ijl^j^aij^ i , . ' "■■■"" 1 ^ #^^^^^ '""Jtl-,, O PPTTSrr!F.TO"PT. N. J. 'vO PRINCETON, N. J. Presented by Mr. Samuel Agnew of Philaddlphia, Pa. Agnczv Coll. on Baptism, No. Digitized by the Internet Arcinive in 2011 witii funding from Princeton Tiieoiogicai Seminary Library http://www.arcliive.org/details/minutesofpliiladeOOphil MINUTES OP THE PHILADELPHIA BAPTIST ASSOCIATION, A. D. 1707, TO A, D. 1807; BEING THE FIRST ONE HUNDRED YEAES OF ITS EXISTENCE. EDITED BY A. d/gILLETTE, A.M. PASTOR OF THE ELEVENTH BAPTIST CHTIRCH, PHILADELPHIA. PHILADELPHIA: AMERICAN BAPTIST PUBLICATION SOCIETY, 118 ARCH STREET. 18 5 1. NOTICE. At its 136th Anniversary, in 1843, the Philadelphia Baptist Association appointed a Committee to collect its early Minutes for publication. Efforts were immediately commenced, and have been sedulously followed up, till now, it is believed, we have all that can be procured. At the meeting of the Association, in 1846, A. D. Gillette, Chairman of the Committee reported, " That through the kindness of Mrs. Harris, daughter of Samuel Jones, D. D. ; Thomas Shields, since deceased, and others, we have obtained Minutes of various Sessions entire, as early as 1729. Deficiencies can be generally supplied of antecedent Sessions from the origin of the body, 1707, from a book kept with great care, by order of the Association. In 1777, there are no Minutes, the Association not having met that year, on account of the occupancy of Philadelphia by the British army. " The Association ordered that the Minutes for the first Century, with Dr. S. Jones' Centennial Sermon, be published, believing that they contain matters of great value to the churches. The Circular Letters, especially, are a fund of rich theology." At a meeting of the Committee, H. G. Jones, D. D., was requested to prepare a preface, and A. D. Gillette was appointed Editor, with instructions to preserve, as far as possible, the ancient style of composition, as found in the original Minutes. HORATIO G. JONES, 1 HOWARD MALCOM, A. D. GILLETTE, WILSON JEWELL, JOSEPH TAYLOR, WM. SHADRACH, Phiiadelphia, May, 1851. Committee. Entered, according to Act of Congress, in the year 1851, by the AMERICAN BAPTIST PUBLICATION SOCIETY, In the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the United States, in and for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. STEREOTYPED BY GEORGE CHARLES. PRINTED BY KING 4 BAIRD. ^refare. The Philadelphia Association originated with churches planted by members from Wales. Attracted by the freedom of religious opinion established by Penn, they purchased and settled large tracts of land as early as 1683. Hence the Welsh names so common in Eastern Pennsylvania, such as Tredijffrun, Uchland, Radnor, Merion, &c. Many of the descendants of these most excellent people remain in these parts to this day. The first Baptist church in Pennsylvania, permanently planted, is believed to be that at Pennepek, a few miles north of the city. One had existed feebly at Coldspring, in Bucks County, for a short period, of which the father of the celebrated Dr. Benjamin Rush is supposed to have been a member. His remains, with a headstone, lie in the burial ground of this church, long since disused. The Welsh tract church, now in Delaware, was next founded. Soon after, churches arose at Middletown, Piscataqua and Cohan- sie, in New Jersey, and then followed the constitution of the Philadelphia Association, embracing the churches given in the following record : — This Association has maintained, from its origin, a pro- minent and important standing in the denomination. It 4 PREFACE. has been favored with the services of many distinguished ministers — men of eminent piety, solid judgment and finished education. Among these are found the names of Morgan Edwards, Abel Morgan, John Gano, Samuel Jones, David Jones, Keach, Griffith, Rogers, Ustic, Holcombe, Staughton, Brautly, and others, who have gloriously fought the fjood fidit. "O' In every period of its existence the Association has firmly maintained the soundest form of Scripture doctrine ; nor could any church have been admitted, at any period, which denied or concealed any of the doctrines of grace. The New Testament has always been its only rule of faith and practice, as with all Baj)tists, To let the world know how we understand the teachings of the Holy Ghost in these inspired books, the Association published, in 1742, its Confession of faith and discipline. This is in substance the same as that of the ancient Baptists in Poland and Bohemia; and of the Mennonites in Holland, and the early Enghsh and Welsh churches. This confession was published by ministers and brethren, representing about forty churches, met in London, in 1689. It was printed for the Philadel- phia Association by Benjamin Franklin, and numerous editions have since been issued. Throughout the United States it is generally considered as the standard of ortho- doxy among Baptists. It differs but slightly from the Westminster confession of faith published by " the Assem- bly of Divines." By the formation of new churches, this Association extended over Virginia and New York, embracing a dis- tance of about 400 miles, and including, on the North, the PREFACE. church at Amenia, Dutchess Co., N. Y., and Horseneck in Greenwich, Connecticut, on the East; and on the South, Ketockton in Virginia. The multiplication of churches caused the formation of the Ketockton, Baltimore, Salis- bury and Delaware Associations, on the South; the Shaf- tesbury, Warren, Warwick, and New York Associations, on the North; the New Jersey, on the East; and Bedstone and Monongahela, on the West. These have since been frequently divided, as the churches became too numerous to meet in one place. The Philadelphia Association, from the first, has engaged earnestly in efforts for the proper education of its ministers and the spread of the gospel in the world. Bhode Island College, now Brown University, received its patronage and contributions from its origin, as the subsequent minutes show. It will be seen also that, from the first, it has been an effective missionary body. Hundreds of churches have been gathered by the able and self-denying men, sent out at its expense to regions where no religious privileges had before been enjoyed. The Aborigines were not overlooked in this labor of love. Among other efforts, the Bev. David Jones, before the American Bevolution, made a missionary excursion, at his own expense, to the Indians of what was then the " Far West." This was among the first, if not the very first, ecclesias- tical body in America, it is beUeved, which took a stand on the subject of temperance. The following is copied from the Minutes of 1788 : — " This Association, taking into con- sideration the ruinous effects of the great abuse of distilled liquors throughout this country, take this opportunity of 6 PREFACE. expressing our hearty concurrence with our brethren of several other religious denominations, in discountenancing them in future, and earnestly entreat our brethren and friends to use all their influence, to that end, both in their own families and neighbourhood, except when used as a medicine." This was the first Baptist Association formed in the United States. From its earliest history it has been for- ward in the work of Domestic Missions. The pastors were requested, and the churches urged, to be liberal in aiding them to visit destitute churches and settlements. Morgan Edwards, in 1771, and John Gano, afterwards, were appointed "Evangelists," and sent into remote regions, especially South, to preach the gospel, and counsel the feeble churches, and instruct the scattered disciples of Christ. The design of founding Rhode Island College originated in this body. P. P. Vanhorn, Stephen Ustic, and Charles Thompson, were students in this institution ; as were also William Rogers and Burges Allison, Doctors of l)ivinity. As early as 1722, "it was proposed for the churches to make inquiry among themselves, if they have any young ]3ersons hopeful for the ministry, and inclinable for learn- ing; and if they have, to give notice of it to Mr. Abel Morgan, before the first of November, that he might recom- mend such to the Academy, on Mr. Hollis, his account." " 1776. Concluded to raise a sum of money among our churches for the encouragement of a Latin grammar school, Mr. Isaac Eaton to be master thereof." PREFACE. 7 "1764. Agreed to inform the churches to which we respectively belong, that, inasmuch as a charter is obtained in Rhode Island government, toward erecting a Baptist college, the churches should be liberal in contributing towards carrjdng the same into execution." "1776. Agreed to recommend warmly to our churches the interests of the college, for which a subscription is opened all over the Continent: this college hath been set on foot upwards of a year, and has now in it three promising youths, under the tuition of President Manning." The publication of useful books, for general circulation, was suggested, in 1749, by the following: — " Concluded, that every church belonging to this Asso- ciation should consider that our principles are attacked anew, and monstrously rejDresented ; therefore, in order to our vindicating and justifying the same, money may be gathered in every congregation, in readiness against the next Association ; and we hope timely notice shall be given both of the number of the books to be printed, and what the charge shall be to print them." The reader of these minutes will see that the Divine blessing has rested on this band of disciples. At its com- mencement there were but about five hundred souls enrolled on its register. Now the denomination embraces nearly a million of communicants. At first, five churches consti- tuted the body : now there are sixty-four, though a host of churches have been dismissed to form other Associations, and our geographical limits are scarcely more than the hundredth part of the first boundary. 8 PREFACE. With the growth of the body, evangelical efforts have correspondingly increased, till the world has become its field, and large sums are annually raised to send out mis- sionaries, translate and distribute the Holy Scriptures, educate ministers, multiply books and tracts, and extend all other divinely appointed means of grace. H. G. JONES. AN ASSOCIATION BOOK, CONTAINING A BEIEF ACCOUNT BEGINNING AND PROGRESS OP THE CHURCHES HOLDING AND PRACTISING ADULT BAPTISM, AND COMMONLY CALLED BAPTISTS, IN PENNSYLVANIA AND THE JERSIES; NOW ANNUALLY ASSOCIATING AT PHILADELPHIA : WITH THE TIME WHEN, AND THE PERSONS BY WHOM EACH CHURCH WAS SETTLED, AND WHO WERE THE MIN- ISTERS THAT LABORED AMONG THEM IN EACH CHURCH. TOaETHER ALSO WITH AN ACCOUNT SEVERAL AFFAIRS THAT CAME TO BE CONSIDERED BY THE ASSOCIATION, SINCE IT WAS SETTLED, AS FAR AS THE MINUTES OF THE SAME COULD BE FOUND. COLLECTED PURSUANT TO AN ORDER OF THE ASSOCIATION, CONVENED SEPTEMBER 19, ANNO DOMINI, 1749, Note. — The above notice and the following records are gathered from minutes kept in compliance with an order of the Association, by Benjamin Griffith, down to 1760. After this, Morgan Edwards was probably the scribe, as the records axe in his remarkably legible hand- writing so late as 1799. — Ed. A BRIEF NARRATIVE OF THE CHURCHES HOLDING BELIEVERS' BAPTISM, IN PENNSYLVANIA AND THE JERSEYS. THE CHUKCH AT LOWER DUBLIN, IN THE COUNTY OF PHILADELPHIA, PROVINCE OF PENNSYLVANIA. By the providence of God, several persons from Radnorshire, in Wales, being baptized, upon profession of faith, members of a meet- ing, in the parish of Llanddowi, Henry Gregory, pastor, came over into this province and settled near Pennepek Creek. In the year of our Lord 1687, came Mr. Elias Keach, son of Mr. Benjamin Keach, of London, and preached unto the people there and at parts adjacent; at or about which time the above said persons, by name John Eaton, George Eaton, Samuel Jones, and John Watts, with others baptiz-ed by the said Elias Keach, agreed, by the advice of the said Mr. Keach, to set a day apart, and by fasting and prayer to settle themselves in a church state ; which when they had solemnly accomphshed, they made choice of the said Keach to be their pastor. In the year 1692, Mr. Keach went home to England, and the church called the above named John Watts to be their minister. Samuel Jones and others were called to exercise their gifts, and to preach at home, while their minister went abroad. At this time, the church had several distant places to meet in by appointment, as at Philadelphia, Burlington, &c., where several persons that were members of the church resided, and they held their communion at the Lord's table at these several places; and by means of those gifted brethren their meeting at Pennepek was constantly supplied. In the year 1702, Mr. Watts died ; and the public work lay upon Samuel Jones, John Hart, and Evan Morgan, who, with the assistance of Thomas Griffith and others, carried on the work in town, and in the country, for a while. In the year 1706, Samuel Jones and Evan Morgan were set apart to the work of the ministry by ordination, Messrs. Thomas KilHngs- worth, Thomas Griffith, and Elisha Thomas, assisting. 11 12 NARRATIVE OF THE CHURCHES In the year 1708, Joseph Wood was ordained for the work of the ministry, with Samuel Jones and Evan Morgan. In the year 1709, on the 16th of February, Evan Morgan departed this life. In the year 1710, in December, Mr. Nathaniel Jenkins, from Carmarthenshire, in South Wales, arrived at Philadelphia ; he being an ordained minister, was received as such, and laboured in the exercise of his function, at Philadelphia and Pennepek, with the other brethren, till the summer following, when he removed to Cape May. In the year 1711, in April, came Thomas Selby from Ireland, but was not ordained ; and after causing a great deal of trouble by his ill behaviour, he went away to Carolina in 1712. In 1711, came Mr. John Burrows, from Taunton In the West of England, and being an ordained minister, did exercise at Phila- delphia, to the satisfaction of all well disposed Christians, till he removed to Middletown, 1713. In the year 1712, about the middle of February, came, pur- suant to letters of invitation from the Church of Philadelphia and Pennepek, Mr. Abel Morgan, being an ordained minister, and had the care of a church at Blaene Gwent, in South Wales, many years before he came over to this province, and was afterwards chosen pastor of the church; and so continued till he departed this life, which was on the 16th of December, 1722 ; Mr. Samuel Jones being departed in the year 1721, February 3. After the decease of the said pastor, this church at Philadelphia and Pennepek were destitute of an ordained minister, and had among themselves no ministerial supply but Mr. William Kinnersly, who was a gifted brother, and very useful, regular man ; but being both aged and having several bodily infirmities, Mr. Jenkin Jones came from the church at Welsh Tract, in Newcastle county, to be their minister, which was in the year 1726 ; and after some time of continuance with the said church, Mr. Jones was unanimously chosen to be their pastor, and so continued until the year 1746, when the brethren residing in Philadelphia requested a dismission from the church at Pennepek, in order to incorporate a distinct church; which being granted, Mr. Jones was dismissed with the other city members ; at and before which time, Mr. Peter Peterson Vanhorn and some others were upon trial for the ministry. In the year of our Lord 1747, the church at Pennepek made choice of the above named Peter Peterson Vanhorn to officiate among them in the work of the ministry ; and accordingly appointed a day of fasting and prayer, being the 18th of June, in the year aforesaid. After solemn prayers unto God, and a sermon suitable to the occasion, preached by Mr. Jenkin Jones, they proceeded to the ordination of the said person, having called to their assistance their former minis- ter, Mr. Jenkin Jones, and Benjamin Griffith, John Davis, and Joshua Potts, who, by solemn prayer to God, laid their hands upon him, and afterwards gave him the right hand of fellowship as a minister of the gospel of Jesus Christ. HOLDING believers' BAPTISM. 13 THE CHURCH AT PISCATAQUA. IN NEW JERSEY. About the year 1686, Mr. Thomas Killingsworth first planted or settled this church, and preached the gospel to them a considerable time. After his removal, the church had the ordinances of the gospel administered among them until the year 1715; about which time Mr. Drake was ordained, and he continued to preach and to adminis- ter the ordinances until about the year 1729 ; and then, by reason of his great age, he desisted preaching, but continued to administer the ordinances. About that time, Henry Lovall, from New England, came among them, who preached for the space of two years upon trial, and then was ordained, but never administered the ordinances ; for, soon after his ordination, he behaved himself in so disorderly a manner that he was excommunicated from the church. About which time, Mr. Benjamin Stelle was called to preach among them, and was approved and set apart by solemn ordination. Their number, when first settled, was no more than six persons, and continued very small for the space of twenty years, and then began to increase, and came to be about twenty in number, and is since increased to upwards of one hundred. The above account was sent by Mr. Stelle, 1746. >*^^,^^^#^^^^SfVS. THE CHURCH AT MIDDLETOWN. Though there is no particular record of the time when, nor the manner how, the baptized believers at Middletown did incorporate, yet it appears there were several Baptists in those parts from the first settling of the land; for in the year 1687, when the church of Lower Dublin did incorporate, it is recorded that the brethren there did advise the brethren at Middletown to incorporate likewise ; and it is remembered that James Aston and James Brown were teaching elders among them, at first planting ; and about the year 1690, Mr. Elias Keach lived one year amongst them, and preached to them: Mr. Thomas Killingsworth also visited them. In times following, there happened a grievous contention, and thereupon a division, among them of Middletown; and in the year 1712, other churches sent to assist them several ministers and messengers, viz. : Timothy Brooks, Abel Morgan, Joseph Wood, Elisha Thomas, Nicolas Johnson, Griffith Miles, James James, Edward Church, William Bettrig, and John Manners ; who, being called by them, and sent by the other churches, being come among them, Avere desirous to undertake the deciding of matters of difference between them. Accordingly they did; and among other things it was judged, that to the intent to bring things into right order, they should subscribe to Elias Reach's 14 NARRATIVE OF THE CHURCHES Confession of Faith, at least to the Covenant annexed to it ; and in case that all could not find freedom to subscribe the said Confession and Covenant, that if such a number as might act as a church should do so, such should be deemed, and be really owned, the only regular Baptist Church in those parts ; and the said persons advised further, that such as could not subscribe should be dealt tenderly with ; and accordingly. Anno 1712, forty-two did subscribe, and twenty-six did not- Upon this Constitution, or Restoration, the Church at Middle- town hitherto stands. In the year 1713, Mr. John Burrows came to be their minister, and continued their minister during his life. Sometime after his death, George Eaglesfield preached among them till he died. In the year 1739, Mr. John Coward was called to exercise his gifts upon trial, who preached chiefly at Crosswicks, and still does among the brethren members of the church at Middletown. In the year 1739, Abel Morgan, from the Welsh Tract, at the request of the Church of Middletown, came to serve them in the gospel ministry, and is now living. As this church meets in two distant places, viz., at Middle- town and Crosswicks, the Lord's Supper is observed in each place, once in two months alternately : one month in the one place, and the other month in the other place. '-s/v,/^s/>>^#y.^^^ THE CHURCH AT COHANSIE. The chui'ch of baptized believers at Cohansie was first planted and settled by Mr. Thomas Killingsworth, about the year 1690, (as may be gathered from a paragraph in Pennepek Church Book, page the 7th,) who laboured in the work of the ministry at Cohansie, Salem, and Penn's Neck, till he departed this life, which was in the year 1709 ; before which time, Mr. Timothy Brooks, from New England, being in those parts, and had kept a separate meeting, on account of some difference between them in some points. After Mr. Killings- worth's decease, they united, and Mr. Brooks became their minister, and continued several years with them, even till he was removed by death. After his decease, this church requested of the chnrch at Cape May, and obtained assistance once a month for some time. About that time, William Butcher, a very hopeful young man, from Chester county, in Pennsylvania, married a wife, at Cohansie, and settled there, and preached among them, and was there ordained, and did ofiiciate in the ministry, to their great satisfaction, for about two years, and then was removed by death; whereupon the church renewed their request to Cape May, and Mr. Nathaniel Jenkins supplied them again, as formerly, for several years ; and Mr. Jenkins, finding great success, by the blessing of God on his monthly visits at Cohansie, and his people at the Cape declining, very many removed by death, in the great sickness that God visited those with, and many others removed to remote parts; and others some, to become care- HOLDING believers' BAPTISM. 15 less and others disorderly; lie thought his call to Cohansie to be clear, and therefore removed there ; at the same time resolved to visit the people at the Cape as often as he could ; and so continues, though now grown aged and his strength declining, yet expresses his thankfulness to God that he sees some growing gifts that are like to be useful when he is called home. This account was sent by Mr. Nathaniel Jenkins, in 1746, and things remain in the same station in 1749. '*-^S/S/S/^-^'^ THE CHURCH AT THE WELSH TRACT, IN THE COUNTY OF NEWCASTLE UPON DELAWARE. This church was constituted in Pembrokeshire, in South Wales, in the year 1701, at which time the first members of this church were about to come over into Pennsylvania ; they then, by the advice and counsel of the churches they came from, in Pembrokeshire and Car- mathenshire, entered into a church covenant, and state their number was sixteen persons ; and among them was the Rev. Mr. Thomas Griffith, to be their minister. After their arrival in this country, they lived, near two years, near Pennepek and the parts adjacent ; keeping together and meeting, as they were a distinct church, and had considerable addition to their number. In the year 1703, they removed and settled at the Welsh Tract aforesaid, and continued successful: and the said Mr. Griffith continued with them until he died, which was on the 25th of August, Anno Domini 1725 : during which time, several able gifted ministers were raised, by the blessing of God, in the said church; they were Elisha Thomas and Enoch Morgan, both members when the said church was first constituted ; the said Elisha Thomas was chosen pastor of the church, and after were Jenkin Jones, who removed to Philadelphia, and Owen Thomas. In the year 1730, Elisha Thomas died, and the said church continued under the ministry of the said Mr. Enoch Morgan and Mr. Owen Thomas ; during which time, God raised up other two in the said church ; viz., Mr. Abel Morgan, who since removed to Middletown, in East Jersey, and Mr. David Davis. On the 25th of March, 1740, died the said Enoch Morgan, and the church continues under the ministry of the said Owen Thomas and David Davis. This narrative sent by the Rev. Owen Thomas, A. D. 1746, and they continue, as above last related, in the year 1749. N. B. That this church appears to be very regular in its first Bettlement, and hath been the best supplied with ministers of any church belonging to this Association. 16 NAERATIVE OF THE CHURCHES THE CHURCH AT THE GREAT VALLEY, OR TREDIFFRUN, IN THE COUNTY OF CHESTER, PA. In or about the years 1701 and 1702, some persons of our deno- mination came from South Wales, members at Rhydwillym, John Jenkins, pastor ; settled in these parts, and being but few and desti- tute of ministerial' helps, they made application to the church at the Welsh Tract ; and as a branch of that church were supplied by their ministers, and being increased by some additions, by the blessing of God on means among them ; in the year 1710, several persons that were members at Rhydwillym aforesaid, and other places, came into the province and settled in that neighbourhood. In the year 1711, they were advised to put themselves in church order by themselves, for they were far distant from other churches, and especially from the Welsh Tract, where hitherto they belonged as a branch of that church. Accordingly, in the month of April, 1711, a day was set apart, by fasting and prayer, to accomplish this solemn work, having for their assistance Mr. Elisha Thomas, and others from the Welsh Tract church, and after solemn prayers to God for his blessing, they gave themselves to God, and to one another in the Lord, according to 2 Cor. viii. 5, and had a right hand of fellowship as a sister church ; and at the same time did unanimously choose Hugh Davis, an ordained minister, from South Wales, to be their minister, who is yet living, but past acting by reason of age. In the year 17 — , John Davis, after due trial of his gifts, was called to the work of the ministry by solemn ordination, and is still their minister. This church assembled chiefly, for many years, at the dwelling house of Richard Miles, in the township of Radnor, and afterward, for the convenience of the generality of the congregation, they built a meeting-house in the township of Trediffrun, in the said county of Chester. »*y\^#/.'^'^#^^*^ THE CHURCH AT CAPE MAT. There were some Baptists at that place almost as soon as that county was settled. Most knowing and noted was Mr. George Taylor, who used to exhort and pray with such as came to his house to him. In process of time, Mr. George Eaglesfield came there, and preached to them for some years; but he not endeavouring to gather a church, the few enlightened of their duty disliked him. Some of them went to Philadelphia and were baptized there, and got acquainted with the Rev. Thomas Griffith, an aged and first minister of the Baptist Church at Welsh Tract, and requested him to give them a visit, which he did, and tarried with them about half a year, HOLDING believers' BAPTISM. 17 and baptized several persons; and because he could not tarry longer, he departed, well respected. He directed them where and to whom to make application for a minister to settle amongst them, there being some from Wales arrived in Pennsylvania; and Nathaniel Jenkins, having left Philadelphia and moved to Pennepek, with an intent to settle, but had not, to him then and to the church they made their request, and he first gave them a visit early in the Spring, Anno Domini 1712 ; and they requested him to come and settle among them ; which call he accepted, and in the month of May moved to the Cape. And towards the end of June, in the same year, 1712, the members, with the said minister, having sent for Mr. Brooks, of Cohansie, and some others, to assist them, they were settled and constituted a particular church of Jesus Christ, and owned as a sister church by those then present. The said Mr. Jenkins continued with them several years ; but having little success, after a few years at first, Mr. Jenkins, for reasons mentioned at pages 14-15, removed to Cohansie, but continued visiting the Capes as often as he could; and about 1743, he, seeing some new life again stirring, encouraged some young ministers to visit them, and to see if they could reap any fruit of the seed formerly sown there. The first that he pre- vailed with to go was Mr. Abel Morgan. Mr. Jenkins acquainted him that there was a relick of a well founded church there; if he found lively stones to build upon it; and afterwards, Mr. Jenkin Jones, Mr. David Davis, Mr. Thomas Davis, besides Mr. Jenkins, visited and baptized many : so they are now a competent number of warm and loving disciples, and have one of themselves to be their minister, viz., Nathaniel Jenkins, eldest son of their former minister, to their good content and great satisfaction. •*^Ar^N^^-«^ "^^W THE CHURCH AT HOPEWELL. Several persons of the denomination of Baptists settled in and about Hopewell, in Jersey ; some of them members of the Baptist church of Middletown, and others members at Philadelphia and Pen- nepek ; and being remote from those churches, it was thought more for their benefit to be settled in a church-state by themselves, and accordingly they obtained dismissions from the said churches, and the assistance of their ministers and elders, by name Mr. Abel Mor- gan, Mr. John Burrows, Mr. Griffith Miles, Mr. Joseph Todd, and Mr. William Kinnersly; and on the 22d day of April, 1715, being a day appointed by fasting and prayer, they entered into a church covenant, and were owned a sister church, the number of persons being fifteen or sixteen, as appears by Pennepek Church Book, page 55. This church was afterwards visited chiefly by the said Abel Morgan, John Burrows, and Joseph Wood, until 1721, when Thomas Symmons came among them, and preached to them about 3 18 NARRATIVE OF THE CHURCHES two years, tlien removed to Carolina ; and, after tliis, Mr. Eaglesfield preached there once a month, and others visited them at times. In the year 1727, they requested assistance from the church at Mont- gomery, and obtained Benjamin Griffith to visit them alternatively one month and Joseph Eaton another, for some time, and Joseph Eaton continued to supply them several years. About the year 1741, Thomas Davis, from the Great Valley, came, and settled with tliem about three years ; and some time afterwards, James Carman and Benjamin Miller visited them. Malachia Bonham also preached among them in the year 1748. Isaac Eaton, from the church of Southampton, removed to the church at Hopewell, and being approved, ■was there ordained to be their minister; and their number is now esteemed one hundred and twelve. This narrative dated December 26, 1749. ►^>##<' THE CHURCH NEAR BRANDYWINE. There being divers persons in the townships of Providence, Bur- ningham, and the parts adjacent that were baptized ; some of them members of the church at Philadelphia, others elsewhere, and some of them were of the number that in the year 1690 had in some man- ner joined with those of Salem, &c., under the ministry of the Rev. Mr. Killingsworth ; these, on the 14th day of June, Anno Domini 1715, at a meeting for that purpose appointed at the dwelling-house of John Powell, in Providence aforesaid, in the county of Chester, in the province of Pennsylvania, having for their assistance and direction the Rev. Mr. Abel Morgan, of Philadelphia, and some bre- thren from the church at the Welsh Tract, were constituted and settled in Gospel church, ordered, and owned, and declared as a sister church; and they, having no ministerial helps among them- selves, depended altogether upon the assistance they could obtain from sister churches. In 1717, they concluded, for the better con- venience of most of the members, to keep their meetings chiefly in the township of Burningham ; and so continued till the year 1741 ; and then agreed to keep monthly meetings alternately ; one month at Burningham, and the other month in the township of Newlin, in the same county, for the convenience of many of the members removed thither. About a year after, they thought proper to settle their monthly meetings altogether to the aforesaid township of Newlin. They have been, since their first settling at Burningham, in 1717, assisted with ministerial helps from the sister church at the Welsh Tract, and continue to be thence assisted hitherto. Dated, 1749. HOLDING BELIEVEKS' BAPTISM. 