assistance towards pro¬
moting each of the distinct funds which he is anxious
to replenish, will be covered with constant prosperity.
The other Agents, who are regularly authorized to
co-operate in this service of benevolence, it is hoped
will be received with kindness and respect.
Permitted to live in an age before unparalleled for
the wonders of grace, and called on aloud to stand in
our lot and accomplish with our might whatsoever our
hands find to do, God grant that we may none of us
sink into slothful inactivity, degrading selfishness, or
infidel despondency. Prophecy must be accomplish¬
ed, and the Spirit of brightness effuse his living
beams. If human effort, of itself, be imbecile, the
georgia association.
11
Head of the church can render it effectual. "Prove
me, now, saith the Lord of Hosts, if I will not open
the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing
that there shall not be room enough to receive it."
Signed by order of the Board of Managers.
WM. STAUGHTON, Cor. Sec'ry.
Philadelphia, May, 1820."
Format!©2a oS tSie Gestcml Association!.
The Association met October, 1821, at Clarke's
Station, Wilkes County. The Introductory sermon
was delivered by the Rev. E. Battle, from John 21:
15, 16—"Feed my lambs, and feed my sheep." The
Rev. Mr. Mercer was elected Moderator, and Mr.
Marshall the Clerk.
It was at this session that a resolution was passed to
organize a General Association, to be composed of
all the Associations in the State, or as many of them as
should deem it proper to go into the measure. The
following is the article found in the minutes upon that
subject: " Agreed that this Association concur in the
suggestion and recommendation of Sarepta and Oc-
mulgee Associations, in the formation of a general
meeting, to be composed of messengers from all the
Associations in this State, or as many of them as shall
come into the measure; that this meeting commence
at Powelton, on Thursday before the fifth Sabbath in
June, 1S22; that we send up five members out of our
body to that meeting, viz. Mercer, Brantley, Hilman,
Armstrong and Marshall."
The report of the Mission Board, which is here in¬
serted, will show in what light missionary operations
were regarded by the body, and other corresponding
g 7
73
HISTORY OF THE
associations, at that time. A part of the 13th article
of the minutes of that year is here transcribed :
"Received, the report of our Mission Board, which
reads as follows—"In the report of the board last
year, was held out a pleasing anticipation of an early
establishment of a mission and school among the Creek
Indians. Pursuant to this suggestion, our earliest at¬
tention was drawn to that object. We immediately
appointed a committee of our own body, to form,
(with the trustees of co-operating Associations,) a
board of managers, to carry into effect the generous
design. But we regret to say that a minority of that
board has reported to us, " that they have been unable
to do any official business, though they have adjourned
from time to time for want of a quorum." They
learned, too, that the Rev. F. Flournoy would decline
accepting the superintendence of the school, on ac¬
count of his private embarrassments, which he could
not remove. But they also had the pleasure to learn,
that the Mississippi Domestic Mission Society desired
to co-operate with the Association here, in the effort
to instruct and evangelize the Creek Nation.
"We are happy to inform you, that the Ocmulgee
Association has manifested a determined disposition
to persevere in the enterprise. And we can say
for ourselves, that though we may have been hindered,
we are not in despair; but recommend to be ready
"to do good as we may have opportunity, as ye know
that your labor shall not be in vain in the Lord."
The great, and we believe, the only considerable ob¬
stacle in carrying the design into full effect, is the
want of a man, as the angel of the divine presence to
go before us and prepare the way among that benight¬
ed people. Oh! how imperious the injunction of our
GEORGIA ASSOCIATION.
79
Lord, "pray ye the Lord of the harvest to send more
laborers into his harvest." Dear brethren: shall the
fields ripen in our sight, and we never sigh a prayer
for laborers to gather the falling grain] Shall we
have the key of knowledge, and never make an effort
to open the door to those who are perishing for want
of it1? God forbid! " Let us therefore, not be wea¬
ry in well doing: for in due season we shall reap if
we faint not."
"We submit for your decision, whether (as a su¬
perintending missionary for the Creek Nation has not
been obtained and no one in view) it will not be advi¬
sable to attempt the establishment of a temporary
school, under the direction of a private teacher1? If
it shall be judged proper in this crisis, we recommend
to the Association to give directions to their board to
that effect."
The session in 1822, was held at Bethel, Hancock
County, commencing October 10th, and closing the
13th. The officers of last year were continued.—
In many respects this was an important meeting.
In addition to the duties created by a growing mis¬
sionary spirit, some troubles had sprung up, of a
truly delicate and distressing character. The Rev.
Thomas Rhodes, who had been a member in good
standing in the Body, and who by his popular talents
had acquired considerable influence, at length became
in the judgment of his brethren, notoriously in disor¬
der. He was called to an account, but upon his eva¬
ding a fair examination of the matters of difficulty, he
was deposed from his office as a minister, and at last
expelled the church. But Mr. R. still continued to
preach, and by artifice succeeded in drawing off a
party of the "Williams' Creek Church to his interest.
so
HISTORY OP THE
The following article, taken from the minutes of this
year, will fully express the views the Association en¬
tertained of this unhappy affair :
"Attended to the petition of the minority of the
Williams' Creek Church, in which they request this
body to recognize them as the true church at Williams'
Creek; whereupon this Associntion adopted the fol¬
lowing: "It is with regret that this Association is
compelled to notice a schism which has been recently
made within its bounds, by the influence and artifices
of Thomas Rhodes, a disorderly man. The said
Thomas Rhodes, was formerly a minister in correct
standing with this body, and was regarded as a man
of somewhat useful gifts and-performances. Several
years since, however, charges of a serious nature, af¬
fecting his moral character, were brought against him,
and became the occasion of a public scandal to the
cause of religion, and of much grief to the brethren,
who had once a regard for him, as a man of correct
principle. He was called repeatedly to answer to the
allegations which lay against him upon undeniable
evidence, that he might exonerate himself from cen-^
sure, or else make becoming and acceptable acknowl¬
edgments to his brethren. He attended the meetings
for the investigation of the charges against him; but
instead of releasing himself from the censure which
lay upon him, only confirmed the previous impres¬
sions of the brethren, by conduct evasive, contuma¬
cious, artful, and prevaricating. The brethren ap¬
pointed to hear and weigh the accusations under
which he lay, finding, after many attempts, that no
satisfactory answer could be obtained from the said
Rhodes, and that he lay like a gangrene, cprrupting
and infecting the whole body, determined solemnly,
GEORGIA ASSOCIATION.
81
not only that he was unfit longer*to exercise the office
of the ministry, which requires moral purity in those
who undertake its solemnities, but that he was like¬
wise unfit to hold any place in a Christian church.—
After this act, the said Rhodes did proceed to preach,
has obtained admission into a church, formerly of this
body, has divided that church, gaining over a party to
himself; has influenced its decisions so far as to have
himself elected Pastor, and has procured from them a
declaration announcing their independence. In the
present stage of the matter, he and his particular
friends, industriously propagate the idea that his dif¬
ficulty with his former brethren, does not result from
any thing else than difference of opinion and contro¬
versy, upon some speculative points. By this means
he endeavors to repel the odium of charges for immo¬
ral conduct, which has been fully proved against him.
Whereupon—
Resolved, That the said Rhodes be held up to all
Baptists, and to all good men, as a disorderly charac¬
ter, a schismatic man, an enemy to good order, and a.
disturber of the churches.
Resolved, That the 1 members of Williams' Creek
Church, who have connected themselves with the
said Rhodes, be hereby declared no church—but a
disorderly faction.
Resolved, That the part of the Williams' Creek
Church, who have remained unmoved by the said
Rhodes, are hereby declared the proper Church, and
that their conduct has the unqualified approbation of
this body. The brethren Thompson, Hilman, Arm¬
strong, Jackson, Gibson, Brantly and Marshall, were
appointed a committee to attend them on Friday, be¬
fore the third Sabbath in November, lo assist them in,
their present situation,"
82
HISTORY OF THE
The report of thg Mission Board is liere inserted
that the reader may see what was doing in that day
for the spread of the gospel. The whole amount of
funds on hand that year for benevolent objects, seems
to have been $1313 53£. Here follows the report
in part:
"Dear Brethren.—The joy was ours, to hear at our
first meeting, that a brother from South Carolina, of
requisite qualifications might be, in strong probability,
immediately obtained, to superintend a school and be
missionary among the Creek Indians. We therefore
in hopes of better success than former years had af¬
forded, appointed a committee of ours to form with
those of the other co-operating Associations, the
Board of Trustees, to whom the management of this
mission belonged; and appropriated 500 dollars to
meet the necessary heavy charges, which must be in¬
curred in the incipience of such an undertaking. Of
the employment of this brother, the Rev. Lee Com¬
pere, and the terms of agreement, the churches have
been informed by an address from the Board of Trus¬
tees, with which we hope they are individually
pleased. By the report of our committee, and the
document laid before us, it appears that the Board of
Trustees have moved brother C. and family to Ea-
tonton, where they are provided for and still remain.
That, although the expectation was strong, that long
ere now they might have been in the nation; yet the
extreme scarcity, which prevailed almost to starvation
in the nation, prudently suggested the contrary, and
interdicted that intercourse with them, which would
have been desirable. Tut, the insupei-able obstacle
arose in quite another course, over which they could
have no control. The Methodist Conference for
South Carolina and G eorgia, by their ag-ent, Mr. Ca-
GEORGIA ASSOCIATION. 83
pers, had concluded a treaty with the Creik Nation
last fall, in which the Chiefs yielded to receive
schools into their nation. But at the council in June
last, when brother Compere laid before them our
proposals, a dissention arose with the superintendent
of the Methodist institution, about preaching the Gos¬
pel, which produced such a state of things, as made
time for farther considerations necessary, and the
Chiefs thought proper to postpone the subject in toto,
to a further meeting. In the meantime, the agent of
Indian affairs, has given the superintendant of our
proposals, encouragement that another application
will prove successful. The Chief, who was the prin¬
cipal, (if not the only) opposer, has become favorable.
Indeed, the Indians generally are very desirous of
instruction; and the belief is comfortable, that the
sum of their objections will soon dissolve and vanish
away. Assurances have been received, that the
Board of Foreign Missions, will take the Creek Mis¬
sion under its patronage and support, in connection
with the co-operating Associations; and that the full
proportion of the appropriation from the U. States,
may be relied on with certainty—and the Mississippi
Domestic and Foreign Mission Society, has already
appropriated 100 dollars for the Creek Mission.—
With these assurances and support in view, we may
truly say, Let us go up, and make the establishment,
"for we are well able."
The Board of Trustees take pleasure to report their
happiness in a further acquaintance with brother
Compere, and that his praise is most in those churches,
and among the brethren with whom he has most fre¬
quently been, and who of right are best qualified to
judge. They are of opinion, that it should be regard-
HISTORY OF THE
-ed as the mercy of God to them, that they have been
able to obtain one, so well fitted for the work, and
whom they can recommend as possessing piety and
talents, which promise, by divine grace, to be a bles¬
sing to the churches where he may travel.
We are pleased to state to you, that, though the
$500 are nearly expended in the operations, in which
the Board of Trustees have been engaged, yet now
the other Associations are in funds, and their Boards
will make appropriations for the continuance of the
work, so that there may be an equality, "For we
mean not that others be eased, and ye burdened; but
that now your abundance may supply their wants,
and that their abundance may supply your want, that
there may be equality."
At our late meeting we have appropriated 100 dol¬
lars more to be forwarded to the General Board, to
maintain our standing in the Convention."
The Church at Sweet Water, formerly a member
of the Hephzibah Association, upon application, was
received into the Body this session.
The Body met in October, 1823, at Sharon, Co¬
lumbia County. The Introductory sermon was de¬
livered by Rev. Jabez P. Marshall, from John, 17:
17—" Sanctify them." The officers of the former
session were continued. After the ordinary business
was transacted, the following course in relation to
missionary operations, was pursued:
" Received a packet of minutes from the " General
Baptist Association for the State of Georgia," by their
messengers; and after some interesting explanatory
remarks, on the principles and designs of that Body,
appointed Mercer, Brantly, Reeves, Armstrong and
Sherwood, to their next meeting, at Eatonton, on
GEORGIA ASSOCIATION.
85
Thursday before the 4th Lord's Day in April, 1824.
Received and read a Circular, and proceedings, of
the Board of Managers of the General Convention of
the Baptist Denomination in the United States.—
Whereupon, Resolved, That we entertain a high re¬
gard for that Body, and repose entire confidence in
their faithfulness and prudence to discharge the vari¬
ous duties devolving upon them.
Accepted the Report of the Mission Board, which
reads as follows:
Dear Brethren.—It affords us real gratification to
inform you that the institution so long held in anxious
anticipation among the Creek Indians, is now in suc¬
cessful and promising operation, under the superin¬
tendence and management of brother Compere, and
his devoted associates. Many formidable obstacles,
like the mountain which obstructed the building of the
Temple of the Lord, have subsided and become a
plain. Between thirty and forty children have al¬
ready been submitted to the entire care and direction
of the Missionaries, and the prospect is good for as
many as can be supported on the same terms. The
heavy expenditures and incidental expenses attendant
on making the establishment thus far, have been sus¬
tained by the very liberal patronage of the General
Board, and various other collections and resources,
which the Report of the Board of Trustees for the
United Associations will show, and to which Report
we refer you for particulars. We regret, deeply re-"
gret, that the Ebenezer Association has declined fur¬
ther co-operation in this institution, without giving us
notice, or assigning a solitary reason. How frail is
man! How void of confidence is christian truce!
But as the loss of one member in the human body,
B
86
HISTORY OP THE
gives double vigor and activity to the rest, so let their
loss from us inspire us with more efficient energy.—
" Let no man's heart fail him for fear." The cause is
the Lord's and must prevail. With regard to the
state of Missions generally, you have been informed
by the Circular of the General Board and Address of
the Convention. The monies designated in our funds
for the Creek Mission, and the sum requisite to meet
the expenses of our messenger to the Convention last
spring at the City of "Washington, brother Adiel Sher¬
wood, &c. have been appropriated for those purpo¬
ses, (i. e. $369). To sustain our membership in the
Convention, and to reimburse, in some measure, the
amount afforded by the General Board, to aid in the
commencement of our Creek Mission, we have also,
appropriated the sum of $600. The money placed
in our hands for the Theological Institution, has also
been forwarded. We are impressed with the propri¬
ety of not suffering the Foreign Mission Funds to be
in the least impaired by our Creek Mission, but that
ultimately we in the South should sustain the institu¬
tion in the Creek Nation, and reimburse entirely, if
not replenish, the funds of the General Board. Dear
Brethren:—We recommend that you lay it to heart
and devise plans the most promising to procure the
support (at least) for this infant establishment, of so
much promise. "Cast your bread on the waters,"
and trust a promising and faithful God. We acknowl¬
edge with thankfulness to God, the pious deeds of
several benevolent females in the Church at Shiloh,
in making and forwarding sundry garments for the
children at the Creek School, afrd hope that many
Rhodas in other Churches will emulate their benev¬
olence, in furnishing cloth, rather than garments, as
GEORGIA ASSOCIATION.
S7
the cloth can be made up better at the Station. But
before we close this Report, we must condole with
you, the death of one of our members—our mutual
and very dear brother Hillman. But while we mourn
for him, than for whom a worthier tear was never
shed, let us not repine. He who gave, and took him,
can supply his place. Let us rise, therefore, in all
the majesty of his grace, promise and command,
"who worketh all things after the council of his own
will," and pray Him to send more laborers into his
vineyard, to revive and comfort his mourning and af¬
flicted people." «
In 1S24, the Association held its annual session at
Centre, Oglethorpe County. The Rev. Mr. Roberts
being absent on account of sickness, Rev. Mr. Sher¬
wood commenced the services with a sermon from
2nd Corinthians, 2: 15, 16 j "For we are unto God,
• a ^weet .savor of Christ," &c. The Moderator and
Clerk'of last year were continued.
The resolutions which we transcribe from the min¬
utes of that year, afford the most pleasing evidence,
that a spirit of liberality and christian enterprise was
rapidly on the advance in the body.
" Read the minutes of the General Association of
the Baptist Denomination ip this State. Resolved,
That we acknowledge and appi*ove the proceedings
of that Body; that we concur with them in relation to
the necessity of uniform discipline, and the mode sug¬
gested in its address, or through the General Conven¬
tion, as may be ultimately thought proper; that it is
our pleasure that the Mission Board give to the Gen¬
eral Association the care and direction of the Withing-
ton Station, instead of a joint Board from co-operating
Associations, Appointed the brethren Sherwood,
88
HISTORY OF THE
Reeves, Mercer, Davis and Armstrong to their next
meeting, at Eatonton, on Friday before the last Sab¬
bath in May, 1825; and appropriated 15 dollars to
defray our part of the expenses of the printing of the
minutes of the General Association.
Resolved, That this Association cordially recom¬
mend to the patronage of the Churches, the " Latter
Day Luminary," and the "Columbian Star," publish¬
ed at Washington City, in the District of Columbia,
under the superintendence of the Baptist Convention,
by Mr. J. S. Meehan; the former issued monthly, at
$2 per annum ; the latter weekly at $3.
We recommend the ministers of this Association to
itinerate more, and the Churches make suitable pro¬
vision for their encouragement and support, in that
laudable work.
Resolved, yThat a Missionary Sermon be preached
on Sabbath morning, at each session of the Associa¬
tion ; and a collection be taken in aid of the funds for¬
warded by the Churches for Missions.
Received the Report of the Mission Board, which
reads as follows:
Beloved Brethren.—Since we have had the care and
direction of your funds, we have been- called on for an
appropriation of only $350, in support of the With^
ington Station, in the Creek Nation. We are happy
to say, the School is still in a flourishing and prosper¬
ous condition. The superintendent, brother Com¬
pere, attended the late session of the Ocmulgee Asso¬
ciation; and presented to the Executive Committee
of the United Board, his books and accounts, which
were found correct; and specimens of writing, and a
letter of one of the boys in the School, to the patrons
of the- Institution, expressive of gratitude for, and
GEORGIA ASSOCIATION.
89
praying a continuance of those benefits, which the
benighted condition of their parents forbids them to
afford.; all which were not only satisfactory, but high¬
ly pleasing. The prospect is truly encouraging, and
inspires zeal in the prosecution. The President of
the United States has taken a lively interest in the
support of our Institution, and. has given it a good
proportion among others. The General Board also
continues- to extend their fostering care towards it;
but their funds are quite exhausted! And in this re¬
gard, we regret to say, that the contributions from the
Churches are diminished, where they should have
abounded. Many of the Churches still remain inac¬
tive. Will they never be provoked to emulation ]—
Will they be content always to lie still at home, while
their brethren go to war in the good cause of benevo¬
lence and charity % But, to the praise and honor of
some of our beloved sisters and friends, be it said,
that they are producing a remedy for this deficiency.
We have been presented by brother Walker, with a
subscription from a benevolent Female Society, in the
Church and congregation at Greenwood, of about
500 yards of cloth, for the clothing of the children, at
the Withington Station; which will be ready for trans¬
portation in a. few weeks. The grateful acknowledg¬
ments of the Board, are hereby voted them for their
kind and charitable labors of love, towards the chil¬
dren of the roving tribe. We most heartily wishrthey
may provoke to emulation, many ,to whom it would
be a mercy to abound in this grace also. The want
of benevolent fruit, which might abound to the ac¬
count of any of the Churches, maly, we think, be
traced to the inactivity of the ministers, or other influ¬
ential members. 0 for Davids, Ezrahs, Haggais and
H 2
m
HISTORY OF THE
even Deborahs, in our Israel! "Let us look to cap-
selves, lest we lose the things we have begun; but
that we receive a full reward."
The Association of 1S25, was held at Greenwood,
Lincoln County. Introductory sermon by Rev. Mr.
Mercer, from Revelations 3: 22; "He that hath an
ear to hear let him hear, what the Spirit saith to the
Churches. Mr. Mercer was the Moderator, Mr. Mar¬
shall the Clerk.
The church at Lincolnton, newly constituted, was
received into the Body at this session.
A cloud seemed to hang over the Missionary oper^
ations of the Association at this period. The Rev.
Lee Compere, who had been sustained as the princi¬
pal Missionary at the Withington Station, in the Creek
Nation of Indians, had pursued such a course, as to
become very unpopular amongst the people of Geor¬
gia. We pretend not to impugn Mr. C's. motives, or
to insinuate any thing against his private character as
a man and a christian; for he is now, we believe, an
acceptable! minister in the State of Mississippi. We
only state that his conduct as a missionary was not
satisfactory to the Georgia Association, as the follow¬
ing extract from the minutes will show:
"Dear Brethren.—We would with you wish to re¬
joice at the prospect of the signs of the religious times,
and especially in the contemplation of the extensioa
of Christian Missionary benevolence and exertions.—
But amidst our elevated gratification, there are a few
things calculated to excite lamentation, and call for
our mightiest energies to unite in fervent supplication,
th&t those things m^ght either be removed, or amelio-
• rated. 1
The loss by death of some of our aged and laborious
GEORGIA ASSOCIATION.
91
Ministers of Christ, in our denomination in the United
States, makes us exclaim, "Help Lord for the Godly
man ceasethThe indisposition of some associations,
and many churches and individuals towards mission¬
ary efforts, and friendly co-operation, are sources of
our regret. This is attributable in a considerable de¬
gree, to a circumstance which your Board, would wil¬
lingly have passed by in silence. A general expres-*
sion of disapprobation against the part, which the su¬
perintendent of the Withington Station has acted, has
come up from the Churches, and many individuals,
which calls for his removal. But very few churches
have contributed at all, to replenish our funds this
year, and where any sum has been sent up, it was pro¬
hibited by most of them, from being appropriated to
said station. Hence your Board think they are called
upon to act immediately on this subject, for as indivi¬
duals they are not able to support said Station; and
are unwilling any longer to be responsible for the
monied transactions of said Superintendent. They
are not wholly unaware of the responsibility of their
situation, nor of the delicacy with which they should
handle the feelings of brethren. They intend to make
an expression of their opinion, not on the private or
moral character of Mr. Compere, but upon those parts
of his conduct, which have rendered him odious in
the eyes of this community, .and which have dried up
the stream of munificence, that flowed to his support.
They have not founded their opinion concerning him,
from public rumor, nor from the paragraphs of party-
papers ; but upon his own public and private letters.
They feel confident that his acts have a bearing so un-
propitious on the whole course of Missions, that very
little, if any thing will be done in their behalf until he
92
HISTORY OF THIS
is removed. As we stand connected in his support
with tlie General Convention of our denomination, we
<Io not feel fully authorized to depose him: but we
think we cannot do less than to disclaim any connex¬
ion with a man, whose clots have brought said cause
into such disrepute. Therefore, the Board recom¬
mend the adoption of the following resolution:
Resolved Unanimously, That we withhold further
support from the Wrthington Station.
The reasons which have induced them to recom¬
mend the adoption of the resolution are:
That the Rev. Mr. Compere has meddled with
concerns foreign to his Mission; he has unasked,
charged the United States Commissioners with cor¬
ruption, in making the Treaty; he has taken sides
with those who are endeavoring to render it (though
an act of the General Government) null and void, he
has vindicated the murderers of M'Intosh. He has
violated his agreement made with this Board, and
disobeyed the instructions given him, he has treated
these instructions with indifference and contempt;
when written to, and cautioned by the President of
this Body, "that the course he was pursuing would
bring the Mission to ruin," instead of returning a re¬
spectful answer, he has endeavored to vindicate his
conduct; and has since continued to act so opposite
to the spirit of his instructions, and that of a cautious
Missionary of the Cross, that they are compelled,
though reluctantly, to take the present course.
And be it further resolved, That a copy of these
proceedings be forthwith transmitted to the General
Convention of our denomination in the U. States.
JESSE MERCER, President.
J. P. MARSHALL, Secretary.
GEORGIA ASSOCIATION.
93
There were now thirty-eight Churches belonging
to the Association ; twenty-nine>ordained Preachers,
and nineteen Licentiates.
The Body met in October, 1826, at Horeb, Han¬
cock county. Rev. Mr. Lumpkin and Rev. Mr.
Calloway, his alternate, both having failed, the in¬
troductory sermon was delivered by the Rev. Jon.
Davis from Psa. 119 : 63—I am a compartion of all
them that fear thee, and of them that keep thy pre¬
cepts. The ministers, Mercer and Marshall were
continued as Moderator and Clerk.
The attention of the Body to Missionary matters
was still kept up. At this session, a packet of Min¬
utes was received from the S. C. Baptist Convention.
"Also the report of the 5th Tri-ennial meeting of the
General Convention in the United States." The re¬
port of the Board of Managers appointed by the As¬
sociation was read also. It is as follows : ,
"jDear Brethren,—Since our last appointment, wo
have turned over the money in our hands to the Trea¬
surer of the General Association, an account of which
may be seen in the Minutes of that body. We farth¬
er deposit monies for the Columbian College, in the
hands of Bro. Mercer for transmission to the General
Convention." The amount on hand for several ob¬
jects was $801 26j.
The Session of 1827, was held with the church at
Philips' Mill, Wilkes county. Introductory by Rev.
Jack Lumpkin from John 3 : 30—He must increase.
The officers of the former meeting were continued..
The Church at Salem, Rock Hill, Lincoln county,,
petitioned for membership, at this session, and was.
cordially received.
The usual correspondence from the General Assa--
94
HISTORY OF THE
ciation was received, and the body passed a "resolvt
that we congratulate that body (the General Associa¬
tion) at their pleasing prospects, expressed in their
address, and recommend that they go forward with
their benevolent designs, trusting in the Lord."—
Moreover, this Association recommends each of. it«
members, and the several ministering brethren with¬
in its bounds, to use their exertions to advance the
objects of the General Association, by removing- pre¬
judices, and showing the value of education to a pi¬
ous ministry."
It was the settled conviction of this religious body
at that time, that prejudice, and prejudice alone, op¬
erated to keep back many of the brethren from a par¬
ticipation of their labors of love. Their subsequent
history, as we shall see as we pass on, has not done
away that impression.
Death had again entered the ranks and cut down
two useful ministers belonging to the Association.
And what appears to have been rather a singular co¬
incidence, they both were under appointment, the
one the alternate of the other, to preach the missiona¬
ry sermon of that year. In consequence of their de¬
cease, Rev. Mr. Mercer performed the service. The
article which follows was ordered to be inserted in
the Minutes, expressive of the respect of the body
for these deceased brethren.
"16. As it has pleased God, in his most righteous
providence, to remove by death, in the year past,
our beloved brethren, Gideon Hagood and Malachi
Reeves, from their respective spheres, to (as we be¬
lieve) their better portion : Therefore, resolved, 1st,
that we regard the death of these brethren as a most
.sad and appalling bereavement, as the former wai
GEORGIA ASSOCIATION.
95
of christian piety and of ministerial purity of senti-
itient, a bright example : and the latter, of ability
and useful career among the ablest of our Ministers,
especially as the waste and desolation of this bereave¬
ment is so wide and difficult to be remedied ! Re¬
solved, 2dly, That by this and such like dispensa¬
tions, we are admonished ; and let all the churches
hereby be admonished, to pray the Lord of the Har¬
vest to send more laborers into his Harvest. Resol¬
ved, 3dly, That a copy of these resolutions (accom¬
panied by a letter of condolence) be forwarded to the
families, of which the deceased brethren were hus¬
bands, by the Clerk."
The Association of October, 1828, was held with
the Church at Shiloh, Greene county ; Introductory
by Rev. E. Callaway from Heb. 3: 1—Wherefore
holy brethren partakers of the heavenly calling, fyc.
The Moderator and Clerk of the last session were
continued in office. Three 'newly constituted chur¬
ches, viz: Mount Zion, Shoulderbone and Wash¬
ington were received at this session. "Twenty mi¬
nutes were spent in thanksgiving to God for his grace
and spirit poured out on so many of our churches,
and in prayer, that he would revive those that have
not been so signally blessed."
The Lord had abundantly revived -most of the
churches during the last Associational year. To
some had been added ten, twenty, thirty and fifty;
to others over a hundred; and to one in particular
more than two hundred. The 14th article of the mi¬
nutes is here inserted.
"14th. As the Lord has been pleased to favor us
with a large increase of precious souls the past year,
who have been converted by mighty grace, and that
D6 HISTORY OF THE
he may abide with us, and revive those churches, that
'remain unvisited by the showers of mercy ; that the
residue of our children, neighbors and servants per¬
ish not: and tlmt our poor efforts to send the gospel
to those who are perishing for the lack of knowledge,
may be more united and successful; Resolved, that
we observe the 13th day of November, 1829, as a
day of thanksgiving and prayer, and release to our
domestics, at our respective places of worship."
The religious education of children has ever been
a matter of deep interest to those who have remarked
how lasting are early impressions, and what an influ¬
ence they have upon character in after life. In view
of this fact the Georgia Association at this session,
passed a "resolution unanimously, that we encourage
Sabbath Schools at all our houses of worship." This
resolution was so far carried into effect, that at the
next annual meeting, it was reported that more than
one thousand scholars belong to twenty-eight schools
within the bounds of the Association. But we fear the
zeal of our brethren upon this subject, has, in some
considerable degree subsided.
The corresponding letter appended to the minutes
of this year, breathes so good a spirit, and is so de¬
cidedly practical in its character, we have thought it
would not be amiss to lay it before the reader. It
was written by Colonel 'John Mercer, of Bethesda
church, Greene county. Here follows the letter:
"The Georgia Association, to the Associations with
' which she corresponds, send Christian salutation.
"Beloved Brethren, in Christ,—We have been,
through a kind and forbearing Providence, permitted
to meet together according to our adjournment. The
accounts from many of the Churches within our
GEORGIA ASSOCIATION. 97
bounds are highly interesting, so that we are con¬
strained. to believe the God of Abraham has poured
•out, in these latter days, the most holy influence of
his spirit of truth, and through its effectual teaching,
the old and thp young, the rich and the poor, the bond
and the free, have flocked together, to the feet of our
Lord Jesus Christ, and are adoring the riches of his
sovereign grace, in their deliverance from the black¬
ness of despair and interminable wo. We rejoice
that we have lived to see the day, predicted by the
holy Prophets, when the waste howling wilderness
and the solitary place where dwelt the lion, the rav-
•en, and the screaming owl, have become a fruitful
field, a blooming paradise, the habitation of the peace¬
ful lamb and innocent dove.
Dear Brethren: Under a deep sense of our ynwor-
thiness, permit us to say, that we hope and believe
the Lord has regarded our humble efforts, as instru¬
ments in bringing sinners unto God. We belive the
Old and New Testaments form one complete volume
of spiritual means; and that we are blessed, not for
the mere observance, but through the prayerful obser¬
vance of the truths therein contained, in particular,
the preaching of the gospel; "for it is the power of
God unto salvation to every one that belie veth." We
believe, therefore, that every saint especially should
be either directly or indirectly engaged, either in
their person or property, or both, in this most glori¬
ous God-honoring and soul-saving cause. From a
conviction of the foregoing truths, we have been, for
some years past, more and more awakened to a sense
of our privilege, and above all, our most bounden duty
to use the means which the Lord hath offered us, for
the diffusion of the eternal and soul-awakening truths
I
98
HISTORY OF THE
of the Great Jehovah. And now we ask, What hath
God wrought through the instrumentality of his peo¬
ple? Answer: He hath visited and built up the waste
places of his Zion, generally throughout these happy
United States, and his gospel is preached in the taw¬
ny and idolatrous nations of the East, to the sable in¬
habitants of Africa, and to the red and roving tribes
of the forest. A door of hope is thrown wide open
to the Heathen, and many have believed in the aton¬
ing blood of the everlasting covenant, and where rol¬
led along the lofty car of the great Juggernaut, there
Zion's cords are lengthening, her stakes are strength¬
ening, she is breaking forth on the right and on the left,
and the Lord, even our Lord, is in the midst of her;
she is the abode of his delight! We believe the soul
of one poor perishing Hindoo, or degraded African, or
wandering son of the forest, is infinitely more precious
in the sight of the suffering Son of God, than all the
shining dust of Peru, or the gold of Ophir.
Dear Brethren: Under such a pleasing prospect of
the growing empire of our Emanuel Jesus, we have
been encouraged to itinerate more, and to afford an¬
nually a small portion of our abundance, for the sup¬
port of Missions, Education, Bible and Tract Socie¬
ties, and for other religious and benevolent purposes.
We say we are the more encouraged, for while we
have been, we trust, thus prayerfully employed, the
Lord of hosts has been mustering the host of the battle
from the North and the South, the East and the West,
and many of our sons, and daughters, and servants,
have rallied to the gospel trumpet's joyful sound and
waving banner, and have become the willing subjects
of the Cross of Christ. The royal proclamation oi
salvation, through our Lord Jesus Christ, is spreading;
GEORGIA ASSOCIATION.
90
His word is prevailing—Bible, Tract, and other reli¬
gious Societies, are increasing; the Baptist Conven¬
tion is growing in importance; and the Columbian
College is sustained, all under His own unerring aus¬
pices; -"Not unto us, not unto us, but unto His name
be the glory!" We know that the Lord is able to
convert, raise up, and qualify men of opulence and
literature, to bear the glad tidings of salvation to the
ignorant and pagan nations of the world, that are per¬
ishing for the lack of spiritual knowledge, who would
not need a farthing from our coffers; but shall we
therefore say, He will do it, and so recline ourselves
on our splendid sofas, fold our arms together in calm
and quiet repose, not having one cent in the Lord's
treasury? No: rather let each individual, with soli¬
citude, seek some humble and self-denying way to
contribute to the erecting of the Cross of our blessed
Emanuel among every people; and so go up to his
help against the mighty, until the whole earth shall
be overflowed with his saving knowledge. If the gos¬
pel has not been preached to all the world, it is not the
fault of our Lord, who gave the command, but ours.
We shall not undertake to say (for we are not able,)
how much error and corrujation may have been mixed
with our labors, by the enemy of both God and man.
No doubt he has been at work; for we read in old
time, that "there was a day when the sons of God
came up to present themselves before the Lord, and
Satan came also among them to present himself be¬
fore the Lord." But we wait the general doom,
when the Judge of all the earth shall separate the
precious from the vile. And now we pray, "his
kingdom come and his will be done, on earth as it is
done in Heaven."
100 HISTORY OF THE
Dear Brethren: With gladness we received your
letters and minutes, borne by your messengers, whose
public and private labors, we trust have been blessed
to our mutual christian benefit in the Lord.
The preaching during the Association was ortho¬
dox and impressive, delivered to a large congregation,
in particular on the Lord's'Day, so that the meeting¬
house and the stand were both occupied, and the
word preached was received with apparent solemnity
and effect; and we hope was as good seed sown in
honest hearts.
Indulge us, brethren, once more, to mention the
Georgia Baptist Convention. We believe it to be an
institution of the Lord's, calculated to advance the
interest of his kingdom; we therefore, with the warm¬
est christian affection, solicit your co-operation, and
also a continuance of your correspondence with us.
And last of all, an interest in your most fervent pray¬
ers, that we may so act as shall be most for the glory
of God and the good of man. "He hath done great
thing for us whereof we are glad." See the State of
the Churches—Baptized 1761.
In October, 1S29, the Session was held at Sardis',
Wilkes county. Sermon, by the Rev. Jon. Davis,
from Acts 2: 42—And they continued steadfastly in
the Apostle's doctrine and fellowship. Officers of the
last year still continued. Four new Churches were
received at this time, viz.: Warrenton, Mineral.
Springs, Salem, Taliaferro, and Smyrna.
A desire of improvement, with respect to literature
and general information, seems to have been cherish¬
ed by the Association at this period of its history.
The Churches, or, at least, the private members, were
recommended to patronise several periodical publica->
GEORGIA ASSOCIATION.
101
tions, issued, by the Baptists in Philadelphia and else¬
where. "Temperance Societies,^besides Bible, Sing¬
ing, Lady's Working, and other benevolent institu¬
tions, were also encouraged. The Sholo Church,
with a noble liberality, had agreed to furnish means
for the board and education of one of her promising
gifts for the Ministry." We shall transcribe the 13th
article of the Minutes for that year: "The members
and friends of this body, for themselves and friends,
become obligated to raise 3000 dollars, (including one
share of $250, which had been subscribed by a ben¬
evolent Lady in Augusta,) in favor of the Columbian
College.
The spirit of improvement is still cherished in this
Association. There is now, within its bounds, a flour¬
ishing Literary Institution, under the patronage of the
Baptist Denomination in the State; and, it is confident¬
ly hoped, that the day is not very distant, in which
there will be a College also, within its bounds!
In the fall of 1830, the Session was held at Craw-
fordville, Taliaferro county. Introductory sermon,
by the Rev. Jabez P. Marshall, from Rev. 12: 46—
And the earth helped the woman. The officers of the
former Session were continued at this.
As the missionary spirit had now grown to a con¬
siderable height in several of the Churches, they
were active in devising ways and means, whereby
they might send the gospel to idolatrous lands. Some,
as they had not money to spare, in the promotion of
desirable objects, began to think of retrenchments up¬
on their expenditures. The result was, they soon
found that there were many things, for which they
were in the habit of. spending money, entirely useless.
We make here a short extract, to show the spirit by
I 2
102
HISTORY OP TffiJ'
which many were actuated, in order to help forward
a good cause: "Ordered the following postscript,
from the Mount Zion Church to be printed: The
Sisters of this Church have sent up the sum of twelve
dollars, to be especially applied to the support of one
native female at the school of Mrs. Wade, in Bur-
mah." "Agreed to print the following communica¬
tion to the Georgia Association: 'I have been a great
snuffer for years past; on sober reflection, I have quit
it entirely, and I send the amount, (three dollars,) to
aid the Missionary cause. If my brethren like the
example, they may go and do likewise.' "
At the preceding meeting, a committee had been
appointed to draft a Report upon the subject of li¬
censing and ordaining Preachers. That Report was
read, and is here laid before the reader:
"Adopted the following Report:
"The Committee to whom it was, at the last meet-"
ing of your body, referred, "to collect the scriptures,
and after exercising the best prudence and soundest
discretion upon such Scriptures, and afford the best
written advice to the next Association, in regard to
the manner of licensing and ordaining preachers,"
Report, That they (or a part of them) have had the
same under consideration; but are unable to find any
Scriptures in direct regard to licensing preachers: but
this they find, that the Holy Spirit operates a com¬
mon influence on all the members of the body of
Christ, affording such different gifts as are needful to
the good of the body, or for the work of the ministry,
according to his own will. Read Rom. 12. 3 6* 1
Cor. 12. 7 11; Eph. 4. / 13; 16. Hence, it also
appears to be the free and unalienable right of every
orderly male member of the church to exercise him-
GEORGIA ASSOCIATION.
103
self in the use of the gift, according to the measure of
faith, he may think, given him of the Lord, as the
commands of God admit. See 1 Cor. 14. 23—25. 31.
37. It further appears that the Church (the Pastor
and other approved speakers inclusive) is the proper
judge of her members, both with regard to their mo¬
rals and the usefulness of their gifts. See 1 Cor. 5.
12; 6. 2—5. No one, we think, can read the 12th of
Romans and the 12tli and 14th of 1 Corinthians, with¬
out being fully impressed with the belief, that the
church, as the body of Christ, has the responsible, yet
tender and faithful care of all her members, in regard
to the use and profitableness of their gifts. In con¬
nexion with these chapters, the Epistles sent, by the
Son of God, to the seven churches of Asia, especially
those to Ephesus, Pergamos and Thyatira, show the
churches to be responsible for all the mischiefs done
in them, by the toleration of pernicious doctrines, as
well as evil practices. So then, it must be the duty
of the churches to judge and forbear those whose gifts
they may deem unprofitable, and to stop those whose
gifts, in their judgments, are pernicious; and to en¬
courage and commend those whose gifts are approved
to be, to the use of edification,—which seems to have
been the practice of the Apostolic Churches, accord¬
ing to 2 Cor. 3. 1. and which may be called a License.
"Thus far, all lies under the department of the
churches. But as to ordination, which seems, not so
much, to regard speaking in word, or doctrine, as to
the external authority, and the testimonial of the ap¬
proved ability, of the ordamed preacher, to teach, de¬
fend and administer purely the whole gospel; and to
take the oversight and care of the Church of Grod,
read Titus 1. 9; 1 Tim. 3. 5; 1 Peter 5.2—4. This
104
HISTORY OF THE
seems rather to be under the care and superintend¬
ence of the Presbytery, or Eldership, or of Ministers
already in office. This appears from the fact, that
Timothy was ordained by the laying on of the hands
of the Presbytery, (of which Paul seems to have been
leader) after he was reported well of by the brethren
at Lystra (of which he was a member) - and of those
of Iconium, a neighboring church. See Acts 16. 1;
1 Tim. 4. 14; 2 Tim. 1. 6. There can be no good
reason assigned, why the Church at Lystra did not
set Timothy apart to the work of the ministry, before
Paul took him off, if it had been her province to have
done so, rather than the Presbytery. This example
1 also teaches us, that no one should be ordained to the
awfully responsible office of gospel minister, until he
is well reported by his own and the neighboring
churches, and has been taken under the care of some
approved minister, who, like Paul, might take the
lead in his ordination in the Presbytery. And furth¬
er: we cannot see why Paul and Barnabas should
have been called on, by the churches they visited on
their journey, to ordain their officers, if it had not
been their peculiar duty to have done so, as ministers.
See Acts 14. 23. But, the instructions sriven Timo-
7 O
thy and Titus in reference to this subject, show that
it is the duty of those already in the ministry, to look'
out and bring forward those, who may be found duly
qualified, to ordination. See 1 Tim. 3. 1—7- 2 Tim.
2. 2. Titus 1. 5 9. And at the same time, it is plain,
from the characteristics laid down, that it is to be done
with great care and godly respect to the soundness
and purity of the gospel ministry. See also 1 Tim.
5. 21. 22.
"From the Scriptures thus embodied, we offer the
GEORGIA ASSOCIATION.
105
following advice:—First. Let it be held, in all the
churches, as the sacred and unrestrained right of any
male member, of orderly deportment, to exercise
himself in the use of any gift, he may think given him
of the Lord, in exhortation or doctrine, for the edifica¬
tion and comfort of his hearers.
"Secondly. Let it be regarded as the bounden duty
of the churches, to have a godly care over such mem¬
bers, and to judge prudently and faithfully of the use¬
fulness of their exercises: And after a fair trial, if
any should appear unprofitable, to forbear them in
love; if any mischievous, to stop them; and if any
should be found useful in any degree, encourage them,
and when their profiting is manifest at home, commend
them to the neighboring churches and ministers.
" Thirdly. Let the ministers in the churches, espe¬
cially the Pastors, be careful to notice and encourage
such licentiates in the exercise of their gifts, and in
connexion with the churches, endeavor to prepare and
ripen them for ordination, So that their profiting may
appear to all, and that they are, in the office of Gospel
Ministers, workmen not to be ashamed,
The Association held its Annual Session, of Octo¬
ber, 1831, at Aberleen, Columbia county. The In¬
troductory Sermon was delivered by Rev. Mr. Mer¬
cer, from John 16: 7, 8, 9, and 10—Nevertheless I tell
you the truth, it is expedient for you that I go away,
&c. Mr. Mercer and Mr. Marshall were continued
as Moderator and Clerk.
The Churches at Elim, Hephzibah,. Friendship,.
Newhope, were admitted members of the Body, this
year. Shoulderbone was dismissed, to join the Wash¬
ington Association. The cause of Missions, as well
as that of Temperance, received the cordial support
106
HISTORY OF THE
i of the body. Upon each of these subjects, interesting
resolutions were adopted. The Association adjourn¬
ed, to meet at County-Line Church, Oglethorpe coun¬
ty, in October, 1S32.
At the Annual Meeting, in 1S32, the Introductory
Sermon was delivered by the Rev. Otis Smith, from
Isaiah 44: 20—lie feedeth on ashes: a deceived heart
hath turned him aside, that he cannot deliver his soul,
nor say, is there not a lie in my right hand!
Death had again entered the ranks of the Ministry
belonging to this Association. The Rev. Jabez P.
Marshall, who had been the Clerk for several years,
had been called to his account, during the association-
al year. In consequence of his death, Rev. Mr. San¬
ders was appointed to that office, whilst Mr. Mercer
was retained as Moderator.
Letters were received at this Session, from the Oc-
mulgee and the Flint River Associations, touching
certain matters of difficulty, existing between those
bodies and the Georgia Association. A letter also,
was received from some four Churches, which had
seceded from the Flint River Association, for alleged
grievances, growing out of usurpations on the part of
that body, unknown to the common usages of the De¬
nomination. Committees were appointed to act upon
the matters presented in these several letters, and re¬
ports made. These Reports are here given, as they
stand, in order, in. the Minutes:
"The Committee on the letter from the Ocmulgee
Association reported the following resolution:
"Resolved, That great tenderness and Christiai
forbearance be exercised by the Association whil(
she endeavors to convince her sister, the Ocmulo-ee
that she is in error.
GEORGIA ASSOCIATION.
107
"2. Resolved, That a committee be appointed to
prepare a letter embracing explanations upon the sub¬
ject of our grievances so far as a common letter will
allow, and that a delegation be appointed to bear it,
who shall be empowered to act for this body in the
settlement .of the difficulties between us. The report
was accepted and agreed to, and Br'n. Davis, Harris
and Thornton, appointed to write the letter; and that
Davis, Mercer, Roberts, Lumpkin, Thornton, Stocks
and Smith be the delegation to bear it."
"The Committee on the letter from the Flint River
Association made their report, embracing in it a reso-
lution to reconsider our last year's letter to the Flint
River Association, and to call to their aid the mes¬
sengers of that Association, with a view to acknowl¬
edge and expunge what might be shown to be offen¬
sive in it; but upon the affirmation of said messengers
that they were neither authorised nor prepared to
render any such aid, the report was recommitted to
said committee, with the addition of the Moderator
and J. Armstrong, to report, on Monday, a letter to
the said Association."
"The Committee, on the letters addressed to us by
certain Churches that had withdrawn from the Flint
River Association", reported as follows:
"Resolved, That although we sincerely sympathise
with those Churches in their difficulties, yet if it were
proper at any time to grant such a request, we deem
, it improper and inexpedient now, in consequence of
the differences which exist between this and the Flint
River Association. We would respectfully recom¬
mend to those Churches great meekness and forbear¬
ance on their part,'while we indulge the hope that
both their differences and ours, with the said Associ¬
ation, will yet be amicably adjusted."
108
HISTORY OF THE
Three Churches were dismissed at this session, to
join the "Washington Association, viz. r Mineral
Springs, Washington county; Richland, Greene; and
Bethel, Hancock county.
The Association met in October, 1833, at Reho-
both, Wilkes county. The Introductory Discourse
was delivered by the Rev. Juriah Harriss, from 2
Cor. 5: 20—Now then, we are Ambassadors for
Christ; as though God did beseech you by us, we fray
you, in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God. Mr.
Mercer and Mr. Sanders were continued as Modera¬
tor and Clerk. The Antioch Church, in Richmond
county, lately constituted, was received at this Ses¬
sion.
The difficulties already mentioned, as, existing be¬
tween this, and the Ocmulgee, and the Flint River
Associations, still remaining unsettled, and commit¬
tees having been appointed the year before, to unite
with like committees from those bodies, to labor for
the removal of said difficulties, the Reports here in¬
serted, will show how matters had progressed at this
time. The 15, 16, and 28 articles of the Minutes,
read thus:
"15. Called for the report of the last year's dele¬
gation to the Flint River Association, to settle the dif¬
ference between this body and said Association.—
Which report was made as follows:
"Eight of your Messengers attended said Associa¬
tion according to appointment, and were received by
the Association; and on the reading of out letter, we
were requested to make out in the most plain and spe¬
cific manner possible, all the complaints we had
agamst them—in compliance with said request, wc
presented our complaints in the following form:
CEOKGIA ASSOCIATION.
109
"I. We complain of a breach of orderly discipline
in your justifying a minority of the Church, compos¬
ing a part of your body, over the majority of said
"Church, before the case was examined into before the
'Churches, or before labor ,used to reconcile the par¬
ties. The dealing of the Association with Teman
Church, we present as a specification of this error, and
appeal to your Minutes.
"II. Our second complaint is against the Associa¬
tion for encouraging disorder and division in a Church
not of their body. Our specification of this complaint
is, the justifying the acts of the Sharon Committee,
who encouraged a minority of the Sharon Church'to
*et themselves up in opposition to the majority, and
represent themselves in the Association.
"III. Our third complaint is, your offering to re-
'ceive into your body, churches in disunion, and so
promoting a principle of disregard to fellowship and
union between the churches. Our specification of
"this complaint is, the tendering of admission to both
the minority and friajority of Sharon Church.
"IV. Our fourth complaint is, your receiving mem¬
bers into your Association by majority only, over the
head of the minority. This manifests disregard to
fellowship. Our specification of this complaint is, the
^receiving the minority of the Sharon Church, over the
head of a part of your body.
"V. Our fifth complaint is, of a departure from an
acknowledged principle of good order in all deliber¬
ative bodies, "that an original body cannot explain
the acts of its committee." Our specification is, the
-act of your body in attempting to explain the proceed¬
ings of your Sharon Committee. To which com¬
plaints our Messengers added the following affirma-
K
110
HISTORY OF THE
tions on behalf of our Association, viz.: "That therer
was no design on the part of our Association, to hurt
any Brother's feelings by any harsh expressions in
our last year's letter, but only to state our grievances
in plain terms; and that the Georgia Association had
no complaint of any shape whatever against the arti¬
cles of faith of the Flint River Association; but that
in these we most heartily agreed with them; and
moreover, that we had no connexion of any sort with
any of those churches that had separated from them."
"The complaints aforesaid were preferred for ad¬
justment to a committee of three, from said Associa¬
tion, to unite with as many of our delegation, and an
attendant member from the Sarepta Association,
which had expressed similar complaints to ours. The
following article was finally agreed upon by said com¬
mittee, which was united in by all our Messengers in
attendance, and also by said Association:
"The joint Committee, from the Georgia Delega¬
tion and the Flint River Association, to whom was
referred the difficulties between the said bodies, re¬
port:—That the cases of the Teman and Sharon
Churches have been under their serious, and they
hope prayerful consideration. The Flint River As¬
sociation, by their Committee, have made many ex¬
planations in justification of the course she has pursu¬
ed in relation to her unhappy difficulties, and yet be¬
lieves she pursued strictly the spirit of her Constitu¬
tion: the Georgia delegation Committee entertain a
different view of the cases, and think that the Flint
River Association ought to have pursued a different
course, but nevertheless are willing to admit that, un¬
der all the circumstances, she may have endeavored
to do the best she could; the Flint River Associatioi
Georgia Association.
Ill
confesses that she may have departed from the better
principles of discipline, and gone too far, and feels sor¬
ry that she has given cause of complaint to her sister
the Georgia Association: the delegation of the Geor¬
gia Association regret the hasty and unfavorable deci¬
sion which she made in relation to the acts of her sis¬
ter, from the view of her Minutes alone, and particu¬
larly that her expressions of complaint in her last
year's letter, which she has now withdrawn, had not
been in more mild and conciliatory terms.
The Committee therefore recommend mutual for¬
bearance and a continuance of that Christian commu¬
nication, that has heretofore existed between those
bodies.
B. M. SANDERS,
JACK LUMPKIN,
THOMAS STOCKS,
WILLIAM MOSELY,
J. S. CALLOWAY,
ELLAS BE ALL.
"On the said arrangement between your Messen¬
gers and said Association, you will observe, that in
compliance with the request of said Association, your
Messengers withdrew the letter sent by them contain¬
ing our complaints, and presented them in the form
stated above, in the most inoffensive terms of which
they were capable. You will also observe that, while
your Messengers differed widely, to the last, from the
•aid Association, in relation to the acts of her disci¬
pline complained of, yet from an acknowledgment on
her part, "that she may have departed from the better
principles of discipline, and gone too far, end feela
sorry that she has given cause of complaint to her sis¬
ter, the Georgia Association," that your Messengers
112
HISTORY OP THE
united with said Association in the propriety of mu?
tual forbearance, and a further continuance of our for¬
mer Christian communications. By the foregoing acT
Rnowledgments of said Association, corroborated by
her act recorded in the 16th article of her Minutes of
said Session, your Messengers were strongly encour-.
aged to hope, that all the grounds of our complaints,
would speedily be removed, but are extremely sorry
to add that, some of the acts of her Committee, ap¬
pointed in said 16th article, have very much disap¬
pointed our expectations, and that should they be
sanctioned by said Association, we fear that a profita¬
ble continuance of further Christian intercourse will
be altogether hopeless, as it will evince a continuance
of entire disregard of those principles of discipline, for -
which we have been so long contending, and which-
we hold most sacred.
"Resolved, that said Report be laid over for consid-.
eration until Monday.
"16th. Called for the report of the delegation to the .
Ocmulgee Association which was made by a minority
of said delegation, as follows;
"The joint Committee to whom was referred the.
matter of difference existing between the Ocmulgee-
and Georgia Associations, after the most minute in-,
restigation of the whole subject, Report—
"That they have been so happy as to agree perfect¬
ly in their recollection of some of the minor subjects,
of consideration and difference; yet, in the exercise
of that Christian charity which hopeth all things, they
have agreed not to suffer those points on Mfhich they
do not fully agree, to be a hindrance to their commu-.
nion and christian fellowship. They also, in the spi¬
rit of mutual concession^ agreed to the follo wing gen,-
GEORGIA ASSOCIATION.
113
«ral particulars: The Ocmulgee Association admits,
on a retrospect of those troublous times which gave
rise to the difficulty now under consideration that her
proceedings were informal or defective, when com¬
pared with the strict letter of her decorum, and that
the usage of Baptist Associations, in ordinary cases,
may have been departed from. Yet, she entirely dis¬
avows any intention in those proceedings, to lay a
precedent for ordinary cases, or to claim a right to
interfere with the internal concerns of the churches,
or lord it over God's heritage.
The Georgia Association, by her delegation, ad¬
mits, that the explanation made by her sister, the Oc¬
mulgee, has greatly lessened the difficulty^ which^
seemed once to exist; they are also frank to admit,
that the extreme peculiarities of the case, which her
sister had to adjust, greatly lessen the charge of blame,
and that she believes it was never designed by her
sister to depart from the spirit of her constitution or
decorum, and if there are any apparent departures
from the spirit or letter of her constitution or decor¬
um, it was her province to determine what course she
should pursue, seeing the case was one which she
was most interested in, and best acquainted with.
Upon the foregoingpremises, we the delegates from
the aforesaid bodies, have come to an amicable adjust¬
ment of all the difficulties between us.
Signed, Sept. 8, 1833.,
JAMES HENDERSON, )
OB AD I AH ECHOLS, } Ocmulgee Com..
JASON GRIER, )
JACK LUMPKIN, )
JONATHAN DAVIS, > Georgia Com.
V. R. THORNTON, )
K. 2
iu
HISTORY OF THti
"Monday morning; met according to adjournment^'
prayer by brother Magee.
"28th. Took up the report of the Messengers to
the Ocmulgee Association, upon which it was resolv¬
ed, That although said arrangement was made by a
minority of the delegation, to whom it was confided,
and although it contains expressions, which may be
construed into sentiments, with which we can by no
means concur, yet, with the explanations made by
said delegates, before this body, and appreciating as
we do, their motives and opinions, we agree to adopt
said arrangement. Resolved, furthermore, that said
arrangement is not considered as having- reference to
any other acts of said Association, except those arising
from the case of the Bethlehem Church.
"Whereas, there are serious differences still existing
in the minds of many of the members of this body, in
relation to several acts of discipline as well as senti¬
ments expressed on that subject, in the Minutes of
the three last Sessions of the Ocmulgee Association,
which matters are entirely untouched in the late ar¬
rangement with that body, made by a minority of our
delegation;—Resolved, That we discontinue our cor¬
respondence with said Association, for the present
year, and appoint a committee to take into consider¬
ation the said several acts and sentiments, and present
their views of the same m a digested and matured
form, to the, next meeting of this body; and that the
brethren INlercer, JVIallary, Sherwood, Sanders, and
A. Janes, be that committee."
The Annual Session of 1S34, was held, with the
Church, at White Plains, Greene county. Rev. V.
R. Thornton delivered the Introductory Sermon,
from 1 Cor. 15: 5S —Therefore, my beloved brethren,
GEORGIA ASSOCIATION.
be ye steadfast, immoveable, ahcays abounding in the'
work of the hord; forasmuch as ye know that your
labor is not in vain in the Lord. The same officers
were continued from the last Session.
The unhappy difficulties mentioned in the account
of the two preceding- years, were found'still to exist.
The reports of committees, appointed to labor in these
cases, will show the aspect these matters wore at this
particular juncture:
"Called for the report of the Committee on the Oc-
lnulgee Association, which was read and adopted as
follows:
"The Committee appointed to notice several senti¬
ments, and acts found recorded in the Minutes of the
three last meetings of the Ocmulgee Association, pre¬
sent the following report:
"I. Your Committee have had said Minutes under
their consideration, and are sorry to say, that they
find the principle directly asserted, maintained, and
enforced, that letters of dismission from a church by
a bare majority are valid, and may fully remove the
membership of the persons holding them, to a?iy
church that will receive them. For proof, we refer
vou to page 4th, of the Minutes of 1831 of said As¬
sociation, 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 lSS^, they are as¬
serted to be the members of New Salem Church, and
that they were so "upon the validity of their letters,"
viz., given by majority. Now, wre 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
116
HISTORY OP 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 op¬
posing, and those receiving such letters, into whatev¬
er church the removing member may please to select,
and at whatever distance, and so precludes any reas¬
onable hope of final adjustment. 3. If such a princi¬
ple be once countenanced, it will present a temptation
to be frequently acted upon, and so l&y the foundation
for the destruction of the harmony of the whole de¬
nomination. 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
practice, as directly overturning one ef the principles
of the discipline that has ever been heretofore held
most sacred by the Baptist churches.
"II. In the second place, we would remark, that
exceptionable as the principle itself is, we consider
the impropriety aggravated in the case under consid¬
eration, by the accompanying admission by said As¬
sociation, to be found in Minutes of 1S31, pa^e 4th,
that "no Baptist church can regularly, according to
gospel order, dismiss a member, unless there is una¬
nimity in the church, granting the letter." Now, if
this admission is not intended to be altogether denied,
and set aside, by the Minute of 1833, it can mean no¬
thing else but that a member, regardless of gospel or¬
der, may be dismissed from one church and become
a member of another church, or be a member of two
churches at the same time. If a member may be va¬
lidly 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
GEORGIA ASSOCIATION.. 1<17
rule, such an act must by it, be unlawful, and so
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 declar¬
ed to hold those members upon the validity of the
aforesaid letters, and that Eatonton Church "pretend¬
ed 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 Ea-.
tonton Church,) on this point particularly." We can¬
not conceive what could be the propriety of New Sa¬
lem in dropping such a charge and not sustaining the
character and credit of those persons, if they receive
her members.. 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 the 3d place, that the said As¬
sociation, on 16th page of her Minutes of 1S33, denies
the right of a church to judge of the spirit of a mem¬
ber returning to seek fellowship; and the assumption
of this as a right, is there laid down as one cause of
her withdrawal from the Eatonton Church. We can¬
not conceive how fellowship can be maintained in a
church without regard to the spirit as well as matter
of an acknowledgment. We can see no other alter-,
native, 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 Associ-.
»tion means by the churches giving up their keys to.
lis
History of the
the Association, as is alleged in Sth 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 duties
of a church are all enjoined by divine authority, and
for their fulfilment depend upon the uncontrolled ex¬
ercise of her entire rights, to barter them away would
be to violate a divine trust; and any body, in assum¬
ing them, would usurp a prerogative held by divine
sanction. We conceive a church has no more discre¬
tion in yielding her rights of discipline than she has
to change the ordinances instituted by her living
Head. Against the above mentioned innovations up^
on the discipline of the churches, established by the
great Head of the church, and long revered and prac¬
tised by his followers, we would recommend the fore¬
going objections to be addressed to said Association
in solemn remonstrance—and, as we do not consider
associational correspondence to involve the fellowship
of the churches, or of individual members, we recom¬
mend as heretofore, an interchange of our-correspon¬
dence with the Ocmulgee Association—hoping that
she may yet discover and abandon her departures
from scriptural rules and wholesome gospel order.*
* Extracts from the Minutes of the Ocmulgee Association
of 1831.
"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 oqr two sister churches
of Salem and Eatonton, and a review and comparison of the
facts and feelings in the case—have, as they hope, with feel¬
ings of Christian love and affection, agreed to give the fol¬
lowing advice to her sister churches;
"1st. .We recommend to Eatonton Church, such a modifi-
GEORGIA ASSOCIATION.
119
"19* Called for the report of the committee on th®
Flint River case, which was read and adopted a*
follows:
"Your Committee having taken into consideration
the proclamation to the Baptist Denomination in the
United States, made by the Flint River Association
at her last session, regret to find it to contain a de¬
nunciation of several Baptist Churches and their Min¬
isters by name, and that for no other alleged cause,
than their having seceded from an associational union
with her body, and refusing to re-unite with them.
We no where find in the Bible any command for As¬
sociations, nor rules for their formation or dissolution.
cation 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 expressions, "discountenanced and
put 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
lo drop the charges on this point particularly, and all the rest
of the charges; and the brethren who have joined New Sa¬
lem under the letter, obtained by only a majority of Eatonton
Church, to return to E. Church, and in the spirit of the gos¬
pel, 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
Eatonton Church to restore them to fellowship; and then, if
they wish, to let tbem 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 from 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 she required more of some of those members,
who returned to her in accordance with the recommendation
of the committee, than is contained in that advice.
120
HISTORY OP THE
They have, therefore, been considered by us as crea1
tures of the Churches, founded merely on the general
principles of expediency, formed by them at their
pleasure, and dissolved at their pleasure, and never
Intended to be clothed with any authority to Lord it
over God'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¬
tion, or entitle the names of its Ministers to be held
up to public odium—their characters assaulted, and
their usefulness trammeled, by attempting to excite
the prejudice of the community against them. The
regret of your Committee is hot a little increased by
"22d. Appointed a Committee to labor with Eatonlon
Church, and endeavor to remove the difficulty between her
and this body.
Extracts from the Minutes of 1833.
"J3e it Resolved, That this body withdraw her connexion
in terms of the constitution, from the 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 Minutes of
the Association of the same date.
"It is conceded, that a church detached from an Associa¬
tion, might plead the sovereignty and independence here
claimed by the minority." * * * "But that a church at¬
tached to an Association upon the principles of our constitu¬
tion, can claim sovereignty and independence 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 kej?s into the
hands of the Association."
Extract from Circular of 1833.
"They," (i. e. Richardson, Hill, &c.) "are to return", (to
Eatonton) "then as the members of New Salem, as required
in terms of the advice," &c.
"The committee justified the ground of New Salem by ad*
knitting those (Richardson, Hill) &c.) to be her members."
GEORGIA ASSOCIATION.
121
fyhe consideration, that the said Churches were urged
to a re-union with said Association, over the head of
the very difficulties that constituted the two first items
of your complaint against said Association, in your
labors with them two years ago. We are not only
led to regret that the principles with which we were
then, and are still, affected, are maintained by said
Association; but our grief is not -a little increased by
the apparent disposition in our sister Association, to
sport with our feelings, by adopting such a course
immediately after acknowledging, in relation to these
, very matters, that she might have departed from the
better pi'inciples 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 friendly letter to be addressed to said Association,
expressive of the feelings of the Georgia Association
<®n this subject, and requesting 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.*
* Extract from the Minutes of the Flint River Association
of 1833.
advice given to the seceding churches.
ARTICLE 12.
Sec. 1. To the McDonough Church, that they go to Rd-
inah, formerly the McDonough Church, and acknowledge
'their error in seceding from the Association, rescind the char¬
ges contained in the McDonough reasons against the com¬
mittee and the Association, and endeavor to gain fellowship
with said Church, which is a component member of the Flint
River Association, and on their thus acting, and giving full
satisfaction, we advise Ramah Church to receive them.
Sec. 2. As to the Sharon, we conceive that her communi-
•eation does not so much as amount to a wish to be in union,
rather an indignity; we, therefore, withhold any advice
132
history of the
The Association met, October, 1S35, in the city of
Augusta. In consequence of the absence of Rev. Mr.
Mathews, principal, and the Rev. Mr. Grunn, the al¬
ternate, Rev. Jesse M. Davis delivered the Introduc¬
tory Discourse, from Luke 24: 46, 47—And he said
unto them, thus it is written, Sfc. Mr. Mercer was
continued the Moderator, and W. H. Stokes was ap¬
pointed Clerk. The Church at New Providence, in
Warren county, lately constituted, was received into
the connexion at this Session.
Satisfactory evidence being before the body, that
the Associations above named, with which a course of
labors had been going on for some time, had not tak¬
en these labors in good part, and that they had refus¬
ed to keep up a farther correspondence, a committee
was appointed to look into the case, and to report
during the session. Here follows the Report of that
Committee:
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, that it was a matter of faith
and not of discipline; we, therefore, give to them the follow¬
ing- advice, viz.: Return to the Association, acknowledge
your error in seceding, rescind the charges in McDonough
reasons, and the faith published at Sharon, and hold to origi¬
nal principles and practice.
* * * * %
J. S. Callaway, W. Mosely, JV3. 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 com¬
mittee, in pursuance, called for letters and delegates from the
above named churches, but none came forward.
Resolved, That whereas this Association had indulged a
GEORGIA ASSOCIATION.
123
"'The Committee to whom was referred the case
of those Associations that have ceased to correspond
with us, beg leave to submit the following Report, to
be inserted in the Minutes, viz.:
"Whereas, the Brethren sent from this Body as
Messengers to the Ocmulgee Association, have re¬
ported that said Association asserted, that her reasons
for rejecting our correspondence, were, First, because
we had §tated in our Minutes, that we "did not con¬
sider Associational Correspondence to involve the fel¬
lowship of the Churches, or of individual members;"
and, Secondly, because we correspond with the Cen¬
tral Association. To the first, we would reply, that,
in Associational Correspondence we do not corres¬
pond with single Churches, nor members of Church¬
es; and, whatever may be the impropriety of any
Church or Church member, until said Association, by
hope from the happy and mutual adjustment of all her diffi¬
culties with her sister Associations, embracing the whole
subject matter arising out of the secession of several church¬
es 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 contrary to the hope and wish of the Association, a deter¬
mination has been manifested by the seceding churches, to
maintain the grounds of their separation, and remain a distinct
and separate 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 fr«m us, because they were not of us, or they, no doubt,
would have continued with us.
N. B.—There are in the above named churche3 several
ministers, whose names are the following, viz.: B. H. Wil¬
son, J. Travis, J. H. Campbell, W. A. Callaway, Wm. Byers,
Wm. Presley and John Reaves, who was a menaber at the
time of their wjthdrawrnent}
124
HrSTORY OF THE
some act of hers, takes the responsibility of it upo»
herself, she is not answerable for it.
"But, if even the Association herself, were guilty of
some impropriety, whereby christian fellowship might
be broken, it would be far more in accordance with
the spirit of the Gospel, to labor with her by Chris¬
tian correspondence, in order to correct her error, than
to break off abruptly, as the Ocmulgee Association
has done, without even sending us a notice of the
cause of their offence. "We invite the Christian com¬
munity to read the 18th of Matthew and the 6th of
Gallatians, and then to judge whose principles and
practice are most in accordance with the spirit of the
Gospel.
"2dly. With regard to our impropriety in corres¬
ponding with the Central Association, neither the Oc¬
mulgee, nor any other sister Association, has attempt¬
ed to point out to us one solitary reason, sustained by
any evidence, that the act was wrong. And what to
our minds renders the conduct of the Ocmulgee As¬
sociation the more strange and unreasonable is, that
we had sent to her, in respectful terms, a statement of
serious difficulties in our mind, arising from her usur¬
pation of the rights of Churches, which she deigned
to answer, only by an abrupt rejection of our corres¬
pondence.
"At our last session, we sent a letter to the Flint
River Association, containing complaints of the same
character with those against the Ocmulgee, whick
letter, we learn, was received by that body, and the
complaints treated in precisely the same manner as
by the Ocmulgee.
"We have learned also, by authentic information,,
strengthened by the absence of their Letter and Me*-*
GEORGIA ASSOCIATION.
125
scngers, that the Yellow River Association has de¬
clined farther correspondence, giving a practical de¬
monstration of the doctrine, that the first breach of
fellowship, should cut off all further correspondence.
Resolved therefore, that instead of imitating the un¬
christian spirit of such a course of conduct, we treat
all the members of said Associations with Christian
respect, and with meekness endeavor to convince
them of (the error of their course. Resolved also,
that their Ministers be invited most cordially, to visit
us and to preach in our Churches."
Highly interesting resolutions were passed at this
meeting, upon the subject of Education and other
matters. We have only room for those upon the ex¬
citing question of Northern Abolition, and upon the
subject of a Southern Baptist College.
"ON ABOLITION.
"Your Committee, while on this subject, beg leave
to submit for the consideration of this body, a few
other resolutions, viz.:
"1. Resolved, That we understand the Scriptures
fully to recognize the relation of Christian master and
Christian servant, without the shadow of censure on
the existence of such a relation; but that they give
full directions how each party should fulfil the duties
of such a relation.
"2. Resolved, That we consider all attempts, un¬
der the cloak of religion, to disturb the quiet existence
of such a relation, to be fanatical, and unauthorised
by the Holy Scriptures, and that in a civil point of
view, the authors of such conduct are officious inter-
meddlers with the lawful rights of others, and guilty
of a degree of criminality worthy of the; serious atten¬
tion of the civil authorities.
it 2
126
HISTORY ■ OP THE:
"3. Resolved, That we believe that the eouri<?
adopted by some of our brethren at the North, in re¬
lation to this subject, is well calculated to break off
all intercourse, both of a civil and religious nature,
between the North and the South, which event we
look to with serious regret, and which unhappy re¬
sult we believe can be avoided only by the timely
and efficient interferance of the Northern people
themselves."
SOUTHERN BAPTIST COLLEGE.
"The Committee to whom was referred the subject
of a Southern Baptist College, to be located at Wash¬
ington, "Wilkes county, beg leave to report the fol¬
lowing Resolutions:
"Resolved 1st., That we are of opinion that the
general interests of science and religion, and the pe¬
culiar wants of our denomination require the estab¬
lishment of such an institution, and that we approve
of the location above designated.
Resolved 2dly., That the Association, in accord¬
ance with the request of the Washington Church, ap¬
point a meeting previous to its adjournment, for the
purpose of taking up a subscription in aid of the pro¬
posed Institution.
Resolved 3dly., That the Executive Committee of
the Georgia Baptist State Convention be requested
to take the subject into consideration, and adopt such
preparatory measures as they may deem expedient
to aid in the establishment of the proposed Seminary
of Learning.
u Resolved 4thly., That we do not consider it expe¬
dient to commence the operations of the Institution,
until the sum of One Hundred and Fifty Thousand
Dollars shall have been subscribed."
(GEORGIA ASSOCIATION.
127
PART II.
Queries inopouuded and answered * §v.
We find the following Queries and Answers upon
an old sheet of paper, which appears to be a part of
' the Minutes of some of the first Sessions of the As¬
sociation ; but as this document has no date, we are
unable to say positively, in what year these Minutes
were taken;—probably as far back as 17S5-6. But
for the queries :
(Taken from the past year.) " 1. Were the twelve
disciples, mentioned in the 19th chapter of the Acts,
re-baptized or not V'
" Arts.—We believe they were baptized again, not
because John's baptism was not Christian Baptism,
but because, we conceive John did not baptise them,
and that their former baptism was disorderly."
2. " When the distance and situation of the mem-,
bers of a church make it necessary to carry on discip¬
line in two or more places, ought not they to be so
many distinct churches V
" Ans.—We think they ought, and recommend
constitution in such cases."
3. "Can a Minister properly have the Pastoral care
®f more churches than one? Ans.—We think he
may occasionally officiate, as far as he has opportuni¬
ty, at the call of any church."
4. " Quere.—Whether an orderly member of a
Jiaptist church, who has lived in fellowship, and
preached the Gospel ten years, ought not to be or¬
dained or silenced 1 Ans.—The churches have the
power to silence any person whose gift they think not
for edification, and a Presbytery of Ministers have
authority to ordain any whom they think qualified."
* Only the most important ones, however.
12 8
history op the
5. " By a Methodist.—" Is it principally held and
preached among you, that God damns infants ? Ans.
.It is not!!"
The Queries and Answers that here follow, are
found in the Minutes of 1788, viz.
1. " Q,uere from Fishing Creek, viz. WTiat state
of perfection is attainable in this life! Or, What .is
Gospel perfection % Ans.—We conceive it is for per¬
sons already justified through the righteousness of
Christ imputed, and having Christ formed in their
hearts to exercise themselves to have a conscience void
of offence towards God and, towards vien."
2. " Quere from Hebron. Is that part of Scrip¬
ture contained in James v. 14, 15, 16. a rule of duty
to christians in these latter days? Ans.—About two
years ago we answered a Quere of the same import
with this, in the affirmative, and we see no reason to
recede from our former opinion."
3. "Quere. What are the reasons why the Bap¬
tists will not hold communion with churches of other
denominations?- Ans.—1. Because all churches who
make the Lord's Supper the badge of communion,
suppose Baptism ought regularly to precede it. The
primitive practice corresponds therewith. And as
we conceive Infant Baptism to be null, becaiise un-
scriptural, we would as soon commune with persons
professedly unbaptised as with those baptized only in
infancy. 2. No churches of other denominations
contiguous to us are strictly congregational; and the
manner in which their members are admitted, and
their discipline exercised, is so lax and unscriptural,
that were we to commune with them, our own excom¬
municated members might meet us at their tables, to
the subversion of all order and discipline. 3. The
GEORGIA ASSOCIATION,
129
sentiments of some churches with respect to the ne¬
cessity of human literature, would nullify the ordi¬
nation of most of our Ministers ; and the practice of
others in confining' their ^ Preachers to a sameness of
doctrines, would exclude our Ministers their pulpits ;
so that only the shadow of communion would remain
in such cases.-"
4. " Q,uere from Greenwood. Is the phrase Bap¬
tized tvith the Holy Ghost applicable to all christians,
or does it respect miraculous gifts only? Ans.—fWe
suppose it is not used in reference to the converting-
and sanctifying influences, but to the extraordinary
operations of the Spirit."
The Queries and Answers that here follow, are
found in the Minutes of 1795, viz.
1. " What number of members is sufficient for the
constitution of a church 1 Ans.—Any number con¬
taining the several officers of a church, and sufficient
to carry on discipline according to the 18th of Mat¬
thew."
2. " In what situation are those members to be, in
' order to their constitution 1 Ans.—They shall be so
situated as not to be within the bounds of another
church, except by mutual consent."
3. " By whom are they to be constituted] Ans.—
By at least one regularly ordained Minister, and oth¬
er able helps from churches in good standing."
Found in the Minutes of 1797 :
1. " Q,uere from the Northfort creek, viz. Is a
private member of a Baptist church obliged to pass
a Presbyterian or a Methodist congregation, and go
several miles further to attend his own stated meet¬
ings, when he has filled his seat the day before in
conference; or may he turn in and worship with them,
130
HISTORY OF THE
without being reprehensible to his own Society ?
Ans.—We think it necessary for all the members of a
Baptist church, to pay a special attention to their
own meetings; yet, not so as thereby they may not
go and worship, at times, with other denominations."
Found in the Minutes of 1798 :
1. " Quere from Powel's Creek, viz. What would
the Association recommend a church to do which has
ordained a Deacon whose wife is not a church-mem¬
ber ? After some debate the following answer was
proposed and adopted, that is to say, As the answer
given to the Quere from Nail's creek church last year,
was expressive only of our opinion, it is not to be
considered obligatory, we, therefore, recommend to
the churches to act as they may think proper in such
cases.
2. A Quere was taken up, from the Rocky Spring
church, to wit : Does the word of God require that
professors of religion keep up public worship in their
families 1 Which was answered in the affirmative.
3. "A brother present proposed the following
Quere, to wit: What shall be done with those pro¬
fessors who do not hold worship in their families 1
Which was thus answTered : It is our opinion that
the churches to whom such professors belong, first,
admonish, exhort and reprove them, but if they will
not be reclaimed, then deal with them as neglecters
of known duty.
Found in the Minutes of 1799 :
1. " A Quere from the Clark's Station church.
What method should Ministers and Churches fall up¬
on, to answer the valuable end of a revival of Reli¬
gion ? Ans.—We think this Quere, so extensive in
its nature and construction, that a full answer cannot
GEORGIA ASSOCIATION.
131
Well be given here ; but recommend, that our Church-
,-es be found much in fasting, prayer, and a faithful
execution of discipline: that our Ministers make
reciprocal visits, not only in a common, but quarter¬
ly meeting capacity ; that the members of the seve¬
ral Churches, as opportunity may permit, convene,
for a mutual exchange of Religious exercises; and
in an especial manner, that prayer-meetings be pro¬
moted and kept up."
Found in the Minutes of 1800 :
1. "A Q,uere from the Table was taken up and in¬
vestigated, to wit: Is it lawful for a Minister of
the Gospel to frequent Mason Lodges'? Ans.—We
think it inconsistent both with the Word of God
and the Christian Character, therefore all such are
hereby admonished to withdraw from such Company;
or besubjectto Gospel Discipline, as offenders of their
brethren, whose duty it is to call them to an account
for their conduct."
Found in the Minutes of 1801 :
1. " A Q,uere from Clark's Station was taken up,
to wit: In what manner shall a Minister of the Gos¬
pel be taken under dealing1? Ans.—We think it
should be done according to 1 Tim. 5. 19th. Before
two or three zvitnesses.
Found in the Minutes of 1804 :
1. " The following Quere was laid before the As¬
sociation by the Bethel church in Hancock county,
to wit: Is it consistent with Divine Writ, for a mem¬
ber of the church, whose wife has taken up with ano¬
ther man, to marry again, after obtaining a bill of di¬
vorcement ? After deliberately weighing the subject
in the balance of the sanctuary, and taking into view
the probable consequences attending such suffrage, it
was answered pretty unanimously in the negative."
132
HISTORY OF TUB
Found in the Minutes of 1805 : .
1. " Quere.—Is it consistent with good order to
grant letters of dismission to members, whose dissat¬
isfaction with the church is the cause of the applica¬
tion 1 Ans.—We are of opinion, that when such dis¬
satisfaction goes to .affect the union of the churches, it
would be highly improper; but when the uneasiness
does not respect christian fellowship, we think the
Church is not a Prison, nor should membership de¬
prive its subject of any privilege, or possible tempo¬
rary happiness."
Found in the Minutes of 1S07 :
" Two Queries were read from the Table and taken
up in order : 1. Should a person be, at his request,
re-baptized, who declares his baptism to have been
received in unbelief, though in all other respects or¬
derly] Ans.—No : except the evidence, that it was
so, be most certain and clear. ♦
2. " Shall a Deacon be dismissed in his office, and
shall his ordination be valid in the church where he
may be received should they see proper to call him to
the office1? Ans.—In the affirmative."
Found in the Minutes of 1808 :
1. " A Quere was taken up from Wliatley's Mill,
to wit: Should a brother be continued in fellowship,
who, though able, will not assist in supporting the
Gospel 1 Ans.—We are of opinion where the ability
is obvious on the one hand, and the unwillingness posi¬
tive on the other, and the brother cannot be brought to
his duty by proper means, he ought to be excluded."
Found in the Minutes of 1809 :
1. " Quere, from Williams' creek. Is it consis¬
tent with Gospel Discipline, to retain members in the
church who have lived together as man and wife foi
GEORGIA ASSOCIATION.
133
e. considerable time, then parting without any con¬
straint, and taking others in the lifetime of the former:
they being slaves ? Ans.—No."
Found in the Minutes of 1S10 :
" Took up the Queries from the Churches : 1.
From Fishing Creek, Wilkes : Shall any person be
received into our communion on a baptism received
from a Methodist or Pcedo-baptist minister ?• And if
not, what shall be done with those who may have
been received on such baptism 1 Ans.-—In the ne¬
gative ; and recommend that such as have beei? re¬
ceived on such baptism be re-baptized.
2. " From Freeman's creek: When a number of
charges are received by the Church against a mem-
. ber, and he is excluded on the first, shall all those
charges be entered on his bill of faults, or that only
for which he was excluded? Aks.—We think that
no person should be excluded on "one charge, when
there are others against him, and that all or any part
of them should be given him on application."
Found in the Minutes of 1811 :
"Took up the Query referred from the last Session
to this, to wit: Is not the common form of Letters
of Dismission (which suspends the dismission till
they are given up to some other church) at variance
with, and contradictory to the record made on the
church-book at the time of granting- them, and the re¬
turn made to the Association before it is known that
they are given, up to any other church? Ans.—^Affir¬
matively^ and recommend to the churches to make
their dismissions accord with the church and associa-
tional proceedings had on them.
Found in the Minutes of 1812:
Took up, «&d answered the query referred from
M
134
HISTORY OF THE
our last, to-wit: "Does tins Association tliink it en¬
tirely proper to receive and baptize persons, on tlieir
application, at private meetings, at this advanced, state
of Christianity?'Arts.—We think it would be im¬
proper for any part of the church, except when au¬
thorized for that purpose, to receive any one to mem¬
bership, or to encourage any application for baptism,
but to the church in conference; yet, if any should be
led by inward impression to desire it, at any other
time or place, and under sucli circumstances as make
it necessary, in the view of those present, we are of
opinion it should be granted.
Found in the Minutes of 1813 :
"Investigated the query from the Newford church,
to wit: what is to be done in a case of difficulty or
contradiction among brethren, where there is no evi¬
dence'on either side to establish facts 1 Answer thus:
We advise a close attention to all the circumstances of
the case, in order to obtain light which may direct to
a satisfactory issue; but if none can be obtained, let
the church advise the parties to a mutual and chris¬
tian forbearance with each other—but if they will not
be reconciled, let the obstinate be excluded, retaining
the forbearant."
Found in the Minutes of 1S14 :
" A query was read and taken up, from the church
at Ebenezar, to-wit: Is it consistent with Gospel or¬
der for a member of our church to teach music on
the Sabbath for money, or for other members to en¬
courage him by sending their children? Answer:
Be it consistent or inconsistent, we think it not neces¬
sary, not expedient, and therefore advise against it."
Found in the Minutes of 1819 :
" Took up the following query, from the church at
iGrfcO'RGIA ASSOCIATION.
135
Mount Olives, viz: "What way sliall we receive
■members of colour into our churches, who have been
hurried off from their native land, without letters of
dismission 1" Answer: We would recommend to
the churches, to be careful to procure suitable letters
of dismission, or recommendation, from the churches
where such members formerly belonged, (if in exis¬
tence) otherwise the most satisfactory testimonials
that can be had, relative to the respectable standing
of the applicant, should be required."
Found in the Minutes of 1S20:
"Query found on the table, "Is the restoration of
an excluded minister to membership, considered re¬
storation to his office V' Investigated and answeredin
the negative."
■"■Should a minister be excluded, and restored to
membership; what way should the church do, to re-
* store him to his ministerial office 1 Answer: Let the
church call an able committee of ministers, and other
brethren of understanding, to whom the question shall
be referred."
Found in the Minutes of 1821:
" Considered the query from ISethesda: 'Is a church
in good standing in our connexion, which has no pas¬
tor, and has used no prompt and proper means to ob¬
tain one?' Answered in the negative."
Found in the Minutes of 1822:
"Considered the query from Centre: "Whatis the
duty of a church towards persons living in its vicinity,
who hold letters of dismission from other churches,
and yet neglect to unite with any church, until it be¬
comes burdensome to the .Lord's people ? Answer¬
ed thus:' In our opinion, it should first be ascertained
that the party complained of, be actually delinquent
136
HISTORY OF THE
in the manner specified; and then, that the church
under whose eye the offending member lives, should
be authorized to deal with him in the same way as
with its own acknowledged members. To meet the
design of this answer, we recommend that all letters
of dismission should certify that the bearer is consid¬
ered as being under the care, and answerable to the
authority of any Baptist church in connexion with us,
wherever he may reside or sojourn."
Found in the Minutes of 1823:
" Took up the query from the Springfield church:
' What shall be done with a man and his wife, who are
in the church, living asunder, and yet no lawful rea¬
sons why they should do so?' To meet this query,
tlje Association appointed the brethren Sherwood and
Davis, to attend with the messengers of that church,
and give such advice as is wanting.
" Considei ed the query from the Iviokee: ' Is it con¬
sistent with the Scripture account of washing the
saints' feet, to consider it a church ordinance, and at¬
tend to it immediately after the celebration of the
Lord's Supper?' Answer: We are of opinion it is
not to be regarded as an ordinance or to be observed
in connexion with the Lord's Supper, but to be per¬
formed socially among brethren, as may be orderjy,
and convenient."
Found in the Minutes of 1824:
" Should a person on profession of his faith, receive
baptism by immersion at the hands of a minister who
is of the same faith, but of another and Arminian de¬
nomination, on el change of sentiments and a desire to
come into union with a regular Baptist church, be re¬
quired to submit to the ordinance again 1 Answer i»
the affirmative."
ASSOCIAION. 137
Minutes of 1827:
" Considered the query from the Bethesda, viz:—
1 Shall corresponding brethren, sent by order of con¬
ference to visit a sister church, at their instance have
a vote in the conference, to which they are sent] if
yea, say how.' Answer: We consider they have no
right."
Found in the Minutes of 1828:
"Considered the following query, viz: From the
Damascus church, ' Is it lawful for a brother in the
church, to marry his brother's widow, when she has
issue, and in the church 1" Answered, it is lawful."
Found in the Minutes of 1829 :
" Took up the following query found on the table :.
Should a church receive into fellowship, or dismiss
by letter, any member, over the head of any opposing
member, or members, provided they have a reasona¬
ble objection, or fellowship be wanting? Answered
in the negative, unanimously."
Found in the Minutes of 1830 :
" Considered the following query: Is it good order
in this our day, for a Baptist minister to baptize with-
out|the consent of the church, and give a letter to
join any gospel church? Answer: It may be law¬
ful but seldom expedient."
Found in the Minutes of 1831:
"Is it consistent with gospel order for one church
to take under her watchcare a member regularly dis¬
missed by letter from a sister church, and suffer him
to retain his letter without any idea of removing out
of the bounds of said church1? Answered no."
Found in the Minutes of 1S35 :
"The following queries were presented by the
M 2
138
HISTORY OF THE
delegation from the Shiloh Church, which were con¬
sidered and answered, viz:
1. Is it the duty of church members to partake of
the Lord's Supper, when regularly administered in
the church 1 Answer yes /
2. Are members excusable who merely take their
seats in order, but refuse to partake of the elements?
Answer no !
3. Is it the duty of the church or not, when mem¬
bers take their seats and do not commune, to inquire
into the reason thereof? Answer yes !
4. When members take their seats at communion,
and fail to partake on account of a want of fellowship
with some brother or brethren, and yet do not lay
charges against those for whose sake they refuse to
commune, ought the church to deal with them who
thus act 1 Answer yes, after Gospel steps have been
taken /
5. Is any member of the church justified in1 refu¬
sing to partake of the Lord's Supper, because he has
not full confidence in the piety of one or more mem¬
bers 1 Answer no /"
PART III.'
Circular JLetfers.
We have thought it would not be amiss to spread
before the reader, a few of the Circular Letters,
sent out from time to time by the Association. They
contain many excellent sentiments, and will, no doubt,
be read as the remains of those who have entered in¬
to their rest. But before we commence these circu¬
lars, we will give two Church letters, found in an old
file of minutes in bur possession. The one was writ¬
ten by Jeremiah Walker, as the letter from Fishing
GEORGIA ASSOCIATION.
139
Creek Church, to the Association in the year 1786.—
The other by Silas Mercer to the same body in. 1787.
Here follow these letters:
"To the Ministers and Messengers of the Church¬
es of Christ of the Baptist denomination, met in Asso¬
ciation, at Fishing Creek Meeting Eouse, the first
Saturday in May, 1786, send Christian salutation:
Dear Brethren,—We congratulate you that you
have not only "a place and a name in God's house,
better than of sons and daughters," but that you are
honored with a "deputation from your respective
churches, to sit as their representatives, to deliberate
on ways and means for the advancement of the Re¬
deemer's interest and the prosperity of Zion. Instead
of advising you to "avoid foolish questions" and
"strifes of words"—"to endeavour to keep the unity
of the Spirit in the bonds of peace," and to aim with
a single eye at God's glory. It becomes us to turn
our eyes towards you as an advisory council, and hope
a perusal of the minutes of your proceedings, will be
refreshing to us, and administer cause of thanksgiving
to God.
Our privilege in having the depending Association
in the limits of our church, affords us peculiar satis¬
faction. "We rejoice in the prospect of having im¬
parted to us a diversity of spiritual gifts. We bid
welcome to Boanerges' thunder—Barnabas' consola¬
tion—Paul's argumentation—Apollos' eloquence-and
Cephas' zeal; and desire not to be puffed up for one
against another, but pray that, while the dew of Gos¬
pel doctrine is falling around, our fleece may not be
dry.
With regard to the state of religion among us, " what
shall we answer the messengers of the nation ? that
140
HISTORY OF THE
the Lord hath founded Zion, and the poor of the peo¬
ple trust in it." The tokens of God's power and pre¬
sence are yet afforded us. Numbers are "asking the
way to Zion with their faces thitherward," are brought
to "take hold of the skirt of him that is a Jew, say¬
ing, we will go with you, for we have heard that God
is with you." Since the October Association, 15 have
been baptized—10 1'eceived by letter—5 dismissed—
none excommunicated—one dead. Our number at
present is about 60.
We rejoice that at length " the two sticks are made
one," by abolishing the nominal distinctions, regular
and separate, which have long unhappily divided the
Baptist Churches. Henceforth, we hope "Ephraim
shall not envy Judah, nor Judah vex Ephraim."—
"Behold how good, as well as pleasant, a thing it is
for brethren to dwell together in unity."
We have appointed our beloved brethren, Sanders
Walker, Jeremiah Walker, John Milner, Stephen
Johnson, John Edwards and John Ashley, to assist
you in your consultations, and wish you a happy As-
•sociation; in order to which, Grace be with you.—
Amen
Signed by order.
J. WALKER, Clerk."
"We, the Church of Christ on Little River, at
Phillips' Mill, to the Ministers and Messengers -of se¬
veral Churches, who are to meet in an Association, to
be holden at Greenwood meeting house, the Saturday
before the 3rd Sunday in October, 1787, send greeting:
Dear Brethren,—We are fully convinced that Sal¬
vation is all of grace, or all of works; for they cannot
be mixed in this business; and if it be by grace, then
the doctrine of Election, or God's love to his people,
GEORGIA ASSOCIATION.
141
is the very foundation of our salvation; and is that
foundation of God which standeth shure; and we
think it will keep all them safe who stand upon it;
but should this foundation be removed, what would
the righteous do 1 for with it go their vocation and
perseverance, together with their'justification. For
we think, the doctrine of imputed righteousness stands
or falls with the doctrine of election, and if Christ's
righteousness be not imputed to us, we have none but
ovir own, which is no more than filthy rngs, and there¬
fore, altogether insufficient to justify us in the sight of
God. And if so, we are all undone; for we are all
under the law and under the curse, and not a single
soul can be saved. There is no medium between,
these extremes. Therefore, we believe it to be the
duty of every Gospel minister, to insist upon this soul
comforting, God honoring doctrine of Predestination,
as the very foundation of our faith.
We cannot see how the plan of salvation can be
supported without it. And we believe it to be a doc¬
trine which God generally owns and blesses to the
conviction and conversion of sinners, and comforting
of his saints. For blessed be the Lord, we can say,
that we know by a blessed experience, that it hath
had this effect amongst us. For since it has been so
clearly preached in our parts, and insisted upon, the
work of the Lord seems to flourish in a more power¬
ful manner than before. God's people appear to be
going forward like a flock of sheep, coming up from
the washing, even shorn, every one bearing twins,
and not one barren among them. And sinners are
made to tremble under a sense of their lost and un¬
done estate, as they stand relative to Adam, and
seeing themselves altogether unable to alter their case*
142
HISTORY OF THli
hey can find no rest for the sole of their foot to test
•upon. The Lord by his Spirit giveth them a living
witness in their souls, that they were included in this
blessed Covenant of grace, and then they come and
loll what wonderful thing's the Lord hath done for
their souls. And blessed be the Lord who hath quick¬
ened us together with Christ, they generally seem to
be born alive.
Dear Brethren—The Lord hath been pouring out
of his Spirit upon our sons and daughters, and they
arc beginning to prophecy. Therefore, we think it
to bo the-most safe to hold fast the good old unfashion¬
able. doctrine which we professed to hold in our for¬
mer letters to you, for the Lord seems to bless them
to our souls, and hath done great things for us, where¬
of we are glad. And his work continues amongst US)
but not so perceivably as it was before the alarm of
" war.
We have received thirty-eight since our last Asso¬
ciation, 2S of whom have been baptized; a till we have
dismissed 3; so that our whole number-in commu¬
nion is, one hundred and forty-two. We have cho¬
sen to sit with you in conference, our beloved breth¬
ren, Silas Mercer, Mesheck Turner, Robert Mcginty
and Robert Herper, whom we esteem faithful in the
Lord. And may His special blessing crown your
consultations, so that they may be for God's glory,
and the good of his people. So pray your unworthy
brethren in the Lord.
Signed in behalf of the whole, by
SILAS MERCER."
georgia association.
143
Circulars.
The following Circular was wi'itten by Silas Mer¬
cer, in the year of our Lord, 1795 :
The Georgia Association of Baptist Churches,
holden at Shoal Creek, 17, IS, 19 and 20th of Octo¬
ber, 1795, to the several Churches they represent,
send Christian salutation:
Beloved Brethren,—There is no true religion but
among Christian^; and as God is unchangeably re¬
conciled to them, their state, as considered in a Cove¬
nant relation, must be always the same. The zeal
and engagements of Christians depend, not so much
in their standing in the Covenant of Redemption, as
in the Lord, making known the riches of his grace,
and giving them from time to time, such discoveries
of the glorious plan of salvation, as will keep their faith
-in exercise. These lively acts of faith, often fill the
Christian with such engagements, as will cause him
to break out powerfully, in doctrine, exhortation,
thanksgiving, prayer, or praise ; which often has a
very glorious effect both upon saints and sinners ;
this effect is commonly called the life and po\ver of
religion, a declension of which is the subject we have
proposed.
Although Christians be new creatures in Christ, yet
they have, a corrupt nature, or old man, whose affec¬
tions and lusts are contrary to the mind of the new
man, by which a warfare is commenced. And if he
would be victorious,' he must put off the old man with
his deeds, crucify the flesh with the affections and
lusts, and live above himself by faith in Christ Jesus.
Should these things be neglected, he will lose the di-
.vine presence; and if so, in all probability, he will sink
into a state of carnal security, in which the thingsofthe
144
HISTORY OP THE
world will be apt to engross the mind, and cause Mm
to neglect his duty to God. First, his private devo¬
tion, then perhaps, his family worship, or to perform
it in so cold and formal a manner, as not to answer
the intended purpose. In the next place, it is very
likely he will neglect public worsnip, particularly
church meetings, by which means he becomes nearly
unacquainted with the discipline of the church, and so
his affections to the brethren, and theh-s to him, grow
cold, till Christian fellowship is nearly lost. If he be
a preacher or exhorter, in such a time as this, his gift
will be either wholly neglected, or exercised in so
cold and insipid a manr.er, that those who would wil¬
lingly go forward, tire and faint for want of spiritual
nourishment, and instead of rejoicing, they become
mourners in Zion.
> But it appears to us, that another great cause of
die declension of religion is, that not only the adher¬
ents who depend en such a minister or Ministers for
all their instructions, but also a great number of the
church members do nothing, or very little towards
the support of religion, or for the maintenance of those
whose business it is to minister in holy things. Ma¬
ny of the Lord's ministers set out with souls full of
eeal for God's glory, and. the good of poor sinners,
who were willing to spend, and to be spent in the glo¬
rious cause, in which they have embarked; but they
have soon found, by sad experience, that except the
Lord would feed his ministers by the ravens, and
clothe them like the lillies, they must labor at some
worldly employment, or bring a disgrace on religion.
The poor minister is now brought to a sad dilemma.
His horse tired, his clothes worn thread-bare, his
money gone; what must he do I Perhaps his friends
'GtSfOHEIA ASSOCIATION.
143
♦sw <coirg»egation promise him assistance, by which be
is encouraged, and depending on it, he runs in debt for
(present necessaries. He fails in his expectations, noth¬
ing, or very little is collected, and he finds himself sur¬
rounded now, with almost insurmountable difficulties,
which-cause him to cry out with Paul, "It seems as if
-God hath set forth us Apostles last, for we are hungry,
•and naked, -and have no certain dwelling place ; yet
wo! is me if I preach not the Gospel. (If he be a man
•of a family, his wife will be discouraged, and perhaps
broken hearted, when she finds herself surrounded
with poverty and want, her children hungry and na¬
ked, her husband drowned in debt, and she cannot
•tell what way is to be taken to supply the necessaries
of life.) And now the zealous man of God, as his
last shift, like Saul, begins to labour with his own
.hands to support himself and those who are with
him. He industriously engages in the arduous task
of paying his debts, and supporting his family, and
gaining time enough to supply saveral congregations
with the Gospel. But alas! his worldly engagements
-take his mind, his ideas grow rusty, his religion de¬
clines, his spirits are dried up, and he, worn out with
fatigue, soon loses his zeal, and the word of truth
■comes like ice from his frozen lips ; and as like will
beget its like, so the religion of his congregation will
-decline.
These are some of the things, which we think most
likely to bring on a declension in religion. In the
time of sucha declension, you will scarcely hear Chris¬
tians rejoicing, er sinners under -conviction, cry out
what shall we do that we may be saved ? and so poor
■Zion is in the dust.
But why are these things so 1 To which we. an-
jkt
146
HISTORY Or THE"
swer. The great Governor of the Universe doej not
always work by miracles, neither offers violence to
the human will. It cannot be thought, but that he
could have made his people perfect in soul, body and
spirit, at the same time when he converted their souls..
But it appears to us, that Jehovah, in his wise provi¬
dence, saw proper to continue them in connection^
with an old corrupt nature, in order to properly dis¬
cipline them, that by the various combats between
flesh and spirit, they may be weaned from sensual de¬
light, and learn to trust their all in him. But again:
in a lively time of religion, hypocrites and formalists
are apt to creep into the Church, therefore, a time of
trial is necessary to purge these, as dross from the
pure gold or real Christians. And further: the Lord
intends, it may be, by this way to prove that salva¬
tion is by grace alone; for in a time of declension no
man or set of men, no, not all the people in the world,
can make a stir of religion. So this proves that reli¬
gion is of the Lord.
And now to conclude, dear brethren, the long con¬
tinuance of the present declension of religion makes
us feel for the precious mourners in Zion, whose eyea
are gushing out with watpr, because men, yea many
of their brethren keep not the law of the Lord.
When they hear the word preached, the unconcern-
edness of the people, the carelessness of their childrea,
the hardness of sinners, the backslidings of profes¬
sors, all conspire to make them cry out, all these
are against us. But, remember that the God of our
salvation will make all these things work for our good.
The more severe the winter, the better is every thing:
prepared to receive the spring. So in the winter, iiv
a religious point of view. 'When many of God's dear
'GEORGIA ASSOCIATION. 147
children are faint, on account of the barren state of
Zion, and cry out, our hope is lost, we are cut off; on¬
ly let the sun of Righteousness arise with healing in
his wings; let the sweet breezes of the Spirit blow iip-
•on His people, and the warm showers of grace de¬
scend, quickly will every plant in Zion bud, blossom,
•and bring forth fruit, to the praise of the glory of his
grace. Ministers shall be clothed in power, their
voice shall be as the voice of the Almighty God when
he speaks. Christians shall rejoice, and converts roll
into Zion as the drops of dew from the morning
womb, until the Redeemer shall see of the travail of
his soul and be satisfied.
O brethren! In order to avert the present decline,
search for the good old way and walk therein; and
you will have great delight when you have respect to
all the Lord's commandments. Be sure to bring in
all the goods to the Lord's store-house, that there may
be meet in his house, and prove him therewith, and
see, if he will not pour you out from the open win¬
dows of heaven, a blessing which there shall not be
room to receive. If you would be blessed in this
world, keep not back any part of that price which the
Lord requires of you, for the support of religion.
And, remember the cake, which the widow gave, the
Prophet caused no less in her barrel, and was the
very means wfcich the Lord made use of to the sa¬
ving of her life and the life of her son. May the
Spirit of the living God be with, and bless you in all
things, while we subscribe ourselves your loving-
brethren, in Gospel bonds.
Signed in behalf of the whole, by
SILAS MERCER, Moderator.
JESSE Mircer, Clerk,'*
148?
history of thet
The Circular which follows, wa» written by tins-
Rev. James Mathews, Sen :
" The Georgia Association, convened1 at Greenwood*
the 20th, 21st, 22nd and 23rd' of October, 1798, to-
the Churches they represent, send Christian saluta¬
tion :
Dear Brethren,—In the course of Divine Provi¬
dence, we have been permitted, once more to enjoy
another pleasing interview, and have endeavoured to
consider those things, which came before us, with
calmness and deliberation;- and hope, we have had
the presence of our divine and glorious- Redeemer in
this our annual meeting.
We now call your attention to that important ex¬
hortation given by the Apostle to the Romans, and
which we shall make the subject of our address to
you. Be not conformed to this Wrrld. It is evident
both from Scripture and Christian experience, that
the world and real religion are much opposed to each
.other, and therefore, such an exhortation is truly ne¬
cessary. By the world here, we are to understand
those things which are in their nature evil; such as
the sinful honors, pleasures, profits, superfluities, fash¬
ions, &c. of the world ; or as the Apostle John terms
it, the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eye and thepridt
of life. These, all being of the world, and to which
we are not to conform, are most cautiously to be avoi¬
ded. By a conformity, therefore, to the world, we
are to understand : First, The having of our minds
set too much on the things thereof, so as to hold our
thoughts aside, from things of greater moment. Se¬
condly, Too great a pursuit after the things of this
life, which will frequently make us neglect our duty
to God and our brtthren. The reasons^ why vc ar<j
GEOftOfiA ASSOCIATION.
149
ftot to conform to this world, are many. God requires
his people to he separate from it; they are to dwell
alone and not to be reckoned among the nations; they
are to come out from among the wicked and not to
partake of their deeds; they are born from above,
and in conforming to the world they degrade their
heavenly birth, the dignity of which, they should al¬
ways be most zealous to maintain. Their comforts
being from above, all that this world can afford is not
sufficient to feed their immortal minds. Dear breth¬
ren, while you are pursuing the trifling things of this
vain world, you are robbing your souls of that sub¬
stantial food, which is necessary for them, that they
may grow thereby.
In conforming to the world, vou do the cause of
God much injury, for as the followers of Christ, you
ought to walk in his footsteps. Did he pour contempt
on the world % So ought you. Did he declare his
kingdom was not of this world] And. so ought you
to live in the world, as though you were not of the
world. Otherwise you will bring contempt on the
cause of religion, which you as professors are in duty
bound to support, and shame and confusion upon your
own souls. For, no doubt, it will grate heavily on
your minds in a dying hour, when darkness and clouds
have overshadowed you, and death stares you full in
the face, to reflect on your past conduct, and that you
have suffered the world, like a thief, to rob you of all
your evidences ©f peace and pardon. You may then
feel in your bosoms for, but alas! you cannot find
them. While on the other hand, had you not listened
to the flattering voice of an enemy, you might, with
& manly courage, have met the grim messenger and
bidden him do his worst. By conforming' to the world
n 2
150
history Of the
you strike liands with one of your worst enemies
for how oft does it step in between you and your dear
Lord, mar those comforts you wish to enjoy, and
drag your souls from that dear center of happiness,
in which you desire to dwell. O what an enemy the
world is ! By the overcoming of which, you will en¬
joy more communion with God, for where the love of
the world is, the love of the Father is noL The world
shuts and closes the heart against God, and leaves no
room for divine comforts. But if you fly from the
world as a deadly evil, you shall be made to drink
deeply of the consolations of your heavenly Father,
and be the better able to cope with all your spiritual
enemies. Thus you may see the reasonableness, nay
the necessity of the exhortation; may you endeavour
to avoid the consequences of a worldly conformity,
as above mentioned, and in so doing you shall escape
many evils. Fly, therefore, from it as one of your
most powerful enemies. Has it gotten hold of any
of your skirts, tear away from it; does it hold out its
golden bates, shut your eyes against them, and know
that its offers are but to deceive and steal your hearts
from God. As a conformity to the world has done
much harm, and is likely to do much more, we would
endeavour to enforce the Apostle's exhortation upon
your minds: "be not conformed to this world, but be
ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that
you may prove what is that good and acceptable and
perfect will of God." And may that dear and loving
Jesus, who is able to keep you from all enemies, pre¬
serve you ^from all the evils of the world, is, beloved
brethren, the prayer of yours in Gospel bonds.
SANDERS WALKER, Moderator.
Jesse Mercer, Clerk."
GEORGIA ASSOCIATION.
151
This was written by Sanders Walker, and pvesen-
ted to the Associatioti in 1800 :
" To the churches of whom we are members, and.
whom we represent, may grace, mercy and peace be
multiplied:
Beloved Brethren,—We have met again according
to appointment, and have had considerable happiness
in the company and conversation of our brethren ; but
have great reason to be concerned at the long con¬
tinued declension of religion among almost all the
churches in our union. An earnest solicitude to know
the causes of this declension, should exercise every
Christian heart. Perhaps among many, that of tli3
neglect offamily worship and secret prayer may not
be the least. Brethren, by prayer you manifest your
obligation to, and dependence on your heavenly Fa¬
ther for every common and special favor. By pray¬
er you keep up communion with God, and live in his
immediate presence. But when you neglect prayer,
does it not argue the greatest indifference, as though
,you were careless whether God blessed you or your
families; and that every thing he had to bestow, was
not worth asking for. Is it any wonder that, when
you restrain prayer, you should be afflicted with lean¬
ness and barrenness of soul: for the Lord hath de¬
clared that he will be sought unto. You also give up
one of the evidences of the sincerity of your profess¬
ion, and make yourselves the subjects of divine wrath.
Remember that awful address of the Prophet to God.
Four out thy fury on the Heathen, and the families
tJiat, call not upon thy name. And that the Lord
doth, and will, continue to resent such contempt, you
have the greatest reason to fear. Dear brethren quit
yourselves like men of God; be steady, constant, spir-
152
history of the
itual and zealous in every duty and ordinance "which
the good and gracious Lord has enjoined on you;
manifest that the service of the Lord is pa-feet freedom,
yea, that it is your meat and drink to do the will of
your heavenly Father. Such a conduct will be an
evidence of your love to him and regard for his hopor.
Remember the dying Saviour hath said, that if you
love him you will keep his commandments; and is not
this one, that men should always pray and not faint.
Suffer the word of exhortation; let your houses be the
houses of prayer; say with, and resolve to do like
good old Jushua, as for me and my house, we will
serve the Lord. Repent and do yourfirst works, that
you may obtain yourfirst love ; lest the light of the
blessed gospel be removed from you. Do not only
pray in your families, but in your souls. But dear
brethren,'in vain will be all your prayers, if you regard
iniquity in your hearts. You must cease to do evil
and learn to do well, and then come boldly to a throne
of grace, that you may obtain mercy, and find grace
to help in every time of need. We conclude with two
'verses of the Rev. John Newton. That is to say,
Prayer makes the darkened cloud withdraw,
Prayerer climbs the ladder Jacob saw ;
Gives exercise to faith and love,
Brings every blessing from above.
Restraining prayer, we cease to fight,
Pray makes the Christian's armor bright;
And Satan trembles when he sees
The weakest saint upon his knees.
SANDERS WALKER, Moderator.
Jessb Mercer, Clerk."
georgia association.
133
The following Circular was written by Jesse
Mercer, in the year 1S01 :
" To the Churches composing the Georgia Associa¬
tion :
Beloved in Christ,—Being again, through unchan¬
ging goodness, constitutionally convened for the pur¬
pose of deliberating on those things which relate Co
Christ's mystical body; and having taken into view
the present state of religion amongst the churches in
our limits; we think it our duty to communicate to
you some of our hopes and fears, and to suggest some
other considerations which may seem best calculated,
in a proper manner, to affect and influence you : not
as lords exercising severeignty over your faith ; but
as helpers of your joy in the Lord. We have endea¬
voured to adjust the business which came before us,
with coolness and increasing affection. The good ti¬
dings of a revival amongst some of you, connected,
with the same kind of intelligence, from various parts
but of our boundaries, gave us much joy and good
hope. And from which we feel a disposition at least,
to hope, the day is about to break, and the shadows to
Jlee away; when God will shine gloriously out of
Zion, the perfection of beauty, and his name shall be
feared from the west, and his glory from the rising of
the sun. But the old epidemic complaints with which
many of your letters were crowded, produced in us
sensations which were painfully disagreeable.
Dear brethren, we fear you have drunk deeply in¬
to the intoxicating spirit of the world, by which you
have conceived an eager lust for the flesh-pots in
Egypt, or an anxious solicitude after the flattering
fooleries, vain fashions and carnal pleasures of thie
wicked world, which children and fools admire, and
154
HISTORY OP THE
by which you hare greatly lost that meek, quiet and
harmless spirit, which abode in Christ, and which
should designate you as the children of God in the
midst of this adulterous and sinful generation.
Brotherly love too, we fear abounds too much in
word and tongue; while you foster in your hearts
that ungodly, nay that unchristian disposition of, be
ye clothed and be ye filled, and at the same time cloae
all the bowels of mercy towards those objects of com¬
passion, which are placed in your way as proofs of
your love to God.
Amongst many of you, a friendly, uniting and en¬
dearing spirit is too little cultivated; you often meet
each other with an air of as cold indifference, as you
do a wicked neighbor. It has become extremely dif¬
ficult to distinguish you, as a body or as individuals,
from a surrounding wicked world, except in a few
formalities. The phrase brother and sister is kept
up, in some sort; but that too has lost its savor, hav¬
ing become formal, it communicates little or no
christian affection. We fear you are too great stran¬
gers to the spirit of prayer and earnest travail, for the
out-pouring of the spirit of God from on high, and the
coming of the Kingdom of Christ with power.
And in this time of Jacob's trouble, instead of be¬
ing helpers one of another, bearing each others bur¬
dens, and grieved for the affliction of Joseph, every
one pulleth away his shoulder from the burden of his
brother, and careth, almost, if not altogether, alone
for his own individual, and perhaps carnal concerns;
-while the things of the blessed Jesus and his people,
are out of sight, or looked on with indifference.
Brethren, these things ought not to be so. And thai
they may not be so, we call upon you iji the wo?!
GEORGIA ASSOCIATION.
155
pressing manner, to seriously consider, and make a
pious and practical improvement on the folio-vying
engaging thoughts:
1. View your high calling, with which nothing on
earth can vie. That calling which separates a man
from the mas.s of his equals, and seats him on a throne
of elated glory, and p'uts the royal ensign in his hand,
falls infinitely below that calling of which you are
gracious partakers ; and by which, you have been
taken from the mass of sinners, your guilty equals,
and translated into the kingdom of God's dear Son,
made heirs with Christ, and happy expectants of a
blessed immortality. O delightful thought! O glo¬
rious expectation ! Never, O never, lose sight of
it, but keep your eye intent on it while you run for
the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.
2. Be mindful of the designs of grace through you.
Remember that God has purposed by you, to make
known to principalities and powers, the exceeding
riches of his wisdom; and therefore, you are called
to be instruments of his glory; to appear on the same
theatre ; to engage in the same exercises; and to act
on the same exalted plan of action with himself, in
the accomplishment of those things, in which very in¬
timately consists the glory and perfection of Saints,
the glory and joy of Angels, the glory and honour of
God, and in short the glory and excellency of all hea¬
ven. O amazing, stupendous and ineffable grace !
That will delight to take suchfutile creatures as sin¬
ful men, deformed with wickedness, absorbed in dark¬
ness, emaciated with woe; brands of the burning, all
vile with pollution, and fit only to be engines of per¬
fidy for the devil; and make them the very means by
■which he will accomplish such all important events.
156
HISTORY OP THE
O the depths of the riches both of the wisdom and
v Icnowledge of God! How unsearchable are hisjudg•
^"merits, and his ways past finding out! Let a sense of
these things, at once humble and exalt you, fill you
"with pious grief and ineffable joy, and with unfeign¬
ed delight, not only to know, but to do the will of
God unreservedly.
3. Earnestly anticipate that weight of glory, which
God has prepared for you, and for which he is keep-
ing you through faith unto salvation. Know ye, that
here you have no continuing city ; but are as sojourn¬
ers turned in for a night; your promised land, your
everlasting portion, your final rest, your Heavenly
home, are all before ; let your hearts be also there;
and with steadiness pursue the happy road till you in
person arrive at the Mount of God. Lei nought be-
Tow the sun beguile your cautious feet. Let nothing
x>urt your stay on this side Jordan, save to do the
will of God, which you cannot do in Heaven. And
oe ready, like laboring children, at sunset, to go home
it the call of your Heavenly Father. To whose gra¬
cious guidance, faithfulness and love, we commend
you; wishing you an abundance of peace, with eter¬
nal glory, through Jesus Christ our Lord.—Amen.
ABRAHAM MARSHALL, Moderator.
Jesse Mercer, Clerk.
Rev. James Matthew, sen. wrote the following in
;he year 1804:
"The Georgia Association, to the several churches
they represent, send Christian salutation.
Beloved in the Lord,—have again, m divm€
providence, had a pleasant interview, and trust, the
XJEOTRGftA ASSOCIATION.
157
gracious Redeemer has been in the midst, and aided
us in the discharge of those duties, to Avhich we have
feeen called* The most of the accounts we have re¬
ceived from you, have been very pleasing-; and those
from abroad, truly glorious. Blessed Le God! Our
King is pushing his conquest into various parts of the
world gloriously. These, we view only as preludes
to the latter-day-glory; when all the galling chains
of tyranny and despotism shall full, forever fall !—
And the Redeemer's Kingdom no more be harrassed
;by the sectarianism of party spirits. Various have been
the subjects on which we have heretofore addressed
you, and to which we hope you have paid due atten¬
tion. But none we think possess more importance
thaii that of brotherly lote; to which we now call
your practical observance. There are many reasons
for which Christians should love each other. Suffice
it now to say, they are all children, of the same father.
This should endear them to each other, as being all
essential members of, and composing but one indissol-
vable family.
They have all rme interest. However divided into
different sectaries, their leading objects, their inheri¬
tance is the same ; they should, united by indissoluble
bonds of love, exert themselves against every species
of partyism, and love as brethren, all who bear the im¬
age and breathe the spirit of the Lord Christ.
It is enjoined by special command. Great respect
should be had to divine commands. Too many pro¬
fessors, being weighed in the balance, are wanting in
this respect; but let it not be once said of you breth¬
ren ; you profess to be Bible Christians, therefore,
love as you are commanded, avoid disputes, and
contentions which gender strife, and make not for edi-
o
153
HISTORY OF THE"
fication, but tend, to harden the hearts of your adlie^
rents against the Religion of Jesus.
It is the bond which secures enjoyment to society»
Without this, there could be no blessedness in any
connexion ; but love not only disposes to bear a pari
in the general burden, but to sympathize in all the
particular trials and temptations, to which Christians
are liable in this life; and so at once renders society
both indispensable and glorious.
They have one Eternal Home. This consideration
should dispose them now to drive enmity, spleen, and
hatred to the shades of long night, their proper abodes;
no more to reproach the realm, nor devour the unity
and peace of the Militant Church. Blessed be God f
These shall never have admittance into Heaven, where
all the sons of God shall dwell eternally in sweetest
harmony and true holiness.
BROTHERLY-LOVE SHOULD BE MANIFESTED,
By uniting for Religions purposes. Neither love
to God, nor Christians, can be had in the best manner
without this. There are many, 'tis true, who, though
they call themselves Christians, do not unite with the
Church of God, these certainly discover but little love
to God, or the Brethren,
By a mutual tcatch-care for each others good. Too
many view this, as a token of hatred, and treat such
as enemies who engage in the faithful discharge of
this duty : But rather let it be thought the highest
mark of love, and let such be highly esteemed for
their work's sake.
By forgiving one another. Forgiveness is abun¬
dantly taught in Scripture, but too little practised ar
mong Christians : But if you would shew your love
to the Brethren, you must forgive them their faults,
GEORGIA ASSOCIATION.
159
from your hearts, as God for Christ's sake hath for¬
given you.
By contributing to the necessities of the needy.
This should be done, as far as in you lies to the
sons of need in general, but to your brethren in par¬
ticular, who, by adverse Providence, have been
-brought into poverty and want.
In short, by praying with, and for ; stiring up to
love and good works; visiting in affliction, and en¬
couraging those, who in the hour of temptation and
sore tria,l, are ready to faint.
Do you thus love the Brethren ? For what do you
love them 1 Is it for their personal beauty and polite¬
ness 1 Their wealth and high life ? Their congenial •
sentiments with you % Or, is it that they breathe the
spirit and bear the image of the blessed Jesus 1 > If
the latter, then we exhort you (with Paul) to let Bro¬
therly love continue. And may it so continue and a-
bound, that a gazing world may be constrained to say,
11 see how these Christians love one another." Now to
him, who is able to make you perfect in love, and to
present you without fault before his throne, be honor
and glory now and forever,—Amen.
ABRAHAM MARSHALL, Moderator.
Jesse Mercer, Clerk.
Rev. Abraham Marshall wrote the following in the
year ISO 4 :
" The Georgia Association, at Newford, to the
Churches they represent, send Christian salutation.
Beloved Brethren:—Through the tender mercies
of our God, we have once more had the privilege of
sitting together in Heavenly places : And truly we
may say, How amiable are thy tabernacles O Lord !
HISTORY OF THE
The zeal and engagements of our Ministers, theaw^-
ful solemnity of the thousands who attended, the plea¬
sing and encouraging accounts from abroad, and our
increase at home, authorise us to believe, that the glo¬
rious prediction of khe sublime and evangelical proph¬
et, will shortly be accomplished : when " the moun¬
tain, of the house of the Lord, shall be established
above the top of the mountains, and all the people-
shall flow unto it; saying, come let us go up unto the
house of the Lord; and to the mountain of the house
of our God, for he will teach us his ways, and we
will walk in them."
Blessed be God ! He has made bare his wonder
working arm, and his right hand hath taught him ter¬
rible things. He has brought the man of sen, like Da-
gon, with the loss of both his arms, in die dust before
the Ark. Ignorance and superstition : re in expiring
agonies by his side. Civil and religious liberty have
spread with astonishing rapidity, and the gospel, with
its benign influence, is making glorious conquests in
almost every quarter of the world.
Beloved Brethren, we hail you as highly favored
of the Lord! Surely, the lines have fallen to you in
pleasant places, you have a goodly heritage. Yea,
blessed are your eyes, for they see ; and your ears,
for they hear those good, great and glorious things
which kings and righteous men have waited for.
What grand events have taken place in half a centu¬
ry past 1 And we believe still more great, more
good, more glorious things are just at the door. We
therefore address you in the language of St. Peter,
seeing we look for such things, be diligent that you
may be found of him in peace without spot and blame¬
less in all holy conversation and Godliness. Take
georgia association. . 161
die whole armour of God ; quit yourselves like men.
Be faithful to your own, souls; be faithful to your
families ; be faithful to your Church ; be faithful to
your Ministers ; be faithful to your G OD ; and. the
God of peace shall be with, and bless you always.—
Amen.
ABRAHAM MARSHALL, Moderator.
Jesse Mercer, Clerk.
The following was written by W. D. Lane, in
1805;
" The Georgia Baptist Association, to the Church¬
es they represent, send greeting:
Dear Brethren,—Your letters have excited in us
mingled emotions of joy and sorrow; while we re¬
joice at the general stability and soundness in the faith
of our Churches, it is to be lamented that error has
made partial ravages in our Zion.
The present state of the religious world—the con¬
flicts of parties, and the state of genuine, experimen¬
tal and practical religion ought to excite the atten¬
tion of all the peaceable, zealous followers of Christ.
Blessed be God, that truth is yet left free to combat
error. Permit us then, brethren, to observe, that
while you are called to fight the battles of the Lord,
and feel it a sacred duty to contend earnestly for the
faith, you should do it dispassionately—remembering-
that the wrath of man worlteth not the righteousness of
God, and that the Apostolic injunction is, that we
meekly oppose them that resist the truth. A spirit of
intolerance and persecution is opposed to that of Christ,
contrary to the choicest dictates of his benign religion,
and utterly incompatible with it!
Therefore, dearly beloved in the Lord, we judg«
o 2
lt>2
history of the
it proper to stir up your pure minds by calling upon
you by every motive that should operate on the minds
of the members of Christ's mystical body, to shew
yourselves approved, and let your moderation be known
to all men. That while you labor to manifest the
declarative glory of that Divine Being who has called
you to glory and, virtue, you remember also, that you
are not your opponent's judges, what hast thou to do
to judge, dye. ?■ If ye love them which love you, (only)
what reward have ye%
As consistent advocates for equal rights, and agree¬
ably to the principles, we as a body have ever profes¬
sed, let us thus put to silence the ignorance of foolish
men, those especially who calumniate us as aiming at
the enjoyment ofexcl:,'s/.re privileges.
Let your whole conduct prove such insinuations
groundless; as we trust it ever has done. "While we
recommend moderation and a mild and gentle proce¬
dure with opposers, think not that we are indifferent
to opinions or principles; far from it.
It is a duty sacred and binding to contend for the
t.rutli, the whole trcth, as delivered in the Volume of
Inspiration. Bad passions, however, too often obtrude
themselves and imposed upon the mind under the
specious appearance and pretext of zeal for truth.—
While, therefore, with dignified firmness, and perse¬
vering zeal we assert our own rights, let us leave our
'opposing, or mistaken brethren in the peaceable ex¬
ercise of theirs; they are sacred. The weapons of
our warfare arc not carnal / We are persuaded,
however, that "diversity o£ sentiment does not ori¬
ginate in the Scriptures, but in the imbecility of th«
understanding in the jiride of passion—and in th#
inveteracy of prejudice."
GEORGIA ASSOCIATION. 163
In asserting tlie sufficiency of the Scriptures as a
rule of faith and practice, " unincumbered with hu¬
man additions, and uncontaminated with foreign mix¬
tures," we are in the discharge of a plain duty. The
word will thus " afford the information which illumi¬
nates the understanding—meliorates the temper—in¬
vigorates the moral feelings, and improves the; heart"
of every humble observer of its sacred precepts; it
being upon articles which promote the felicity, and'
secure the salvation of believing sinners clear and de¬
cisive.
"VYe fully believe that whoever dispassionately and
seriously searches the Scriptures, must confess that
they teach, in explicit terms that GJ-od, the glorious
triune God, rules over all—makes erc/i the wrath of
man to praise him—according to the good -pleasure of
his vnll dispenses the blessings of grace and salva¬
tion; and upholds and supports the kingdoms of na¬
ture, grace and glory.
That man is fallen from his primeval rectitude, and
is filled with diabolical pride and unbelief, is a rebel
against his rightful Sovereign, guilty of the highest
ingratitude, and an enemy to God by wicked works;
his conscience defiled, and his mind enmity:
That from this deplorable and wretched state he
can only be recovered by the perfect righteousness,
efficient intercession of a glorious advocate and sure¬
ty JESUS CHRIST :
That it is the Holy Spirit that quickeneth souls dead
in trespasses andj in stus, begets faith, cherishes holy
dispositions and seals believers to the day of redemp¬
tion.
That a righteous retribution awaits the world—
that rewards infinitely glorious are reserved in hea-
164
HISTORY OF THE
ven for the virtuous, the humble obedient believer;
while punishment the most dire and awful \Vill be
inflicted on the vicious and unbelieving.
That the promises to believers in Christ, are in him
yea, and in him amen, to the glory of God.
That the christian runs, not as uncertainly; that
he fights, not as one that beateth the air; but trust¬
ing in the vicarious sacrifice, complete atonement, and
prevalent intercession of Him who hath said because
I live ye shall live also ; they are said to inherit the
kingdom prepared; in consumate and eternal felicity.
That the fruits of a Gospel faith are humble, sin¬
cere and universal obedience; " good works pro¬
ceeding" necessarily from a true and lively faith,' are
acceptable and well pleasing to God in Christ." Thus
will you manifest to all your firm belief that the ex¬
cellency of the power is of God, and not of man ; that
salvation is of Grace, SOVEREIGN, DISTIN¬
GUISHING, and FREE ! We exhort you, there¬
fore, brethren beloved in the Lord, and called to be
taints, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind,
striving together for the faith of the Gospel: And
may we be permitted to ask, can you be unconcerned
about the propagation of this precious faith ?