19 THE CHURCH AT MONTGOMERY, IN THE COUNTY OF PHILADELPHIA. In the year 1710, John Evans, and Sarah, his wife, from a church in Carmarthenshire, in South Wales, (James James, minister,) came over and settled in Montgomery aforesaid.. In 1711, came John James, and Elizabeth, his wife, from Pembrokeshire, members of the church at Rhydwillym, (John Jenkins, minister,) and settled in the same neighbourhood. After some time, Mr. Abel Morgan visited them, and preached to as many as came to hear, at the house of John Evans ; and after his visiting for some time, as often as he could, several persons were proposed for baptism, which was administered by Mr. Morgan. In the year 1719, it was moved to them either to join with some neighbouring church, as that of Pennepek, being the nighest, or to be settled in gospel order as a distinct church by themselves. Upon which they consulted, and concluded, by reason of the distance of place and diversity of language, they understand- ing very little English, to be rather a church by themselves. Their conclusion being approved by Mr. Morgan, a day was set apart for the solemnizing of this great work, being the 20th day of June, 1719 ; and Mr. Abel Morgan, and Mr. Samuel Jones, being present to assist and direct in the Avork of the day, the first part being spent in fast- ing and prayer, with a sermon preached by Mr. Morgan, suitable to the occasion, they proceeded. Being asked whether they were desirous and freely willing to settle together as a church of Jesus Christ, they all answered in the affirmative; and being asked whether they were acquainted with one another's principles, and satisfied with one another's graces and conversation, it was also answered in the affirmative ; and then for a demonstration of their giving of them- selves up, severally and jointly, to the Lord, as a people of God and a church of Jesus Christ, they all lifted up their right hand. Then were they directed to take one another by the hand, in token of their union, declaring, at the same time, that as they had given themselves to God, so they did give themselves also to one another by the will of God, 2 Cor. viii. 5, to be a church according to the gospel ; to wor- ship God and maintain the doctrines of the gospel, according to their ability, and to edify one another. Then were they pronounced and declared to be a church of Jesus Christ ; a right hand of fellow- ship was given to them as a sister church, with exhortations and instructions suitable to the station and relation they now stood in ; and the whole was finished with solemn prayer to God for a blessing on the work of the day. Their number, nine or ten persons. Mr. Morgan continued to visit them, and administer the ordi- nances among them ; they were also supplied by Mr, Elisha Thomas, and other ministering brethren from the Welsh Tract. They soon had William Thomas, and John James, as gifted brethren to preach among them. In the year 1722, the church being considerably increased in number, they called the following persons to exercise 20 NARRATIVE OF THE CHURCHES their gifts upon trial: — John James, David Evans, Benjamin Griffith, and Joseph Eaton ; and in the year 1725, the church unanimously agreed to call the said Benjamin Griffith to the work of the ministry by solemn ordination ; which was accomplished on the 23d day of October, 1725 : Mr. Elisha Thomas, and Mr. Jenkin Jones, acting and assisting by the call of the church. The church, in the year 1727, called Joseph Eaton to the work of the ministry by ordination, which was accomplished on the 24th day of October ; Mr. Elisha Thomas and their other minister, Benjamin Griffith, officiating at his ordination. In the month of April, 1749, Joseph Eaton died, and Benjamin Griffith continued in the work, assisted by a hopeful young man, named John Thomas, not yet ordained. February 1st, 1749. THE CHURCH AT BETHLEHEM. Several members of the Baptist church at Hopewell having removed and settled in and about Bethlehem, they the said mem- bers, and others added there, requested a dismission from the church at Hopewell; which, being obtained, they appointed the 3lst day of July, Anno Domini 1742, to be constituted a distinct church of Jesus Christ, Mr. Joseph Eaton and others assisting. Thomas Curtis was called by them to preach upon trial. In the year 1745, on the 28th of October, Thomas Curtis was ordained to the work of the ministry, and continued to officiate among them till he departed this life, which was towards the latter end of April, 1749. In the year 174 , on the day of . Malachia Bonham was called to be their minister by solemn ordination. ^^^^^^■^'^^yv^^WW. THE CHURCH AT CRANBRERY. Most of the members of this church were heretofore members of the Baptist church meeting at Middletown and Crosswicks, and being far distant from that church, they requested dismission from that church, in order to settle by themselves. Their request being granted, they were settled and constituted a distinct church on the 1st day of November, Anno Domini 1745, the number of members then being seventeen. On the 3d day of the same month, Mr. James Carman, by unanimous choice and call of the church, was ordained to be their minister : Mr. Nathaniel Jenkins, and Mr. Abel Morgan assisting on both of those solemn occasions. There have been twenty-five persons added to them since. August, 1750. THE CHURCH AT PHILADELPHIA. Philadelphia and Pennepek, or Lower Dublin, having continued one church from the first settlement thereof, though they had their respective places of meeting, they held their respective times of communion in the town and the country, their minister, Mr. Jenkin Jones, administering the ordinances of baptism and the Lord's supper, in both the city and the country, every month. In April, Anno Domini 1746, the members residing in the city of Philadelphia did make their request to their brethren at Penne- pek, as being of the two the elder branch, for a dismission, in order to be settled a distinct church by themselves; which was accordingly granted ; and pursuant thereunto, the dismissed mem- bers did appoint the 15Ui day of May, in the said year of our Lord 1745, to meet and settle themselves in church order; and being accompanied by some brethren from Pennepek, they did in a solemn 22 NARRATIVE OF THE CHURCHES manner enter into churcli covenant, and united, as is usual on the like solemn occasions. Mr. Jenkin Jones being one of the number dismissed from Pennepek, and now a member of the church settled at Philadelphia, Tras called to exercise the ministerial functions among them. THE CHURCH AT MORRISTOWN, IX MORRIS COUNTY, NEW JERSEY. Several of the members of the church of Piscataqua, living in ISIorris county, remote from that church, requested a dismission, to the end they might be constituted a distinct church by themselves ; and accordingly they appointed to meet on the 11th day of August, 1752 ; and having Mr. Benjamin Miller, Mr. Isaac Stelle and Mr. Isaac Eaton for their assistance, and after having improved the fore part of this day in fasting and prayer, they were regularly incorpo- rated in the usual manner, and the right hand of fellowship given to them as a sister church of Jesus Christ, and as such recommended to God by solemn prayer, and on the 4th day of October following, were admitted into the Association. aA^#>'^'^^A/> THE CHURCH AT SCOTCH PLAIXS, IN EAST JERSEY. Several members of the church at Piscataqau, living at Scotch Plains, in the county of Essex, finding it difficult to travel to keep their places there, requested dismission from that church, in order to be incorporated a distinct church by themselves; and accord- ingly they of Piscataqua did grant it ; and being dismissed thence, they appointed to come together on the 8th day of September, 1747, and having Abel Morgan and James Mott, from Middletown, for their assistance, they spent the fore part of the day in prayer and fasting, and afterwards they gave themselves in a solemn manner to the Lord, and to one another, by the will of God, and after the usual solemnity, were owned as a sister church; and on the 13th day of February following, Benjamin Miller was ordained to be their minis- ter: Mr. Benjamin Stelle, of Piscataqua, and Mr. Abel Morgan, of Middletown, assisting at the ordination. Their number, when con- stituted, fourteen ; their number, on the 10th of July, 1750, when the above narrative was dated, seventy-five. HOLDING believers' BAPTISM. 23 THE CHURCH AT ROCKSBERRY, IN MORRIS COUNTY, N. J. A number of persons, baptized on profession of faith, residing at Rocksberry aforesaid, being desirous to put them in church order, for their better convenience, benefit, and edification ; and being dismissed by the church they were rebated to, they appointed the 12th day of May, 1753; and having procured the Rev. brethren, Isaac Stelle, and Malachia Bonham, for their assistance, they were constituted after the same manner as other churches, the said ministers giving them a hand of fellowship as a sister church ; and, at the Association in October following, were, upon their request, received into the number of our associating churches : their number then being four- teen persons. THE CHURCH AT OYSTER BAY, queen's county, long ISLAND. Several persons baptized upon profession of their faith ; some by ordained ministers from Rhode Island ; some by Mr. Weeks, residing in the place, and some by Thomas Davis. In the year 1748, a con- siderable number of those baptized persons agreed and concluded to settle themselves in a regular church order, according to the rules and patterns of the New Testament. Accordingly they appointed the eleventh day of July, A. D. 1748, and then met ; and with fasting and prayer, they were solemnly incorporated. A church covenant, in writing, was subscribed by men and women then present, to the number of twenty-eight ; John Stephens and Thomas Davis being called to assist therein. In the year 1750, they, by their let- ter and messenger, Daniel Underbill, proposed to the Association of the baptized churches for admittance and union with the Associa- tion; which was, after inquiry, granted, and their said messenger received. TULPOHOKIN. This church takes the above name from a creek, near to which the meeting-house stands. It is situate in the township of Cymru, county of Berks, and province of Pennsylvania. It was constituted Aug. 19, 1738, and joined the Association September 23, of the same year. The original number was twenty-one. The first minister was Rev. Thomas Jones. What further concerns this church may be seen in the following memorial, sent me in the year 1761. " We, whose names are underwritten, (some members of the Great 24 NARRATIVE OF THE CHURCHES, AC. Valley church, some of the church of Montgomery,) being removed into another county, and so remote from the said churches, that we could not attend the means of grace, nor perform the duties of our membership as we could wish to do ; being met together, according to appointment, on this 19th day of August, 1738; and having, by fast- ing and prayer, made our supplication to God, and a sermon preached on the occasion ; and having unanimously owned the Confession of faith, set forth by the elders of baptized churches in England, and approved by the above named churches ; and having showed our ap- probation of one another's principles and charitable judgment of each others' graces ; and having mutually agreed to give ourselves to God, and to one another by the will of God ; we covenant, as God shall help us, to maintain the worship of God and the truth of the gospel, to the edification of our own souls and the good of others ; and to practice all gospel ordinances, according to the mind of God, revealed in his word ; to admonish, exhort, and watch over one another in love, and also to reprove according to gospel rule ; to keep out own secret matters to ourselves, according to the practice of the primitive gospel churches and the custom of our neighboring churches of the same order. In testimony whereof, we, in the sanctity of our hearts, and in the fear of God, desiring to wait upon, and trust in his faithful promises in our Lord and Redeemer Jesus Christ, for all blessings and graces, and the gifts of his Holy Spirit, to enable us to do our duties, for the honour of God and the ornament of the gospel of Jesus, have hereunto subscribed our names the day and year above named. David Evan, David Lewis, Martha Jones, James John, George Rees, Mary Loyd, Thomas Jones, John David, Elizabeth Rees, Evan Loyd, Thomas Loyd, Mary David, Thomas Nicholas, Rees Thomas, Elenor Nicholas, James Edwards, Sarah Evans, Margaret Edwards, Henry Harry, Elenor John, Ann Rees. *^* As the churches that joined this Association since the year 1750 were erected and constituted after the same form and orderof the Gospel with those whose constitutions are more at large herein before related, it is thought needless to give a copious account of every particular, and to relate the time of their admis- sion to the Association only. AN ACCOUNT OF THE AFFAIRS THAT CAME TO BE CONSIDERED BY THE ASSO- CIATION OF THE AFOREMENTIONED CHURCHES, SINCE THEY HELD AN ASSOCIATION, AS FAR AS ANY RECORDS OF THE SAME CAN BE FOUND. 1707. Theke is no track or footsteps of any regular association, agree- ment, or confederation, between the first churches in these colonies of Pennsylvania and the Jerseys, that I can find, before the year 1707, when we have, in the records of the church of Pennepek, this account, viz : — Before our general meeting, held at Philadelphia, in the seventh month, 1707, it was concluded by the several congrega- tions of our judgment, to make choice of some particular brethren, such as they thought most capable in every congregation, and those to meet at the yearly meeting to consult about such things as wore wanting in the churches, and to set them in order ; and these breth- ren meeting at the said yearly meeting, which began the 27th of the seventh month, on the seventh day of the week, agreed to continue the meeting till the third day following in the work of the public ministry. It was then agreed, that a person that is a stranger, that has neither letter of recommendation, nor is known to be a person gifted, and of a good conversation, shall not be admitted to preach, nor be entertained as a member in any of the baptized con- gregations in communion with each other. It was also concluded, that if any difi'erence shall happen between any member and the church he belongs unto, and they cannot agree, then the person so grieved may, at the general meeting, appeal to the brethren of the several congregations, and with such as they shall nominate, to decide the difi'erence ; that the church and the person so grieved do fully acquiesce in their determination. 1710. In the year 1710, several able men, ministers and elders, and in the year following also, came over from South Wales and the West of England — as the Rev. Mr. Nathaniel Jenkins, Mr. John Burrows, Mr. Abel Morgan, and some that had been ruling elders in the churches they came from — all of them men long concerned in the aff"airs of churches and associations in their own countries. 4 (25) 26 MINUTES OF THE PHILADELPHIA ASSOCIATION. 1712. One Thomas Selby made a disturbance and rupture in the church at Philadelphia and Pennepek ; and application having been made to the Association, the Association did nominate persons from among themselves, to hear and determine of and concerning the said differ- ence. And both parties consenting, the said nominated men pro- ceeded to hear and determine of the same, and brought in their judg- ment and determination, confirmed under their hands, as followeth, {vide the afore mentioned book, page 47.) " With respect to the difference between the members and others, some time belonging to the Baptist church at Philadelphia, as it hath been laid before us, persons chosen by both sides, they having referred the whole of their difference to our determination ; we, doing what in us lies for the glory of God, and the peace of the whole church, in regard of the transactions past, and what may be best for the future, for the interest of the gospel, upon due consideration of what hath been laid before us, as followeth, viz : — We do find the way and manner of dealing and proceeding with each other hath been from the rule of the Gospel, and unbecoming Christians in many respects, and in some too shameful here to enumerate the parti- culars. " And first, we judge it expedient in point of justice, that Mr. Thomas Selby be paid the money subscribed to him by the members of this church, and he discharged from any further service in the work of the ministry; he being a person, in our judgment, not likely for the promotion of the Gospel in these parts of the country ; and considering his miscarriages, we judge he may not be allowed to communion. "And secondly, as to the members of this congregation, we do ap- prehend the best way is, that each party offended do freely forgive each other all personal and other offences that may have risen on this occasion, and that they be buried in oblivion ; and that those who shall for future mention or stir up any of the former differences, so as to tend to contention, shall be deemed disorderly persons, and be dealt with as such. " And thirdly, that those that exempted themselves from their communion on this account, except as above, be allowed to take their places orderly without contention, and such as refuse to be deemed disorderly persons." Subscribed — Timothy Brooks, Thomas Shepherd, Thomas Abbot, John Drake, Nicolas Jonson, Dickason Shepherd, Job Shepherd, James Bollen, Samuel Jones, John Hart, John Bray. Let it be noted, that the said Thomas Selby, though he and his party referred as above said, yet he appeared afterwards very outra- geous while he stayed in the province, and some of his adherents joined to other denominations, and never returned to seek their place in the church, and the church did accordingly exclude them. But the greatest part took their places personally. MINUTES OF THE PHILADELPHIA ASSOCIATION. 27 1713. From tlie year 1712 to the year 1720, though the churches con- tinually maintained a yearly association, yet their minutes are not to be found, for aught I can hear. In the year 1720, nothing ap- peared before the Association. The minutes of 1721 are wanting. 1722. At the Association, in the year 1722, it was proposed for the churches to make inquiry among themselves, if they have any young persons hopeful for the ministry, and inclinable for learning ; and if they have, to give notice of it to Mr. Abel Morgan, before the first of November, that he might recommend such to the acadamy on Mr. Hollis, his account. 1723. At our Association, convened September 23, 1723, a query from the church at Brandywine came, viz., which way they might improve their vacant days of worship, when they have no minister among them to carry on the public work. Solution. We conceive it expedient that the church do meet to- gether as often as conveniency will admit ; and when they have none to carry on the work of preaching, that they read a chapter, sing a psalm, and go to prayer and beg of God to increase their grace and comfort, and have due regard to order and decency in the exercise of those gifts at all times, and not to suffer any to exercise their gifts in a mixed multitude until tried and approved of first by the church. Agreed, that the proposal drawn by the several ministers, and signed by many others, in reference to the examination of all gifted brethren and ministers that come in here from other places, be duly put in practice, we having found the evil of neglecting a true and previous scrutiny in those affairs. 1724. In the year 1724, a query, concerning the fourth commandment, whether changed, altered, or diminished. We refer to the Confession of faith, set forth by the elders and brethren met in London, 1689, and owned by us, chap. 22, sect. 7 and 8. 2d Query. Whether a believer may marry an unbeliever, without coming under church censure for it ? Answered In the negative. 3d Query. Whether an officer In the church, who forfeits his office, forfeits his membership ? Answered in the negative. But if he for- feits his membership he forfeits his office. Whether he. If restored to his membership, must also be restored to office, is another case, not here considered. 4thly. Concluded and agreed, that a chui'ch ought to be unani- 28 MINUTES OF THE PHILADELPHIA ASSOCIATION. mous In giving their voice in choosing and setting up, or deposing one Bet up, to act in any church office, or to act as an officer in the church. Any act of that nature, commenced without common consent, is void, and hath no power in it. 5thly. Concluded, that the letter from the churches to Association hereafter, may contain salutations, contemplations, congratulations, &c., in one page ; and the complaints, queries, or grievances, &c., be written apart ; for it is agreed that the former shall be read publicly the first day of the Association's meeting, and the latter, the church's doubts, fears, or disorders, &c., be opened and read to the Association only. 1725. In the year 1725 nothing presented but what is common, and the Association concluded to send suitable exhortations especially answer- ing the case of those that made their application for the time then being. 1726. In the year 1726, the Association ordered that all the churches do observe a day of fasting and prayer, on account of several occur- rences them then thereunto moving, and to be observed on the tenth day of November then next ensuing. And the said Association had a troublesome work about defraying the charges incurred by an un- happy youth, son to one of oui- ministering brethren in London, re- commended to us here by our benefactors, Mr. Hollis and others, and ordered proper persons, viz., Mr. John Holme and Mr. Jenkin Jones, to write to Mr. Hollis, &c., and to carry on a correspondence with our friends in London. One query from the church at Montgomery, viz : — In case there might be a division, and on the division a rent and separation follow in any church in Great Britain, and each party combining together in church form, each being sound in the faith, and during the sepa- ration both parties recommend members unto us here, as in full com- munion with them, how may the churches here proceed in such a case ? Answer. We do advise that the churches here may take no further notice of the letters by such persons brought here, than to satisfy themselves that such are baptized persons, and of a regular conver- sation, and to take such into church covenant as if they had not been members of any church before. 1727. In the year 1727, it was agreed that the messengers of the churches, who usually met on the seventh day of the week, should, for the future, meet on the sixth day of the same week before the fourth Lord's day in September, at ten of the clock afore noon, in order to prepare for the affairs of the churches ; and that the chm'ches should endeavor to free their messengers from their businesses MINUTES OF THE PHILADELPHIA ASSOCIATION. 29 at home, and assist them with money to bear their expenses in that affair. In answer to a query from the Great Valley, viz : — How far the liberty of marriage may be between a member and one that is not a member ? Answered, by referring to our Confession of faith, chapter 26th in our last edition. 1728. In the year 1728, the Association met the sixth day of the week. 1. Query from Hopewell : What course to take in choosing a ruling elder in the church ? We answer, that a church wanting ruling elders or deacons, as in other cases, should set a day apart, and by fasting and prayer, seek the guidance and direction of God, and then unanimously pitch upon one or more of their brethren to act upon trial in the office of ruling elder or deacon ; and our judgment is, that persons called upon trial in the said offices, may act by authority of the church, with as full power as if completely qualified ; but not so teaching elders or ministers of the word and ordinances. 2. A query from the church at Montgomery : Whether a church is bound to grant a letter of dismission to any member to go to another church, while his residence is not removed ? Answered in the negative, w^e having neither precept nor prece- dent for such a practice in Scripture. See Discipline. 1729. The elders and messengers of the baptized congregations, in Penn- sylvania and the Jerseys, met at Philadelphia, September 27th and 28th, 1729, in a solemn Association. Sendeth greeting : — Dearly beloved Brethren in the Lord Jesus Christ, — We heartily rejoice to see your care, diligence, requests, and desires, on our behalf, at the throne of grace ; and also your care and diligence in maintain- ing our yearly correspondence and communion in the gospel. We, your representatives, met together in love, perused your letters and gladly received your messengers. We find cause to rejoice that God has crowned the labors of his ministers with such success. There have been considerable additions the past year in several churches, and some in most. Praise be rendered to our gracious God, we find the churches generally to be at peace and unity amongst themselves. We think it expedient to give you an account of our proceedings. We conferred together, without any jars or contentions in our debates ; our souls have been refreshed, hearing of the welfare of the churches in general; also, in hearing the sweet and comfortable truths of the gospel declared among us, by the faithful labours of our ministering brethren, which we hope is to the glory of God and the good of souls. We earnestly desire you to walk worthy of your holy vocation, standing fast and striving together for the faith of the gospel. It is the general complaint of many, that there is much lukewarmness and deadness in matters of religion, which we hope is 30 MINUTES OF THE PHILADELPHIA ASSOCIATION. not a mere compliment, but rather the grief of the churches. In order to remedy this soul distemper, our advice and desire is, that you be diligent to keep your places in the house of God ; be frequent and instant in prayer, both in secret and in public. Strive after the life and power of religion ; make religion your earnest business. Keep your garments undefiled from the world ; walk as becomes saints before God and men; improve your opportunities in all religious duties, both among your families and in the church. Stand fast for the defending and maintaining the ordinances of Christ ; wait on God in them, that you may reap the benefits of Christ by them. Strive to keep together; maintaining the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace ; always resisting the assaults of Satan, who waiteth opportu- nities to disturb the peace of God's children. Be careful that you do nothing that may tend to breed disturbances in the church of God. Query from the church at Philadelphia. Suppose a gifted bro- ther, who is esteemed an orderly minister by or among those that are against the laying on of hands in any respect, should happen to come among our church; whether we may allow such an one to ad- minister the ordinances of baptism and the Lord's supper or no? Answered in the negative ; because it is contrary to the rule of God's word: see Acts xiii. 2, 3; and xiv. 23: compared with Titus i. 5 ; 1 Tim. iv. 14 ; from which prescribed rules we dare not swerve. We also refer to the Confession of faith, chap, xxvii., sect. 9. The messengers shall meet on the sixth day of the week, at the time before appointed, by 2 o'clock, p. M., to consider the affairs of the churches. Agreed, that a sermon be preached on the seventh day, in the afternoon, as usual ; — first day, a sermon to be preached in the morn- ing, and another in the afternoon, with the administration of the Lord's supper ; — on the second day of the week, a concluding sermon in the forenoon. Mr. Jones and Mr. Holmes shall send a letter to Mr. Walden and Mr. Hollis, in London, in order to maintain a chris- tian correspondence. Commending you to God and the word of his grace, Your brethren, in the best of bonds, Jno. David, Ben. S telle, Owen Thomas, Geo. Hugh, Gershom Mott, Joseph Eaton, Jno. Devonald, John Welledge, Wm. Kinnersley, Saml. Osgood, John Clarkson, John Holmes, Jeremiah Kollet. Jno. Bartholomew, John Heart, Robt. Chalfant, Elisha Thomas, George Eaton. Dickison Shephard, Jenkin Jones, Ebenezer Smith, Simon Butler, MINUTES OF THE PHILADELPHIA ASSOCIATION. 31 1730. In the year 1730, a query from Coliansie: In case a member of a regular church separate hhnself on the account of the seventh day, and join himself to those that hold the same for a Sabbath, when, at the same time, the church he was member of allowed, if it was to him a matter of conscience, he might observe it, and keep his place where he was a member, and that they would respect him as they used to do ; yet, nevertheless, he goes away, and presumes to be a leader among the aforesaid seventh-day people. What must the church do in such a case in order to discharge their duty ? Resolved, That it is the duty of such a church, in as moderate a way and manner as they can, to disown such a member, so as he may not be looked upon to be a member any further with them on any account. As to the application from Brandywine, it may be referred to the answer given in the same case to the same church. Anno Domini 1723 ; only here they were advised to read some sound, profitable, approved sermon books, in the absence of the ministers that visit them. As to a request from the Great Valley, we would have them en- courage the gifts they have among them, and send to their nearest neighbors' churches for helps and supplies as often as they and them can agree. As to the request from Piscataqua, for the help of our ministering brethren at their general meeting, we judge it necessary that our ministering brethren do supply such general meetings ; nevertheless, we not knowing who, nor how to bind any of them, we think it neces- sary that the church, where such are held, send to them, that, if possible, they may be certain of some help. 1731. The elders, ministers, and messengers, of the baptized congrega- tions in Pennsylvania and the Jerseys, met in Association at Phila- delphia, September 24th, 1731. To the respective congregations we represent, send greeting : — Dearly beloved and highly esteemed brethren, our joy and our crown, at the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ, we cannot but rejoice to see your care and diligence, in maintaining this our annual communion, in sending your messengers to associate with us. We met together in love, admitted your messengers, perused yom* letters, and had cause to bless God that we find the churches in peace among them- selves, without distraction, schism or division, or destructive errors, and that in most churches there hath been some addition this last year ; for which we bless the great Husbandman, who gives success to the labours of his poor servants. Yet we find the old complaint of dullness, coldness, and indifference in the things of God ; and we hope you do not rest in complaints, but that you endeavour to provoke one another to 32 MINUTES OF THE PHILADELPHIA ASSOCIATION. love and good works. Consider 'seriously, dearly beloved, that our Master will come the rounds, to view his servants, and woe then to the slothful and loitering. Therefore, bestir yourselves, be close and diligent, every one according to his work in the vineyard, lest ye be found unprofitable. Prize your privileges and admire your dignities ; you are the redeemed of the Lord, therefore be not earthly minded; you are the children of the King of Zion, walk as such; ye are espoused to Christ, magnify your match ; lean upon him, and duly prove the knowledge of your heavenly and best realities. The harvest is great and the labourers are few ; pray mightily for more, and treat honourably the few you have left. Your neglect of hearing them may provoke the Master of the vineyard to call home from you those labourers you have, as of late he hath many of our reverend brethren. See what gifts you have among you : if there be any hopeful youths, let them exercise themselves, and be kind to them and tender of them ; take heed that you do not discourage them you have, lest you should be made to lament your imprudent and inconsiderate management. We had a loving and comfortable conference together, in the public work we have had, both of ministers and hearers ; also, neces- sary truths preached and plainly propounded according to the unerring rule of God's word. Beloved of the Lord, Ave beseech you, add your hearty prayers to God, that our endeavours, both public and private, may be watered with blessings from on high. We commend you to the care of the Almighty and ever merciful God, who is able to do abundantly for us, beyond what we can ask or think. We have appointed brother Enoch Morgan to preach the sermon next year ; and, in case of failure, brother Owen Thomas. Agreed to the request of the church of Philadelphia, setting forth that they have been at a great charge in building a meeting-house, which is to be very heavy, unless the rest of the churches of the same order will find in their hearts to contribute towards the defraying of the same. The Association had neither queries nor requests from any of the churches ; but the associated brethren, seeing no messengers from Piscataqua as usual, and hearing by some of our brethren of the sad and distracted condition of that congregation, they thought proper to write to them, and to appoint Mr. Jenkin Jones and Mr. Joseph Eaton to give them a visit before the winter, which, by the blessing of God, proved a means to reduce that church to peace and order. Jenkin Jones, Jno. Davis, Wm. Hugh, Enoch Morgan, John Devonold, George Eaton, Nathaniel Jenkins, Jno. Morgan, Henry Oxly, Benjamin Griffith, Reynolds Howell, Jno. Holmes, Joseph Eaton, Robert Chalfant, Job Shepherd, Owen Thomas, Evan Mathias, Jno. Coward, William Kinnersly, Jno. Heart, Wm. Thomas. MINUTES OF THE PHILADELPHIA ASSOCIATION. 33 1732. In the year 1732, a question was moved : Whether a person, not being baptized himself, and presuming, in private, to baptize an- other; whether such pretended baptism be valid or no, or whether it might not be adjudged a nullity ? Resolved. We judge such baptism as invalid, and no better than if it had never been done. Upon the consideration of the great want of ministerial helps, which some churches have moved, it is agreed by this Association, that a day of fasting and prayer be kept by all the churches in our communion, that the Lord may gift some among ourselves, such as may be serviceable ; or order, in the course of his providence, some such to come among us from elsewhere ; and we do fix upon the 26th day of October, next ensuing, for that purpose, humbly requesting the members of our churches conscientiously to observe the same. 1733. The elders, ministers, and messengers, of the congregations holding believers' baptism, in Pennsylvania and the Jerseys, met in Associa- tion, at Philadelphia, the 22d day of September, 1733, to the several congregations we represent send Christian salutation : — Dearly beloved in the bowels of Jesus Christ, and in the bonds of his gospel, whom we here represent, and whose interests we hope all of us have chiefly at heart ; at the conclusion of our meeting, we think ourselves bound to give you an account of our affairs while together. We met, and had an Association sermon preached by Enoch Morgan; afterwards received and heard your letters; ac- cepted your messengers; and are glad to see your care and dili- gence in sending them to maintain visible annual correspondence together. The letters show the churches to be at peace, and additions to most of them the last year. Blessed be God for it. At our pub- lic meeting we had many great and excellent truths of the gospel of Christ preached from divers texts by our ministering brethren, very edifying and comforting. Dear brethren, our joy and crown at the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ, the chief Shepherd, we beseech you to consider seri- ously your great privileges, as you are favored with those which belong to God's children, and have a nail in his holy place, and a name among the living in Jerusalem, and are called to glory and virtue. What obligations you are under to adorn your profession, to walk worthy of your vocation, and to make religion your main and most important business in life, that you may be found doing your Lord's will when he cometh. We cannot but observe to you again the scarcity of ministerial supplies in many churches, and put you in mind of your duty to pray to the Lord of the harvest to send forth more men to the work of the harvest. Dear brethren, pray earnestly for a blessing on the labors 5 34 MINUTES OF THE PHILADELPHIA ASSOCIATION. of those you have, and let your frequent presence and walking with God in the use of means, be their encouragement. Most of the churches complain of much indifference and lukewarmness in the things of God : we hope it is not merely to complain, but out of experience. We advise you to keep close with God in every gospel duty, public and private ; use all means to provoke one another to love and good works ; pray fervently to God to give you more hearty affections and clearer sight of the excellency of Jesus Christ. We conclude, commending you all to the care of God Almighty, in the name of the blessed Jesus. Amen. Brother Jenkin Jones to preach the Association sermon the next year ; in case of failure, brother Joseph Eaton. Enoch INIorgan, Ben. Griffiths, John Davis, George Eaton, John Davis, John Holmes, Ebenezer Smith, James Cox, John Devonald, Obadiah Holmes, John Garret, Robert Chalffont, Randolph, Jenkin Jones, Joseph Eaton, Wm. Thomas,. Simon Butler, 1734. John Heart, Robert James, Gershom Mott, Ben. Stelle, John Evans, Richard Hall, Jer. Collett, Joseph Fitz Randolph. The elders, ministers, and messengers, of the congregations hold- iiig believers' baptism, in Pennsylvania and the Jerseys, met in Association at Philadelphia, on the 21st, 22d and 23d of September, A. D., 1734, to the several congregations we represent, send Chris- tian salutation : — Dearly beloved in our Lord and holy Redeemer Jesus Christ, and in the fellowship of the gospel of the Son of God, our joy and our crown of rejoicing in the day of his appearing, we have cause to bless God on your behalf, who is pleased to continue you as so many candlesticks to hold forth the glorious light of the gospel in these remote colonies. We return you our thanks for your care and dili- gence in sending your messengers to associate with us in this our yearly correspondence, and to assist in the work before us. We think it meet to give you an account of our affairs and procedure at this time. Beloved, we met in love at the time and place appointed, perused your Christian letters, accepted your messengers, and we find the churches we represent to be mostly in peace among them- selves, though some of them are, at present, under disagreeable circumstances, which, we hope, God will remove in his mercy. Some additions have been made this last year in most of the churches, in some large additions, which is very comfortable to hear. Our public opportunities have been so employed, that, by the bless- ing of Almighty God upon the labour of our ministering brethren, we hope all will be to his glory and the good of souls. Now, dearly beloved of us, and we hope also of the Lord Jesus Christ himself, MINUTES OF THE PHILADELPHIA ASSOCIATION. 85 the God of glory, who hath called you to glory and virtue, we exhort you, we beseech you, by the tender mercies of our gracious God, that you walk worthy of the vocation wherewith you are called; that your conversation may shine with gospel purity and holiness; that you behave yourselves as sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of this crooked and perverse generation; that you make it your business to keep close with God, in gospel duties and the use of- means ; be instant in prayer for the prosperity of Zion ; labour ear- nestly to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace ; love one another from a pure heart, that so you prevent the great design of Satan, who endeavours to sow discord and animosities among God's people. We advise the churches that want ministerial helps to set a day apart, once a month, to implore the Lord of the harvest to thrust forth faithful labourers into his harvest ; by fasting and prayer, continue in a fiiithful depending, waiting and heartily crying to God, until he be pleased to grant you the desirable blessing. Those that have such helps, we advise to beg a blessing thereupon, and successive continuation thereof. Several queries from Middletown came to the Association, viz. — 1. Whether we may accept and take in a minister of a different persuasion at our appointed meetings. Answered in the negative ; unless the church see cause, upon some particular occasions. 2. Whether it may not be more convenient for us to keep up our meetings, as usual, by reading the Scriptures, singing of psalms, and prayer, than to axlmit men of different persuasions ? Answered in the affirmative. 3. Whether it be justifiable for our members to neglect our own appointed meetings, and at their pleasure go to hear those differing in judgment from us ? Answered in the negative. Heb. x. 25. Brother Joseph Eaton to preach the Association sermon the next year ; and in case of his failure, brother Benjamin Griffith to preach the same. Minutes of the case between the Association and William Davis, considered September 30, 1734: — Respecting the crimes alledged against him, of selling two books sent him, and of representing us in a wrong light to Mr. David Bees and Mr. Hollis. He, upon confession of his faults, was pardoned by the Association. These advices and directions were given to the church of the Great Valley and William Davis : — 1 . That William Davis should give himself a member of the church at the Great Valley, and those that were baptized by him shall be examined by the said church, or by a committee of the church ap- pointed for that purpose ; and if they be satisfied, then the persons may be received. 2. If they should unanimously agree to divide and constitute them- selves in two separate churches, we advise that they be so divided SQ MINUTES OF THE PHILADELPHIA AlJOCIATION. and ordered, as that tliere be no picTcing and choosing in the case; that is to say, that those who live in one place should not ^ive themselves members to the church farthest off, for any reasons arisincy from biased ends or inclinations, or already received partialities. 3. That, on the proof that they happen to jar or disagree, or any person or persons be dissatisfied, whether it be in respect to their accommodating the present peace or agreement, or of hereafter dividing themselves, as above said, if they proceed — that in such cases they shall call for help from neighbouring churches. We conclude, recommending you and the whole work into the hand of God, and remain. Yours, in gospel services and relations, John Drake, Samuel Jones, John Donald, Jenkin Jones, John Garret, George Eaton, Benjn. Griffiths, Abel Morgan, Hr. Collett, John Davis, Enoch Morgan, John Evans, Simon Butler, Owen Thomas, Garret Wall, John Dardis, Joseph Eaton, Robert Chalfant, Samuel Osborne, Jno. Holmes, John Clarkson. John Hart, 1735. The elders, ministers, and messengers of the baptized congrega- tions in Pennsylvania and the Jerseys, met at Philadelphia, 2Tth, 28th, and 29th of September, A. D. 1735. To the several congregations we are related unto, do send Christian salutation. Dearly beloved in Christ Jesus our Lord, we rejoice to see your care and diligence in maintaining this annual Association. It is comfortable to us to see your zeal in the welfare of our Zion in general, and of the several little tabernacles we are related unto in particular, which our dear Lord hath placed in these remote parts. We have reason to praise God that you are preserved from the floods, delusions, errors, and other manifold temptations, which have hurled many away from the faith of God, and from holding fast their profession and duty to God and his people. Knowing that it is your expectation to hear of, and also our duty to acquaint you with, our affairs, we hereby give you an account of the same. We met at the time appointed, and perused your letters, whereby we find most of the churches to be at peace and unity, which we heartily pray God to preserve where it is, and to restore where it is not. To our great joy and comfort we find that large additions have been made this year to some churches, and some in every church belonging to this body ; blessed be God for this refreshing news. Our ministering brethren have preached several of the important truths of the gospel, to our great comfort, which we hope Almighty God will water with his heavenly blessing. Dear brethren, as God, by his gospel, hath called you with an holy calling, we pray God that you may be fitted and MINUTES OF THE PHILADELPHIA ASSOCIATION. 37 furnished with all grace to adorn your profession, and make you fruitful vineyards unto himself, that your conversation may shine with gospel purity, to the praise and glory of his rich grace. In the year 1735, upon a proposal made, that a book should be provided, and a scribe nominated to transcribe the minutes of the Association, and to insert therein all that may be of use and infor- mation to their successors ; — it was agreed that Mr. Jenkin Jones be the scribe, and Mr. John Holme to be his assistant. But it failed then. Query. If any member, or members, of a congregation grow scru- pulous about matters merely indifferent in themselves, such as the mode of administration, as is usual in our churches, or the quality of the bread or wine, or the manner of serving, as the cup upon a plate, or without, making the same a matter of conscience, and there- upon totally refrain their communion. What is best to be done in such a case? Solution. That such persons, contending, quarreling, and so refraining church communion upon such light grounds — since such things are left undetermined by our great Lawgiver — are much to be blamed; and a church is nowise obliged to yield to such vain humours, but may continue their order, according to the rules of expediency and harmless decency, and deal according to the word with such delinquents ; for it is to be doubted that such person or persons have not a design to make a rupture, seeing the matter in debate is so trivial. 2. Upon a motion moved by some members of the Association : Whether a person that is a well-wisher to us, and desires to be admitted a member into a church far distant from the place of his abode; whereas a church of the same order is nearer to him than the church that he proposes to join with; whether it be orderly for the distant church to receive such an one ? Yea or nay ? Resolved in the negative, there being substantial reasons to the contrary. Such practice is contrary to the intendment, in institut- ing particular churches. — See Confession of Faith^ chap, xxvii. See also our Treatise of Discipline, 28, 29. Brother Benjamin Griffith is to preach the Association sermon next year, and Brother John Davis alternate. Recommending you to the blessing of heaven, we remain yours in the dearest of bonds. Ebenezer Smith, James Tapscot, Jenkin Jones, John Manners, William Thomas, Enoch Morgan, Isaac Whitten, Owen Thomas, Nathaniel Jenkins, Thomas Curtis, Benjamin Griffith, Hugh David, George Eaton, Joseph Eaton, Jeremiah Collett, Benjamin Stelle, John Davis, Joseph Powell, John Clarkson, John Holmes, Griffith Evans, Moses Martin, John Hart, Hugh Evans. James Cox, John Davis, ^^ MINUTES OF THE PHILADELPHIA A3S0CIATI0K. 1736. In, the year 1736, no queries appeared, nor any request made to this Association; nevertheless, the Association being informed of a discord and contention in the church at Montgomery, did nominate and appoint Mr. Jenkin Jones, and Mr. Owen Thomas, ministers, T\ith any two other brethren that they might judge serviceable, to visit, and to endeavour to conciliate matters between them. And it was accordingly eifected. 1737. In the year 1737, there came no requests nor queries from the churches; and, consequently, no other from the Association, but a warm and loving exhortation to diligence and watchfulness in our religious duties, and to maintain the great and necessary doctrines of the Christian religion ; and, in particular, to be steadfast against errors, and faithful in belief of the doctrine of the Holy Trinity, of man's creation, fall, restoration by grace through Christ, the real divine and human nature in union in the person of Christ. 1738. The elders and messengers of the several congregations, holding believers' baptism in Pennsylvania and the Jerseys, met in Associa- tion at Philadelphia, the 23d day of September, and continued to 25th, 1738. To the several congregations we represent, we wish grace and peace from God our Father, and oui' Lord Jesus Christ, may be multiplied. " Dearly beloved in the faith and fellowship of the gospel, we are glad to see your care and diligence in sending your messengers to associate in this manner, hoping it proceeds from love to God, and due regard to the general interest of Jesus Christ, and the interest of the several little tabernacles in these provinces. At the close of our meeting, according to our practice and your expectation, we send you an account of our affairs ; we perused your letters, received your messengers, and, by your letters, we have been informed that some have been added this year to most of the churches, and we rejoice to hear that the churches are in peace and unity. We have complaints of much coldness and indifference in the things of God and the con- cerns of religion, which, we hope, are not only by way of compliment, but from a sense of the growing evil. We beseech you, dear breth- ren, be earnest with God in prayer, for the increase of your graces ; for, where these graces abound, they will make you that you shall be neither barren nor unfruitful in the things of God. Give all dili- gence to make your calHng and election sure. Attend upon the means of grace. Keep close to your respective meetings. Exhort and admonish one another in love. Endeavor to provoke one another to love and good works. Have a special care to maintain a sure dis- cipline, as well as doctrine. Let it be every one's endeavor to wait MiNUTES OF THE PHILADELPHIA ASSOCIATION.' 99' in the way of duty, for the coming of the Son of God from heaven ; for he that cometh will come, and will not tarry, and will faithfully reward the labors of his faithful servants. In due time we shall reap, if we faint not. We recommend you to God, who is able to build you up in the holy faith which is in Christ Jesus ; to make you abound in all the fruits of the Spirit, and, by his power, to keep you through faith unto salvation. We remain your brethren in the fellowship of the gospel." John Davis, David Davis, Enoch Morgan, James Cox, John Manners, Jenkin Jones, James Mott, John Holmes, David Evans, Joshua Martin, Simon Butler, Ebenezer Smith, Joseph Powell, John Heart, Benjamin Griffith, Stephen Shepherd, John CoAvard, George Eaton, Abel Morgan, Nath. Jenkins, Thomas Davis. Eben'r Kinnersly, Joseph Eaton, Query. Whether a person, ordained by laying on hands, for a ruling elder, who should afterwards be called by the church, by reason of his gifts, to the word and doctrine, must be again ordained by imposition of hands ? Resolved in the affirmative. Agreed, that since the catechisms are expended, and few or none to be had, and our youth thereby not likely to be instructed in the fundaments of saving knowledge, that the several congregations we represent should consult amongst themselves what they can raise of money for so good a design, and send, against the 1st of May next, by their letters, to Mr. Jenkin Jones or John Holmes, in Philadel- phia, that they may know what number to draw out of the press. Ordered, that Mr. Enoch Morgan preach the Association sermon next year ; in case of his failure, Mr. Jenkin Jones. 1739. The elders and messengers of the congregations holding believers' baptism in Pennsylvania and the Jerseys, met in association at Phila- delphia, 22d September, 1739. To the congregations we represent, we send our Christian salutation. Dearly beloved in our Lord and holy Redeemer, Jesus Christ, and in the fellowship of the gospel of the Son of God, our joy and crown of rejoicing in the day of his appearing, we have cause to bless God in your behalf, that our gracious God is pleased to con- tinue us so many candlesticks to hold the glorious light of the gospel in these remote colonies ; we also return thanks, brethren, for your care and diligence in sending your messengers to associate with us in this our yearly correspondence together, and to assist in the work before us. We think it meet, according to your desh-es, to give you 40 MINUTES OF THE PHILADELPHIA ASSOCIATION. an account of our affairs and proceedings at this time. We met in love, at the time and place appointed. After hearing a sermon, we perused your letters and received your messengers, and find the churches mostly in peace amongst themselves. Additions have been made in some churches. As we met in love, so "we lovingly conferred together, and are now about to depart in peace. Our public oppor- tunities have been so employed, that we hope, by the blessing of God upon the labors of our ministering brethren, it will be to the glory of God and the good of souls. Now, dearly beloved of us, we hope also by our Lord Jesus Christ himself, the Lord of glory, who hath called you with a holy calling, we exhort you, we beseech you by the tender mercies of our God, that you walk worthy of that vo- cation wherewith you are called, that your conversation may shine with gospel purity and holiness, that you behave yourselves as the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of this crooked and pei'verse generation with whom we live. Keep close with God, in all gospel duties. Be instant in prayer for the prosperity of Zion. Labor earnestly to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace ; love one another with a pure heart ; that so you prevent the great desire of Satan, who endeavors to sow discord and animosities among God's people. We further advise those churches that want minis- terial help, to pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest, to thrust forth faithful laborers into his harvest; and, as to those who have ministerial help, we exhort them, in the spirit of meekness and love, highly to prize such a mercy, and bless God for the same, and assist them, both by prayers and godly conferences, with other ne- cessaries, according to the rule of God's word. A query from the church at the Great Valley : In case that mem- bers will absent themselves from the communion of the church, and will give no reason for their so absenting, nor any account why they withdrew, notwithstanding messengers have been sent to such divers times, what ought the church to do further? Solution. That the church shall send messengers once more to such, to inform them, that if they further absent themselves, without giving sufficient reason, the church may deal with such offenders as covenant breakers, and as despisers of the authority that is given to the church by Christ her head. In answer to a proposal from Montgomery, concerning the keeping of the present Association, whether it be as usual, or altered ? Resolved, that it be continued as usual the present year, and other general meetings at the discretion of the churches where they are appointed ; and if the churches desire the method of the Association altered, let them consult unanimously, and insert the same in next year's letters. Upon a proposal made by a member of this Association, that some better method should be taken to keep up and maintain this present Association more regularly than it hath been heretofore. Resolved, that a copy of the same be transmitted to every congre- MINUTES OF THE PHILADELPHIA ASSOCIATION. 41 gation relating to this body, that it may be concluded upon at the next meeting. Agreed, that Brother Owen Thomas is to preach next year ; in case of failure, Brother Jenkin Jones. John Stelle, John Davis, Jenkin Jones, Thomas Curtis, Daniel Davis, Joseph Eaton, Richard Whiting, John Bentle, Hugh David, George Eaton, John Manners, John Davis, David Evans, Enoch Morgan, Thomas Jones, John Wooledge, Owen Thomas, John Holme. James Tapscott, 1740. The elders and messengers of the several congregations of the people owning believers' baptism in Pennsylvania and the Jerseys, meeting in Association at Philadelphia, September 27th, 1740 : To the churches we are related to in gospel order, we send our gos- pel salutation. Dearly beloved and highly favored of the Lord Jesus, we wish increase of grace, that you may abound in all good works to the praise of him who hath called you from darkness into his mar- vellous light, that you may be owned and approved as so many de- lightful gardens or fruitful fields, receiving plentiful blessings from the God of heaven. Brethren, we hope your prayers for us have been accepted at the throne of Zion's King, and that we have experienced the fruits of them in the warm, afiectionate love we saluted each other with, and the glorious truths of the gospel, held forth amongst us with all clearness and power, as also in the peace and harmony that appeared in our proceedings, wherein faith or discipline were con- cerned, though, perhaps, in some other things, we might have differ- ent apprehensions. We have great ground of rejoicing in the grace of God towards you, and of praising the Author and Giver, when we hear of your steadfast cleaving to the Lord in his ways and worship ; that the power of hell hath not been able to blow you away, nor to hinder your growth and numbers, which we find to be very consider- able the last year, God owning the labors of his poor instruments. This calls for our and your thanks abundantly. We beseech you, in the bowels of love, to go on in the strength of your God. Pray earnestly that he would stablish you and keep you from falling. You virgin professors, shake off sloth and slumber, the bridegroom is at the door ! Search well your vessels ; see that you have the true oil of the Spirit. Take heed of counterfeit grace. Rest not on the outside of the ark, but enter in at the right door ; that you may be secured in the flood of great waters from being swallowed up and lost. It is an easy thing to profess Christ when the secular power draws not its sword against religion ; but it is dangerous, nevertheless, for such to be asleep and careless, for the adversary hath golden baits ; in days of peace, he glosses and beautifies errors and false doctrine, so that 6 4/2^ MlT05'^eovO-*'*M— I rH T-H i-H T— I 00 -* '^l ^ -t "* '^ '^ "-0 O l-O lO lO UO kO >0 lO O O O CO CO 1— r^ t— i~ i~ t^ I- 1— t— t— i~ 1— r-- 1^ I- t— t~ t— xr- I— t- t^ t— t— 1- I— t— o'oico "5 •3 Hi m CO -^ ^ *= r/- a> a ,i 00 ,/- c ■ »rn^ c T -^ q >i tn ,— ' a ' O i> rt ^M i fr^ 2 ;§ — . 3 a s 2 3 o ^ -c S £? "^ ii " ^K§^ rC ^ a ^ r^ ^ , 1-5 ^ l-S l-J F 0) 0) a a 6f^ o IJ O 0) (U VI Tii rfi ^: e3 e3 03 o a» %- % q; o >-5 Hj i-j g S 1-5 Hj ce eS cS ac, oe oj cs o fl O cS Ol t^-T^ t^-l^ lA in '^ s a CD CO s 2 o CO O S a) s a Swffi S ti^^iS"!^'^-^^ ►r 1=" o .2 - to T< _ Sj M 3i aJ g <^ o — ^ l>^ c s 5 oj s fi c ^z; p; >: .-a ChT^^ •SHtS^-s^s-^^t^a -t^pH g pq g Cja-u K^^a>PpO---r^ 1 John Davis,* ' I Abraham Britton, 5 1 6 2 142 New Britain, Joshua Jones, 3 50 Salem,t Newtown, 3 20 '', Nicholas Cox, ' Hezekiah Smith, 4 1 1 1 79 Bateman's Precincts , Samuel Waldo,* 47 3 152 Dividing Creek, Samuel Heaton, 2 32 1. New York, New Mills, J John Gano, I James Stiles, r 1 4 2 1 2 2 139 53 < Samuel Gaskill, (Jacob Woolston, Kolonoway, Joseph Powell,* 3 60 Coram, Upper Freehold, 1 1 34 50 - Thomas Farr, - Thomas Cox, jr., Jonathan Holmes, Edward Taylor, Mount Bethel,! 22 Goshen, t James Benedict,* 113 Lyon's Farms, Oblong, 13 22 Simon Dawkin,* 5 2 92 Philip's Patent,! f John Lawrence,* 1 Ebenezer Ward, 98 Pittsgrove, 1 William Worth, ( Cornelius Austin, 40 Manahawkin,-) Henry Crosly,* 15 Vincentjf Tuckahoe, E7 William Lock,* 24 Northern Liberty,! 15 2. New York,! John Dodge,* 14 Stamford, King Street,! 1 133 2 31 13 14 1 13 T 48 2863 Note. — The ministers' names are in small capitals. Those marked thus * were not present. The churches marked thus ! sent neither letters nor mes- sengers, and their numbers remain as last year. A dash denotes no settled minister. Increase this year, 50. MINUTES PHILADELPHIA BAPTIST ASSOCIATION, HELD AT THE SCOTCH PLAINS, IN THE STATE OF NEW JERSEY, OCTOBER 15th and 16th, 1776. October 15 — At three o'clock, p. M., the Association was opened with a discourse from Col. i. 28 : " Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom, that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus," by our brother, William Van- horne. 2. After divine service. Brother Isaac Stelle was chosen mode- rator, and Brother William Vanhorne, cleric 3. Proceeded to read the letters from the churches. Adjourned to nine o'clock to-morrow morning. October 16 — Association met, pursuant to adjournment. 4. A letter was read from the Association held at the High Hills of Santee, dated May 16th, 1773. 5. This Association, taking into consideration the awful impend- ing calamities of these times, and deeply impressed with a sense of our duty to humble ourselves before God, by acknowledging our manifold sins, and imploring his pardon and interposition in favor of our distressed country ; and also to beseech him to grant, that such blessings may accompany the means of his grace that a revival of pure and undefiled religion may universally prevail ; Resolved, That it be and it is hereby recommended to our churches, to observe four days of humiliation in the year ensuing, by prayer, abstinence from food, and labor, and recreations, lawful on other days. The days proposed for humiliation are the Friday before the last Lord's day in November, February, May, and August. 6. Application being made to the Association for the benefit of Mrs. Hubb's donation by Messrs. Enoch Morgan, Burgess Alison, and James Darrah ; Resolved, That it be equally divided between the latter, they giving the usual security. 7. Agreed, That Brother Samuel Jones be requested to write the circular letter for next year. 8. On motion, Resolved, That Brother Abel Morgan be desired (155) 156 MINUTES OF THE PHILADELPHIA ASSOCIATIO!T. to compose a letter on the subject of humiliation, fasting, and prayer, against the next Association, 9. Brother John Sutton being requested to bring in a draught of a letter to the Associations corresponding with us; and having brought in the same, and it being read, was approved. 10. Agreed, That Brother Ward be our messenger to Warren Association. 11. Brother James Benedict was requested to preach the Associa- tion sermon next year ; and, in case of failure. Brother John Sutton was desired to be prepared. 12. Voted, That the Association meet next year in Philadelphia, on the Tuesday after the second Lord's day in October, at three o'clock, p. M. Supplies granted to the following destitute places : — New Mills, Upper Freehold, Mount Bethel, Lyon's Farms, and Cow Marsh. 13. The circular letter appointed to be drawn up the last year for this Association not coming to hand. Brother Robert Kelsay was de- sired to prepare one to the churches; and having brought in the same, it was read, approved, and is as follows : CIRCULAR LETTER. BY REV. ROBERT KELSAY. The elders and messengers of the several churches met at Scotch Plains, New Jersey. Send our Christian salutation. Beloved Brethren, — Through the sparing mercies of God, we have been permitted to see the revolution of another year, and to meet together, although not at the place appointed by our last Association. Nevertheless, we have abundant cause to admire the goodness of God, that we have a being, and are not driven fron our habitations as many of our brethren have been. Dark and gloomy are the clouds which hang over us ; therefore, brethren, since the Lord seems to be con- tending with our guilty land, both by sword and epidemical diseases, his judgments being so evidently amongst us, there is a loud call to the inhabitants in general, and especially to his professing people, to learn lessons of righteousness. Suffer us, therefore, your friends, brethren and ministers, to i-ecommend these few things in love to your serious consideration. First. We exhort you in the words of our Lord, to watch against a drowsy disposition, and remissness in fulfilling the solemn obliga- tions incumbent upon us, to the glory of him that called us out of darkness into his marvellous light. Secondly. Take Special heed to maintain peace amongst your- selves, in these days of confusion. And, let every one be honestly engaged to fill up their proper stations as creatures bound to eter- nity, not knowing how long we may enjoy those privileges which we have abused. Let it never be said of one professing to be born from above, that such a one is careless in prayer ; reading the scriptures ; MINUTES OF THE PHILADELPHIA ASSOCIATION, 157 attending worship and maintaining discipline, seeing we must all be accountable to God for our stewardship at last. Thus, brethren, in a few words, we commend you to God and the word of his grace. Subscribing ourselves yours in gospel relations. Isaac Stelle, Moderator. William Van Horne, Clerk. THE MINISTERS AND MESSENGEES AT THE ASSOCIATION, AND STATE OF THE CHURCHES DURING THE YEAR. CHURCHES. MINISTERS AND MESSENGERS. 1 1 •3 3 •< ft 1 ft B 2 K a Pennepek, f Samuel Jones,* 1 Peter Smith, 4 3 2 1 73 Middletown,- 5 Abel Morgan,* ( James Mott, 5 3 141 Piscataqua, - f Isaac Stelle, ■j Moses IMartin, ( Randolph Drake, 2 2 75 Cohansie, " ( Robert Kelsay, ■{ Philip Shepherd, i David Elwell, 1 3 76 Welsh Tract, John Sutton, 2 2 120 Great Valley, John Davies,* 2 68 Cape May,t' David Smith,* 52 Hopewell, - f Benjamin Coles, -| Nathaniel Stout, ( James Darrah, 101 1 7 1 247 Brandywine, Abel Griffiths,* 29 ]Montgomery, John Thomas, 2 101 Kingwood, ' S David Sutton, ( Andrew Bray, 1 2 5 82 Southampton, William Vanhorne, John Blackwell,* 2 CI Philadelphia, Joshua Moore, Thomas Fleeson, ^ George Bright, 3 3 1 1 172 Cranberry,! ' 27 Scotch Plains, ( Benjamin Miller,* < John Stites, ( Recompence Stanbury, 1 2 2 126 Oyster Bay.f 27 Morristown, " f Reune Runyan. ( John Brookfield, 4 2 2 3 81 Knowlton,' John Honeywell, 11 3 1 27 Harford, John Davies,* 2 2 142 New Britain, f Joshua John,* 50 Salem,t ' 0, 261 158 MINUTES OF THE PHILADELPHIA ASSOCIATIOlSr. CHURCHES. MIXISTERS AND MESSENGERS. Newtown, ' Bateman's Precincts, Dividing Creek, 1. New York,t New Mills, Konoloway,t Coram,t Upper Freehold, Mount Bethel, Goshen, Lyon's Farms, Oblong,f Philip's Patent, Pittsgrove,t Manahawkin,f Vincent,! Tuckahoe,t ' Northern Liberty, f 2. New York,t Stamford, King Street,! f Nicholas Cox, I Hezekiah Smith, sr., Samuel Waldo,* Samuel Heaton, John Gano,* I Samuel Gaskill, Joseph Poweel,* < Thomas Cox, jr., ( Edward Taylor, John Worth, f James Benedict, I William Howard, I Ichabod Grummon, Simon Dawkin,* f John Lawrence,* [ Ebenezer Ward, William AVorth, Henry Crossly,* William Lock,* John Dodge,* 1 1 1 188 15 17135 3|3013 80 152 32 139 53 60 34 61 27 141 22 92 108 40 15 57 24 15 14 31 13 Note. — The ministers' names are in small capitals. Those marked thus * not present. The churches marked thus f sent neither letters nor messengers, and their numbers remain as last year. A dash — minister. denotes no settled 1777. [In consequence of the ravages of war, and Philadelphia being occupied by the British army, the Association held no meeting this year. — Ed.] MINUTES OF THE PHILADELPHIA BAPTIST ASSOCIATION, HELD AT HOPEWELL, NEW JERSEY, OCTOBER 13tH AND 14tH, 1778. 1. October 13 — The Association being met at three o'clock, p. M., according to appointment, it was opened with a suitable dis- course, from Matt. xxii. 4, by Brother Abel Morgan. 2. After service, proceeded to make choice of a moderator and clerk. To the former appointed Benjamin Miller, and to the latter Samuel Jones, and then adjourned to nine o'clock, next morning. 3. October 14th, nine o'clock. — After prayer, proceeded to read the letters from the churches. 4. The Association, deeply impressed with a sense of the cala- mities of the times, the prevalence of vice and profanity, and the declension of vital piety : Resolved, To recommend to the churches to observe four days, the ensuing year, of humiliation, fasting, and prayer, and abstinence from labor and recreations ; viz., the second Thursday in November, February, May, and August ; and they entreat the same may be religiously observed in a solemn and devout manner. 