Consider, we beseech you, if there be any consola¬
tion in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship
qf the spirit, if any boivels and mercies, the situation
of many parts of our land ; the deplorable ignorance,
that still exists, with the horrible darkness that invel-
apes the minds of our Indian neighbors, and the pro¬
gress of principles among ourselves tending to demor¬
alize mankind. Can you be unconcerned at the pro*
pect 1 Can you, as consistent followers of the bless¬
ed Jesus who went about doing good, any longer defer
GEORGIA ASSOCIATION.
165
(without guilt) making the most animated exertions
to rescue from the tyranny of the devil those icho are
now led captive by him at his will ? We will speak
our thoughts plainly on this subject; it is your dutyh
and should be esteemed your privilege, to enable by
your liberality preachers who are now of necessity
confined to a most contracted sphere of action, to
spread the savor of the Redeemer's name ; who has
told you in his word, It is more blessed to give than
receive.
Finally, Brethren-, as helpers together of yovr joy—
as those that icatchfor your good, we entreat you to
manifest your attachment to the cause of Christ in all
purity of conversation, conducting yourselves as be¬
comes the Gospel, in meekness, witnout malevolence;
intrepidly, without fear ; acting honestly, without dis¬
guise ; fully, without reserve, following tl;e example
and obeying the precepts of Hun who is only ac¬
knowledged as KING in Zion. Be encouraged
brethren, in reflecting that our God is a prnyer hear¬
ing, and a prayer answering God ; and has made ex¬
ceeding great and precious prowir.es to all who sin¬
cerely call upon Him : They who seel: vie early shall
find me ; ask and yow shall receive ; call vpon me in
the day of trouble and I will deliver thee ; ash- that
your joy may befall. God has wrought wonders in
answer to prayer, the prayer of faith ! Be therefore
not only individually, but collectively engaged in this
important and pleasant duty ; set up prayer meetings
in every neighborhood you can. Seek the divine
blessing in the paths of duty; and knowledge in the
use of proper means. Train vp your children in the
way they should go. A good and religious education
is an invaluable blessing ; may those who are favored
166
HISTORY OF THE
■with it, learn to prize it, be thankful for it, and make
a good improvement of it. Our minutes will shew
the notice we have taken of those things that came
under our consideration. We trust God has been
with us, and given us special tokens of his love at our
annual meeting. To his grace we recommend you,
and are affectionately yours in Gospel bonds.
JAMES MATHEWS, Moderator.
Jesse Mercer, Clerk,
The following Circular was written by Jesse
Mercer in the year 1806 :
" The Ministers and other Brethren, who compose
the Georgia Association, to the Churches, for whom
they are in particular concerned, wish Grace, Mer¬
cy, and Peace multiplied.
Dear 'Brethren;—Being once again assembled, for
the express purpose of consulting your well-being :
We think it our duty, and take upon us to excite in
you a more close attention to the things,'which make
for the peace and prosperity of Zion Time has been
when, indeed, this would have been unnecessary;
for you had fresh in mind how ye ought to walk and
please God. Then, as obedient children, you did jiot
fashion yourselves according to the former lusts, in
your ignorance ; but being transformed by the re¬
newing of your minds, you perfected holiness in the
fear of God. But alas! Those happy days have
passed away in haste, and it has become necessary to
stir you up by way of remembrance.
That you may be able in this declining day, to pos¬
sess your vessels in sanctification and honor before
him, who has called you into his marvellous light, ami
GEORGIA ASSOCIATION.
167
in that light shine before others to his praise ; we
tvould awaken you to, and exhort you to be prompt
ly active in the execution of discipline—discipline,
"without which there can be no utiion, order, peace or
fellowship in the church ; no, nor church itself—dis-
cipline, which, in its right use, is the church's ecclesi¬
astical life—bond of union and peace—spring of order
and fellowship—-and great source of harmony and
love.
To this important duty and privilege, God opens
the ear. Job 36: 10.. And commands it to be sealed
among his disciples. Isa. 8: 16. 61: 4. The prophet
Malachi, and John the Baptist, shew that Christ, in
the exercise of this office, would both purge and
scourge the wicked from among the righteous, so that
a clear distinction should be made and perpetuated
between the godly and ungodly, the chaff and the
wheat. Mai. 3: 1. to the 6, 16, 17, 18. Math. 3: 10 &
12. And Christ discovered both the authority and
indispensibility of this duty, when he made a scourge
of small cords and drove the wicked out of his father's
house. John 2: 15. Due attention to this rule will
lead to prosperity, peace, and pleasure. Job 36: 11,
Isa. 4S: 18. Gal. 6: 16. But the neglect thereof is
invariably chastised with declension and destruction.
Luke 19: 42. Gal. 5: 13, to the 17, also read 2d and
3d chapter of Revelation.
Dear Brethren, in addressing you on this subject,
we shall use plainness of speech, and in a simple
style, place before you a- few very plain truths.—
Gospel discipline involves two very important duties
equally indispensable.
The first, is that which each member should dis¬
charge towards himself. The second, is that which
168
HISTORY OP THE
relates to the whole body. These may be likewise
subdivided.
The former includes, first, That restraint which a
christian, iclt.en right with God, places on the passions
and propensities of the carnal heart, by which he sub¬
dues and maintains the victory over them ; and sec¬
ond] v, that government which he exercises over the
members of his body, by which he sanctifies them for,
and employs them in the service of God.
The latin• embraces, first, that line of duty to be
pursued incase of privet*; or personal offence ; and
secondlv, that to be ;<d> pted in case ofpuHlic and a-
troeious crimes. To which tee attend, in order.
And fir at, to discipline the heart, diligence is en¬
joined. Prov. 4: 23. 2 Pet. 1: 5 to the 10th, to shew
that.it is a duty to be performed only by promptness
and perseverance. It includes three things : First,
the detecting and crucifying all improper passions, or
desires, that is, all which on examination (and none
should pat's without it) shall be found contrary to the
holiness, and incapable of working the glory of God.
Luke 9: 55. Gal. 5: 24. Heb. 3: Iz. Secondly, the
guarding and restraining those affections, which in
themselves are lawful, but are capable of excess;
for virtuous, became -vicious desires .in the extreme.
Eph. 4. 2G. Col. 3: 5. And thirdly, the promoting
and pursuing all gracious emotions, as leading into
the knowledge and service of God. Psal. 19: 14.
1 Cor. l-i:„l. Eph. 3: 16 to the 19tli—4: 22, 24.
Secondly : Your bodies are the members of Christ,
and Temples for the Holy Ghost. 1 Cor. 6, 15 and
19. Your whole deportment, therefore, shoxild cor¬
respond with this consideration ; and all the members
of the body be presented as living sacrifices to God,
GEORGIA ASSOCIATION.
169
■z.rA solely employed in his service : Or, as a modem
■Poet teaches-:
A cov'nant with your eyes be made ;
Your words be few, or fitly said,
And season'd well with grace ;
Be deaf, or only hear aright ;
Your footsteps planted in the light,
To run the Christian race.
Your hands be pure and rais'd to God;
Your taste delighted with his word ;
Be every member his ;
Delight to smell his rich perfume,
Which balms the air—will death o'ercome,
And adds new charms to bliss.
To be able to decide correctly on the affections of
the heart, or the right use of the members of the body,
it will be incumbent to cultivate an acquaintance with
the laws of nature, grace, and providence ; by which
the natural, spiritual and moral fitness of things will
•appear; so that you may approve the things which
ure excellent, and be without offence till the day of
Christ. Phil. 1: 9, 10, 11.
The second part of discipline teaches the rules of
procedure in cases of public or private offence; which
should be pursued with great exactness, without par¬
tiality or hypocrisy.
And first, in case of private offence. Be sure to
follow precisely the directions of Christ given in Math.
18: 15, 16,17. Taking especial care that you do not
make that public which is, and should be kept private,
•or that you do not make yourselves guilty, in conver¬
sing on private subjects to indifferent persons, there¬
by becoming the sowers of discord, or idle mischiev¬
ous tale-bearers so offensive to God, and destructive
of human happiness. Lev. 19: 16. Prov. 11: 13—18:
p
170
BISTORT OF THE
8—20: 10—25:9, 10—26:21, 22. This rule is par-
ticularly binding on the offended,. commanding him
to immediate conciliatory measures : Bui let not the
offender think himself secure in idleness, nor careless¬
ly wait for his grieved brother to come and deal with
him; but let him attend to the counterpart of this
rule in Matt. 5: 23 to the 26, which shows it to be
the duty equally of the offender to go and be active
in the adjustment of all differences. The sooner the bel¬
ter. Rom. 12: 10, 11.
But secondly, in ease of public and, scandalous sins.
The first step to be taken is to reprove, admonish,
and in a christian spirit, endeavor to reclaim the
apostate brother from the error of his ways. Lev. 19:
17. Gal: 6: I, 2. Eph. 5: 11. 2d. Thes. 3: 15.
1st Tim. 5: 20. Heb 12: 13, 14, 15. James 5:10,
20. This duty we fear is very much neglcted from
some cause—the want of zeal—or perhaps, from a
prevailing notion that it would be improper to heal a
public offence, by a private conversation-. But howev¬
er improper this might be, we conceive it would be
highly proper to heal a public offender by any means
the Gospel directs. The design however of such re¬
proof, &c. is not to cure the offence, but him who gave
it; that he may be prepared to remove the offence in
that way the gospel requires. But should he fail to
be reclaimed by this measure, and not come to the
church to meet, and in the best manner in his power,
atone for his disorders ; then it will be the duty of
whoever is concerned in the case, when the church is
setting in her official capacity, to bring such person
before her bar, or make report of the case to her,
whose duty it will be to call for, and reckon with him
according to Math. 18 : 24 and 31. But in case of
georgia association.
171
gross enormity, under which the cause of God and
the church particularly suffers, it may be expedient
to proceed more promptly according to the case re¬
corded in 1st Cor. 5th chap, which seems to have been
xione without sending for, or attending to the delin¬
quent in any way.
The great object of discipline is holiness to the
Lord. With a view to ecclesiastical holiness, it com¬
mences cautiously in the reception of members ; and
ends gloriously in consummating them in the beauties
of practical holiness. In receiving persons careless¬
ly, or at the instance of passion, you may corrupt the
'Church, dishonor God, and involve yourselves in
much distress, confusion and sin. Be careful there¬
fore, to receive none but those to whom the Gospel
gives a right. Matt. 18 : 3, 5. Acts 5 : /13, 14. 1 Cor.
6: 17. That the Church may be visibly what it isre-
<ally, the pillar and -ground of the truth. And
be presented a chaste virgin to Christ. 1 Tim. 3 : 15.
2 Cor. 14 : 2. But we are aware that discipline may
be so managed as to defeat its own design, and in¬
stead of unity and peace, produce divisions and strife.
A government by majority naturally tending in im¬
portant matters, to naak« parties, and breed confu¬
sion, should be. studiously .avoided. Rather be of the
, -same mind and judgment ; espouse the cause of the
weak, or be invariably on the part of the aggrieved,
whether major or minor; and let unanimity be the
bond of your peace. Psal. 133: 1. 1 Cop. 1: 10, 11,
18. Eph. 4: 2.
Another fruitful source of contempt and disaffec¬
tion is the refusal of all testimony from, without.
This never fails to excite contempt of you, in your
observers; and to suggest to them, that you thus art-
172
HISTORY OF THE
fully withhold yourselves from the power ©f thex? re¬
search that your evil deeds may not be reproved..
And thus you will bring on yourselves the just re¬
proaches of those before whom your whole deport¬
ment should be open, respectable, and fair. It also-
will produce disaffection among yourselves, for in¬
stance, you are acquainted with many whose veracity
you cannot doubt, should those say seriously that they
were eye-witnesses to some gross immorality in one
of your Brethren, you would—you could do nothing
else, but believe it. Proportioned to the credit you
give the report, will be the loss of fellowship towards
such a Brother. But you could not deal with him,
the wi.tnc.sses are of the world, they cannot he received
in the Church.
In this case, the Church is not in union, and of
course not in communing—not in Gospel order. The
internal bond is broken, the outward pretention is
specious hypocrisy. Receive therefore, and judge of
all testimony, as existing circumstances require, that
you may be found to honor and praise. Livit. 19: 15.
Deut. 1: 17. John 3: 20, 21. Tit. 2: 8. Suffer no dis¬
orderly persons to pass unnoticed amongst you. A-
dopt just measures to induce, or if that cannot be done„
to enforce the attendance of your members in your
conferences.; that you may know their standing, and
lead them to greater degrees of glory and virtue. It
is a time of great worldly grandeur and extrava¬
gance. Look to yourselves ; take heed lest there be
amongst you some hurtful mixture—some undue
conformity to the world—some root of bitterness
some cursed thing in the Camp, as the cause of the
present painful complaints. As saith the. Apostle, we
stand in doubt of you, lest we have bestowed on you
GEORGIA ASSOCIATION.
173
labor in vain : and commending ourselves to your
consciences in the sight of Grod, we make the follow¬
ing enquiries. When the people of the world are
ambitiously seeking honor one of another—arc you
not pushing for popularity too ? When they are at
frequent and great expenses to support a grand pa¬
rade—do you not increase your bills to be like them?
When they change their modes of dress—do not
some of you alter yours too] When their women
clothe themselves so thinly that the shame of their
nakedness does appear—do not some of yours clothe
themselves, or their daughters, in the attire of an har¬
lot? If to these enquiries you answer no: then we
ask, whence are the ensigns of mere grandeur in your
houses 1 The intemperate use, or rather abuse, of
the conveniencies, but especially the luxuries of life 1
The frequenting wicked, though called polite, assem¬
blies and other places of public resort, mixed with the
rabble or the guilty great of the world 1 Whence is
it that there are among your women, bare elbows—
naked arms—exposed breasts—shorn heads—rujjled,
or shamefully tight dresses, connected with a light
airy deportment, and vain carnal conversation 1
Dear brethren, these things ought not to be once
named among you as becometh saints : But be ye ra¬
ther transformed by the renewing of the Holy Ghost.
Cleanse yourselves from these vanities, and keep
your garments unspotted from the world. Search the
scriptures that you may know what the will of the
Lord is, with full purpose of heart to do whatsoever
he has commanded you. We hope you will not only
read this our epistle, but the scripture references, and
compare them one with another, and other correspon¬
dent passages; that you may be instructed in right-
174
HISTORY OP THE
eousness, edified and comforted in the knowledge of
the truth. You profess to be Bible Baptists, be Bi¬
ble Christians. Let the spirit be in you which also was
,in Christ Jesus, and let the ornament of a meek and
quiet spirit be in your eyes, what it is in the sight of
God; of greo,t price rather than the baubles and gew¬
gaws of the world. Be harmless and like the Re-
a
deemer, separate from sinners, that you may be per¬
fect and entire, wanting nothing. And so an abun¬
dant entrance shall be ministered to you into the
everlasting kingdom, of our Lord and Saviour Jesus
Christ. Now unto him that is able to do exceeding
abundantly above all that we can ask or think, accor¬
ding to the power that worketh in us, unto him be
glory in the Church, by Jesus Christ throughout all
ages, world without end. Amen.
ABRAHAM MARSHALL, Moderator.
Jesse Mercer, Clerk."
The following was written by the Rev. Mr. Flour-
< noy, in 1S07 :
"The Ministers and Messengers who compose the
Georgia Association, to the Churches they represent,
send greeting:
Dearly Beloved Brethren,—Through divine favour
we are again assembled, and have been measurably
refreshed by hearing of you, through the medium of
your letters; but our joy was mixed with grief to
hear so many of you complain of the sad declension
of religion in your settlements which we feel in our
hearts: but as we have obtained mercy we faint not,
(2 Cor. 4: 1,) knowing that darkness and light arealike
to him, who has his way in the storm and in the whirl¬
wind; and that all things work together for their good
who love God.
GEORGIA ASSOCIATION.
175
Dear brethren, in this cold season be sure to let a
part of your winter's work be to examine yourselves,
and to prove your own selves whether you be in the
faith ; (2 Cor. 13: 5,) or whether there be not an A-
chan in the camp among you who is wantonly wearing
Babylonish garments, or unjustly drawing into his
coffers some sheckles of silver, or coveting to get gol¬
den wedges by fraud, (Jos. 7.) Be assured those idols
must be rooted out., though they be secreted in the
bottom of your tent. Recollect that when christians,
or churches forsake the divine counsel, and walk not
in the statutes of God then he visits their transgres¬
sions with the rod, and their iniquities with stripes:
(Psal. 89: 30, 32.) But those, who love his law, heark¬
en to his commandments, have great peace like a riv¬
er, and righteousness like a wave of the sea, (Psal.
119: 165. Isa. 4S: IS.) We beseech you to walk
worthy of the vocation wherewith you are called;
(Eph. 4: 1.) circumspectly not as fools, but as wise,
l'edeeming the time because the days are evil; (Eph.
5:15,) to have no fellowship with the unfruitful works
of darkness; but rather reprove them: not only in
your conversation which is but word and tongue; but
in your life and conduct which is truth and deed, (1
John 3: IS.) And as nothing forms a more amiable
trait in the christian character nor tends more to the
Redeemer's glory, and the good of his church, than
a strict adherence to gospel discipline ; we therefore,
adjure you to use it as refiner''s fire and as fuller''s
soap ; and as the ax which was laid, to the root of the
tree, to hew down every one which was barren, or
brought forth bad fruit; or as the fan in his hand who
should thoroughly purge his floor, in order to blow
away, and consume the dust and the chaff for the pre-
176
HISTORY OF THE
servation of the wheat, (Mat. 3 : 2.—Mat. 3 : 10.) We
further admonish you to constant attendance at your
own conferences, and as oft as possible at the confer¬
ences of the neighbouring churches, that you may not
only hear but see their order. (Col. 2 : 5.) and be hel¬
pers of each others joy in the Lord, (2 Cor. 2: 24.)
and thereby maintain union and fellowship, which are
essential to the communion of saints; without which
it loses its substance, and is like Joab kissing Ama-
sa, (2 Sam. 20 : 9, 10.) or speaking quietly to Abner
in the gate. (2 Sam. 3: 37.)
Permit us, dear* brethren, to call upon you to at¬
tend pointedly at your own communions, and as oft
as possible at those of the sister churches, and let not
our eyes affect our hearts, (Sam. 3: 51.) any more by
observing your seats empty in conference, or evacuated
at communion; the former denoting you not duly at¬
tached to the cause, the latter to be not properly uni¬
ted to the brethren. And as the churches, in the se¬
veral districts of this Association, have adopted the
measure of continuing a General Meeting in each dis¬
trict for purposes of more close union ; we sincerely x
hope that you, as the constituents of such meetings,
will not act as that son who said, " I go sir," and went
not; but that you will give your attendance as unani¬
mously as possible; and when there, strictly adhere
to every duty and privilege of the meeting, not suffer¬
ing small and trivial excuses to keep you from, or call
you away before the union meeting is completed, not
merely in name but in nature.
Dear brethren, as those who long to see God glo¬
rified in his church, Christ's Kingdom enhanced, and
you comforted and encouraged in his service, we call
upon you in this dark and cloudy day to take the pure
GEOItGrlAASSOCIATION. 177
I
word of God for your guide 5 it will be a lamp to your
feet, and a light to your paths, (Psal. 119 : 105.) and
properly digested the joy and rejoicing of your hearts.
(Jer. 15: 16.)
We pray you to show yourselves examples qf be¬
lievers in conversation, in purity, in faith and in chari¬
ty, (1 Tim. 4 : 12.) and while the brethren are exerci¬
sing themselves unto godliness, lifting up holy hands
without wrath and doubting, let the sisters adorn
themselves in decent modest apparel, (and not in the
superfluities of naughtiness nor go half naked.) (I
Tim. 2 : 9.) And let their conversation be chaste,
coupled with fear, which bespeaks a heart adorned
with a meek and quiet spirit, like holy women of old ;
(1 Pet. -3 : 2, 3, 4, 5.) ' That we may hear of your af¬
fairs, that you stand fast in one spirit, with one mind,
striving- together for the faith of the gospel. (Phi. 1:
27.) Endeavour to live, both in word and deed, to
the praise of him who hath called you to glory and
virtue : knowing that whoso offereth praise glorifieth
God, and tQ him that ordereth his conversation aright
will he shew his salvation.
Finally, dear brethren, we urge the necessity and
utility of Gospel discipline among you, that the house
of Go.d be not a house of merchandise, nor a den of
(thieves, John 2 : 16. Jer. 7 : 11. Mark 11: 17.) that
the Church of Christ appear neither as a harlot, nor
as the daughter of an harlot. (Rev. 17 : 5.) But in all
things that she approve herself as a chaste virgin or
the bride the Lamb's wife. (Rev. 21 : 9.)
And as the transgression of the wicked did say in
the heart of David, that the fear of God was not be¬
fore their eyes, so let your holy deportment declare
in their hearts that the fear of God is in you the begin-
history op the
ning of wisdom and the working' of righteousness»
(Psalm 36: 1. Prov. 9: 10.)
And now brethren, in order to attain to this excel"
lency of character let each look to himself, and when <
each has disciplined himself, the whole will be discip¬
lined ; and the church will appear like a company of
horses in Pharoah's chariots, or a flock of sheep com¬
ing up from the washing, all even shorn, &c. (Can. 4:
7, and 6: 6.) Wherefore, we pray God to preserve
you from abounding errors, and the power of dark¬
ness, which are so prevalent in the professing world;
and purify you unto himself a peculiar people zealous
of good works.
We pray that the good Spirit may direct you into
the old paths, where is the good way, that you may
walk therein and find rest to your souls. (Jer. 6 : 16.)
We now commend you to God, and the word of his
gr&'ce, which is "able to build you up, and to give you
an inheritance amongst all them that are sanctified.
Amen.
A. MARSHALL, Moderator.
Jesse Mercer, Clerk.
The following was written by the Rev. Mr. Rhodes,
in 1808:
" The ministers and other brethren, who compose
the Georgia Association, to their constituent christian
friends, send greeting:
Beloved in the Lord—Being again assembled, and
somewhat filled with each other's company, and the
intelligence received from you ; it has seemed good
to us, at this time, to address to you a few admonito¬
ry remarks on the official duty of a Deacon. To this
we are induced from the frequency of inqury on that
GEORGIA ASSOCIATION.
179
head, the incompetency of a mere answer to a query,
to give satisfaction, and that (probably) the querists
desire more to know how than what they are requir¬
ed to do.
We shall take up this subject as it is stated in our
last minutes, to wit: " Is it to serve tables, or to at¬
tend to the temporal necessities of the Church, the
Poor and the Minister."
I. By the temporal necessities of the Church, are
intended the Bread and Wine used in the Supper of
the Lord, and the vessels in which they are borne.
To procure which, you should keep a sufficient fund
in the hands of the Deacons, and not suffer them to
say, "brethren, your money is out, &c." nor leave
them to drag their private vessels into your service,
(or rather the service of the Lord's house;) lest you
should be ignobly eating at another's expence, or of¬
fering a sacrifice which cost you nothing, or chargea¬
ble of robbing the table or house of the Lord of its
meats, &c. 2 Sam. 24 : 24. Mai. 3 : 8-10.
II. The necessities of the poor are to be relieved by
the Deacons at your cost. To this you may say, there
is no such description of persons in this free, fruitful
and generous land. But this may be ,an egregious
mistake; there are poor of several denominations.
1. The World's Poor; or those who, though able
bodied, strong limbed and healthy, are so lazy they
will not labour for a support, and are therefore in
want.
2. The Devil's JPoor; or those, who have spent
good livings in gambling, drinking, and lewd houses.
* * * * * ###
4. The Lord's Poor; or those who, industriously
and frugally, endeavour for a support, but still are in
180
HISTORY OP THE
want, &c. But are all these to be relieved by the
Church's bounty] No. Let the World take care of
theirs; the Devil of his; the covetuous, ambitious,
rich Man of his; and the Church of the hordes.—
Enough of whom may be found with as little labor,
as the rake takes to find occasions of mischief; the
fop, new fashions; or the drunkard, the tavern. Read
Deut. 15: 9, 10, 11. Prov. 19: 17.—also 2S: 27.
Zech. 7: 10. and James 1: 27.
III. It is the duty of the Deacon to attend to the
temporal needs of the Minister. This, though a very
plain, is a very much neglected duty; probably from
the want of unanimity, the indulgence of apology and
dissention among yourselves. Of which the follow¬
ing may be a specimen:
The Church in Conference assembled: The Dea¬
con arose and said, "It is time brethren, to make up
something for the support of our minister." (Offer¬
ing a subscription.) Whereupon,
A. said, he thought it to be a matter of mere chari¬
ty, and (as charity begins at home) he was .bound to
provide for his otvn; at any rate he thought the min¬
ister to be as well off as he, and many of his brethren
were; and therefore, considered himself under no ob¬
ligation.
B. replied, that it could not be a matter of charity
at all, since the laws of nature and of God enjoined
it; and their own call of the brother made it to them
a matter of moral obligation.
C. alledged, that he had subscribed liberally to an
useful institution, and must be excused in that case.
D. said, he had assisted freely in building the meet¬
ing house, and must have ^ime to recover it.
E. rejoined, he had been building houses, or mills,
and had no money left for any purpose.
GEORGIA ASSOCIATION.
181
F» said, he had a son lately married, and it had
■called for all he could raise.
G. stated, that he had made several contracts, and
feared he should not be able to meet them, &c.
H. arose and said, he Wcis very much astonished
at the pleas urged; as if liberalities to other institu¬
tions, aiding to build meeting houses, erecting costly
houses, making sumptuous marriages, or contracts to
amass wealth, could exonerate from a positive duty.
I. remarked, he had made a short crop, and had
nothing to spare. To which agreed J. K. L. & M.
N. said, he was poor, ami though willing, was una¬
ble to do any thing. With whom O. P. & Q. agreed.
R. stated, that short cropj and poverty mi^ht ex¬
cuse from doing much, but could be no just plea for
doing nothing; since it is required according to what
he has, and not according to what he has not.
S. said, he never subscribed to any paper. To
whom said T. Yes, brother, " I am for none of this
obligation, if 1 get any thing to spare 1 will give it
and be done with it."
V. W. X. & Y. alledged, that they thought it rather
dangerous to give liberally, lest they should make
their minister proud, and so hinder his usefulness, &c.
Z. rising soberly said, he had attended to what had
been said on the subject, and was grieved in.spirit, to
hear so many objections to the discharge of a reason¬
able and just duty; he feared that a spirit ofpride a?ul
coveto-usness had disposed them to serve themselves
of the good things of God, without returning him one
thankful offering; he wondered how christians could
expect the continuance of the blessings of life, who are
more abusive of, and unthankful for them than heath¬
ens, who never use any of a new crop till they have
ct
182
HISTORY OF THE
offered the first fruits to the Great Giver of all goodL
To the brethren, who are so afraid of spoiling the
minister by liberalities, he said, "are not your sons
and daughters as lovely, and their souls as precious
in your sight as your minister] If so, why do you not
govern them by the same rule; and when the sons re¬
quest superftnes to wear, high priced, gaily horses,
fifty or sixty dollar saddles to ride, and the daughters
lutestring dresses with trails from 3 to 5 feet in length,
jine bonnets and feathers, and other costly equipage of
dress, why do you not say, no, my lovely children,,
these will make you proud and ruin you 1 No; your
families can be and appear in all the fashionable ele¬
gance of dress, and your boards loaded with all the
luxuries of life, without adverting to the evil conse¬
quences of such conduct. "I would," said he, "that
brethren would be consistent."
Dear brethren, the spirit and result of the above
are often seen in the face of your subscription papers.
There we see annexed to some names ten dollars, to
others five, others one, and others nothing, some giv¬
ing and othei-s withholding more than is meet; by
which it much of tetter happens that the preacher is
like the colt tied where two ways met, than likely to
be exalted by the abundance of your liberality. And
indeed, if any of you think the standing and useful¬
ness of your minister, depend on his poverty, we
would advise you to be liberal to him that he may be
proven and stand in his true light; and especially we
recommend this measure, as thereby you will have
done your duty, and relieved a poor minister of God
on the one hand, or have detected a hypocrite, freed
the Church of a pest, and the world of an impostor on
the other.
georgia association.
183
The faithful servant of Christ, instead of being
ihaughty, would be humbled by the abounding of your
liberality. O how relieved and comforted would the
poor minister be, if his brethren were to say to him,
as a late, meek, old minister did to a young one in his
start—" Go on brother in the cause of your Master,
and be not anxious about the family, for they shall
never suffer as long as I live." But we speak not
with respect to want, or that we desire a gift; but
that you may have fruit which may abound to your
account, to praise and honor at the coming of Christ,
the chief shepherd. Phi. 4: 11-17.
. Finally, dear brethren, emotions of grief have been
excited by the frequency of complaint in your letters.
We exhort you to quit you like men—resist the evil
of the day^—be separate from the world—do your dii-
ty—honor your high calling—love the brotherhood
—and strictly trust in God. And then you will have
a just right, though troubled on every side, not to be
•distressed; though cast down, not to be in despair.—
Yea, considering him who suffered such contradic¬
tions of sinners against himself, you will be strong
and valiant in your minds; and especially knowing
all things work together for good to them who love
God.
Lord God Almighty ! grant to thy servants all that
grace which shall possess them all of well-informed,
well-governed and pious minds, of useful lives, hon¬
orable characters, and triumphant deaths! To these
petitions, dear brethren, we add but one word more,
the appropriate and solemn word, Amen.
A. MARSHALL, Moderator-
J. Merger, Clerk,"
1S4
HISTORY OF THE
The following was written by William Rabun:
"The Georgia Association convened at Tirzah, in
Putnam county, October 1809, to the Churcnesthey
represent, wish grace, mercy and peace, may be mul¬
tiplied :
Dear brethren,—Having met according to our ap¬
pointment, in the late acquired territory, which, only-
a few years past, was the habitation of savages and
wild beasts, and which has since been converted into
fertile fields, and become the residence of many of
the people of God, where a number of churches have
been planted, and meeting houses erected, that daily
echo with the gospel's joyful sound, and the high
praises of Zion's King; well may we exclaim with
David, and say, " Tit,is is tlte Lord's doing and is
marvellous in our eyes."
We trust, that while we have been sitting together
in heavenly places in Christ, we have heard with de¬
light, that the Lord has been pouring out his spirit on
several of the churches of our union; and is now ma¬
king a willing people in this, the day of his power.
Surely our lot has fallen in pleasant places! We live
in a time that kings and righteous men beheld afar off,
and desired with anxious solicitude, but died without
the enjoyment.
Our temporal blessings are great indeed, and our
spiritual privileges are such, as other nations have
never yet enjoyed. And while we hear with solemn
concern, from almost every part of the European
world, that the desolating sword is spreading awful
havoc and distress, among those unfortunate countries
—when we reflect for a moment on these unpleasant
events, and then turn our attention to our peaceful,
happy land; we are ready to exclaim, " The Lord
fcftOtUStA AiSSsOCiATiON.
185
hath done great things for us, for which we are (or at
least ought to be) glad"
And now dear brethren, seeing that we have been
thus highly favored, " What manner of persons ought
we to be, in all holy conversation and godliness."
We have therefore thought proper to call your
attention to a few remarks on the injunction of our
dear Redeemer, recorded in Matthew v. 18. "Let
your light so shine before men, that they may see your
good works, and glorify your father, which is in hea¬
ven
That the church of God is considered as the light of
the world, and compared to a city set on a hill that
giveth light to all around, Jesus Christ himself hath
testified. That they are required to shine to the praise
and glory of him, who has called them out of darkness
into his marvellous light, none will deny. And that
it is through this medium that the cause of God is
carried on in the world, all will agree. Then
First. To our ministering brethren, we would offer
a feSv tender and affectionate observations. You'who
have been called of God, to the sacred work of prea¬
ching the gospel of Christ, to Adam's fallen race, re¬
member, that of you it will be expected to shine in
your proper department, to the praise and glory of
him who hath appointed you to occupy in that impor¬
tant trust. We would therefore exhort you, in the
name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you i(,walk wor¬
thy of the vocation by which you are called." ■ By ta¬
king heed to yourselves and to the flock, over which
the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the
church of God which he hath purchased with his
own blood. By reading and studying the sacred
scriptures and attending to the pure simplicity of the
,Q 2
186
HISTORY Of THE
gospel of our Redeemer. And by giving ail the en¬
couragement in your power to itinerant preaching.
For we read that when our divine master sent out his
disciples by two and two, they returned rejoicing,
that even the devils were made subject to them through
his name.
With peculiar satisfaction, we find that several of
our ministering brethren, are devoting their time, al¬
most entirely, to the duties of the sanctuary, and with
"real pleasure, we have seen the good effects that at¬
tend their exertions.
But alas ! are there not many others, who, though
eminently calculated, are not thus disposed to come
forth to the help of the Lord against the mighty? Is
there not a woe pronounced 07j those that are at
ease in Zion] And shall it be said of any of you,
dear brethren, that you are contented at home when
the Lord hath need of your labors'? Then he encou¬
raged to go forth in the name of the Lord of Hosts;
and although you should meet with opposition and
many discouraging prospects, from the enemies of
truth, and opposers of religion; let that consoling
promise (And lo ! I am with you always) support
you in your darkest and most trying hours..
And now, dear brethren, we conjure you, that
whether in the pulpit, or in the church, at home, or
abroad, you may by your chaste conversation, con¬
strain an admiring world to say, "these are the ser¬
vants of the most high God, that shew unto us the way
of salvation." And in all your preachings, exhorta¬
tions, prayers and praises, let Jesus Christ, and him
crucified, be your favorite, and most exalted theme.
That you consider it as the highest honor to which
you can possibly attain in this life, to be worn out in
GEORGIA ASSOCIATION.
187
the service of the living God—that when you have
ended your race and discharged the duty assigned
you, you may each for hiipself, be enabled with lull
assurance, to say with Paul, " I have fought a good
fight, Ihave finished, my course, and kept the faith—
and when the chief shepherd shall come, nmy you re¬
ceive that cheering plaudit of " TT'W/ done good, arul
faithful ser cants, enter into the joy of your Lord."
Secondly. To our aged lay brethren, we would al¬
so say a few things. Although you have borne the
heat and burthen of the day, and have long been pre¬
served as witnesses of the truth, and monuments of
free, sovereign and distinguishing grace ; and altho'
your bodily infirmities and declining age has in many
respects rendered you incapable of shining to so great
advantage as formerly, yet we are persuaded that
while the Lord is pleased to keep you'in this vale of
tears, he has his purposes to answer by so doing.
Then be disposed to enquire earnestly what those
purposes may be, and govern yourselves accordingly.
And whether in the churches to which you belong,
or in the families over which you preside. Oh! re¬
member that 11 the path of the just, is as the shining
light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day"
Then let your light shine in the evening of life with ad¬
ditional lustre, that by your examples and wholesome
admonitions, your brethren, children, servants and
neighbors may take knowledge that you have been
with Jesus, and be' constrained to testify, that of a
truth there is a reality in the religion you profess.—
Then be encouraged to hold on your way, and altho'
tribulation and distress may await you, still be of good
cheer, for when you have done and suffered the will
of your heavenly Father, he will send for you, and
188
HISTORY OF 1,HE
bring your grey hairs to the grave in peace, "in a
full age, like a shock of corn cometh in his season
Thirdly. To our younger brethren, we have many
things to say, but the limits of this sketch will not ad¬
mit of it now. Although we have, no new command¬
ment to write unto you, yet we are disposed to stir
up your pure minds by way of remembrance, and to
point out and bring into view some of the most im¬
portant duties that God has enjoined on you as mem¬
bers of his mystical body. Then permit us in the most
endearing manner to exhort "you, who sometimes
v)cre darkness, hut now are made light pi the Lord,
that ye walk as children of the light," ind remember
that while your aged brethren, who have long stood
as pillars in the churches, are daily dropping off, that
God has graciously raised you up to supply their places,
and to be helpers together in carrying on the govern¬
ment and discipline of the church militant here on
earth; then be entreated to "put on the tchole armour
of light, and -prepare to endure hardness as good sol¬
diers of Jesus Christ." For we are persuaded that
our Redeemer has designed through you to perpetu¬
ate the savor of his name to the succeeding genera¬
tion. Therefore be disposed to read and meditate on
the sacred scriptures, and from thence learn your du¬
ty to God, and each other, "and be steadfast and im¬
movable, always abounding in the tcork of the Lord."
Attend strictly to your church conferences; let no
common considerations keep you away. And when
there, strive to be useful; let the peace, union and
harmony of the churches, be an object of great impor¬
tance with you. Endeavor to strengthen the hands
of your ministers, and while they are going forth in the
discharge of the duties of their high calling, remeci-
georgia association.
1S9
ber that you are required to attend to their temporal
concerns, and see that they, nor their families are in
want of any of the good things of this life, that are in
your power to furnish.
And oh! brethren, above all things let your daily-
prayers like holy incense, ascend to the throne of grace,
with unwearied zeal, that the Lord would graciously
revive true and vital religion; that he would add to
his churches daily such as he would have to be sa¬
ved ; that he wo\ild keep you from the evils of this
wicked world, and make you instrumental in the ad¬
vancement of his cause and kingdom; and that he
would enable you to shine through life and in death,
to the praise and glory ofhis exalted name.
And finally, we are persuaded, that when our breth¬
ren and sisters shall generally be found " icdiking in
all the comviandments and ordinavccs of the Lord
blameless"—when they shall be found with their lamps
trimmed and their loins girt, as servants waiting for
the coming of their Lord, theft may we confidently
expect that the rising generation Seeing our good
works, will be constrained to love and admire the
Savior's name, and cheerfully join to fill up our pla¬
ces in the church, and tell to their children yet un¬
born, the wonders of his matchless grace.
And now unto him that loved us, and washed us
from oar sins in his own blood, to him be glory and
dominion forever and ever. Amen.
ABRAHAM MARSHALL, Moderator.
Jesse Mercer, Clerk."
The following waswritten by the Rev. Mr. Boyd,
in 1810:
" The Ministers and Messengers of the Georgia
190
HISTORY OF THE
Baptist Association, convened at Fort Creek Church,
Hancock county, to the Churches they represent, send
christian salutation:
Beloved Brethren,—Being" once more assembled
according to our appointment, for the express pur¬
pose of promoting the glory of God, :n the delibera¬
tion of the affairs relative to his kingdom; and having
read your letters and diligently attended to their con¬
tents., and having measurably mouimed with you in
your distresses, and rejoiced with you in your pros¬
perity.
We would now endeavour in a short address to
stir up your pure minds to the strict performance ©J
religious duties with love and simplicity. God in his
providence confers on us blessings, which are in theii
nature invaluable, and for which our hearts shoulc
burn with love and gratitude.
Many parts of the European world are over rur
and desolated with the awful scourge of war; the
shores tremble with the tremendous peals of brazer
thunder bursting from the mouth of the cannon; th(
inhabitants are filled with consternation and distress
the fond husband must take leave of his soft compan
ion and little pledges of his best affections, march t(
the field of action to face the terrific implements o
carnage and death, in all their direful array; the ten
der wife and children are toiling hard for a scanty
support, suspended in fearful expectation of an ag
gravation of their accumulated distresses; till alas
the fatal news is come, the engagement was fierce
men have fallen as stubble before the devouring
flame; the earth drenched with blood, dead corpse
lie in mangled heaps, famine now ensues, distress
horror, and despair are the universal effects; whil
GEORGIA ASSOCIATION.
191
you, sitting peaceably at home under your oicn vines
andjigtrecs, are cherished, with the smiles of heaven.
You can enlarge your farms, erect splendid palaces
for your accommodation, float in ease and affluence,
either in church or state, promote literature in your
rising posterity, aggrandize your natures, enjoy the
society of your respective families, clad in the arms of
love, and there is none to make you afraid. To what
shall you ascribe this, but to the free and sovereign
love of God 1
Many of the human family are enveloped in heath¬
enish darkness, worshiping the sun, moon and stars,
and images made by men's hands, destitute of the
glorious gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ, through
which "life and immortality are brought to light."
While you have it propagated and reverberated,
from place to place, exhibiting to you a once crucified
but now risen Saviour, interceding at the right hand
of the Majesty on high, and securing to you an happy
immortality. Also, there are thousands amongst you,
who are yet devoid of the grace of God in its saving
influence in the heart; "having no hope and without
God in the world," having eyes, but see not; ears,
but hear not; an heart, but do not understand the
things of the spirit of God; while you are made to
know and embrace the truth as it is in Christ Jesus,
and to rejoice in hope of the glory of God; surely these
things should inspire each of you to say with David,
"what shall I render unto the Lord for all his be¬
nefits toward me1?" or in other words, how shall I
have my heart in a right frame, to render unto him
praise for such mercies, in a right and acceptable
. manner ?
For the accomplishment of this important end be
192
HISTORY OF THE
frequently and fervently (with your whole heart) en¬
gaged in prayer at the throne of grace, to obtain mer¬
cy and grace to qualify you for the performance of
those important duties which are incumbent on you.
The professed followers of the meek and lowly
Lamb of God, should be zealous and active in his
cause. The church is called the " ground and pillar
of the truth," and is looked up to by each member-of
the body (as well as by the people of the world) for
example and instruction; she is viewed as "a city
set upon a hill," or a "candle upon a candlestick;"
you should therefore so let your light shine before
men, that they beholding your good works may glori¬
fy your Father which is in heaven. Though you en¬
joy golden privileges, and realize special and benign
blessings in your own souls; yet anguish and pain,
in part, have happened to all, sin has so contaminated
the human system, that its baneful influence is not yet
entirely eradicated, you have therefore to labor under
the infirmities of the flesh, and frequently to exclaim
with the Apostle, " Oh wretched man that I am who
shall deliver me from this body of sin and death?"
Though you may enjoy a temporal peace, yet you
are exposed to spiritual attacks; the prince of the
power of the air is always ready to sow the seeds of
discord, hatred, malice, envy and revenge, amongst
you, to destroy your peace, and the credulous hearts
of the human family are naturally prone to confirm
his diabolical insinuations, to the aggravation of their
own mutual distresses; but be engaged as a united
band of brethren, to maintain war against those evils,
by endeavoring to bear each other's infirmities.
Do you not remember that you were once in the
gall of bitterness and bond of iniquity, sliding on the
tiEOftGIA ASSOCIATION.
193
^precipice of eternal destruction, exposed (in your¬
selves considered) to the wrath of a sin avenging God?
Has he put forth the arm of his power, and plucked
you as brands from the burning, and made you heirs
of immortal glory? This should induce you to sym¬
pathize with those of your fellow creatures who are
in a like fox "lorn situation, forgive them injuries done,
pity them and pray for them, that the Lord weuld.
have mercy on their souls and save them in the day
of his power.
Do you feel ofttimes leanness of soul, hardness of
spirit, and the want of the life and power of religion
in your own souls, surrounded and beset with temp¬
tations, much dejected and cast down'? You should
realize that all Christians being of the same human
family are in-a certain degree subject to the like in¬
firmities, and should therefore, in proportion to your
own distresses, sympathize with your brethren, and
thus console them under their anguish of soul.
Do you feel passion and envy to arise in your breast
disqualifying you for union and communion 1 endea¬
vour by the grace of God to suppress those evils, first
in yourselves, and then in your brethren, (supposing
they are subject to similar attacks) and thus be found
walking as the children of the light, each studying
not particularly his own, but another's prosperity and
happiness, while you pass through a vale of ten thou¬
sand woes.
Christians should be found "walking in all the com¬
mandments of the Lord blameless," with a single
eye to the glory of God, each acting up to the sphere
in which Godjhas placed him. If called to the ministra¬
tion of the word, do it' with simplicity, zeal, candor
■and 'honesty of heart, "contending earnestly for the,
s.
194
HISTORY OF' THE
faith once delivered to the saints." If called to hs1
officers in the church, endeavor faithfully to discharge-
those duties incumbent on that important trust, look
well into the order of the house, see that the tables of
the Lord are well supplied: (to wit.) first, the table'
of the communion ; secondly the table of your minis¬
ter; and thirdly, the table of the industrious but poor
saints amongst you, such at least, as may be objects of
charity; endeavor to stir up the brethren to be zeal¬
ous and active, call upon them to contribute of the
abundance which God has liberally crowned them
with, to supply those deficiencies. And if called to
be common members in the church, be present, fill up
your seats, bear up the hands of your ministers, and
thus provoke each other to love and good works.—
And if also called to beheads of families, (the Apos¬
tle has said, let each rule his own household well) .
have regular set times for family devotion, suffer not
the crowd ofbusiness, the multitude of company, or
any other obstacle to divert you from the strict perfor¬
mance of regular worship; be soft and affectionate to¬
wards your companions and children; be strict and ten¬
der with your servants, call them together, instruct
them in the way of life and salvation, point out to
them the evil consequences of sin, deter them from
pro/aning the Sabbath and from taking the name of
the Lord in vain, teach them while their minds are
young and susceptible of suitable impressions to re¬
spect the Bible, and reverence the name of Jehovah,
to which every knee must bow and every tongue con¬
fess.
Endeavor particularly to divert the minds of your
youth from the pompous extravagances of this world,
by placing before them the overflowing love of the
GEORGIA ASSOCIATION.
195
Saviour, and his inimitable example, give them an
•easy, graceful, polite deportment; but let it always
be founded upon a solid religious education, and in¬
fuse into them by the force of habit a soft and benev¬
olent temper, and when they are old they will not
depart therefrom; and the happy consequence will
be that you will enjoy in this world the peace of a re¬
conciled conscience, and the sweet society of a love¬
ly family, who are disposed to live in peace and love
with all their fellow creatures, and shall in the end,
by the grace of God, enjoy life everlasting in the
climes of ultimate glory.
Time is short, you should therefore the better im¬
prove it, while you listen momentarily for the mid¬
night cry, ''behold the bridegroom cometh, go ye
out to meet him." Then you shall be spectators to
that awful catastrophe, when the sun shall be dark¬
ened, the moon rolled in blood, when the Judge him¬
self shall descend with the voice of an archangel and
with the trump of God, the azure vault shall cleave,
the massy tomb-stones burst asunder, the cloud-capt
tower give way; when Christ shall appear, arrayed
in the insufferable splendor of his Father's glory, as
judge of quick and dead; when the earth and seas shall
be overwhelmed in one deluge of fire, myriads of the
human family, from the first man, Adam, to the child
that was born but yesterday, and all the intermediate
generations, shall burst from their dusty beds, crowd¬
ing the astonishing skies to receive their final sentence.
Then those who have been his humble followers in
this world, shall hear the welcome plaudit, "come ye
blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared
for you from the foundation of the world"—and the
wicked with all nations, that forget God, shall be driv-
196
HISTORY OF THE
en from the glory of his presence with that dread sen¬
tence, " depart from me ye cursed into everlasting
fire prepared for the devil and his angels."
May the spirit of Elijah's God influence your eve¬
ry heart, dispose you to think seriously of your latter
end, and qualify you for those important events, and
to his name be sublime and undivided praises, world
without end. Amen.
JAMES MATHEWS, Moderator.
Jesse Mercer, Clerk.
' The following by Jesse Mercer in 1811 :
" The Elders and brethren of the Georgia Associa¬
tion, to the brethren they represent: greeting:
Beloved in Christ,—From our earliest connection,
we have studiously selected for the subjects of our
addresses to you, those doctrines and duties which see¬
med the best suited to confirm and increase your faith
in Christ; to edify and comfort your hearts, being
knit together in love; and to lead you on to that light
and perfection, which would honor and commend the
cause in which you have embarked, and reflect the
highest praise and glory of God who has called you.
into his marvellous light. But while you have endea¬
vored to keep yourselves unmixed with, and unspot¬
ted from the world as a chaste virgin to Christ, you
have excited some unpleasantness among the religious
denominations around you, because you have not found
it consistent to admit them and their administrations
as orderly and valid. We therefore propose as
the subject of this letter, the reasons, briefly, which
lead us to deem Pedobaptist administrations, though
in the proper mode, invalid. That this subject may
be as clear as our epistolary limits will admit, we pro-
georgia association.
197
pose to lay down a few scriptural propositions, whose
legitimate inferences will, we trust, bring into, tho'
a concise, yet sufficiently clear view, the reasons in
question.
I. The apostolic church continued through all
ages to the end of the world, is the only true gospel
church.
The truth of this proposition is not only frequently
intimated, but strongly affirmed by the prophets.
They speak of a glorious state of religious affairs to
take place on the coming of the Messiah, which they
say, shall continue or endure, as the sun, or days
of heaven, Psalms lxxxix. 29, 36, 37—Shall nev¬
er be cut off, Isa. lv. 14—And shall stand forever,
Dan. ii. 44. Christ affirms nothing shall prevail u-
gainsthis church, no, not the gates of hell, Matt. xiv.
IS. But John puts this point beyond all contradic¬
tion in his prophetic history of the church, in which, tho'
he admits of various outward modifications, he main¬
tains an uninterrupted succession from the Apostolic
asre, till the world shall end.
c> '
II. Of this church, Christ is the only head, and
true source of all ecclesiastical authority.
Although the scriptures are "illumined by this truth
yet it may not be impertinent to cite a few passages
in point. To me, says Christ, is authority given,
John v. 22,27. And knowing the love ofpower, and
the strong propensity to rule, in the human heart, he
frequently and emphatically, declares himself, to his
Apostles, to be their only lord and master, Mat.
xxiii. 8, 10. The Apostles concur in ascribing this
honor to him; and transmit it to all after ages of the
church, Acts ii. 36—Eph. i. 22, and v. 23—Col. ii. 10.
But the commission of the Apostles, the matter, man-
r 2
198
history ot the
ner, and majesty of which are enough to make a saint
triumph, an angel rejoice, and a devil tremble, capt
the whole, Mat. xxviii. 18, 19.
III. Gopsel ministers are servants in the church, art
all equal, and have no power to lord it over the heri¬
tage of their Lord.
By the examples of a little child in the midst, and
the exercise of dominion over the gentiles by their prin¬
ces, our Lord teaches humility, and denies to his A-
postles the exercise of lordship over his church, Mat.
xviii. 2, 6—xx. 25, 26. He calls them brethren, and
directs that they should not be called masters, but
servants, Mat. xxii. 8, 11. The Acts and Epistles
of the Apostles shew their observance of their Lord's
commands. Here we see them the messengers and
servants, of the churches, which proves the power to
be in the churches and not in them, Acts vi. 5. xv. 4,
22—2 Cor. viii. 23—Phil. ii. 25—2 Cor. iv. 5.—
Timothy is instructed how to behave himself in the
church, which is the pillar and ground of the truth;
but if the power had been constituted in him, the ad¬
vice should have been snven the church, that she mierht
~ 7 &
have known how to behave herself in the presence of
herBTSiiop, 1 Tim.iii. 15. compared with Mat.'xviii. 17.
IV. All things are to he done in faith, according
to the gospel pattern.
Faith is made capital in the scriptures, and the want
of it equals unbelief. The house of Israel is often
complained of for the lack of it; the apostles are ad¬
monished to have it, and upbraided for their unbelief.
Deut. xxxii. 22. Mark xi. 22—xvi. 14. The apos¬
tles, and Paul declares without it, it is impossible to
please God, and that he that doubts of what he does
is damned in doing it because he acts without faith.
1 Cor. iv. 12. Heb. xi. 6. Rom. xiv. 23.
GEORGIA ASSOCIATION.
199
From these proposition, thus established, we draw
"the following inferences, as clear and, certain truths. \
I. That all churches and ministers, who originated
since the apostles, and not successively to them, am
not in gospel order; and therefore cannot be acknow¬
ledged as such. .
II. That all, who have been ordained to the work
of the ministry without the knowledge and call of the.
church, by popes, councils, &c. are the creatures of
those who constituted them, and not the servants of
Christ, or his church, and therefore have no right to
administer for them.
III. That those who have set aside the discipline of
the gospel, and have given law to, and exercised do¬
minion over the church, are usurpers over the place
and office of Christ, are against him; and therefore
may not be accepted in their offices.
IV. That they, who administer contrary to their
own, or the faith of the gospel, cannot administer for
G od; since without the gospel faith he has nothing to
minister; and without their own he accepts no service;
therefore the administrations of such are unwarranta¬
ble impositions in any way.
Our reasons, therefore for rejecting baptism by im¬
mersion when administered by Pedobaptist ministers,
are,
I. That they are connected with churches clearly
out of the apostolic succession, and therefore clearly-
put of the apostolic commission.
II. That they have derived their authority, by or¬
dination, from the bishops of Rome, or from individu¬
als, who have taken it on themselves to give it.
III. That they hold a higher rank in the churchee
than the apostles did, are not accountable to, and of
200
history op the
consequence not triable by the church; but are ame¬
nable only to, or among themselves.
IV. That they all, as we think, administer contra¬
ry to the pattern of the Grospel, and some, when occa¬
sion requires, will act contrary to their own profess¬
ed faith. Now as we know ofnoneimplicated in this
case, but are in some or all of the above defects, ei¬
ther of which we* deem sufficient to disqualify for
meet gospel administration, therefore we hold their
administrations invalid.
But if it should be said, that the apostolic success¬
ion cannot be ascertained, and then it is proper to act
without it; we say, that the loss of the succession can
never prove it futile, nor justify any one out of it.—
The Pedobaptists, by their own histories, admit they
are not of it; but tee do not, and shall think ourselves
entitled to the claim, until the reverse be clearly shewn,
And should any think authority derived from the mo¬
ther op harlots, sufficient to qualify to administer
a gospel ordinance, they will be so charitable as not
to condemn us for prefermg that derived from Christ.
And should any still more absurdly plead that ordina¬
tion, received from an individual, is sufficient; we
leave them to shew what is the use of ordination, and
why it exists. If any think an administration will suf¬
fice which has no pattern in the gospel; they will
suffer us to act according to the divine order with im¬
punity. And if it should be said that faith in the sub¬
ject is all that is necessary, we beg leave to require
it where the scriptures do, that is every where. But
we must close: we beseech you brethren while you
hold fast the form of your profession, be ready to un¬
ite with those from whom you differ, as far as the prin¬
ciples of eternal truth will justify. And while you
georgia association.
201
firmly oppose that shadowy union, so often urged, be
instant in prayer and exert yourselves to bring about
that which is in heart, and after godliness. Which
the Lord hasten in its season, Amen and Amen.
A. MARSHALL, Moderator.
Jesse Mercer, Clerk."
The following by D. AY. Marshall, m 1S13:
" The ministers and other brethren composing the
Georgia Baptist Association, to the churches they re¬
present—send Christian salutation :
jBeloved Brethren,—Having with sorrow observed
the awful disregard of the Sabbath by the community
in general, and especially by many who profess tho
holy religion of Jesus, it was thought expedient at
our last session, that it should be the subject of this
address. You will easily perceive-this to be too co¬
pious to be completely discussed in the limits usually
prescribed to Circular Letters. Your considerations,
therefore, will be invited only to those remarks which
appear most important.
The Father of mercies, knowing the stupidity of
mortals (how slow to learn! how prone to forget
those things belonging to his worship, and particular¬
ly the time appropriated for that purpose) ushers in
the fourth command with peculiar emphasis, " Re¬
member the Sabbath day, to keep it hoij." This we
are not to consider as given to the Jews only, for it
does not appear to be of a ceremonial nature, but mor¬
al; nor is this the first institution, but only the renew¬
al or ratification of it. No doubt the will of God con¬
cerning this as well as other commands, was enstamp-
ed on man's heart at his first creation—and God's
resting- on the seventh day from all his works, hi#
202
HISTORY OF THE
sanctifying and blessing it, seem sufficient intimations,
that every seventh day thereafter should be observ¬
ed by men. The morality of the Sabbath is very ev¬
ident from its institution, it being while man was in
a state of innocence, consequently before all types and
ceremonies respecting an atonement for sins—being
then appointed on moral ground, it must necessarily
be of perpetual obligation. It is proper, however,
to be noticed, that we do not keep the identical same
day the Jews did. They observed the seventh, we
the first.—But our obligation to observe the Sabbath,
does not consist in its being the seventh day of the
week, but in being the seventh part of our time; espe¬
cially when from the nature of things, it is impossi¬
ble the same day should be observed in all places of
the earth at the same time, it beinsrofa spherical fig¬
ure. Having said thus much concerning the origin
and morality of the Sabbath, we shall further con¬
sider a few reasons why we are bound to observe it;
and then how it is to be kept holy]
We are bound by the authority of Him who com¬
mands, "J Vhen God sjiealis, let man obey " It is suf¬
ficient for mortals to know that it is the will of their
Maker, without saying "why doest thou 1" God may
challenge a sovereign rig'ht to dispose of our time, our
talents, and our all, as seemeth to him £>ood—it is en¬
ough for us that we obey and adore; for in Him we live,
move, and have our being. Should it then be thought
too much that we separate one day in seven for his
worship, that we may learn to know him, serve him,
love him, and glorify him 1 Surely it is our reasona¬
ble service!
The goodness of God calls to it. Had not the Fa¬
ther of mercies appointed the Sabbath, it is presuma-
GEORGIA ASSOCIATION.
203
ble many cruel masters would compel their servants
to toil from year to year without a day's relaxation.
But by the intervention of the Sabbath, the body is
invigorated and fitted for the employment of another
week, and the soul enlivened and fitted, by grace at¬
tending the appointed means, for a happier clime a-
bove. Bless the Lord for his goodness in appointing
the Sabbath.
The example of God affords another reason. In
six days he finished all the works of creation, and
rested on the seventh—not indeed as one weary, but
as one well pleased with the instances of his own good¬
ness. And this appears to have been done as an ex¬
ample for man: for if he had pleased by his fiat, he
could have made all things in a moment. The Patri¬
archs might rest in the contemplation of the wonders
and goodness of Got], manifested in the works of crea¬
tion; the Jews in their redemption from Egyptian
bondage ; and Christians in the finished works of re¬
deeming love.
Again, his blessing it is another reason of our keep¬
ing it holy. God has blessed the Sabbath, not only
in the consecration of it to a holy use, but by so or¬
dering it in his providence that the religious obser¬
vance of it shall be no detriment unto, but rather a
furtherance of their lawful callings through the week
—especially as the profaning of it draws on a train of
miseries—Neh. xiii. 18. Moreover he blessed them
in it, by affording them a more plenteous communica¬
tion of spiritual blessings—Isa. lviii. 14. Rev. i. 10.
The law of the land also, to which the followers of
Jesus are commanded to be subject, enjoins the strict
observance of this day. The institution is civil in its
ends; that God may be worshiped, man instructed,
204
HISlORY OP Tttfi
nations benefited, and families devoted to the service
of God. The abolition of it would not only be un-
scriptural, (Exo. xxxi. 13.) but unreasonable and dis¬
advantageous to soul, body, society, and the brutal
creation.
Let us now, brethren, consider briefly, how the
Sabbath is to be hallowed. In order to the keepingof
it holy, we may consider what should not, and what
should be done. What we should not do, is express¬
ed in these words—Thou shalt not do any work, thou,
nor thy son, fyc.—Our worldly business of whatever
kind, must be laid aside. This command is particu¬
larly addressed to masters of families, who are not on¬
ly to abstain from labor themselves, but to see that all
under their care do likewise. The design of the Sab¬
bath is to serve God and instruct our souls; every
thing which is inconsistent with this, is forbidden by
this command. How awfully then is it violated by
visiting, feasting, hunting, worldly amusements, wri¬
ting letters, settling accounts, reading carnal books,
and worldly conversation. Look about our neighbor¬
hoods and highways, and you see very little appear¬
ance of a day of rest! Alas! what strolling from
place to place—servants, so far from being restrained
by their masters, are rather stimulated by their ex¬
amples. By needless entertainments, how many are
deprived of attending on those means of grace which
God has appointed for the instruction and salvation of
men's souls.
The Sabbath is also profaned by idleness. Mere
rest of the body is the Sabbath of beasts. Isaiah tea¬
ches us how we ought to spend the Lord's day, (lviii.
13, 14) paraphrased by Burder—"Ifthou turn away
thy foot from the Sabbath," from trampling on it, or
GEORGIA ASSOCIATION.
205
from travelling on it, or from walking at large, as if
under no restraint—"from doing thy pleasure on my
holy day," (that is, from doing thy carnal pleasure,)
■doing that which is agreeable to thy corrupt inclina¬
tions—"and call the Sabbath a delight, the holy of
the Lord, end honorable," esteeming it above all o-
ther days, taking holy pleasure in the ways of God—
"and shalt honor him, not doing thine own ways, nor
finding thy own pleasure, nor speaking thine own
wordsnot gratifying thy flesh, not indulging in
trifling nor impertinent conversation—"then shalt
thou have the honor, pleasure and profit of it, for God
has blessed this day.
Amongst all the works of a temporal nature, those
only of necessity and mercy are to be performed on
this day. Works of necessity are such as could not
be foreseen or provided for before, nor deferred till
after the Sabbath. Those of mercy, are moderate re¬
freshment, visiting the sick, feeding and preserving
our stock, &c. Luke. vi. 1. xiii. 15, 16. xiv. 5. 1 Cor.
xvi. 2. In these respects, the Sabbath was made for
man, and not man for the Sabbath; avid the Jews wrere
severely reprimanded for their superstitious observ¬
ance of it. Let us however be cautious, lest these be
pretended, and not real works of mercy or necessity.
But there are positive duties required of us. This
day, as all others, should be commenced by prayer.
It was the saying of the great Hale, that when he
commenced the Sabbath properly, the other duties
of the day easily followed; and when the Sabbath
was well spent, the remainder of the week was gen¬
erally so too. This duty of private prayer is incum¬
bent on Christians every day, but doubly so on the
Lord's day. For this, there is an argument from the
s
2W
fifSTOHY Of* TjBlE'
ceremonial law, for the daily sacrifice was to lie dou¬
bled on the Sabbath, Num. xxvii. 9—intimating tha»
they should double their devotions on that day. Noli
only secret, but family worship is enjoined in scrip¬
ture, by precept and example; praying with all pray¬
er, and in all places, then surely in families. Abra¬
ham, Joshua, David, Cornelius, and to crown all, th»
blessed Jesus, are patterns for our imitation in fami¬
ly worship—Gen. xviii. 19. Josh. xxiv. 15. 1 Sam,
vi, 20. Acts x. 2. xxvi. 30, Luke ix. IS. And from the
awful denunciations of divine displeasure against those
families who call not on his name, that he would pour
out of his warth upon them, and scatter brimstone
upon their habitations I
Public worship too, is an ordinance of God, and of
great importance. The true worshippers of God, from
the beginning have assembled for prayer and praise..
They were glad to go up to the house of the Lord,
and esteemed one day in his courts better than a thou¬
sand. Jesus has commanded his ministers to preach
unto the people, and promised his presence—Surely
then, it is the people's duty to attend and hear. How
lamentable then, to consider the number who never
attend the house of the Lord! If the day be observ¬
ed, let it f the whole of it J be observed to the Lord.