5. Mr. George Wescott requesting to be released from being treasurer to the Association ; Agreed, That Samuel Jones render the thanks of the Association to Mr. Wescott for his past services, and be appointed to that trust in his sttadj receive the money in said Wescott's hands, and put the same in the continental fund. 6. A motion being made for raising a fund, the interest of which to be appropriated to the particular and express purpose of preach- ing the gospel in destitute places, among the back settlements, at the discretion of the Association ; Agreed to recommend the same to the churches, and that the interest of whatever may be raised for that purpose, shall be strictly appropriated to that use only. 7. Brother John Blackwell appointed to write a letter to the As- sociation in Virginia. The messengers. Brother Thomas Fleeson, and Brother John Pittman. (159) 160 MINUTES OF THE PHILADELPHIA ASSOCIATION. 8. Brother Benjamin Cole appointed to write a letter to the Asso- ciation in Rhode Island government. The messengers, Brother Ebenezer Ward, and Brother Elkanah Holmes. 9. The circular letter was read, and approved of. 10. Brother Samuel Jones appointed to write the circular letter for next year. The subject, Divine Providence. 11. The Association to meet next year at Philadelphia, on Tues- day after the second Lord's day in October, at three o'clock, p. m. 12. Brother Benjamin Cole to preach the Association sermon; in case of failure, Brother Nicholas Cox. CIRCULAR LETTER. BY REV. SAMUEL JONES. The elders and messengers of the several Baptist churches, meet- ing at Pennepek, Middletown, Piscataqua, Cohansie, Hopewell, Kingwood, Southampton, Philadelphia, Scotch Plains, Morristown, Knowlton, Newtown, Upper Freehold, Mount Bethel, and Pittsgrove, being met in Association at Hopewell, New Jersey, October 13th and 14th, 1778. The said churches send greeting. Dear Brethren, — You must be sensible that we live in a day of very general calamity and distress ; a day of lukewarmness and hard- ness of heart ; a day of great corruption, both as to doctrine and manners : We, therefore, earnestly beseech you in the bowels of com- passion and Christian love, that you consider the rod and him that has appointed it ; that you humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God ; that you remember from whence you have fallen, and re- pent, and do your first works ; and that you hold fast that form of sound words that was once delivered to the saints. Do not give up or slight any of the glorious doctrines of the gospel ; they are all excellent, and worthy of your highest regard. It is with real con- cern we perceive that real religion is so much on the decline ; and therefore, we beg you would take care, that you do not rest in mere notions. Notional religion may carry a person far in a Chris- tian profession ; but experimental knowledge of Christ can only bring us to heaven. We know it will be in vain to plead "we have eat and drank in thy presence," and altogether as vain it will be to plead, " we have assented to the doctrines of the gospel," unless we feel their sanctifying influence on our hesirts. Professors of religion are too ready to join with the men of the world, in the useless, vain, and sinful customs of it ; and it is to be feared, that the honors, pleasures, and especially the profits of the world, are too eagerly pursued by many amongst us, who name the name of Christ. Holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, abstain from this fleshly lust, which warreth against the soul. Re- member that we are not to love the world, nor the things of the world. We are strangers and pilgrims on earth, and therefore we should set our affections, not on things below, but on things above. The woman clothed with the sun, had the moon under her feet. Had MINUTES OF THE PHILADELPHIA ASSOCIATION. 161 we a proper estimation of heavenly things, we should not be so fond of earthly enjoyments. Consider, dear brethren, whose you are, and whom you ought to serve. You profess to be the people of the Lord ; you have declared your attachment to Jesus Christ: consider, then, the great High Priest of your profession, who was holy, harmless, undefiled, and separate from sinners ; who went about continually doing good. So tread in his steps, and imitate his example, that you may be able to say to others, "be ye followers of us, as we are also of Christ." Moreover, brethren, we exhort you to pay a due regard to the pub- lic worship of God, and carefully attend the means of grace. The Lord loveth the gates of Zion more than all the dwellings of Jacob. Forsake not, therefore, the assembling of yourselves together. Wait on the Lord, and he shall strengthen your hearts. Shall the Lord rain manna round about our tents, and we not go out to gather it? Shall we starve our souls by such cruel negligence ? Remember, dear brethren, that attendance on the worship of God, in all the branches of it, in the sanctuary, in the family, and in the closet, is necessary to a growth in grace, and a delightful intercourse with God. And whether in the church, in the family, or in the world, let it be your care to honor the gospel. Many professors give them- selves too much liberty, and walk not so circumspect as they ought. By this means the gospel is sometimes reproached, the doctrine of grace, and the good ways of God brought into contempt. If we were to adorn our profession with a holy life, the truths of our holy religion would be had in greater esteem. For nothing makes religion appear so amiable in the eyes of the world, or sets the gospel in so respectable a point of view, as a holy life in those that profess it. A Christian should remember that he has always something to do. The duty incumbent on him is very extensive. Be desirous, therefore, to know the extent of your duty, and when you know, be careful to put it in practice. Then shall we not be ashamed, when we have respect to all his commandments, and in keeping of them there is great reward. We would likewise entreat you, as brethren, to dwell together in unity. Stifle the first risings of animosity. Be ashamed of being contentious. Let the disciples of the Prince of peace seek after and follow the things that make for peace. And while we exhort you to these necessary duties, we cannot but put you in mind, that all must be done in the name and strength of Christ. Without him we can do nothing. In ourselves we cannot discharge one duty, resist one temptation, or subdue one corruption. Let all, therefore, be done in the name, and with a dependence on the grace of Christ. Motives to excite and stir you up to these things are at hand. Let us, in this view, remind you of the free love of God, by which you were chosen to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and be- lief of the truth. Remember the love of Christ, who redeemed you by his blood, and the great things the Spirit of God has done for your souls, in the apphcation of that precious blood to purge your 21 162 MINUTES OF THE PHILADELPHIA ASSOCIATION. consciences from dead works. And may you not only think on these things, but by the grace of God feel the power of them on your hearts continually. And now, dear brethren, what shall we say more to you. Our hearts are enlarged. We seek not yours but you. Above all things we desire your spiritual welfare. For this we meet together, for this we pray, for this we preach, for this we give our advice, and wish we could do more. Dearly beloved, follow that which is good, for- sake that which is evil, "be steadfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord." Amen. Benjamin Miller, Moderator. Samuel Jones, Clerk. MINUTES OF THE PHILADELPHIA BAPTIST ASSOCIATION, HELD AT PHILADELPHIA, OCTOBER 12tH AND 13tH, 1779. The Association being met according to appointment, it was opened with a suitable discourse from 2 Cor. v. 20, by Brother Ben- jamin Miller. 2. After service proceeded to make choice of a moderator and clerk. To the former appointed Benjamin Miller, and to the latter Samuel Jones. 3. After reading a few of the letters from the churches, adjourned to nine o'clock next morning. 4. October 13th, 9 o'clock. — After prayer, proceeded to read the remainder of the letters. 5. The circular letter read and approved of. 6. Mr. Samuel Jones reported that on settling with Mr. Wescott, it appeared there was a balance of one hundred and nine pounds, nineteen shillings, and one penny in said Wescott's hands, which he put in the continental fund. 7. Also, that he had received of the money of Mrs. Hubb's donation, two hundred and twenty-eight pounds, fifteen shillings, and two pence. Agreed the same be put in the continental fund. 8. The piece written by Mr. Morgan on fasting and prayer being read and much approved of, agreed the same be printed with our letter. 9. Concluded to continue the days of fasting and prayer as in the year past, viz : the second Thursday in November, February, May, and August. 10. Brother James Benedict having lately suffered by the Indians, agreed to recommend his case to the churches, and desire them to make collections for his relief, and convey the same as soon as may be to Mr. Coles, at Hopewell. 11. There being a call for the catechisms from divers places, agreed that the churches inquire among themselves, and see how many they will take of them, at seven shillings and sixpence apiece, and make a return of the same to the next Association. (163) 164 MINUTES OF THE PHILADELPHIA ASSOCIATION. 12. Brother Thomas Fleeson to write to the Association of Vir- ginia, and be a messenger to them. 13. Brother John Blackwell to write to the Warren Association, and Brother Elcanah Holmes to be messenger. 14. Brother Abel Morgan to prepare the Association letter for next year. 15. The Association next year to be held at Philadelphia, on Tuesday after the third Sunday in October, at 3 o'clock. 16. Brother Samuel Jones to preach the Association sermon, and in case of failure, Brother John Blackwell. CIRCULAR LETTER. BT RET. SAMUEL JONES. The elders and messengers of the several Baptist churches meet- ing at Pennepek, Middletown, Piscataqua, Cohansie, Hopewell, Mont- gomery, Kingwood, Southampton, Philadelphia, Scotch Plains, Mor- ristown. New Britain, Pitsgrove, Newtown, Dividing Creek, New Mills, Upper Freehold, Lyon's Farms, and Oblong, being met in Association at Philadelphia, October 12th and 13th, 1779. To the said churches send greeting. Dearly beloved brethren, — Seventy-two years have now elapsed since the first Association that was held in this place ; during which period, but more especially of late, we have been led to note many remarkable displays of Divine Providence, which, by appointment, is to be the subject of our present address. Confession of faith, chap. V. When we admit the divine authority of the holy Scripture, and by the light thereof, together with that of nature, we discover the being and perfections of God, we are next led to consider his purposes and decrees, and the execution of these in the works of creation and providence. These are all material objects of faith, and main pil- lars, as well as essential parts of true religion. That the all-wise and omnipotent Jehovah is the Creator and dis- poser of all things is a matter of general consent, discoverable by the light of nature ; insomuch that creation and providence may be said to be the two testaments out of which natural religion is deduced ; but still much more manifest by the sure testimony of the Scripture of truth. See Ps. civ. ; Acts xvii. 25, 28, &c. Creation is the eifect of Almighty power and wisdom, whereby the eternal God created all things, visible and invisible, even the whole universe, out of nothing. Col. i. 16. But chiefly man, the glory of this lower creation, being made after his own image, in knowledge, righteousness, and true holiness. Gen. i. 27. By Divine Providence is meant the superintendence of the Deity over all his works and all possible events. Whereby, 1. He upholds and sustains all things, animate and inanimate. Heb. i. 3 ; Acts xvii. 28. 2. Provides for all living. Acts xvii. 25 ; Ps. civ. 21 ; cxxxvi. 25. 3. And governs the whole universe. Ps. ciii. 19. Providence is, MINUTES OF THE PHILADELPHIA ASSOCIATION. 165 1. General, Acts xvii. 25, or particular, Matt. x. 29. 2. Mediate, by second causes, 1 Kings, xiii. 24 ; xxii. 22, and the fixed laws of nature. Or immediate by his will and appointment. 3. Ordinary, in the common course of things, or extraordinary. 1 Kings xvii. 4 ; Dan. vi. 22 ; iii. 27. In this view we are led to conceive of the Divine Being as the head of a vast family, extending his care and beneficence to every indi- vidual of it ; or as a great monarch, who has his eye not only on those near his throne, but extends the benefits of his benign influence to the remotest parts of his vast dominions. For as we would not expect the greatest to be above, so neither are the least below his notice ; insomuch that a sparrow does not fall to the ground without him, and the very hairs of our heads are all numbered. Matt. x. 29, 30. how august and stupendous this work of God ! It is a most rich display of all the divine perfections ; especially of wisdom, goodness, and power ; and it excites and improves all the powers, best faculties and aifections of the soul, as well as every grace and virtue ; as love, reverence, admiration, gratitude and the like. For who can contem- plate such manifestation of power as we see in the ways of Providence, and not feel a reverential awe of him, who controls and sustains all creation ? Who can view that infinite wisdom manifest in the whole, and not be filled with wonder and astonishment ? Or who can trace the footsteps of goodness and mercy visible every where, but espe- cially in the recovery of man, which is a particular dispensation of Providence, and not feel the springs of love, gratitude, and praise excited in him ? Surely one would think it must be impossible ; but we shall grow wiser and better while we read in the book of Provi- dence that lies continually open before us. Yet, after all, we must remember that in our present state we can comprehend but a very small part of this vast whole, as it is mentioned in the book of Job. " Lo, these are parts of his ways, but how little a portion is heard of him." Job xxvi. 14. But as all the ways of God are mysterious to us in this imperfect state, while we are so prone to judge of the whole from seeing a part, so there lies one objection against the doctrine we are speaking of. Not such as has been made by those who are fond of caviling, but which has been a difficulty to the godly. To the Psalmist, Ps. Ixxiii. 2, 5. To Jeremiah, Jer. xii. 1 ; Heb. i. 13 ; and to Job, x. 3, and many others since : namely, that it is not just and equal, the wicked being often prosperous and the righteous afilicted. To which it might be sufiicient to say with the Apostle, " Who art thou that re- pliest against God?" Rom. ix. 20. But we would further observe, 1. Inequality is necessai-y in all governments, and the beauty of them, as there must be diff'erent members in a body. 2. Wicked men may have some virtues, which cannot be rewarded but in this life. 3. All do not prosper. 166 MINUTES OF THE PHILADELPHIA ASSOCIATION. 4. The prosperous wicked are not so happy as they are thought to be. Prov. xiv. 13, 14. 5. Their prosperity will have an end ; while, on the other hand, 6. The righteous have imperfections. 7. And afflictions are necessary to perfect them in grace and holiness. 8. Lastly, their reward will be hereafter, when the equality will be made. Ps. Ixxxiii. 17. In regard of the question, how Providence can be versant about evil actions without destroying the liberty of the will, but that man may still remain a free agent, we have but room to suggest, that what is natural in the act is of God, what is sinful of man, like the ascending of vapors and exhalations from all bodies is owing to the sun ; but that stench should arise from any, is owing to their being corrupted in themselves. So, also, speaking is from God ; but speak- ing wickedly from man. As for the concerns of Providence with good actions, there is but little danger of our erring by ascribing too much to it. Finally, brethren, the well ordering, sustaining, and overruling all things and all possible events, in the whole universe, and through all ages, is the object of Providence, under the direction of him, whose kingdom ruleth over all. Ps. ciii. 19. Two or three things we would now point out by way of improve- ment, and so conclude. First. We ought to accustom ourselves to see and acknowledge our God, and set him before us, in all these his ways, wherein his wisdom, power, mercy, and goodness shine. 1. That such a display of divine perfections may not pass unheeded. 2. That so much goodness may not be lost on us, and rise up in judgment against us. 3. That we may not miss of means so powerful to promote virtue and vital piety. 4. Wherein if we fail we must be stupid and ungrateful to a degree not only unworthy of the Christian, and the means we enjoy, but also of the powers we are endowed with. Dan. v. 23. Second. When chastised, we ought to " hear the rod and him that has appointed it." Mich. vi. 9. This is and has been our case for some years past, which we have not room now to enlarge upon. Third. When the profusion of a kind Providence is showered on our heads, it becomes us to be taught humility, dependence, love, and gratitude. Rom. ii. 4. And this has always been our case, though more remarkably of late, when the Lord remembered mercy in the midst of deserved judgment. For if you consider the steps whereby divine Providence interposed in our favor during the present contest with Great Britain, you must see and know that the most high God ruleth in the kingdom of men, and that he appointed over it whom- soever he will. Dan. v. 21. Thus, dear brethren, we have just entered on the subject, and, as it were, traced some of its outlines, than which our limits would al- MINUTES OP THE PHILADELPHIA ASSOCIATION. 167 low US little more. We shall now conclude in the words of the Apos- tle to the Romans, chap. xi. 33, 36. '' the depth of the riches, both of the wisdom and knowledge of God ! How unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out ! For of him, and through him, and to him, are all things, to whom be glory for ever. Amen." Benjamin Miller, Moderator. Samuel Jones, Clerk. ON FASTING AND PKAYER. BY REV. AEEL MORGAN. In compliance with the request of a former Association, here fol- low some brief remarks concerning fasting. That it is the duty of Christians, on certain occasions, to fast or to abstain from their usual refreshment, at the stated times, cannot with any just reason be once called into question ; forasmuch as Christ himself takes it for granted, " when thou fastest," and proceeds to give necessary directions how to act therein. Matt. vi. 16. Of the various kinds or diversities of fasts, our concern at present is only about a religious fast, which is either private or public ; private, when one alone sets himself by fasting and prayer to seek the Lord, as David did, who fasted, lying all night upon the earth, 2 Sam. xii. 16. Daniel, who sought by prayer and fasting, ix. 3. Anna, a prophetess, who served God with fastings and prayers, Luke ii. 37. Public fasting, appointed either by the civil power, as Jehosaphat proclaimed a fast throughout all Judah, 2 Chron. xx. 8 ; also Ezra, vii. 14; viii. 21. The king of Nine- yah, Jonah iii. 5. Or by mutual agreement of the members of churches ; for instance, in that famous Christian church at Antioch, when Bar- nabas and Saul, by the command of the Holy Ghost, were separated to the work appointed them, Acts xiii. 2, 3. The concomitants, or what should accompany religious fastings, are : 1, unfeigned confession of our sins, Dan. ix. 5, with a sense of the evil of them, and turning from them to God ; otherwise, it ap- pears so much like hypocrisy and lying to God with our tongues. Also 2, with prayer, Joel i. 14 ; emphatically expressed by " crying unto the Lord." 3, undissembled humiliation, intimated by outward tokens, as being clothed with sackcloth and laying in ashes, Dan. ix. 3 ; Jonah iii. 8. And 4, to avoid all acts of oppression, and to show kindness to the needy. The fast which the Lord has chosen, and which he approves of, is to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, to break every yoke, to deal your bread to the hungry, to relieve the poor, to cover the naked, Isaiah Iviii. 6, 7. Alas, how far are our fasts from being accompanied with those things which the Lord requires ! The occasions of fasting and prayer are such as : 1. To deprecate lawful judgments felt or feared; as sword, famine, pestilence, or other sore afflictions. 2. To intreat for the revival of religion, the coming and spread of the Mediator's kingdom, success of the gospel, unity of Christians, and the like desirable blessings. 3. Occasion on 168 MINUTES OF THE PHILADELPHIA ASSOCIATION. some weighty, important undertakings, as the constitution of churches, ordination of church officers. Acts xiv. 23. Preparation for the re- ception of the Lord's supper, protection from imminent danger, Ezra viii. 21. The length of time to be observed in fasting is not determined ; it must be regulated by agreement, prudence, or public order ; at least it ought to be so long till public worship is over. When our continent is filled with tears and blood, ravages and desolation abound, perpetrated by English troops, and, if possible by the more wicked combinations of base traitors among ourselves, as now it is, when religion declines, and iniquity triumphs, it is a time which calls aloud for humiliation before God, fasting and prayer, with a steadfast endeavor for a reformation through our sinful afflicted land. MINUTES or THE PHILADELPHIA BAPTIST ASSOCIATION, HELD AT PHILADELPHIA, OCTOBER 17tH AND 18tH, 1780. Tuesday, October 17 — At 3 o'clock, p. m,, Rev. Samuel Jones, pur- suant to appointment, preached the introductory sermon, from Matt, xvi. 18, " And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church ; and the gates of hell shall not pre- vail against it." 2. After divine service. Rev. Isaac Stelle was elected moderator, and Rev. William Rogers, clerk. 3. Letters from twenty-one churches were read, complaining in general of great declension in religion and vital piety; also, of amazing prevailing stupidity, which are such tokens of the divine dis- pleasure as do loudly call for deep humiliation of spirit. The Association ardently wish to hear from all the other churches in the Union, who have, at this our annual meeting, neglected writing to us; likewise request an exact return of their full number in com- munion, to be forwarded to the next Association, in order that the state of our churches may be published as formerly. 4. Rev. Oliver Hart, of Charleston, South Carolina, and Rev. William Rogers, of this city, being present — also, our brethren Thomas Fleeson, and John Pitman, they were admitted by the Asso- ciation to the full privilege of members. 5. A letter from the Warren Association, held the 12th ult., brought by their messenger. Rev. Elhanan Winchester, was read, giving a most pleasing account of the work of God's Spirit in many parts of New England. Seven hundred and sixty-five members w^ere added to their last Association, and upwards of one thousand had, within one year, been baptized in Massachusett's State only, who had not then joined that body. 6. The minutes of the Charleston Association, held in November, 1779, were read. Near three hundred were baptized among them that year ; two hundred and thirty-nine in three months, at Pedee, by one minister. God grant, that the several churches of this our sister Association may be speedily delivered from British oppression ! Adjourned to nine o'clock to-morrow morning. 22 (169) 170 MINUTES OF THE PHILADELPHIA ASSOCIATION. "Wednesday, October 18 — Met agreeably to adjournment. 7. A letter from Cowmarsh, Kent county, on Delaware, was read, desiring supplies, as they are destitute of a stated ministry. The As- sociation approve the request, and purpose helping them as much as possible. 8. The cii'cular letter prepared by the Rev. Abel Morgan was read, and unanimously adopted. Rev. Samuel Jones was appointed to com- pose one for the next year. Subject — God's Covenant. 9. Rev. "William Yanhorne, who was requested to write to the "Warren Association, and Rev. John Blackwell, to that of Virginia, brought in their letters respectively, which, after examination, were approved. The messengers appointed to -visit the former, at their next annual meeting, are Rev. Messrs. William Rogers and Elhanan Winchester, with Mr. John Pitman. To the latter, Mr. Thomas Fleeson. 10. The members of this Association, on consideration of the awful declension of religion in these middle States, and our national distresses, recommend to all our churches to continue the observation of the second Thm'sday in November, February, May, and August, as days of fasting, humiliation, and prayer. 11. After some conversation on the state of the Association library, it was thought proper to nominate a librai'ian. Accordingly having made choice of Rev. William Yanhorne, he accepted : and full power is hereby given him to collect all the books now out, and dis- tribute them with those now on hand, as he sees proper, and render an account thereof at our next meeting. 12. Resolved, That our next Association be held in Philadelphia, the Tuesday after the third Lord's day in October. Sermon, at usual time, by Rev. John Blackwell; or, on failure, by Rev. Nicholas Cox. 13. Rev. Oliver Hart was unanimously requested to preach this evening. Thus hanng, through Divine favor, enjoyed a comfortable inter- view tocrether, upon finishing our business, we closed at one o'clock, in Christian love and fellowship. CIRCULAR LETTER. BY REV. ABEL MORGAN. The elders and messengers of the several Baptist churches, meet- ing at Pennepek, Middleto'ftTi, Piscataqua, Cohansie, Tredvffrin, Cape May, Hopewell, Brandywine, Montgomery, Southampton, Phila- delphia, Cranberry, Scotch Plains, New Britain, Salem, Newtown, Dividing Creek, New Mills, Upper Freehold, Lyon's Farms, and Pittsgrove. To the said churches send our Christian salutation. Beloved Brethren, — At the close of our annual Association, we now address you on the solemn subject of the sixth chapter of our Confession of faith, which treats of the Fall of Man. Such is the excellency and usefulness of divine revelation contained in that sadly neglected book, the Bible, that it affords us an infallible MINUTES OF THE PHILADELPHIA ASSOCIATION. 171 certainty respecting things past, present, and to come, which do so nearly concern us to know; among other articles, man's creation, who was made upright, righteous and holy, after the likeness, or image of God, happy in the favor of God, and communion with him, endued with power to fulfil the law, given him for the rule of his obe- dience to his Creator, in that perfect state- Moreover, by the same word of truth, we are assured of the sor- rowful change which befel our first parents, by their acting contrary to the command of God ; beguiled by Satan, the father of lies, man fell, lost his creation excellencies, his honor, his God, — his favor, knowledge of him, communion with him, fitness for his service, and ability to perform it ; lost his life, his life to God, even his natural or animal life being forfeited, he became subject to death, the sanc- tion of the law, the penalty denounced in case of disobedience ; then the consequents of his evil deed immediately took place, which are guilt and depravity, with all the miseries which do accompany the same, both present and future. Thus man became separated from God, an enemy unto him, to his glory and government, from the first sin, even until now — obnoxious to the curse of a just law violated, and under the wrath of God due to transgressors ; also, wofully pol- luted throughout soul and body, "We are all as an unclean thing," Isa. Ixiv. 6. Man, by his departure from God, is become idolatrous, turned from the only true God unto self, which is the grand idol of the whole world ever since Adam's revolt. Self was the very alluring bait, wrapped up in the fii'st temptation, "Ye shall be as gods." Now it cannot be otherwise, but that He who will not give his glory to another, should always abhor and detest any one, and every one, that sets up another god in the room of the true God, and lives to him as man doth to self. Again, what further aggravates the evil of the first sin of man, is the capacity which Adam stood in, viz., as the public head and representative of all his posterity, — that in him, and with him, all have sinned, and fell from happiness in his first transgression, " All have sinned," Rom. v. 12 ; which is evident not only by divine tes- timony, but is also universally manifested by the aversion to good, — the ignorance, stupidity, selfishness, and propensity to evil apparent in every one by nature, Eph. ii. 3. May we all, therefore, brethren, not only assent to the truth of the historical narration of these things, but also know the absolute neces- sity of a real, abiding convincing sense of our case, thus ruined, guilty, and depraved. In order, 1, To suppress all pride, and high conceits of ourselves, our supposed excellency and goodness ; 2, Truly to acknowledge whatever favors mankind receive, that they are every way gratuitous, and wholly undeserved ; 3, For our humiliation before God, confession of our sins, and deep distress of soul ; 4, To raise in our minds a becoming admiration of God's patience 172 MINUTES OF THE PHILADELPHIA ASSOCIATION. and forbearance with a sinful world, in that vindictive justice is not immediately executed on transgressors ; 5, To learn the true and proper cause of his forbearance, — viz., the interposition of the Mediator, Christ Jesus, between the execution of the penalty and man's desert; 6, To give us enlarged views of rich mercy and grace with God, in constituting a way whereby to restore creatures so un- worthy from present ruin and future misery, even by his own beloved Son; 7, To teach us the necessity we are under of a renovation ; Again, an abiding sense of our case is necessary, in order to make us all anxiously inquisitive about our acquaintance with, and an in- terest in, Christ the Mediator ; and to excite all believers in him to continued thanksgiving and praise, that they should not henceforth live to themselves, but unto him that died for them, and rose again. God, who is wise in counsel, and excellent in working, suffered or permitted man to fall, and thence took occasion to bring the greatest good out of the worst of evils, or overruled the fall of man, to the more abundant display of his divine perfections — to the everlasting disap- pointment and confusion of his enemies, the security of his elect, and the endless praise of his glorious name. By order, Isaac Stelle, Moderator. William Rogers, Clerk. MINUTES OF THE PHILADELPHIA BAPTIST ASSOCIATION, HELD AT PHILADELPHIA, OCTOBER 12tH, 13tH, AND 14tH, 1781. Tuesday, October 23d. — At three o'clock, p. M., the Association was opened with a suitable discourse, from 2 Cor. xi. 22-28, by Brother John Blackwell. 2. After sermon, Brother Samuel Jones was elected moderator, and Brother Thomas Fleeson, clerk. Letters from twenty-six churches were read. 3. A letter and minutes from the Warren Association, which met at South Brimfield in September last, were read. Their messengers to us were President Manning and Brother William Rogers. 4. Wednesday, October 24th. — Met, pursuant to adjournment, at nine o'clock, A. M. A special report in writing, relative to the Asso- ciation library, was presented by Brother William Vanhorn, Ordered, that this be left among our papers. Our brethren, Samuel Jones and Joshua Jones, with the librarian, are requested to examine all the books, distinguish, by some mark, those appertaining to the library, take into consideration the expediency of repairing the bindings, and make their report at our next annual meeting. 5. Our brethren, Samuel Jones, Oliver Hart, Abel Morgan, and James Manning, were appointed a committee to take into consideration the proposals and queries offered by Pennepek, Hopewell, and Phila- delphia churches, and report thereon in the afternoon. 6. The church at Stamford having excommunicated Robert Mor- ris, their late preacher, for gross immoralities, and departure from the faith as held by us, we think proper to notify the churches, that they may beware of him. 7. Brother Blackwell was requested to draw up an advertisement informing the public that David Branson, who imposes on them under the character of a Baptist preacher, is an excommunicated person, and ought not, by any means, to be countenanced. The advertise- ment being brought in, was read, and, after some amendment, ap- proved of. Ordered to be inserted in one of the Philadelphia news- papers. 8. Half past two o'clock, p. m. The committee appointed to con- (173) 174 MINUTES OF THE PHILADELPHIA ASSOCIATION". s.icler tlie proposals and queries from Pennepek, Hopewell, and Phila- delphia churches, respecting the doctrine of " universal restoration," and the proceedings of the Philadelphia church on that affair, do report : First. That the proceedings of the protesters in that business were regular and fair. Secondly. That the declaration of the ministers who were called to their assistance, respecting the protesters, was weighty, full, and decisive. Thirdly. That although the non signers are already virtually ex- cluded, yet, in order to their more formal excommunication, the Philadelphia church be advised to appoint at their meeting of busi- ness, two of their regular male members to go with the protest to the non protesters, one by one, in order to their signing it, and warn them, that in case they refuse to sign, they should openly and for- mally, by name, be excommunicated. Samuel Jones, Oliver Hart,. Abel Morgan, James Manning. Resolved unanimously, That the above report of the committee is approved ; and that this Association advise all the churches to be- ware of Elhanan Winchester, and not admit him, or any who advo- cate " universal salvation," to the office of public teaching, or suffer any who avow the same to continue in their communion. 