How should we shudder at the thought of the entire
abolition of the Sabbath! Yet those who never give
their attendance at public worship, declare the Sab¬
bath to be loathsome to them. And you, brethren,
lest by lukewarmness in the performance of those
duties enjoined by God, in his word, you unwitting¬
ly oppose the cause of Him you profess to love.—
This is an important crisis!—A pruning, a winnow¬
ing season! A time when those plants not planted
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207
Iby the Lord of the Vineyard, will shew their degen¬
erate nature. Let us who profess to be the true fol¬
lowers of the humble Jesus, manifest a decided disap¬
probation of all vice, by an upright walk and godly
conversation.
Train up your children in the nurture of the Lord,
Ye, who are heads of families, on the Lord's day, and
•all convenient seasons, assemble your little ones and
-servants around you; read a chapter or two of scrip¬
ture, a sermon, or some good book; ask them a few
-easy questions concerning religion; endeavor to lead
them sweetly and gently into a knowledge of them¬
selves and their God. Ye are the salt of the earth,
let it not lose its savor / Think how many evils flow
from the neglect of the Sabbath. In France there is
no Sabbath ; infidelity reigns! Take the alarm! Ar¬
dently beseech the Father of mercies that this may
never be the case in this favored land. Let us de¬
voutly join the supplication, ' Thy kingdom come,
thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven.' Let us
pass our sojourning in fear and trembling. Let us
look, upon each day of rest here, as an anticipation of
that eternal rest above! Let us then observe it as
we hope to do, when, with the blood-washed throng,
we adore, bending around the throne, crying, holy,
holy, holy, lord god of hosts !
A. MARSHALL, Moderator.
Jesse Mercer, Clerk."
The following by Rev. E. Shackelford, in 1814:
" The Georgia Association, to the Churches whom
they represent, desire that grace, mercy and peace
inay abound.
Beloved Brethren,—Through the never failingmer*
208
HISTORY OF THE
cies of our Heavenly Benefactor, we are again per¬
mitted to assemble at the time and place of our annu¬
al meeting, for the purpose of adjusting those things
which pertain to the honor and glory of the Redeem¬
er's Kingdom. We are sorry to hear in your com¬
munications, of the cold lax state of religion among
you; but unite, notwithstanding, with you in the stron¬
gest expressions of love and thankfulness that peace
and harmony abound. We hope you will ever en¬
deavor to keep the unity of the spirit in the bond of
peace, all speaking the same thing, being perfectly
joined together in the same mind, and in the same
judgment.
It is usual in our Circular addresses, to select a sub¬
ject for vour entertainment and edification—at pres¬
ent we are almost at a loss for one, that would be ap¬
propriate and avoid repetition—and indeed, the pen
would fall from our hand and lie in forgetfulness, if &
practical use had been made on those subjects which
have already been insisted on; but it is to be lament¬
ed that we are forgetful hearers, and therefore re¬
quire repeated solicitations to those duties in religion
which are of a practical nature. We, therefore, call
attention to a summary of privileges and duties, which
are no less important, yet we fear, not so promptly
attended to as some others.
Remember our Lord says, "if any man will come
after me let him deny himself and take up his cross
and follow me." This is of universal import, and re¬
quires that we follow his examples with precision,
and adhere to his precepts invariably; and not think
that we may omit this and violate that with impuni¬
ty; for he that offends only in one point stands justly
accursed before God. Too many who name thenarae
GEORGIA ASSOCIATION. 209
of Jesus indulge in the omission of those duties which
are of divine institution, and a commission of those
evils which are strictly forbidden in the precepts of
the gospel. It is solemnly enjoined on all men to
pray, and especially on professors of Christianity;
but how is this important command and inestimable
privilege neglected among us! Both the family, and
the closet, are too seldom frequented in this respect;
notwithstanding the Lord has said on the one hand,
"that he would pour out his wrath on the families
that call not on his name;" and on the other promises
"to reward them openly who pray in secret." 'Tis
too, to be lamented that there are so many futile ex¬
cuses and apologies made for the omission of family
devotion. The man that neglects it eutirely, pleads
his weakness and ignorance in justification of his con¬
duct; (which we fear are other names for pride and
selfishness) and has forgotten, or is indisposed to, the
direction which says, " If any of you lack wisdom,
let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally,
and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him."
Remember brethren, that prayer does not consist in
a multitude of fine words, nor eloquent addresses.—
Many such have flown from polluted lips, and Judas¬
like hearts, and were abhorrent to God. While the
prayer of a blind Bartimeus, a dying thief, or a con¬
verted Publican, clothed with simple style, and flow¬
ing from a heart of contrition reached the ears of a
gracious Redeemer; who speedily returned an an¬
swer of peace to the afflicted conscience. And Da¬
vid says, " the Lord is nigh to them that are of a
broken heart, and saveth such as be of a contrite spir¬
it." There are others who ran ■well, in this respect,
in their commencement of Christianity; but have by
s 2
HISTOKY OF THE
degrees fallen off and now contribute but a very small
part of their time to family worship, (and analogy
says to closet devotion also.) These, surely, have
forgotten that all-important injunction "as ye have
received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him."
0 ye backsliders in heart and,practice, are ye less de¬
pendent on the Lord now, than formerly ye were?
Are the sacred and tender ties which united you at
first, bursted asunder, and so left you free of obliga¬
tion to ids != acred name'? Let such remember the
state of i.:;0 Laodicean church and tremble, and strict¬
ly adliC'i e to the solemn admonition given to the church
at Sardis. " watchful, and strengthen the things
which remain, and arc ready to die; for I have not
found thy work perfect before God. Remember,
therefore, how thou hast received and heard,and hold
fast, and repent. If therefore, thou shall not watch,
1 will ccrnr on thee as a thief, and thou shalt not know
what hour I will come upon thee." Take heed,
Brethp. n, Se-t there 1 e in any of you an evil heart of
unbelief in depniting Irom the living God. We need
not enlarge on the benefits that result from a close,
prayerful application ; they are clearly stated in the
sacred oracirs, and well known by all the practitioners
thereof. Cow] i r justly and beautifully remarks, that:
" muiing prayer, we cease to
Prajt.'i- makes the Christian's armor bright,
Gives exercise to faith and love,
Brings every blessing from above."
We exhort you, therefore, to be prompt in this du¬
ty, both in your families, and in your closets; and
though it merit not, yet it is a divine appointment:
And the l^ord hath said, " Ask, and ye shall receive;
seek, and ye shall find."—He will be sought unto by
his people.
GEORGIA ASSOCIATION.
211
The second particular to which we invite your at¬
tention, is a strict, practical use of Gospel discijditie-.
Where this is executed, in faithfulness and love, it
never fails to effect its designs ; which are to glorify
the Great Head of the Church ; reclaim from error ;
and strengthen the bands of mutual affection. Never
let your pitv, 011 the one hand, make you relaxed in
this duty-; nor pride, nor prejudice, prompt you to
go beyond its limits, on the other ; but let -the cause
of God lie uppermost in your hearts,"and his glory be
your polar star. Then you shall be as an army with
banners, striking terror through your enemies, find
proselyting many to the cross of your Saviour. How
good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dweil to¬
gether in oii/ij !
The third and last dun , to which we admonish you
at this time, is a, stri< t attention to the moral education
of your families. We have been too justly reproach¬
ed by many in this respect. Purely it behoo\es all,
to whom Providence has committed the care of youths,
to cultivate early in their minds the sentiments of mo¬
rality and religion. Do you wish the present and fu¬
ture interest of your children 1 Teach them to re¬
vere the name of God, and love his word. Guard
them against those little vices to which they are lia¬
ble in minority ; and suffer them not to associate with
those, whose morals their parents take no care to cul¬
tivate. Expose error in their presence, and recom¬
mend religion and virtue, both by example and pre¬
cept. " Fathers, provoke not your children to wrath,
but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of
the Lord," teas an apostolical injunction. Youth is a
period, when the mind is most receptive and tender;
and generally the first impressions are the most per-
212 HISTORY OP THE
}
manent and. lasting. It is therefore of the last impor¬
tance, both to us and them, that we be careful to im¬
press, in this season, the sentiments of religion and
virtue on their minds. To neglect an opportunity so
favorable r,o so desirable an end, must be an abuse of
our privilege, and a disregard of that duty we owe to
God, to society in general, and the present (and in
some respects) the future felicity of our rising pos¬
terity. Were parents more particular in the educa¬
tion of their children, we should have less disorder in
our families, neighborhoods, and religious assemblies:
Yea, and we presume to say fewer political divisions
and altercations in our government. We are all born
with that little demon in our breasts, love of pqwer,
or pre-eminence, so distructive to harmonious society,
and the moral principles of the soul; especially when
fostered by indulgent, yet unwise, parents and teach¬
ers, it roots out almost every trace of humanity and
truth ; and leaves the mind in possession of every re¬
verse sentiment. Men, therefore, become malicious,
overbearing, and self-confident; and are unfit in the
best'sense, for public utility, or civil society. Let it
then Brethren, be your chief care to heighten the sen¬
timents of virtue and humanity in your rising posteri¬
ty. Teach them to feel a general interest in the law¬
ful prosperity of all men ; and to commiserate the ea¬
ses of the distressed. The laws of nature, and ol
God, announce that all men ought to be equally free
both in civil and ecclesiastical governments. They
know no difference between the rich and the poor,
the wise and the simple. Therefore, suffer not those
committed to your care, to tyrannise over and reflecl
on those, who, in other respects, may be their infdri
ors, because they are such; but teach them the equa
< georgia association.
213
rights of man, and the love of liberty, according to
the golden rule, "-do unto all vien as ye would that
they should, do vnto you" It is deplorable, indeed,
that parents and teachers are so regardless of this du¬
ty, in this respect. While too many neglect entirely
the education of their children ; others, lost to a sense
of their better interests, crowd on their young and
tender minds, worldly and selfish principles, until
they become proficients in the school of vanity ; so
that by the time they are capable of articulation, they
unite with the giddy world in " Who will shew us
any gocd ?" If this unwise and soul-destructive con¬
duct, terminated in the circle of the ungodly, then the
admiration would cease ; but when we see little or no
difference between them and some of those who pro¬
fess Christianity, the wonder greatly increases ; and
we are ready to exclaim. How can these things be ?
How can he, who has seen the emptiness of this de¬
lusive world, and has had his heait broken for his
folly, take his beloved offspring by the hand and lead
them in the same destructive paths which he has pro¬
fessed to renounce 1 O, how inconsistent is such con¬
duct, and how widely different from the imitable ex¬
amples of our Saviour ! Brethren, these things ought
not to be so. But we hope better things of you, and
things that accompany salvation. May the spirit of
the living God, be in, and abide with you, to direct
your ways in the paths of duty, and strengthen your
hearts in every religious enterprize. Finally, Breth¬
ren, farewell. Be perfect, he of good, comfort, he. of
one mind, live in peace, and the God of looe and peace
shall he with you.—Amen.
A. MARSHALL, Moderator.
Jesse Mercer, Clerk.
214
HISTORY OF THE
The following Circular Letter was written by the
Rev. James Armstrong, in 1815 :
Beloved Brethren :—We have ever studiously en¬
deavored to select, as the subject of our Circular ad¬
dresses to you, such doctrinal and practical subjects
as we thought best calculated to confirm, comfort, and
encourage you in the discharge of those social and
religious duties incumbent on you as professors of
Godliness, that your light might shine before men—
proving what is that good, and acceptable, and per¬
fect will of God—exhibiting to all, that the motives of
your conduct in life, did not arise from a mere specu¬
lative belief, but fVoni an experimental, saving know¬
ledge that you were not redeemed with corruptible
things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversa¬
tion, but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a
lamb without blemish and without spot. Now, hav¬
ing the same end iu view, and being influenced by the
same motives tii it have hitherto governed us; we
present you with a few reflections, oh Conformity to
the World, " be not conformed to this world," saith
the Scriptures of eternal truth. Rom. 12: 2.
It is obvious that if a radical change in the nature
of man as a creature, were produced at conversion,
there would have been no need of this injunction;
nor is it reasonable to suppose that if this had been the
case, it would ever have come from the pen of an in¬
spired Apostle, who had been himself, the happy sub¬
ject, in a special manner, of the gracious influence of
the spirit of God, and thereby made a true convert;
but'that, nature is an abiding principle, is deducible
from Scripture, and abundantly confirmed by the ex¬
perience of God's people in every age of the Church;
and if an abiding principle, vain and delusory must
GEORGIA ASSOCIATION.
215
be all notions entertained by mortals, of attaining per¬
fection, and infallibility in tliis life ; whilst, therefore,
imperfection and fallibility are the sure heritage of all
the descendants of Adam ; the dire evidence of our
disobedience, the fruitful source whence all our mis¬
eries flow ; the sacred injunction " be not conformed
to this world," claims our highest regard ; by it we
are cautioned against joining in the s-entiments and
participating in the customs of this vain and sinful
world, knowing those sentiments to be contrary to the
form of sound words, and these customs, contrary to
the simplicity of the Gospel of Christ. Many cus¬
toms exist among men that are expressly prohibited
in God's word, and therefore, not to be participated
in by us ; these customs differ, in different countries ;
sometimes differ, in different sections of the same
country. Remember the Sabbath day to keep it ho¬
ly, is of universal import, as much so, as any other
precept in the decalogue ; yet this divine command
is not universally obeyed by the civilized world, and
it is to be feared, not observed by some of the profes¬
sed followers of Christ as it ought—in some portions
of our own country, to the praise of the glory of God's
grace, it is observed with religious scrupulosity, in
others; the only apparent signs of any obedience at
all, is the cessation of labor in the field, and of work
in the shop ; being by men of the world, too general¬
ly viewed merely as a day of recreation, of visiting,
receiving visits, and sumptuous feasting. That the
Lord's day is thus spent by men, worldly men, and
consequently a favorite worldly custom, prevailing in
the circle §f our observation, to a degree that portends
no good to the cause, or to the followers of Christ,
few or none can deny ; and all, especially real Chris-
216
HISTORY OP THE
tians, sensible of their duty, and alive to their privi¬
leges, must acknowledge that, their profession, tlieir
love, to the Redeemer and his cause, call on them to
resist this idle, sinful, worldly custom, with Christian
firmness and holy zeal, for it is clear to demonstration,
that in whatever proportion a Christian yields to this,
or any other custom of the kind, claiming no higher
authority than that of the world; will the evidence
diminish thnt, his heart is right with God ; for who¬
soever is bona of God overcoirieth the world, and this
is the victory that overcoirieth the world, even our
faith. Again : Who is he that overcomefh the world,
but he that Lelieveth that Jesus is the son of God?
Although this custom rnav be justly and sincerely de¬
plored, by the humble followers of Jesus, who go to
the sanctuary and keep Holy-day, on this first day of
the week ; yet, ilis not, in our opinion, the only rep¬
rehensible, worldly custom, nor the only one, that has
entailed many c vils 011 the human family, but others,
equally destructive to correct moral principles, and
which appear to have arisen in the dark ages of big¬
otry and superstition; have for centuries, loaned an
officious reguku ing hand, not only to the moral, but to
the religious world, thus constituting in a measure,'
the habit and marking the character of thousands,
binding them down to the observance of days and of
color in dress ; and now countenanced and cherished
in this enlightened age of the Church, by many pro¬
fessing christians under the clearest convictions of
mind, that the authority to observe those days and this
color in dress on particular occasions, rests solely on
primitive usage, and public suffrage ; and not on the
word of God; such, out of many, we conceive the
custom, and such, the native tendency resulting from
'GEORGIA ASSOCIATION.
217
the practice, of observing Christmas holidays, and the
holydays of Easter and Whit Sundays. Were those
holydaysand these Sundays, which are by worldlings
confessedly kept, on the ground of its being a reli¬
gious custom, only morally observed ; they would
have a greater claim on Christian charity, for a quiet
passage to the religious ones of future generations,
leaving it to them, to inquire into the origin, nature,
•and design ; but the fact is otherwise, these days are
not morally observed, in our section of country, and
should the redeemed of the Lord, unmindful of the
liberty wherewith Christ has made them free from
Pagan idolatry and Jewish ceremonies, yield to their
-despotic sway, and suffer them to pass—the religious
ones of future generations would be as destitute of
•correct information on those points, as we—they, like
us, must resort to the traditions of men, or forever re¬
main ignorant of their origin, &c. Availing ourselves
of this source of information, we find that Christmas
day, was celebrated at an early period in the Chris¬
tian church, as the day of our Redeemer's nativity—
"this we learn from tradition • and of course, as it re¬
lates to the day, renders it doubtful in fact—none it
appears, have been able to ascertain, or fix it with
any degree of certainty ; perhaps beyond conjecture
none has attained, and. if left to conjecture, it must
then rest, or be fixed on, according to the probability
of that conjecture. From the circumstance of the
shepherds being-out with their flocks on the night of
his birth, 'tis as likely to have been in a fall, as a win¬
ter month—as likely, perhaps more so, to have been
in September than the ,25th of December. Easter
and Whit Sunday resting on the same slender foun¬
dation, and equally undetermined with that of Christ-
HISTORY OF THE
mas, as to the time, when the events took place, wliicS?
they are said to commemorate, appear to be kept witl?
a view, the former, to perpetuate the recollection of
that day on which the blessed Redeemer burst the'
bands of death, and came forth out of the grave, the-
firt born from the dead, leading captivity captive y
and the latter, as the day on which he gave extraor¬
dinary and special gifts, for glorious purposes unto
men—being the fiftieth day after Easter, commemora¬
tive then, of the descent of the "Holy Ghost upon the
Apostles in the visible appearance of fiery cloven-
tongues, and of those miraculous powers which were-
then conferred upon them."—That the events or facts
took place, of which it is said these days are comme¬
morative we have no doubt, and admitting them ta
have taken place on those very days, it will not follow
that we are bound to observe them any more than we
are bound to observe the day of his miraculous concep¬
tion—the word of God must be our guide in all matters
of Christian practice, and not the traditions of men—
it is in vain we search the scriptures to find a divine
warrant, either direct or implied, authorizing us to
observe any of those days, whether we search in re¬
gard to the days themselves, or their respective holy-
days—if any thing else can be wanting, to confirm
any humble follower of Christ in the opinion that this
is wholly a worldly custom, let such a ope seek its
identity and learn its character from the conduct of
its numerous advocates—to recite the acts of violence
and of cruelty, practised on the creatures of God, for
amusement and for gain—the vices and follies df men
committed on those holydays, would be to incur the
charge of indecorum, and to wound the feelings of the
truly pious and humble follower of Jesus—when,
GEORGIA ASSOCIATION. 219
I
•where, or with whom the practice of observing these
.holydays as such, originated, to us, is of little conse¬
quence, since we know 'tis not founded upon the
word of God, and perceive clearly that after the man¬
ner in which they are observed by many, it tends to
confirm people in their sins, rather than to save them
from their sins, and without this, in a moral sense, no
man has any credible evldenc'e that he is fitted for an¬
other world, and but little evidence that he is fit for
this; but beloved, we are persuaded better things of
you, and things that accompany salvation, though we
thus speak, yet it is possible that some who have been
transformed by the renewing of their minds, rather
than to be thought singular, may be justly chargeable
with conformity to the world in this respect, if not
directly, indirectly, by suffering their servants, ap¬
prentices, children, or others under their imme¬
diate charge to be prowling the roads, and uniting
with the giddy throng at houses of public entertain¬
ment, making willing sacrifice to Bacchus of their mor¬
als and their health, and as a just consequence of
their idolatrous offering, return, not unfrequently with
aching heads, maimed and diseased bodies. Brethren,
though you should incur the charge of singularity by
not conforming to this custom of the world, in not
suffering those under your charge to visit these places
of public resort on those days, yet nobly dare to be
thought singular, in whatsoever things are lovely and
of good report.
Conformity to the world does not, in all cases, in
all instances, consist in the observance of days, in meats
or in drinks, or in gambling, according to modern re¬
finement; purchasing, aiding or effecting sale of lot¬
tery tickets, living on the fortunes of the wheel, but
220
HISTORY OF THSf
may consist- in superfluous, or indecorous apparel;;
either of these in dress are repugnant to the word of
God, it calls us to lay aside all superfluity of dress,,
to adorn ourselves in modest apparel, &c. 1st Tim;.
2: 9. Yet notwithstanding this plain passage of scrip¬
ture, the^ people of God have suffered themselves to
be dictated to, and in many instances governed by the
world in this respect—and what for] Is- it because
men have been accustomed to attach ideas of oJjicer
tot. greatness, and oi so-nctd>j to dress 1 However, lu¬
dicrous it might appear to us at the present day, to
see men wearing Pin lacteries, and the size of these
proportioned to the supposed attainments of the indi¬
vidual in the Divine Jill-: \ et we find the same notions,
the same pride, arid the same love of greetings cher¬
ished; but in another way—'tis not dress, nor its col¬
or, nor its shape, that sanctities the heart and perfects
the believer in Christ—the world has been officious
enough to prescribe a dress for movrning, and hone
appears to tyrannize moreover the tenderestfeel¬
ing's of the human heart, than this; and none holds
the people of God in greater apparent bondage—in
how many instances do we find that a brother, or a
sister, on loosing a friend or near^ connexion, forego
the privileges of the church, perhaps for several days*
merely because circumstances have rendered it so,
that they cannot appear in a full mourning dress.—
Brethen, do not barter your privileges in the church
for the sake of saving appearances with the world-
suffice it, for us to know that this custom did not ori¬
ginate with the religion of Jesus, but is repugnant to
its simplicity—the language of scripture is, " let the
dead bury their dead," for 'tis to be presumed that
the living, those who have been made alive cannot be
GEORGIA ASSOCIATION.
221
ignorant how to bury theirs—suffer not yourselves to
be held in bondage by this custom of the world, *tis
likely, it cherishes as much pride, and more hypocri¬
sy than any other of the kind, because more univer¬
sal—let us always bear in mind that when we made
a profession of the religion of Jesus, we did by this
act, profess to all, that we had it in our own souls,
that we were the happy subjects of its gracious influ¬
ences ; now, if we conform to the customs of the world,
how shall we prove to others, the sincerity of our
profession*?—It is the fruit of the tree, that is the pro¬
per evidence of its nature—as the body without the spir¬
it is dead, so faith without works is dead also—confor¬
ming to the world tends to bury all distinction between
believer and unbeliever—tends to confirm unbeliev¬
ers in their rejection of the troth, and to retard the
progress of the gospel, rather than promote it. To
treat particularly at this time, were we fully compe¬
tent, of all the days and customs which the united la¬
bor of superstitious ages have brought to view, as fit
days and customs to be observed by all men indis¬
criminately, and have succeeded too well in imposing
upon the civilized world—the tacit assent yielded
thereto, with little or no regard to the end in view,
' whether the promoting of the kingdom of God, or of
Baal, or of any other favorite idol, and to say nothing
of the imposing influence such customs have on the
human mind, claiming primitive antiquity and support
ted by public suffrage, would far exceed ©ur limits-^
we therefore, brethren, woul$ oply put you in re¬
membrance of what the Apostle wrote to the Romqjps:
"Let every man be fully persuaded in his ownmij
he that regardeth the day, regardeth it unto the Lp<j>
and he that regardeth ijot the day, to the Lor ^he
T?
222
HISTORY OF THE
doth not regard it; bnt on the other hand, let us re¬
collect the fear the same Apostle expressed to the Gal-
atians, when he saw they had given themselves up to
observe days and months, and times, and years.
A. MARSHALL, Moderator.
James N. Brown, Clerk."
The following by Jesse Mercer, in 1816:
"Beloved Brethren,—In this day of abounding ills,
when iniquity, mounted on the decline of affection, is
careering even in the city of'God, 'tis all important
that you study to know, and faithfully perform the
duties of your stations, as "fellow-c-itizens with the
saints," and members of the same redeemed family,
with fidelity, zeal and affection.
The scriptures introduce a natural body, as a stri¬
king semblance of your union, and a strong manifesto
of your privileges and duties, God having tempered
the members together in the body, so as to excite
"the same care one for another," has given to each an
office, both receptive and emissive, by which nourish¬
ment is diffused through the whole. Here, at one
sight you have a clear and impressive view of your
endeared relations, mutual interest, tender sympathies,
different offices, common'care, and individual and dis¬
tinct obligations, as "the body of'Christ, and members
one of another."
From Christ, the source of all spiritual influence, in
whom all the members are united by joints and bands,
the spirit of truth and love, is emitted and imbibed;
;jtid like a generous fluid descending from the head to
t?^ extremities, diffuses life and strength through the
whole body; by which, "edifying itself in love," it
" increases with the increase of God."
GEORGIA ASSOCIATION,
223
According to this divinely instructive clue, you are-
taught to live in harmony and peace, one with anoth¬
er; to studiously promote the general good; and to
prevent and remedy injuries, "as much as in you
lies," with promptitude, faithfulness and love: Not
passively, as by the involuntary operations of the com¬
mon laws of nature; but actively, by an energetic ob¬
servance of the laws of Christ. To this end said Je¬
sus to his disciples, "Ye are all brethren." And
preparative to their future happiness, and the good
of those to whom he intended them to lie the instru¬
ments of good, he said aiso, " be ye harmless as doves."
The Apostles catching; the instructive fluid diffused it
through all the churches of theprimitive paints. From
them you are instructed, so to live and do, as "that
you maybe the blameless and harmless sons of God,
without rebuke—without fault—without offence till
the coming of Christ."
Butyour obligaiion goes farther than negative good¬
ness ; it rises in unison with your privileges, and is
paramount to every other call. 'Tis required of
you, "as faithful and beloved partakers of the ben¬
efit," in the same proportion, "so to do good-— so to
communicate—so to minister the same as the stew¬
ards of the manifold grace of God." In the discharge
of this duty, it is required of you "to have fervent
charity one for another;" and remembering that ye
are frail as dust, to "consider one another to provoke
to love and good works—and so much the more, as
ye see the day"—the awful day "approaching."
The last duty premised, as rising out of your so¬
cial compact, is the prevention and cure of disorders.
Not more vigilant, prompt and active are the mem¬
bers of a common body, than you should be on the
;224 HISTORY OF THE
•alert to preserve the whole body in innocence and love.
And for this purpose you are called on to "walk in
love with all lowliness, and meekness, and long-suf¬
fering, forbearing <one another in love." And this
.forbearing signifies a strong expostulation agairtst,
and even a restraining one another from sin; which
Jude phrases a "pulling out of the fire."—But after
all, " offences will come." And to know how to meet
•and treat them in the safest and most effectual mode,
is of importance.
Moral disorders, like common diseases, are topical
or infectious. The first thing to be attempted, in all
■cases, is the restoration of the affected member,
and then the treatment must be varied according to
the nature and circumstances of the complaint. The
laws of nature, reason and love, require the applica¬
tion to correspond with the case it is intended to heal.
To adop£ a method of cure, obviously defective, and
incapable to reach the case, would be manifestly un¬
kind; to apply one, tending to widen and increase it,
would be cruel; but to use one promoting inflamma¬
tion and gangrene, would be an insult to common hu¬
manity.
The nature and consequences of all cases, well con¬
sidered, will suggest, we believe, in the light of the
scriptures, the proper mode of treatment. When
therefore, a member declines, from some latent cause,
all the members should bring all the kind offices
of sympathy to bear on his case. They should
"speak often to him," endeavor to "comfort his fee*
ble mind" and "support his weak" and debilitated
<sotil. And so by affectionate admonitions and fervejit
prayers recover him, if possible, to spiritual health,
J3ut when the case is infectious, and h&s comnmniCEi-
GEORGIA ASSOCIATION.
225
tedoffenee to another member; and while it remains
between individuals, the rule prescribed by the phy¬
sician of infinite, value, is the sure resort. This
used with skill, tenderness and fidelity, will always
bring the case to a proper issue.
But if the inflammatory case should have transfused
its contagious effects through the whole body, then,
after the use of all proper means to reclaim the offen¬
ding member, as required in Gal. vi. 1. and James
v. 19, 20. it will be proper to bring him before the
church, as suggested in Mutt, xviii. 23, 24, to answer
to the general consequences of his case.
Circumstances blending fheir light with the divine
rule, will, (for the most parr) clearly point out the
collective duty of the church; to call for, admonish, t
reprove, exclude or restore, us injustice and mercy to
the accused, .will most happily preserve the church in
unity and peace.
Dear Brethren, we beg your patience and attention
to a few farther reflections. It has been a custom
pretty widely practised, to bring all cases of a public
and offensive character, -whetherfacts or reports, first
before the church, that they might be met and treat¬
ed in a manner correspondent with their general and
infectious consequences. This rule we think excep¬
tionable.
1st. Because it is defective : For while it provides
a remedy of the public effects, it proposes no means
for the removal of the cause of offence.
2d. It fosters neglect: 'Tis founded on the suspen¬
sion of personal intercourse, and consequently, on the
suspension of brotherly love, and Christian care,—
The duty commanded by Paul and James to " convert
and restore such an one," is totally neglected, and
226
HISTORY OF THE
set aside by this rule. What the Apostles make to
be the proper burden and duty of an individual, is
hereby thrown on the church, while the members
•content themselves individually, to be of the number
who "live in error."
Perhaps it may be asked, shall we all go 1 Indeed
brethren, that mi^ht be the better state of the case.—
For, admit " such an one'1'' should be among you ; and
you all, one by one, should make him a visit, "in the
spirit of meekness," on that account, in the course of
a few weeks : Would not his heart be broken for his
sin 1 Or would lie not be left without excuse ? And
would not that be much better than to pass him by,
or treat him with neglect 1 Surely you will answer—
It would be better.
3d. It is vn.cJiarit.able; it is so distant—so cold—so
unfriendly, that it is more likely to disgust than re¬
claim—to harden than soften—to exclude than re¬
store—but, - *
4th. It promotes tale bearing : In the spirit of the
rule contested, you feel at liberty to speak freely of
such cases among yourselves, and even toothers; by
1 which you become " tattlers, wJiisperers," and the
'"soioers of discord," rather than "peace makers?'—
We need not tell you, that in modern, as well as in
ancient times, there are many who say "report, and
we will report it" That many false and virulent
tales are often circulated, with celerity, to ruin the
characters, and hinder the usefulness of the best among
men. By the rule in question, you may become the
abettors, and forward the designs of the most cruel and
inveterate men. For example: suppose a malicious
and heinous tale, put in circulation against an innocent
-and useful brother, with a view to his overthrow and
GEORGIA ASSOCIATION.
22?
suppose it reported in open conference with its veri-
bility, in the absence of the accused and unwary bro¬
ther; but in the presence of many—with these sons
of night, who " lie in wait to shed innocent blood;"
and it is just as these "enemies of all righteousness"
wish; it flies in every direction, and to distances be¬
yond the possibility of detection, leaving the broth¬
er's character in remediless ruin; while the arch in¬
ventors of this enterprise of darkness, go off laughing
in their sleeves, to think how nicely they have accom¬
plished their wishes, and that too, by means of those
who were the professed friends of the devoted victim
of their cruel and inveterate malice. All this for the
want of going a few miles to see, and spending a few
hours with the accused brother, to ascertain the true
state of the case, and to put the brother on his guard
before it was reported in conference. Remember,
brethren, that an apostle hath said, "If ye bite and
devour one another, take heed that ye be not consu¬
med one of another."
Exclusion should never be regarded as the result
of our endeavors. Every idea of union—the best
feelings of the heart recoil at the shocking thought.
'Tis the rvesort of despair—the dreadful alternative in
case of incorrigibleness, like the amputation of a mor¬
tified limb, to save the body from its ruinous conse¬
quences.
There are, however, a few cases which justify and
require a resort to this severe measure, with
much less ceremony than others : as when a man
brought before the church for some notorious crime,
makes great pretensions to humility and godly sor¬
row; and being forgiven, goes out, and in similar ca¬
ses, carries himself with ingratitude and hardness of
228 HISTORY OF THE
heart towards his brethren, or in any other way proves
his acknowledgments before the church to have been
hypocritical, he may be presented to the church with¬
out any personal regard shewn him, because he has
destroyed all confidence in himself. As suggested in
Matt, xviji. 23, to the end. Also, when a hypocrite
among you does what proves him so, like Simon Ma¬
gus, "in the gaul of bitterness, and bonds ofiniquity,"
he may be cut off without any endeavors to reclaim
him, because there \s nothing,properly, to which he
can be reclaimed.
Likewise, when a man forms any illicit connection,
or commits offences which prolong their effects, and
which 110 sudden concessions can remedy; as in the
case of the incestuous man, he should, without waste
of time, be "delivered to satan, for the destruction of
the flesh; and that his reformation and the proofs of
it might be made manifest.
Brethren, "you are called to liberty, only use not
liberty for an occasion to the flesh, or a cloak to ma¬
liciousness." Study to render yourselves innocent,
yet useful;, humble, yet dignified; affectionate, yet
faithful, as "the body of Christ, and members in par¬
ticular." Remember your highly honored connec¬
tion is one, which affords you an excellent opportuni¬
ty of doing mvrh good; but at the same time, it
opens a door for proportionably possible evil. Will
you, dear brethren, "work out your own salvation
with fear and trembling?" Will you at least strive
not to "offend against the generation of the Lord's
children? Especially as "a brother offended is har¬
der to be won, than a strong city " "Grieve not the
Holy Spirit," by offending one another; but "walk
in love"—and "live in peace;" and "the God of love
GEORGIA ASSOCIATION. , 228
;t,nd peace" shall be with, you, and in you the confi¬
dence of faith, and the energy of hope, till doubt shall
■•cease, and trouble end in glory;—Amen.
The-following by Rev. Malachi Reeves, in 1817 :
Dearly beloved, and longed'for,—In our last, you
were addressed with a rule of procedure, the mani¬
fest object and end of which is, <!hat you may be found
unto praise, and honor and glory at the appearing of
Jesus Christ.
If this labor has not been bestowed in vain, it will
be matter of joy unto us. The object of preaching
the gospel, is not only to make men Christians, turn¬
ing them from darkness to light, &rc.—but to make
O O 7
them eminent Christians, to quicken believers in their
heavenly race, to promote in them a growth in grace,
and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour, Je¬
sus Christ. Such was the zeal of the Apostle Paul
to accomplish the former, that he accounted not his
life dear unto him, but was willing to die for the name
of the Lord Jesus; nor was he less desirous of the
latter, making it the leading object of all his epistles,
and the matter of his prayer day and night. For this
cause (said he) I bow my knees unto the Father of our
Lord Jesus Christ, that he would grant you accord¬
ing to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with
might by his spirit in the inner man. Nothing good
is found in fallen man; nothing grows spontaneously
there, but what is evil: If any thing holy is found
there, it must be produced by the spirit of God, who
worketh in us both to will and'to do. Nor is divine
influence less necessary to carry on the good work
when begun. Such is our proneness to relax, to
grow weary, to faint in our course, that we need to be
.u
229
HISTORY OF THE
continually strengthened, with might, by his spirit ir
the inner man. The object prayed for is not bodily
strength; that is of but little account in this case, foi
in many instances it becomes matter of human boast¬
ing. Sampson was possessed of might in the outward
man, and a poor use he made of it. With all his ex¬
ploits, he weakly yields to the tempter, and becomes
an easy prey to his enemies.
Nor is it mere mental ability that iff here intended.
Paul did not pray that we might be great men, but
good men; not that we might be poets or philoso¬
phers,! but Christians; not that we might excel in
genius or learning, but in grace and goodness—that
our souls may prosper and be in health—that we
may be strengthened with might in th§ inner man.
Bear with us while we- consider some of the symp¬
toms of spiritual might, with the symptoms of an op¬
posite cause. /
-1. The manner in which we perform religious du¬
ties, may serve as a criterion by which to judge of
our strength, or weakness. If we be Christians, we
O 7 7
shall worship God in our families and in secret, shall
search the scriptures, frequent the house of God, and
aim to discharge the various duties which appertain to
our stations in life. These things we shall feel itincum-
bent on us habitually to regard: but the question is, how,
and in what manner do we perform these exercises'? If
our souls be in a languishing state they will become
a task, and not a pleasure to us—we shall lie weary
of the Lord's service, feel his yoke to be grievous,
and while we keep up a round of duty, our devotions
will be cold, feeble and unprofitable. But if we be
strengthened with might in the inner man, we shall
view the return of such opportunities with delight,
GEORGIA ASSOCIATION,
230
and find that wisdom's ways are ways of pleasantness,
and all her paths are peace. If we possess might in
the inner man, our hearts will be warm for Christ,
and then we shall not think much of the time, the tal¬
ents, the property or the influence we may devote to
Kis service; nor count our lives dear to us, if we may
but promote his kingdom and glory in the world.—
Isfor will this pleasure be confined to the public exer¬
cises of religion, but will extend to those of a more
personal and private nature.
It is possible we may feel much animation, and
possess much enjoyment in the outward means, while
we are cold and lifeless m the duties of retirement;
and this will be the case where the religion of the heart
is not cultivated, nor close walking with God careful¬
ly maintained. But if we be strengthened with might,
communion with God will be earnestly sought after,
private duties vigorously attended to, and the closet
will yield us pleasure as well as the tabernacles of
the Lord of Hosts. There are multitudes of pro¬
fessors who appear to be but half hearted in religion;
they neither wholly relinquish it, nor take it up in
earnest—but appear desirous of following the Lord
so far as is consistent with their carnal ease, worldly
interest or sinful passions, and no further. But if the
object of the Apostle's prayer be accomplished in us,
we' shall be decided for God, and prompt in our man¬
ner of serving him; not consulting with flesh and
blood, not attempting to accommodate our principles
and practice to general custom—nor wishing to do as
little as possible for God, consistently with our own
safety, but delighting to do all his will, we shall run
•with alacrity in the way of his commands.
2. The degree of our spiritual strength may be de-
231
HISTORY OP THE
termined by the manner in which we resist tempta-
tion. All men are tempted; but all do not resist.—-
This is peculiar to the Christian. Mere worldly men
go with the stream; they walk according to the course
of this world, and are hurried along with the impetu¬
ous torrent: But Christians are not of the world, and
are in the habit of resisting its temptations. Yet, if
our resistance be feeble and indeterminate; if we hes¬
itate where we ought to be decided; if we look on
the world (like Lot's wife) with a lingering desire af¬
ter those sinful pleasures which we profess to have
given up or left behind, and regret the loss of sensu¬
al gratifications, are we not carnal—do we not walk
as men % He who is strengthened in the inner man
will not pause when temptation meets him, nor par¬
ley with the tempter: but readily answer, "Thus it is
written." It will be sufficient to know that God has
forbidden this or that. Like a dutiful child, the will
of his fatlier is the guide of his conduct, and that alone
will furnish motives for obedience : Thus it is written.
3, The spirit in which we endure affliction will
tend to discover the degree of religion we possess.—
Affliction is the lot of all men, as well as temptation:
but the manner in which \xjc get through them will
shew whether we be strengthened or not. If we faint
in the day of adversity, our strength is small; if we
be fretful and murmur at the hand of God; if we sink
under the burden, and wish in ourselves to die, we
either have no religion at all, or possess it in but a
small degree. Great grace would enable us to bear
afflictions with submission, and even rejoice in tribu¬
lation. Primitive Christians were destitute, afflicted,
tormented, and yet how happy were they in their lot!
They took joyfully the spoiling of their goods, rejai-
GEORGIA ASSOCIATION.
232
ced that they were counted worthy to suffer afflictions
for Christ's sake—out of weakness were made strong,
and waxed violent in fight—thus they were more
than conquerers through him that loved them.
4. The sense we entertain of our weakness, is also
a criterion by which to judge of our being strengthen¬
ed in the inner man. An Apostle could say, when I
am weak, .then am I strong. When we have the
greatest sense of our own insufficiency for what is
good, and feel that we are nothing, and that without
Christ we can do nothing, then are we strong in the
Lord and in the power of his might. But if we feel
self sufficient, confident, and disposed to lean on our
own understanding, then are we weak .indeed, and
become an easy prey to the enemy. Peter was nev¬
er weaker than when he thought there was no dan¬
ger of falling, and boldly said, "thoughall men for¬
sake thee, yet will not I." Paul was never so strong
as when he felt himself to be nothing. When most
sensible of our own insufficiency, we shall pray most
for strength from heaven, and watch most against
temptation; and by these means we shall be strength¬
ened with strength in our souls.
We are led to notice the desirableness of the bless¬
ings prayed for. Paul would not have been so im¬
portunate in his requests, if it had not been of the
greatest importance that we should not only be Chris¬
tians indeed, but grow in grace, and in the knowl¬
edge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. But
there are other reasons which may be offered:
1st. The scriptures lay much stress on this growth,
as tending to glorify God; herein is my father glori¬
fied (saith Christ) that ye bear much fruit. Every
field will bear some fruit in the ordinary course of
u 2
233
HISTORY OF THE
things; but it is to the more abundant honor of the
husbandman when his field brings forth thirty, sixty,,
or a hundred fold. It is not merely by our being
christians, that G od is glorified; but by our being
eminent christians. If we be desirous only of so much
grace as may carry us safely to heaven, it is doubtful
whether we shall arrive there at last. Abounding in.
the fruits of righteousness is considered by our Lord
as essential to the very existence of true religion.
2d. Our usefulness depends much on our being
strong in the Lord. If our souls be in a languishing
state, what good can we do in the world] Ye are the
salt of the earth; but if the savor be lost, wherewith
shall it profit"? What good can we do in society,
among our connections, or in our families, but as we
diffuse a savor of Christ1? And how can this be done,
if we ourselves, have become lifeless and unfruitful
in the ways of God! Will any one think the better
of Christ, from what they have heard or seen in us ?
Or, have we been amongst men merely as men of the
world; and might not they say of us—what do ye
more than others 1 He who possesses much of this
strength, will impart more or less of it to those about
him. There is that in the outward mien, the inward
temper, and daily conversation of a man of genuine
religion, which indicates that he has been with Jesus
The modesty of his countenance, the meekness and
cheerfulness of his disposition, the sweet familiarity
and seriousness of his intercourse with men, enlivens
the circle in which he moves, and recommends the
religion which he prefers.
3d. Consider the encouragement to pray for this
might: It is to be afforded, according to the riches of
glory, &c. When men are both rich and generoui,
georgia association.
234
and willing to give to the needy according to their
ability, it affords a very powerful motive to solicit
their assistance. But who can estimate the riches of
God's goodness, and the boundless extent of his grace!
And if he gives according to his riches in gloi-y by
Christ Jesus, what encouragement is there for pray¬
er ! Ask and ye shall receive, that your joy maybe
full. Men who live to God, and whose whole con¬
cern is to promote his glory, shall find their sphere of
■usefulness enlarge with their activity, and that God is
girding them with strength proportioned to their la¬
bors. Like their divine master, their rewrard is with
them, and their work before them.
Dear brethren, we would not be, negligent to put
you always in remembrance of these things, tho'
. ye know them; yea, we think it meet to stir you up,
by putting you in remembrance; wherefore give dil¬
igence to make your calling and election sure ; for so
an entrance shall be ministered unto you, abundantly
into the everlasting kingdom of our' Lord and Sa¬
viour Jesus Christ. And this we pray, that your love
may abound yet more and more, in all knowledge
and in t^ll judgment; that ye may be sincere and
without offence, looking for, and hastening unto the
coming of the day of the Lord.
ABRAM MARSHALL, Moderator.
William Rabun, Clerk."
The following by Rev. B. M. Sanders, in 1S19
" Beloved Brethren,—Being again, by the gracious
and merciful providence of God, assembled in the
Association, according to the time and place of our
appointment, and having read your letters of corres¬
pondence with us, we can but lament with you on ac-
235
HISTORY OF THE
count of the coldness and barrenness in the things or
religion that is complained of in so many of your com¬
munications. But on the other hand we are highly
gratified to learn the general state of peace and har¬
mony that exists in the churches, and most cordially
concur in sentiments of thanksgiving and praise to the-
Father of mercies, that notwithstanding the wintry
state of religion in general, he has not left himself '
without a witness of his nearness to you, and of his.
love and power manifested among you, inasmuch as
there are found a few who are willing to deny them¬
selves, take up their cross and follow their Lord whith¬
ersoever he goeth. A refreshing crumb from our
master's table, or a kid wherewith to make merry
with our friends, should be received with joy, grati¬
tude and praise.
Brethren, our most fervent prayers are excited on;
your behalf, that in the present state of spiritual af¬
fliction and trial, you may not be moved from your
steadfastness in the faith, nor become weary in well¬
doing; but like faithful servants, be found constantly
on the watch-tower of duty, waiting with patience
and vigilance your master's appearance. We are
taught by the oracles of truth to expect that where
iniquity abounds, the love of many shall wax cold;
but we would hope better things of you.
We would therefore exhort you, in the words or
the Apostle, " to lift up the hands that hang down,
and strengthen the feeble knees; to lay aside every
impeding weight, and run with patience the race set
before us," and for support and encouragement there¬
in, " look unto Jesus the author and finisher of our
faith, who, for the joy thafi was set before him, endu¬
red the cross and despised the shame."
GEORGIA ASSOCIATION.
236
Give all diligence, brethren, to be found in the per¬
formance of that divine injunction of our Lord—"let
your light so shine before men, that they may see
your good works, and glorify your Father which is
in heaven." To enable us more successfully to en¬
force on your minds the importance of this duty, wo
will for a moment call your attention to a considera¬
tion of its nature, its manner of performance, and mo¬
tives to compliance. In its nature, it requires good
works to be performed before men. For a full enu¬
meration of the characteristics of such words as may
be termed good, we would refer'you to the whole
word of God. Our Saviour himself, in his sermon on
the mount, has given a detail of many of the particu¬
lar duties that may be embraced in this general pre¬
cept. To give a partial description of them, they
must be works of the spirit and not of the flesh; for
the carnal mind is enmity against God. But, as ma¬
ny are led by the spirit of God, they are the sons of
God—Rom. 8: 7—14. You may see the works of
the spirit beautifully contrasted in the 5th chapter of
the Epistle to the Galatians. But a more definite
characteristic of good works is, that they must be works
of love. Love worketh no ill to his neighbor,' but is
.the fulfilling of the law. They must be works pro¬
duced by benevolence of intention, and tending to
salutary and beneficial ends. They are to be done to
promote the glory of God, and therefore must be in
entire conformity to his word. They are, in a word,
to be works exhibiting the brilliance of a shining light,
and not the gloom of darkness. They are to be done
before the world, and not to be concealed in a corner.
They are not to be as a candle hid imder' a bed, or
put under a bushel; but shine on all around, to the
:'237
HISTORY OF THE"
praise of the glory of his grace in whom they are?
wrought How little appropriate is that declara¬
tion of our blessed Saviour—"ye are the light of the
'world," to those who can in no way be distinguish¬
ed by their conduct and conversation from the world
in general. Wherefore, beloved brethren, we would
beseech you, for the honor of that cause which you
have professed to advocate, to give the most earnest
heed to walk as "children of the light," displaying a
reflection of that light which is communicated to you>
from the fountain of all light and life.
With regard to the manner of the performance of
this duty, we would only say, "let not your good'
be evil spoken of." Let your zeal be tempered with,
knowledge. Let the spirit which was in Christ dwell
richly in you; for he himself hath declared, "I am
meek and lowly in heart." Let every thing be done
■ in the spirit of meekness, and not as the proud Phar¬
isee prayed, exalting himself before God. Accord¬
ing to the directions of the precept itself, let it be so
performed that God may be thereby glorified ; which
requires not only the avoiding of evil, but every ap¬
pearance of it.
It should be a sufficient motive to an attentive and
constant discharge of this duty, to know that our di-
" vine Redeemer had required it. But our Lord hlas
urged our compliance by an argument of the most
solemn weight, viz. that the name of God may
thereby be glorified. What more could be adduced
to actuate us in the performance of such a requisition,
than to know it is a compliance with the will, and a
promotion of the declarative glory of that Being by
whom we have been created, preserved and suppor-
* ted; by whom we are redeemed from the guilt and.
georgia associationv
dominion of sin, at the invaluable price1 of his own-
blood ; and by whom we expect an admittance into*
his glorious presence above, to participate in the in¬
heritance of the joys that are reserved at his right-
hand forever. In addition to these weighty induce¬
ments, we have others to offer you of no light consid¬
eration. By such a course of conduct we manifest to
the world the truth of the profession we have made,,
and avoid the most distressing consideration of be¬
coming a stumbling block in the way of others.. This
is clearly manifested by the precept, whose practical
observance we are endeavoring to enforce upon you,
as well as by many other parts of the word of God—
John, 14: 33, 35 ; 1 John 1: 7. By this means we
also procure to ourselves a more full assurance of an
interest in that atonement by which alone we can be
justified in the sight of God—1 John, 2: 3; John
14: 21—23. Wherefore, "brethren, give all dili¬
gence to make your calling and election sure," by a
strict attention to this divine injunction. Now, the
God of truth, that has brought again from the dead
our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep,
through the blood of the everlasting covenant, make
you perfect in every good work, to do his will, work¬
ing in you that which is well pleasing in his sight,
thro''Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever. Amen.,
JESSE MERCER, Moderator.
William Rabun, Clerk."
The following by Rev. Jabez P. Marshall, in 1S20:
" Beloved Brethren,—The rolling wheels of time,
present us with a consideration that our heavenly Fa¬
ther " careth for us." We are permitted to meet
again, in friendship, peace and love. Our wondering
239
history of the
eyes, attentive ears, and expanding souls, are saluted
with1 pleasing objects, entertained with harmonious
sounds, and filled with rising-joys. "We see each
other alive; we hear of Zion's welfare in our borders.
The heart delighting and soul refreshing accounts
from some churches, are befoi-e us; Oh, may we ex¬
ercise gratitude in the enjoyment of those, while pa¬
tience may abound in the contemplation and encour¬
agement of interesting Christian duties,
o
Man is a social being; the Christian, like the palm
tree, cannot flourish unclustered; as sheep, they flock
together, and while cemented in the "'unity ofthe spir¬
it and bonds of love,"' they are sure to thrive. They
drink of that pure river " which issues from the throne
of God and the Lamb, whose pellucid streams make
glad the City of God," washed in the fountain of re¬
deeming blood; clad with the spotless righteousness
of their adorable leader, adorned with the growing
graces derivable from him; walking in all his pleas¬
ing ordinances blameless; united in the bond of bro¬
therly affection, "they look forth as the morning,
fair as the moon, clear as the sun, and terrible as an
army with banners:" but should they happen to "fall
out by the way," should they "forsake assembling of
themselves, as the manner of some is," should they
tl leave the fountain of living waters," and run gree¬
dily after the "lust of the flesh, the lust of the eye,
and pride of life ;" Oh," how would the beautiful scene
be reversejd; how would their tranquillity be marred,
their pleasure spoiled!
In this departure they would dishonor God, dises-
teem their good shepherd, grieve the Holy Spirit,
make their ministering angels wonder and weep, "if
weep they can," their pastors mourn with harps un-
GEORGIA ASSOCIATION.
jgtrang; the church itself to feel affliction's rod; and
•each wanderer walk in darkness, doubts and fears ; the
"world ridicule and scoff; sinners rejoice, and devils
triumph.
But "brethren, we are persuaded better things of
you, the fond desire exists, that you will watch against
your enemy; recollect "your idle days are the dev¬
il's "busy ones," although he knows he cannot devour,
yet he will worry you—"but you are not ignorant
of his devices," "resist him and he will flee." We
^entertain the pleasing hope, that you will continue to
pray, "for only while you pray you live;" pray
without sleeping, or rather " prayer without ceasing."
The Lord hears prayer, he will answer it, if not at
the present; he will remember your supplications
when it comes to be his time, and you all know his
tirhe is ""the best time."
The exhilarating anticipation is fostered, that you
will personally,punctually and cheerfully attend your
seats in the house of the Lord. David preferred to
be a " doorkeeper there, than to dwell in the tents of
wickedness," there you shall meet with a blessing,
-there you shall flourish as the "trees of the Lord's
planting." Then while united, the Devil will find it
poor employment, to feed on your frailties, although
he may go with you to Church, yet he is obliged to
flee, for he cannot have the impudence, to look Jesus
in the face. He recollects the cross of Christ, and
there it is preached. "United we stand, divided we
fall." You please him the most when at variance,
then he rallies the world and flesh, and makes a for¬
midable attack upon the palace. But while you love
one another, "your goods are in peace," he with his
mighty legions are put to flight:
r
HISTORY OF THE
" 'Tis love that makes our willing1 feet
In swift obedience move,
The Devils know and tremble too,
But Satan cannot love."
Another prospect animates us, your eyes are not
closed to the miseries of the afflicted; your ears are
not deaf to the piercing groans, and heaven-rending'
cries of the needy, your liberal hands are not shut to
the urgent wants of the Eleemosynary; your sympa¬
thetic hearts are not unobservant of the sufferings of
the distressed; you pity with your tongues and re¬
lieve with your pui'se. You recollect your former
miserable situation, "dead in trespasses and-sins,
without God and without hope in the world," no eye
to pity you, no arm to save you, while sinking do\v$
under an intolerable load of sins, curses and distress.
You full well remember how the Lord himself relie¬
ved you, how he brought salvation nigh, raised you
up on the rock of ages, give you a new song of redee¬
ming grace, and dying love. And will you withhold
the word of God from the heathens 1 God forbid—1
we see your willingness to be instrumental in the
conversion of others. Oh, then, come eagerly, wil-
ingly and cheerfully to this "help of the Lord." By
^your former situation with that of the present, (produ¬
cing pleasant and mournful sensations,) by the good¬
ness and mercies of God, by all that is sacred, be en¬
couraged to persevere in missionary exertions. Lend
an'assisting* hand to the bleeding cause of humanity,
" cast your bread on the waters, give to the poor, and
you lend to the Lord." You know you will lose no¬
thing by it, for he promised to give you "heaping,"
yea "running over measure," and he has never de¬
ceived you, if you do not meet with it here, in hea-
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243
-ven you are sure of it. The Lord works by means,
you have them in your hands, he has the blessing to
bestow upon them. Surely if the conversion of one
sinner fills all heaven with rejoicing, the prospect of
advantaging millions ought to cause such a transpor¬
ting burst of religious joy, to escape out of and arise
from the altar of pious hearts, in such lofty accent,
and reverberating notes, as that the earth might be
filled with the song, while rapturous seraphs listen to
the.melting strains of redeeming love, as the Poet has
it:
"That man may last, but never lives,
Who much receives, but nothing gives;
Whom none can love, whom none can thank,
Creation's blot, creation's blank."
But brethren, we wish not to have zeal above what
is written; Farewell, may the good Lord bless you
with your wives, little ones, servants, neighborhoods,
-churches and the world; may he hasten the delight¬
ful period when the " Heathen shall be gotten in as
his possession, and the uttermost parts of the earth
for his inheritance." When light shall increase, your
settlements enlarge, your Association augment with
the "ransomed of the Lord, while they shall return
with everlasting joy upon their heads." When we
all, as part of the Israel of the Lord may be ready to
join the redeemed throng of patriarchs, prophets, apos¬
tles, martyrs, and saints of every age and clime, to
leave dissolving worlds behind, and meet the long ex¬
tended ranks of angels, of every order, to soar uncon
fined and at large to heaven above, where eternity
along we may shout the praises of our Redeemer, in a
world without end, Amen.
JESSE MERCER, Moderator.
Jabez P. Marshall* Clerk.
2M
HISTORY OF THE.
The following by Jesse Mercer in 1821 r
Beloved Brethren,-—We claim your careful peru¬
sal and candid contemplation of a few sober remarks^,
on the unity and dependence of the churches of Jesu-t
Christ. By the unity of the churches, we mean
that they are all under one head, all members of one
body: and by dependence that necessary connection
which forms them into the same body,,to which they
owe their greatest competency for. practical and virtu¬
ous excellence, and their highest felicity in perfec¬
tion and beauty.
In the change of the church of God from national
to congregational, we see the most engaging conven¬
ience aud privilege, combined with the happiest edifi¬
cation and comfort, in an easy compliance with gos¬
pel duties, promising the most successful administra¬
tion of the "law of liberty," or Christian discipline j
by which purity might be preserved in every part,
and the whole rendered "the light of the world," suit¬
ed to fill the extended earth with the divine glory.—
And' though separate and distinct churches were con¬
stituted under the New Testament for these all-im¬
portant purposes, yet the unity of the body of Christ
and the dependence of these churches on hini as their
common head, and on each other for " the perfection
of beauty" and the most complete fitness for extended
usefulness, are in no wise impaired, but every where
asserted and maintained.
All gospel churches are to the whole mystical
body of Christ, what individuals are to a particular
church. They, " fitly framed together," form an en¬
tire body, or " general assembly of the church of the
First Born." " The^ are a chosen generation, a roy¬
al priesthood, ail holy nation, a peculiar people."—
GEORGIA ASSOCIATION.
245
These apostolic declarations are made in perfect uni¬
son with the affirmation of Christ himself, " there
shall," said he, " be one fold and one shepherd."
A reference to the types used in the ancient scrip¬
tures to prefigure the church of God in gospel times,
will afford a most striking view of its dependence in
the unity of its parts. They exhibit in it, a mystic
unity in plurality, with such systematic perfection, so
exquisitely complete, that no one church or member,
let its state .be what it may, though it were in Heav¬
en, can be " perfect," without the whole. Thus, a
company of horses in Pharaoh's chariots—a fountain
of gardens—an army with banners—a city set on a
hill—a kingdom—the nation of Israel with their de¬
lectable Jerusalem and holy temple, and Ezekiel's
sublime vision of " wheels and living creatures," all
portray the gospel church to be what the American
republic is the semblance of, as inscribed on her flag,
which waving in proud grandeur from the spire of
her capitol, evolves to the eye of the approaching be¬
holder on every direction, " E pluribus unum," i. e.
one out of many, or unity in plurality.
Let none think this to be that kind of problematical
theory, which can never be reduced to practice. No,
God works not after that sort: he never " begins to
7 O
build," and then is " unable to finish." It may be
safely said of him, " that his hands have laid the foun¬
dation and shall finish the work."
In perfect harmony with this, Christ affirms, that
" on this rock (Petra, i. e. a great or grand rock ; and
not Petros, Peter, a stone,) I will build my church."
To this end, he prays his divine Father, that his im¬
mediate disciples and all those who should believe in
him, through their word, " might be all one." And
v 2
246
HISTORY OF THE
to shew by what means, and to what extent this union
should be effected, he adds, " the glory which thou
gavest me, I have given them, that they may be one,
even as we are one. I in them and thou in me, that
they may be made perfect in one." And the witness
of the Holy Ghost, is " that the death of Christ was
to the intent that the children' of God, which were
scattered abroad (among all nations) might be gath¬
ered together in one." To this, St. Paul bears a clear
and unequivocal testimony, when he says, " Christ
ascending, gave gifts for the perfecting of the saints;
for the work .of the ministry; for the edifying of the
body of Christ, till we all come into the unity of the
faith and of the knowledge of the son of God unto a
perfect man—unto the measure of the stature of the
fulness of Christ." To this point he further testifies
that all sjairitual gifts and operations, however varied,
were by " the one, self-same spirit," and to illustrate
the fact, he continues thus, "for as the body is one,
and hath many members, and all the members of that
body, being many, are one body, so also is Christ,"
or the one body of Christ—" The church which is his
fulness:" all animated "by the same spirit." And,
if possible, the more clearly to shew that he has in
view the whole united body of Christ, he adds, "for
by one spirit we are all baptized into one body whe¬
ther we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or
free. The unity or dependence of these members (or
churches, for of churches he must be understood to
speak) is clearly maintained, when the apostle de¬
clares "that God hath set the members every one of
them in the body ; and tempered the body together,
that there should be no schism in the body, and insti¬
tuted " that the members should have the same care
GEORGIA ASSOCIATION.
247
for each other." And such is the nature of this de¬
pendence, that the most "feeble," or inferior mem¬
ber, or church, in supposed or real talents and useful¬
ness, cannot please itself; on this account, "not of
the body;" nor can the most superior in excellence
of any nature or degree, say to the least and most
"uncomely," " I have no need of thee for says the
Apostle " the more feeble is necessary."
The practice of the apostles is built on this founda¬
tion alone. ' The churches in Judea, and those among
the Gentiles were all constituted in the purest har¬
mony and most cordial fellowship, making "one new
man." To this it is witnessed that the "Collosians,
having " put off the old man," (or heathenish state,)
put on the "new man," (or christian-church state,)
wherein all distinctions, either national or carnal, were
lost in Christ, "who is all in all." And though the
churches were blessed with the happiest and most un¬
restrained freedom from the usages of the law, and all
encroachments of human authority, aiming to lord it
over their faith or practice; as well as in all local and
indifferent matters among themselves, in all which
things they are entirely independent; which liberty
was given not for any "occasion to the flesh," or
"cloak for maliciousness," or much less for "destruc¬
tion," but for " edification:" Yet this apostolic prac¬
tice, with the almost innumerable injunctions " to keep
the unity of the spirit in the bond of love," leaves no
question as to the direction our faith and duty should
take in reference to the doctrine before ; especially
when the profound reason, from which the apostle
urges a compliance with this duty is considered,—
namely, "there is one body and one spirit, even as
ye are called in one hope ofyour calling; one Lord,
248
HISTORY OF THE
one faith, one baptism, one God and father of all, who
is above all, and through all, and in you all." Who>
can resist the force of this argument? The awful
guards too, which God has placed round about his in- -
stitutions, should put us on the alert, and inspire us
with circumspection in the use and enjoyment of them.
Thus we see the "tree of life" a fiery cherub guards,
and a flaming two-edged sword turns every way to
keep. The sons of Aaron burn strange or forbid¬
den fire before the Lord, and are swallowed of the
yawning earth. Uzzah touches the ark, and dies;
Herod gives not the glory to God, and is eaten of
worms; he that alters or adds to the divine word is
accursed; and he that defiles God's temple shall be
destroyed.
Dear brethren: from the doctrine thus laid down,
we draw for your further consideration, a few plain
infei'ences. And, 1st—If the churches of Jesus Christ
are all in unity and dependence, "fitly framed togeth¬
er," so that the "whole building is destined to grow up
to an holy temple in the Lord," then the scriptures
must be of as little particular application, as they are
of private interpretation. They must descend with
original authority, and in the same degree, from the
first to the last church constituted •" in the body."—
To the churches thus united, they operate a consti¬
tutional influence. They must be regarded as the
great and unalterable chart of faith and duty, and
form the true line of demarcation between privilege
and restriction—by which alone a uniform practice may
be established, and the churches preserved " in the
bonds of peace." But 'without the consideration of
this union among the churches, the scriptures are in¬
capable of any general application, but are binding
GEORGIA ASSOCIATION.
249
only on the churches to which they were originally
addressed. Of coarse there could be nothing like un¬
ion and fellowship sc^ipturally inculcated among the
.churches ; for in that case, their independence and
internal powers would be absolute and sovereign.