9. Brother Oliver Hart was appointed to write a letter, in order to be forwarded to the next Warren Association ; and our brethren, Abel Griffith, William Rogers, Elkanah Holmes, and Nicholas Cox, were chosen messengers. 10. Brother William Rogers was requested to wi'ite to the next Virginia Association ; and our brethren, Thomas Fleeson and Philip Hughes were appointed messengers. 11. Thursday, October 25th. — Met at sunrise. The general let- ter to the churches, drawn by Brother Samuel Jones, being read, was approved of; and Brother Oliver Hart was nominated to write one for next year. Subject — " Christ the Mediator." 12. Supplies were granted to the following destitute churches : — Knowlton, Tuckahoe, Cowmarsh, and Upper Freehold. 13. Voted, That the next Association be held at Philadelphia, to begin on Tuesday after the third Lord's day in October, at three o'clock, p. M. Introductory sermon by Brother Nicholas Cox; in case of failure, by Brother Abel Morgan. 14. And now, dear brethren, having come to a close of our annual meeting, before we address you by our circular letter, we feel our- selves constrained to acknowledge the great goodness of God towards us, and to call on you to join with us in thankfulness and praise, aa well for the unanimity and brotherly love which prevailed through- out our meeting, as for the recent signal success granted to the MINUTES OF THE PHILADELPHIA ASSOCIATION. 175 American arms, in the surrender of the "whole British army, under the command of Lord Cornwallis, with the effusion of so little blood. CIRCULAR LETTER, BY RET. SAMUEL JONES. The elders and messengers of the several churches met in Asso- ciation at Philadelphia, October 23d, 1781. To the several churches in union with this Association, send greeting. Dearly beloved in the Lord, — In the connection of divine truth, and progress of our order, we come to write to you, in the next place, of what, in our Confession of faith, Chap. VII., is called God's Covenant ; by which is meant the transactions of God with and tOAvards man, respecting his duty and happiness ; more especially the exertions of infinite wisdom and mercy, in the contrivance and establishment of the scheme of redemption, for the recovery and salvation of lost man, through a precious and blessed Mediator. Passing over the prohibition to Adam, respecting the forbidden fruit, which is commonly called the covenant of works, his being the public head and representative of his posterity, as he certainly was, Rom. V. 12, we come to the intimation made to him immediately after the fall, respecting the seed of the woman, that it should bruise the serpent's head ; upon which is founded the notion of the covenant of grace made with Adam, which was nothing else than a bare dis- covery, revelation, and manifestation of the eternal counsel of God, respecting man's recovery, carrying in it a promise of eternal life. No stipulations and re-stipulations, no conditions whatever ; nothing more nor less to be performed on Adam's part; nothing but a glori- ous manifestation, as was said before, of the rich grace and mercy of God in Christ. And the farther discovery of this rich grace, that was made to the patriarchs, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, was exactly of the same tenor ; a promise, that in their seed all the nations of the earth should be blessed. Gen. xii. 3 ; xxvi. 4 ; xxviii. 14. Not a word of a covenant, or any conditions. Hence, in the New Testa- ment, where reference is had thereunto, the same language is con- stantly used ; as for instance : " For the promise is unto you and your children," Acts ii. 39. " Of this man's seed has God, accord- ing to his promise," Acts xiii. 23. " For the hope of the promise made of God unto our fathers," Acts xxvi. 6. " Heirs according to the promise," Gal. iii. 21, 22, 29. " The promise of eternal inherit- ance," Heb. ix. 19. " To perform the mercy promised," Luke i. 72. "And this is the promise that he has promised us, even eternal life," 1 John ii. 29. For all the promises of God in him, are not yea and nay, if you will, and if not, in the strain of a covenant, but yea and amen, 2 Cor. i. 20. In like manner, we read of gifts : " If thou knewest the gift of God," John. iv. 10. " Free gift," Rom. v. 15-18. "Unspeakable gift," 2 Cor. ix. 15. " Gave gifts unto men," Eph. iv. 8. Hence, also, the administrations of grace are called the 176 MINUTES OF THE PHILADELPHIA ASSOCIATION. Old and New Testament, because a testament contains free gifts and legacies made over, and insured to the heirs. It is true we read in Isa. lix. 21, "As for me, this is my covenant with them." And in Jer. xxxi. 31-34, " I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel, after those days, saith the Lord," speaking of the gospel day. With respect to which we observe. First. That in these places you see nothing that looks like a covenant. Secondly. That the word covenant, in the Old Testament, sometimes means a statute, ordinance, establishment, appointment and decree, as in Jer. xxxiii. 2 ; Gen. ix. 9-11 ; Numb, xviii. 19. Thirdly. That the use of the word cove- nant might be more consonant with that legal dispensation, than that of a testament. Fourthly and lastly. That it might seem odd to speak of a testament, while the testator was yet living, as the Apostle liints, Heb. ix. 15, 16. But when our Saviour was about to lay down his life, and considered himself as already dead, he lays aside the use of the word covenant, and takes up the more proper word testa- ment, saying, " This is the new testament in my blood," Matt. xxvi. 28. And ever afterward, the word testament was constantly used, when reference is had to the dispensations of grace, as you may see in the margin of your Bibles. And besides, when we consider the nature of a covenant, we clearly see there could be no possible room for such a thing ever to exist between God and man, respecting spiritual things ; for the idea of a covenant necessarily includes these things following : 1, Mutual wants in the parties covenanting. 2, Mutual benefits enjoyed by them. 3, Power in each party to per- form the conditions of the covenant. 4, Each party is brought under obligations to the other, by the performance of those conditions. 5, Merit on both sides. 6, and lastly. Neither party ought to be under prior obligations to the other, respecting the conditions of the covenant ; of which particulars not one can be admitted in the pre- sent case. As for the Abrahamic covenant, as some call it, it only respected temporal things, and the externals of religion, though it had the pro- mise of the Messiah tacked to it, and was therefore called the cove- nant of promise, Eph. ii. 12. It was with regard to selecting Abra- ham and his descendants from the other nations of the earth to a national church state, and the enjoyment of the land of Canaan, the peaceable and quiet possession of which they were to enjoy, upon condition of their observing the external rituals of that dispensation, and being obedient, which they promised, and had in their power to do. And this was the covenant of which they received circumcision, an external mark or token, as a seal to confirm it, Gen. xii. 18 ; xvii. 7, 8 ; xxvi. 4 ; xxviii. 14 ; Exod. xix. 3-9 ; xxiv. 3-8 ; Lev. xxvi. 3, 40 ; Deut. v. 29. The word covenant seems to have been introduced into the Christian system of religion, because it favored of a legal strain, so acceptable to those who are fond of terms and conditions to be performed by man ; while others that do not favor legalism, yet too incautiously make use of the word covenant, in bare compliance with custom ; though these are generally careful to MINUTES OF THE PHILADELPHIA ASSOCIATION. 177 inform us, that it means a testamentary covenant, a free, absolute, unconditional covenant, wliicli is much the same thing as to say that it is no covenant at all. The sum, then, is this, that the glorious dispensations and manifes- tations of the rich grace and mercy of God in Christ, contain free, absolute, and unconditional promises of the free, rich, and unmerited gifts of God, conveyed to the heirs as legacies, in a testamentary way. Having thus shown you, dear brethren, that there can be no such thing as a covenant between God and man, respecting spiritual bless- ings and service, we come now to consider what foundation there is to style the glorious transactions between the persons of the ever blessed Trinity, respecting man's recovery, a covenant ; and here, undoubtedly, there is some appearance of that kind. If ever there was a covenant of grace, this is it. If ever there was a covenant of redemption, here you will find it. And, on the part of Christ, a covenant of works too ; forasmuch as the great work of redemption, the fulfilling of the law of God, in behalf of his people, for whom he undertook as their surety, was performed by him. Psalm cxix. 122 ; Isa. xxxviii. 14. The passages of Scripture that speak of this glorious transaction as a covenant, are these following : " And my covenant shall stand fast with him," Ps. Ixxxix. 28 : " And give thee for a covenant of the peoj)le," Isa. xlii. 6; xlix. 8 ; "Neither shall the covenant of my peace be removed," Isa. Ivi. 4, 6 ; "As for thee also, by the blood of thy covenant," Zech. ix. 11 ; "Even the messenger of the cove- nant," Mai. iii. 1. But then it is spoken of under other views, in these that follow : " According to the eternal purpose, which he pur- posed in Christ Jesus our Lord," Eph. iii. 11 ; "And the counsel of peace shall be between them both," Zech. vi. 13; "For I have not shunned to declare unto you the whole counsel of God," Acts xx. 27 ; "The immutability of his counsel," Heb. vi. 17; "Being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God," Acts ii. 23^ And besides, Christ is said to be foreordained to that work, 1 Pet. i. 20 ; sent, John x. 35 ; to have received a commandment, John x. 18 ; was therefore a servant, Isa. xlii. 1 ; cheerfully obeyed, Ps. xl. 7, 8 ; and was rewarded, Ps. ii. 8 ; Phil. ii. 9. From the whole, then, we see, that there was a counsel held in eternity, even from everlasting, respecting the recovery of man ; that the Triune God did then contrive, find out, adjust and settle, speaking after the man- ner of men, the whole plan and scheme of that great and glorious work, who should be saved, by what means, and after what manner ; that the Son of God, the second person in the Trinity, should be a Mediator, should undertake for his chosen ones as their surety, and should assume human nature, that he might make satisfaction to divine justice in their behalf; that all the gifts and graces necessary for the purpose should be treasured in him. Col. i. 19. That the blessed Spirit should co-operate in manifesting the whole to the world, and applying the same to the chosen ones, namely, by enlight- ii3 lY8 MINUTES Cr THE PniLADELPIIIA ASSOCIATION. ening their darkened understandings, •working in them faith and repentance, changing their vile afiections, converting them from the service of sin and Satan, to the service of the living God, carrying on the work of grace begun, and keeping them by the power of God, unto salvation ; by every means making them meet for the inherit- ance of the saints in light, and finally bringing them to the full pos- session of it. Thus, dear brethren, "we have briefly laid before you the plan of our redemption, as concerted in eternity, and brought into effect in time. You see the glorious covenant of grace, which was well ordered in all things, and sure. You see the Son of God appointed to the mediatorial work, and all grace treasured up in him for that purpose. You see him undertake, go through with it, and the Spirit co-operate to accomplish the whole. You see the dispensations of grace to man are free, absolute, and unconditional ; the gifts of God dispersed in a testamentary way, free and firm. Nothing of works, but all of grace. Nothing of the will of man, but all of the will of God ; that we might all, and at all times, cry grace, grace, and who- soever glorieth, might glory in the Lord. blessed and glorious scheme ! What a rich display have we here of the wisdom, justice, holiness, truth, mercy, pity, compassion, and condescension of God ! See the harmony of the divine attributes in this stupendous plan, that is every way worthy of a God ! What shall we render unto him for such rich, unmerited grace ! Never to the endless ages of eternity, never shall we be able to render ade- quate compensation. that the love of God were abundantly shed abroad in each of our hearts, that we might for ever admire, with astonishment admire, his rich grace ; that we might for ever love, fear, honor, reverence, and serve him, with all our hearts unfeignedly. " 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 every good work to do his will, working in you that which is well pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen." By order of the Association, Samuel Jones, Moderator, Thomas Fleeson, Clerk. MINUTES OF THE PHILADELPHIA ASSOCIATION. 179 THE MINISTERS AND MESSENGERS AT THE ASSOCIATION, AND THE STATE OF THE CHURCHES FOR THE YEAR. CHURCHES. Penuepek, Middletown, Cohansie, Great Valley, Cape May, Hopewell, Brandywine, Kingwood, Soutiianipton, Philadelphia, Cranberry, Knowlton, New Britain, Salem, Newtown, Dividing Creek, New Mills, Konoloway, Upper Freehold, Mount Bethel, Pittsgrove, Tuckahoe, Stamford, Amenia Precinct, London Tract, Cow Marsh, MINISTERS. Samuel Jones, Abel Morgan, Robert Kelsay,* Thomas Jones, David Smith, Oliver Hart, Abel Griffiths, David Sutton, William Vanhorn, Peter Wilson, Joshua Jones, Nicholas Cox, Peter P. Vanhorn, David Loofborrow, Joseph Powell,* Abner Sutton, William Worth, Elkana Holmes, Thomas Fleeson, -d rs i; ■3 ■3 CIS 2 IS 2 O 1 s a g K 1 25 1 18 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 7 8 2 18 2 1 1 37 1 2 4 1 1 3 34 11 16 3 4 2 179 8 2 13 5 58 95 81 35 58 213 19 69 56 86 37 16 30 34 68 65 56 42 66 22 70 34 39 35 28 23 Note. — The ministers whose names are marked thus * were not present. A dash denotes churches destitute of a settled minister. *^* The three last mentioned churches having been lately constituted, were, at their request, received into fellowship. As no letters came to hand from Piscataqua, Welsh Tract, Montgomery, Scotch Plains, and several other churches belonging to this Association, we are unable to give any just account of their present number of members ; a satis- faction we hope to enjoy another season. MIXUTES OF THE PHILADELPHIA BAPTIST ASSOCIATION, HELD AT PHILADELPHIA, OCTOBER 22d AND 23d, 1782. Tuesday, October 22, — i\.t three o'clock, P. M., a sermon was preached, from Acts xvi. IT, " These men are the servants of the Most High God, which show unto us the way of salvation," by Brother Nicholas Cox. 2. After sermon, Brother Oliver Hart was chosen moderator, and Brother William Vanhorn, clerk. Letters from thirty churches were read. 3. A letter and minutes from the Warren Association were read. Their messengers, Elders James Manning, William Rogers, and William Williams. 4. A letter from the Ketockton Association was read. 5. A late branch of the church at Montgomery being constituted a church at Hill Town, were, at their request, received into this Association. 6. Adjourned till to-morrow morning, nine o'clock. 7. Wednesday, October 23d. — Met pursuant to adjournment. The committee appointed last year to examine the books in the hands of the librarian, report. That they have proceeded in that busi- ness, and conclude, that about three pounds ten shillings would repair them. Agreed to collect the above sum immediately; which was done, and put into the hands of the librarian. 8. This Association being informed of some difficulties subsisting in the church at Goshen, recommended to our brethren, SamuelJones, Nicholas Cox, and William Vanhorn to visit them. 9. A letter from Mr. Aitkin, printer in this city, was read, setting forth, that he had, with great pains and much expense, just completed the first English edition of the Bible in America, together with Watt's Psalms, and requesting this Association to make the under- taking as universally known as we can. Voted, That this Association, on the recommendation of Congress of said impression, present their thanks to Mr. Aitkin, for his faith- ful execution of this laborious and important undertaking, and most (180) MINUTES OF THE PHILADELPHIA ASSOCIATION. 181 heartily recommend to all the churches with which we are connected, to encourage the sale thereof. Adjourned to half after two o'clock, P. M. 10. Met pursuant to adjournment. Voted, That the seventh article of the Warren Association minutes be adopted by us, which is as follows : " The Association, from a re- presentation made to them by the corporation of the College in Providence, of the low state of the funds of said College, and the urgent necessity of increasing them, in order to support suitable instructors therein, and from an idea of the great importance of good education, have taken into consideration, as the most probable method to accomplish this valuable end, the recommendation of a subscrip- tion throughout all the Baptist societies on this continent, as well as to all the friends of literature of every denomination, on the follow- ing conditions: " We the subscribers promise and engage to pay the several sums affixed to our names, to , to be by him paid to John Brown, Esq., of Providence, treasurer of the corporation, or his successor in said office, or order; to be placed at interest, and the interest only to be applied for the above purpose. "N. B. The several churches are desired to insert in the above blank the name of the most suitable person in the society for this service." 11. Brother Thomas Ustick was appointed to write a letter to the Warren Association, and Brother Samuel Jones to the Ketockon, in answer to their request on the subject of last year's letter. Messen- gers to the former. Brother Nicholas Cox, and to the latter, William Worth, Thomas Fleeson, and Abner Sutton. 12. As we have received information, that a legacy has been left to this Association, in the last will and testament of John Honey- well, of Knowlton, in Sussex county. New Jersey, deceased. Resolved, That our treasurer. Rev. Samuel Jones, who is also in said will constituted a trustee of the same, proceed immediately to make use of all due and necessary measures to recover said legacy for and in our behalf, and at our expense. 13. Supplies were granted to the following destitute churches: — Piscataqua and Knowlton. 11. Next Association to be held at Philadelphia, to begin on Tues- day after the third Lord's day in October, at three o'clock, P, M. Sermon by Brother Abel Morgan ; and, in case of failure, by Brother Oliver Hart. CIRCULAR LETTER. BY REV. OLIVER HART. The ministers and messengers of the several Baptist churches, met in Association, at Philadelphia, October 22d, 1782. Send Christian salutation to the churches with whom we are in union. Well beloved in om* dear Redeemer, — We are now, in coui'se, to 182 MINUTES OF THE PHILADELPHIA ASSOCIATION. address you on the subject contained in the ei<::,'hth chapter of our Confession of faith, which treats of Christ the Mediator. A mediator is concerned with parties at variance, betwixt whom he stands as a middle person, and his business is to bring them together and make peace between them. Christ acts in the capacity of a Me- diator between God and men, 1 Tim. ii. 5. " There is one God, and one Mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus." For the elucidation of this point, we may, I. Consider what a Mediator between God and men supposes* II. Take a view of the appointment of Christ to that office. III. Consider his ability, suitableness, and qualifications for the great work. IV. How he hath effected it, or what he hath done for that purpose. V. Point out some of the blessed effects of Christ's mediatorship. I. A Mediator between God and men supposes — First. A diflerence subsisting between them. This commenced upon Adam's eating the forbidden fruit ; prior to which the most cordial amity and friendship subsisted between God and man. But this first act of disobedience broke the tender ties of love and esteem. Adam flew from, as dreading the divine presence ; and soon contracted a contrariety of soul to the perfections of the Deity, and a horrid enmity against God. Thus the staff of friendship was broken, and the quarrel commenced, entirely on the part of man. On the other hand, God, whose law had been violated, and whose goodness and friendship had been abused, appeared in the disagreeable light of an enemy to man; and, in fact, he was an injured sovereign, insisting that reparation should be made for the dishonor done him, by this violation of faith and breach of friendship. Second. A Mediator between God and men, supposes inability on man's part to repair the injuries done by sin, or to restore himself to the divine favor. Could he have done this, there would have been no need of the interposition of a Mediator; but the divine law was to be punctually observed, and satisfaction was to be made for the breach of it ; which were impossible terms to man in his fiillen state. Third. A Mediator between God and men seems to suppose, that God could not, consistent wdth the honor due to his law, and the glory of his divine perfections, pardon man and receive him into favor, merely as a simple act of mercy. Had he done so, his justice must have bled, his holiness would have been tarnished, his truth shaken, and the rights of his throne and government infringed. Con- sequences, which it would be horrid and blasphemous to attribute to any of the proceedings of the Almighty; for the Judge of all the earth will do right. Hence appears the necessity of a Mediator. And this leads us, II. To take a view of the designation or appointment of Christ to that office. In order to which, we must look into the transactions of the Deity from eternity, before his works of old, Prov. viii. 22 ; for thus early MINUTES OF THE PHILADELPHIA ASSOCIATION. 183 was Christ appointed to the mediatorial oflBce, in the counsel, decree, and purpose of Jehovah. The Apostle Peter confirms this truth with a strong note of asseveration, 1 Per. i. 20, where, after having spoke of redemption by the precious blood of Christ, he says, "Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world." And our Lord himself fully establishes this point, Prov. viii. 23, " I was set up from everlasting, from the beginning, or ever the earth was," — set up, constituted, or appointed Mediator. God, from eternity, foresaw that Adam would fall from his allegiance, integrity, and fidelity ; and that the whole human race would be involved in guilt, and must inevitably perish, unless a medium were provided for their recovery, in a way consistent with the glory of the divine perfections. To effect which, the Three Persons in the Godhead, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, formed a council, and entered into a cove- nant of grace, in order to lay the plan on which the salvation and happiness of fallen man should proceed ; and to determine which of those divine persons should engage in the arduous work, Jehovah, the Father, in his manifold wisdom, having predestinated a select number of the fallen race to the adoption of children, by Jesus Christ, according to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord, (Eph i. 5; iii. 10, 11,) now proposed the business, or work of saving the elect, to Jehovah the Son; as well knowing the love he bare to them, as also with what alacrity he would comply with his will, proposing to furnish him with a body, and every way equip him for the discharge of his trust. The Son, whose will was the same with that of the Father, readily consented to engage in the work, and did in effect, say, "Father, thy will is that rebellious man should obtain favor, the means therefore of his restoration shall not be wanting ; here am I, send me on that important design. Man shall be saved, in a way that will secure the honors of divine govern- ment ; and by means through which the glory of the divine perfec- tions will shine forth with the brightest effulgence." The cheerfulness with which Christ then complied with the requisition of the eternal Father, is pointed out by the Psalmist, Psalm xl. 7, 8, " Then said I, lo, I come ; in the volume of the book it is written of me, I de- light to do thy will, my God: yea, thy law is within my heart." And Christ himself is represented as speaking of his being appointed to the mediatorial office, by the eternal Father, in Psalm Ixxxix. 19, 20, " Then thou spakest in vision to the holy One, and saidst, I have laid help upon One that is mighty ; I have exalted One chosen out of the people ; I have found David my servant, with my holy oil have I anointed him." Thus it appears that God was in Christ, even from everlasting, reconciling the elect world unto himself, not im- puting their trespasses unto them, 2 Cor. v. 19 ; and that Christ was thus early chosen and appointed to the mediatorial office, in the coun- sel of peace, which was between them both, namely, the Father and the Son ; and in the covenant of grace, of which Christ is the Me- diator, Heb. xii. 24. 184 MINUTES OF THE PHILADELPHIA ASSOCIATION. III. "V\''e pass on to consider the ability, suitableness, and qualifi- cations of Christ for the great work. Had not Christ been able, fit and every way qualified for the dis- charge of the mediatorial office, the work might have been marred in his hands ; God might have been frustrated in his designs of mercy to his creatures, and all mankind might have perished in their sins. Events which cannot be admitted, even in idea ; for God laid help upon One that is mighty, and exalted One chosen out of the people ; every way able to save, even to the uttermost, Psalm Ixxxix. 19 ; Heb. vii. 25. First. The ability of Christ to execute the office of a Mediator will appear, when we consider who and what he was. He was no other than the eternal Son of God, of the same nature and essence with Jehovah the Father ; for he and the Father were one ; of one nature or essence, equal in power and glory; equally possessed of divine attributes and godhead characters, and alike objects of divine worship and adoration. He was the brightness of his Father's glory, and the express image of his person ; who upheld all things by the word of his power ; superior even to angels, and the object of their religious adoration and worship, Heb. i. 3, 6. And even as Media- tor, all power in heaven and earth was given unto him. Thus power- ful, thus able, was the divine person chosen and appointed to the office of a Mediator between God and men. We will proceed. Second. To consider his suitableness or fitness for the discharge of that office. Power, simply considered, did not render him eligible. No, not even his eternal power and godhead. But what principally fits Christ for the execution of his mediatorial office, is the union of the divine and human natures in his one person. Hereby he is Imma- nuel, God with us ; and being partaker of both natures, he must have an interest in, and a concern for both ; therefore, while he me- diates for man, he must still have a view to the glory of God. Not to take any notice of his suitableness as the Son of God, and middle person of the Trinity, which yet seems to have some weight, it was necessary that the Mediator should be man, possessed of a human body and a reasonable soul, and so in all points be made like to his brethren, in whose cause he engaged ; that he might appear to be their brother and near kinsman, after the flesh; which must affi9rd them the greatest encouragement, when they fly for refuge to lay hold on the hope set before them. Nothing could affect — nothing could encourage the distressed sons of Jacob more than those tender — those moving words, "I am Joseph, your brother." And nothing can more encourage the spiritual Israel, than to know that their Me- diator and days-man is their brother, kinsman, and friend. Again, it was necessary that satisfaction and atonement for sin should be made in the same nature that had sinned ; therefore, the Mediator must be man. The apostle confirms this observation when he says, " For verily he took not on him the nature of angels, but he took on him the seed of Abraham," Heb. ii. 16; intimating that the nature of angels would not have been eligible to have made conciliation for the sins of human nature. Moreover, it was needful that the Me- MINUTES OF THE PHILADELPHIA ASSOCIATION. 185 diator should be man, that he might be capable of obeying the law, given to man and broken by him. Therefore, " he was made of a woman, and made under the law, that he might redeem them that were under the law," Gal. iv. 4, 5. "For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous." Further, it was necessary that the Mediator should be man, that he might be capable of dying, to make an atonement for the sins of men. As God, he could not die. And " without shedding of blood there could be no remission." There- fore, a body was prepared for him, that he might die, the just for the unjust, to bring us unto God, 1 Pet. iii. 18. In fine, it was needful the Mediator should be man, " that he might be a merciful and faith- ful high priest;" have a fellow-feeling with his people under their infirmities — sympathise with them under their afilictions, and succor them under their temptations, Heb. ii. 17 ; iv. 15. But then, the Mediator must not only be man, he must be more than man ; he must be a divine person ; otherwise he would not be able to draw nigh unto God, and treat with him about the terms on which peace was to be restored to guilty man ; and enter into a cove- nant with him to perform those conditions. " For, who is this that engaged his heart to approach unto me, saith the Lord ?" Jer. xxx. 21. Could men or angels have done this ? No. None but Jehovah's fellow was equal to this arduous task. Moreover, had the Mediator been only man, he could never have supported under the amazing load of sufferings he had to endure ; therefore, he must be God as well as man. All the sins of an elect world were imputed to him, and all the ponderous weight of divine wrath, demerited by those sins, was to fall on his devoted head. " Surely," saith the prophet, "he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows," Isa. liii. 1. A load which would not only have borne down an individual of the human race, but even crushed, as it were, to atoms, all created intel- ligences, angels as well as men. None could have sustained the stroke of that flaming sword, divine justice, but that wonderful Man, even the God-Man, who was Jehovah's Fellow, Zech. xiii. 7. In fine, it was necessary that Christ should be God, to raise himself from the dead ; for had he remained in the grave, we must have perished in our sins, 1 Cor. xv. 17, 18. And to have raised himself, had he been only man, he could not; therefore, he must be God. Now this Mediator was not only God and man, but he was the God-man ; God and man in one person. The human nature Avas taken into union with, and subsisted in the person of the Son of God. And this pei'sonal union was necessary in order to give efii- cacy, dignity, and merit to his obedience and sufi'erings. Had he been a mere man, his obedience and righteousness could have been beneficial only to himself; nor could his sufferings and death have atoned for the sins of others ; but being God and man, in one person, his mediatorial righteousness is the righteousness of God, and there- fore all-sufficient to justify men ; and his blood is the blood of the Son of God, and so cleanses from all sin, and is a proper atonement for it. 24 186 MINUTES OF THE PHILADELrniA ASSOCIATION. And in this view, God is said to have purchased the chnrch "with his own blood," Acts xx. 28. Thus having taken a view of the abiHty and suitableness of Christ for the office of Mediator, we shall, Third. Consider his qualification for the great work. Although the ability and suitableness of Christ, involve the idea of qualifica- tions for the execution of his mediatorial office, yet those spoken of are purely personal, or such as relate to his person as the God-man ; besides which, he sustains various relative characters and offices, which qualify him for his work, as, 1. That of a covenant head to the elect. As such, God chose him from all eternity, and chose all his people in him, as members of his mystical body, Isa. xlii. 1 ; Eph. i. 4. As such, God made a covenant with him of life and peace, respecting the salvation and happiness of his people. This covenant was confirmed of God, in Christ, i. e., made sure with his covenant-people, in Christ, their head and representative. All the promises and blessings of the covenant are secured to the elect in Christ, their federal head. All that Christ did and sufi"ered, was in their room and stead. They were crucified with Christ, arose from the dead, ascended up into heaven, and sat down at the right hand of God with him ; or in him representatively, as their covenant head, Gal. ii. 20 ; Col. iii. 1 ; Eph. ii. 6. 2. Christ is the surety of his people. As such, he drew nigh to God, in covenant, and engaged to do and sufier all that the law and justice of God required, to make satisfaction for their sins. He put himself in their law place, took the whole debt of his people upon himself, and became reponsible for it. They owed a debt of obe- dience to the law, and a debt of punishment for the violation of it ; this double debt he assumed payment of, and did pay : in conse- quence of which, the elect, who were the principal debtors, were set free; and Jehovah, the Father, said, "Deliver them from going down to the pit; I have found a ransom," Job xxxiii. 24. Although the ransom price was not actually paid until the death of the surety ; yet he being the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world, in the decrees and purposes of God, who had accepted of his suretyship- engagements, the virtue and efficacy of his obedience, sufferings and death was applied to all the Old Testament saints ; and they were justified, pardoned, and saved thereby, as fully and amply as those under the New, 2 Cor. v. 19 ; Acts xv. 11 ; Heb. xi. 13. 3. The Mediator is an advocate for all the chosen people of God, 1 John ii. 1. In his character he drew nigh unto God, in the eternal council and covenant of grace, " and made intercession for the trans- gressors," Isa. liii. 12. This he did, not by laboring to extenuate their crimes, but by offering himself as their sponsor, to stand in their room and stead ; bear their sins ; make an atonement for their guilt ; restore to the law its honors, and' answer all the demands of justice, Isa. liii. 4-G ; Rom. v. 11 ; Isa. xHi. 1. And the advocacy of the Meditator proved efficacious to the pardoning, justifying, and glorifying an elect world, Rom. viii. 33, 34. 4. Another office which Christ sustains, is that of a prophet, MINUTES OF THE PHILADELPHIA ASSOCIATION. 187 Acts iii. 22. Under this character he was expected by the Jews, John vi. 14, and in this capacity he acted as Mediator. As a pro- phet, he not only foretold future events, as the destruction of Jeru- salem, the calamities that should befall the Jews, the end of the world, &c. ; but he taught, and does teach his people, so as never man taught. He teaches the knowledge of God, even the saving knowledge of the Most Higii, as a God of grace and mercy, as a God in covenant, pacified towards poor sinners, notwithstanding all that they have done, John xvii. 3 ; Ezek. xvi. 63. He teaches the knowledge of himself, as the only and alone Mediator, the Redeemer and Saviour of lost sinners, Matt. xi. 28. He teaches man to know himself, that he is a sinner, lost and undone, without power to help or deliver him- self, and the necessity of a better righteousness than that of his own, Phil. iii. 8, 9. He teaches the necessity of holiness in order to hap- piness, Heb. xii. 14. All which, this great Prophet teaches power- fully and efficaciously, by his word and Spirit. 6. Again, the Mediator is a priest. Psalm ex. 4. He is " an High Priest over the house of God," Heb. x. 21. The business of a priest was to minister at the sanctuary, and offer up gifts and sacrifices for the sins of the people, Heb. viii. 3. " For every high priest is ordained to offer gifts and sacrifices : wherefore it is necessary that this man should have somewhat also to offer;" and for this purpose a body was prepared him : a true body and a reasonable soul, even the "whole of human nature ; which being united to the person of the Son of God, was offered up a sacrifice, to satisfy divine justice for the sins of an elect world. And by this oblation a true and proper atonement was made for sin, satisfaction to divine justice was given, the wrath of an offended Deity was appeased, and sinners have free access unto God, as a God in covenant, a Father and Friend. Amaz- ing scheme of salvation ! Astonishing to men and angels ! 1 Pet. x. 12. Intercession was another branch of the priestly office. Christ ever lives to make intercession for his people, Heb. vii. 25. He prays for them that they may be pardoned, justified, sanctified, and saved ; yea, he prays that where he is, there they may be also, that they may behold his glory, John xvii. 24. But, 6. The Mediator is also a king. Psalm ii. 6. Saints are the sub- jects of his mediatorial kingdom ; whom he rules by the most whole- some laws; and unto whom he hath given a most glorious charter of privileges, contained in the covenant of grace ; which is ordered in all things and sure, 2 Sam. xxiii. 5. He rules in his people by the power of divine grace, and he rules for them, conquering and sub- duing all his and their enemies ; and "he must reign till he has put all enemies under his feet," 1 Cor. xv. 25. These are some of Christ's qualifications for his work as Mediator. IV. "We are now to consider how he hath effected it, or what he hath done for that purpose. Besides those eternal transactions and covenant engagements, already taken notice of, and in consequence thereof, the eternal Son of God did, in time, take upon him human nature, with all its sinless 188 MINUTES OF THE PHILADELPHIA ASSOCIATION. infirmities. According to ancient predictions lie "was to be made of the woman's seed, and born of a virgin ; therefore he was conceived by the power of the Holy Ghost, in the womb of the virgin Mary ; of whom he was born, free from sin. Thus "the "Word was made flesh," and dwelt with men on earth ; some of w^hom " beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth," John i. 14. The grand design of his incarnation was to save an elect ■world : in order to which, as he was made of a woman, so he was made under the law. He was born under obligations to keep the law, as the surety of his people. The law must be kept, or man could not be saved. It is holy, just, and good, righteous in all its de- mands. Perfect obedience it positively requires; a single deviation therefrom exposes to the curse. Gal. iii. 10. Had Christ failed only in one point, his mediation would have been of no avail. But his obedience was complete. Divine justice could not charge it with the least flaw. " Such an High Priest became us, who is holy, hanrl^ss, undefiled, and separate from sinners," Heb. vii. 26. And sucii an one was Jesus Christ : " who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth," 1 Pet. ii. 22. Again, Christ, as Mediator, not only kept the law inviolable, but he died the cursed death of the cross, to atone for the sins of his people. Without shedding of blood there could be no remission. And as the blood of slain beasts was insufiicent to cleanse from sin, Christ offered his own, Heb. ix. 19. "Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood, he entered once into the holy place : having obtained eternal redemption for us." "The blood of Jesus Christ," being the blood of the Son of God, hath a divine efiicacy, and "cleanseth from all sin," 1 John i. 7. But, not only did Jesus suffer in his body, he endured infinitely greater torture in his soul. His bodily sufferings w^ere indeed great, beyond compare. In this view, he was emphatically " a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief," Isa. liii. 3. His wounded, mangled, bruised body, was so changed from what it had been, as to excite astonishment in the be- holders. "As many were astonished at thee. His visage was so marred more than any man, and his form more than the sons men," Isa. Hi. 14. So distorted were his limbs, as to extract from him this grievous complaint; " My bones are all out of joint. I may tell all my bones, they look and stare upon me," Psalm xxii. 14-17. Let ima- gination paint to faith's view the innocent Jesus, clothed in a robe of mock majesty, enveloped round with invidious foes taunting and jeering at him, spitting on his face, smiting it with their hands, piercing his head with a crown of thorns, plowing furrows, long and deep, on his back, with a whip of wires ; driving iron spikes through his hands and feet, nailing them to the cross, and thus suspending him between heaven and earth, exposed naked to the inclement rays of a burning sun, a spectacle to men and angels. Thus behold the agonizing Jesus, and judge whether there were ever any sorrows like unto his sorrows, or pains comparable to those he endured. But, after all, the sufferings of his soul were infinitely superior to these. MINUTES OF THE PHILADELPHIA ASSOCIATION. 189 These he bore — those he deprecated. Apprehensions of the divine wrath, which was to fall on his soul, caused his human nature to shrink, and drew from him these mournful accents, " Now is my soul troubled, and what shall I say ? Father save me from this hour," John xii. 27. And when the vials of wrath began to be poured out upon him, he was in an agony — sweat great drops of blood, and said, " My soul is exceeding sorrowful, even unto death." " my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me ; nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt," Luke xxii. 44; Matt, xxvi. 38, 39. And when his soul was made an offering for sin, and divine wrath was poured out upon him to the uttermost, he cried out, "My God ! my God! why hast thou forsaken me V Matt, xxvii. 46. Thus Jesus, the Medi- ator, suffered for us men, and for our salvation. Thus he died, com- mending his spirit into the hands of his heavenly Father, Heb. ii. 10. And that his humiliation might be reduced to the lowest degree, he was laid in the grave, where he continued three days and three nights, but his body " saw no corruption." On the third day he arose from the dead ; for it was not in the power of the grave to hold him. Though he had been put to death in the flesh, he was quickened by the Spirit, Heb. iii. 18. The resurrection of Christ from the dead is an essential part of his mediatorial work ; for had he not been raised out of the grave, all that he had done would have been ineffectual to the salvation of sinners. Hence saith the apostle, " If Christ be not raised, your faith is vain, you are yet in your sins," 1 Cor. XV. 17. If the Head had continued under the power of death, the members must have remained there also. " But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the first fruits of them that slept," 1 Cor. XV. 20. After his resurrection he continued many days on earth, showing himself to his disciples; comforting, encouraging, and confirming them ; and then " ascended up on high, leading cap- tivity captive;" when the everlasting doors were opened to receive the King of glory ; and the heavenly arches rang with joyful accla- mations ; shouting. The Redeemer ! God the Father manifested his approbation of all that he had done, and the high esteem he had for him as Mediator, by placing him at his right hand, " Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named," Eph. ii. 21. There the Mediator now sits, pleading the value of his merits on behalf of his chosen people ; and we may be sure that "he is able to save them to the uttermost, that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them," Heb. vii. 25. V. We proceed to point out some of the effects of his mediatorship. First. With regard to God. Hereby God is glorified, more than he would have been if Adam had never fallen, or if all mankind had perished under the ruins of sin, John xvii. 4. All the moral perfec- tions of the Deity are illustriously displayed and glorified in the sal- vation of sinners, through Jesus Christ. His wisdom appears conspi- cuous in contriving the plan ; his power, in effecting it ; his love, in giving his own Son; his justice, in punishing him; his mercy, in par- 190 MINUTES OF THE PHILADELPHIA ASSOCIATION. cloning sinners ; and his holiness in cleansing them from sin in his Son's blood. The angels, at the Redeemer's birth, sang, " Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will towards men." And all the ransomed of the Lord will praise God for this wonderful scheme of salvation, to all eternity. Second. With regard to the law of God. The mediatorship of Christ hath restored to the law all its rights and honors ; for he hath mag- nified the law and made it honorable, by yielding a perfect obedience to it, and dying to make satisfaction for the breach of it. Third. With regard to man, the blessed effects of Christ's mediator- ship are scarce to be enumerated. 1. Hereby that desirable blessing peace, lost by sin, is restoi'ed to all the people of God. Christ is "the Prince of peace," Isa. ix. 6. His covenant is a covenant of peace, Isa. liv. 10. His gospel is the gospel of peace, Rom. x. 15. And this blessing he bequeathed to his people as a legacy, John xiv. 27. 1. Through him they have peace with God, Rom. v. 1. Of him it is said, " This man shall be the peace," i. e. the peace-maker, Micha. v. 5; and "he hath made peace by the blood of his cross," Col. i. 20. 2. They have peace of conscience, "joy and peace in believing," Rom. xv. 13. Their hearts being sprinkled from an evil or guilty conscience, thr/ enjoy great peace within. 3. They have peace one with another, Mark ix. 50. Being all one in Christ, their hearts are knit together in love, Gal. iii. 28 ; Col. ii. 2. The enmity betwixt Jews and Gen- tiles is removed, and they are united together in one body ; " For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us," Eph. ii. 13. 2. Pardon of sin is another effect of Christ's mediatorship. God, for Christ's sake, forgives his people, Eph. iv. 32. The blood of Christ was shed to make an atonement for, and obtain the rem.ission of our sins ; and God " is faithful and just to forgiving us our sins, and cleanse us from all unrighteousness," 1 John i. 9. 3. Justification is also through the mediatorship of Christ, "In the Lord shall all the seed of Israel be justified, and shall glory." Isa. xlv. 35. The righteousness of Christ, as mediator, is the sole matter and cause of a sinner's justification before God, Rom. v. 17, 18. This righteousness Christ wrought out by his active and passive obedience to the law ; and by it, " all that believe are justified from all things, from which they could not be justified by the law of Moses," Acts xiii. 39. 4. Adoption is likewise through the mediation of Christ, and on account of what he hath done and suffered for us. He was " made of a woman, made under the law, to redeem them that were under the law ; that we might receive the adoption of sons," Gal. iv. 4, 5. By this act of divine grace, we are received into the family of God, as his dear children ; and are favored with the grace and " spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father;" being "heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ," and so entitled to all the blessings and pri- vileges of the sons of God, Rom. viii. 15-17. MINUTES OP THE PHILADELPHIA ASSOCIATION. 191 5. Through the mediation of Christ we enjoy the renewing, com forting, and sanctifying influences of the Holy Spirit. He was a party concerned in the covenant of grace, of which Christ is the Me- diator : and he is sent by Christ to convince the world of sin, renew the soul, comfort the people of God, sanctify and make them meet for heaven, John xvi. 8 ; Tit. iii. 5 ; Heb. xii. 14. 6. All the blessings and privileges of the gospel come flowing to us through the mediation of Christ. The gospel itself is his gospel, Rom. XV. 20. The doctrines of it are his doctrines; they treat of his person, ofiices, grace, blood, and righteousness. The promises, which are exceeding great and precious, " are all yea and amen, in Christ," 2 Pet. i. 4 ; 2 Cor. i. 20. Gospel ordinances were instituted by Christ, and represent, the one, his death, burial, and resurrection ; the other, his body broken, and blood shed, for our salvation, Rom. vi. 3, 4 ; 1 Cor. xxiv. 25. In a word, the laws, rules, and discipline of his house, are all good and wholesome, having a tendency to assi- milate us to Christ and prepare us for glory. 7. Once more : through the mediation of Christ, we have liberty of access unto God, and are invited to " come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help us in time of need," Heb. iv. 16. 8. In fine, eternal life is enjoyed through the mediation of Christ; for, although heaven is no where said to be purchased by Christ, yet sinners are redeemed in order that they may enjoy it. They are "vessels of mercy prepared unto glory," Rom. ix. 23. And it is the will of Christ, that all those whom the Father hath given unto him, should be with him, where he is, that they may behold his glory, John xvii. 27. Thus, dear brethren, have we endeavored to treat of Christ the Mediator, and we trust that his fulness and suitableness have, in some measure, been made to appear. That you may live to, for, and upon him, and at last live and reign with him, is the prayer of yours iu the faith and fellowship of the gospel. Signed by order of the Association, Oliver Hart, Moderator. Wm. Vanhorn, Clerk. 192 MINUTES OF THE PHILADELPHIA ASSOCIATIOX. THE MINISTERS AND MESSENGERS AT THE ASSOCIATION, AND STATE OF THE CHURCHES DURING THE YEAR. CHURCHES. MIXISTERS AND MESSEXGERS. Pennepek, Middletown, Piscataqua, Cohansie, Great Valley, Cape May, Hopewell, Brandyvrine, Montgomery, Kingwood, Southampton, Philadelphia, Cranberry, Scotch Plains, Harford, Maryland, New Britain, Salem, Newtown, Bateman's Precincts, Dividing Creek, New Mills, Upper Freehold, Mount Bethel, Pittsgrove, Vincent, Stamford, Amenia Precincts, London Tract, Cow Marsh, Hilltown, Samuel Joxes, Abel Morgax,* Robert Kelsat,* Thomas Joxes, David Smith,^ Oliver Hart, Abel Griffith, David Loofboughrow, David Suttox"^, William Vax^horn, Thomas Ustick, Peter "Wilsox", Bexjamix Cole, JoHX" Davis,* Joshua Joxes, Nicholas Cox. Samuel Waldo,* Peter P. Vaxhorx, Johx" Blackwell, Abxer Suttox, William Worth, Elkaxa Holmes, Thomas Fleeson, Johx Thomas, p i«^ 3 43 9 2 3 3 2 10 3 8 3 1 2 2 4 1 20 4 3 1 13 i 01 59 95 120 35 67 205 19 2 70 55 87 39 101 32 39 70 61 57 70 23 89 35 42 38 28 35 61 ^1-10 7 G5 48!31 16591 Note. — Ministers marked thus * were absent, destitute of a settled minister. A dash denotes churches MINUTES OF THE PHILADELPHIA BAPTIST ASSOCIATION, HELD AT PHILADELPHIA, OCTOBER 21 ST, 22d, AND 23d, 1783. Tuesday, October 21st. — At three o'clock, p. m., Rev. Oliver Hart delivered a very suitable discourse, according to appointment, from Haggai ii. 4 ; " Yet now be strong, Zerubbabel, saith the Lord, and be strong, Joshua, 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 of hosts." 2. After sermon, Brother John Gano, being first received as a member, was chosen moderator, and Brother Thomas Ustick, clerk. 3. Letters from twenty-seven churches were read. Adjourned till to-morrow morning, nine o'clock. 4. Wednesday, October 22d. — Met pursuant to adjournment. As several letters from our churches take notice of the happy event of the present peace, so far as it has been efiected ; and intimate the propriety of acknowledging the same by a day of public thanks- giving. Resolved, That although the event be glorious, and the prospect promising, calling for our humble and sincere acknowledgments, yet we think it most expedient to defer the observation of a day on the occasion, that, after recommendation of Congress, we may unite with the continent in so desirable a work. 5. The subject of the introductory sermon being very important, and treated much to our satisfaction. Brother Hart is requested to pre- pare the same for immediate publication; and the churches are re- quested to forward their subscriptions to Brother Ustick without delay. 6. The church at Welsh Tract having requested that we would consider the expediency of reprinting a pamphlet, entitled " A Scrip- ture Manual," by T. Craner; Resolved, As we have agreed to publish the introductory sermon on the same subject, and our ports are now open, the churches disposed may furnish themselves from abroad ; but should it appear that they are out of print, our breth- ren, Samuel Jones, William Vanhorn, and Thomas Ustick, are re- 25 (193) 194 MINUTES OF THE PHILADELPHIA ASSOCIATION. quested to examine said piece, and consider the propriety of its re- publication. 7. In answer to the query from Newtown church : Whether laying on of hands be an ordinance of the gospel to be administered to all baptized persons, or only in particular cases ? we observe, that im- position of hands on baptized persons has been the general practice of the churches in union with this Association, and is still used by most of them ; but it was never considered by the Association as a bar of communion. Resolv^ed, That any pei'^on scrupling to submit thereto, may be admitted to the fellowship of the chui'ch without it. Brother Gano is requested to preach this evening. Adjourned till to-morrow morning, nine o'clock. 8. Thursday, October 23d. — Met pursuant to adjournment. By request. Rev. Jacob Hutton, from Broughton, in England, presented his letter of recommendation, which being satisfactory, the members of the Association thereupon gave him a cordial reception. 9. Brother William Vanhorn was appointed to write to the War- ren, Brother Oliver Hart to Charleston, and Brother John Pitman to the Ketockton Association. Our messengers to the first. Rev. John Gano, Burgess Allison, and William Yanhorn ; to the last, Rev. William Worth and Thomas Fleeson. 10. Supplies were granted to the following destitute churches : — Lyon's Farms, Morristown, and Kingwood. 11. The circular letter for the present year was prepared by Brother Samuel Jones ; appointed Brother Abel Morgan and John Gano to write for next year. 12. Resolved, That our next Association be at New York, on the first Tuesday in October, at three o'clock, P. M. The introductory sermon by Brother Abel Morgan ; and, in case of failure, by Brother Thomas Ustick. CIRCULAR LETTER. BY REV. SAMUEL JONES, A. M. The elders and brethren of the several churches, met in Associa- tion at Philadelphia, October 21st, 1783. To the several churches to which we relate, send greeting. Dearly beloved,— Through the kind indulgence of a gracious God, we met according to appointment. We have been favored, as usual, with peace and harmony, during the whole of our consultations, for which we call on you to join us in giving glory to the Head of ths church. For the result of our deliberations, together with the good tidings we received from different parts, we refer you to the minutes of our proceedings, which we herewith send you. The point of doctrine, which, according to our order, comes next under consideration, is, the freedom of man's will. Confession of faith, Chap. IX. The inquiry concerning the liberty of the will is, whether man, as MINUTES OF THE PHILADELPHIA ASSOCIATION. 195 a moral agent, acts freely, without any restraint or constraint. That he should act thus freely, without any coercive force on the will, is necessary, in order to his being a free agent, or the subject of moral government. For if he acted under constraint, as his actions would not be free, they could not be charged to him, as virtuous or vicious, but must be placed to the account of that being, under whose influ- ence he acted. So essential is it to the cause of morality to support the liberty of the will. How it can be that the decrees of God, and the superintendence of Providence, do not interfere with this freedom and liberty of the will, is what renders the subject difficult ; and it will, perhaps, re- main in some measure inexplicable, until we arrive to a state of a more free and clear exercise of our mental powers, and a greater perfection in knowledge. That there is a Divine Providence is as certain and necessary, as that there is a God : and that the Divine Being governs and sustains the universe, as that he made it. Nor is there much difficulty in admitting and conceiving this pre- cedence of the Deity among the orders of inanimate nature ; nor yet with regard to moral agents, so far as respects good actions ; but how far the divine agency is versant about evil actions, is one of the most perplexing inquiries in the whole compass of theology. Nevertheless, that the providence of God has a concern in evil actions is clear, not only from what we have suggested above, but also from those Scriptures following, on which no consistent mean- ing can be put, without admitting that superintendence of the divine Being, of which we are speaking. Joseph, addressing his brethren concerning their selling him into Egypt, tells them, that it was not they that sent him thither, but God. Gen. xiv. 8. And God is said to harden Pharaoh's heart. Exod. iv. 21. The same is also said of Sihon, king of Hesbon. Deut. ii. 30. And David, speaking of Shimei's cursing him, says, that God had bid him. 2 Sam. xvi. 10. By these, and such like passages, it is clear that the providence of God is some how conversant even about evil actions ; but we know it must be in such a way as that he is neither the author nor approver of sin ; and it may be in these ways following : 1. By causing the object to be presented, which, through the cor- ruptions of our nature, may be the occasion of sin ; as in the case of Joseph and his brethren, David and Shimei. Now all this may bo, and yet the Supreme Disposer of all things perfectly clear ; for the presentation of the object does not lay a necessity of sinning, nor is the object presented with a view to occasion the sin. Thus our blessed Lord, a little before his crucifixion, knew that his going to Jerusalem at that time would prove the occasion, by presenting the object, of his being apprehended and crucified. But he did not go thither with that view; nor did his going, or his knowing what they would do, lay them under a necessity of doing it. 2. It may be in suffering and permitting sin, not in suggesting it, 196 MINUTES OF THE PHILADELPHIA ASSOCIATION. or influencing to it, as the Apostle James, speaks : "Let nomansaj, when he is tempted, that he is tempted of God ; for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tenipteth he any man. But every man is tempted Avhen he is drawn away of his own lusts and enticed." Jam. i. 13, 14, 3. The providence of God is conversant about evil actions, in over- ruling them to his own glory, as in the case of Joseph, just now mentioned ; but especially the fall of man, and the sufl'eriugs of our Redeemer. It may further be of use, in considering this subject, to distinguish between what is natural and what is sinful in an action; the former being from God, but the latter from ourselves. Thus the power of speech, and the faculties of the mind are from God, but the misuse and abuse of those powers and faculties to the purposes of blasphemy, and the like, must be from the corruptions of our own hearts. This is illustrated by an apt similitude, taken from the sun's drawing forth vapors from the earth, by that heat, which has a tendency to exhale them ; but the stench that attends what is exhaled from a dunghill, or any putrid substance, is not owing to the sun, but the nature of the substance from whence it is drawn. In the chapter referred to above, the free agency of man is ap- plied to his fourfold state. 1. The state of innocence ; concerning which there is no difliculty except the decree, which affects all states and actions alike. 2. His fallen state ; wherein man is naturally inclined and prone to that which is evil, but averse to that which is good. Now, in con- version, the operations of grace do not offer violence to the will ; but the understanding is enlightened, and a discovery is made to the creature of his awful situation in a state of sin and guilt, in conse- qucRce of which, sin is embittered, the attention is turned to the spiritual concern of the soul, the desire is excited after pardon, and thus is wrought in him to will and to do, and he is made willing in the day of God's power. 3. The state of man after conversion, wherein he is actuated by a two-fold principle ; the remains of nature, and the principle of grace : as the apostle speaks, Rom. vii. 15, 24. Concerning the first there is no difficulty, and the other operates much after the same manner as in conversion, explained above. 4. And lastly, the state of glory, wherein the inclination will only be to that which is good, which, however, is not inconsistent with freedom, but is the perfection of it, as in the Divine Being himself, since liberty consists in freedom to follow the desire, while it is con- fined Avithin the limits of the agent's power. As for the inference of the decree with the liberty of which we are speaking, if it be hard to conceive how it should not, so, let it be remembered, it is as hard to conceive how it should. The blessed Jesus, for instance, is said to be delivered by the determinate coun- sel and fore-knowledge of God, Acts ii. 23. But what influence could this fore- knowledge have on the Jews, who were not conscious MINUTES OP THE PHILADELPHIA ASSOCIATION. 197 of it, and never adverted to it in all their proceedings, but acted freely, according to the natural course of their wicked inclinations, even those vile affections of malice, hatred, selfishness, envy, and the like, they were actuated by. Thus, dear brethren, we have brought to your view, and briefly ex- plained this abstruse subject, so far as the nature of it, and the nar- rowness of our limits would admit. You see three things are certain : 1st, The decrees and providence of God : 2dly, That he is neither the author nor approver of sin : yet, 3dly, That man is a free agent. And if there be any difficulty in perceiving the agreement between the first and the last, yet not near so great as to reject all three, or either of them. It is not necessary we should know every thing. There are mysteries in nature as well as in providence and grace. We should beware of picking the lock, as one expresses it, of which the key is not in our keeping. It becomes us rather humbly to adore that God, who does all things well, Mark vii. 37 ; but gives account of his matters to none. Job xxxiii. 13 ; and be thankful for that wonderful and all-sufficient discovery of divine truth, that has been made. Let us use diligence in improving those discoveries to the glory of God, and our own advancement in grace, that we may be built up in faith and holiness. Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be honor and glory, for ever and ever. Amen. John Gang, Moderator. Thomas Ustick, Clerk. THE MINISTERS AND MESSENGERS AT THE ASSOCIATION, AND STATE OF THE CHURCHES DURING THE YEAR. CHURCHES, MINISTERS AND MESSENGERS. 1 1 5 1 ft a 8 1 1 ' Samuel Jones, A. M., Pennepek, •John Pitman, 1 John Stancliff, (^ Jesse Dungan, 5 1 1 64 Middletown, r Abel Morgan, A. M., -; Samuel Morgan, (John Cook, 2 1 98 Piscataqua,t Cohansie, ( Robert Kelsay,* ■I Philip Shepherd, [David Ehvell, C 6 129 Great "Valley, Nicholas Cox, Thomas -Jones, 2 1 38 Cape May, f David Smith,* 1 Thomas Yates, 8 5 70 Hopewell, f Oliver Hart, \ Nathaniel Stout, 4 1 2 1 3 204 Brandywine.t ( Abel Griffith, 1 John Garrett, 1 18 198 MINUTES OF THE PHILADELPHIA ASSOCIATION. CHURCHES. MINISTERS AND MESSENGERS. 1 II IS 1 1 s 6 i i 1 Montgomery, Kingwood, David Loughborough, r 9 11 1 3 34 75 Andrew Bray, Southampton, Wm. Vanhorn, a. M., Isaac Hough, 2 2 55 Philadelphia, ■ Thomas Ustick, A. M., Benjamin Thaw, George Ingols, David Bowen, Thomas Shields, John M'Kim, 6 1 1 10 99 Cranberry,t Peter Wilson, 5 1 43 Scotch Plains, Benjamin Cole,* 3 1 103 Hartford, Maryland, John Davis,* New Britain, Joshua Jones, Benjamin Matthew, 5 1 36 Salem, — — Thomas Sayer, 8 1 46 Newtown, James Finn, 1 4 75 Bateman's Precincts,! Samuel Waldo,* Dividing Creek, New Mills, ! Peter P. Vanhorn, 4 12 6 1 1 1 57 68 Samuel Gaskill, Upper Freehold, John Blackwell, Samuel Cox, Samuel Sexton, 12 1 2 81 Mount Bethel,! Abner Sutton,* 23 Pittsgrove, William Worth, Artist Seagraves, Cornelius Austin, 5 1 2 91 Vincent,! 35 Stamford, Elkanah Holmes,* 17 2 2 60 Ameuia Precincts,! 38 London Tract, Thomas Fleeson, John Evans, 27 35 2 35 94 Hilltown, -« John Thomas, Nathan Evans, Elijah Davis, Welsh Tract, | John Boggs,* ( Isaiah Lewis, 52 Tuckahoe, Lyon's Farms, William Lock,* r 22 1 1 1 56 10 Jacob Hutton, Morristown, 6 194 18 21 50 34 14 1964 Note. — The ministers' names are in small capitals. Those marked thus * were not present. The churches marked thus f sent neither letters nor messengers, and their numbers remain as last year. A dash denotes no settled minister. MINUTES OF THE PHILADELPHIA BAPTIST ASSOCIATION, HELD AT NEW YORK, OCTOBER 5tH; 6tH, AND 7tH, 1784. Tuesday, October 5th. — At three o'clock, P. M., Brother Thomas Ustick delivered a suitable discourse, from 1 Phil. i. 27, " That ye stand fast in one Spirit, with one mind, striving together for the faith of the Gospel." 2. Brother Samuel Waldo was chosen moderator, and . Brother William Vanhorn, clerk. 3. Letters from the churches were read. Adjourned till to-morrow morning, nine o'clock. 4. October 6th. — Met pursuant to adjournment. A letter and minutes from the Warren Association were read ; whereby it appears that they are, in general, at peace amongst themselves. The addi- tions to their churches this year are fifty-eight ; their whole number three thousand five hundred and sixty-one. That, besides this Asso- ciation, they correspond with four others in New England, viz., one in Vermont, one in New Hampshire Grants, one in Stonington, in Connecticut, and another in the State of New Hampshire, consisting of six churches and four hundred members, which opened a commu- nication with them this present year. 5. A letter from the Ketockton Association was read, informing us that they enjoy peace among themselves ; that the additions to their churches this year were thirty-four ; and that two churches joined them at their last meeting. 6. Our ministering brethren, William Rogers, Burgess Allison, Ebenezer Ward, and Nicholas Cox, being present, their company and assistance were desired. 7. A letter from a church constituted the last year in Lower Smith- field, Northampton county, State of Pennsylvania, under the care of Elder David Jane, was read, requesting admission to the Association. Upon a particular and satisfactory relation of their faith and prac- tice, by Brother Cox, who assisted at their constitution, we are free to receive them into union with us, when they shall appear by their messengers. (199) 200 MINUTES OP THE PHILADELPHIA ASSOCIATION. 