2. If the system of church union laid down be true,
then every church (after the apostolic) should be con¬
stituted under the inspection apd by the approbation
of those already embodied, to insure that in its con¬
stitution it was "fitly framed" into the body, and so
ceasing to be a " stranger and foreigner," might be¬
come a " fellow citizen with the saints, and of the house¬
hold of God." It is also to be inferred, that every
church not constituted " in the body," or that sepa¬
rates itself from the body, is heretical; and all those
who originate or patronize such innovations, should,
in faithfulness to God, be regarded as "causing er¬
rors and divisions," contrary to what has been taught
from the scriptures of truth, and be "avoided," until
they are "converted from the error of their way,"
and fall into the body "in the bond of peace."
3. If the doctrine above stated be tenable, then it
follows that no man may take the ministry on himself,
or be forwarded by any individual church alone; but
in the union of the churches, by "the laying on of the
hands of the presbytery," by which gospel ministers
are held, as they ought to be, a kind of public proper¬
ty in the body of Christ; as saith the apostle, "he
gave some apostles, some prophets, some evangelists,
some pastors and teachers," &c. which cannot be un¬
derstood of any church but that which is his fulness.
Which consideration gives the right, or rather impo¬
ses the duty, on every church to "receive" them with
Christian kindness and attention; to "know" them
250
HISTORY OF THE
by their credentials and fruits of righteousness; and
to "esteem them very highly for their work's sake;"
and also to "try them who say they are ministers,
and are not," and proving them to be " liars" to de¬
tect them as impostors.
4. From the union of the churches, we infer that
the duties enjoined in the scriptures on real Chris¬
tians, relative to each other, are in no wise restricted
by particular membership; but are co-extent with
practical Christianity. Whatever is made their duty
towards a brother in immediate ^connexion, by the
gospel discipline, is constitutional, and binds them in
obligation to any member of the body of Christ in
similar circumstances. In this respect we cannot con¬
ceive any thing like independence among the church¬
es of our common Lord.
5. Should the view which has been taken bo scrip¬
tural, then it is the duty of all Christians, by all the
means in their power, to maintain the union of the
churches; to scrupulously avoid and oppose every*
thing tending to division; to adopt and patronize ev¬
ery effort promising to restore unity when lost, on the
sacred principles of eternal truth, to studiously " fol¬
low the things which make for peace," and wherewith
one may edify another: to prove by the most rigid
and persevering godliness, that they are the lovers
of God, the brotherhood, and all good men; and by
intercourse and correspondence, to extend the know¬
ledge of their faith and usefulness, (which may be
"done^far beyond personal acquaintance,) carrying with
it the most imposing confidence and Christian fellow¬
ship, in unison with the faith and labors of the apos¬
tolic churches "throughout the world."
6. The unity, and dependence of the churches be-
GEORGIA ASSOCIATION.
251
ing acknowledged as tr.ue, their association must also
be admitted as correct; for in no other medium can
they realize g.nd reduce to practice their fundamen¬
tal union, or feel their dependence on Christ and each
other, in the same beneficial degree. In this relation,
they by "their messengers," can, like the Jerusalem
church, meet "with one accord, in one place," pre¬
pared for concert in any matter of general interest,
promotive of the Redeemer's kingdom. But without
the Association of churches, there can be nothing like
united effort, or uniform practice among them, obvi¬
ously required to effectuate the commands of Christ.
And it is evident that the original churches were asso¬
ciated for purposes of charity, benevolence, and re¬
ligion, else a brother would never have been " cho¬
sen by the churches to travel" on a particular ser¬
vice ; and. of others, it would never have been said
that " they were the messengers of the churches, and
the glory of Christ." But why are the messengers
of the churches the glory of Christ? Because the
churches, by their messengers associated, form the
highest resemblance of "his body, the church, which
is his glory and fulness."
And now, dear brethren, suffer the word of exhor¬
tation. We entreat you to digest well the principles
endeavored to be maintained in this letter. Let all
your sensibilities qf soul be alive to the sentiment, that
you are subjects of the kingdom of God, in which the
scriptures are the unalterable and fundamental rule,
by which your faith must be formed, and in accord¬
ance with all your religious and ecclesiastical affairs
must be done " decently and in order."
These principles require to post a faithful and in¬
defatigable guard at the door of constitution and or-
252
HISTORY OF THE
dination; to see that churches are formed "in the
body" and " fitly framed" into the temple* in union
and fellowship; " that there be no schisrri in the bo¬
dy;" and that ministers are such as may do honor to
God and his church, in the discharge of the duties of
their sacred trust. To be without blame, faithful,
and having a good report of them that are without,
are constitutional requisitions which cannot be dispen¬
sed with either in the introduction of a man to, or the
continuing him in, the gospel ministry. If you do
these things, dear brethren, ye shall do well.
We beseech you to cleave, individually cleave, to
the unity, and afford your most able support to the
dependence of the churches, as members of the same
body ; children of the same family; heirs of the same
inheritance, as the only proper bond of communion.
Yet nevertheless, we pray you to walk charitably to¬
wards those who in Christian profession differ from
you in faith or practice. And though you cannot rea¬
sonably hold communion with them at the Lord's
Table, (for the folio win greasons—to wit: 1. Because
the union is broken and the dependence lost between
you and them, so that communion would be a shadow
without any proper substance—too pretensional for
sacred and sincere Christianity. 2. Because there is
no discipline instituted among the denominations, the
influence of which can preserve such an attempt at
communion from the grossest impositions and wildest
disorders; and of consequence must be absurd, until
some regulation be established among the parties, and
they all agree "to walk by the same rule," and "speak
the same thing." 3. Because you and they are not,
and in the present state of religious affairs, cannot be¬
come members together of the same body ; which is a
GEORGIA ASSOCIATION.
253
•capital requisition in the gospel to a meet communion.
And, 4. Because the principles and practices which
ftrstproduced and stiil prolong the difference of denom¬
inational character among professed Christians, are so
hetrodox and discordant, that the maintaining of ti e
•one is of necessary consequence the destruction of the
other. To attempt communion in such a state of
things, would be to form a religious chaos, and to pro¬
mote envy and strife as the legitimate tendency. This
may be exemplified immediately by reference to the
ordinance of baptism: if the Paedobaptists establish
their baptism as true, yours is absurd 5 but if yours
be maintained as the gospel ordinance, then theirs is
no baptism at all. It must then be improper and dis¬
loyal to attempt communion until these discordant prin¬
ciples are done away, and the parties conciliated in
Christian love and union :) yet, dear brethren, we ex¬
hort and admonish you to carry yourselves towards
them as Christian professors; engage with them, and
invite them to engage with you in exercises of devo¬
tion and enterprises of usefulness; go with them free¬
ly as far as you can preserve a good conscience and
the fellowship of your brethren, and stop where you
must according to the scriptures; evince to them that
the reason why you do not yield an entire and cheer¬
ful compliance with their wishes in communion, is
not founded in prejudice or ill-will, but in a conscien¬
tious regard to the views you entertain of truth and
propriety ; extend to them your brotherly watch-care,
and invite theirs over you; reprove and admonish
them in love when you overtake them in a fault, and
endeavor to reclaim in the spirit of meekness; and
thus, by an affectionate intercourse, and a dispassion¬
ate, free and candid interchange of sentiments, com-
w
HISTORY OP THE
bined with a friendly use of Christian discipline, lea-
sen, if you cannot annihilate, the unhappy differences
which are between you and them. This course, ac¬
companied by the blessing of God, we think is the
only anchor of hope for the union and communion of
the present contending religious denominations.
Furthermore, brethren, we exhort you carefully
to cultivate in yourselves views of extended and gen¬
eral usefulness. Dismiss, forever banish from your
hearts that God-dishonoring and soul-starving senti¬
ment, that your Christian obligations are restricted to
the church to which you in particular belong. Re¬
collect that " what the Spirit saith to the churches," is
bound on the obsei-vance of "him that hath an ear."
Feel as you ought to feel, as "members in particular"
'of the whole body of Christ, and bound by his au¬
thority in the same ties of brotherly love to all and to
each member of that body "as you have opportunity
to do good," and "always abound in the work of the
Lord, knowing that your labor shall not be in vain in
the Lord." And we also admonish you to esteem
very highly, as your most gospel attitude, the medi¬
um of your highest privileges, and the source of your
most extended usefulness on earth, your associated
union. Here you are "like a company of horses in
Pharaoh's chariots," and " terrible as an army with
banners," prepared for united and powerful effort.
What cannot be done in your individual capacity, may
receive its highest accomplishment in your associated
union. Divided strength is weak, but united strength
is powerful. Do not treat the resolutions and advi¬
ces of the association with neglect and indifference,,
as the counsels of a mere " advisory body," with which
you have no connexion, but as decisions and advices
GEORGIA ASSOCIATION.
255
«ofyour own body, composed of your "messengers,
who are the glory of Christ." If the counsels of the
■association are consonant with the word of God, you
are bour.d to observe and obey them on Divine au¬
thority, as well as from the bond of union which holds
you together " in one." Study agreement, and en¬
deavor through your associated connexion to come at
a uniform practice in the order of your religious af¬
fairs. Be ready, not as a matter of constraint, "but
of ready mind," to act in concert, like the churches of
Macedonia, of whom the apostle bears this honorable
testimony, that " they are willing of themselves" even
' "'beyond their power," in any matter of general utili¬
ty, whether benevolent, charitable, or religious. At¬
tempt whatsoever God in his word has instituted to
be done through the instrumentalit y of his church on
«arth, and fear not. Keep In mind you are not alone.:
«ven in your associated body you are but one detach¬
ment of the thousands of Israel's hosts. The strength
of opposition against you is "an arm of flesh;" but
with you is the Lord your God to help you and fight
your battles. And what maj be done by united and
vigorous effort of all the churches of Christ in his
name, will never be known until the experiment is
made; but when that experiment is made, the result
will be, that the whole earth will be full of the glory
of God. Let each heart hail the day in adding a dou¬
ble Amen.
Finally, dear brethren, " whatsoever things are
true, are honest, are just, are pure, are lovely, are of
good report,—if there be any virtue, if there be any
praise, think on these things."
And may "the God of all grace, who hath called us
»nto bis eternal glory, by Jesus Christ, after that ye
256
history of the
sufter awhile, make you perfect, establish, strength¬
en, settle you to do his will; to whom be glory and
dominion now and forever—Amen,"
JESSE MERCER, Moderator.
Jabez P. Marshall, Clerk."
The following by Rev. W^. T. Brantly in 1822:
"The Georgia Baptist Association to the Churche3
which compose it, send Christian salutation.
Beloved Brethren,—We address you this year on
the causes of decline in religion, and on the means of
revival/ In bringing this subject before your consid¬
eration, we have been influenced by an earnest de¬
sire to do all that is in our power, both for the dis¬
charge of the duty which we owe you, and for your
comfort and enlargement in the profession which you
have made. The low state of vital piety among us;
the smallness of the numbers joining themselves to our
churphes; the increase of error and schism; the dis¬
appearance of good signs, and the appearance of bad
ones, are some of the facts to which we appeal to jus¬
tify the introduction of the subject which we have
chosen. Whilst we would not be of the number of
those who take pleasure.in giving false alarms, and
who conjure up phantoms of evil that they may shew
their skill and courage in fighting them, we would
as little desire to be found among those who are indif¬
ferent to every thing, and who are not roused by the
most awful tokens of G od to cry aloud and spare not.
We take it as an undeniable principle, that the pro¬
gressive history of the Church of Christ presents at
all times, occasions either of mourning or joy, sepa¬
rately, or of both together. Such is often the pros¬
perous condition of the church, that we have reason
GEORGIA ASSOCIATION. 257
to rejoice in its flourishing aspect. When good and
wholesome doctrines are preached ; when ordinances
are obseived; when the word of trod has free course
and is glorified ; when many converts to righteousness
crowd the gates of Zion; and when health and vigor
every where pervade the body—the friends of'Christ
must rejoice. But the reverse of this occasions mour¬
ning a,nd dejection. When too many are turning
from the ways of God, and a cold lethargy possesses
the hearts of those who ought to he most forward in
religion; when many profess to follow the Saviour
become impatient of his doctrines and precepts, and
do not like to have the whole truth told them ; when
a worldly canker lies corroding the very life of piety
and godliness, and eats up every thing noble and dis¬
interested ; and when a morbid indifference to such a
state is found to prevail, it is then surely time for the
watchman to rise from his treacherous calm, and
sound an alarm in God's holy mountain. Complaints
of lukewarmness and declension have often prevail¬
ed from the influence of custom, and at different times
many, no doubt, have adopted this language, from no
other motive than because it was a common talk.—
And in truth, the occasions of lamentation are much
more frequent than of rejoicing, so that whatever mo¬
tive a complaining language may have, it is generally
justified by actual circumstances. Those observers
too, who do notexamine things with care and skill, are
apt to imagine that all present evils are the worst, and
that the times on which they are fallen, are the worst
times that any age has ever witnessed. Hence it is
easy to fall into error in making up an opinion on the
greatness and extent of any present disorder, especial¬
ly when the disorder occurs in the Church of Christ,
w 2
258
HISTORY OF THE
Limited as our observation is, we can only look
upon the outward appearance, whilst the state and
operation of the internal affairs must necessarily lie
hid from our notice. It is often possible for an inward
excitement to exist where the surface is calm and un¬
ruffled. So the signs of the times in spiritual things
may denote a wide and awful indifference, whilst a
secret power may be at work, and a hidden grace
may be preparing the way for some unexpected dis¬
play of divine goodness and love. Intense darkness
often goes just before the opening light.
Holding these things in view, brethren, we pro¬
ceed to make some remarks upon the causes of decline
and the means of revival in religion. And the first
cause we shall assign is,
1. The neglect of the word of God. The truths
of Scripture are the only proper furniture for the «
Christian's heart, and the food which gives him
strength and health ; and though we admit that a crit¬
ical knowledge of the whole Bible is not necessary to
salvation, yet we must assert that a ready acquaint¬
ance with its leading truths is a matter essential to the
growth of religion in the heart. It is not to be ex¬
pected that every believer will have time to read elab¬
orate commentaries on the word of truth; but every
believer must be able to give a commentary from his
own heart upon the contents of that word. This he
cannot do unless he- often examines it. That we
may make this address more particular, let us consid¬
er some of the ways in which the scriptures may be
neglected.
They are fhen neglected when those whose busi¬
ness it is to preach them bring them forward incorrect¬
ly or partially. Every preacher must be regarded
GEORGIA ASSOCIATION.
259
as a spiritual pleader, a divine orator, who does not
come forward to display his own skill and ingenuity,
but to lay before his audience the facts and arguments
by which he means to persuade them to come over
to his cause and stand upon the Lord's side. Now
his facts and arguments are the scriptures. There he
must find all the instruments of that persuasion which
he intends to lodge in the hearts of his hearers. In
all cases where facts are brought in proof of any point,
there must be an exact, explicit, and accurate state¬
ment. A little change or variation will frequently
defeat the whole argument. A preacher who states
a position and appeals to scripture for his proof, is
bound to give the very language of the text, if he
would prove his point. His proofs lose half their
weight and authority when this is neglected, and room
is left for evasions and objections. Besides this, in
adhering to the letter of scripture we make it evident
that we love it, and that we hold all its parts and ap¬
pendages in sacred veneration, and are not willing
that the least should be kept back. This punctuality
in quotation is remarkably evident in the New Tes¬
tament. The writers and speakers there, generally
used the popular version of the Seventy, in the passa¬
ges which they| cited from the Old Testament, and so
particular were they that we seldom find the variation
of a single word. Many content themselves with giv¬
ing what they call the substance of the scripture, with¬
out much regard to the words, and in consequence of
this they generally lose sight of the substance. " All
things shall work together for good to them that love
God," is a quotation which very few would find fault
with: but by looking into the text we shall discover
that the change of the word work from the present to
260
HISTORY OF THE
the future, causes a material disservice to the sense.
The all things which work together, do not reserve
•their efficacy and happy influence to a future time,
butare now actually working together for that great
object. The same might be observed of many other
texts. If the Holy Ghost has left us a form of sound
words, those words should be dear to every one who
labors in their ministration. Whatever lessens the
proper authority of scripture must weaken the faith
of those who believe and expose them to the seducing
calm of lukewarrnness and indifference in religion.
The word of God may be neglected when only cer¬
tain parts of it are brought to view, whilst the remain¬
ders omitted and suppressed. The scripture contains
a rich abundance and a delightful variety. It is a field
of flowers and nutricious herbage, where may be
found a tender food for the sheep and lambs, and like¬
wise a stronger nourishment for the laborious oxen.
The judicious shepherd, therefore, will conduct his
flock into all the departments of this lovely scene, that
each may receive a portion in due season. It may so
happen that ministers suit their preaching to the pre¬
vailing taste and disposition of their hearers, and if
that taste be corrupt and vitiated, it is almost certain
that God's word will not meet a fair treatment. Many
like to be told that every thing in their salvation is the
gift of God ; and so far thev like to be told the truth;
but do they like just as well to be informed that they
must labor for every thing pertaining to their salva¬
tion with as much care and solicitude as if it depend¬
ed upon their labors? Many eagerly swallow every
particle of truth w hich demonstrates the security of
the saints and their final perseverence to glorv, and
thus they feed upon a good doctrine, and one which
GEORGIA ASSOCIATION.
261
lias the explicit warrant of scripture; but do they
grasp with the same avidity and entertain with the
same satisfaction the doctrine of watchfulness, cruci¬
fixion to the world, self-denial and circumspection,
which have an equal support from scripture % Many
would never be tired of election and predestination
which too, are fundamental points; but would thus
manifest the same good will to sanctification, charity
and brotherly kindness1? Some could sit and hear a
volume upon the duties which pastors ought to per¬
form for their people, how painstaking they should
be, how much hardness they should endure, what
zeal and disinterestedness they should possess, all
which is the truth ; but do they hear, with equal pa¬
tience, what they ought to do for their pastors, what
support they should give them, what worldly cares
and labors they should take off their hands by gen¬
erous contributions'? It is impossible to prevent the
decline of religion when the word of God is picked
and divided, a part embraced and a part rejected.
They who are guilty of this partiality may appear to
flourish for a short time, and may stand forth in bod¬
ies apparently healthy. But some of their members
are weak and diseased, and they no sooner experience
a shock of the whole system, than the disorder falls
into the sickly member, and they become a sad spec¬
tacle of wretchedness.
Where principles or sentiments which have not
been subjected to the test of scripture, are held as
maxims and rules of conduct, there is necessarily a
neglect of inspiration—the law and the testimony.
We are apt to form strong attachments to opinions
,and doctrines to which we have long been familiari¬
zed. Their antiquity often confers upon them a kind
262
HISTORY OF THE
of reverence which we yield imperceptibly, thinking
that there must be something sacred in that which has
been so long cherished. Hence has originated the
authority of tradition, and the substitution of human
inventions in the place of scriptural requirement.
For illustration of this point, we observe that the idea
obtains to a considerable extent, and has become a part
of the belief of many, that if they can have a present
confidence that, they were once truly converted, how¬
ever grievously they may now want the comfortable
and realizing manifestation of God's Spirit, yet they
will be finally saved. They acknowledge the want
of present experiences of religious joy and satisfaction;
have no liberty in prayer; have no foretastes of hea¬
ven; have no heart-reridings for sin, and in a word,
$eem ready to die to every thing that is like holiness
,and love—but they still have a strong hope founded
upon past experience, which they abuse by making
it the vehicle of comfort, when God never intended
that they should be quiet under the awful and disas¬
trous tokens of their present state. Past experience
is a good source of comfort when it corresponds with
present experince, but if it be at variance with this, it
deserves no confidence. The grand scriptural testis,
"If any man have not the spirit of Christ, he is none
of his." It is very evident, that a genuine conversion
contains the pledge of eternal salvation; but how is
that conversion to be accounted genuine, which brings
none of the fruits of that happy change % For a par¬
ticular illustration, we advert to the language held by
many on the subject of revivals. God, say they, has
fris own time to work, and it is not necessary for us
to take any steps to bring about that which depends
wholly upon his pleasure. If we try the latter part;
GEORGIA ASSOCIATION.
263
of the above sentence by the test of scripture, what
becomes of it ? Are we not to labor even for that
"which the son of man shall give us1?" Many good
people talk very innocently about the revelations of
the spirit of God, as if it was now the office of the Com¬
forter to reveal new truths which had never before
been revealed. This is another opinion which has
not been brought under the test of scripture; because
we learn from the sacred record, that it is not the of¬
fice of the Spirit to make new revelations, but to con¬
firm and >apply that which is already made. For the
system of revelation was finished near eighteen hun¬
dred years since. The above examples, if supported
by facts, will serve to show how easily principles
may be relied upon as authentic and scriptural, which
cannot endure the only proper test. And if in their
maxims and opinions it be possible for men to enter¬
tain many hurtful errors—may not their customs and
practices be equally liable to the censure of the divine
word, whilst they firmly believe that they are justifi¬
ed by the word of God in what they do1? Is it not
enough for a Christian that he be found in the right
way, he must know why he is in that way. He must
be ready to give a reason of the hope that is within
him, with meekness and fear. How can we do this,
if not conversant with the word of God 1*
2. We find another cause of decline among pro¬
fessors ofreligion, in their not properly improving their
baptism. We deservedly lay much stress on baptism
as a great and holy rite. To preserve this ordinance
in its simple, apostolic purity, we have boldly encoun¬
tered the sneers of the world, and the censures of
many other religious denominations. We have stren¬
uously maintained that the great Protestant Reform-'
264
HISTORY OF THE
ation was incomplete, until the subject and the mode
ofbaptism should be restored to its primitive simpli¬
city and order. From such advocates it might be ra¬
tionally expected that all the bearings of this sacred
institution would be embraced and scrupulously ex¬
emplified. For, as an institution it teaches, with pe¬
culiar propriety, the origin and destination of the
Christian. It introduces him to the church militant,
lays the doctrine of Christ near his heart, honors him
with membership in the Society of those who take
Jesus for their guide and pattern, and stands as an
everlasting memorial of his dedication to God. The
believer who daily remembers his baptism and all the
sacred considerations which it involves, can hardly
fail to surrender himself by a daily devotion to Him
who loved him and gave himself for him. But how
often are the dreadful and holy obligations of baptism
forgotten! How often does the soul which has been
winged for an immortal flight, to fly at infinite glories,
come down and grovel in the dust!
3. The abuse or neglect of the Lord's Supper may
be regarded as another cause ofdecay in religion. How
often have we been grieved when the sacred symbols
of the Saviour's body and blood were offered, to see
many require themselves to be passed by, giving the
significant shake of the head, and thus in appearance
at least, rejecting Christ. Ah, we have thought, is
this your kindness to the friend of sinners 1 Is this
the way in which you requite Jesus for all his pains
in your behalf? Did he turn away his head when
the cup of your sins was presented to his lips—a cup
" drugged by the hand of death, and brewed in hell?"
"Why then do you refuse to honor him by a memorial
tofhis own making? Many think they do service
GEORGIA ASSOCIATION.
265
the cause, and mend the matter of their own un-
worthiness, when they refuse the offered emblems.
But let them once for all remember, that if they reject
the appointed figures of the Saviour; to be consist¬
ent, they should also reject Christ himself, and abjure
:he Christian profession.
4. The abuse of the Sabbath is another evil which
spreads a damp upon religion, and chills the life of
Diety. Many find a pretext for disregarding the
Lord's Day, in declaiming against Sunday-religion.
We have generally remarked, that those who made it
their duty to have no more religion on Sabbath than
an any other day, seldom had much at any time. For,
n truth, although a christian is a christian at all times,
md always carries his religion about with him, yet
;here are certain periods allotted for the more partic-
llar exercise of the christian duties when the soul en-
oys special communion with God, and draws near to
lim in holy acts. It has never yet happened that the
leglect of the Lord's day and a prosperous state of
•eligion existed together, at one and the same time ;
jut it has uniformly happened that where coldness
md indifference stretched out their deadly shade over
he withering interests' of piety, the Lord's day has
jeen disregarded and tbe opportunities of this holy
leason misapplied. But, brethren, if any of you have
mown a prosperous state of religion to exist where
he duties and exercises of this sacred day were light-
y esteemed, we would willingly hear where and when
i was. Was it in those happy Apostolic days when
he church numbered its accessions by thousands ?
i»Vas it atTroas, where Paul remained until the first
lay of the week to meet and join the disciples m
>r«aking bread ? Was it in those times when the
x
$66
HISTORY OF THE
churches had rest from persecution, and walking1 ns
the comfort of the scriptures were replenished witb
graces and numbers % Was it in any of those socie¬
ties where Paul planted the seeds of the gospel and
where Apollos watered, and where God gave the-
increase? Was it in Macedonia whence issued the
importunate cry, «ome over and help us? No, it
was at neither of these times and places, because these
were occasions of zeal, labor and diligence.
5. The slender and incompetent support given to
the ministers of religion is not the least obstacle to its-
happy progress. And here, dear brethren, we will
not confine ourselves to general remarks; for we may
safely leave otlief denominations of Christians to make
their own arrangements on this subject; but we will
address all who feel, or ought to feel, for the healthful
state of religion among Baptists. We are aware
that in naming this matter we tread upon slippery
ground, and may put in jeopardy what little influence
we possess; that many of you have nice scruples on
this subject, and have probably made up your mind
long since. But all this shall not deter us from tell¬
ing you the truth. All this shall not stop our mouths
which must speak for God. WTe have told you once
and again, and now tell you even weeping, that you
could not adopt a more ready way to stifle the spirit
of godliness in yotir hearts, in your families, and in
your churches, than by withholding needful support
from those who minister in holy things. Is every oth¬
er kind of service which you receive thought to be
worth something, the ministry only excepted ? Shall
every debt be paid, that only excepted which you
owe to God, and his sanctuary ? Shall the servant
of Christ come to you month after month, and year
GEORGIA ASSOCIATION.
267
after year, leaving his wife and children with a scan¬
ty subsistence at home, encountering fatigue, loss of
-rest and painful privations, to deliver his message to
you, and after all scarcely receive enough from you
•to clothe himself decently] Brethren, you cannot
bring a solid objection to the doing of that which God
commands you to do, the message which the preach¬
er delivers to you contains his warrant for demanding
support, not as charity, but as a just and undeniable
right.
6. Finally, we advert to the indulgence of a world¬
ly spirit as a most dangerous and prevalent cause of
decline in religion. We know of nothing by which
Christians are sooner corrupted from the simplicity
that is in Christ than the spirit of the world. It is an
enemy so insidious that its approaches are seldom
perceived, until it has taken possession of the soul.
There it operates with an influence destructive to
prayer, to charity, to brotherly kindness, to liberal
sacrifices and generous feelings. There it remains
hardening the heart against all th» calls of duty and
the labors of love, producing much care and anxiety
about temporal things, and a dreadful indifference to
things eternal.
Secondly. We proceed to consider some of the
means of revival. And here, we must observe, that
one of the most direct methods is to obviate the causes
€>f decline and take the obstructions out of the way.
We are anxious that what we say on this part of our
subject should be practical and impressive, for we are
not addressing for form's sake, but from a deep sense
of the duty which we owe you.
1. Then brethren, if you would see the revival of
religion among your churches, learn to make some tem-
^68 HISTORY OF THE
poral sacrifices. You, who cannot give up a smai
portion of your earthly things for the honor and sup
port of your religion, would surely not consent to par
with all you have for such an object. Yet the genuine
sons of faith " took joyfully the spoiling of their goods,'
rather than dishonor their religion. "Would you whi
cannot give your money at the command of Christ
be willing to give your lives for him 1 But we en
* treat you to listen for a moment to our most affection
ate counsel. As it may happen that few individu
al churches consider themselves able to employ a min
ister the whole of his time, let two or three churche:
who live in visiting distance of each other, appoin
some of their more intelligent members to meet ir
consultation on the best method of obtaining a suppb
for their common necessities. Let these brethrei
form a committee to represent the two or three chur
ches in question. This committee will proceed to as
certain what minister will probably answer the join
wishes of the churches, and having fixed upon one
let them next proceed to ascertain from such minis
ter, whether he will serve them, and what amoun
will be necessary for the support of himself and fam
ily, so that his vihole time may be given to the calls
of duty in the churches which he may undertake tc
attend. After this information is obtained, let th(
same committee return to their churches, make a re¬
port, and begin at once to inquire whether the join;
efforts of the two or three churches can make up J
sufficient sum for their intended minister. Should i
be found that they can support him, then let him un
dertake the important duty, visiting and; preaching
daily. He should not only preach on Sabbaths, t>u
he should be often at the houses of his brethren, pray
GEORGIA ASSOCIATION.
269
ing with their families, expounding the scriptures to
them, exhorting and admonishing the younger mem¬
bers of the families, inquiring the manner in which
they spend their Sabbaths, and entreating them with
affectionate tenderness to embrace the morning of life
for the service of God. Let this course of duty on
his part, be not merely occasional, but fixed and sta¬
ted, so that he would be known and loved wherever
he went, and a much readier support would be afford¬
ed him.
2. Let ministers who may be thus situated give
public noticS in their congregations that they will at¬
tend an hour or two before the usual time of preach¬
ing in order to meet in the house of God all those
who feel anxious about their salvation, to make spe¬
cial prayers to God for them, and to vary their pray¬
ers to suit all the cases of those who may be bowing
together before the throne of grace. These prayers
may be accompanied with tender addresses and af¬
fectionate admonitions, whilst the great principles of
the Christian faith should not be overlooked. Such a
course would be attended with the happiest effects.
The Pastor would then at once meet the praying and
inquiring members of his congregation. He would
come to them in the warmth of devotion and in the
gracious flowings of charity. He would find them
melted by the love of Christ, and that his words would
obtain a ready access to their hearts. We entreat
you to begin at once this momentous exercise and re¬
duce our advice to practice.
3. Give a diligent attendance upon all the means
of grace. When we speak of the means of grace, we
address ourselves to your faith, not to any human sys¬
tem whose influence has probably wrested the scrip-
x 2
270
HISTORY OF THE
tures themselves, and warped your own minds. The
very ideas of means and grace may seem contradicto¬
ry and inconsistent, but as we do not undertake to re¬
concile varying appearances we shall only find it ne¬
cessary to point to the facts on which this doctrine
relies for support. The command of God makes
faith the duty of all who hear the word, and yet the
Apostle distinctly affirms that it is a gift. "Unto'you
it is given on behalf of Christ, not only to believe on
his name, but also to suffer for him." Faith and pa¬
tience are both here represented as gifts or graces,
and it would be a needless waste of time to adduce
passages to shew that each of these is repeatedly com¬
manded as a duty. Repentance was commanded as
one of the primary doctrines of our Lord's precursor^
and in a variety of forms was enjoined by our Sa¬
viour himself and his apostles; but it is unequivocal¬
ly declared in the lively oracles, " Him hath God ex¬
alted with his right hand, to be a prince and a Sa¬
viour, for to give repentance to Israel and forgiveness
of sins." The same might be demonstrated, either
by direct proof or clear inference, of many other gra¬
ces of ths divine spirit. The attainment of heaven,
that stupendous gratuity which can only be measured
by the boundless duration of eternity, is to be the ob¬
ject of our persevering labors and solicitudes. "La¬
bor not for the meat that perishes, but for that which
endureth unto everlasting life, which the Son of Man
shall give unto you." If we be required to explain
the mystery of employing active exertions for the at¬
tainment of that good which after all must come from
the bounty of Heaven, we must have the candor to
acknowledge our incapacity to afford any satisfactory
solution of this difficulty. Attempts have been made
GEORGIA ASSOCIATION.
271
to elucidate the case, and to reconcile the apparent
opposition betwixt the ideas of duty and grace; but
the subject remains in the same state of unexplored
sublimity, and there must continue, not for the excite¬
ment of busy curiosity, but to challenge our faith and
command our reverence. Science and philosophy
have their ultimate laws, beyond which definition
fails, and reason casts a gloom : and why should not
religion also have its ultimate laws upon which failh
may rest with a confidence which shall not fluctuate,
and where hope may wait with eagle eye to seize the
first dawnings of immortality.*
Before concluding this address we advert again to
the duty ofsupporting ministers as an important and
necessary means of grace, in order that we' may lay
before you the scripture proofs on this subject. Our
first proof is from 1 Cor. 9: 7—15. "Who goeth a
wayfare at any time at his own charges'? Who plant-
eth a vineyard and eateth not of the fruit thereof?
Or who feedeth a flock and eateth not of the milk of
the flock ? Say I these things as a man1? or saith not
the law the same also? For it is written in the law
of Moses, thou shalt not muzzle the mouth of the ox
that treadeth the corn. Do ye not know, that they
who minister about holy things live of the things of
the temple ? and they who' wait at the altar are parta¬
kers with the altar? Even so hath the Lord ordained
that they who preach the gospel should live of the
gospel." We know indeed it is objected that even
• Paul himself is an exception to this rule. But this
very exception proves the existence of the rule. How
strange then is the perversion which makes the ex¬
ception a rule, and the rule an exception? But even
* See Baptist Magazine for Sept. 1822.
272
history of the
Paul is not always an exception. In Corinth, where
he preached the gospel freely, he says, "I have rob¬
bed other churches, taking wages of them to do you
service. And when I was present with you and wan¬
ted I was chargeable to no man; for that which was
lacking to me, the brethren who came from Macedo-
o '
nia supplied." To the Phillipians he makes the fol¬
lowing beautiful acknowledgement. "In Thessalo-
nica, ye Phillipians sent once and again to my ne¬
cessity. Not because I desire a gift, but I desire fruit
that may abound on your account. But I have all
and abound; I am full, having received of Epaphrodi-
tus the things which were sent from you, an odour
of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, well pleasing
to God." From the above passages it is evident that
even Paul was not backward in asserting the right of
a minister to support, in direct application to himself.
" In the United States," says an English divine,
"we are told a minister cannot bring an action to re¬
cover his salary; since their law determines, that it
is a Pastor's business to teach his charge to be honest,
and if he had done his duty there would be no occa¬
sion to bring his suit. If you value your own charac¬
ter and that of your minister, give him your generous
support."
Finally. If you would see religion revive in your
churches, seek good Pastors, support them well and
obtain all their time for God; place them above neces¬
sity, do not be afraid of making them proud by making
them easy, because riches will be as great a snare to.
you as it is to them\ be found much in prayer, much
in faith, much in charity and all in Christ.
JESSE MERCER, Moderator.
Jabez P. Marshall, Clerk."
GEORGIA ASSOCIATION.
273
The following by Rev. Mr. Reeves, in 1823:
" The Georgia Association of Elders and Breth¬
ren, to the Churches of which they are the Messen¬
gers, wish grace, mercy and peace multiplied.
Beloved Brethren,—Having endeavored, as far as
practicable, to set in order the things which are wan¬
ting, and attended to the matters which you have
placed before us, as the Minutes will shew, and now,
as a token of respect, we address you on the dignity,
responsibility and duties of the Christian.
In the mouth of our Lord there is no maxim so fre¬
quent as the following: ""Whosoever exalteth him¬
self, shall be abased; but he that humbleth himself, shall
be exalted." Humility is the first fruit of religion,
and the highest trait in the Christian character. Re¬
ligion, and that alone, teaches absolute humility, by
which we mean a sense of our absolute nothing¬
ness in the view of infinite greatness and excellence.
That sense of inferiority which results from the com¬
parison of men with each other, is often an unwel¬
come sensation, forced, upon the mind, which rather
embitters the temper than softens it: Jbut that which
devotion impresses, is soothing and delightful. The
truly devout man loves to lie low at the footstool of
his Creator ; because then he attains the most lively
perceptions of the divine excellence, and the most
tranquil confidence in the divine favor. In so august
a presence, he sees all distinctions lost, and all beings
reduced to the same level. He looks at his superiors
without envy, and his inferiors without contempt.
And when from this elevation he descends to mix
with society, the conviction of superiority, which must
in many instances be felt, is a calm inference of the
understanding, and no longer a busy importunate pas-
274
HISTORY OF THE
sion of the heart. " The wicked," says the Psalmist,
" through the pride of their countenance will not seek
after God ; God is not in all their thoughts." When
we consider the incredible variety of the irreligious,
immoral and atheistical sects, together with the sett¬
led malignity and unrelenting rancor with which they
pursue every vestige of religion, even to the disal-
lowal of the word of God in schools, is it uncandid to
suppose that its humbling tendency is one principal
cause of their enmity 1 And as their licentiousness
is impatient of restraint, so their pride disdains a su¬
perior. For, as pride hardens the heart, so religion
is the only effectual antidote. If we view man as a
moral and accountable being, destined to survive the
stroke of death, and to live in a future state; if we
consider him placed here by an Almighty Ruler, in a
state of probation, and the present life only a period
of trial, the first link in a vast and interminable chain
stretching into eternity—then he assumes a dignified
character in our eyes, and every thing that relates to
him becomes interesting. If such is the destination
of man, it is evident, that in the qualities which fit him
for it, his principal dignity consists : his moral great¬
ness is his true greatness.
Let the christian think but for a moment on the
love of his Creator in affording redemption, not with
'silver and gold, but with the precious blood of his
own son, as a lamb slain from the foundation of the
world, and with it every other grace and qualification
of the Divine Spirit, preparing him for that honorable
sphere of usefulness in the church, and in the world,
whereby he may best serve _ and glorify God. Let
liim reflect on that evangelical justification, as an act
of God's free grace, in which he pardons all our sins,
GEORGIA ASSOCIATION.
215
and accepts u.s as righteous in his sight, only for the
righteousness of Christ imputed to us by faith, that by
these ye might be partakers of the divine nature.—>
"For the doctrine of justification," says Mr. Booth,
" makes a very distinguished figure in that religion
which is from above, and is a capital article of that
faith which was once delivered to the saints. Far
from being a mei'e speculative point, it spreads its
influence through the whole system of divinity ; runs
through all christian experience, and operates in eve¬
ry part of practical Godliness." Let him consider
the relation he bears to his great Original,—Saints
are styled, not the sons and daughters of earthly
monarchs, but of the living God, of the Most High.
Behold with heart-humbling admiration your relative
dignity ! As to judgmental honors, he has not only
committed to them the rule and judgment of his church
and affairs here below, but has said " They should
judge angels." Consider the exaltation of Christ as
King of the kings of the world, and as the High Priest
unto God, of your profession: and remember each of
you, in. a relative degree, have the same honors con¬
ferred on you, for " He hath made us kings and
priests unto God " Then let " the high praises of
God be in your mouth, and a sharp two-edged sword
in y®ur hand to execute vengeance on the heathen,
and judgment upon the people ; to bind their kings
with chains, and their nobles with fetters of iron; to
execute upon them the judgments written. This
honor have all the saints. Praise ye the Lord."
And lastly, consider Jesus Christ as " heir of all
things, and yourselves as heirs and joint heirs with
him."
Dear Brethren : Having considered a few particw-
276
HISTORY OP THE
lars respecting the dignity of your character, and that
wherein it most consists, it remains to speak of the
duties of your station. "We therefore, as the ser¬
vants of Christ, beseech you, that ye walk worthy of
the vocation wherewith you are called, with all holi¬
ness and meekness, with long suffering, forbearing
one another in love. For unto every one of us is
given, grace according to the measure of Christ."
Eph. 4: 1. 7.; also, Pet. 1: 4. 10. " As every man
hath received the gift, even so minister the same, one
to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of
God." Brethren, we are persuaded that these are
not confined to the grace of faith, or the gift of eternal
life, by grace, neither to the gifts of the minister la-
lone ; but more or less unto every one of us is grace
given. Again, for I *ay through the grace given un¬
to me, to every man that is among you, not to think
of himself more highly than he ought to think, (nor
let any, because of the smallness of his gifts, think too
low;) but to think soberly, according as God hath
dealt to every man the measure of faith. Having
then gifts, differing according to the grace that is giv¬
en us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy -according
to the proportion of faith ; or ministry^ let us wait on
our ministering ; or he that teacheth, . on teaching;
or he that exhorteth, on exhortation; he that giveth,
let him do it with simplicity ; he that ruleth, with dil¬
igence ; he that sheweth | mercy, with cheerfulness.
Horn. 12: 2, 6, 7, S. Now all these gifts, with their
various relations, are given to us as stewards. To
point them out would exceed the limits allotted the
present address. For the responsibility of this stew¬
ardship, as it pertains to the unity and dependence of
the churches and the advantages of their association,
GEORGIA ASSOCIATION.
tarrying with them the most imposing confidence and
-Christian fellowship, in unison with the faith and la¬
bors of the Apostolic churches, we refer you to the
Circular of 1821. In the Circular of 1822, some
weighty causes of the present great decline of vital
piety, are set forth; and we do most seriously recom¬
mend you to read again and carefully meditate on the
matter of that and the forementioned letters, and as
far as possible reduce them to practice. In the lat¬
ter, among the causes of decline, the neglect of the
word of God is mentioned as the first, and (we now
add) not the least.
This divine word is included in the rich treasure
committed to the Christian as a steward, and he is re¬
sponsible for the proper exercise thereof. "We are
aware, that to the abuse of this trust, are to be attrib¬
uted, not only the present languor in religion, the per¬
plexity of the churches, and difficulty of discipline;
but the barrenness of heart, witnessed and complain¬
ed of from day to day; also the enervated state of be¬
lievers in every direction, covered in thick and pal¬
pable clouds of darkness, and in doubt which way to
walk. Nor is this all: the alarming symptoms of na¬
tional degeneracy and rapid progress of immorality,
are to be attributed to the partial, or rather, total dis¬
use of the Scriptures; There appears, however; to
be some disposition to lament the state of the times,
both civily and religiously; but alas! how few la¬
ment the causes, and equally few, perhaps, look back
far enough to see its date. Remember, therefore,
*' from whence thou hast fallen, and repent." The
true doctrines of Christianity are to be found alone
in the Bible, and all its doctrines and precepts are
^calculated to promote the happiness of Society, and
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278
HISTORY OF THE
the safety and well being of civil government. How
then can a Christian fail of being a friend to his coun"
try, and a republican, except he errs not knowing the
Scriptures %
The history of the creation of man, and the rela¬
tion of our species to each other, (recorded in the Old
Testament,) is the strongest argument that can be
used, against the divine right of kings, and in favor of
the original natural equality of mankind. "We repeat
the maxim then, a Christian cannot fail of being are-
publican, only as he errs, not knowing the Scriptures;
for every precept of the Gospel inculcates those de¬
grees of humility, self-denial, and brotherly kindness,-
which are directly opposed to the pride of monarchy,
A christian cannot but be useful to the church and to
the world, (unless he is ignorant of the scriptures,)
because they teach him that no man liveth to himself.
Lastly—from no other cause can he fail of being
wholly inoffensive ; for his religion teaches him " in
all things to do to others what he, in like circumstan¬
ces, would wish they would do to him." But the a-
buse of this trust of their stewardship, has been, per¬
haps, the cause of many of those distressing calamities
which for thirty years past (or more) have visited us,
and still remain unmoved among us. The Apostle
said, " be not conformed" to the vain part of the
world in the dismission of the Bible, and what is still
worse, the disallowing it, as a school book. During
which time, the quota of rulers and ruled, both in the
civil and religious department, have come'on the
stage, whose minds have not been trained to the scrip¬
tures, and whose hearts have not been disciplined to
the Gospel rule. We cannot tell what God may do,
on the apparent signs of sudden repentance, as in the
GEORGIA ASSOCIATION.
279
ease of Ninevah, or of the Jewish nation, when the
law was collected from among the rubbish and pre¬
sented by Ezra, after solemn prayer, assisted by the
Priests and Levites, read and explained in such a
manner, that fifty thousand young men were seen
weeping- at once, on account of their national and reli¬
gious decline. These are things of an extraordinary
nature, and not now to be expected in our case, for
the days of miracles have ceased. After some thirty
or forty years diligent exertion to recover the lost
ground and furnish a quota of sons who may be fit and
proper as a harvest for the Lord's service and glory,
a revival may be hoped for.
To accomplish this object, we recommend the Bi¬
ble, not only to be duly read in all families, and its
precepts enjoined on all under the care and steward¬
ship of each believer; but that it be made the princi¬
pal and main school book. 1st. Because the Bible
contains more knowledge necessary to man in his
present state, than any other book in the world; and,
2ndly. touching his welfare and safety in the next,
than all the books in the world.- Christianity is the
only true, perfect religion. In proportion as mankind
adopt its principles and obey its precepts, they will
be wise and happy. A better knowledge of this reli¬
gion is to be acquired by reading the Bible, than in
any other way. The Bible is objected to in schools,
because " the familiar use of it lessens a due rever¬
ence for it." This objection, by proving too much,
proves nothing at all; for if familiarity lessens re¬
spect for divine things, then all the daily and weekly
worship of the Deity is improper. Again: it is said,
that "many controversies on religion and the scrip¬
tures make it necessary to raise children to mature
HISTORY OF THE
age to judge for themselves,, before we train them iir
the scriptures." If their minds could be kept a per¬
fect blank, this argument would have more to justify
it; but their minds as naturally lead, out after princi¬
ples, as after facts. There is a peculiar aptitude in
their minds after religious knowledge. They are in¬
quisitive upon religious subjects—and no wonder it
should be so: God has manifested his wisdom in fit¬
ting the mind of his creatures to suit his means and
designs, for the accomplishment of their happiness.
The mind retains best what is received in youth.
There is also a great weight and influence in preju¬
dice. Then by all means prevent the evil of this in¬
fluence by storing theip minds with scripture knowl¬
edge. And as habit becomes easy and confirmed by
practice, then train and habituate their minds to the
fear of God, to* paternal regard, to respect civil autho¬
rity and the true morality of the Gospel. The scrip-,
tures abound with argument and proof in favor of
teaching children the knowledge of religion by the
use thereof. An implied command is found in Deu¬
teronomy 6: 6, 9, "And those words which I com¬
mand thee this day, shall be in thine heart; and thou
shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and
shalt talk of them when thou sittest in th!ne house,
and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou
liest down, and when thou risestup." Again: Exo,
12: 26,27, "And it shall come to pass when your
children shall say, what mean ye by this service"? ye
shall say, it is the sacrifice of the Lord's passover,"
&c. Once more: Deut. 6: 20, 21, "And when thy
son asketh thee in time to come, saying, what mean
the testimonies, and the statutes, and the judgments,,
which the Lord our God hath commanded I you then
GEORGIA ASSOCIATION.
281
shall say unto thy son, we were Pharoah's bondmen
in Egypt, and the Lord brought us out of Egypt with
a mighty hand." From these citations, together with
the conclusive declaration of the Apostle Paul, con¬
cerning his son Timothy, (whose usefulness in the
churches and in the cause of Christ, to the end of the
world, in an eminent degree, is attributed to that stock
of sound knowledge which he obtalined in the use of
the scriptures, when a child, which was able to make
him wise unto salvation, observe the immortal honor
conferred on his female parentage, through whose in¬
strumentality he acquired that knowledge,) we see it
incumbent on us to give our children religious bibli¬
cal instruction.
Dear Brethren: Are not these things sufficient to
afford conviction of the awful responsibility under
which you stand to God, as stewards of his word, and
of your children's eternal welfare 1 Let us not be
wiser than our Maker, or depart from the rule He has
given us. If moral precept could have reformed man¬
kind, then the mission of the Son of God into the
world was useless. But he came to propagate a sys¬
tem of doctrine, as well as morals. The perfect mo¬
rality of the Gospel rests upon a doctrine, though of¬
ten controverted, has never been refuted: the vica¬
rious life and death of the Son of God. This sublime
and ineffable doctrine delivers us from the absurd hy¬
pothesis of modern philosophers, concerning the foun¬
dation of moral obligation, and fixes it upon the eter¬
nal and self-moving principle of love. It concentrates
a whole system of ethics in a single text of scripture,
viz : "A new commandment give I unto you, that ye
love one another, even as I have loved you." By
withholding the knowledge of this doctrine from our
y 2
282
HISTORY OF THE
children, we deprive ourselves of the best means of
awakening moral sensibility in their minds. To jus¬
tify the expectation of a revival, for which we hope &
sometimes pray, we must act correspondently. And
when, by a careful procedure in the ways of practi¬
cal Godliness and zealous energy to train the present1
rising race in the morality of the Gospel, in the fear
of God, and the love of virtue, we shall have furnish¬
ed (some twenty or thirty years to come) a genera¬
tion of candidates, not for fashionable distinction, but
for virtue and wisdom—then shall your labor be re¬
warded.
And now, dear brethren, suffer the word of exhor¬
tation : God has exalted his word above all his name,
and intrusted it with you, as the most effectual means
and promised the aid of his divine Spirit to encourage
you to the accomplishment of this glorious work.
Every motive calls you thereunto that can reach the
heart of virtue or wisdom. Remember how vast,
how multiplied the blessings are which are to be dif¬
fused abroad through your instrumentality ! while all
things, and God at the head of all things, are kindly
and solemnly employed to encourage you in the de¬
lightful work. Of what immense moment then is the
present? How invaluable every • Sabbath, every
means of salvation? Think how soon every oppor¬
tunity of doing good to a benighted world will close I
Oh! ye children of Zion, decline no duty required
of you, and in all the perplexities and distresses of life
let the Gospel be an anchor to your souls, sure and
' steadfast. To the attainment of the happiness which
the Gospel reveals, consecrate every purpose, bend
every faculty. In the day of sloth, let it quicken you
to energy; in the day of despondency, let it ream-
georgia association.
283
rnate your hopes; in the season of wo, let it pour the
balm of Gilead into your hearts. View every bles¬
sing as a token of love from God, to whom you are
going, as a foretaste of immortal good. Stretch your
imagination to the highest—raise your wishes higher
and higher. Not a thought shall miss its object; not
a wish be disappointed. Eternity is now heaping up
its treasures for your possession. The voice of mer¬
cy, with a sweet and transporting sound, bids you
arise and come away. Your fears, your sorrows,
and your sins, will all leave you at the grave. See
the gates of life unfolding to admit you. The first
born open their arms to welcome you to their divine
assembly. The Saviour who is gone before to pre¬
pare £ place for your reception, informs you that all
things are ready. Haste away with triumph, then;
with ecstacy haste to the reward of his infinite labors,
and the glory which he had with the Father before
the foundation of the world. And may God, our Hea¬
venly Father advance us thither, for the Redeemer's
sake. Amen.
JESSE MERCER, Moderator.
Jabez P. Marshall, Clerk.
The following was written by the Rev. Mr. Lump¬
kin :
" Very Dear 'Brethren,—As you expect an annual
address from us, touching those things which may
promote Zion's welfare, we deem it expedient to re¬
mind you of the duties attached to the Deacon's of¬
fice. To this we are induced from a belief, that a
want of due regard to the high character which this
office sustains in the word of the Lord, in the choice
of those who fill it, may, (if it has not already) become
284
HISTORY OP THE
the heaviness of the Church. Supposing it possible
that the Church should have brought down the stan¬
dard in the choice of this class of her officers, is it not
equally possible that the views of the chosen will also
be limited in relation to their duty % It is more than
possible, it is very probable. While we would hope
better things, although we thus speak, we would en¬
treat you to indulge us in reminding you of the sacred
duties of this holy office. It originated after the day of
Pentecost, when the number of the disciples increased,
so that it was impracticable for the Apostles to attend
to the secular concerns of the Church, and at the same
time give themselves wholly to prayer and the minis¬
try of the word; to meet the present exigency, and
to give a precedent for their successors, they conven¬
ed the multitude of the disciples, and laid before them
this business, and advised them to select from among
themselves, a suitable number of proper characters
for this service. In as much therefore as the duties
they were called unto, were prior to this time incum¬
bent on the ministi-y, it was but reasonable that the cha¬
racter of the deacon should be the same as that of the
minister in all points, except those which are insepa¬
rably connected with the ministry of the word. Those
who were first appointed to this office were men " of
honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom,"
subsequent to this period none were admitted to this
important trust, except those who were " grave,"
" holding the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience,
ruling their children and own houses well, being found
blameless." A person who on examination was found
to possess these qualifications was put into this office,
the duties of which are summarily comprehended in
the words " serve tableswhich is generally suppo-
GEORGIA ASSOCIATION.
285
sed to include the table of the Lord, that of the poor
saints and the Ministers.
The particular crisis of time, and peculiar circum¬
stances of the Church, most probably made the first
of these duties more important than it now is, in
this much favoured day and country, yet the obliga¬
tion is the same and must remain. " The poor ye have
always loith you." If then diligent search was made,
by men possessing dispositions like Stephen and Phil¬
ip, would there be none found who need relief"? It is
admitted by all, that a large proportion of those who
receive the word with gladness are indigent, conse¬
quently we may expect at all times that the reason
why those who are denominated poor are not reliev¬
ed, is not because no such objects exist, but because
duty is neglected.
On the requisite preparations for the table of the
Lord, so well understood and universally practised,
we deem it superfluous to remark; nevertheless the
arrangements and manner of this solemn service,
should be in exact accordance with the word of the
Lord. As a denomination we have relied for the
success of our peculiar opinions, much more on ma¬
king all things according to the pattern given in the
scriptures, than an ingenious gloss given to doubtful
evidence, surely then, it behoves those whose duty it
is, to provide the elements, to receive them, again at
the hands of the minister, and distribute them, to
make such arrangements, and so to conduct this sol¬
emn scene, as shall tend to sustain the Church in her
claims to peculiarity.
The last, but perhaps not the least difficult of these
primary duties enjoined, is to provide for those who
minister in holy things. That this is incumbent oil.
2S6
HISTORY OF THE
the Church, and imperious, and that it is the business
of those whose duty we herein point out to attend to
it, we need not urge; the extent also of this provision
is too obvious, to leave the mind under the shadow of
a doubt. It should be such as to enable the minister
of the Gospel to give himself, wholly to the duties of
his office. We are aware dear brethren, that hither¬
to insuperable difficulties have attended the exertions
which have been made to unfetter the ministry, and
thereby more extensively promote Zion's best inter¬
ests; fears have arisen, that liberal attention to this
subject would make ministers vain. This is most
probably used to evade duty. We cannot know what
the effect would be until we have adopted the mea¬
sure, and should we find this result, some expedient
■should be immediately resorted to, to free the Garden
of the Lord, from such noxious weeds. But the man
of God is not exalted in himself, when additional fa*
cilities are afforded him, for promoting the Saviour's
cause. Every Minister of the Gospel should be re¬
garded as a faithful missionary, whose all, is sacred¬
ly consecrated to'the Lord. When you augment his
one talent to a million, you produce in his views and
feelings this change only, a sense of additional re¬
sponsibility to Christ, and his Church.
Obstacles have attended the efforts which have
been made to effectuate this much desired object,
from the variety of grades of talent employed in the
ministry, especially on the part of those who bear the
appellation of unpopular preachers. If those who
were otherwise, have rendered themselves so deser¬
vedly, by immoral conduct, or other improprieties
let them be discontinued—hence this objection is re¬
moved. But is it not brethren to be feared (we ask
GEORGIA ASSOCIATION.
281'
with much hesitancy,) that most of those to whom the
objection applies, never were otherwise1? That from
some cause men have been admitted, or put forward
to this important work, so deficient in education—lim¬
ited in information—of such ordinary natural talents
<—or mere novitiates in Theology, that the Saviour's
cause suffers in their hands 1 Does it require a num¬
ber of years of close application to the study of the
law, to prepare a man for the bar 1 An equally la¬
borious course of studies, is required to prepare a man
to skilfully practice medicine, and even the mechanic
must toil for years before he is master of his art, and
shall the sole qualification for the ministry be a desir¬
ous mind, or a professed supernatural call, in giving
credence to which, we must impeach the wisdom of
the Deity1? To the law and to the testimony—there
is neither precept nor example in the Bible which will
sustain those who foster such a practice. Let such
only be admitted to participate in ministerial functions
as are able "rightly to divide the word of truth" or
are offair promise to become such by prayer, medi¬
tation, reading and labouring in word and doctrine,
and the last mentioned objection will cease to exist.
Do we consult and at any expense engage the ablest
counsel to obtain or defend the rights of our perisha¬
ble property 1 Do we not procure the most skilful
Physician to prescribe for temporary relief of our de¬
caying bodies? And can we be so indifferent to our
eternal interests, as to have one to administer to the
wants of our souls, who through his limited abilities
may destroy, but cannot save 1 It cannot be.
Let the Deacons then be men of piety, zeal and
wisdom, let them consider themselves assistants of
the minister in his laborious duties, ascertaining who
288
history of the
are in need of supplies for this life, or that which is
to come, let them from the Church fund, by order of
the body, furnish the table of the Lord, supply the
poor saints, and so provide for the minister of their
congregation, that he may be content to be the ser¬
vant of the Church and people, for Jesus sake, the
being qualified to speak a word in season and devo¬
ted to his work, his profiting will appear to all, an in¬
calculable growth in those who now labour in word
and doctrine might be expected. " A great company
of the Priests were obedient to the faith" when the
first Deacons faithfully did their duty, and the word of
God increased, " and the number of the disciples mul¬
tiplied greatly," even in " Jerusalem" the metropo¬
lis of Judea. Brethren Deacons " use your office well,
purchase to yourselves a good degree and great bold¬
ness in the faith." Dear brethren of the Church in
general, these officers are your servants to disperse
your bounty; they cannot act without means, see
then that they are so supplied, that nothing be found
wanting. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be
with you all. Amen.
JESSE MERCER, Moderator.
J. P. Marshall, Clerk.
The followin g was written by a committee in 1828:
The Georgia Baptist Association of Elders and
Brethren, to the Churches which they represent,
send Christian salutation: ,
" Dear Brethren,—The brother appointed last year
to write the circular, having failed to present it, we,
the undersigned, being appointed to select and arrange
such scriptures as support the articles of ouv Consti¬
tution, relying upon divine direction, enter upon the
^GEORGIA, ASSOCIATION.
289
MiHty imposed on us. The plan we propose to adopt
is, to insert at large said articles, and such scriptures
as have an-immediate and direct bearing, in connex¬
ion with them.
We begin with the 1st, which reads as follows:
"We believe in one only true and living God; and
that there is a trinity of persons in the God-head—the
Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost; and yet there
are not three Gods, but one God." In proof of this
point, we call your attention to the following Scrip¬
tures: Mat. 3: 16, 17, And Jesus, when he was bap¬
tised, went up straight way up out of the water; and
lo! the Heavens were opened unto him, and he saw
the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting
■upon him; and lo! a voice from Heaven, saying, this
■is my beloved son in whom I am well pleased. Mat.
28: 19, Go ye therefore and teach all nations, bap¬
tising them in the name of the Father, and of the Son,
•and of the Holy Ghost. 1 John 5: 7, For there are
three that bear record in Heaven, the Father, the
Word, and the Holy Ghost; and these three are one.
3 Cor, 13: 14, The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ,
•and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy
■Ghost be with you all. Amen.
We pass to the 2d: "We believe that the Scrip¬
tures of the Old and New Testament are the word of
G-od, and the only rule of faith and practice." To
■support this we adduce 2 Tim. 3: 16, All scripture
is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for
-doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in
•righteousness. Prov. SO: 1st clause of the 5th and
6th, Every w-ord of God is pure; add thou not unto
liis words, lest he reprove thee, and thou be found a
Jiar. Rev. 22: 18, 19, For I testify unto every man
%
290
HISTORY OF THE'
that heareth the words of the prophecy of this booli,,,
if any man shall add unto these things, God shall add!
unto him the plagues that are written in this book,
and if any man shall take away from the words of the
book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part,
out of the book of life, and out of the Holy City, and
from the things which are written in this book.
3d. "We believe in the fall of Adam, and the im¬
putation of his sin to his posterity; in the corruption
of human nature, and the impotency of man to reco¬
ver himself by his own free will ability." In Rom,
5 : 12, The Apostle says, by one man sin entered in¬
to the world, and death by sin, and so death passed
upon all men, for that all have sinned. Veise 141—
Death reigned,from Adam to Moses, even over them
that had not sinned after the similitude of Adam's
transgression. 15—For through the offence of one,
many be dead. 16—And judgment was by one to
condemnation. And again, 17—'By one man's offence
death reigned. The 18th verse has the same senti-
timent: by the offence of one, judgment came upon all
men to condemnation. 19—For by one man's diso¬
bedience many were made sinners. To the same
point is 1 Cor. 15: 20, 21, By man came death; in
Adam all die. Behold, says David, Ps. 51: 5, I was
shapen in iniquity, and in sin did my mother con^
ceive me. The inquiry in Job 14: 4, and 15:14,.
goes to prove the same doctrine. Who can bring a
clean thing out of an unclean? Not one. What is
man that he should be elean, and he that is born of a
woman that he should be righteous? But it is time
to advance to the
4th» ''We believe in the everlasting love of God
to his people, and the eternal election of a definite-
TiEOiXGIA ASSOCIATION.
291
aiumber of the human race to grace and glory; and
that there was a covenant of grace of redemption,
made between the Father and the Son, before the
world began, in which their salvation is secure, and
lhat they in particular are redeemed." Speaking in
reference to his love to the Church, the Lord says in
Jer. 31 : 3, I have loved thee with an everlasting
love, therefore with loving kindness have I drawn
thee. Of Jesus it is said in John 13: last clause, 1st
verse: Having loved his own which were in the
world, he loved them unto the end. Paul, speaking
of the doctrine of election, says, Rom. 9: 11, The
children being not yet born, neither having done any
good or evil, that the purpose of God according to
«lection might stand, not of works, but of him that
calleth. 15—He saith to Moses, I will have mercy
on whom I will have mercy. IS—And whom he will
he hardeneth. 16—So then it is not of him that will-
«th, nor of him that runneth, but of God that sheweth
mercy. Well might Paul say, 2 Tim. 2 : 19, The
foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, the
Lord knoweth them that are his. Jesus says, John
13 : IS, I know whom 1 have chosen ; and it is thus
«xpressed in Eph. 1: 4, He hath chosen us in him
before the foundation of the world, that we should be
holy and without blame before him in love. Well
might Paul write to his Thessalonian brethren, 2 Thes.
2 : 13, We are bound to give thanks always to Gad,for
you brethren beloved of the Lord, because God hath
from the beginning chosen you to salvation, through
«anctiRcation of the Spirit and belief of the truth.
Further, this article derives proof, Zech. 9: 11, As for
thee also, by the blood of thy covenant, I have sent
forth thy prisoners out of the pit wherein is no water..