8. Brother William Rogers was requested to prepare a letter to the Warren Association ; Brother Nicholas Cox, one to that of Ke- tockton, in Virginia ; and Brother Ezekiel Robins, one to that in South Carolina. Adjourned to three o'clock, p. M. 9. Met pursuant to adjournment. — To a query: Whether Jesus Christ was an object of prayer ? we answer : We are surprised that one of our sister churches, or any of the members thereof, should be in doubt of an article of faith so plainly revealed in the word of God. The instance of the penitent thief on the cross ; of Stephen when stoned, praying to the Lord Jesus ; and the injunction to honor the Son as we honor the Father, are sufficiently plain on this point. Upon inquiry of the messenger from the church who sent the query, and by information of others present, we found that something had been delivered amongst them, and elsewhere, by one in the ministry ; which, in our opinion, favors of that deistical error that we discard and abhor as heresy. We therefore seriously recommend it to all our churches, and those who compose them, to try the spirits, whether they be of God, and if they do not maintain the divinity of Jesus Christ, neither to receive them into their houses, nor to bid them God speed. 10. In answer to a query from one of our churches: What mea- sures ought to be taken with a sister church who holds and actually admits unbaptized persons to the Lord's supper ? we observe, That such a church may and ought, in the first instance, to be written to by a sister church, exhorting them to desist from such a practice, and to keep the ordinances as they were delivered to them in the word of God. 11. The letters prepared for the different Associations being pre- sented and read, Avere approved. 12. The circular letter, written by Brother John Gano, was pre- sented and read. Adjourned till to-morrow morning, nine o'clock. 13. October 7th. — Met pursuant to adjournment. With respect to the request from the church at Kingwood for supplies, we answer, That from the representation made to us, we are in hope transient visits will not be wanted, as, in our opinion. Providence points out clearly the propriety of Brother Cox's settlement with them. 14. From a statement of the circumstances of a bequest of Mr. Honeywell to this Association, which was laid before us by Brother Elkana Holmes, we are induced to appoint our brethren, Elkana Holmes, Dr. John Dodge, Ebenezer Ferris, together with Brother Samuel Jones, or any two of them, a committee to treat with any person or persons concerning the same. 15. Brother Vanhorn reported that he got the binding of the books of the Association library repaired; and from the vouchers he pro- duced, it appears there was a balance of cash in his hands of I63. 6d. ; 4s. of which he is ordered to pay for the postage on the Ke- MINUTES OF THE PHILADELPHIA ASSOCIATION. 201 tockton Association letter, the residue is granted to liim for his super- intendence of said business. 16. Whereas, there has been much inattention in some of our churches to a communication with this Association bj letters and messengers ; and the same being in our opinion of importance to the interest of the churches, we recommend to our Brethren John Gano and Samuel Jones, the former to write to those in the eastern parts, and the latter to those in the western parts of this Association, and press them to a due regard to that connection and correspondence of the churches, which experience has proved to be both comfortable and in many instances advantageous. 17. Met pursuant to adjournment, at three o'clock, P. M. The circular letter being again read and considered, was approved. 18. Our Brethren John Gano and William Rogers, are appointed messengers to the Warren Association ; Brother Thomas Fleeson and Brother Elkana Holmes, to that of Virginia. Our Brethren Gano, Rogers, and Vanhorn, jun., or either of them, to that of Charleston, South Carolina. 19. Brother William Rogers is appointed to write the circular letter for the next year. 20. Supplies granted to the following destitute churches: — Scotch Plains, Morristown, Lyon's Farms, and Dividing Creek. 21. Brother William Rogers is appointed to superintend the print- ing of the minutes of this Association. 22. Resolved, That our next Association be held at Philadelphia, the first Tuesday in October, at three o'clock, p. M. Brother John Dodge is appointed to preach the introductory sermon ; or, in case of failure, Brother Elkana Holmes. CIRCULAR LETTER. BY RET. JOHN GANO. The elders and brethren of the several churches, met in Asso- ciation at New York, October 5th, 6th, and 7th, 1784. To the churches with whom we are connected, send greeting : Dearly beloved — The preceding minutes will give you every neces- Bary information relative to our meeting, the state of our churches, and our endeavors for their prosperity. We trust, you will unite your efi"orts with ours, to the same good purpose ; and that our thanks- givings for the present peace, harmony, and increase of our churches, our prayers for their further growth, with a more powerful effusion of the Divine Spirit and grace upon them, will be mutually offered up. May the consideration of our effectual calling prove an incentive thereunto ! Which is the subject now to be considered, as in the tenth chapter of our Confession of faith. That we may investigate this subject as fully as the limits of a letter will allow, we will consider, first, the call ; secondly, the Author of the call ; thirdly, the called ; and fourthly, its efiicacy. I. The call. This is an act of sovereign grace, which flows from the everlasting love of God, and is such an irresistible impression 26 202 MINUTES OF THE PHILADELPniA ASSOCIATION. made by the Holy Spirit upon the human soul, as to effect a "blessed change. This impression or call is sometimes immediate, as in the instance of Paul and others ; though more ordinarily through the instrumentality of the word and providence of God. Though in both the impression or power upon the soul or rational principle of ope- ration must be the same. This may be considered as one power capable of exerting itself in various modes ; as in perceiving, choos- ing, refusing, loving, hating, &c. Likewise the impression before mentioned may be viewed as one spiritual principle of operation in the soul, exerting itself in divers ways, rather than as different prin- ciples of grace. II. We are to consider the Author of the call. The Author is God, the Father, Son, and Spirit. As in 1 Thess. ii. 12, " That ye walk worthy of God, who hath called you unto his kingdom and glory." Also, in 2 Tim. i. 9, "Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace," &c. In others it more directly applies to the Father, who is said to call them unto the fellowship of his Son. Sometimes it is ascribed to the Son, as in Proverbs i. 20, viii., where saints are said to be called of Jesus Christ. Lastly, it is as- cribed to the Holy Ghost, as in Phil. i. 6 ; " Being confident of this very thing, that he who hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ." Upon the whole this call is heard as it is in deed and in truth, the call of God, and not the voice of man. III. We are to consider who are the called. They are such as God hath chosen and predestinated both to grace and glory, elected and set apart in Christ, as redeemed by his blood, al- though by nature children of wrath even as others ; not of the Jews only, but also of the Gentiles. This is an holy, heavenly, and, con- sequently, an high calling. IV. Its efficacy. It is effectual to bring the subjects of it to a piercing sense of their guilt and impurity. The mind is deeply convicted, that the fountain is in his very heart or nature, from which all its criminal actions have sprung ; and that the lust within disposes us to violate the laws of God in as great a variety of ways as nature is capable of exerting itself, agreeable to Paul's expression, *' Sin revived and I died." The soul is affected with a view of its sinfulness and the malignity of sin in its nature, as entirely opposed to the holy law of God ; hence arises an abhorrence of sin, as vile and odious, and a sense of its demerit as deserving eternal death. This call produces a consciousness of the absolute impossibility of our con- tributing in the least degree towards a recovery from this wretched condition, and destroys all confidence of help in the flesh. It is a call to Christ, and gives a view of him in his suitableness and ability as a Saviour ; the merit of his o.bedience and sacrifice, and the trea- sures of his grace are all brought into view, which creates desires of an interest in him, and resolutions of looking unto and relying wholly upon him for salvation ; at the same time cordially acknowledging desert of rejection from him, and yet strengthened to rely entirely MINUTES OF THE PHILADELPHIA ASSOCIATION. 203 upon and surrender all unto tlie disposal of Christ ; setting to our seals that God is true ; believing the record he has given of his Son, which is eternal life, and that this life is in his Son. The changes produced are from darkness to light, from bondage to liberty, from alienation and estrangedness to Christ to a state of nearness and fel- lowship with him and his saints. This call administers peace of con- science towards God, and disposes its subjects to peace with mankind, so far as is consistent with righteousness. This is an holy calling, and is effectual to produce the exercise of holiness in the heart, even as the saints are created in Christ Jesus unto good works. God having called us, not to uncleanness, but to holiness, yea, even to glory and virtue, and " to live holily, righte- ously, and godly in this present evil world ;" and to conform us, both as men and as Christians, to the pure dictates of nature and the authority of revelation, in all virtuous actions. To believe what is divinely revealed, and to obey what is divinely enjoined ; in which the saints are required to persevere unto "an inheritance incorrup- tible and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, which is reserved in heaven for them," and unto which this effectual vocation ultimately tends. From all which considerations, we learn what it is to be both good and great, and that the way to advance in durable riches and righteousness ; to live on high ; live above the vanities and pomp of this trifling world, and to shame those who walk unworthily, is to retain a sense of our heavenly vocation. Thus will the hearts and hands of all God's people, and especially his ministers, be supported and strengthened ; thus will the religion of our adorable Redeemer be honored in the world ; thus shall we glorify God in life and enjoy his peace in death, and leave behind a finished testimony that our call- ing was effectual and our profession sincere. Signed by order of the Association, Samuel Waldo, Moderator. William Yanhorn, Clerk. THE MINISTERS AND MESSENGERS AT THE ASSOCIATION, AND STATE OF THE CHURCHES DURING THE YEAR. CHCRCnES. MINISTERS AND MESSENGERS. ■3 f ^ . IS 2 1 Q 2 i 1 1 a 1 67 Pennepek, Samuel Jones,* 4 f Abel Morgan,* Middletown, < Richard Crawford, ["William Bown, 1 1 95 Piscataqua, f Reune Runt an, 1 John Runyau, [ Robert Kelsat,* 2 2 40 Cohansie, < David Elwell, 1 [ Nathan Shepherd, 1 3 1 2 8 121 Welsh Tract,! John Boggs,* 52 Great Valle}-,! 38 204 MINUTES OF THE PHILADELPHIA ASSOCIATION. CHURCHES. MINISTERS AND MESSENGERS. Cape May,f Hopewell, Brandywine, Montgomery, Kingwood, Southampton, Philadelphia, Cranberry, Scotch Plains, Morristown, New Britain,! Salem, Newtown, Pawling's Precincts, Dividing Creek, New York, New Mills, Upper Freehold, Mount Bethel, Lyon's Farms, Pittsgrove,t Tuckahoe,t Stamford, King Street, Cow Marsh, London Tract, Hilltown, ' Oliter Hart,* Nathaniel Stout, Stephen Barton, Abel Griffiths,* David Loofborrow, I Thomas Runyan, William Vanhorn, J Thomas Ustick, I Thomas White, f Peter Wilson, t William Tindel, David Moi-ris, Ezekiel Gobel, Joshua Joxes,* Peter P. Vanhorn,* James Finn,* Samuel Waldo, (John Gano, Samuel Dodge, Ezekiel Bobbins, Zebulon Barton, ( John Blackwell,* I James Cox, Abner Sutton,* I Ichabod Grummon, William Worth,* William Lock,* (Elkana Holmes, Sylvenus Reynolds, Elijah Hunt, J John Dodge, I William Brundage, Thomas Fleeson, John Thomas, Moses Aaron, 166 23 21 9 1 33 2077 Note. — The ministprs' names are in smail capitals. Those marked thus * not present. The churches maxked thus f sent neither letters nor messengers. A clash denotes no settled minister. MINUTES OF THE PHILADELPHIA BAPTIST ASSOCIATION, HELD AT PHILADELPHIA, OCTOBER 4tH, 5tH, AND 6tH, 1785. Tuesday, P. M., October 4tli. — The Association was opened witli a suitable discourse from John xvi. 8, by Brother Samuel Jones. 2. Brother Oliver Hart was chosen moderator, and Brother Wil- liam Rogers, clerk. Letters from thirty churches were read. 3. Brother James Manning, president of Rhode Island College, being present, his company and assistance were desired. Adjourned till to-morrow morning, half past eight o'clock. Wednesday, October 5. — Met pursuant to adjournment. 1. The minutes of our last year's Association were read. 2. A letter and minutes from Charleston Association, held at the High Hills of Santee, October 27th, 1783, were received from their annual committee and read. 3. A letter from the Warren Association, held at Wrentham, State of Massachusetts, September 14th, 1785, was delivered by their messenger. Brother Hezekiah Smith, and read, whereby it appears that in the neighborhood of Boston, several persons of unblemished reputation were imprisoned the winter past, by reason of their re- fusing to support a way of worship repugnant to the dictates of their own minds. Though the constitution under which they live, equally secures their privileges with those who, repugnant to all sound policy, continue to persecute them. 4. A letter from Ketockton Association, Virginia, held August 19th, 1785, was read. Their messenger. Brother Elijah Craig, took his seat among us. 5. Brother Peter P. Vanhorn was requested to prepare a letter for Charleston Association ; Brother Thomas Ustick, for the Warren, and Brother Thomas Fleeson, for Ketockton. Messengers to Charleston Association, Brother John Gano ; to the Warren, Brother William Rogers ; to that of Ketockton, Brother Eliphaz Dazey. 6. The church of Philadelphia, having represented that a number of books lately taken from the city and committed to the care of the Association librarian, belonged to said church. Agreed, That in order to bring the matter to an issue, our breth- (2053 206 MINUTES OF THE PHILADELPHIA ASSOCIATION. ren, S. Jones, W. Vanhorn, and Joshua Jones, be a committee on behalf of the Association, to meet a committee of Philadelphia church, that the right of said property may be adjusted. Adjourned to three o'clock, p. m. 1. Met pursuant to adjommment. — Our brethren, Samuel Jones and Hezekiah Smith, having in the morning been appointed to con- sider upon that part of the letter from Great Valley church, which requests information relative to a minute of last year, concerning "Jesus Christ as an object of prayer," reported, "that the person, of whom the churches were then cautioned to beware, and the cause whereon their procedure was founded, be all referred for further investigation and settlement to the church at Upper Freehold, whereof he is a member, though not their present minister." Agreed, that said report be adopted. . 2. The query from PhiladeliDhia church, relative to the " adminis- tration of the Lord's supper, among any of our brethren and sisters, however numerous they may be in any one place, during the pei'iod of their remaining unorganized, or unconstituted as a distinct, regu- lar church by themselves," requiring mature deliberation, it is thought best to postpone our final conclusion thereon until next Association. 3. Brother Samuel Jones is appointed to copy into the Association book, all such minutes, as by him may be judged of real utility and future advantage. Adjourned until to-morrow morning, half past eight o'clock. Sermon in the evening by Brother Smith, from 1 John v. 3. Thursday, October 6. — Met pursuant to adjournment. 1. The circular letter composed, according to appointment, by Brother William Rogers, having been the day past presented and read, was again taken under consideration and approved. Brother Thomas Ustick is appointed to write one for the ensuing year. 2. The letters to the different Associations, corresponding with this, were brought in, read and adopted. 3. Resolved, That the thanks of this Association be given to Brother Isaac Backus, of Middleborough, Massachusetts, for his un- wearied pains and great labor, in collecting and compiling the history of the Baptists in New England, consisting of two volumes large oc- tavo, a work highly esteemed by this Association. 4. Agreed to recommend to the several churches, to make enquiry among themselves in the course of the year, what number they will respectively take, of an intended publication of materials towards a history of the Baptists in New Jersey, and transmit an account thereof to our next general meeting. 5. Supplies were granted for the destitute church at Scotch Plains. 6. Voted, That our next Association be held in Philadelphia, on the first Tuesday in October, 1786. Introductory sermon to be preached at three o'clock, p. m., by Brother John Gano; in case of failure, by Brother William Vanhorn. MINUTES OF THE PHILADELPHIA ASSOCIATION. 207 7. Brother William Rogers, is requested to superintend the print- ing of the minutes and circular letter of the Association, and to for- ward the same to the churches. Business closed. Sermon in the evening by Brother Manning, from John i. 29. CIRCULAR LETTER. BY REV. WILLIAM ROGERS. The ministers and messengers of the several Baptist churches, convened in Association, at Philadelphia, October 4, 1785. To the respective churches, with whom we are connected, send Christian salutation. Dearly beloved in our Lord Jesus Christ, — The subject, which we are to address you upon, is contained in Chapter XI. of our Confes- sion of faith, which treats of Justification. A subject truly import- ant ! One of the fundamental articles of our holy religion ! As such, demands our very particular attention. Therefore, wherein we are obliged, owing to the confined limits of our annual epistle, to study brevity, our hope and expectation is, that you will individually make up such deficiency by serious meditation. Perspicuity being our aim, we shall, I. Explain the term. IT. Consider the Author. III. The objects interested. IV. The blessings resulting. We are, I. To explain the term. Justification, spiritually or evan- gelically considered, is a complete acquittal from imputed and con- tracted guilt ; a deliverance from the condemning power of sin ; an act of free grace flowing from Jehovah's sovereign good will and pleasure. By many eminent divines this leading doctrine of our creed is viewed as twofold — eternal and declarative. By the former, we under- stand that which existed in the divine mind from everlasting, respect- ing the chosen seed, united with Christ their head, "who hath saved us, according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus, before the world began," 2 Tim. i. 9. By the latter, viz., de- clarative justification, is designed that which, in time, takes place in or on the conscience of a believer, commonly styled justification by or through faith. It is upon this, dear brethren, we now address you, this is the light wherein our Confession treats upon it, agreeing herewith, our catechism tells us that "justification is an act of God's free grace, wherein he pardoneth all our sins, and accepteth us as righteous in his sight, only for the righteousness of Christ imputed to us, and received by faith alone." To be thus fully absolved from all sin and guilt, by virtue of Christ's plenary satisfaction, and pro- nounced " heirs of eternal life." Oh how enlivening the thought ! how animating the reflection ! " Bless the Lord, our souls, and all that is within us, bless his holy name !" "We come, II. To consider the Author of our justification. In 208 MINUTES OF THE PHILADELPHIA ASSOCIATION. Other words from Tvhom it proceeds. Blended with which we must just hint at some of the causes hereof. Educated in the school of Jesus, and instructed by the unerring Spirit of the Most High, you are ready, dearly beloved, to anticipate us under this head, by exclaiming with an inspired apostle, " It is God who justifieth," Rom. viii. 33. A Triune God, Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. A truth this, when viewed in all its parts, calculated to excite not only within us, but amid the angelic choir the highest wonder. ""Which things the angels desire to look into," 1 Pet. i. 12. " Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation, through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God ; to declare, I say, at this time his righteousness, that he might be just, and the justifier of him who believeth in Jesus," Rom. iii. 25, 26. "Be it known unto you, therefore, men and brethren, that through this man is preached unto you the forgiveness of sins: and by him all that believe are justified from all things, from which ye could not be justified by the law of Moses," Acts xiii. 38, 39. "And such were some of you; but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God," 1 Cor. vi. 11. Many other texts might be quoted, did we not believe you to be already well established in this peculiar excellency of gospel revelation ! Ke- vertheless for our mutual edification, permit us, previous to our dis- mission of this head, to mention, with all due conciseness, a few of the causes of our being thus justified or pronounced righteous. " The works of the Lord are great, sought out of all them who have pleasure therein," is of equal force now as when penned by Israel's king. Thus supported, we will not be backward in asserting — 1. That from this main pillar, this sublime characteristic of gospel truth, man's obedience to a law of works is to be utterly excluded. Paul peremptorily says, " By the deeds of the law no flesh shall be justified in his sight," Rom. iii. 20. This single declaration, con- firmed by repeated equal testimony, condemns at once every idea of justification by virtue of our own doings. Those who harbor a sentiment so opposed to Jehovah's revealed will, vainly imagine, con- sistent with themselves, to bring the Supreme Governor of universal nature under obligation to do them good. But, beloved, we have not so learned Christ ; we do not wish to rob the blessed Redeemer of the highest diadem in his mediatorial crown ; we do not intend thus basely to detract from that glory which peculiarly belongs to the sacred Three-One. " For there is not a just man upon earth, who doeth good and sinneth not," Ecc. vii. 20. "But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags," Isa. Ixiv. 6. 2. What is by too many denominated, compliance with gospel terms, we do not admit as having any claim hereunto. Those who cherish this opinion are grossly mistaken. The gospel of our salva- tion is unconditional : it knows no terms on our part as leading to a justifying righteousness. Faith and repentance are graces bestowed by the Spii'it of God, they are blessings flowing from the covenant MINUTES OF THE PHILADELPHIA ASSOCIATION. "209 which is ordered in all things and sure. In fine, regeneration of soul, sanctification of heart, sincerity of disposition, holiness of life, persevering fidelity, undeviating acquiescence in Jehovah's govern- ment, steady zeal for Imanuel's interest, all our own pious frames of mind, comfortable feelings, and approving testimonies of conscience, are, with respect to this all-essential doctrine, to be kept totally out of view. To what then is our justification to be ascribed ? We reply, first. To the mere grace or favor of God as the moving cause, " being justified freely by his grace," Rom. iii. 2-4. " But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man ap- peared ; not by works of righteousness, which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us," Tit. iii. 4, 5. That, which never could have been found out by men or angels, the wisdom of Jehovah contrived and his love hath made known. This is the original source. Here is the fountain from whence all doth spring. Second. To the life and passion of Jesus as the procuring cause. " But God commendeth his love towards us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him," Rom. v. 8, 9. He fulfilled every precept, bore the whole penalty of the law in the room and stead of his people. Thus was the law magnified and rendered honorable, an end made of sin, and everlasting righte- ousness brought in. " And this is his name whereby he shall be called, THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS," Jeremiah xxiii. 6. Oh glorious name ! predicted long before his incarnation. Unto whom should we go, but unto our once bleeding but now risen Saviour, for acceptance ? For us he drank the bitter cup. It will not do to sub- stitute any thing in the place of this noble sacrifice ; it is now a righteous thing with God, freely to justify and abundantly to pardon : " In the Lord shall all the seed of Israel be justified, and shall glory," Isa. xlv. 25. The robe of Christ's righteousness is a garment down to the foot, wherewith every member of the mystical body is amply covered, " for he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin ; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him," 2 Cor. v. 21. " Such a High Priest became us, who is holy, harmless, unde- filed, and separate from sinners," Heb. vii. 26. Should any question, how doth Christ's righteousness, thus consisting of the holiness of his nature, his active and passive obedience, become ours in such wise that we are necessarily deemed righteous too ? We readily Answer — By imputation ; by making it over unto us ; reckoning it ours, or placing it to our account, being wrought out by our elder brother on behalf of the whole ransomed flock. " David describeth the blessedness of the man, unto whom God imputeth righ- teousness without works," Rom. iv. 6. Pursuant, therefore, to the unalterable purpose of heaven ; agreeable to the economy of man's redemption ; this righteousness of the precious Jesus, whereof so many glorious things are spoken, is as much ours as though wrought out by ourselves in our own proper persons ; Rom. v. 18, 19 ; Phil. iii. 8, 9. Thus clothed upon with raiment of needlework — thus united 27 210 MINUTES OF THE PHILADELPHIA ASSOCIATION. witli the head, how can the members be viewed by God the judge of all but as perfectly and completely justified. " And ye are complete in him, who is the head of all principality and power," Col. ii. 10. Third. Our justification is by some ascribed to faith as an instru- mental cause. Strictly speaking, we apprehend faith as no cause at all in this momentous procedure, but rather as an efi"ect. It is true, the scriptures frequently mention a justification by faith. By such expressions it is evident the object, and not the act, of faith is de- signed ; the object of faith is Christ and his righteousness ; this .the believing soul lays fast hold on. Faith is the eye which discovers, the hand which receives ; espying a Saviour's worth, charmed with his merit, the believer is so enraptured as to cast away all his heavy burden, falls at Messiah's feet, confides in the promise, and pleads atoning blood: "With the heart man believeth unto righteousness," Rom. X. 10. It is beautifully noticed by one of our very first and most orthodox writers. " The reason why any are justified is not because they have faith ; but the reason why they have faith is be- cause they are justified." If justified faith as a work performed by us or a grace wrought within us ; where would have been the neces- sity of the death and resurrection of Jesus ? Faith is that precious grace, by which we do in a certain manner put on the righteousness of the Lord's anointed, and receive the greatest of all blessings from the God of our salvation. " It is grace (saith one) which quarrels much with human pride and makes its only boast of Sharon's rose ; and never was meant to be our justifying righteousness in the sight of God, else it would learn to boast." Faith says, "In the Lord have I righteousness;" and tells a sinner, "I cannot save thee; thou art saved by grace through faith." The grace of Jesus, and that alone brings salvation ; and the sinner, through faith as an in- strument, puts in his hand, is enabled to reach the rich donation ; just as a beggar, by his empty cap stretched forth, receives an alms. We proceed, III. To mention the objects interested. In the examination of this particular, what abundant reason have we to adopt the prophe- tic language, " To the law and to the testimony : if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them." Isa. viii. 20. The persons justified through rich and sovereign grace are, in the living oracles, declared to be "ungodly," Rom. iv. 5; also, " sinners," Gal. ii. 17. Was it not for declarations like these, where could be our comfort ? We are all sinners ; we are all ungodly ; does it from hence follow, that all who are sinners, all who are un- godly, are without exception justified ? By no means ! The whole canon of scripture combine with the dictates of sound experience to render every such idea inadmissible ! It is true, we read " that by the righteousness of one, the free gift came upon all men unto justi- fication of life," Rom. v. 18. By a careful revision of what goes before, and follows after, we shall find the apostle did not mean all men absolutely, but all the chosen, all believers ; his epistle was directed to " all that be in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints." More- MINUTES OF THE PHILADELPHIA ASSOCIATION. 211 over, the justified are represented as a peculiar people, and have such characters ascribed to them, as cannot, without the greatest incotv- sistency and abuse of language, be ascribed to all the progeny of fallen Adam. They are spoken of as those who are predestinated, redeemed, pardoned, effectually called, sanctified, regenerated, &c. That these things are not true, with respect to all the lapsed family, every unprejudiced mind must acknowledge. Upon the whole, those who are unworthy and guilty in themselves, but in the everlasting covenant elected and beloved, have the righteousness whereon their justification is founded, not only exhibited to them by the gospel, but brought nigh by the Holy Ghost ; these are the " purchased posses- sion," this is the "bride, the Lamb's wife ;" between whom and the Lord Jesus, an union not only now exists but hath existed, ancient as eternity itself. " I have loved thee with an everlasting love ; there- fore, with loving kindness have I drawn thee," Jer. xxxi. 3. A mul- titude which no man can number. IV. The last thing proposed for investigation, we now hasten to unfold ; viz : the blessings resulting herefrom. Where, dear brethren, shall we begin, and how shall we end ; blessings great indeed crowd in upon us ! blessings beyond compare are consequential on our being thus freely justified ! a doctrine pregnant with comfort inexpressible ; a foundation is hereby laid not simply for fluctuating hope, but for the full assurance of present and of future bliss. By virtue hereof, we experience : 1. A freedom or deliverance from sin and condemnation. From all sin, as to its guilt, from its reigning power and dominion, and by and by from its in- being: " The blood of Jesus Christ his Son, cleanseth us from all sin," 1 John i. 7 ; Heb. x. 12—14. Our sins are covered and hid from the all penetrating eye of divine justice, and when sought for hereafter shall not be found. " There is, therefore, now no condemnation to them who are in Christ Jesus," Rom. viii. 1; Gal. iii. 13. When seriously reflecting on our happy rescue from the hands of Satan, our accusing foe ; also from death and the grave, as penal evils : but more especially from the pains of hell and the wrath to come, and all as the effect of love divine ! what heart among us can remain cold and lifeless ? what tongue among us can cease to praise ? 2. As justified, we enjoy peace with God. " Therefore, being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ," Rom. v. 1 ; connected herewith is real peace of mind ! Oh, happy souls ! brought fully to behold a crucified Redeemer making peace by the blood of his cross: " The chastisement of our peace was upon him," Isa. Iii. V. Knowing this to be the case, well may we, " on the dove- like wings of faith, fly far away from the storms and tempests of an opposing conscience, and find in the Kock of Ages a quiet sanctuary and safe retreat." 3. The acceptance of our persons and services is another blessing resulting herefrom. The Father is well pleased with both for the alone sake of Christ his Son, " to the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved," Eph. i. 6. Christ's 212 MINUTES OF THE PHILADELPHIA ASSOCIATION. garments smell of myrrh, aloes, and cassia, ■wherewith his people being clad, the Lord smells a sweet smell in them also. A view of this emboldens us to draw near to the King of kings, Heb. x. 19-22. The person, the blood, the righteousness, the mediation of Jesus are the only foundation of all our pleas at the celestial throne. 