292
HISTORY OF THE
And again, Heb. 8 : 6, He is the mediator of a better
covenant, vvhicli was established upon better promi¬
ses; and 9: 15, And for this cause, he is the media¬
tor of the New Testament, or covenant, (Diatheke is-
the word used in both cases,) that by means of death',
for the redemption of the transgressions that were un¬
der the first Testament, that they which are called
might receive the promise of eternal inheritance. And
Heb. 13: 20, and part of 21, Now the God of peace
that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus,
that great Shepherd of the Sheep, through the blood
of the everlasting Covenant, make you perfect in ev¬
ery good work. Psalm 2: 8; 110: 1; and Heb. 8:
9, 10, establish the Covenant between the Father and
the Son. Ask (says God the Father to his Son) of
me, and I shall give thee the heathen for thine inheri¬
tance, and the uttermost parts of the earth for thy pos¬
session. The Lord said unto my Lord, sit thou at
my right hand until I make thine enemies thy foot¬
stool. Sacrifice an offering and burnt offerings and
offering for sin thou wouldst not, neither hadst plea¬
sure therein, (which are offered by the law.) Then,
said he, Lo, I come to do thy will, O God. He ta-
keth away the first that he may establish the second.
By the which will we are sanctified through the offer¬
ing of the body of Jesus once. Such as were chosen,
and for whom the Covenant was entered into, were
redeemed by Jesus Christ, as appears from Ephe-
sians 1 : 7, in whom we have redemption through
his blood, the forgiveness of sins according to the
riches of his grace. The same point is expressed in
Colossians 1: 13,14, Who hath delivered us from
the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the
kingdom of his dear Son, in whom we have redemp-
GEORGIA ASSOCIATION. 293
aion through his blood even the forgiveness of sins?
o o
And in Hebrews 9 : 12, By his own blood he enter¬
ed in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal
redemption for us. And again in Isa. 51: 11, There¬
fore the redeemed of the Lord, shall return and come
with singing unto Zion, and everlasting joy shall be
upon their head ; they shall obtain gladness and joy,
and sorrow and mourning shall flee away. We will
now proceed to the consideration of article the
5th. "We believe that sinners are justified in the
sight of God, only by the righteousness of Christ im¬
puted to them." This doctrine is inculcated in Rom.
3:24, Being justified freely by his grace, through
the redemption that is in Christ Jesus; and in 4: 4,
5, Now to him that worketh is the reward not reck¬
oned of grace but of debt; but to him that worketh
not, but believed on him that justifieth the ungodly,
his faith is counted for righteousness; and in 5: 19,
By the obedience of one many shall be made right¬
eous; and in 1 Cor. 1: .30, Of him are ye in Christ
Jesus, who of God is made unto us, wisdom and
righteousness, and sanctification and redemption. So
much for the 5th. W e will now advance proof for
the
6th. "We believe that all those who were chosen
in Christ, will be effectually called, regenei"ated, con¬
verted, sanctified, and supported by the spirit and
power of God, so that- th' y shall persevere in grace
and not one of them be ti '.lly lost." The vocation of
such is clearly proved from the following passages:
Eph. 2: 4, 5, God, who is rich in mercy for his great
love wherewith he loved us, even when we were
• <lead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ;
and 2 Tim. 1: 9, Who hath saved us and called us
z 2
294
HISTORY OF THE
•with an holy calling, not according to our works, but
according to his own purpose and grace, which was
given us in Christ before the world began. Rom. 8 :
28, 31, And we know that all things work together
for good; to them that love God, to them who are the
called according to his purpose; for whom he did
foreknow he also did predestinate to be conformed to
the image of his Son, that he might be the first born
among many brethren. Moreover, whom he did pre¬
destinate, them he also called; and whom he called,
them he also justified; and whom he justified, them
he also glorified. What shall we say to these things?
And who can successfully say any thing against them ?
The perseverance of such persons, is supported by
these scriptures: Philip 1: 6, He that hath begun 'a
good work in you, will perform it unto the day of
Jesus Christ; and Rom. 8: 38, 39, Neither death, nor
life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor
things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor
depth, nor any other creature shall be able to sepa¬
rate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus
our Lord. For, says Jesus in John 10: 28, I give
unto them eternal life, and they shall never perish,
neither shall any pluck them out of my hand. For
they (1 Pet. 1: 5,) are kept by the power of God, thro'
faith, unto .salvation; and Rev. 1 : 5, 6, Unto him
that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own
blood, and hath made us kings and priests unto God
and his Father; to him be glory and dominion forev¬
er and ever. Amen. We vindicate the
7th. "We believe that good works are the fruits of
faith, and follow after justification, and that they on¬
ly justify us in the sight of men and angels, and are
evidences of our gracious state," from the following
GEORGIA ASSOCIATION.
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passages: 1 Peter, 2: 9, Ye are a chosen generation,
a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people j
that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath
called you out of darkness into his marvellous light.
James 2: 18, 21, 22, A man may say thou hast faith,
and I have works; shew me thy faith without thy
works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works.
Was not Abraham, our Father, justified by works,
when he had offered Isaac,his son, upon the altar] Seest
thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works,
was faith made perfect % 1 John 2: 3 and 5—And
hereby we do know him, if we keep his command¬
ments. Who so keepeth his word, in him verily is
the word of God perfected. Therefore, let your light
$0 shine before men that they may see your good
works and glorify your Father which is in Heaven.
Mat. 5: 16. We come now to substantiate the
8th. "We believe that there will be a resurrection of
the dead, and a general judgment; and that the happi¬
ness of the righteous, and the punishment of the wick¬
ed will be eternal." Acts 24: 15—There shall be a
resurrection of the dead, both of the just and unjust.
John 5, 2S, 29—The hour is coming, in ,the which
all that are in the graves shall hear his voice, and
shall come forth. The whole of the 15th chapter of
1 Corinthians proves this point. Acts 17: 31—He
hath appointed a day in the which he will judge the
world in righteousness, by that man whom he hath or¬
dained ; for (John 5: 22) the Father judgeth no man,
but hath committed all judgment unto the Son. 27—
and hath given him authority to execute judgment
also, because he is the son of man. Therefore (2 Cor.
5: 10,) we must all appear before the judgment seat
of Christ, that every one may receive the things done
296
HISTORY OF THE
in his body according to that he hath done, whether
it be good or bad. .2 Thess. 1: 7, 10. Matt. 25:42.
—When the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from Hea¬
ven with his mighty angels, in flaming fire, taking ven¬
geance on them that know not God, and that obey not
the Gospelof our Lord Jesus Christ, who shall be pun¬
ished with everlasting destruction from the presence
of the Lord, and from the glory of his power. These
shall go away ir.to everlasting punishment, when lie
shall come to be glorified in his saints, and to be admired
in all them that believe. The righteous shall enter in¬
to life eternal. These are some of the most direct
scriptures out of the very many that support the
above fundamental and sublime doctrines, believed
and maintained by the Georgia Association.
We now advance some plain Bible proof of that
gospel order observed by us.
We notice the 1st Article. "We believe that the
visible Church of Christ is a congregation of faithful
persons wh 1 have named fellowship with each other,
:and have given themselves up to the Lord and one
another, and have agreed to keep up a godly discip¬
line agreeable to the rules of the gospel." 1 Cor. 1:
2.—The Church of God, sanctified in Christ Jesus,
called to be saints. 12: 12, 13—As the body is one,
and hath many members, and all the members of that
one body being many are one body ; so also is Christ,
for by one spirit are we all baptised into one body,
whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be
bond or free, and have all been made to drink into
one spirit. 1 John 1: 3—truly our fellowship is with
the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ, and we
have fellowship with one another; 7th, and have giv-
«n one another (Gal. 2: 9,) the right hands of fellow-
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297
ship to continue steadfastly (Acts 2: 42,) in fellow¬
ship. Eph 4: 15, 1G—Speaking the truth in love
(so that we,) may grow up into him in all things which
is the Head, even Christ, whom the whole body fitly
joined together, and compacted by that which ev¬
ery joint supplieth, according to the effectual work¬
ing, in the measure of every part, maketh increase of
the body, unto the edifying of itself in love. Heb.
10: 24, 25—To consider one another, to provoke un¬
to love and to good works, not forsaking the assembling
of ourselves together, but exhorting one another, 1
Thess. 5:11, to edify one another. (They make it their
business to) warn them that are unruly, comfort the
feeble minded, support the weak, be patient towards
all men, 14th v. To acknowledge that Christ (Col.
1: IS,) is the Head of the body, the Church ; that
God (Eph. 1. 10,) in the dispensation of the fullnes3
of times might gather together in one, all things in
Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on
earth, and give (22d) him to be the Head over all
things to the Church. (Believing that the govern¬
ment of the Church is with the Body from the follow¬
ing passages)—Matt. IS: 15, 16, 17. 1 Cor. 5: 7.
2 Cor. 6: 14, IS. Gal. 6: 1. James 5: 20—If thy
brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his
fault between thee and him alone; if he hear thee,
thou hast gained thy brother, but if he will not hear
thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in
the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may
be established ; and if he shall neglect to hear them,
tell it unto the church ; but ifhe neglect to hear the
church, let him be unto thee as a heathen man and a
publican. Purge out, therefore, tlie old leaven, that
ye may be anew lump. Be ye not unequally yoked
298
HISTORY OF THE
together with unbelievers. For, what fellowship
hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what
communion hath light with darkness? and what con¬
cord hath Christ with Belial 1 or what part hath he
that believeth with an infidel 1 and what agree¬
ment hath the temple of God with idols? For ye
are the temple of the living God, as he hath said, I
will dwell in them, and walk in them ; and I will be
their God, and they shall be my people. Wherefore
come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith
the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing, and I will
receive you, and will be a father urito you, and ye
shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Al¬
mighty. Brethren ifa man be overtaken in a fault,
ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit
of meekness, considering thyself, lest thou also be
tempted. Brethren, if any of you do err from the
truth, and one convert him. let him know that he
which converteth a sinner from the error of his way,
shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multi¬
tude of sins. See also the epistle of Christ to the sev¬
en churches, in the second and third chapters of'Rev-
clations.
The 3d, 4th, and 5th articles read thus :—" We
believe that Water Baptism and the Lord's Supper,
are ordinances of the Lord, and are to be continued
till his second coming. That true believers in Jesus
Christ are the only subjects of baptism, and that dip¬
ping is the mode. That none but regularly baptized
church members have a right to comrnunne at the
Lord's Table." In vindication of these doctrines, we
bring the following,plain scriptures :—Matt. 2S: 19,
Go ye, therefore, and teach all nations, babtizing them
in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the
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Holy Ghost. Mark 1: 4, 5, and 9—John did bap¬
tize in the wilderness, and preach the baptism of re¬
pentance for the remission of sins; and there went
unto him all the land of Judea, and they of Jerusa¬
lem and were all baptized of him in the River of Jor¬
dan confessing their sins. And it came to pass in
those days, that Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee
and was baptized of John in Jordan. Acts 2: 3S and
41. Then Peter said unto them, repent and be bap¬
tized every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ,
for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift
of the Holy Ghost. Then they that gladly received
his word were baptized, and the same day there were
added unto them about three thousand souls .Acts 8: 12
When they believed Philip preaching rhe things con¬
cerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus
Christ, they were baptized both MEN and WOMEN.
38th v. And they went down both into the water,
both Philip and the Eunuch, and he baptized him.
Rom. 6: 4. We are buried with him by baptism into
death, that like as Christ was raised up from the deadr
by the glory of the Father; even so we also should
walk in newness of life. 1 Cor. 11: 23, 24, 25, 26-
The Lord Jesus the same night in which he was be¬
trayed, took bread, and when he had given thanks,
he brake it, and said, Take, eat, this is my body which
is broken for you, this do in remembrance of me. Af¬
ter the same manner he took the cup when he had sup¬
ped, saying, this cup is the New Testament in my
blood, this do ye, as oft as ye drink it in remembrance
ofme. For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink
this cup, ye do shew the Lord's death till he come,
1 Cor. 10: 16, 17—The cup of blessing which we
bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ ?
HISTORY OF THE
The bread which we break, is it not the communidM
of the body of Christ? For we being many are one
bread and one body, for we are all partakers of that
one bread. 12: 12, 13—for as the body is one and
hath many members, and all the members of that
one body, being many, are one body, so also is Christ,
For by one spirit are we all baptized into one body,
whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be
bond or free; and have all been made to drink into
one spirit. 1 Cor. 5: 7—Therefore, let us keep the
feast, not with old leaven, neither with the leaven of
malice, and wickedness, but with the unleavened
bread of sincerity and truth. We come now to the
6th and last. "We believe that it is the duty of
every heaven born soul to become a member of the
visible church, to make a public profession of his faith,
to be legally baptized, so as to have a right to, and
to partake of, the Lord's Supper, at every legal op¬
portunity, through the whole course of his life."
Whosoever will come after me (says the Saviour,
Mark 8: 34,) let him deny himself, and take up his
cross, and follow me. Come out from among them
and be ye separate, saith the Lord—2. Cor. 6: 17.
Acts 22: 16—And be baptized, and wash away thy sins,
calling on the name of the Lord. Mark 16: 16—He
that believeth and is baptized shall be saved, but he
that believeth not shall be damned. Acts 10: 47, 48.
Can any man forbid water that the6e should not be bap¬
tized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well
as we ? And he commanded them to be baptized.
We close by saying, blessed is that servant whom his
Lord, when he cometh, shall find so doing. Mat. 24:
46. Blessed are they that do his commandments, that
they may have right to the tree of live, and may enter
in, through the gates into the city. Rev. 22: 14.
'<&EOItGSA ASSOCIATION.
301
Our meeting has been numerously attended ; about
""jhirty-five ministers and preachers; perhaps from
five to seven thousand hearers; many mourners; some
confessed conversion ; 1761 returned baptized.
Finally, brethren, farewell—and may the Great
Head of the Church make you and us truly humble,
very thankful, bless, guide, direct, sanctify, and save,
and fill the whole universe with streams of divine glo¬
ry ! Arner., Amen. ,
JESSE MERCER, Moderator.
JAMES ARMSTRONG,
J. P. MARSHALL, Clerk.
In behalf of, and appointed by, the Association to
write and append this Circular."
The following by Rev. B. M. Sanders, in 1829.
"The Georgia Baptist Association to the churches
"which they represent, send Christian salutation.
Dear Brethren,—From a suggestion in the minutes
of last year, you will expect, in the present Cir¬
cular to be addressed on the subject of Christian
communion. To treat on this comprehensive subject
in the narrow compass of one short circular, it will
be necessary that we barely touch on a few of the
principal points appertaining to it. As it is an ordi¬
nance appointed by the Lord for a special purpose of.
his own, we must look t© his word for instruction in¬
to its nature, design/manner of observance, and the
qualifications of its participants. Its nature and man¬
ner of observance, he has taught -us both -by precept
-and example, at the time of its institution;, when he
blessed and break the bread, and gave it to his -disci*-
iples to eat, and blessed the cup, and gave it to them
all to drink, closing the scene with the i*yunction^,
■A-<A
302
HISTOTtY OP THE"
"This do in remembrance of me." In this short pre>
cept, he has not only enjoined on his disciples a con-'
tinued observance of this institution, but has also ex¬
pressed the design by which they must be actuated,.
" a remembrance of him and that there might be-
no difficulty in determining in what respect he is to be
remembered, he adds that it i»to "shew forth his
death." To attend to it properly we deem it impor¬
tant not only to be right in form, but also in design ;
for the Lord has as particularly expressed the intent
with which it should be observed, as that it should be
observed at all. The Apostle has charged the cor¬
ruption of this ordinance by the Corinthian Church,
and all their unworthy participation of it, to an over¬
sight or disregard of its design, "not discerning the
Lord's body."—I Cor. 11: 29. Many persons seem
to have lost the design of this prdinance, by consider¬
ing it principally as an expression of fellowship, when
in fact, its expressing fellowship at all, is only an in¬
cidental consequence, arising from its nature and de-
sign.
The real design seems to be twofold; 1st. to refresh
in the minds of the communicants a remembrance of
Christ's death ; and 2d, to shew forth, or publish it to
the world by this figure.
The instructions given to do it " in remembrance"
of Christ, " discerning his body," and to "shew forth
his death," not only prove the design of this ordin¬
ance and the importance of a due reference thereto,
by those who observe it, but also plainly indicate some
of the necessary qualifications of all proper commu¬
nicants.
1. They must be able to discern the Lord's body.
This we understand to embrance, in some good de-
«EORGIA ASSOCIATION.
303
■gree, a knowledge of the docti'ine of atonement.
This, flesh and blood cannot reveal unto them, but on¬
ly our Father, which is in Heaven. This includes
an idea of the divinity of the Saviour as necessary to
give virtue to the sacrifice of atonement, and none
can call him Lord but by the Holy Ghost. All proper
communicants must, therefore have Jesus Christ re¬
vealed unto them experimentally, so as to be able to
lay hold on him as their Saviour—as the end of the
law for righteousness; or, in other words, viewing
the claims of the divine law, as satisfied in his flesh for
every believer.
2. They must cherish a remembrance of Christ.
To be prepared to do this, they must not only
have some proper understanding of the atonement,
but also to feel their great need of an interest in it.
They must view themselves as justly condemned by
the holy law of God, and exposed to his wrath, with
the consciousness that nothing but the blood of atone¬
ment can procure their relief; and thus be brought to
accept it with hearty approbation and gratitude, and
to rely upon it exclusively for deliverance from con¬
demnation, and for admission into the divine favor.
Such discoveries as these prepare an individual to
cherish with pleasure the remembrance of one from
whom he has received such unspeakable benefits.
And such a - pleasing, grateful remembrance only
must be designed to be promoted by this sacred rite.
3. They must hereby "shew forth his death," or
publish it to the world. To be prepared to do this
heartily, requires such a deep sense of obligation to
the Author of salvation, as shall produce in the sub¬
ject of it a readiness to own it before all the world,
although such an acknowledgment be in effect to
304 HISTORY OF" THE
stand as a witness against himself, of his own shams-
and guilt, if he fail to live in the daily discharge of
such an obligation thus confessed. Every communi-
eant hereby says to God and to the world, that he is
not his own; that he has been redeemed from the-
jaws of death by the blessed son of God, and that he-
is under every possible obligation to devote unto him
his body and his spirit, which are his. • He hereby
acknowledges the will of God to be the only proper
rule of his life, and is to be considered as hereby call¬
ing on all that behold him, to witness to his baseness
and ingratitude, if it be not his future desire and en¬
deavor to advance his kingdom and promote his glory,
by all the means put into his power. The Apostle,,
therefore, exhorts all those who would not unworthi¬
ly approach the sacred board, to examine themselves
previously to eating, on all the important points of pro¬
per qualification. Not whether they are worthy on
account of their high attainments in holiness, but to
inquire what views they have of the nature and de¬
sign of this ordinance ; what of that solemn scene to
which it refers; whether by faith they are able to eat
the flesh and drink the blood of the blessed sacrifice
of atonement; and whether they can now cherish a
grateful remembrance of his love, and are now ready
to renew an entire dedication of themselves to the
Lord; and so to eat under the influence of all that
fear, love, solemnity, and reverence, which such con¬
siderations are calculated to inspire.
From these views of the subject, it would appear
that none but believers can properly come around
the table of the Lord.
But this is an ordinance to be observed by the dis-
ciples of Christ iix.the church, or in an associate ca-
GEORGIA ASSOCIATION.
305
pacity. This will fully appear from Acts 20: 7—
""When the disciples came together to break bread,"
&c. 1 Cor. 11: 18—"When ye come together in
the church," &c. 22d. " Have ye not houses to eat
and drink in, or despise ye the church of God," &c.
33d. " Wherefore, my brethren, when ye come to¬
gether to eat," See. And such was the example giv¬
en by our Saviour at its institution. It is therefore,
not only necessary that those who associate for this
purpose should be believers, but should have made
such a profession of their faith, as should be satisfac¬
tory to those with whom they were about to associate.
It is not religion alone that entitles any man to church
privileges; this is a matter between God and the
soul, and so remains until a credible profession is
made. No church can consistently receive any mem¬
ber into the enjoyment of its privileges, till that indi¬
vidual has made such a profession as in some measure
meets the views of that church :. otherwise there
would be no distinction between the church and the
world. That baptism is essentially necessary to the
scriptural profession of faith, must be inferred from
its frequent introduction in the Scriptures as a duty
consequent upon faith, as "he that believeth and is
baptized," &c. The doctrine contained in Gal. 3:
27, is very plain on this subject: "As many of you
as have been baptized into Jesus Christ, have put on
Christ." This putting on Christ by baptism, we un¬
derstand not to be really and spiritually, but profess¬
ionally. Dr. Clarke, on this place calls receiving-
baptism, " a public proof that they had received Christ
as their Lord and Saviour." Dr. Scott that "faith,
in Christ was publicly professed in baptism." Mr.
Henry in his Commentary on this, passage, says, that
A A 2
306
HISTOK* OF THE
" faith in Christ was what they professed in baptism—
Baptism is now the solemn rite of admission into the-
Christian Church." After the concurrence with us
of so many eminent divines, of different denomina¬
tions, in the sentiment, that baptism is the proper
scriptural profession of faith ; and after having shewn
the necessity of a credible profession of faith to church
membership and church privileges ; and that com¬
munion is a church act; it must be manifest that no
unbaptized person, although a believer, is entitled to
an invitation to this ordinance.
The argument stands thus : The observance of this
ordinance is a church act; a credible and scriptural
profession is necessary to church privileges ; and that
baptism is necessary to a scriptural profession of re¬
ligion. Unbaptized persons, therefore, are not qual¬
ified for admission to this ordinance.
So far as fellowship is expressed by this commun¬
ion we have said it is altogether consequential on the
nature and design of this ordinance. We will explain
ourselves thus : So far as the mere eating of the bread
and drinking of the cup by each individual is consid¬
ered separately, it is to remember and to shew forth
the Lord's death. But as it is an act in which several
individuals unite, by such union they virtually say to
the world, not that they approve of every act of each
other's past life ; not that they agree in every, the
most minute religious sentiment; but that they agree
in what they are now doing, as one body in Christ.
Now, as the commandment goes to the design as well
as to the form, if it should afterwards appear that
they had different designs, they will so far have made
a profession of an agreement, when there was none.
This may be done ignorantly. But if such a union
GEORGIA ASSOCIATION.
307
should be entered into by those who know they dif¬
fer in design and in their views of the proper qualifi¬
cations of communicants, it must result in the follow¬
ing consequences : viz. that they make a false pro¬
fession of an agreement, when they know there is
none, and lightly and irreverently trifle with the word
of God, and one of his most solemn institutions, by
countenancing its solemnization by persons who they
could not believe were qualified.
Here, without explanation, we might seem to en¬
courage a practice which occurs but too commonly in
churches, and which we deem very reprehensible.
For want of entire fellowship with some one mem¬
ber of the church, there are many brethren who sel¬
dom or never observe this ordinance; and so violate
one of the most positive injunctions of our Lord, giv¬
en to all his disciples, " this do in remembrance of
me." But they will ask, what they shall do? We
will endeavor to instruct them. We have said it was
a church act, to be observed by church members;
none, therefore, who are not qualified for this ser¬
vice, are fit for church membership. Let such mem¬
bers as feel afflicted, endeavor with meekness to have
the offender reclaimed. If this cannot be done, let
him be excommunicated. If they cannot obtain either
of these points, they are clear; they have done their
duty, and the affliction is now removed from the of¬
fender to the church thatjustifies him. We should
learn to pay great respect to the judgment of chur¬
ches in such cases, and we shall often find such alleg¬
ed offences rather imaginary than real. It is true,
there maybe some members, in almost every church
in whom we may not have all that confidence we
could wish; but if we had good reason to receive
303
HISTORY OP THE
them, and their conduct has not been such as to bring
them under the censure of the church, our bare sus¬
picions should not interfere with our (or their) church
privileges, much less church duties. To withdraw
silently from the communion, in case of offence, is to
leave the church to bear the reproach and the cause
of Christ to suffer, while we only seek to shield our
own heads. This is selfish, unchristian, and contrary
to the command, " bear ye one another's burdens."
The solemn injunction 11 this do in remembrance of
me," should, we think, bear heavy upon the conscien¬
ces of all those who say they have hope in the death
of Christ, and yet have never united themselves to
his church, and consequently have never obeyed this
precept. If he is not worthy to* be honored and obey¬
ed by them here, they would do well to consider on
what ground they expect to be honored by him here¬
after. It becomes the duty of every church to have
this ordinance regularly administered among them,
and to have all their members so instructed and dis¬
ciplined, that there may be no barrier to its obser¬
vance by every member in the church.
From what we have said, it will appear, that there
are many professors of religion, whom we cannot in¬
vite to associate with us in this ordinance, nor ac¬
cept an invitation from them.
1. We cannot invite those who deny the Divinity
of Christ, for this destroys the whole virtue of the
atonement, which is here intended to be set forth.
2. We cannot invite those who refuse the cup to
the laity, for our Lord hath said "drink ye all of it:"
nor those who, worship the elements of the supper as.
the real body and blood of Christ, for he himself calls
them the bread and the cup, even after the consecra-
GEORGIA ASSOCIATION.
309
tion and distribution of them to his disciples, and re¬
quires them to repeat it only in remembrance of him.
3. We cannot thus associate with professed unbe¬
lievers, for they cannot discern the Lord's body, and
so must partake unworthily, and be guilty of the bo¬
dy and blood of Christ; and we, by associating with
them, should give countenance to their sin, and be¬
come partakers of their guilt. Dr. Clarke, in his com¬
mentary, says, '"every minister is bound to adminis¬
ter this ordinance to every man that is seeking the
salvation of his soul, as well as to all believers." In
this sentiment we cannot concur, for the reasons al¬
ready stated; nor can we see the propriety of uniting
in communion with persons, whose views of its na¬
ture must be so very foreign from our own.
4. We cannot associate in this ordinance with those
who have never made that public profession of their
faith by baptism, which we believe the scriptures re¬
quire of every believer. Nor can we believe baptism
to be that indefinite any thing, or everything, that the
various imaginations of men may suggest. It is true
that it has been common for our brethren, entertain¬
ing different views of this subject from ourselves, to
charge us with bigotry and illiberality. It may be
from ignorance, that we think as we do, but we are
persuaded (let others judge as they may) that it is
not from any disposition to be illiberal. We are told
by the Apostle Paul, that "to him that esteemeth any
thing to be unclean, to him it is unclean." Rom. 14 :
14. It would, therefore, be our sin, and not liberali¬
ty, to practice differently, believing as we do. It is,
no doubt, painful to the feelings of many of our breth¬
ren, to be so often lectured by their sympathising
friends, on the oppressive bondage under which they
310
HISTORY OF THE
are held. But, brethren, if the spirit of Christ dwell
in you, the strictness of his law is not bondage, hut
liberty; and you will choose rather to please God
than men. You will discover, we think, by observa¬
tion, that most of the reasonings of those who reflect
upon you, are founded more upon carnal policy, than
the word of God, and are addressed to the feelings
more than to the enlightened understanding. We
would exhort you brethren, to fortify your minds
with the word of consolation left you by our Lord:
"Blessed are ye when men shall revile you, and per¬
secute you, and say all manner of evil against you,
falsely for my sake," and take for your warning against
yielding to the temptations of the flesh, "he that doth
not bear his cross and come after me, cannot be my
disciple."
We have heard much stress laid by the advocates
for mixed communion on its being the table of the
Lord. But are not his disciples stewards of his ta¬
ble as well as of all his other manifold grace commit¬
ted to them 1 Does it not become them to be as faith¬
ful in this, as in every other part of their stewardship?
But liow do our mixed communion brethren exercise
this stewardship ? Do they not all, when they have
spread the Lord's table, point out what they conceive
to be the scriptural prerequisites to communion, and
invite none but such as have them? Is not this our
practice? Wherein they judge us, do they not con¬
demn themselves ? for surely they do the same things.
What church admits the whole world, without restric¬
tion? When mixed communionists begin to restrict,
have not those who are excluded by them, the same
right to complain of them that they have of us? But
it is said, they are more liberal than we. Are they
GEORGIA ASSOCIATION.
311
more liberal than the word of God? If so, surely
they are guilty of setting it aside. If not, there is on¬
ly a difference of opinion between us on the import
of that word, for we endeavor to regulate ourselves
strictly by its instructions; and we would ask for the
authority by which we only are to be restricted from
reading and interpreting for ourselves. If such li¬
berality as is contended for, is to be the key of con-
slruction, the Universalists are the most orthodox of
all Clmstians, for they are the most liberal.
After all the aspersions of illiberality and uncharita-
bleness cast upon us by our mixed communion
brethren, we can hardly be persuaded that many of
them are anxious to commune with us, if we felt our¬
selves at liberty to invite them. We are at a loss to
know why our Armenian brethren should desire it,
when they take so many occasions, both from the pul¬
pit and the pi-ess, to misrepresent, to ridicule and re¬
probate our doctrines of election, predestination and
perseverance in grace. TV e cannot conceive how
consistent Calvanistic Pfedobaptists can wish it, when
under existing circumstances, we should be required to
dispense with baptism as a prerequisite, which they
will not dispense with, or arlmit sprinkling to be bap¬
tism, against our judgments and our consciences. Set-
ring aside the word of God, there appear to us to be
insuperable difficulties in the way of mixed commu¬
nion. We must admit ministers of other denomina¬
tions while thev preach doctrines for which we would
exclude our own. We must sometimes unite with
members that have been excommunicated by us, that
have a regular membership in a church of another de¬
nomination. We must have some prerequisites, or
admit all the world; and how are we ever to agree
312
history otf the
on those prerequisites'? Mixed communion does nof
at all reconcile the parties who practise it, nor soften
their asperities. Whoever will read the Christian Ad¬
vocate and Journal, a Methodist paper, printed atNeVv
York, and the Charleston Observer, a Presbyterian
paper, will find that there is more party feeling and
harshness of controversy existing between those de*
nominations, although they commune together, than
there is between the Baptists and either of them.
In line, when we observe how cold mixed commu-
nionists are in the practice of it, after all their warmth
in contention for the principle; when we observe
how many decline the practice altogether, while ma¬
ny others rise up from the same table only to un-
sheath' against each other the sword of controversy;
we are constrained to inquire, "how can two walk
together except they be agreed?" Far be it from us
to cherish any unfriendly sentiments towards any of
our christian brethren, or to encourage such senti¬
ments to be cherished by you. Far be it from us, to
arrogate to ourselves pretensions to greater wisdom
or piety than is professed by others. We would ra¬
ther pray the Father of mercies to hasten the time
when all his children shall be of one mind, and see eye
to eye; and then they will be ready to unite in every
christian duty.
JESSE MERCER, Moderator.
Jabez P. Marshall, Clerk.
The following was written by the Rev. Otis Smith,
m 1830:
"Dear Brethren,—Waving every topic of criticism
controversy, we shall, in our present circular, in«
your attention to a few plain and practical Bug*
'©BORGIA ASSOCIATION.
313
igestions, upon the necessity of a greater degree of
spiritual mindedness among christians, and a more
elevated standard of piety in the churches. Our re*
marks will be few, and such as suggest themselves to
"the most cursory observer, v. That practical !£iety is
at a low ebb, we are compelled to say with an aching
-and a bleeding heart. T6o many melancholy evi¬
dences of it, meet the eyes, and pain the heart of the
-devoted follower of Christ. In many instances the
habitations of Zion have been invaded by an enemy*
Has not sin been seen stalking in many churches, and
have not spiritual graces drooped and withered in
many hearts at his approach, and thfir spiritual-fruits
decayed? Who of you have not witnessed, or ex¬
perienced more or less confusion in churches, and
discord among brethren ? Whose spirit has not sunk
"within him, at the mournful tidings of disorder, which
iiave fallen upon his ears, during the past year?
Though we rejoice that these troubles and afflictions
•are by no ineans universal, and, that the light ofhun-
-dreds and thousands is shining brightly; yet, is it not
'too evident, that a declension in piety exists in the
churches, and among many brethren, the fervor of
love, and the fondness of affection, have given place
rto the frowns of animosity and the wranglings of strife
and debate? Have you not seen, in some instances,
'that the energies of zeal have been crippled; that the
iinity of faith" and " the bond of peace" have been
broken; that the ardor of piety has seemed-to die,
and the lustre of example to fade ? Have you not
seen a too \ridely extended worldly mindedness take
^possession of christian souls? Have not lofty aims
■and great resolves in pious attainments, faded from
■jomt view ? Yes, brethren, humiliating as the thought
B B
311
HISTORY OF TAPE
is, must we not acknowledge, that amidst all ihv
claims, the motives and incentives of the nineteenth
century, the piety of christians, even within our own
favored limits, is so low, so dim, and powerless, that
it will bear no comparison with that which flourished
amidst the fire and fury of earlier and fiercer times?
Brethren, we think a more elevated standard of
piety is needed in the church, to convict oftheir lain-
ovs guilt, those professors of religion, v hosrjrvits do
not prove that tin y love a Saviour, his church, or
cause. We lliank God, that the probable number of
this class is small, in comparison of the whole. But
faithfulness compels us to say, that such are i:ot diffi¬
cult to find. The world, and not religion, is evident'
ly looked to, as the s-ouice of their happiness. To it,
every affection oftheir hear'seems to be fastened, as
though riveted there by the spell of an enchantment.
The love of Christ, the authority of God, the claims
of gratitude, the wants and w es of the church arid
the world, their own most solt mn vow sard pi nli ssions,
cannot dissolve the charm, arouse llieir reluctant
souls to feeling or their hands to activity. Tl.ey are
deaf as the adder to tl.e note, which strikes their ear
from heaven, though it be louder than the thunder,
and sweeter than tie strains "which angels use."
You might almost as soon expect to see stones and
clods sprint* from their beds, and start for the skies,
as these eanh-bound spirits. You might almost as
soon expect to see the cold, and cheerless, and life¬
less mass of stupid in:penitence itself, kindle with de¬
light, and break into rapture, at the opening beauties
and expanding glories of divine truth, as to perceive
one palpitation of pious feeling in their inert souls-
The truth is, their religion, if religion it may be call-
GEORGIA ASSOCIATION.
315
*ad, is of so anomalous and questionable a kind, that it
produces no visible bias or perceptible complexion in
their character. The heart-cheering duties of the
closet and the sanctuary, are evaded, as the irksome
tasks of an unwelcome service. In close spiritual
conversation upon that religion which is deeply seat¬
ed in the heart, they are "cold, distant, and repul¬
sive." Examine after their daily experience, hope,
faith and love; portray the happy communion of the
.saint with God ; urge vital piety upon their conscien¬
ces; and an arrow sent to their heart would not. soon¬
er silence them. "To do good and communicate,"
they utterly refuse. Unfold a well dige-ted scheme
of usefulness to their view ; exhibit clearly its prin¬
ciples and operations; assign them their part and por¬
tion, and delineate their duty in lines as bright as sun-,
beams; and they do not see it, and will not feel. Go
even farther: Draw the conquests of the Cross in
moving terms, even "in thoughts that breathe and
words that burnlet sin and Satan lie vanquished
at their feet, and the songs of the ransomed break up¬
on their ear; let them even sec brighter and brighter
gems continually clustering upon the crown of the
Saviour, and whole tribes and nations adding to his
inheritance;—and yet not one solitary glimpse of
gladness seems to gild the dead gloom which envel¬
ops their souls. But change the scene, and they are
alive again. Let the angry bickerings of noisy po¬
lemics be brought forward ; let christian sects, array¬
ed in the attitude and assuming the character of hos¬
tile combatants, hazarding the chances of ascendency,
be presented ; and, in estimating their moral force and
jiumerical strength, their worldly affections, and un-
aanctified ingenuity, will find the happiest employ-
316
HJiSTORIP OF THE
ment. Start to their view the fluctuations of tradav
the manoeuvres of politicians, or the lures of specula¬
tion, an<J the most delightful topics are furnished-
The arts of intrigue and chicanery, seem to amuse
rather than humble them. Many will even boast of
their dexterity and success in the use of them. They
delight in knowing, and having it known, that they
have as keen an eye, as ready an invention, and as.
prompt and dexterous a hand in all the shifts and ar¬
tifices of bargain, as the most ingenious sharper that
ever fleeced an orphan or starved a widow- They
even exult in those triumphs, which the guilty strata¬
gems of extortion have achieved, over the credulity of
the unsuspecting, and the necessities of the unfortu¬
nate. What is the standard of piety, which these
professors have erected in their minds ! It is any
thing, rather than the standard of the Bible. Breth¬
ren : Are there in your Church such men 1 Mark
them. They may be politicians ; they may be states¬
men ; they may be tradesmen ; they may be jockies,.
or extortioners; but, they are not religionists. O
what need of a piety, which shall change their vile
affections, and kindle in their souls the fire of a holy
zeal.
Brethren, A much greater degree of spiritual min-
dedness, and a far higher tone of pious feeling, are-
needed, for another class of professors among us..
We have erowdsin our churches, who, though enter¬
taining bright hopes of heaven, and apparently well
wishers to the Redeemer's kingdom, still remain as.
dead to all activity, as though stupidity and inertness
were the only duty and the only enjoyment proposed
to them by their Master, They will not believe that
personal exertion is a duty incumbent on them.=r~
GEORGIA ASSOCIATION.
317
Brethren, Let but fire from heaven once electrify
their souls; let the love of Christ constrain them;
only let " the Spirit of the Lord come mightily upon
them," and the cords of ten thousand Philistians could
not bind them to the spot where they are now at
ease. Some of this class are to be found in almost
every church. They are apparently gratified at the
prosperity of the Redeemer's Kingdom, can readily
select those whose duty they doubt not it is to throw
their personal labor and influence into the work, but
themselves must be exonerated. They are merely
lookers on. They bestow a cheer upon their labors,
" bid them God speed," and leave the vinevard and
the dressers to themselves. Good wishes are the
most efficient support they can lend the cause.—
He nee, though avowedly the servants of Christ, we
see, that in all their plans of life and schemes of busi¬
ness ; in all the disposition of their property and la¬
bor; and in all their domestic arrangements, the clo-
ry of God, and the promotion of the kingdom of Christ
in the world, are items not taken into account, and in
no respects modify their arrangements. Instead of
forming a divine focus, in which all their aims and
toils may meet, they are points at which they make
no efforts to arrive. They endure no crosses, they
make no sacrifices for Christ. They seem to have
poorly counted the cost of taking the vows of the Al¬
mighty upon them, and subscribing themselves "by
the sir name of Israel." They have, indeed, related
the joyous tidings of a hopeful work of grace in their
hearts ; received from the laborers the hand of fellow¬
ship, and arisen from an emblematical grave " to
walk in newness of life but at this point, seeins to
•nd all that course of pious action, which must consti-
B B 2
31&
HISTORY OF THE
tute that newness of life. There their pilgrimage
seems to cease. No. authority or persuasion can in¬
duce them to cultivate a solitary acre of ground, or
bestow a single month's labor, and give the proceeds
thereof to the Lord's cause. They will not spend one
week in a year exclusively in promoting piety in their
neighborhood. Seasons of private fasting, prayer,
self-examination, and self-dedication to God, form lit¬
tle or no part of their history. Brethren, An eleva¬
ted piety does not flourish in hearts so little devoted
to the cause of a Saviour. Let them but feel the
fervor which glowed in the bosom of the great and
good Dr. Edwards, when he penned the following
remarks, and another course of life would be pursued..
How did his heart burn within him, when he said,
" I have this day been before God, and have given
myself, and all that I am and have to God, so that I
am not in any respect my own. I can challenge no
right in myself, I can challenge no right in this under¬
standing, this will, these affections that are in me :
neither have I any right to this body, or any of its
/nembers ;; no right to this tongue, these hands, nor
feet; no right to these senses, these eyes, these ears,
this smell or taste. I have given myself completely
away, and have not retained any thing as my own."
O, dear brethren, could such a spiritual-mindedness,
and such holy devotedness to God, be felt by chris¬
tians in this day, the cause of Christ would never lan¬
guish by reason of neglect. If required, a thousand
princely fortunes would flock to its support, and pour
their thousands into the treasury of the Lord. The
superfluities of fashion, and the gaudery of ostenta¬
tion, would be taken, and the spoil thereof given to
the Lord. Could but the fervor of Apostolic times be
GEORGIA ASSOCIATION. 31S>
felt, we should exult in feeling, that " Holiness to the
Lord " was inscribed, not only upon every servant in
our household, and every dollar in our coffers, but
even upon " the bells of our horses," and the utensils
of our labor. The cattle in our fields, and the pro¬
duct of our toil, would all be consecrated to him, and
our prayer would be, Lord, what wilt thou have us
to do with them % Such will be the spirit of milleni-
al days ; and, as we approach them, we should rise
to the standard of those times.
A more elevated piety would banish from the heart
of every christian, that criminal and worldly-minded
timidity, which exists to a considerable extent among
us, and which ill becomes the cause which the follow¬
ers of Christ have espoused, the period at which we
live, and the state of religion among us. The emer¬
gencies of the times imperiously demand of every real
friend of the Redeemer, an open, independent, deci¬
ded, and energetic course of action. There is no neu¬
tral ground, which he can innocently occupy. The time
iscome when the influence of every christian should
be felt. But though these claims are thus pressing,
have we not many christians in our churches, who
have not the moral courage to sustain them, in stand-
ing forth, in the vindication of truth, and theextermina-
tion of evil 1 The fact must be acknowledged. They
dare not be singular. They have some darling inter¬
est, which must not be hazarded. They can see dis¬
order and disunion and sin prevail; they can see the
church rent and agonised, till the blood rushes from
every pore, and yet remain concealed behind the dis¬
guise of a very cautious reserve, Such christians
have not the moral heroism, which deep piety always
inspires. The really humble and devoted follower of
320
HISTORY OP THE
Christ \s fearless in duty. His course and his motto
are, Onward. A high-toned moral courage charac¬
terizes him. He displays that holy heroism, which
grace only can impart. It was this holy intrepidity,
which made a Nathan say to a guilty sovereign, Thou
art the man. It made an Esther, though assailed by-
enemies, though a sword was at her breast, and her
life trembling upon its point, plead, with dignity and
affection, 'the cause of' an injured but heaven-devoted
people. It made a John the Baptist resign his life
ere he would conceal from an adulterous monarch
his guilty deed. It makes an unlettered saint pro¬
claim loud and far, to the wise, the noble, the mighty
and the wealthy, the hive and grace of a Saviour,
though fools may deride him, and infidels blaspheme.
He who loves Christ's cause above all things else,
dares to raise I lie lorch of truth, and wield the sword
of the Spirit, single-handed, in the darkest and fiercest
times. Fori uue, character, happiness, and all, except
a consciousness of right.t may crumble into ruins a-
round him ; but. he is not appalled or dismayed. He
dares to adopt in his faith, and maintain in his prac¬
tice, what God has said to be truth and duty. In his
church, whether he be weak or strong, duty is his
watchword. He has no compromises to make with
disorder; no compliances to yield to wicked preju¬
dices; r,o alliances with worldly maxims or policy
to form. He has no fellowship with error. Ged's
word is his instructor and guide. It is his perfect
rule of faith and practice. He feels, that it is not at
his option, what he may ingraft into his faith and prac¬
tice, and what he may omit, reject, and modify. He,
therefore, believes and practices, " nomore, noless, and
no otherwise," than the Bible directs him. With that
GEORGIA ASSOCIATION.
321
deceitful and worldly maxim, " think and let think,"
he has nothing to do. It is his abhorrence ; an impi¬
ous barter between truth and error. He is neither
liberal or illiberal. He is neither restricted, nor lati-
tudinarian. The Bible is his chart, and according to
that rule, God helping, he is resolved to walk.—
Brethren, The pi-esent is a time when christians, one
and all, should carry this subject to their closets—the
man of God must be decided. His moral intrepidity
must be tested. Who can tell, j udging from the past,
what visitations may not come upon the churches 1
Danger is abroad. Evil omens are among us. There
*are men in these days, who rush with thoughtless
hardihood, " where angels dare not tread." Yes,
the truth must be told; sentiments are industriously
and artfully disseminated in our land ; hosts are mar¬
shalling under leaders, hypocritically wearing the in¬
signia and displaying the motto of the Gospel, who
are destroying " the faith," which, we believe, was
"once delivered to the saints." They are rushing
into the Temple, plucking from our altars the fire, the
incense and the sacrifice, which, we believe, a Sa¬
viour put there; trampling with sacrilegious audaci"-
ty upon the Bible and its authority; wresting its
truths to the destruction of souls; and, by their de¬
ceitful handling of it, reducing its sublime and holy
truths to the level of a riddle book. The responses
of a heathen oracle were never more doubtful than
the " uncertain sound" of the Gospel* trumpet in such
irreverent hands. O, brethren, let us awake a-
gainst the mighty. Bring to the cause, and temple of
your master, a holy zeal, and heavenly intrepidity.—
Let private christians bear upon their hearts the woes
of Zion, and dare to do their duty.
* Witness the doctrines of Alexander Campbell.
322
HISTORY OF THE
Inhere are a great many christians, whose piety is
so feeble that it produces in them very little love oi
divine truth. That holy emotion of soul, which
prompted in the Psalmist the exclamation, " 0 how
love 1 thy law, it is my meditation day and night," is,
to them, almost unknown. To be led into green pas¬
tures, and by sweet streams of gospel truth, is almost
insipid to their taste. To have the Spirit take of the
things of Christ, and show them to their minds, is a
joy which apparently they rarely relish. The Bible
they occasionally tcad, but very seldom study. What
do they underhand of the reasons, the scriptural rea¬
sons, of the f.iiih and hope which they have adopted.
How thoroughly are many of them rooted and ground¬
ed in the doctrines and discipline of the Bible 1 Lit¬
tle betier than they are in the dogmas of the Koran's
or Sinister. O how sickly, inoperative and unstable,
must that pu-ty be which is not nourished, invigora¬
ted, :Mid guided by truth. And can truth be known
when piol'essor? have not sufficient religion to inspire
an investigation of it ? What must be the thought of
the devotedncss of that professor's heart, when, for
two, or five, or ten, or more years, he has enjoyed the
privileges of lie sanctuary, and the ordinary means
of growth in knowledge and grace; and yet, he knows
less of the life-giving doctrines and promises of his
Bible, than even many, upon whose " sightless eye¬
balls'' a page of it never shone. No wonder he can¬
not convince gainsayers. No wonder his spiritual
perception is so dim, and his moral sensibilities so
blunt. No wonder he knows so little of gospel dis¬
cipline and the order of God's house, and feels so lit¬
tle interest in handing them to his successors unadul¬
terated.. The standard of his piety has never been
GEORGIA ASSOCIATION. 323
elevated to that point which required of him, to know
the truth, and walk in it. Let not weakness be plead¬
ed in excuse. Ignorance is a crime when knowledge
is a duty. O, private christians, the crisis of llie times
emphatically demand of you to know your Bible, to
be able in the scriptures. You are soldiers of the
cross. The Bible is the holy armory, in which are
deposited the weapons of your warfare ; which, in
your hand*, were y»u but familiar with the nature,
and dexterous in the use of them, would be rni^hty
through God to the pulling down of the strong holds
of the adversary. O! to what tempests is trie church
exposed, when its members are so faintly anchored in
the truth. From their giddiness and instability , they
are liable to be tossed by every wind of doctrine, and
bewildered by the cunning craftiness of deceivers.
Observe that gray headed pillarin your church. Soph¬
istry may spread her net, but he is not entangled in
its meshes. Error may come in like a flood, but the
"tall clift thai lifts its awful form from the ocean''
stands not more firm. Why, O fruitless professor, is
not your life characterized by a piety as enlightened,,
consistent, and stable as his ? Let his prayers, his
Bible, his closet, his moments of leisure, and his medi¬
tations, answer. Let that synttm which i» carried in¬
to every department of his religious duties also ex¬
plain. Dear Brethren, ''search the Seriptu es, for in
them ye think, ve have eternal life, and they are they"
which alone testify of truth and duty.
The standard of piety should be greatly elevated
among the ministers of the Gospel. Above all, they
should be eminently holy. Their religion should be
serious, and their piety fervent. The burdens of the
pecuniary interests of the church should be removed
tu
HISTORY OP THE
from their minds. Private members should asstittig
ihem. So far as possible* they should be disentang¬
led with the cares of this life, and exclusively and
daily devoted to the business of that embassy, with
which Christ has commissioned them. Their examj\
pie should shed a divine radiance on all around them»
They should " allure to brighter worlds and lead the
Way." A host of infidels are harmless in comparison
■of our worldly-minded minister. It is to the moral
vision of the eminently godly minister1 alone, that the
high, misterious, evangelical doctrines of the religion
of Christ, and their genuine effects in the experience
of christians, are displayed, i.i any thing of their gran-1
deur and glory : It is they alone, who bring forth from
the gospel treasures, "things new and old," They
alone can say with the Psalmist, "my soul brtaketh
for the longing it hath." O what bright visions then
break upon their minds ! what prayer is breathed
from their souls, n'ul what ea^er thirstings after
' D D
God are felt! What vast and fertile fields of
Iruth do they then survey, and with what treasures
are they laden, when they come to their flock 1 Let
ministers of the gospel be as eminently holy men, as
they should be, and they would more diligently study j
and better understand their Bibles, than many in the
present day seem to do. They would then, neither*
dare, nor wish to substitute the vagaries of irnagina*
tion, and the vain conceits of a distempered fancy in
the place of the revealed truth, and mistake them for
"the illuminations of the Spirit. The dim and shadowy
glimmerings of conjecture would no longer be follow-
«d, to the neglect of that full orbed radiance, which
would pour its glories upon their minds, from the pa"
ges of the Bible. Let ministers of the gospel enjoy1
'SEOfttflA ASSOCIATION.
"Aat -sweet and inward sense of the divine perfections,
-those beautiful apprehensions of Christ and Redemp¬
tion, which bear away the soul in happy views and
•contemplations, and kindle a sweet burning and indes¬
cribable ardour in the heart, and the "flocks they feed
would not so often pine, and evince that "the paps they
-suck are dry," and that their "pastors do not feed them
with knowledge and understanding." Were they Bax^
~ters and Brainards and Whitfields in spirit, an "Eden
would bloom beneath their" influence. Then might
they 'be expected "to'turn many to righteousness,
" shine as 'lights in the world," at their exit drop
•their mantle upon some young Elisha; and at last, re¬
ceive a crown of life and glory, a crown compared with
which, "the laurels, that a 'Ceesar reaps are weeds."
We exhort you, brethren, bear on your hearts the
high and holy command,'"Be ye holy, for I am holy/'
, Holiness is the only true standard of piety. Let
'Christians of the present day feel, that they should be
characterized by eminent piety, by great attainments
in grace. When this shall be true ; when Christians
s^hall all unitedly show, that religion is their ruling pas¬
sion ; that in reality they take but little interest in any
thing else"; when, ""whom have I in heaven but thee,
■and there ts none on the earth that I desire besides
thee/' shall be thetpredomin&rit and moving emotion
"of their souls; thea will the church "look forth as the
'morning,1' pilt on her beautiful garment," "the glo-
<ry of the Lordbeing risen npon her." "Finally, breth¬
ren, farewell. Be perfect, 'be of good -comfort, be of
*-one mind, ftve'in peace, aticl the God of love and peace
*shall be with you."
JESSE MERCER, Moderator.
•4T. P- Marshall, Clerk."
C <G
HISTORY OF THE
The following by Rev. E. Battle in 1831'.
"To the thousands of Israel, belonging to the fifty
Churches forming the Georgia Association,
Beloved Brethren and Sisters,When we consid¬
er the name by which ye are called, the plough you.
have taken hold ofr the vast field you are under the
strongest obligation to cultivate, tile rich and bounti¬
ful Master, who has promised his faithful servants a
great and sure reward ;—we feel a desire to " pro¬
voke you to love and good works." Yet appalling
thoughts intrude on us; (i. e.) though we spend days
and restless nights, search and re-search the sacred
pages, to lay before you the best precepts, our ability
can furnish for your further instruction in righteous¬
ness, we fear our Circulars do not meet with that
prayerful attention and close investigation necessary
to render them profitable to you. We think a Circu¬
lar recommended by the Association, should be read
in conference and pressed on the mind by the pastor
of each church. It is said that Dr. Franklin attribu¬
ted his usefulness to a small pamphlet he perused
when a youth, denominated "An Essay to do good."
The reason he derived such benefit from it, was, a res¬
olution he formed to reduce it to practice. We ad¬
monish you to go and do likewise. And what
your hands find to do, do with your might. To
do good and communicate forget not, for Math such
sacrifices God is well pleased.
A lady, in time of service, was observed to be much
affected, while a faithful preacher was expatiating on
false weights and measures, (Deut. 25: 16) when
asked a short time after, what she thought of the ser¬
mon, she complained of her short memory, but said as.
soon as she got home she remembered to burn her
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toushel. When we can hear our faults set in order
"before us, and feel no resolution to amend, the good
admonitions are soon forgotten, and the " devil catch¬
all away the word," because we do not care to " trea¬
sure it up."
With these introductory remarks, we will proceed
to give you a few thoughts on "Good Works."
Unregenei-ate persons may do .many things that
are good in their tendency, from native benevolence ;
not for the glory of God, but the pride of men, and
from men get their reward. Though the earth help¬
ed the woman, it was still earth. Good works will
not purchase a seat in heaven. If we give all our
goods to feed the poor, and have not charity it profit-
eth us nothing.
For works to be good and acceptable before^God,
they must proceed from love to God, and we by na¬
ture do not love- God. We must repent of our sins
and come to Christ, and he will give us new hearts,
hearts to love and serve him. This is the power of
the gospel of which the Apostle speaks, Rom. 1st.
See its power manifested in Zaeheus, Luke 19. He
was not only willing to remunerate those he had in¬
jured, four fold, as the law required, (Ex. 22: 1.) but
to give half of his goods to the poor. Here we see
good works spontaneously flowing from a good heart.
"Make the tree good, and the fruit will be good."
Mat. 12: 33. The word of G od holds out such prom¬
ises of reward in "the life that now is, and that
which is to come," it should stimulate us all to abound,
in them, for " a good man shall be satisfied from him¬
self." Prov. 14: 14. " Godliness is profitable unto
all-things." 1 Tim. 4: 8. We hope you have made
■yourselves acquainted, with the word of Ood, and \ye
HISTORrr OP THE
wish you also to appeal to your own experience.. Ek
the common transactions ©f life, a day spent in the-
exercise of benevolenee affords a pleasant pillow up¬
on which to rest the weary head at night. If we-
know this to be the result of one day, what think you^
will be the reward of a life spent in the cause of God?!
W^en the war-worn soldier of Christ is about to lay
his gray hairs on his dying pillow, and can look back:
at a well-spent life in the- service of his God and his-
fellow man, with the good apostle he can say, "Ihave
fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have-
kept the faith, henceforth there is laid up for me a
*■ crown of righteousness, which the Lord the righteous^
Judge shall give me at that day." 2 Tim. 4: 7, 8.
Who then will regret any sacrifice they eirer made,
or, any good work they ever did 1. We liv-e in a very
favorable time, the Lord's time to favor Zion, (Psa;.
102: 13.) and surely it is a good work to pour light
on the dark mind. If Christians are the light of
the world, (Mat. 5. 14) surely that light should shine.
And can it shine unless you rise to action 1 And how
is that to be done % In many ways : by Sabbath schools..
Great darkness has fallen on the minds of men; the
Lord's day has been too much profaned by the rising
generations. While instructing them the intention of
the Lord's day, and teaching them the word of God,,
the Lord blesses his own means and shines into their-
dark minds by the rays of his gospel. In our mother
country, more than one million of children are now
reported to be receiving religious instruction in Sab¬
bath schools. These efforts in America, as in other-
countries have been abundantly blessed, and the ten¬
der mind has often been directed to him who said*
u suffer little children to come unto me." The
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•ciples of many have been rightly fixed in youth, and
their dark minds enlightened. 2 Tim. 3 : 15. We
do earnestly desire you could get more in the spirit of
this good Work.
Family religion is a good work, which we wish to
impress on your minds: an increase of family reli¬
gion, we think would increase the energy of Chris¬
tians to establish Sabbatli schools, and produce more
encouragement from parents to influence their chil¬
dren to attend them. The good resulting from fami¬
ly religion never can be known in this life. Look
amongst your churches, ye venerable pastors, from
what families have you filled your ranks for the ar¬
mies of Israel '? Has it not been mostly from those fam¬
ilies whose heads like Joshua, would serve the Lord?
In families there are reciprocal duties devolving on
all,—on husbands, to love their wives even as them¬
selves; on wives, to see that they reverence their
husbands ; on servants to be obedient to their masters;
and masters to give to their servants that which is just
and equal; on parents not to provoke their children
to wrath, lest they be discouraged ; and on children
to obey their parents. Let the head of every family
see that these relative duties are observed, and God
will be glorified in that family ; and relying on the
merits of Christ, that family may expect to be glorified
in heaven.
Collecting funds to educate young preachers, we
consider a good work. Psa. 41. Though it is said
by some who practise many things not expressly com¬
manded in scripture, this is a departure from the word
of God. Is it departing from the word to give to him
that needeth—and who are more needy than the poor
illiterate preacher % It is ordained of God, that" they
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330
HXSTORf OF THE'
that preach the gospel, shall live of the gospel; but
we are not told how a support is to H»e drawn out of!
a church not disposed to respect this ordinance, and
there are many such churches. No method has ever yet
been prescribed, but what finds objectors—even the-
principles of " equality," by many are rejected. Andi
if a liberal cemmunity will raise funds, and procure a>
domestic Missionary, it is said by some "he is prea--
ching for money." We would ask those who permit
themselves to make such unwarrantable assertions,,
to closely search their hearts to ascertain of what spir¬
it they are. The young preachers we wish to edu¬
cate, are such as we believe (and the church to which
they belong believes) the Lord has called to the work
of the ministry, They are without funds and educa-
tion. It is said they should not be educated, because
it was said by the priests, " Peter and John were un¬
learned and ignorant men." But is it as often quoted,
" they took knowledge of them that they had been
with Jesus'?" Let the proud priests and Pharisees,,
with all their learning, look with contempt on themr
still their depth of knowledge was far superior to the
Pharisee. Luke 21: 15. If we had such unlearned
and ignorant preachers with us, especially if they had
been three years under the tuition of the wisest prea¬
cher that ever opened his mouth and taught the peo¬
ple, we would say, go on and not even tarry at Jeru¬
salem to be endued with power from on high. If we
abandon a good thing because there are objectors,
we may next abandon our God, for the fool hath said
in his heart, there is no God." Psa. 14: 1. Breth¬
ren, go on; to some, arguments are useless. Prov.
27: 22. We know preachers need knowledge, let us
encourage and assist them in obtaining it. It is ig-
GEORGIA ASSOCIATION.
331
norance, and not knowledge, as some think, that
makes preachers proud.
Sending the word of life to the dark places of the
earth, and the living preachers to enlighten the dark
mind, we consider a good work. Acfcs 16: 9, and 13;
3, 4. Those most engaged in watering others, are
watered themselves. This has been recently verified
in a gentleman in North Carolina: while engaged as
an agent in distributing the word of life to the poor,,
he began to reflect on his own case, that though he-
was bestowing it on others, he was destitute of reli¬
gion himself, and this produced conviction. He be¬
came a hopeful christian, and though he was an emi^
nent lawyer, is now a preacher of the gospel.
We, as an Association, profess to be favorable to
the benevolent institutions of the day, but when we
view our number, 6384 soldiers of Christ, and the
total amount of funds for all those different objects
which we patronize, $786 92| cents, what is that
among so manvl and much of that, no doubt, from
non-professors. As small as this is, we fear but few,
if any other Association in the State, (to their num¬
ber) gives more. Suppose the Apostle had lived in
our day and commanded us all to lay by in store upon
the first day of the week, as the Lord had prospered us
1 Cor. 16: 2—we will say a tenth during the year,,
which was the law in Israel; let every one think
what his would amount to—though we do not say
this is required of you. But when we consider the
importance of the subject, the worth of the soul, the
torments of hell, and the joys of heaven; and when
we consider that the Lord works by means, and that
his saints are the instruments, and that there is no
name given among men whereby we must be saved,
332
HISTORY OP THE
but the name of Jesus; and when it is asked, how shall
they believe in him of whom they have not heard, and
how shall they hear without a preacher, and how shall
they preach except they be sent. Rom. 10 ; and when
we read Acts 13: 3—we are bound to believe we
should do much moi*e than we have done. What a
powerful plea does the Apostle make on this subject:
"Ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that
though he was rich, yet for our sakes became poor, that
we through his poverty might be rich." And the A-
postle speaks of himself " as being poor, yet making
many rich," and has not the Gospel the same power
yet? And as the good Lord has opened a door in
our day, and so abundantly blessed us with the means
of enlightening the dark mind, who can feel satisfied
in doing so little ?•
We will give you a brief statement of what has
been done by those benevolent institutions so much
spoken against: "The circulation of the Bible com¬
menced , about thirty years ago, and like an angel of
mercy, has been traversing the moral wastes of Eu¬
rope, Africa, Asia and the Islands of the Sea, and in one
hundred and fifty languages, has declared to the na¬
tions of the earth, the unsearchable riches of Christ."
In our own country, laudable exertions are made to
furnish every family with the word of life, and where
the Bible has been left at the house of the destitute,
even where it \yas not desired, from the influence of
its contents, evidence has been given of its good ef¬
fect on the heart. Sabbath Schools, those nurseries
of piety, are rapidly increasing—570,000 pupils have
been reported (and constantly increasing) the last
year in the bounds of what is called the Valley of
the Mississippi. The Foreign Mission reports 550
GEORGIA ASSOCIATION.
333
stations in the dark places of the earth, 700 preachers,
2,000 native teachers aiding in the good work ; 50-
000 gathered in the church, 300,000 in schools recei¬
ving christian instruction, and 400,000 have renoun¬
ced idolatry." No doubt but in these extensive op¬
erations, errors are committed, which will afford en¬
emies something to keep up their spirits.
Prayer we consider a good work. We are com¬
manded to pray always, and with all prayer. Here
we wish to correct some errors : we often conclude
our prayers are not heard ; but they may be answer¬
ed in away not to please us. 2 Cor. 12: 9, 10. If the
Lord does not see cause to remove the affliction, he
can give grace sufficient for thee; and if he does not
answer in our time and come "just now," his time
is the best. No doubt but there is much of our "chat¬
tering" never answered, for "we know that God
heareth not sinners, but if any man be a worshipper
of God and doth his will, him he heareth." How
can that master, who has not acted like a christian du¬
ring the day in his family, expect them to take an in¬
terest in his devotions, or expect God to hear his
prayers ? or the brother who knows his brother has
ought against him, expect his gift to be accepted at
the. altar 1 And what reason has that father, who
like Eli, suffers his sons to be vile and restrains them
not, to expect abetter fate than Eli's] The Lord
knew Abraham that he would command his children,
and his house after him, and though Ishmael was
not the son of the promise, yet his prayer was, "G
that Ishmael might live before thee." His prayer-
was heard and Ishmael was blessed. Gen. 17: 20.
When Israel went astray in practice, they would bring
their offerings, and inquire of the Lord's prophets*
334
HISTORY OP THE
and though they made many prayers, the Lord would
not hear them. See Isaiah 1: 1-5. We think it lies on
us to correct our errors, walk humbly with God, and
look to him for grace.
Searching the Scriptures is a divine command, and
should be closely connected with prayer ; and we do
think when our brethren are in the habit of excusing
themselves from public prayer, it implies they are not
in the habit of secret prayer and reading the Scrip¬
tures ; or they are not willing to take up the cross.
For we think a close application to either, would so
far remove the difficulty, that it would be more to the
glory of God to go forward in prayer meetings, than
to draw back from duty. In reading the Scriptures
we obtain much of that knowledge we all need every
day, besides learning how to pray ; for there we find
many prayers and directions in every critical case, and
some promise to every christian in every change of
life. And if the devil quotes scripture to assist him
in his temptations, we meet and vanquish him on his
own ground, as the Saviour did. And when we are
at a loss to know why professors disagree, we see a
Paul and Barnabas falling out about taking John with
them, but the work on which they were about to en-
ter was a good work, and by neilher of them abandon¬
ed because their views were different. And cannot
something be learned by this 1 Surely there can.—•
First, perseverance. Each having his heart in the work,
take each his partner and so they have two missions
instead of one. So the Lord maketh the wrath of
man to praise him, and we know not how many su'i^
jects the devil lost by it. We should also learn cha¬
rity towards those brethren who differ from us in nur
views and operations, and go and do likewise, not in
falling out, but in having zeal in missions.
GEORGIA ASSOCIATION.
335
Washing the saints' feet, we consider a good work.
Though there are different opinions amongst us on this
duty, we cannot believe it was connected with the
Lord's Supper. It was before the feast of the Pass¬
over. Mat. 22: 2. John 13: 1. The Lord's Supper
was instituted at that feast. We cannot believe Christ
done it merely to teach them humility. If he did,
surely it is worthy of our imitation. From 1 Tim. 5:
10, it appears to have been a good work ; but then,
as in the present day, all did not observe it; if they
had, this widow could not have beei^ distinguished
from the rest by the observance of it. So we cannot
believe it was an ordinance observed in the church,
From the 14th and 15th verses of 13th John, we think
it amounts to a command, and as the Lord has taught
us these things, if we do not so fully understand it
now, we shall hereafter. It is wisdom to act on the
safe side ; let us obey, and as peace and safety lie in
the path of duty, O brethren, let us wash one anoth¬
er's feet.
If we are not too prolix, we will give you a short
statement of the expense of religion from the Bible.
And as some are rather exultingly saying they are the
" old sort of Baptists," these are the sort we love, and
wish to find good old Bible Baptists. We will first
go to Bible saints, for there was a great analogy be¬
tween Abraham, Christ, Moses, and John. Let us
see what the Lord required under the law, when he
gave his directions to his chosen tribes by Moses : it
required much of their time and property, as near as-
we have ascertained, over ninety days in the year
were required in their various feasts. Once a year
all their men-servants and maid-servants, their sons
and daughters had to appear before the Lord in Je~
336
MlSfOkY OP THE
imsalem. Three times a year all the males had to be
there. Before they were permitted to eat any of
their crop, a sheaf must be carried to the priest; al-
so, a basket of the first ripe fruit, with confessions and
thanksgiving, before the priest. And the firstlings
(first-born) of their flocks and herds were commanded
to be carried to Jerusalem ; the unclean to be re'
deemed with a clean kind. Besides their inntimera*
ble sin and free-will offerings, a tenth every year of
all their increase for the-support of the priests. How
many bales of your cotton, bushels of corn, &c., if this
law existed, should you have to carry to the metropo*
lis of our nation 1 Besides this, a tenth every third
year for the poor and widows. Every seventh year,
they were not permitted to sow their fields or prune
their vineyards; the gleanings and corners of their
fields were left for the poor. When they respected
these laws, they were rich as Jews ; when they de¬
parted from them, they were poor as captives. But
these laws are done away by the sacrifice of Christ.
So, by faith in Christ, the sinner is released from uii»
der the curse of the law. But will the christian say
he has nothing to do with the law, because it is writ¬
ten in his heart, and a disposition implanted in him to
do those things written in the book of the law, be¬
cause he is redeemed from under its curse ? Cer¬
tainly not. While the law takes by the throat, saying
pay me that thou owest, the Gospel takes by the heart
and makes it desirous to overcome evil with good<
Under the law we find much time and expense. Let
us hear what the gospel saith : As under the law the
priests were supported, even so hath the Lord or¬
dained, that they that preach the gospel, shall live by
the gospel t Under the law a tenth every third year
6E0KGIA ASSOCIATION.
^as given to the poor and widows, besides the glean¬
ings and corners of the field. The gospel says, sell
'that ye have, and give alms; provide yourselves bags
which wax not old, a treasure in the heavens that
faileth not. The old sort of Baptists respected this
command, and sold their possessions and goods and
parted with them to all men, as every man had need.
And on the farther advancement of these old sort of
Baptists, they gave liberally to the poor, and were
'required to give according to what they had, that
•there might be equality; for under the law there was
equality. Under the law the priests had no inheri¬
tance with the tribes, that they might attend constant¬
ly at the altar. Under the gospel they are comman¬
ded to give themselves wholly to these things. Un¬
der the law much time was required. Under the gospel
they continued daily, with one accord, in the temple,
and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their
■meat with gladness and singleness of heart, and were
-commandednot to neglect the assembling themselves
together. Though the law demanded much, we are
■not sure but the old sort of Baptists did more and
made more sacrifices than was made under the law:
•and when we look around on the various calls for
-charity., if we possessed as much benevolence as the
■old sort of Baptists did, we should do much more
^han we do. Though the gospel system is a free one
and every subject under the sweet influence of grace,
is a willing subject, yet when we observe the times
•and meditate on prophecy, we feel encouraged to
•hope, as the judgment is informed, the scriptures
more closely examined, ^darkness and prejudice will
"give way. Baptists will see they have far fallen
'from what Baptists Originally were, and will learn, it
D »
338
HISTORY OF THE
is more blessed to give than receive. As the ligliC of
tlie gospel shines more and more unto the perfect day,,
the churches will be ready of themselves to attend to
the calls of charity; and we hope the time not far dis¬
tant when the ministry will be more respected, more
loving, and more on equality, and give themselves
more to reading, prayer and meditation; and let aU
their time, and talents, and influence, l>ear on the one
great point, the salvation of sinners. 1 Cor. 2: 2; and
let politics alone, but go and preach the gospel.
This is a great work, brethren, the Lord has called
you to; it occupied the whole mind of the Saviour;,
go ana do likewise—a great responsibility is laid on
you. When you are engaged in other business, re¬
member the obligation you placed yourself under
when you submitted to the laying on of the hands of
the presbytery. If you ever engage in electioneer¬
ing, remember you are making to yourself enemies on
the other side, and how can you expect your preach¬
ing to profit them? Be ye wise as serpents and harm¬
less as doves; and may the Spirit of God direct you-
We do hope the time not far distant when our
churches will sustain the gifts the Lord has afforded
them, who can be more constantly amongst them as
good shepherds, and preach to them much oftener
than once a month,* and teach the rising generations
more to respect the Sabbath. Glorious prospects lie
*If it be said we have not preachers enough, look around-
see how many believe they are called to preach, and called
by the church to ordination, yet not sustained as preachers.
Others called from a distance, and they must ramble at a'
distance, as Dr. Gill says, "as a bird wanders from her aest.'r
This is not a personal case. It is too common among gup
churches, and prevents the young gifts from rising to useful¬
ness, especially if he is poor and tied to the handles of his
plough.
QEOltGTA ASSOCIATION. 339
Isefoire you; pray i'or a large increase of the old sort
of Baptists; open your mouths wide, the Lord has
promised to fill them.. Permit us' to make a similar
proposition to one the Lord made to Israel : " Bring
all the tithes into the store-house, and prove me here¬
with, saith the Lord." Let every oiie the ensuing
year double his diligence in the cause of God; live
more devoted to him, and as far as in you lies, cor¬
rect all your errors. Consider the obligation you are
■under to glorify God in your bodies and spirits, which
are his ; confess your faults one to another, and pray
one for another. Love as dear children. Let every
church that complains of coldness (if there be any
such) search honestly into the cause, and, if possible,
remove it—for there is a cause. Love more ; pray
more ; sing more. It is said, singing was of great
use in reforming the church from Popery : " How
was I delighted with the voice of thy churches sweet¬
ly singing. The sound reached my ears, thy truth
entered into my heart, from whence pious affections
were raided : the tears ran, and it was well with
me."—(Austin.) Visit more from house to house;
pray with and for them. There has been too little
energy ; too little faith. Brotherly affection has sunk
too low. The Lord is now passing through our land,
and many mercy drops are afforded. O brethren, it
is time to be up and doing ; prove him at least for one
yean Serve him more faithfully. Give more, and
prove him, if he will not open the windows of heaven
and pour you out a blessing that there will not be
room to receive it.
" Finally, Brethren, farewell. Be perfect, be of
good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace, and the
'Ood of love and peace shall be with you." Amen.
JESSE MERCER, Moderator.
Jabez P. Marshall, Clerk.
340'
HISTORY OF THB
The following Circular was written by the Iter:.
Adiel Sherwood, in 1832 : '
Beloved in the Lord,—Yon are expecting a word,
of advice and admonition from our annual meeting—
and we address you on subjects of a practical nature„
1st. On Family Religion.—Since the kindly influ¬
ence of the great revival has passed away, we fear-
many families neglect prayer, some in the morning,,
and others altogether. From this we infer, and the
negligent know whether our inference is correct or
not, that closet or secret devotions are also omitted..
We need not expect the blessing of the Lord—the
manifest tokens of his presence, upon our public
meetings, if we neglect family and closet religion.
No doubt the cold lifelessness, the lamentable apathy
apparent in our public assemblies, is to be ascribed to
the fact that we .have little or no religion at home
that our hearts are not attuned for the services ©f the
Sanctuary by the devotions of the closet.
2d. Presumptuous confidence. While we admit
and maintain the doctrine of implieit confidence in
God, and the certainty that those who believe " on
Him shall not be confounded," we would caution you
against the abuse of this consoling sentiment. The
kind of confidence which we would warn you not to
entertain, is that, which the god of this world, endea¬
vored to inject into the mind of the blessed Saviour.
This arch adversary of both God and man, assured
the obedient Redeemer, just after he had ascended
the banks of Jordan, that if he should cast himself
down from the pinnacle of the Temple, no danger
need be apprehended, for the angels were command¬
ed to guard Him. Jesus was unwilling presuinptu~
ously to expose himself, and has thus left an example-.
GEORGIA ASSOCIATION.
341
for all his followers. Let each of them remember
this prudent conduct in their Leader, when they are
tempted towards the dram-shop, and other drilling
places of the devil, lest presuming on their security
they pierce themselves through with many sorrows.
An old writer relates that a priest was called upon
to dislodge an evil spirit from a possessed damsel:
the spirit answered that he had found her at the the¬
atre, in his own dominion—she was his lawful cap¬
tive, and therefore denied the right of the priest to
interfere. This trusting for safety in God while we
needlessly expose ourselves to danger, is the ruin of
thousands. Let us beware of it. " Let him that
thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall."
3d. Attention to the rising race. If God has direct¬
ed us to bring up our children in the nurture and ad¬
monition of the Lord, can we be guiltless in neglect¬
ing it! 'We cannot save their souls by means ; nor
can we make them rich by means ; but because we are
not sure that our exertions will accumulate vast wealth
for them, do we therefore sit down in indolence or
despair. No : if one expedient fail, we try another,
and we continue until we descend to the grave. So
let us thus act in the means of salvation. Let us
bring every means in our power to bear upon their
hearts—to arouse their slumbering consciences, and
win them back to God. We fear the duties to our
children are sinfully and shamefully neglected by
many of us.
4th. Indifference to the use of means. Because we
are not constituted the efficient cause of the soul's sal¬
vation, many of us draw the illogical inference, that
we need not attempt any thing in order to save sin¬
ners ; and are as indifferent about the means of grace,
0 d 2
342
HISTORY OP THE
as if God had not appointed any. But nothing is more
clear than that the kingdom of grace is as much a
kingdom of means, as the natural kingdom. Look at
these texts : "In Christ Jesus I have begotten you
through the Gospel." " Thou shalt both save thyself
and them that hear thee."' " Faith cometh by hear¬
ing." Now, if the means used by Paul and others
were instrumental in producing regeneration and the
exercise of faith ; so may we expect that our endeav¬
ors will result in the same happy effects.—And yet
how indifferent, how careless are we in regard to
means !
Our best judgment should be called into requisition
to devise the best means to promote the kingdom of
Christ. " The liberal soul deviseth liberal things,"
Isa. 32: 8., and God blessed the means ; nor has he
circumscribed the use of them. He has been pleased
to mention ploughing and hoeing as the means of rear¬
ing a crop, but has not instructed us whether we
should turn our horse about to the right or to the left;
nor which hand should govern the hoe : So as the
world is the field of our labors, he has not confined
us to the use of particular means, but bids us " occu¬
py till I come" with all our talents and all our strength.
Happy is that servant whom when his Lord cometh
shall find him so doing.
5th. Punctuality in our contracts : It is admitted,
that to be in debt is to be in the fashion, and this
fashion would not be the fruitful source of so many
evils, if these debts were paid when due ; but how
many pitiful and unjustifiable excuses are made for
want of punctuality by professing christians % A man
gives his bond to pay so much money on a given day;
the day arrives—the bond is presented. What are
GEORGIA ASSOCIATION,
343
the apologies ! " I did not think you would want it."
" I have not sold my cotton," or " I expected the
money weeks ago, and have not received it. But
what have all these pitiful evasions to do with your
solemn obligations 1 Not a whit more than had A-
dam's about eating the forbidden fruit. The viola¬
tion of our promises and the dishonesty in these mat¬
ters is truly a subject of lamentation.
But must I never ask for credit 1 This is not the
question. Our exhortation is, that you fulfil your
contracts. We thfnk there is a great deal too much
credit in our day, and if necessity should drive you to
it, and you perceive you cannot meet the demand
when due, go to your creditor and obtain his indul¬
gence for further time. By this means you will save
your character for honesty. But if he denies any
longer credit, sell your property and pay him, for
your reputation as a man and a christian are at stake.
It is better for you to sacrifice property than your
christian character.
6th. Observance of the Sabbath.—We have been
pained to see professing christians violating it by start-
ing on journeys, by travelling, unless in extreme ca¬
ses ; by permitting their children to fish, hunt and
sport, regardless of its sanctity. Talk as much as
you please about the abrogation of the ancient econo-
my—where there is not much attention to the Sab¬
bath, there is not mueh attention to religion. Reck¬
lessness of the one, is generally the concomitant of
recklessness of the other. While we admit that there
are some professing christians, who suppose that keep¬
ing the Sabbath constitute the very essence of piety j
we maintain that he who makes no difference between
it and other days, is far from the true faith. No na-
344
history of the
tion has ever advanced in knowledge and true reli¬
gion, where the claims which God makes on his crea¬
tures to devote a portion of time specially to his ser¬
vice, have been disregarded.
Lastly ; We would caution you to watch with
keen-sighted vigilance, any encroachments which may
be attempted upon your independence and sovereign¬
ty. We, the Association, are but men, and may un¬
wittingly infringe your internal rights and try to lord
it over your consciences ; if we do, boldly, yet res¬
pectfully inform us, and remonstrate against the first
step. By so far as spiritual things exceed in value
temporal things, in so far are the rights of conscience
more important to be guarded than civil rights. If
as citizens, you would set at nought judicial authori¬
ty, which had transcended the constitution of your
country; much more will you disregard any acts of
ours, violating the principles on which you agreed to
associate. Ecclesiastical tyranny is of all others the
most intolerable. Industry may recover the proper¬
ty which unconstitutional laws have filched from us;
but nothing can contribute an equivalent for conscien¬
tious rights which have been trampled on and torn a-
way by lawless power.
JESSE MERCER, Moderator.
B. M. Sanders, Clerk.
The following Circular was written by the Rev.
James Armstrong, in 1833 :
Dear Brethren,—We live at an important period in
the history of Christ's Church, and if we act well our
part, we shall not lose sight of its growing prospects.
In the course of a few years, within the limits of
these United States, the interest of Christ's visible
georgia association.
345
kingdom has been greatly improved, and improved
too, it would seem as the means of grace have been
brought to bear upon the moral condition of the world.
The rise and progress of what is called the Benev¬
olent operations of the day, have, through the blessing
of God, effected much; yet, much remains to be done.
We pretend not to say that professors now, pos¬
sess more ardent piety, than did the professors who
occupied the ground some 20 or 30 years ago, which
we now occupy. The amount of piety now, may be
greater; but, be that as it may, it will be obvious fo
any one, who will compare the passing with the past
moral history of our country generally, that there is
more disinterested benevolence, and less crime ; and
doubtless, had the means of grace, as now employed
by a portion of the professed followers of Jesus, re¬
ceived the happy co-operation and prayers of all who
are banded together by associational ties, the amount
at least, of moral good done, would have been greatly
augmented. As some of the Associations may have
honestly come to the conclusion, that it was not duty,
to put forth their energies, to the work of reform, and
to employ the means of grace in a manner more diffu¬
sive, say by means of Bible, Tract, and Missionary
Societies, &c.; but felt satisfied with the order of
things as they found them, so also, some of the mem¬
bers, who have a place in the churches composing
this Association, may have concluded.
To all such, as brethren in Christ, we have a word.
To you brethren, we say, that we know no just rea¬
son, why every head, and heart, and hand, consecra¬
ted to the service of Jesus, ought not so to be employ¬
ed in the great work of evangelizing the world, as
though Jesus were personally present—think you be-
346
HISTORY OF THE
cause he is now " in Heaven at the right hand of the
Majesty on High, angels, authorities and powers, be¬
ing made subject to Him," that he sees not, that he
takes not cognizance of the actings and doings of the
children of men 1
As an incentive to action, letitbe remembered, that,
the waters of Tiberias, whilst Christ was in the
flesh at the city of Capernaum, cone*.* led not from his
view, the movements of a fish bearing about in its
mouth money enough to pay the tribute demanded of
himself and Peter. Matt. xvii. ch. 2?th verse.
Again : Christ and his Apostles tsucht their hear¬
ers, that the kingdom of grace, like the natural king¬
dom, is a kingdom of meaas. That as the natural
kingdom supplies the natural wants of the human
family, through fixed channels, so there are appoint¬
ed means through which only the rpii'itual wants of
the world, or the wants of any mercber of the human
family could be fully met.
The question of the Saviour recorded in Matt. vii.
ch. 16th verse, asked, (not for information) is big with
meaning, " Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs
of thistles 1"
' On more occasions than one, Panl testified that faith
is the gift of God ; but on a certain occasion utters
the affecting interrogatory, " How then shall they
call on him in whom they have not believed, and how
shall they believe in him of whom they have not
heard, and how shall they hear without a preacher ?
Rom. x. 14.
Thus Paul was careful to let his auditors know
that the preacher had not power to convert the souls
of them that heard him, but that the word preached
through the accompanying influences of the Holy Spi-
GEORGIA ASSOCIATION.
347
l'it, Was the only medium, through which by Heaven^
appointment, those sitting in rude nature's darkness
could attain to faith in the Son of God, and inherit
the promises; and his course, as a minister of the
Gospel of Christ, was to all during his day, a faithful
and living commentary on this sentiment.
Man, as a creature of God, is sustained in this
world during his pilgrimage by the power of God,
yet he lives not unless he eats and drinks and sleeps
and inhales the atmospheric air; and though we are
taught to believe that the Gospel preached and be¬
lieved, issues in salvation-^yet, we are not taught that
any spiritually live, and live to purpose, who exem¬
plify not the precepts of the Gospel in their lives ;
but that those only vv ho keep the commandments ol
the Saviour, as taught in his word, having first and
last a willing mind, can .find scriptural authority foi
believing it is "God which worketh in them to will
and to do of his good pleasure(Phil. 2: 13.) and
that they shall be " kept, by the power of God through
faith unto salvation, ready to be revealed in the lasi
time," 1 Pet. i : 5. Think you the Scripture saith ir
vain, " he that soweth to the spirit, shall of the spirii
reap life everlasting V
Finally, brethren, let it be the settled purpose o
our hearts, to yield the obedience of faith mentionec
in the Gospel, as exemplified in the lives of the A
postles, which certainly implies something more thai
fnerely to reverence the institutions of Christ, so fai
as to submit to Gospel ordinances, and then by inac
tion to seek rest and peace and comfort in his church
If to enjoy these richly in this life, and at the hour o
<leath, be the wish of our hearts, it is necessary tha
we walk according to our strength, as did the Apos
■348
history op the
ties and primitive Christians ; they felt, and felt keen¬
ly too, for souls perishing, and exerted themselves to
save a perishing world, as though success depended
upon their efforts.-—And Brethren, are we not under
the highest possible obligation, so to live and so to
act 1
Did we not in covenant bind ourselves in the sight
of angels and men, to yield to Christ " the obedience
of faith V' Ah ! who are they that have forgotten
the solemnities of that day on which they were " bap-
tized into Jesus Christ," or have forgotten that on
that day it was the deliberate purpose of the heart,
and the solemn determination of the soul, publicly
made, thenceforward and forever to be the Lord's,
and ever, whilst in this world, through the grace of
God, to render the members of the Body " instru¬
ments of righteousness unto God V'—Nor has this
bond, by which the soul was then bound, been can¬
celled, but by us acknowledged and approved, on
each occasion, that the hand received into it, the em¬
blem of the Lord's body, or that the tongue has been
moistened with the emblem of his blood.
May these considerations dwell in our minds at
home and abroad, and excite us to a lively activity in
the cause of Christ, " while (with us) it is day, for
the night cometh when no man can work."
JESSE MERCER, Moderator.
B. M. Sanders, Clerk.
The following Circular Letter was written by the
Rev. Juriah Harris, in 1834 :
Dearly beloved Brethren,—"We would invite your
serious attention on the present occasion, to the im¬
portant subject of hearing the word. Preaching is an
rGEOTUJlA ASSOCIATION. 34-9
v&rdLinance of God, not entirely confined to the Chris¬
tian dispensation. From the old Testament history
it appears, that Ezra, upon the return of the Jews
from Babylon, assembled them in the streets of Jeru¬
salem, and ascending a stage, or pulpit, for the advan¬
tage 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 inter¬
pretation, translate paragraph by paragraph, the He¬
brew original into the Syriac or Chaldee ; which per-
> haps was better understood by the Jews than their o-
riginal language, in consequence of their long captivi-
'ty. From that time, or shortly after, Synagogues
were erected in the different cities in Judea, and re¬
gular officers were appointed to read, first the Penta¬
teuch, and then the prophets, and explain them in
ample paraphrase or comments. Such was the origin
of preaching. When the fullness of the time was
come for God, in his infinite mercy, t > send forth his
Son, his appearance was first announced by John's
proclaiming in the wilderness, prepare ye the way
of the Lord, which, after a short time, was succeeded
~by the personal ministry of Christ and his Apostles,
with whom the dispensation of the Gospel, properly
speaking, commenced. After his resurrection, our
Lord extended the commission of the Apostles to all
nations; saying, go and teach all nations, baptizing
them in the name of the Father, of the Son, and of
the Holy Ghost; or, as you have it in Mark, go ye
into all the world, and preach the Gospel to every
creature. Upon the formation of Christian Churches,
an order of men was appointed for the express pur-
pese of preaching the Word and administering the
E E
350
HISTORY OF THE
Sacraments. The privilege of reading the Scriptures*-
in our own native language, is of inestimable value p
but were it much more universal than it is, it would
not supersede the necessity of hearing the word. For
there are not only difficulties in the Bible which re¬
quire to be elucidated and seeming contradictions to-
be solved, but the living voice of a preacher is admi¬
rably adapted to awaken attention, and to exeite an
interest, as well as to apply the general truths of re¬
velation to the various cases of christian experience,
and the regulation of human conduct. He who knows
how forcible are right words; and how apt man is to
be moved by man, has consulted our frame by appoint-
in o- an order of men whose office it is to address their
O
fellow creatures on their eternal concerns; strong
feeling is naturally contagious. And if, as the wise
man observes, "iron sharpeneth iron,so doth the coun¬
tenance of a man his friend," the combined effect of
countenance, gesture, and voice, accompanying a
powerful appeal to the understanding and the hep.rt,
on subjects 01 everlasting moment, can scarcely fail of
being great; but independently of the natural tenden¬
cy of the christian ministry to promote spiritual im¬
provement, it. .derives a peculiar efficacy from its be¬
ing a divine appointment. It is not merely a natural,
it is also an instituted means of good. And whatever
God appoints, by special authority, he graciously en¬
gages to bless, pi-ovided' it be attended to with right
dispositions, and from right motives. Although the
spirit bloweth where it listeth, where the gospel is
not preached, the effects of his operation are rarely
to be discerned. And we witness few or no indica¬
tions of a renewed character out of the bounds of
Christendom. When God proposed to take out a
-GEORGIA ASSOCIATION.
351
people for his name from among the Gentiles, the first
step he took, was to commission the Apostles to
preach the Gospel to every creature. To this Paul
most solemnly directs our attention, in his first Epis¬
tle to the Corinthians, as the grand instrument of hu¬
man salvation, when in the wisdom of God, the world
by wisdom knew not G od, it pleased him, by the fool¬
ishness of preaching, to save them that believe. So
intimate by divine appointment, is the connection be¬
tween the salvation of man, and the ministry of the
word, that the method of salvation under the Gospel
derives from the latter its distinguishing appellation;
being denominated the hearing of faith. Jude in like
manner, asserts it to be the instrumental cause of our
regeneration, " of his own will begat he us by the
word of truth." And to the same purpose, Peter re¬
minds the christians whom he was addressing, that
they were born not of corruptible seed, but of in¬
corruptible, by the word," which word he adds, is
" by the Gospel preached unto you." But as we who
.are assembled on the present occasion, consist of
ministers and messengers from a number of associated
■churches, which we consider ourselves as addressing
in this our Circular Epistle, we shall cdnfine ourselves
In our subsequent remarks, to such heads of advice on
the duty of hearing the word as we deem appropri¬
ate to the character of professing christians.
1. Previous to your entering into the house of God,
seek a prepared heart, and implore the blessing of
«God on the ministry of his word. It may be presum¬
ed that no real Christian, will neglect to preface his
attendance on social worship with secret prayer ; but
let the acquisition of a devout and serious frame, freed
£mm the tcar.es, vanities, and pollutions of the world,
352
HISTORY OF THX
accompanied with earnest desires after God, and
communications of his grace, form a principal subject
of your devotions. Forget not to implore a blessing;
on the public ministry,, that it may accomplish ira
yourselves and in others, the great purposes it is de¬
signed to answer: And that those measures of assis¬
tance may be afforded to your ministry,, which shall
replenish them with light, love, and liberty y thatthev
may speak the mystery of the Gospel as it oUght to
be spoken. Pastors and people would both derive
eminent advantages from such a practice—those in
their capacity of exhibiting, these in their preparation
for receiving the mysteries of the Gospel. As the
duties of the closet have the happiest tendency, by
solemnizing and elevating the mind, to prepare for
those of the sanctuary, so the conviction of your hav¬
ing borne your minister on your heart before the
throne of grace, would, apart from every other con¬
sideration, dispose him to address you with augment¬
ed zeal and tenderness. We should consider it as
such, a token for good, as well as such an unequivo¬
cal proof of your attachment, as would greatly ani¬
mate and support us under all our discouragements.
2. Establish in your minds the highest reverence
and esteem of the Gospel. Recollect the miracles
wrought to confirm it; the sanction, the awful sanc¬
tion, by which a due reception of it is enforced ; and
the infinite value of that Blood by which its blessings
were ratified and procured. Recollect, that on its ac;
ceptance or reception, on the eflfeots which it produ¬
ces on the heart and life, depends our state for eterni¬
ty. Since there is no other means devised for our
recovery, no other name given, under heaven by
which we can be saved, besides that which it exhib-
GEORGIA ASSOCIATION.
353
Its, it is not merely the incorruptible seed of regene¬
ration, it is also the mould into which our souls must
be cast, in order to our bearing the image of Christ,
who is the first-born among many brethren. It is
necessary to receive its impress in every part; nor is
there any thing in us what it ought to be ; any thing
truly excellent, but in proportion to its conformity to
that pattern. Its operation is not to be confined to
time or place ; it is the very element in which the
Christian is appointed to live, and to receive contin¬
ual accessions of spiritual strength and purity, until
lie is presented faultless in the presence of the divine
glory. The more you esteem the Gospel, 'the more
will you be attached to that ministry in which its doc¬
trines are developed, and its duties explained and in¬
culcated ; because, in the present state of the world,
it is the chief, though not the only, means of possess¬
ing yourselves of its advantages. To tremble at God's
word, is also mentioned, as one of the most essential
features in the character of him to whom God will
look with approbation.
3. Hear the word with attention. If you are con¬
vinced of the justice of the preceding remarks, noth¬
ing further is requisite to convince you of the proprie¬
ty of this advice, since they all combine to enforce it.
We would only remark, in general, that the knowl¬
edge derived from a discourse, depends entirely upon
attention; in exact proportion to which will be the
progress made by a mind of a given capacity. Not
to listen with attention, is the same thing as to have
ears which hear not, and eyes which see not. While
you are hearing, whatever trains of thought of a for¬
eign and extraneous nature, obtrude themselves,
should be resolutely repelled. In the power of fixing
e e 2
354
HISTORY OF THE
the attention, the most pernicious of the intellectual
habits, mankind differ greatly ; but every man pos¬
sesses some, and it will increase the more it is exert¬
ed. If we cultivate a habit of attention, it will be¬
come natural; thought will strike its roots deep, and
we shall, by degrees, experience no difficulty in fol¬
lowing the track*of the longest connected discourse.
4. Hear the word of God with impartiality. There
is a class of hearers who have their favorite topics, to
which they are so immoderately attached, that they
are almost offended if they are not brought forward on
all occasions. While there are others of at least e-
qual importance, which they can seldom be prevailed
upon to listen to with patience. Some are never
pleased but with doctrinal statements. They are in
raptures while the preacher is insisting on the doc¬
trines of grace, and the privileges of God's people;
but when he proceeds to inculcate the practical im¬
provement of these doctrines, and the necessity of a-
dorning the profession of them by the virtues of a ho¬
ly life, their countenances fall, and they make no se¬
cret of their disgust. Others, are all for practical
preaching, while they have no relish for that truth,
which alone can satisfy the heart; but as it is a symp¬
tom of a diseased state of body to be able to relish
only one sort of food, it is not less so of the mind to
have a taste for only one sort of instruction. It is
difficult to suppose that such persons love the word of
God, as the word of God—for if they did, every part
of it, in its due proportion, and its proper place, would
be acceptable. It is possible, in consequence of the
various exigencies of the Christian life, that there may
be seasons to which some views of divine truth may
be peculiarly suitable, and on that account heard with
GEORGIA ASSOCIATION. 355
superior advantage and delight; but this is perfectly
consistent with an impartial attachment to the whole
of divine revelation. But to feel an habitual distaste-
to instruction, the most solid and scriptural, unless it
be confined to a few favorite topics, is an infallible in¬
dication of a wrong state of mind.
5. Hear the word with constant self-application—
hear not for others, but for yourselves. What should
we think of a person, who, after accepting an invita¬
tion to a feast, and taking his place at the table,, in¬
stead of partaking of the repast, amused himself with
speculating on the nature of the provisions, or the-
manner in which they were prepared ; and their a-
daptation to the temperament of the several' guests„
without tasting a single article 1 Such, however, is
the conduct of those who hear the word without ap¬
plying it to themselves, or considering the aspect it
bears on their individual character. Go to the house
of God with a serious expectation and desire of meet¬
ing with something suited to your particular state -r
something that shall lay the axe to the root of your
corruptions, mortify your easily besetting sin,, and
confirm the graces in which yoti are most deficient.
Receive with meekness the ingrafted word, which is
able to save your souls. Despise not men of plain
talents who preach the truth, and appear to have your
eternal welfare at heart. Give me,, said an ancient
saint, the preacher who imbues my mind with such a
love of the word of God, as makes me desirous of
hearing it from any mouth.
Finally, be careful after you have heard the word,
to retain and perpetuate its impressions. Meditate,
retire, and digest it in your thoughts. Turn it into
prayer. In a word, spare no pains to fasten it upon
356
history op the
your hearts. You have read, dear brethren, 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 in them that heard it. Endeavor to exert
upon it distinct and vigorous acts of faith, and there¬
by 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 re¬
flection, for want of which, it is too oflen left loose,
and exposed like uncovered seed, which'the fowls of
Heaven easily pick up and devour ; then cometh that
wicked one, says our Lord, and taketh it out of his
heart, and he becometh unfruitful. How many hear¬
ers, by engaging in worldly conversation, or giving
way to a vain and unprofitable train of thought, when
they leave the sanctuary, 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 to secure from dep¬
redation. JESSE MERCER, Moderator.
B. M. Sanders, Clerk.
The following Circular Letter was written by the
Rev. W. H. Stokes, in 1835 :
The Georgia Association to the Churches of which it
is composed, sends Christian salutation.
Dear Brethren,—The subject upon which we
propose to address you this year, is, the practical
character of the doctrine of Election q,nd Predestina¬
tion. And in calling your attention to this subject at
the present, we shall take for granted that the doctrine
in question is true. "We shall assume, that believers
in Christ are the " elect, according to the foreknowl¬
edge of God the Father, through sanctification of the
GEORGIA ASSOCIATION.
357
Spirit, and belief of the truth—that they were chosen
in Him before the foundation of the world, that they
"should be holy and without blame before him in
love." Having been " predestinated unto the adop¬
tion of children by Jesus Christ to God, according to
the good pleasure of his will, to the praise of the
glory of his grace"—predestinated to be conformed to
the image of his Son.
But before we proceed with our design, perhaps it
will not be amiss to define the words Election and
Predestination. The word Eklego, from which our
word Election comes, means, in its first and most ob¬
vious sense, to choose : " and of them he chose twelve,
whom he also named Apostles." Luke 6: 13. " Je¬
sus answered them, have not I chosen you twelve."
Jno. 6: 70. In the doctrinal application of this term,
it is sometimes used to express, 1st. a pleasure in a
thing; in other words, to will the performance or the
existence of a thing. " Peter rose up, and said unto
them, men and brethren, ye know how that a good
while ago, God made choice among us, that the Gen¬
tiles by my mouth, should hear the word of the Gos¬
pel and believe." Acts 15: 7. I will do to him that
which shall seem, good unto thee." Septu. 2 Sam. 19:
38. 2d. To distinguish one thing from others by some
peculiar mark of favor : but for the " elect's sake,
whom he hath chosen, he hath shortened the days."
Mark 13: 20. The God of this people of Israel, chose
our fathers," &c. Acts 13: 17. 3d. To choose pros*
pectivcly : " God hath chosen the foolish things of the
world to confound the wise : and God hath chosen the
weak things," &c. 1 Cor. 1: 27,. According as. he
hath chosen us in him before the foundation o,f the
world." Eph. 1: 4. " Hath not God chosen the poor
of this world V' James 2: 5.
358
history of the
As it respects Predestination, the word (Proorizo)
from which it comes, means, 1st. Simply to predeter¬
mine—to predestine. "For to do whatsoever thy hand
and thy council determined before to be done." Acts
4 : 28. "For whom he did foreknow he also did^re-
destinate." Rom. 8: 29, 30. 2d. To ordain: "E-
ven the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before
the world unto our glory." 1 Cor. 2: 7. Having
predestinated us to the adoption of children: Eph. 1:
5 and 11. To predestinate a thing then, is to deter¬
mine before hand, that it shall be done, or that it shall
exist.
Having thus taken this holy and sublime doctrine as
true, and having defined the principal terms used in
its discussion, we assert,
Fikst, That this doctrine is perfectly consistent with
the most diligent tise of means to effect the purposes of
God's Providence and Grace. The difficulty which
many persons have felt upon this subject, has been
owing to the fact, that there are, so far as men are con¬
cerned, certain contingencies, as it respects the means
employed by the Almighty, to consummate his high
and holy designs. It has not occurred to these per¬
sons that it matters not how many contingencies there
may be as to the means used in the prosecution of any
design, so the end is fixed upon from the beginning.
But brethren, we suppose you would prefer a confir¬
mation of our position from the scriptures themselves,
to any course of induction we might employ 1 We
slrell therefore, adduce a few facts from the Bible,
which we think will fully sustain us in what we have
now advanced.
1. God predestinated that his chosen people should
go down to Egypt and sojourn there 400 years, and
GEORGIA ASSOCIATION.
359
afterwards return to their own land. Now this peo¬
ple went down to Egypt and returned, in exact ac¬
cordance with the foreordination of God; yet, not
without the existence of many contingencies, and the
most active exertions on the part of Moses and Josh¬
ua, and others, to bring it about. Witness the prav-
ers, anxieties and exertions of these eminent saints of
the Most High upon this subject. " Thus I fell
down," says Moses, " before the Lord forty days and
forty nights, as I fell down at the first; because the
Lord had said he would destroy you. I prayed there¬
fore unto the Lord, and said O Lord God, destroy not
thy people, and thine inheritance, which thou hast re¬
deemed thro' thy greatness which thou hast brought
forth out of Egypt with a mighty hand." Dent. 9;
25, 26. Of Joshua it is said, when about to pass over
Jordan, into the promised land, " he rose early in the
morning; and they removed from Shittim and came
to Jordan, he and all the children of Israel, and lodg¬
ed there before they passed over." Joshua 3: 1,
Every preparation was made, every precaution taken,
as though their success depended entirely upon their
skill and management.
But it will probably be objected that the cases are
not parallel. In those just mentioned, the time in
which the foreordir.ation was made, is expressed; but
with respect, to the predestination of persons to eter¬
nal life, it is said to be from eternity. To which it
may be replied, that whenever God foreordains any
event, that event is actually predestinated. The fact
that only a few hundred years may roll around be¬
tween the period at which the foreordination takes
place, and the existence of the event itself, does not
change the thing in principle at all. In like manner,
360
HISTORY OP THE
the principle Is the same, whether God's purpose that
any particular event shall «xist, be expressed at any
particular point of time or not expressed. The peri¬
od at which God predestinated the bruising of the ser¬
pent's head is recorded in the Bible, that of his pre¬
destinating men to eternal life is not; yet the fact as
it relates to an actual predestination, is the same as in
both cases.
2. God predestinated that after the Jews should
serve the King of Babylon seventy years, they should
return to their own land, and rebuild the walls of their
city and their temple. This was a positive decree of
'God himself *' And it shall come to pass, when sev¬
enty years are accomplished, that I will punish the
King of Babylon, and that nation, saith the Lord, for
their iniquity, and the land of the Chaldeans, and will
make it perpetual desolations. For many nations and
great Kings shall serve themselves of them also : and
I will recompense them according to their deeds and
according to the works of their own hands." Jer. 25:
12,14. See also chap. 29: 10, and 32: 42-44; and
33: 10-14. But notwithstanding this positive assu¬
rance that Jerusalem should be rebuilt, those employ¬
ed in the enterprise, resorted to the most diligent use
of means to accomplish the design. " Now the sec¬
ond year of their coming unto the house of God at
Jerusalem, in the second month, began Zerubbabel
the son of Shealtiel, and Jeshua the son of Jozadak,.
and the remnant of their brethren the Priests and the
Levites, and all they that were come out of the cap¬
tivity unto Jerusalem; and appointed the Levites,.
from twenty years old and upward, to set forward
, the work of the house of the Lord. Then stood
Jeshua with his sons and his brethren, Kadmrel anefc
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561
Ir.ts sons, the sons of Judah, together, to set forward
'ihe workmen in the house of G^od ; the sons of Hena-
dad,'with their sons and their brethren the Levites."
Ezra 3: 8,-9.
Nehemiah both prayed and ivorked—instructed his
men to hold in one hand their weapons of defence,
whilst they built the wall with the other. This course
was enjoined too, upon his brethren, by one who had
found out that the time to build the Lord's house had
come ! With this knowledge in his possession, why
did not Nehemiah say, as too many say at the pres¬
ent day, " The Lord will perform his own work, we
need not.concern ourselves about it 1 Why did he
not sit down and see the Lord carry on his work with¬
out the instrumentality of himself or his brethren 1
3. There is an incident upon record in the 27th of
Acts, that so fully illustrates the matter in hand, that
we shall just quote it, and writh it, dismiss this part of
our address. When Paul was sent as a prisoner from
Jerusalem to Rome, that he might appear before
Ctesar himself, the ship in which he sailed was over¬
taken by a storm, and was in imminent danger of be¬
ing lost. Whilst in these perilous circumstances—
whilst, to use the Apostles own words, " neither sun
nor stars in many days appeared, and no small tem .
pest lay on us, all hope that we should be saved was
then taken away. But after long abstinence, Paul stood
forth in the midst of them, and said, sirs, ye should
have hearkened unto me and not have loosed from
Crete, and to have gained this harm and loss. And
now I exhort you to be of good cheer : for there shall
be no loss of any man's life among you, but of the
ship. For there stood by me this night the angel of
Crod, whose I am and whom I serve, saying feai* not
F F
z*oz
histor? of the'
Paul: thou must be brought before Caesar.' and To>
God hath given thee all them that sail with thee.—'
Wherefore sirs, bs of good cheer : for I believe God,*
that it shall be even a3 it was told me. And as the'
shipmen were about to flee out of the ship, when they
had let down the boat into the sea under color as
though they would have cast anchors out of the fore-
ship, Paul said to the centurion and" to the soldiers,
except these abide in the ship, ye cannot be saved—
the soldiers cut off the rope of the boat and let her fall
off." See verse 20-25, 30—32.
Here we are informed in the first place, that an
Angel had given Paul an assurance that all that sail¬
ed with him were given to him; yet when the ship-
men were about to nee out of the ship, Paul said to-
the centurion and to the soldiers, except these abide in
the ship, ye cannot be saved. And why] Because
the shipmen were the most competent to manage the
affairs of the ship. The other part of the crew, it is
presumed, knew but little about it. Thus it is appa¬
rent, that God connects the means with the ends to be
accomplished; and most generally such, means as are~
the best adapted to produce the contemplated results.-
Secondly. The doctrine of Election furnishes a sol¬
id ground for religious effort.
If God promises any thing as sure, and at the same
time informs us that we are to employ an instrumen¬
tality to bring it about, doubtless there is upon this
ground great encouragement to labor. Because there-
is a prospect that our labor will not be in vain. "When
" Daniel understood by books the number of the years-
whereof the word of the Lord came to Jeremiah the''
Prophet, that he, would accomplish seventy years in!
the desolations of Jerusalem," did he set down an&
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363
•-quietly expect the fulfilment of the prediction, or
<lid he pray and labor for its accomplishment? Let
us hear his own language: " And I set my face unto
the Lord God, to seek by prayer and supplications,
with fasting, and sackeloth and ashes." Dan. 9: 3.
See also 10: 2, 3.
There is a prophecy in Zechariah to the same point:
■" Therefore thus saith the Lord, I am returned to Je¬
rusalem with mercies : my house shall be built in it,
saith the Lord of hosts; and a line shall be stretched
forth upon Jerusalem. Cry, yet saying, thus saith
.the Lord of hosts; my cities through prosperity shall
yet be spread abroad; and the Lord shall yet comfort
Zion, and shall yet choose Jerusalem." Zech, 1: 16,
17. But did Zerubbabel and his associates abate
their exertions upon the strength of this promise, or
preordination of the Lord 1 The farthest from it im¬
aginable. They worked with all their might, forthe
Lord had said, "be strong O Zerubbabel, and be
strong O Jeshua son of Josedech, the high priest;
and be strong all ye people of the land saith the Lord,
and work : for I am with you saith the Lord ofhosts."
Hag. 2: 4. Thus the absolute decree of the Most
High in this instance, afforded the strongest ground
of encouragement to his servants to put forth vigor¬
ous efforts in the prosecution of their design.
2. While the Apostle Paul was at Corinth, prea¬
ching the gospel of the Kingdom, many of the Jews
■"opposed themselves and blasphemed." He then
•" shook his raiment and said unto them, your blood be
upon your own head, I am clean; from henceforth I
will go unto the Gentiles." But while he abode in
the house of Justus, previous to his intended depar¬
ture, " Crispus, the chief ruler of the synagogue, be-
history of the
Xieved in the Lord, with all hi&housc and many
the Corinthians hearing believed and were baptized...
Then spake the Lord to Paul in the night by a vision.,
be not afraid, but speak and hold not thy peaee : for
I am with thee, and no man shall set on thee, to hurt
thee ; for I have much people in this city."
Now what constituted the ground of encourage¬
ment to Christian effort in this case 1 Was it not the
assurance that the Lord had "muck people in the
city]" And upon the strength of this assurance the
Apostle continued there "a year and six months, tea¬
ching the word of God among them." Acts 18: 6-11.
And so may we brethren, labor in faith and hope,
wherever the Providence of God may cast our lot,
believing that God has much people in the city.
Again: The Apostle informs us, that this very doc¬
trine caused him to endure all the difficulties with,
which he had to contend,, in the discharge of his min¬
isterial duties. Hear him: " Wherein," speaking of
the Gospel, "I suffer trouble as an evil-doer, even
unto bonds; but the word of God is not bound.—
Therefore, I endure all things for the Elect's saJce,
that they may also obtain the salvation of Christ Je¬
sus with eternal glory." 2 Tim. 2: 9r 10.. That God's
elect then, might obtain the salvation of Christ Je-
sus with eternal glory, the Apostle endured all things
—all the privations, the buffettings, the persecutions
and imprisonments that he met with in the whole course
of his ministry. Hence we think it is apparent, that
our doctrine affords the strongest, the most scriptural
ground for religious effort.
Thirdly: The doctrine of Election is perfectly
consistent with the personal accountability of ration¬
al agents. We shall proceed in this case as in the-
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365"
Kim into Egypt, and they were responsible for the
deed too, and afterwards repented sorely for it; yet
"Joseph said unto them fear not, for am I in the place
of God ? But as for you, ye thought- evil against me;
but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is
this day, to save much people alive."
When the Lord was about to chastise the whole
nation of the Jews for their idolatry, and to do it by a
heathen King, he said, " O Assyrian the rod of mine
anger, and the staff in their hand is mine indignation.
I will send him against a hypocritical nation, and a-
gainst the people of my wrath will I give him a charge^
to take the spoil, and to keep the prey and to tread
them down like the mire in the streets. Howbeit,
he meaneth not so : but it is in Ms heart to destroy and
cut off nations not a few. For he saith, are not my
Princes altogether Kings V Isa. 10: 5-8. Here God
is represented as having one object in view, whilst
Sennacherib, the rod of 7iis anger, had another.
Again: Speaking of the deliverance of the Jews
from their Babylonish captivity by the hand of Cyrus,
the Lord said by his prophet, "remember this and
show yourselves men; bring it again to mind O ye
transgressors. Remember the former things of old :
for I am God, and there is none else, I am God and
there is none like me ; declaring the end from the be¬
ginning, and from ancient times the things that are-not
yet come, saying, -my counsel shall stand, and I will
do all my pleasure; calling a ravenous bird.from the
E&st, the man that executeth rtly counsel from a far
country : yea, I have spoken it, I will also bring it to
pass; I havejpurposed it, I will also do it." Isa.46:8^-ll.
othe*} a few scriptural facts must sustain us. Jo¬
seph's brethren acted most freely when they sold
F- F 2
history of the
Though Cyrus, as Paravenous birdfrom the East/1
was thus the instrument in the hand of the Lord, in
carrying forward the designs of his providence, he
acted most freely, from motives of his own personal
aggrandizement. There was no restraint whatever,
of an arbitrary kind imposed upon him. "For Jacob
my servant's sake, saiththe Lord, and Israel mine elect
I have even called thee by thy name : I have surna-
med thee though thou hast not known me. I am the
Lord and there is none else, there is no God besides
me, I girded thee though thou hast not known me,"
Isa. 45 : 4, 5. This was a prophecy concerning Cy¬
rus, several hundred years before he was born.
When the Apostle Peter addressed the Jews on
the day of Pentecost, he said concerning Christ, "Him
being delivered by the determinate counsel and fore¬
knowledge of God, ye have taken and by wicked
hands have crucified and slain." Here we perceive
that Christ was to be delivered up to be crucified ac¬
cording to the " counsel and foreknowledge of God;"
yet it was by " wicJced hands" that he was "crucified
and slain." ' In this transaction, we have a striking
exemplification of a sentiment in the 76th Psalm:
" surely the wrath of man shall praise thee; the re¬
mainder of wrath shalt thou restrain." The murder¬
ers of our Lord intended it for evil, but God overru¬
led it for good. Judas Iscariot acted as a responsi¬
ble agent in betraying his Lord and Master, though
he was the instrument in the accomplishment of an
event, that " God before had shewed by the mouth
of all his prophets" should take place in the world.
" The Son of man goeth as it is written of him : but
wo unto that man by whom the son of man is betray¬
ed, it had been good for that man if he had not been
born." Matt. 26 : 24.
georgia association.
367
We have thus brethren, attempted to show you
that the doctrine of Election is practical in its tenden¬
cy, and that it is consistent with personal accountability.
We sincerely hope this sublime doctrine of the Bible
will be preached in all our churches; but at the same
time, we are aware that it may be injudiciously han¬
dled. It is possible to introduce it upon improper
occasions, or to detach it from its appropriate connec¬
tions. In either case, prejudices will be excited a-
gainst it, and the way of truth will be evil spoken of.
It certainly does become us at all times, to approach
this mystery with the views and feelings of the Apos¬
tle when he says, " O the depth of the riches both of
the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsear¬
chable are his judgments, and his ways past finding
out! For who hath known the mind of the Lord %
or who hath been his counsellor 1 Rom. 11: 33, 34.
We remain yours affectionately,
JESSE MERCER, Moderator.
W. H. Stokes, Clerk.
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES,
In attempting to give some account of the Minis¬
ters who have, from time to time belonged to the
Georgia Baptist Association, we shall of necessity, he
exceedingly concise, for the following reasons : 1st.
We have not room, were we disposed, to give exten¬
ded notices of these worthy men : 2nd. We have
not the materials of which such notices might be made
out. Our brethren in time past sought retirement to
a very great extent; not thinking perhaps, that their
proceedings would be sought after by tlieir posterity
as matters of history, they were not very careful to
preserve them. And least of all did they think of
handing down to coming generations, biographical
sketches of their ministers. Reading of this kind was
not so common then as it is now. Besides, our fa¬
thers were fnodest even to a fault—very little dispo¬
sed to blazon abroad, either their own virtues, or those
of their associates in labors and suffering.
We shall commence our sketches with some ac¬
count of Mr. Daniel Marshall. Mr. M. in the com¬
mencement of his course amongst the Baptists, be¬
longed to a class called at that time the Separate Bap¬
tists. These Separates were so called, 1st, because
in common with all who had been awakened by the •
preaching of Mr. Whitfield, they separated literally
from the Established Church—sought a more scrip¬
tural, a more spiritual worship. 2ndly, as Baptists,.
they differed in some respects from the Old, regular
Baptists in England, and such, of their.numbers as
GEORGIA ASSOCIATION.
369
had come to this country. Particularly the Phila¬
delphia and Charleston Associations, the oldest bodies
of the kind in the United States ! Moreover; they
were to some extent singular in their dress and lan¬
guage. Somewhat " similar to the Quakers in allow¬
ing private members and women to speak in their
assemblies, under pei'suasion of their being under a
divine impulse." This distinction however was soon
done away, and Mr. M. together with the Separates
generally, became incorporated with the regular, Cal-
vinistic Baptists, in these States and Great Britain.
In what We have to say further with respect to the
faithful minister of Jesus Christ, we feel that we
cannot do better than to lay before the reader the no¬
tice given of him in Benedict's History of the Bap¬
tists. The following is that notice :
" Daniel Marshall. The following account of
this eminent servant of God, was drawn by his worthy
son, Rev. Abraham Marshall, who succeeded his fa¬
ther in the pastoral station at Kioka. It was first pub¬
lished in the Georgia Analytical Repository, and af¬
terwards in the History of the Virginia Baptists. It
is now transcribed and presented to the reader in its
original epistolary form.
" In giving a biographical sketch of my honoured
father, we must look back to the distance of almost a
century. His birth was in the year of our Lord 1706,
in Windsor, a town in Connecticut. He was reli¬
giously educated by respectable and pious parents,
and being hopefully converted at about twenty years
of age, joined the then standing order of Presbyteri¬
ans, in his native place. The natural ardor of his
mind soon kindled into the fire of holy zeal, and rais¬
ed him so high in the estimation of his brethren, that
570
HISTORY OF THE
they called him to the office of a deacon. In the ex¬
emplary discharge of his duty, in this capacity, he con¬
tinued near twenty years. During this time, in easy
•circumstances, he married and lost a wife, by whom
he had a son named after himself, Daniel, who is still a
useful member of society. At the age of thirty-eight
years, our worthy parent was one of the thousands in
New England, who heard that son of thunder, the
Rev. George Whitefield, and caught his seraphic fire.
Firmly believing in the near approach of the latter-
day glory, when the Jews with the fulness of the
Gentiles, shall hail their Redeemer, and bow to his
gentle sceptre, a .number of worthy characters ran
to and fro through the eastern States, warmly exhor¬
ting to the prompt adoption of every measure tending
to hasten that blissful period. Others sold, gave a-
way, or left their possessions, as the powerful impulse
of the moment determined, and without scrip or purse,
rushed up to the head of the Susquehanna, to convert
the heathens, and settled in a town called Onnaquag-
gy, among the Mohawk Indians. One, and not the
least sanguine of these pious missionaries, was my
venerable father. Great must have been his faith,
great his zeal, when, without the least prospect of a
temporal reward, with a much-beloved wife, and
three children, he exchanged his commodious build¬
ings, for a miserable hut; his fruitful fields and- load¬
ed orchards, for barren deserts; the luxuries of a>
well-furnished table, for coarse and scanty fare ; and
numerous civil friends, for rude savages ! He had
the happiness, however, to teach and exhort, for eigh¬
teen months, in this place, with considerable success.
A number of the Indians were, in some degree im¬
pressed with eternal concerns, and several became-
{JadliGflA ASSOCIATION^
m
Cordially obedient to the gospel. But just as the seeds
of heavenly truth, sown with tears in this unpromising
soil, began to appear in their first fruits, -the breaking
out of war among the savage tribes occasioned his re->
luctant removal to Conegocheague, in Pennsylvania,-
After a short residence in this settlement, he removed
to a place near Winchester, in Virginia.
"Here he became acquainted with a Baptist church
belonging to the Philadelphia Association ; and as the
result of a close, impartial examination of their faith
and oi'der, be and my dear mother were baptized by
immersion in the forty-eighth year of his life. He was
now called, as a licensed preacher to the unrestrained
exercise of his gifts; and though they were by no meang
above mediocrity, he was instrumental in awakening
attention, in many of his hearers, to the interests of
their souls.
" Under the influence of an anxious desire to be
extensively useful, he proceeded from Virginia to
Hughwarry, in North-Carolina, where his faithful
and incessant labors proved the happy means of arou¬
sing and converting numbers. Being so evidently and
eminently useful as an itinerant preacher, h® contin¬
ued his peregrination to Abbot's Creek, in the sam£
State, where he was the instrument of planting a
church, of which he was ordained pastor, in the fifty-
second year of his age, by his brothers in law, the
Rev. Messrs. Henry Leadbetter, and Shubael Stearns^
Soon after receiving this honour, my reverend father
in one of his evangelical journies into Virginia, had
the singular happiness to baptize CoL Samuel Har¬
ris, with whom he immediately afterwards made sev¬
eral tours, and preachedf and planted the gospel iti
several places, as far as James Riven It was but &
372
HISTORY OF THE
few years after his ordination, before, induced by ap¬
pearances of increasing usefulness, he took an affec¬
tionate leave of his beloved charge, and settled on
Beaver Creek, in South Carolina.
"In this place, likewise, a large church was raised
under his ministry, and, till brought to a good degree
of maturity in divine things, was an object of his ten¬
der and unremitted care and solicitude. At the di¬
rection of Divine Providence, as he conceived, and
as subsequent events have proved, his next removal
was to Horse Creek, about fifteen miles north of Au¬
gusta.
" The fruits of his labors in this place remain in a
respectable church, some of whose sons, raised up
under his care, have successfully diffused the light of
divine truth through various benighted regions —
From Horse Creek my aged father made his first vis¬
its to this State. On the second or third of these,
while in prayer, he was seized in the presence of his
audience, for preaching in the parish of St. Paul, and
made to give security for his appearance at Augusta,
the Monday following, to answer to this charge. Ac¬
cordingly he stood a trial, and, after his meekness and
patience were sufficiently exercised, was ordered to
come no more as a preacher into Georgia. In the
words of an Apostle, similarly circumstanced, he re¬
plied, " Whether it be right to obey God or man,
judge ye." Consistently with this just and spirited
reply, he pursued his successful course, and on the
first of January, 1771, came with his family and took
up his final earthly residence at the Kioka. The fol¬
lowing spring the church here was formed, and is fa¬
mous for having furnished materials for several other
churches. For this purpose many common members
GEORGIA ASSOCIATION. 37S
.'have been dismissed, and several ministers have been
ordained. Among these are the ReWMessrs. Sanders
"Walker, Samuel Newton, Loveless Savage, Alexan¬
der Scott, and the writer of this article. -Through
God's blessing on the ministry of her indefatigable
founder and pastor, this church continued to lengthen
her cords and strengthen her stakes, breaking forth
on the right hand and on the left, till our beloved
country was unhappily involved in the horrors of war.
:No scenes, however, from the commencement to the
termination of hostilities, were so gloomy and alarm¬
ing as to deter my father from discharging the duties
of his station. Neither reproaches nor threatenings
could excite in him the least appearance of timidity,
or any thing inconsistent with Christian and ministe¬
rial heroism. '
" As a friend to the American cause, he was once
made a prisoner aud put under a strong guard; but
obtaining leave of the officers, he commenced and
■supported so heavy a charge of exhortation and pray
er, that, like Daniel of old, while his enemies stood
-amazed and confounded, he was safely and honora¬
bly delivered from this den of lions.
" Even the infirmities of old age, and. the evident
approach of the king of terrors, were not sufficient to
shake his faith or hope, nor, in the least perceivable
degree, to abate his zeal.
" A few months previous lo his decease, rising in
his pulpit, which he had frequently besprinkled with
his tears, and from which he had often descended to
weep over a careless auditory, he said, " 1 address
you, my dear hearers, with a diffidence which arises
from a failure of memory, and a general weakness of
■body and mind, common to my years ; but I recollect,
««
374
HISTORY OF THE
he that holds out to the end shall be saved, and am 7f. ~
solved to finish my course in the cause of God." Ac¬
cordingly he attended public worship regularly, evera
through his lingering mortal illness, till the last Sab¬
bath but one before his dissolution. In his family he
invariably performed his usual round of holy duties,
till the morning immediately preceding his happy
change. Fully apprized of this as at hand, and per¬
fectly in his senses, he expressed distinctly and em¬
phatically, his steady and increasing confidence of fu¬
ture bliss.
" The following, taken by me, in the presence of
a few deeply affected friends and relations, are his last
words:
" Dear brethren and sisters, 1 am just gone.. This
night I shall ■probably expire; but J have nothing to
fear. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my
course, I have kept the faith ; and henceforth there is
laid up for me a crown of righteousness. God has
shewn me that he is my God, that I am his son, and
that an eternal weight of glory is mine /"
"The venerable partner of his cares, (and I may
add, faithful assistant in all his labors) sitting bedew¬
ed with tears, by his side, he proceeded, " Go on,
my dear wife, to serve the Lord. Hold out to the end.
Eternal glory is before its I"
" After a silence of some minutes, he called me and
said, " My breath is almost gone. I have been pray¬
ing that I may go home to-night. I had great hap¬
piness in our worship this morning, particularly in
singing, which will make a part of my exercise in a
blessed eternity
" Now gently closing his eyes, he cheerfully gave
up his soul to God, with whom, I doubt not, he walks,
GEORGIA ASSOCIATION.
375
** high in salvation, and the climes of bliss." This
solemn event took place at the dawn of the 2d day of
November, 1784, in the 78th year of his age. A suit¬
able discourse to his memory was delivered by the
late Rev. Charles Bussey."
The name of Mr. Marshall's first wife does not ap¬
pear from the papers respecting him. His second
was Martha Stearns, sister of the famous Shubael
Stearns. By his first wife he had Daniel, by his sec¬
ond, Abraham, John, Zaccheus, Levi, Moses, Solo¬
mon, and Joseph ; and daughters Eunice and Mary.
These children are all yet living in Georgia, at no
great distance from the place in which their venera¬
ble father finished his earthly course. They all pos¬
sess a competency of worldly things, and a number of
them are members of the Kioka and other churches.
Mr. Marshal], after all his sacrifices for the cause
of Christ, was always blessed by a bountiful Provi¬
dence with a sufficiency of the meat that perisheth,
and left behind him an estate of considerable value.
His son Abraham inhabits the mansion, from which
-he-was removed to the house not made with hands.
EDMUND BOTSFORD, A. M.
Although Mr. B. never had any connexion with the
Association as a body, yet, his labors were abundant¬
ly useful, in collecting and building up some of the
Churches of which it was originally composed. Mr.
B. was born in the Town of Wooburn, Bradfordshire,
England, 1st of November, 1747. Having experi¬
enced many reverses of fortune, he came to America
an the beginning of the year 1766; began to preach
in Charleston, S. C., 1771 ; was abundantly useful as
z. minister during many years, and finished his course
on earth, the 25th of Dec. 1819.
375
HISTORY*' OF' THE
We should say more concerning this devoted ser--
vant of the Lord,, but for the facts, that a highly inter¬
esting memoir of him has been prepared and publish¬
ed, by our esteemed brother C. D. Mallary- We de¬
sire sincerely, that this- book. may. be soughs after and
read, by our brethren generally ~
WILLIAM DAVIS.
Mr. D- was for many yeass a very acceptable mii>
rster of the Gospel,, and finished his eourse at last with
j°y-
The particulars below respecting him were written
by himself, some short time before his death :
" I was born in Virginia, in the year 1765, of poor
but honest parents, wh.® educated me to read, write,,
and cypher. At 11 years old, I was put to.hard la-,
bor. As early as 9, I became concerned about my
soul; had the oppoi'tunity to hear two sermons, one
by an Episcopalian, the other by a Presbyterian ; both-
of which were remembered with some interest. A-
bout this time, the Baptists commenced preaching in
Orange county, of whom much was said ©f a slander¬
ous nature, which created in me much anxiety to hear
them, as I learned g'reat power attended their labors.
The first opportunity afforded was a prayer and ex¬
hortation made by one John Bledso, a Baptist. I be-,
came quite solemn, and wished to be worthy to be
one of them ; which desire, I never lost* I had fre^
quent impressions when at meeting, and sometimes re¬
tired to pray ; when I was 14 years old, I attended to »
the conversation of a Negro man and became serious¬
ly alarmedj and then set out to become religious, withs
but little doubt that I should soon attain to conver¬
sion -T but, to my great mortification, my case became-
GEORGIA ASSOCIATION.
377
more hopeless, and especially when I saw that my
heart was a sink of sin, and my nature corrupt and
degenerate, which took place about three months af¬
ter the conversation -of the black man, and continued
three more. During which time, I was very discon¬
solate, fearing often it was not the work of the Lord,
but a work of my own. With these views, I was
made to say, that if I was lost, it would be but just,
as I felt myself to deserve condign punishment. Yet,
I asked for mercy, if mercy could be had, and God
remain just, which was to me the greatest mistery.—
But, to my great surprize, when I had given up all for
lost, I was delivered of my burthen, and presently en¬
abled to see how God could be just and justify me a
poor sinner—which made me to rejoice, and bless the
Lord with great joy.
I became a member of the Baptist Church, at Blue
Run, in 1779, and commenced speaking publicly, in
1788. Married Nancy Eastin, in 1790; by her 1 had
12 children, (7 sons and 5 daughters); removed to
Georgia in 1791, and was Ordained to the Ministry,
in August, 1793. Was called to serve the Church in
the fork of Broad River, at the time of their constitu¬
tion ; served them twenty-three or four years. In
the year , became instrumental in raising the
Church on Falling Creek, where I have served until
1827 ; served the Church at Cloud's Creek, 3 years;
that on Beaverdam, 10 or 12 years; the Church at
Clark's Station, 19 years. Became instrumental in
restoring the Church at Dove's Creek from a sad de¬
cline, in 1824 ; commenced her service and continu¬
ing in 1827. While in the service of the Church at
Falling Creek, was instrumental in raising three Min¬
isters—the Rev. E. Shackelford, Isaac Suttle, and E-
G G 2
HISTORY OP THE
lijah Mosely. At Beaverdam, the Rev. Isham Gossj
in the Fork, the Rev. James Hales; at Clark's Sta¬
tion, the Rev, Sylvanus Gibson and Jonathan Davis^
only two removed from the Church to which they be¬
longed, before ordained, viz.: Mosely and Hales.—
Was in the forming of the Sarepta Association, and
served them as Clerk the first nine years."
JOHN HARVEY.
Mr. Harvey was born in Virginia, but in what year
we are uninformed. He removed to Georgia when
quite a young man, and united himself with the Kio-
kia Church, Columbia county. During his connec¬
tion with this Church, he commenced his labors as a
Minister. After the Revolutionary War, removed
into the neighborhood of Powell's Creek Meeting-
House, (now Powelton,} and became a member of
that Church. In the first part of his Ministry, he was
not fully established in the doctrines of grace; but
afterwards, through the instrumentality of Rev. Silas
Mercer, he became, in the language of our informant,
" a very rigid Predestinarian," and so continued till
his death.
In the year 1789, he removed to Washington co,
and united with the Providence Church, now in Jef¬
ferson county. Here he was Ordained to the Minis¬
try. He died triumphantly, in Clark county, ia the
74th year of his age.
MATTHEW TALBOT.
Mr. T. was born in Virginia, Amelia county, but in
what date, we are unable to say. When he first pro¬
fessed religion, he belonged to the High Church, but
"toon after he was married, he joined the Baptists.
georgia association.
37$
He connected himself -with the Baptists about the.
time the famous Samuel Harriss joined them. Their
religious opinions were about the same.
Having been a member of the Church about 55
years, he died a happy death, relying upon the merits
of Jesus alone, the 12th of October, 1S12, aged 84
years. Our informant says, he removed to Georgia
in the year 1785.
THE REEVESES,
Jeremiah Reeves, Sen'r. was born in Halifax co.?
N. C. He was raised up in the Church of England,,
and by his painstaking in the acquisition of knowledge
was promoted to the office of Cleric, whose business
it was to assist the Parson in the public service. But
upon hearing the Baptists preach, he entered with all
his heart into their views and feelings. This was a
source of deep mortification to his father, who re¬
marked on the occasion, "Jerry, I am the more as¬
tonished at you, seeing that you have labored through
so many difficulties to inform your mind, and, having
obtained more knowledge than the rest of the family,
that you should now turn fool and follow after these
bablers." " Jerry," persevered however, and con¬
nected himself with a Baptist Church, on Mars' Fork
of Haw River. This was before the Revolutionary
War.
Mr. R. removed his residence to Georgia in the
year 1784, and settled on the Dry Fork of Long
Creek, of Wilkes county. He was among the early
members of the Sardis Church (then Hutton's Fork.)
As a Christian, he was pious, zealous, and devoted.
As a member of the Church, constant, stable, and
persevering. As a Licentiate, sound in the faith, ar-
sso
history op the
dent Jn spirit, though not eloquent in his address.—
As a man, industrious, courteous and honorable. He
raised a fine family of children, most of whom as they
grew up to maturity, became useful members of the
Church—-four of them Ministers !
Malichi Reeves—the first of these modern Le-
vites, was a member, a licentiate, and minister, in the
Sardis Church. In all these stations he attained to a
good degree and was highly acceptable among all his
brethren. Whilst only a private member, and exer¬
cised only in family worship, he united with another
member, (brother P. Milner) of like standing with
himself, and his own brother, Jeremiah, in a social
prayer meeting, to be held at their own houses alter¬
nately and weekly for the blessing of God to come
upon their neighbors. At the first appointment, about
a dozen persons attended, to hear them sing and
jpray; for they then pretended to nothing more.
They then agreed to hold on as long as a dozen would
attend. It seems that the Spirit of the Lord was in
the design ; for at the second meeting, a much larger
number attended, and at the third, the house waj»
crowded! At the next, both the house and the yard !
Soon no house in the neighborhood would hold the
people who crowded these meetings, and they were
compelled to repair to the meetinghouse, for the ac¬
commodation of the anxious multitude that came to¬
gether to hear these brethren pray and exhort!
The attentive numbers who attended these meet¬
ings very naturally drew the brethren out in the ex¬
ercise of reading and expounding the Scriptures, and
in exhortations to their fellow men to flee from the
wrath to come. Our brother Malichi took the lead
in these exercises. And very soon, in the private
georgia association,
3S1
conversations of the brotherhood lie became distin¬
guished as the preacher. Brother P. Milner, was cal¬
led the exhorter, whilst brother Jeremiah was styled,
the praying man !
A glorious revival of religion ensued, and about
one hundred were added to the Church from this
commencement. The consequence was, brother Mali-
chi, proved sure enough, a good minister of Jesus
Christ. In this character he continued with increas¬
ing influence and usefulness, in all the Churches, till
his death.
His natural talents were good—his understanding,
discriminating, and his judgment clear. His acquisi¬
tions with respect to literature, were but moderate;
but these, he contrived to turn to the very best ac¬
count. His style was rather diffuse, but as he ad-*
vanced in his discourses, he became animated, more
clear, and often quite profound. In sentiment he was
a consistent Predestinarian—He held the doctrines
usually taught by Calvinists, with respect to the eter¬
nal purposes of God in the salvation of men ; but still
inculcated the accountability of sinners, and urged
upon them the duty of repentance, and to believe the
gospel that they might be saved.
Of our brother it may be said of a truth, that he was
beloved in life, and lamented in death, which occur¬
red in the year 1826.
Jeremiah Reeves, Junr., was as we have seen in
connection with his brother M. and bro P.M. in tho
prayer meeting which terminated so graciously and
acquired the enviable distinction of the praying man,
but he also soon engaged in exhortation and doctrine,
and was subsequently licensed to preach the gospel^
His abilities were not equal to those of his brother
382
HISTORY OF THE
but still such was his piety and zeal, his devotion and
perseverence, that he soon rose superior to those dif¬
ficulties which originated in his want of talent, and he
was at length ordained to the work of the ministry.
He was sound in the faith held by the denomination
at large, and in his ministry, like John the Baptist,
preached, in his exhortation many glorious truths,
to the^edification and comfort of those who heard him.
He served several churches in the pastoral office, and
was at different times employed by the State Conven¬
tion a Domestic Missionary. In all these responsi¬
ble stations he served with fidelity, and was, in eve¬
ry instance, discharged with honor.
Whether employed or not, whether with or with¬
out, reward, he devoted himself to the preaching of
the gospel, far and wide, as he had opportunity, till
he fell in death, on the field of labor, far from home
on a tour of his own appointments. His death occur¬
red in the early part of the year 1837.
ADAM JONES.
Mr. Jones was born in Virginia in the year 1755,
where he continued to reside until after the Revolu¬
tionary war, during which he served five years as a
soldier in the defence of his country. It was at this
time, whilst in the army, that he became seriously
concerned about his situation as a poor, undone sin¬
ner, and never did he rest till he found peace in be¬
lieving in the merits of Jesus Christ.
Mr. J. was born of a poor parentage, and as the
times were unfavorable, he received but an imperfect
education ; in fact, but little, except what he acqui¬
red by his own exertions. He, like some of his bre¬
thren already noticed, belonged to the High Church
GEORGIA ASSOCIATION. I>Si}
order, as they were then the prevailing order in Vir¬
ginia, and had their religion, as usual, established by
law / But the Methodist people having spread them¬
selves through the country, and as tliey were more
spiritual in their exercises, Mr. J. joined them. Short¬
ly after the war however, he removed with his fami¬
ly to Georgia, and settled near Long Creek Meeting
House, on the Ogeechee River. This was in the
year 1785. ,
At the time of Mr. J.'s settlement on Ogeechee, he
was a Class-leader in the Methodist connection, but
Providence seems to have cast his lot where he was
unable to unite with his Methodist brethren, and as
the Baptists were numerous in his neighborhood, he
united with them. It was some time however, be¬
fore he could overcome his scruples of conscience
so far as to give up the peculiar doctrines of the Meth¬
odists and unite with the Baptists. At this time there
was a considerable stir amongst the people, many
joined; at length Mr. J. related his christian expe¬
rience and was received into the fellowship of the
church, but his prejudices were yet not entirely sub¬
dued, especially he did not like the idea of "going
down into the water." Like many others, he appears
to have been affected with a singular kind of hydro¬
phobia upon this subject. A cold shuddering took
hold of the good man's feelings, when he thought of
being "buried with the Lord" according to Baptist
usage. These difficulties he at last overcome and was
regularly baptized.
Shortly after his baptism, Mr. J. began to exercise
in public; for we find under the date of Oct. 25th.
1788, the following entry on the minutes of the church
at Long Creek: 44 After hearing the teachings of bro-
384
HISTORY Of THE
ther Adam Jones, and having before had fellowship
with the exercise of his gifts, the church unanimously
agree to call him to the ministry." This may be'con¬
sidered his licensure, but he was not ordained till
1792. He took the pastoral oversight of the church
of which he was a member in 1807. In this office
he continued till the 24th of Dec., 1825, when by age
and affliction he became very infirm, and resigned his
charge. He died the first day of October, 1830, be¬
ing about seventy-five years old.
As a preacher he was thought sound and orthodox;
was very useful in rearing up churches, ordaining
preachers and deacons. He labored as a pastoral
supply with the Church at Horeb during many years,
which, with the Long Creek-church enjoyed some re¬
freshing seasons under his ministry. He had the
care of some other churches for a short time. Hav¬
ing a large family to support, he did not travel as ex¬
tensively as some of his brethren, but did what he
could.
Mr. J. as all others, had his failings. He had pre¬
judices against the benevolent operations of the day
in which he lived, but never went so far as to oppose
any that thought it duty to engage in these things.
This he did, in all probability, because he was unin¬
formed as to the nature of the things themselves, and
as to the success which followed the efforts made.—
Had he possessed this information, no doubt his op¬
position would have ceased to exist. In short, he li¬
ved and died in the affections of the Church at Long
Creek, where he first united with the Baptist de¬
nomination.
'GEORGIA ASSOCIATION,
385
JEPTHA YINING.
Of this veteran soldier of the Cross, very little of
nis early life is known. Where he was born, or
where educated; where or when he entered upon
the work of the ministry, is alike hid in the obscurity
of the past. The first account we have of him is, in
1755, he was a messenger of the Linch Creek Church
in the Charleston Association, He is marked in the
minutes as a minister, and the presumption is, was
at that time, the Pastor of the Church. He appears
again as the representative of the Upper Fork of
Linch's Creek, and this is all the record we find of
him in the Charleston Association.
But from sundry persons, who have emigrated from
that part of South Carolina to this State, with whom
we have had an intimate acquaintance; some of whom*
were members of the said Linch's Creek Church,
and who sat under his ministry, we have learned that
he was a zealous, faithful, and very successful minis¬
ter of the Gospel. He, it is believed, was instrumen¬
tal in rearing up several Churches in that section be¬
fore he removed to Georgia, which was during, or
soon after the revolutionary war. It appears he set¬
tled upon the Rocky Comfort Creek, about twelve
miles above Louisville. Here he commenced preach¬
ing and soon raised a Church, which was called Pro^
vidence, and is still in existence.
Having lost his wife at this place, he sometime af¬
ter sought and found another, about twenty miles
above, on the Ogeechee River, to which place he re-
jnoved his residence, and immediately commenced
-preaching at a Mr. Fowler's, where his ministry was
-so blest, that a Church was constituted, and still ex¬
ists as the Long Creek Church of Ogeechee. He
H H
386
HISTOllY OF THE
was called to the pastoral care of this church, whilsS
he continued also,to supply the Providence church.
He was instrumental in getting up some other preach¬
ing establishments, but whether he acted as pastor in
any, save the two already mentioned, does not cer¬
tainly appear. He closed his distinguished and use¬
ful life about thfe year 1787, in the full belief of the
truth of those doctrines he had advocated, during his
long and successful ministry.
Mr. Vining was a firm believer in the Calvinistic
doctrines, and of course constantly defended them—
such as Election, Predestination, Effectual Calling,
and the Final Perseverance of the Saints through
grace to eternal glory. These were his constant and
favorite topics. It has been, we know, the opinion of
many, that the preaching of these doctrines, is not fa¬
vorable to the conversion of sinners; but the reverse
of this was manifested in the ministry of Mr. Vining.
He preached the doctrine of Election without re¬
serve—it was his theme—and yet few have been
more successful in the conversion of sinners to God,
and in promoting practical Godliness in the Churches.
SILAS MERCER. '
We take the following sketch of this good man, so
prominent in the history of Georgia Baptists, from
Benedict's history of the Baptists:
"Silas Mercer was born near Currituck Bay,
North Carolina, February, 1745. His mother died
while he was an infant; his father was a zealous mem¬
ber of the Church of England, and carefully instruc¬
ted him in the catechism, rites, and traditions of that
communion. From early years, young Silas was re¬
ligiously inclined; but it was not till after he arrived
GEORGIA ASSOCIATION.
387
at manhood, that he was brought to the knowledge of
salvation through a divine Redeemer. He was for a
long time embarrassed and bewildered with that legal
system, which he had been taught in his mother
Church, and so deeply rooted were the prejudices of
his education, that it took him long to learn that sal¬
vation is not of works. But he at length gained clear
and consistent views of the gospel plan, and was,
through his long ministry, a distinguished and pow¬
erful defender of the doctrine of free, unmerited grace.
Until after his conversion, Mr. Mercer was most
. violently opposed to Dissenters in general, and to the
Baptists in particular. He would on no account hear
one preach, and endeavoured to dissuade all others
from attending their meetings. He most firmly be¬
lieved what his father and parson had taught him, that
they were all a set of deceivers, that their heresies
were dangerous, if not damnable, and that to hear
one preach would be a crime of peculiar enormity.
He knew, however, but little about them, only that
they had separated from the Church, and ought there¬
fore to be opposed and avoided. For these reasons
he continued a violent opposer to them, and zealous¬
ly to defend the Church; but his ingenious mind could
not long be restrained by the shackles of tradition,
without examining things for himself; he therefore be¬
gan a course of inquiries, which gradually undermin¬
ed his traditionary creed, and led on to the Baptist
ground. He first resolved to follow strictly the Ru-
brick of the Church, both in doctrine and discipline;
and finding it enjoined immersion, unless the weak¬
ness of the child required a milder mode, he had two
of his children dipped. The first a son, in a barrel
of water at the priest's house; and the other a daugh-
38$
HISTORY OF THE
ter, in a tub,, which had been prepared for the pur¬
pose at the Church. The son was named Jesse, who
is now a worthy minister in Georgia; he was bapti¬
zed again, on a profession of his faith, and is of course
an .iL^a-Baptist. Mr. Mercer was also struck with
the neglect of discipline in the Church ; he saw with
pain that persons grossly immoral in many respects
were admitted to their communion, and became con¬
vinced that things ought not so to be. Hervey's
Theron and Aspasio started him from the Arminian
system, and set him on a train of reflections, which is¬
sued in a thorough conviction of the doctrine of the
gospel. He laboured for a time to reform the church;
but finding the building was too far gone to be re¬
paired, he receded from it with reluctant steps, and
became a Baptist when he was about thirty years of
age, and continued from that time to the end of his life
an ornament to their cause, and a skilful defender of
their distinguishing tenets.
Few men, perhaps, have had more severe conflicts
ill' l'enouncing the prejudices of education, than Mr.
Mercer. His kind but bigotted father threw in his
way obstacles, which he could not at first surmount;
the church priest, and the whole Episcopal fraternity
around him, used the most assidaous endeavours to
prevent him from going amongst the heretical Bap¬
tists. The first of the denomination he ever heard
preach, was a Mr. Thomas, at that time a successful
preacher in North Carolina. It was with much re¬
luctance, and with many fearful apprehensions of the
dangerous consequences, that he was induced to at¬
tend the meeting. But in spite of all his prejudices,
the preacher drew his attention, and led him to think„
he was not such a dangerous deceiver, as he had al-
GEORGIA ASSOCIATION.
3S9
ways before supposed. This was on Monday. The
next Lord's day, the priest being absent, and his fa¬
ther being clerk, performed as usual the duties of his
office. As yet none of the family knew that Silas
had been to the Baptist meeting. After the service of
the day was over, a person asked him, in the hearing
of his father, how he liked the Baptist preacher1? He
was much confused, and knew not what to answer;
but his conscience obliged him to express some de¬
gree of approbation. At which the old gentleman
burst into tears, and exclaimed, "Silas, you are ruin¬
ed!" and out he went, hastily home. Silas, alarmed,
took hastily after him, to soothe his grief, and appease
his resentment. The offended father and offending
son were so deeply affected with the trifling affair,
that they forgot their wives, and left them to go home
alone. The charm was now broken; and from this
period Mr. M. began to entertain more favourable
views of the people he had hitherto so much censur¬
ed and despised. Not long after this, he removed to
Georgia, and settled in what is now Wilkes county,
where, about 1775, he was baptized by Mr. Alexander
Scott, and united with the church at Kiokee, by which
he was almost immediately approbated to preach. At
the commencement of the American war, he fled for
shelter to Halifax county, in his native State, where
he continued about six years, all of which time he
was incessantly engaged in preaching as an itinerant
in different places around; and it is found by his jour¬
nal, that, take the whole six years together, he rca¬
ched oftener than once a day; that is, more than two
thousand sermons in the time. At the close of the
war, he returned to his former residence in Georgia,
where he continued to the end of his days. In this
h h 2
390
HISTORY OF THE
State, he laboured abundantly with good effect, and
was the means of planting a number of churches in
different parts of the country. He was justly esteem¬
ed one of the most exemplary and useful ministers in
the southern States. His learning was not great, but
having a desire that his young brethren might obtain
greater advantages than he enjoyed, he had setup a
school at his house, procured an able teacher, and
was in a promising way to promote the interests of
learning in the churches around him; but in the midst
of his benevolent plans and distinguished usefulness,
he was, after a short illness, removed from the scene
of his employments, in 1796, in the 52dyear of his age.
The following portrait of Mr. Mercer's character,
is found in Mr. Semple's History of the Virginia Bap¬
tists, page 82 : "Mr. Mercer, both in countenance and
manners, had considerably the appearance of stern¬
ness ; and to feel quite free in his company, it was
necessary to be well acquainted with him. He sel¬
dom talked on any other subject except religion; and
when in company with young preachers, or those
who might question his doctrine or his opinions, his
remarks chiefly turned on polemical points. He was
indefatigable in striving to maintain his opinions; and
For this purpose would hear any and all objections
that could be raised, and would then labour assidu¬
ously to remove them. His arguments, however,
neither in private nor public, were ever dressed with
oratorical ornaments. He spoke and acted like one
who'felt himself surrounded by the impregnable bul¬
warks of truth, and therefore did not wish to parley.'*
* Mr. Mercer is here described as he appeared in Virginia,
in 1791, in company with Jeremiah Walker, in the time of a
great controversy respecting doctrinal points.
georgia association.
391
He was more distinguished as a preacher than
writer; but he devoted considerable time to study,
and the following pieces were the productions of his
leisure hours:
1st. Tyranny Exposed, and True Liberty Disco¬
vered, in a 12mo. pamphlet of 68 pages, the design
of which was to show the rise, reign, and downfall of
Antichrist.
2d. The Supposition of the Divine Right of Infants
to Baptism, from their formerly having a right to cir¬
cumcision, confuted, being a letter to a friend. This
piece was not printed.
3d. The History of Baptism, carried to some ex¬
tent, but left unfinished.
4th. Two Letters on Election, left unpublished."
ABRAHAM MARSHALL..
Mr. M. was born in the town of Windsor, State of
Connecticut, 23rd of April 1745. His father was the
Rev. Daniel Marshall, a sketch of whose life we
have already given. His mother's maiden name was
Starnes, sister to the celebrated Shubael Starnes, so
renowned as one of the first founders of the "Sepa¬
rates" in North Carolina and Virginia.
Mr. M. enjoyed in early life very few advantages
for the improvement of his mind. For his father, as
appears from his memoir, removed amongst the Mo¬
hawk Indians when Abraham was quite a boy, so that
he had no opportunity to educate his family in the or¬
dinary way. Mr. M. used pleasantly to say, refer-
ing to this part of his history, " I was born a Yankee,,
and raised a Mohawk." It is stated that, he never
enjoyed forty days regular schooling in his life.
In the situation above mentioned, Mr. M. received
392
HISTOKY OP THE
liis first religious impressions. "In the year 1753,"
says his biographer, "those religious impressions
which he felt among the Mohawks became more pow¬
erful and lasting. Here Abraham began to call upon
the name of the Lord. Reflections on the world to
come, and solemn thoughts about the judgment bore
heavily on his mind. One night, going to bed under
solemn meditations of this sort, he saw in his sleep,
the elements part asunder, and the heavens rolled to¬
gether as a mighty scroll, the Judge in the East, man¬
kind in distress, himself in great agony, expecting
every moment to hear his final doom. The perturba¬
tion of his mind was not to be discovered. But his
soul was in the deepest agitation when awake, with
the thought that this.vision might shortly be realized.
After this, his parents, living now in Virginia, re¬
moved to several places, but at length located on
Horse Creek, S. Carolina, a few miles north of Au¬
gusta, Geo. when a glorious revival commenced. A
number of young persons became seriously concern¬
ed about their souls, and young A. among the rest.
He had gone on sinning and praying ever since his
convictions in Virginia, but no\v the arrows of the
Lord were made fast in his soul. He soon after ob¬
tained a good hope through grace, and was baptized
with several others in the Savannah River. This
probably took place in the year 1770, when he was
about 22 years old.
The next year, Mr. M's. father removed with his
family into Georgia, and settled on the Big Kiokee
Creek, Columbia county, where they remained dur¬
ing the remaining part of their life. A. having com¬
menced public exercises in the way of preaching and
exhorting, soon after he united with the church, now
GEORGIA ASSOCIATION.
393
began to extend operations into the adjacent neigh¬
borhoods, going sometimes over into S. Carolina to
preach. He pursued this course, itinerating and
preaching through the country, then a wilderness,
and infested with savages, till May 1775, when he
was more fully invested with the office of the minis¬
try by ordination. Rev. Sanders "Walker, and his
Rev. Father, were the ordaining presbytery on this
occasion.
After the death of his father, Mr. M. was called to
act as pastor in the Church at Iviokee. This was in
the year 1784 or 5. In this situation he continued till
his death. But notwithstanding his settlement with
this church, Mr. M. continued his itinerating labors
through the whole course of his ministry. And his
praise was emphatically in all the Churches. The
peculiar situation of the country at this period requir¬
ed sacrifices and labors of this kind on the part of
ministers.
Mr. M. was 40 years old before his mariage, which
took place in April 1792. He was married to Ann
Waller, the daughter of the Rev. John Waller, of
noted memory among the Virginia Baptists, on ac¬
count of his having suffered so much from Episcopal
intolerance. Four sons were the fruit of this marriage,
only two of whom attained to manhood. And one of
them, the lamented Jabez P. Marshall, is now no
more.
Mr. Marshall died, August 15th, 1S19, in the 72d
year of his age. The following letter, addressed by
his friend, Rev. John Boyd, in behalf of the Church
at Kiokee, to the Georgia Association, will show how
calmly he met death, as well as the high estimation in
which he was held by his brethren :
394
HISTORY OF THE
To the Georgia Association :
"Dear Brethren,—We have truly a painful, dis¬
tressing, and melancholy communication to make to
you this year. Our dearly beloved brother and fa¬
ther in the Gospel, Abraham Marshall, was taken with
a violent illness (a diarrhhoea) under which he lan¬
guished about seven weeks—and at our quarterly
and communion meeting, on the third Lord's day in
August, the Church having attended, and the Minis¬
ters present having preached the several days with
faithfulness and zeal to a larger and more attentive
congregation than usual, about the close of the cele¬
bration of the Lord's Supper, a messenger informed
the Church that our dear brother was then about to
depart this life. The ministers present, and many of
the Church and friends, repaired to the house of our
dear minister, and found him in the agonies of death,
not able to speak or raise his hand, though composed
and in possession of his senses. He seemed to notice
with great tenderness and love those that came to his
bedside—would attempt to raise his hand as if he
wished to give his last and parting token ©f friend¬
ship. About 4 o'clock the same evening, like Jacob
of old, he gathered his feet up in his bed and fella-
sleep in Jesus. The sighs, groans and tears on so
mournful a sight, are unutterable; and the more so,
because we were to see his lovely face and hear his
charming voice no more, Our dear brother in his
last sickness had several interesting and joyful com¬
munications of God's love to him. His faith was
strong and animated; his hope seemed to change into
sight, and his evidence of future happiness*was con¬
clusive. He realized to himself that grace and bles¬
sedness which he had so often and so faithfully recom-
GEORGIA ASSOCIATION.
395
Itiended to others. He enjoyed that composure of
mind and calm resignation to the Divine Will, with'
the pleasing prospect of a happy reception in the
kingdom of glory, that are experienced by but few of
the most eminent Christians. Our dear brother,
through his life as well as at his death, gave, by his
orderly deportment, strong and conclusive testimony
that the Spirit of the Lord had been his daily teacher.
In his doctrine he was moderate and sound. In the
Church he was ever present, tender and submissive.
To young ministers and doubting Christians he was a
nursing father. In the settlement he visited the sick
and needy with sweet encouragements and solemn
prayer to God for their present and future happiness.
In his family he was soft and indulgent. In his eat¬
ing and drinking and apparel, he was moderate thro'
his life, and to the hour of his death, even to an excep¬
tion. The morning of the day on which he died, he
said to some brethren present, that as he expected
shortly to change this for an eternal life, he had par¬
ticularly examined the principles of the religion on
which he rested; and although he had for the space
of fifty years endeavoured faithfully to improve and
preach the word, and live consistent therewith, yet
during that time he had never lived one day, nor
preached one sermon clear of some imperfection ;t
so that he had no merit of his own, but rested on the
merit of Jesus his Mediator. He also said, from the
best judgement he could form, that the principles of
the Order of which he was a member, embraced the
only apostolic plan and sure warrant of the Gospel,
He observed he had with pain beheld intruders lead¬
ing the simple and incautious in the way of self
dependence. He desired the brethren present to
396
HISTORY OF THE
use their best endeavours to influence the lovely youth
of Columbia to seek ,the favor of their gracious Lord*
^that he might behold their faces in the mansions of
glory.. His mind appeared to be anxiously engaged
for the welfare of his dear sons and other relations.
His fervent prayer was, that they might receive
strong and lasting principles of true religion and the
influence of the Divine Spirit, and follow the exam¬
ples of their pious and faithful grand lathers and grand¬
mothers, whom he expected in a few hours to meet
in glory. And now he has gone; he has ceased from
his labours and his works do follow him.
Dear Brethren, while we are communicating to
you our great distress for the loss of so valuable a
brother, no doubt you will bear a part of our grief.
When you remember his usefulness in your associa¬
tion from its first commencement; the thousands that
have been fed with the sincere milk of the word from
his precious lips; his regular attention as trustee to
the different churches and schools, and his unchangea¬
ble resolution for the interest of the Gospel, you will
be ready to say, why did not the Lord spare him a
few years longer, that he might preach the word to'
perishing souls ? The answer is implied in these his
last words: "The time of my departure is come; I
have fought a good fight, I have kept the faith; there¬
fore is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which
my glorious Lord hath prepared for me."
My flesh shall slumber in the ground,
Till the last trumpet's joyful sound,
Then burst the tomb in sweet surprize,
And in my Saviour's image rise.
Shall rise, and soar, and sing, and tell
The wonders of Redeeming Grace,
That Jesus has done all things well,
I rise to sing ray Saviour's praise, \ -
'SEOTieiA ASSOCIATION
Is it a virtue, or is it a crime to weep on the pre¬
sent occasion? It is true we have 'cause of grief for
130 sensible a loss ; but when we consider that our loss
is his eternal gain, ought we inot in an humble sub¬
mission to the Divine Will, say, " The Lord gave,
and the Lord takes away: the will of the Lord be
<W7'
Thus it is evident a great man has fallen, and the
godly man ceaseth from among us. Howl, fir-tree,
for thy cedar is fallen. But in his fall, he rises to
Joy, to paradise, to heaven, to God,"
SAUNDERS WALKER
Was for many years one of the most useful minis¬
ters in the upper regions of Georgia. He was born
March 17, 1740, in Prince William county, Virginia,
and was a brother of Jeremiah Walker, of distin¬
guished fame; and although his abilities were
not equal to his brother's, yet he, different from
him, maintained through life a character fair and un¬
impeachable. He was a singular instance of the
transforming influence of the grace of God. Before
his conversion, he was of a turbulent, unmanageable
■temper, and much addicted to the vices naturally at¬
tendant on such a disposition. But the Divine Spirit
not only changed his heart, but his nature too; so
that he was ever after distinguished for the meekness
and gravity of his deportment : the meek Saunders
Walker, was a proverbial expression among all who
knew him. He began to preach in South Carolina in
1767, in the 27th year of his age, and for thirty-eight
years continued a faithful and successful minister of
the cross of Christ. About four years after he began
&»is ministerial course, he moved to Butts county, N,
i i
398
HISTORY OP THE"
Carolina, to a place notorious for wickedness and ig¬
norance of religion. But it pleased his Master to be
with him here, and in a short time a considerable church
arose under his ministry. In 1782, he removed to
Georgia, where he spent the remainder of his days.
Here he became a companion in gospel labours with
Daniel Marshall, and they were for a time the only
ordained ministers in the upper part of the State.
The country was now new and in an uncultivated
state, both in a natural and a religious point of view.
At this time also disputes ran high between Whigs
and Tories, from which many evils resulted. Mr.
Walker not only became the laborious preacher of
the gospel, but the successful med.utor between con¬
tending parties, was the means of preventing many
evils amongst them, and of procuring much good for
those who were in trouble and want.
After spending a life of distinguished usefulness,
he finished his course with joy, in 1805, in the 65th
. year of his age.
JAMES MATTHEWS, SEN.
The subject of this Memoir was born in Virginia,
the 1 -5111 of October, A. D. 1755. His parents were
Moses and Sarah Matthews, who were poor, but rep¬
utable members of the "high church," as it was then
called, l"it without any knowledge of the regenera¬
ting influences of the Holy Spirit. Consequently they
taught their son nothing of the necessity of the new
hirth. While James was quite an infant, his parents
moved to South Carolina, where he grew up to man¬
hood, with scarcely any other'improvement than that
gained by the labors of the field in procuring the ne¬
cessary support for the family.
GEORGIA ASSOCIATION.
' 399
It pleased the Lord in his 15th year to excite in him
a. solicitude about his future state. It was not', how¬
ever till August of his 17th year, that he became the
fTibject of those heart searching' convictions, which re¬
sulted in his being brought about, about the middle of
October, into the liberty of the Gospel, by faith in
Christ. After enduring many doubts and fears for
several months, he was baptized in March the follow-
ing year, 1.773, by Jacob Gibson, the venerable pas¬
tor of the Baptist church on Little River, (ofBroad
River,) S. C. with which church he united. Under
the ministry of Mr. Gibson, he was nurtured for several
years. About this time, also, his parents, much to his
comfort, became hopeful subjects of divine grace, and
united with the same church—in which profession
they lived happily, and died hopefully in a good old
age.
Soon after our brother had obtained hope in Christ,
his mind became impressed with the condition of his
fellow men; and under a discourse from Elder A.
Marshall of Georgia, his feelings became so elevated,
that e're he was aware, he was exhorting the people.
After he was united with the church, his desire to do
good to the souls of his fellow creatures increased,
and he became more deeply impressed with the duty
of engaging in the ministry. But he was still deter¬
red by his want of suitable qualifications. To supply
his want of education, he endeavored to make attain¬
ments in learning, by every means in his power; but
for want of time and books, he never attained to that
degree which he so much desired. The revolution¬
ary war taking place, he was called into camp. Sur¬
rounded by loose, carnal company, he had but little
opportunity, and less suitableness of spirit, for preach¬
ing. Still he could not be at rest.
4'00'
HISTORY OF THB'
When far advanced in age, he wrote to a friend^,
that from the first dawn of his Christian hope, his mind'
was impressed' with the duty of publicly exhorting,,
though he had no expectation of entering upon the
ministry—nayr the very thought was too much for
him—but he could not suppress the desire to do good
to his fellow men.. He was much disposed to soli¬
tude, and sought occasions to ride alone to meeting-
One Sabbath morning, when thus riding alone on a pri¬
vate road, he was impressed to turn aside for prayer..
He did so, and while at prayer, the words, " I have
chosen you to preach the Gospel," seemed like thun¬
der to burst from heaven into his heart. But instantly
he felt a violent opposition to whatseemedtohimthe-
will of God. He went to meeting in extreme anguish..
At the close of the prayer, the minister said, " Send
thy Gospel far and wide; and for this end take thy
Gospel ministers near thee " At hearing these words,,
he seemed himself to be taken near, even into the
arms of the Saviour, and the words, " I have chosen
you to preach the Gospel/' rushed with double force
on his mind, and he trembled, so that he could scarce-
ly regain his seat. This left an abiding impression on
his mind that God had called him to preach the Gos¬
pel to a dying world. But still he hesitated,, under
an appalling sense of his want of qualifications.
In the mean time he had married a Mrs. Jenkins,,
a, member of the church, by whom he had one son.—
But it pleased God soon to remove her frofin him by
death. This trying bereavement was the occasion of his
becoming excited to a more active discharge of his duty,,
to which he was also encouraged by having received
the approbation of the church to preach the Gospel..
In 1782, he moved into the State of Georgia, witk
his little, motherless boy; and united, with, the Red's
GEORGIA ASSOCIATION,
401
creek church, under the care of Elder L. Savage, in
Columbia .county. He preached among them, and
.travelled as he had opportunity for two or three years.
Ha ving gained their approbation and esteem he was
called to ordination, and came under the imposition
of'hands by a Presbytery, namely, Elders, L. Sav¬
age, D. Tinsly, S. Walker, and A. Marshall in 17S5.
With these excellent men he lived in high esteem,
both as a Christian and as a minister, during their lives.
He now went forth as a missionary of the cross, filled
with a fervid -zeal for the Lord, and an ardent love
for the souls of men. He soon acquired general es¬
teem; and his career promised, as it has by the grace
of God accomplished, much usefulness. He married
his second wife in 178G, Miss Rebecca Carlton, who
is now his mourni-,' '■•}•<•(. She proved to be a-help
meet for him in J J ■ • r::\ helped him much in the
gospel." Of the tv c'-children, three of the sons
and an infant dang1 > •;. as also his first born son, are
gone to their long home. One of the sons has, since
the death of his father, been ordained to the gospel
ministry. The h'jn-f is a hopeful exhorter; and the
other three are a I and respectable citizens. The
three daughters ?!1 profess hope in Christ.
It was hot long before our brother attracted the at¬
tention of the churches, and was called into their ser¬
vice. The first church he was engaged with, was sit¬
uated on Briar Creek, in Burke county, at Botsford's
old- Meeting House.
This church was constituted before the revolution¬
ary war, under the ministry of that venerable man of
God, Rev. Edmund Botsford, after whom it is ©ailed
to this day. During the war it had dwindled almost
to extinction; but after his connexion with ifc> the
u2
402
HISTORY OF TKIT
work of the Lord prospered under his labors. And
in one year he had the unspeakable joy to lead sev¬
enty hopefully redeemed sinners into the yielding
stream, and bury them in baptism with Christ, in hope
of a glorious resurrection with him into eternal life.
The work spread, and two other churches were con¬
stituted, and the foundation of another was laid, which
afterwards was built up. The two constituted were
at Buckhead and Mobley's Pond. In the former he
baptized about fifty ; and many others in the latter,,
as well as at Rocky Creek, a branch of one of the chur¬
ches. But falling sick, and remaining with his family
in a declined state of health, he deemed it expedient
to leave the low country. He moved to Wilkes
county, and settled a farm on Clark's Creek, which
was his unchanged residence till death. Here he soon
became a member, and the pastor of the church at
Clarke's Station.
He undertook the pastoral care of this church about
the year 1789, and continued it about fifteen years,
D uring this period he enjoyed much satisfaction. He
had the esteem and confidence of church and people;
and labored much night and day for their good. His
zeal and fervent mind for the prosperity of the church
and for the salvation of his congregation are embalm¬
ed with his devout prayers and many tears, in the ten-
derest recollections of his numerous and affectionate
surviving friends. But the season was barren—a wide
spreading religious dearth afflicted the State in many
sections, and few churches suffered more than that ai
Clarke's Station. From the records of the Associa¬
tion it appears, very few were added to this church
by baptism during his connexion with it. At length
a contention took place in the church, which disposed
GEORGIA ASSOCIATION.
403
him to resign his office, and to unite himself with
the sister church at Fishing Creek.
Of this church also, he became the pastor a few
years before his death. In this relation he continu¬
ed as the pastor in much affection, till age and disease
made it necessary to retire from the office. But he
continued a member in much Christian love and es¬
teem with all the brethren till his death. The church
was in a very declined state when h6 joined it, and
received but few additions, (chiefly of blacks.) Of
late, however, a happy revival has taken place, and
within two years nearly a hundred members have
been added. It is now in a good state of resuscita¬
tion and joyful increase.
He was called-to the pastoral supply of several
other churches, according to the custom in this part
of the country, of having only one church-meeting in
a month. In this relation he was engaged with the
church in Elbert county, at Hebron.
He had been instrumental.in gathering and consti¬
tuting this church in the early part of his evangelical
ministry; but when he moved down the country,
Jeremiah Walker from Virginia became their pastor.
He had been the subject of the most shameful aposta-
cy; and professing restoration, he also professed a
change of sentiment, and adopted certain unscriptu-
ral opinions. He was instrumental of drawing off a
part of the members to his sentiments, and soon, (for
his powers of argumentation were great,) spread the
defection into other churches, and succeeded, by the
help of some other preachers, in effecting a division
in the Association. This division among the Bap¬
tists, (for at this time, there was only one Baptist As¬
sociation in Georgia,) filled the State with controver-
404
HISTORY OF THE
sy. In those severe conflicts, which tried men's souls,
our beloved brother was much shaken. He was af¬
fectionately connected with several of the seceding
party, and very much so with Mr. Walker, which cir¬
cumstance contributed not a little to his indecision and
want of firmness. But it pleased the Lord, as he be¬
lieved, to save him from this unsoundness of mind and
more than ever to confirm his sentiments respecting
the sovereign and free grace of God. In reference to
this fact onlv a little before his death, he wrote to a
friend thus:—" M y life is just gone—but had I a thou¬
sand lives and ten thousand tongues, I would willingly
spend them all in the ila'tghijul work ; in preaching the
same doctrines and in the same denomination—I say the
same doctrive--{\)v ovce, the great Jeremiah Walker had
well nigh led me to embrace the Arminian sentiments.
Had it not been for my experience, the works of
Providence and grace, more especially the character
and goodness of God, I sho' Id have embraced those
delusive errors." However, after his engagement
with the regular part of this church, the death of Mr.
Walker occurred, and his influence died with him;
several of the disaffected members returned and
sought union again with their deserted brethren ; and
better times ensued. He had the happiness of recei¬
ving sixty or seventy to baptism, and the fellowship
of the church in the term of his service with them,
which was about twenty-five years. But the Meet¬
inghouse being situated between Broad and Savannah
Rivers, and other churches being constituted in more
commodious places contiguous, and the number of
members diminishing by deaths and removals, the
church was regularly dissolved, and the members
united with the adjoining churches..
GEORGIA ASSOCIATION.
405
Our brother was early in his ministry engaged with
the church at Rocky Spring.
This church was situated in Wilkes, (now Lincoln)
county, near the Savannah River. ' Here he laboured
with good effect and much harmony and Christian af¬
fection for thirty years. He enjoyed two precious
revivals, and baptized many happy believers. His
own account is, " That in one of these gracious sea¬
sons I baptized near" by one hundredand it is a fair-
calculation that in the other, and at all other times,
he did not receive less than one hundred. But
we have no data at hand, which* will precisely
show how many. The veneration and Christian esti¬
mation in which he was held both by church and
people, fully appears in a letter and resolution he re¬
ceived from them on the occasion of his leaving.
He served the church, also, as a pastoral supply
for twenty years or more, at Newford.
This church lies in the north-east of Wilkes county,
and here the labors of our brother were blessed with
two precious revivals, in which he baptized more
than a hundred, and saw the work of the Lord pros-,
per in his hands. Here he laboured, till afflictions, a
few years before his death, made it necessary to retire
from all his pastoral services.
In the same capacity, he also attended a church in
South Carolina, at Buffaloe.
In this church he had not the happiness to enjoy
much success. He continued his labours for five
years, baptized a few only, and declined his attend¬
ance. He then gave his services to the church at
Greenwood.
Here he enjoyed a good degee of success. In
the short time he was engaged with this church, ho.
40$
HISTORY OF THE
■baptized about fifty. But some young ministers be¬
ing raised up, after two years he left the church to
iheir care and retired.
In the course of his ministry, which continued up¬
wards of forty years, he aided in the constitution of
five churches and in the ordination of twenty-one min¬
isters, and was the instrument of much usefulness.—
He died in a good old age of seventy-three years,
highly esteemed fur his work's sake. In his civil and
social life he was innocent, honorable and generous.
As a Christian he was devoted an I persevering. As
'a minister in prayer, fervent—in exhortation, warm—
in doctrine, clear—in all, arden', zealous and indefati¬
gable. He lived as he died in the Lord. His views
of himself were very humble ; he walked much in the
vale of fears, and conversed much with his own heart.
He often complained of his want of spiritual comforts,
to his confidential religious friends. Yet he was of¬
ten on the mount enjoying the light ofheaven and of
God.
He was particularly anxious for tKe salvation of his
children. He was zealous to "bring them up in the
nurture and admonition of the Lord." He poured
out his prayers and strong cries to God for them; yet
he saw no lasting symptoms of permanent hope, till
they were all grown, and chiefly settled in families.
This gave him "great heaviness and continual sorrow
in his heart." He made several unsuccessful ef¬
forts to have them all assembled together once be-
fore he died, that he might detail to them his own
Christian experience and ground of hope ; and* address
to them, as it were, his dying admonition. This he
effected, in connexion with a meeting to be continued
several days, held at the church near him, some tin^e
GEORGIA ASSOCIATION. 407
before his death. One evening they all repaired to
his house, together with several of his brethren in the
ministry; and having called the attention of all, he
stated his earnest desire for their salvation, and his
reasons for wishing them all together, and the design
ofhis address'. He then rehearsed at length, his re¬
ligious experience and hope of salvation ; mid with
much affection and earnestness exhorted them to. flee
from the wrath to come — to Jesus Christ the only
Saviour. All was solemn, immvsMve and interesting.
7 J O
It pleased GoJ, a little befi>; e his decease, to bring
his son, named after himself, to the hope of the Gos¬
pel, and to incline his mind to the ministry. His
daughters soon after became hopeful believers ; and
just before his de.it h, ;i not her son made a declaration
ofhis faith in Christ, and transmitted an account-of his
experience to h s father, but it was not received by
the family till it was too late.
Our beloved brother was the subject of severe and
protracted a'iliciions, which he bore wit!: patience
and fortitude.' In addition to many other infirmities
he lost his hearing. This was truly an affliction to
him, as it broke off, almost altogether, his social en¬
joyments and intercourse. But it was observed that
though he could not hear himself speak, he* preached
with more ardor and clearness than before. About two
years before his decease lie was sick, in the view of all
his friends and of himself, unto death. He was happily
sustained in his religious feelings. His beloved pas¬
tor, Rev. James Armstrong, visited him, to whom he
said, "After my departure, I wish you, or my broth¬
er Jesse Mercer—if he returns home in time, (for he
was in New York, attending the General Convention)
to deliver a discourse to my friends and brethren from
408
HISTORY OF THE
2 Cor. v. 8." But it was the will of God to raise
him up, and he afterwards enjoyed pretty good health;
and travelled and preached considerably. His last
tour was to attend the General Association of Geor¬
gia ; where he preached the closing sermon, under
sensible indications, as was reported by them that
heard him, that it was to be hrs last.
In his final sickness, he languished for many days.
His faith was fixed and his soul serene. When prayer
was about to be made, he perceiving it, said, "Pray
not for my recovery, for I wish to go." When almost
past articulation, he said to his much beloved broth¬
er Mercer, in broken accents, " I believe I shall die
of this disease.
" O, for some angel bands to bear
My soul up to the skies,
Where years of losg salvation roll,
And glory never dies."
His pain in some measure ceased for some time be¬
fore his death, and he lay quite composed, waiting till
his change should come ; which occurred on the after¬
noon of June 5th, 1828. His remains were deposi¬
ted in his own grave-yard, at his late residence. A
short time after, his funeral sermon was preached by
Mr. Mercer, from the text of his choice, "Willing
rather to be absent from the body, and to be present
with the Lord."
JOSEPH ROBERTS.
Brother Roberts emigrated to this State from Vir¬
ginia with Ms father, who settled on Little River,
Green county, and as he was a widower, with two or
three children, resided with him for some time. He,
as well as the.other members of the family, was a man
GEORGIA. ASSOCIATION.
409
*%? the world, intent after its amusements, and cared
but little abgut the great things of religion. But
in the great revival of 1802, '3 and'4, at Whatley"«
Mill M. H. (now Bethesda) it pleased God to call
ep the attention of this family to the interests of their
<soulfc. Brother Joseph soon became a hopeful sub¬
ject of that grace that saves the soul, and was receiv¬
ed. into the fellowship and regularly baptized into the
union of the church. ^
Not long after his connection with the church, it was
ascertained that he possessed talents which might be
"useful in building up the Redeemer's kingdom. But
as he married soon after, and removed near Powel-
ton, Hancock County, he exercised his gifts in that
church till he was ordained to the ministry.
Brother R. soon attracted the attention of the neigh¬
boring churches, and. was called to act as pastor in
several of them, from time to time, but as circumstan¬
ces made it proper, he changed from one to another,
•still residing however, in the same section of country
till his death.
Brother R. was much esteemed by his flock. Few
men, we think, ever possessed a talent better suited
to endear their people to them, than did he. He was
kind, and remarkably conversant amongst the poor
and weak of his charge.
In doctrine, brother R. was sound and evangelical.
His views were in accordance with the faith of the
Baptists in the State, and as we think, with the Scrip¬
tures of truth. The theme of his preaching was free
grace, Man's depravity from the fall of Adam, Regen¬
eration and Faith by the operation and influence of the
Holy Spirit, and Perseverence through grace to Eter¬
nal Life. He was also a practical preacher—urging
KK
410
HISTORY OF tfHH
to a prompt discharge of every Christian duty, by
present motives of gratitude—and he was generally
successful in leading his flock to abound in practical
godliness.-
Brother It. was friendly to the efforts of the day
to evangelize the world, but his zeal did not always
burn with the same steadiness and brightness. In this
respect he was like some others,- his ardor increased
as he advanced towards the close of his life.
But we close this short notice by inserting an obit¬
uary, prepared by a special friend, soon after his deaths
"Powelton, Nov. 16th, 1837.
Died, at his residence in Hancock county, on Sat¬
urday the 22nd October, the Rev. Joseph Roberts, in
the 67th year of his age, after a protracted spell of the
bilious fever, which he bore with much fortitude and
resignation. He had been long a useful and faithful
minister of the Gospel. His usefulness was abundant¬
ly manifest in his finding out weak and timid be¬
lievers, and stimulating them to come forward and
discharge their duty, by joining the chureh. At the
time of his death, he was the pastor and pastoral sup¬
ply of three churches. He left a dutiful and an affec¬
tionate wife and eight or nine children to mourn his
loss; but their loss, and the church's loss, is doubtless
his eternal gain. It may truly be said, he died the
death of the righteous. In a conversation with a bro¬
ther, a few days before his death, he seemed much
resigned and prayed to go! Should we not pray with
the Psalmist, and say, "Help Lord for the godly matt
c«aseth, and the faithful fall from among the children
of men. M. J."
GEORGIA ASSOCIATION.
411
JAMES ARMSTRONG.
Mr. Armstrong was born on the 20th of March,
1776, and raised in the State of New York. His pa¬
rents died when he was quite young. After he at¬
tained to the age of manhood, he removed to Savan¬
nah, Georgia. From accounts found in his books, it
appears that he was brought up and educated by a
Presbyterian clergyman. He embraced religion at
an early age and united with that Church. He was
■elected an elder in the Presbyterian Church in Sa¬
vannah, on the 27th of Feb. 1808. After some time
had elapsed, not being satisfied that the views, held
by the Church of which he was a member and an el¬
der, upon the subject of Baptism were scriptural, he
applied for baptism and membership with the Baptist
Church, and was accordingly baptized by Rev. Henry
Holcombe, on the 15th of May 1810; Sometime af¬
ter his baptism, Mr. A. removed with his family up
the country, and settled in Wilkes county, near Fish¬
ing Creek Meeting House. Of this Church, he be¬
came a member, and was subsequently appointed to
act as deacon. His ordination to this office took place
on the 6th of July 1816. But he was licensed to
preach Oct. 1814. His ordination as a minister oc¬
curred Oct. 11th, 1821.
Few men have been more useful, or have been
more generally beloved than Mr. Armstrong. To a
naturally good understanding, were joined, in this
good man, a sweetness of disposition and a cheerful¬
ness of heart, that rendered him at all times a very
agreeable companion. He neither offended by a for¬
bidding stiffness on the one hand, or a boyish frivolity
on the other. His humor was always chastened by a
mixture of piety; so that, if he made his friends smile,
fee at the game time m^de them feel,'
41?
HISTORY' OF TH*
As a Christian, his piety was of a high order*. ETr
was emphatically a working man ! Not that he work¬
ed to merit salvation, but that he might evince the ex¬
istence of grateful emotions in his heart, in view of the
great grace of God bestowed upon him as a sinner;,
enabling him to hope in the mercy of a compassionate
Saviour. Nor did he lose sight of the fact, that God
had assigned him, in common with christians general¬
ly, a highly important instrumentality in bringing
his rebellious fellow men, to a knowledge of the truth.
—for this he labored—for this he prayed.
As a Minister,. Mrj.A. was tr.uly interesting and in¬
structive. He did not tire his audience by telling
them the same thing, again and again, during an hour
and a half, but simply delivered his message, faithful¬
ly and affectionately, and then commended them to
the teachings of God's Spirit.
Mr. A. was an industrious, punctual minister. In¬
deed, these traits were strikingly manifest in all his
conduct, but especially in his conduct as a minister.
No ordinary difficulty could deter him from going
to the place appointed at the appointed- time- Nei¬
ther storms, nor rains, nor swollen streams, kept him,
from the house of God, at the hour fixed upon for the
commencement of worship. This characteristic en¬
ergy marked all his proceedings to the close of life..
And it is thought, that, to this may be attributed the
singular disease by which he was removed from the
world.
The winter of 1834 and' '5, was one of unparallel¬
ed severity for our climate.. But notwithstanding the*
intenseness of the cold, and the age of our friend,, he-
prosecuted with his usual ardor, his labors as Genei^
al Agent for the Georgia Baptist Convention.. Da>-
GEORGIA ASSOCIATION.
413
tug Which time, his teeth and jaw became much affec¬
ted, some of the former he had extracted, but the dis¬
ease, whatever it was, communicated itself to his
whole body, and finally terminated his earthly exis¬
tence, on the 2Sth of August 1835.
Mr. A. prior to his decease, had been for several
years the Treasurer of the Baptist Convention, men¬
tioned above. The duties of this office, which have
been increasing from the formation of the body, he
discharged, without fee or reward, to the entire satis¬
faction of his brethren.
Concerning the death of our brother, we may say
with the Psalmist, "mark the perfect man, and behold
the upright, for the end of that man is peace." Mr.
A. died as a christian man might be expected to die;
died, exercising a glorious hope of a blessed immor¬
tality—died, not leaving his friends sorrowing as those
who have no hope. His example will long be remem¬
bered by his surviving brethren, and the effect of his
counsels may be felt by generations yet to come.
JABEZ PLEIADES MARSHALL.
Jabez P. Marshall was the eldest son of the vener¬
able and lamented Abraham Marshall. He had an
only brother, and they were the only children of their
father. And as they were the children of rather his
old age, like Jacob of old, he entertained for them a
peculiar fondness. Jabez grew up rather in a prodi¬
gal way; full of the fashion and the pride of life, he
exhibited very little regard for religion, though his
father took great care to bring him up in the nurture
and admonition of the Lord. He was desirous also,
to afford him every opportunity for improvement and
for the acquisition of that knowledge which he thought
KK. 2
414"
History of
necessary to his future usefulness. Still, however,
Jabez was bent upon a course of evil, frivolity andf
vanity. While at College in Athens, Geo. he was'
very wild, and seemed more like a son of an Infidel,
than of a pious, Gospel minister. Some of his friends'
feared, that all the care and expence of his anxious
father would be lost, or turn to bad account.
But it was pleasing to the Lord, about the time our'
young friend graduated, or soon after, to bring his
mind under serious conviction for sin. He saw him¬
self a sinner, justly condemned by the holy law, and
exposed to everlasting wrath and misery. He knew
not what to do. It was then that he inquired anx¬
iously what he must do to be saved ? But could find
no relief, by all that he could do, till he at length came
to rely simply and alone upon Christ' and him cruci¬
fied. In him he saw a righteousness every way suf¬
ficient to justify him against all the claims of Divine
Justice; to pardon all his sins, though mountain-high
in magnitude and in number, and to render him ac¬
cepted in the beloved. Upon this he united with the
Church at the Kiokee, and soon aften began to ex¬
hort his fellow men to fly from the wrath to come.—
In due time, he was licensed to preach, and not a
great while thereafter, he was ordained to the work
of the ministry.
There was something in our young brother, per¬
haps constitutional, which gave him an air of vanity
and fickleness, and from which many of his friends
feared his success ; but he rose above all their fears
and soon convinced them that he was a chosen vessel
ofthe Lord, to be an able minister of the New Testa¬
ment. He succeeded his father in the pastoral office
in the Kiokee church, in which he served with increa¬
sing affection and usefulness, till his death.
GEORGIA ASSOdlAWOrr.
419
As it regards his religious sentiments he was strict¬
ly apredestinarian. His theme was free grace. He
believed that man, as a sinner, is totally depraved—»
dead in trespasses and sins, so that nothing good can
be done till that state is changed. And 1,hat this can
be done, alone by the spirit of life in Christ Jesus.
But still he held men to be morally bound to obey
God, according to his righteous claims on them as ra¬
tional beings, accountable for the right use of their
natural powers, and justly condemned for notrender-
ing them back to God, in holy obedience. That none
did this, and consequently all were justly condemned.
Pie inculcated practical religion on professors, as the
only evidence of a gracious state, and the means
whereby they can glorify God. He was a thorough
going Missionary, and engaged in all the benevolent
plans of the- day, zealously advocating every scheme
which seemed to be calculated to carry out the com¬
mission, and fulfil the commands of Christ.
As a preacher he was studious, aiming constantly
at a strict compliance with the injunction of Paul on
Timothy, regarding it as an injunction alike upon all
that minister in holy things_—"Study to show thyself
approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to
be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth."—
As the priests were tcT bring none but beaten oil into
the Tabernacle for light, our brother thought it wrong
for him to bring discourses into the church, which
cost him no care, and in this sense, attempt to worship
God with unbeaten oij.
In the delivery of his sermons he was clear, zeal¬
ous and touching, Sometimes, apart from his eccen¬
tricities, which were regretted by his friends, he was
eloquent and profound.
416
HISTORY OF THE
As it regards his general course, he Was persever*
ing, punctual and indefatigable. His body was frail*
and his constitution Vveak. It is believed his inces¬
sant labors and the little care he seemed to take of him¬
self were the cause, speaking after the manner of men,
of his early removal. The immediate cause of his
death was the Measles, which excited the latent dis¬
eases of his constitution, baffled all medical skill, and
terminated his earthly existence in April, 1832.
JOHN H. WALKER.
Mr. Walker was in early life a revolutionary sol¬
dier. And like many of his cotemporaries, found that
the tented field, was not the most favorable place for
the acquisition of elegant literature. But still, either
in the service of his country or elsewhere, he acquired
those attributes of character, which constituted him
an honorable and useful citizen. As an evidence that
he was held in high estimation by those who knew
him, he was sent to the State Legislature for several
years. What were his political opinions* or what the
measures he was desirous particularly to promote,
does not at this late day appear. We suppose that,
like all honest men, guided by the principles of com¬
mon sense and common prudence, he pursued such a
course, as he thought would best promote the inter¬
ests of his constituents.
Mr» W. was, when quite a young man, deeply im¬
pressed with the great importance of religion. And
when he was enabled to entertain a good hope thro'
grace, that God, for Christ's sake, had pardoned his
sins, he made a public profession of religion, and uni->
ted with the Baptist Church. At the time of his join¬
ing the Church, it may have been, for any thing now
GEOHGIA ASSOCIATION.
417
appearing to the contrary, very far from his expecta-
Goms ever to enter upon the arduous work of preach¬
ing the Gospel. Such we know has been the case
with very many, who subsequently, have become
zealous and highly useful ministers. We mention this
as the probable state of our brother's feelings in rela¬
tion to the ministry at the commencement of his reli¬
gious course, because he did not enter upon the busi¬
ness of preaching till several' years after he had made
a public profession. Circumstances often lead men
into the ministry. The necessity of the case, or the
nature of their religious exercises, often indicate the
path of duty upon this subject.
Brother Walker, as a preacher, could not be consi¬
dered an eloquent man. As already suggested, his
early training was in the camp instead of the college.
And even after the camp was broken up, and the din
of war ceased to be heard, his employments, in com¬
mon with those of most of his countrymen, were not
the best adapted to secure the requisites for elegant
speaking—the forest was to be felled—families were
to be provided for—and the foundations were to be
laid of our present and prospective greatness as a na^
tion.
But although we cannot claim for our brother any
high distinction on the score of oratory, he had other,
and perhaps higher excellencies, ite possessed a zeal
for the truth. Though not a bigot, he felt that it
was his duty, to contend earnestly for the faith once
delivered to the saints. The object of his ministry
was to glorify God, by a calm, plain and effectionate
exhibition of Gospel grace, through the mediatiorl of
Christ Jesus. In the prosecution of labors of this
kind, he spent several years, both as an evangelist,
413
HISTORY OF THB
and as a pastoral supply to several churches. With
what faithfulness and fidelity, these labors of love
were performed, there are many now alive to testify.
In the latter part of the year 1835, brother Walk'
er came to the conclusion to break up his residence
in Lincoln county, where he had long resided. This
course was probably dictated by a desire to bring his
worldly affairs, now grown to no inconsiderable di¬
mensions, within a narrower sphere. Or he may have
been induced to this step, in order that he might place
his family in a community, where the younger mem¬
bers of it, could enjoy the advantages of schools and
society in a greater extent than they could at the old
place. Whether one of these considerations or both,
operated on his mind we cannot tell; at any rate, he
commenced his removal to Monroe, Walton county,
in the winter of the above-mentioned year.
To 'those who have had experience upon this sub'
ject, it is well known that removals are always atten¬
ded with a great deal of anxiety of mind, as well as a
great deal of actual fatigue. To persons advanced in
age, this anxiety and fatigue often prove fatal. And
it is on this ground that we account for the fact, that
so many old people upon removing to a new place,
or even into a new house, presently die. Whether
we are right or not in regard to this matter, it appears
shat soon after ourfbrother arrived at his new home,
he was taken ill, with what is usually styled a had
cold. This disease soon assumed more serious symp¬
toms ; but still, his friends entertained no particular_ap-
prehensions concerning his case, as he was alternate¬
ly better. But suddenly his case exhibited a more
threatening aspect, and his earthly toils and anxieties
Were terminated ill the sleep of death,
GEORGIA ASSOCIATION.
410
3Bro. ~W. was more than once married. Mis last wife
£till survives him. He left also several small children,
and several that are grown, married and settled. In
addition to these, he has left behind many acquaintan¬
ces and friends, who will long cherish an affectionate
remembrance of his many virtues and his Godly ad¬
monitions. He died in the 74th year of his age. The
righteous shall be in everlasting remembrance.
It is always pleasant to review the life of a good,
man—to consider the causes that operated to lead
him into the paths of virtue and wisdom—to reflect
upon the objects he labored to promote during lifei
But alas, for us! these things often lie so far back on
the path of time, that they are forgotten—forever for¬
gotten ! This remark is emphatically true, when ap¬
plied to many of our good old brethren, long since in
glory, and it is made to induce the present generation
to be more particular with respect to the history of
those who are about to take their final departure from
us.