4. As justified we are blessed through life, shall be so at death, yea, throughout eternity. While on earth, we are expressly assured that " all things work together for our good ;" when summoned to die, we need not fear the grim messenger. The property of temporal death with respect to God's people is greatly changed ; it puts an end to all their sorrows, hath its sting taken away, and will prove to be our very great gain. In honor and triumph are such conveyed to the mansions above, and oh ! with what joy are the everlasting doors expanded wide for their reception. Our bodies, though mould- ered to dust, will nevertheless enjoy a glorious resurrection — our per- sons, at the last day, an honorable distinction and gracious approba- tion from the Judge supreme ; never ceasing felicity, consummate happiness, and perpetual glory will be our portion. " Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them who love him," 1 Cor. ii. 9. We shall then, oh joyful period ! live and reign with Christ for ever and ever, and our song will uninterruptedly be, " Unto him who loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood, and hath made us priests and kings unto God and his Father, to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever," Rev. i. 5, 6. Justification and glorification are closely connected ; they go, as it were, hand in hand, Rom. v. 8, 10 ; viii. 30. Having thus endeavored to explain this leading article of the Christian faith, we shall now close our address with such inferences as appear easily deducible therefrom. 1. Hereby we are taught the futility of opinions which, however remotely, lead to self dependence. Justification either by our own ex- ternal performances or any inherent holiness whatever, are sentiments fully exploded by all who are acquainted with the truth as it is in Jesus : we are justified in such a way as excludes, in every sense, all boasting in^ ourselves. " Where is boasting, then ? It is excluded. By what law ? Of works ? Nay ; but by the law of faith," Rom. iii. 27. 2. The necessity of highly prizing that righteousness which is revealed in the gospel, as the only foundation of genuine hope and solid joy. This righteousness as hath been proved, is the alone mat- ter of our justification in Jehovah's sight ; a righteousness which was devised and provided for us by the Father ; wrought out for us by the Son, and now made over unto us by the Holy Ghost ; a righte- ousness perfect and divine, wherewith justice is satisfied, the law magnified, the Triune glorified, and grace, superabounding grace displayed. To exhibit this righteousness, to elucidate its worth, to inform us of the peculiar happiness of those to whom it is imputed, is the main design both of the Old and New Testaments. May we, MINUTES OF THE PHILADELPHIA ASSOCIATION. 213 therefore, " searcli the Scriptures, for they are they which testify of Immanuel, God with us." We also — 3. From hence, learn that the standing of all who are justified is secure indeed. To fall therefrom is utterly impossible. How can such come into condemnation, or be made partakers of the second death ? They cannot ; the righteousness of the Mediator is an ever- lasting righteousness. This being the sole ground of our confidence, it evidently follows that our abiding is safe ; the believer can never lose his interest therein ; the act which justifies is in itself unalter- able ; it is coeval with the eternal covenant ; the benefit thereof is insured, and will for ever be enjoyed by us. " No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper ; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and their righteousness is of me, saith the Lord," Isa. liv. 17. The love wherewith we are loved, the grace wherewith we are visited, will endure unto the end. " For Christ in every age has prov'd, His purchase firm and true ; If this foundation be removed, What shall the righteous do V Is it then, dearly beloved brethren, as hath been represented ? Supported by the unerring volume, we think this question may be fully answered in the afiirmative. What improvement, then, ought we to make of so essential a part of truth divine ? Examine your- selves. Have you any solid reason whereon to ground your belief that you are the objects interested ? Admire then the grace of God, in imputing to you righteousness so complete ; rejoice therein, and have no confidence in the flesh ; ascribe the whole of your finished salva- tion to Jehovah's boundless love ; sing, in humble notes, the church's song, " Not unto us, Lord, not unto us, but unto thy name give glory, for thy mercy, and for thy truth's sake," Ps. cxv. 1. Live near to God, to whose unmerited favor alone you are indebted for a translation from surrounding darkness into marvellous and stupendous light. The doctrine of justification, when rightly viewed, unavoid- ably leads to strict holiness both in life and conversation. Evidence, then, by your constant fruit, that you are the called of God in Christ Jesus ; persevere in the discharge of every duty. " Do we then make void the law through faith ? God forbid. Yea, we es- tablish the law," Rom. iii. 31. " For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained, that we should walk in them," Eph. ii, 10 Be not dis- couraged, though you have foes without and foes within. Greater is he who is for us, than all those who are against us. Owing to in- dwelling corruption and pride of heart, we too often ofi'end the best of Beings ; for our consolation it is recorded, " If we forsake his law, and walk not in his judgments ; if we break his statutes, and keep not his commandments, then will he visit our transgressions with a rod, and our iniquities with stripes. Nevertheless, his loving kind- 214 MINUTES OF THE PHILADELPHIA ASSOCIATION. ness will he not utterly take from us, nor suffer his faithfulness to fail," Ps. Ixxxix. 30—33. See also Isa. liv. 7, 8. Chastised we may be with the rod of a father, but not with the wounds of an enemy. " "What though your afflictions are great ? there is no wrath in the portion of your cup ; though men should condemn you, God will not ; though devils accuse you, they shall not prevail." How honored are the subjects of Jehovah's grace ! By far more dignified than the angels who never sinned ! Frequently call to mind that celestial anthem, which, through eternity, will be chaunted on the highest key by all the redeemed throng; "Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honor, and glory, and blessing," Rev. v. 12. You can never think enough of Christ and his righteousness ; let this then be your constant theme. " Some this, some that good virtue teach, To rectify the soul ; But we first after Jesus reach, And richly grasp the whole." To conclude. The doctrine of justification, the subject treated upon in this letter, being a doctrine so infinitely momentous, we do, with all Christian aflfection, as members of the same body with you, recommend it to the serious and candid perusal of all. A doctrine, we trust, wherein our associated churches are firmly established ; for wherever the gospel is purely preached, this doctrine must necessarily not only make a part, but a distinguished part thereof. That the light of divine truth may emit its rays in such wise, as to dispel every gloom and all the mists of error ; that soundness in every article of our orthodox faith may be restored among, and contended for, by all God's children, wherever dispersed; that the good word of the kingdom may run to and fro and be abundantly glorified, even from the rising to the setting sun ; that whenever it is dispensed it may be accompanied with the demonstration of the Spirit and of power ; finally, that the peace of God, which passeth all understand- ing, may visit all our borders, is, dear brethren, the unfeigned wish and cordial prayer of yours, in the best of bonds. By order of the Association, Oliyek Hart, Moderator. William Rogers, Clerk. MINUTES OF THE PHILADELPHIA ASSOCIATION. 215 THE MINISTERS AND MESSENGERS AT THE ASSOCIATION, AND STATE OF THE CHURCHES DURING THE YEAR. CHURCHES. MINISTERS AND MESSENGERS. 1' ■si 'i ►J 1 8 1 s M S R 4 (5 2 69 Pennepek, 'Samuel Jones, John Holmes, Jesse Dungan, Benjamin Dungan, Isaac Hough, Middletown,f Abel Morgan,* 95 Piscataqua, Reune Runyan, Abraham Munday, 1 39 Cohansie, < [ Robert Kelsay,* ' Nathan Shepherd, ' Joel Shepherd, 1 1 2 2 3 116 Welsh Tract, Great Valley, ' John Boggs, Andrew Edge, Thomas Ainger, 10 1 2 3 2 2 1 60 30 James Davis, Daniel Cornog, Cape May, Artis Seagraves,* Jonathan Hildreth, 13 2 2 6 72 Hopewell, -< Oliver Hart, John Jewell, Nathaniel Stout, 1 1 4 5 190 Brandywine, Abel Griffiths, 2 • 2 16 Montgomery, David Loofborrow, 37 Kingwood, Nicholas Cox, 6 4 83 Southampton, ' William Vanhorn, Joseph Hart, ^ Arthur Watts, 4 50 Philadelphia, ' Thomas Ustick, William Rogers, Joseph Watkins, Samuel Davis, jr., Elisha Gordon, 3 5 1 1 2 111 ^Cranberry, Scotch Plains, Peter Wilson, Samuel Minor, John Hull, r 23 1 1 1 71 96 Joseph Manning, Morristown, Knowlton, New Britain, 3 10 1 1 1 52 35 37 Joshua Jones, Edward Mathew, Salem, Peter P. Vanhorn, John Briggs, 3 1 3 44 Newtown, t 74 Pawling's Precincts,t Samuel Waldo,* 53 216 MINUTES OF THE PHILADELPHIA ASSOCIATION. MINISTERS AND MESSENGERS. Dividing Creek, New York, New Mills, Upper Freehold, Mount Bethel, Lyon's Farms, Pittsgrove, Tuckahoe,t Stamford,t King Street, Cow Marsh,f London Tract, Hilltown, Lower Smithfield,T[ Mispilion,l[ (Del.) f John Gano,* I Stephen Gano, ( Samuel Jones, iJoHN Blackwell, James Tapscott, Christopher Morris, Abner Sutton,* ( William AVorth,* I David Elwell, John Dodge,* Thomas Fleeson, f John Thomas,* I Nathan Evans, David Jatne, Eliphaz Dazey, 4 2 55 1 1 2 1 5 2 7 7 1 2 3 2 1 6 67 21 21 51 136 76 56 77 17 31 30 96 33 16 Note. — The ministers' names are in small capitals. Those marked thus * not present. The churches marked thus f sent neither letters nor messengers, and their numbers remain as last year. A dash denotes no settled minister. *^* The two last mentioned churches marked thus ^ were, after giving full satisfaction as to their faith and order, received among us at this annual meet- ing, and the names of their messengers enrolled accordingly. MINUTES OF THE PHILADELPHIA BAPTIST ASSOCIATION, HELD IN PHILADELPHIA, OCTOBER 3d, 4tH, AND 5tH, 1786. October 3d, three o'clock, p. M. — According to appointment, Brother John Gano opened the Association with a very suitable dis- course, from 1 Tim. iv. 1: "Now, the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and the doctrines of devils." 2. Brother Samuel Jones was chosen moderator, and Brother Thomas Ustick, clerk. Letters from thirty-five churches were read. October 4, nine o'clock. — Met pursuant to adjournment. 3. Doctor Manning, president of the University at Providence, Rhode Island, being present, his company and assistance were desired. 4. The letters and minutes of the Association at Warren, Charles- ton, Ketockton, and Georgia, containing agreeable accounts, were read. Their numbers are, Warren, 3,451 Charleston, 966 Ketockton, 985 Georgia, 223 5. Unanimously agreed, that in future no person be permitted to speak in this Association more than twice upon the same subject, without special permission. Adjoured till half past two, P. M. 6. Met pursuant to adjournment. — Inasmuch as the diflficulty men- tioned in our last year's minutes, and occasioned by conversation, &c., of Brother David Jones, which led some of our brethren to sup- pose that he denied " our Lord Jesus Christ to be the object of prayer," has not been settled according to the recommendation of last year ; wherefore This Association, after having the whole matter again discussed, concludes. First. That our brethren, Oliver Hart and William Vanhorn, had reason to understand Brother Jones according to their respective de- clarations. Nevertheless, 28 (217) 218 MINUTES OF THE PHILADELPHIA ASSOCIATION. Second. Upon Brother Jones' free acknowledgment of his full belief in the Deity of our Lord Jesus Christ, and that he is the object of prayer, this Association is ■willing to continue Brother Jones in fellowship. Adjourned till to-morrow, nine o'clock, A. M. Sermon in the evening by Brother Hart, from Isa. xxxv. 10. October 5. — Met pursuant to adjournment. 7. Whereas, the consideration of a query from the Philadelphia church, relative to " the administration of the Lord's supper among any of our brethren and sisters, however numerous they may be in any one place, during the period of their remaining unorganized or unconstituted as a distinct, regular church by themselves," was post- poned to the present year. ^Ye answer. First. That the Lord's supper ought not to be administered to persons who are not members of any church, though baptized. Second. That this ordinance should not be administered to mem- bers of churches in a scattered situation, without the consent of one or more of those chui'ches ; but permission being first obtained, they may proceed. 8. The churches are desired, within six months, to transmit to the care of Brother Ustick, such moneys as they are inclined to appro- priate to the purpose of printing the materials of the history of the Baptists in the State of New Jersey, reckoning at the rate of three shillings per volume. 9. The letter to the Charleston Association, prepared by Brother rieeson ; that to the Ketockton Association, by Brother Vanhorn ; and that to the Warren Association, by Brother Rogers ; were read and approved. Our brethren, Nicholas Cox and Lewis Richards, are appointed messengers to the Ketockton, and brothers William Rogers and Wil- liam Vanhorn, to the Warren Association. 10. The circular letter prepared by Brother Thomas Ustick, was read and approved. Brother Peter P. Vanhorn is appointed to write one for the ensuing year. 11. Supplies were granted for the following destitute places : — Morristown and Great Valley. 12. Voted, That our next Association be held at New York, on the first Tuesday in October, 1787. Introductory sermon to be preached at three o'clock, P. M., by Brother William Vanhorn ; in case of failure, by Brother John Bogs. 13. Brother Ustick is requested to superintend the printing of the minutes, and forward them to the churches. Sermon in the evening by Brother Lewis Richards, from Matt. X. 16. CIRCULAR LETTER. BY REV. THOMAS USTICK. The elders and brethren of the several Baptist churches, convened in Association, at Philadelphia, October 3d, 1786. MINUTES OF THE PHILADELPHIA ASSOCIATION. 219 Send Christian salutation to the churches with whom we are united. Dearly beloved, — The present meeting has afforded us an oppor- tunity of hearing the most agreeable tidings from some of our churches, which convince us, that " God is waiting to be gracious" and " ever mindful of his covenant." Jer. xxxi. 33, " I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts ; and will be their God, and they shall be my people." And again, 2 Cor. vi. 18, " I will be a father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty." We are daily realizing the accomplish- ment of these divine promises. It is, therefore, with peculiar plea- sure, that we now address you on the interesting and glorious subject of Adoption. See Confession of faith. Chap. XII. The adoption of a person into a family imports, that previous to that transaction he did not bear the relation of a child in that family ; and therefore could have no claim to the distinguishing name, peculiar titles, proper estates, or special interests of the family. He may, indeed, be an alien, or an enemy, and yet become an adopted son. Because the act, which constitutes him a son in a law sense, entirely depends upon the will of the adopter. Spiritual adoption may be defined, as the sovereign or authoritative act of God's grace, by which persons are translated from the family of Satan into the family of God : and being put among the children are justly entitled to all the privileges of a divine and everlasting inheritance. When we consider that it is said of God, " that he calleth those things which be not as though they were," we shall readily perceive that the decree of adoption has its date in eternity ; but the mani- festation or execution of the decree in time, at different periods, with respect to individuals, by the spirit of adoption ; and at the consum- mation of time, with respect to the collective mystical body of Christ, by the resurrection. This distinction is purely scriptural. The de- cree, moving cause, and end, are all comprehended in Eph. i. 5, " Hav- ing predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, to the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the be- loved." For as persons may be elected to offices, before they are qualified or invested with power to execute the office ; so in the family of God persons are really elected to the state and privilege of sons from eternity. Hence for the accomplishment of this decree we read, Gal. iv. 4, 5, " But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, to redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons." Accordingly, in their conversion they are recog- nized by Jehovah as sons and daughters, John i.' 12, " But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name." Lastly, the perfect mani- festation or consummation of this glorious grace is mentioned, Rom. viii. 23, " Waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body." 220 MINUTES OF THE PHILADELPHIA ASSOCIATION". Justification and adoption are law phrases. They both have refer- ence to our former condition ; and are each in different respects ex- pressive of the important blessings of salvation. No single term could answer the end of fully expressing the nature of our salvation. Different phrases therefore are used to help our conceptions of those blessings, which are ineffable ; and for the perfect knowledge of which we must wait, until their consummation in glory. Justification is a great blessing ; but adoption is greater. Justifi- cation is the constituting or making a person righteous in the eye of the law ; delivering him from every charge of guilt, or obnoxious- ness to punishment, and furnishing him with an active righteousness, commensurate to its utmost demands. A justified person then is no longer under condemnation; no longer liable to endure the curse of the law, or the wrath of God. " For we are justified freely by his grace, through the redemption that is in Christ." Thus our progeni- tors, whilst innocent, were free from every charge of guilt. Where- fore simply to be justified, would be only recovering us from the ruins of the apostacy, and reinstating man in his former dominion, holi- ness and happiness. This would be grace. It would be free, un- merited grace ; and, admitting it to be confirmed, would be infinitely valuable. But who does not see, that the price of our redemption is too precious to be expended in this way, and for no greater end ? Here then comes in the necessity of the superlative grace of adop- tion ; which is necessary to render our state better than it was before — necessary to raise us above the condition of servants ; and to en- large the expressions of the infinite kindness of God towards the elect ; and especially necessary to reward, in an ample and satisfac- tory manner, the beloved Son of God for the arduous work of our redemption. The persons for whom Christ died, were the objects of his delight from eternity. He could not therefore have been satis- fied, that they should be eternally removed from his presence. Ob- serve his own declaration, John xvii. 24, " Father, I will that they also whom thou hast given me be with me where I am, that they may behold my glory." Since, then, by justification we can look back with joy upon the dangers of sin, death, and hell, from which we have escaped ; so by adoption we are permitted to look upwards to a state of exalted, permanent, and unalloyed bliss, to which we have an inde- feasible right as the sons of God and the bride of Christ. Adoption may be distinguished likewise from regeneration. By the former we are brought into the relation of children to God ; and by the latter we receive the nature, likeness, and image of God. Be- sides, as we can have no idea of regeneration in a subject, who has not received the filial nature; so we can have no finished idea of adoption in one who' has not received the filial spirit. There is that temper or spirit in true believers, which leads them to think and act agreeable to the holy nature of God, and correspondent to the ex- alted character and dignified relation which they sustain as the chil- dren of God. This principle is not natural to man, but is the fruit of the Spirit of God. It is said of the wicked, " that the spirit of MINUTES OF THE PHILADELPHIA ASSOCIATION. 221 disobedience worketh in their hearts." Their condition is servile. The spirit of bondage exercises their minds and governs their con- duct. On the other hand, the sons of God are led to action by the spirit of adoption ; who moulds and tempers their minds after a di- vine manner into the image of Christ, 2 Cor. iii. 18. Hence they are not impelled by the fears of a slave, but are drawn by the cords of love. " For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear ; but ye have received the spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father," Rom. viii. 15. The Spirit of God, as a spirit of love and obedience to the Father, engaged the immaculate Redeemer, in the actions of his life and suflferings of death, to fulfil all righteous- ness. This Spirit God giveth not unto him by measure, John iii. 34. And we, agreeably to his promise, receive the same holy unction in our measure. " And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father," Gal. iv. 6. This Spirit is in all the regenerate sons of God. " For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God," Rom. viii. 14. It is also a Spirit of love. " For every one that loveth is born of God," 1 John iv. 7. This love appears to be genuine, when its operations are unconfined and universally extended to all the mem- bers of the family of God. " By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another," John xiii. 35. Having this Spirit in measure, we shall be able to support the rela- tions which we sustain in the heavenly family ; as the sons of God, brethren of Christ, and joint-heirs of the same eternal inheritance, with dignity and delight, in this present life. But when all the sons and daughters of Jehovah have their adoption consummated in a glo- rious resurrection, they shall then enjoy this Spirit in perfection, as one glorious bride adorned for her husband. When persons are removed from one family to another by this act of liberality, it is generally supposed, that they make a gainful ex- change. Without this prospect, no one would consent to this trans- lation. And, although the consent of the person cannot be obtained, because of non-age or some other impediment ; yet the Author of adoption always concludes, that he confers an obligation. And in spiritual adoption the subjects are invariably convinced, that the grace is unspeakably great. Wherefore they can never return to the family of Satan, or heartily espouse the interests of sin. For these realize the truth of that divine declaration, 1 Tim. iv. 8. " God- liness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come." Many would esteem it a great privilege to be translated from a poor family into one that is rich ; but to be saved by this means from impending ruin, from immediate death, must inexpressibly enhance the value of the blessing. Though some might be inclined to de- spise the idea of dependence, which a change of family implies ; yet we conclude, that none would refuse the favor, if death must inevitably follow their refusal. Such was the situation of Moses, accord- ing to the narration in chapter second of Exodus, His life was most 222 MINUTES OF THE PHILADELPHIA ASSOCIATION. imminently exposed to destruction, and he must have perished, had not God interposed by his providence for his deliverance. Happy for Moses ! happy for the tribes of Israel ! that by the disposal of Providence, he fell into the hands of one whose heart was made sus- ceptible of the tender feelings of humanity ; and who had it in her power to spare his life, notwithstanding the cruel edict of the Egyp- tian king. The adoption of Moses into the royal family, and the preservation of his life, were closely connected. For by this act she not only gave him a new name — Moses ; because, says she, " I drew him out of the water ;" and made ample provision for his support and royal education : but she also gave him his life ; she rescued him from a double death : from perishing in the waters, and from the sword of barbarous jealousy. How exactly parallel does this history run with the adoption of sinners into the family of God, who were justly exposed to both the first and second death. He, Avhois author of all compassion, stretched out his omnipotent arm for their deliverance ; and with infinite bene- volence says of every subject of redemption, " Deliver him from go- ing down to the pit, I have found a ransom," Job xxxiii. 24. Thus sparing them as his own children, and even delivering to justice, in the sinners' room, his only begotten Son, that he might place them in the condition of children, and bring them to the inheritance of everlasting glory. " For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son ; that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life," John iii. 16. In this glorious grace, God appears as our father, and we as his children. Respecting this relation we can have no knowledge, until we are the "childi'en of God by faith in Christ Jesus." Then we are made to see, " what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God," Eph. iii. 9. By this powerful grace we, who are sinners of the gentiles, are authorised to claim aU the privileges of the sons of God ; being no longer consi- dered as " strangers and foreigners, but fellow-citizens with the saints, and of the household of God ; and are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone," Eph. ii. 19, 20, upon whom the weight of the building rests, and in whom both bodies are united. If therefore we are Christs, then are we Abraham's seed and heirs according to the promise. Although the author of the Romans remarks, that " to the Isralites pertaineth the adoption;" yet he quickly subjoins, "They which are the chil- dren of the flesh, these are not the children of God ; but the children of the promise are counted for the seed." Surely this privilege is be- yond comparison glorious ; that we, who formerly were not considered the Lords people, should now be called the children of the living God. Kot by any alteration of Jehovah's plan ; but " according to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord." For our re- generation, knowledge of the gospel, faith and repentance, are not only the efi"ects of a prior, but of an everlasting cause, viz., the love of God. " I have loved thee with an everlasting love ; therefore, with MINUTES OF THE PHILADELPHIA ASSOCIATION. 223 loving kindness have I drawn thee." Behold and be astonished, brethren, at this stupendous grace. " Behold what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God." We miserable sinners ! we presumptuous rebels ! we pro- fligate prodigals ! we, the avowed enemies of God and godliness, are, by this inestimable grace, denominated "the sons of God." Let the sons of earth boast in tlieir line of famous ancestors ; in their near alliance to the great and renowned ; yet the pedigree of believers in Jesus is unspeakably more illustrious. Sgeing they are born not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. Believers are privileged with peculiar titles and distinguishing names or characters throughout the volume of inspiration; concerning which, we cannot now treat particularly, but would rather refer you to that gracious declaration of him that is holy, of him that is true, in B-ev. iii. 12, " Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out : and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, which is New Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my God : and I will write upon him my new name." The privileges which believers enjoy in the militant state of the church are many. If 'depressed with trials and infirmities, they have a compassionate and almighty Parent to pity and succor them. If, through the remaining power of sin they wantonly transgress, he can and will chastise them: "For whom the Lord loveth he chasten- eth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth," Heb. xii. 6. Wherefore, " Lord, correct me, but with judgment ; not in thine anger, lest thou bring me to nothing," Jer. x. 24. Should the triple host of darkness, the world, the flesh, and the devil, violently attack the souls of believers, almighty power is engaged for their protection. Whilst, therefore, the ears of our omnipotent and gracious Parent are indulgent to our petitions, and whilst " the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered," we may rest assured, that all things will co-operate for the security of our temporal, spiritual, and eternal interests. "The precious sons of Zion comparable to fine gold," in the pre- sent state, are generally " esteemed as earthen pitchers, which men dash in pieces without any regret." The world knoweth us not. Though persecuted with a flood of reproaches and contumely from the mouth of the serpent, the righteous is still more excellent than his neighbor. God delights to honor him. He is, even in this world, indulged with the best company ; regaled with the most deli- cious entertainments ; invested with the highest honors, and adorned with a robe of righteousness, beautiful beyond description. They are honored with His gracious visits, " of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named." The dear Redeemer is ever with his church. The holy angels minister to the saints ; and their mutual society and conversation is heavenly and spiritual. They unitedly feast upon the emblems of Jesus' body and blood at the table of the Lord, where God manifests his love to their souls. All the special ordinances of 224 MINUTES OF THE PHILADELPHIA ASSOCIATION. the house, all the privileges of the church, which Christ has pur- chased with his blood, are appropriated to the use of believers. The Christian's inventory is most glorious; and comprehensive of all sub- stantial blessings. "For all things are yours; whether Paul, or Apollos, or Cephas, or the world, or life, or death, or things present, or things to come ; all are yours ; and ye are Christ's ; and Christ is God's," 1 Cor. iii. 21. Thus, believers are "heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ." A few more revolving seasons will translate you, the suffering heirs of glory, " to an inheritance incorruptible, unde- filed, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you." The relative duties incumbent upon us as members of this family, towards God and each other, are many, and cannot now be particu- larized. In general, let us regard the apostolic exhortation, Eph. v. 1, "Be ye, therefore, followers of God, as dear cliildren ; and walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us." Let us constantly approach the throne of grace with humble confidence, and implore divine as- sistance, that we may be able to support the profession we have made, with that dignity of conduct, and holiness of conversation, which becomes those who are called to glory and virtue. Meditate often, brethren, upon that state of permanent bliss which you shall possess in the kingdom of your heavenly Father. Happiness which cannot be perceived by sense nor described by language. See 1 Cor. ii. 9. Let us realize, therefore, the obligations conferred upon us in this ineffable blessing of adoption ; and acknowledge, for ever acknowledge, with unfeigned gratitude, the riches of his goodness. goodness infinite ! goodness immense ! And love that passeth knowledge ! Words are vain ; Language is lost in wonders so divine ; Come, then, expressive silence, muse his praise." Signed, by order of the Association Samuel Jones, Moderator. Thomas Ustick, Clerk. THE MINISTERS AND MESSENGERS AT THE ASSOCIATION, AND STATE OF THE CHURCHES DURING THE YEAR. CHURCHES. MINISTERS AND MESSENGERS. 1 1 > ^ J3 1 i P4 £ a Pennepek, Samuel Jones, John Stancliff, George Guthrie, John Wright, George Edwards, Isaac Hough, John Holmes, 1 1 1 2 68 Middletown, ■ Samuel Morgan,* John Cook, 22 2 4 4 107 Piscataqua, Reune Runtan, Ephraim Pyatt, 78 3 121 MINUTES OF THE PHILADELPHIA ASSOCIATION. 225 "11 -s II 1 ■a tt CHURCHES. MINISTERS AND MESSENGERS. Restoi Baptiz 1 S .D i " § w ft g Cohansie, ("Robert Kelsay,* ■< Providence Ludlam, [Nathan Shepherd, 2 8 3 6 100 Welsh Tract, Great Valley, John Boggs, f 12 12 1 1 3 57 30 < Daniel Cornog, [Abuer Davis, Cape May, Artis Seagraves, 2 2 72 Hopewell, ( Oliver Hart, I Nathaniel Stout, [ William Park, 3 1 1 191 Brandywine, ^ Abel Griffiths, 1 John Kimbler, 1 17 Montgomery, David Loofborrow, 1 1 37 Tulpehokin,t Kingwood, Nicholas Cox, 2 10 2 1 96 Southampton, i ' David Jones, Arthur Watts, Elias Yerkes, 1 1 48 Philadelphia, ' Thomas Ustick, William Rogers, Samuel Davis, sr., Joseph AVatkins, Richard Reily, Samuel Davis, jr., Elisha Gordon, 6 1 2 6 4 105 Haight's Town, ' Peter Wilson, John Tyndall, William Cubberly, 66 1 5 2 131 Scotch Plains, William Vanhorn, 47 2 2 5 138 Horse Neck.f Oyster Bay,t Morristown, < L 27 2 3 1 77 Ebenezer Biachly, Knowlton,f Harford (Maryland), / 3 3 35 John Davis, New Britain, ] Joshua Jones, Edward Mathew, ( ) ( ) 37 Salem,! ) Peter P. Vanhorn, Samuel Vance, ( ) 7 3 1 ( ) 54' Newtown,! James Finn,* ( ) ( ) 74 Pawling's Precincts, Dividing Creek, Samuel Waldo,* John Waldo, ( ) 1 C ) 54 Jonadab Shepherd, C 2 C 1 44 New York, New Mills, John Gano, Thomas Slow, fl 41 10 2 C 2 1 170 3 81 Beriah Taylor, 226 MINUTES OF THE PHILADELPHIA ASSOCIATION. MINISTERS AND MESSENGERS. Konoloway,t Upper Freehold, Mount Bethel, Goshen,t Lyon's Farms, Philip's Patent,! Pittsgrove, Manahawkin,t Vincent,! Tuckahoe, Cortland's Manor, f Stamford,! King Street,! Cow Marsh, London Tract, Hill town, Lower Smithfield,! Mispilion, (Del.) Baltimore,l[ Duck Creek,1[ Wilmington, T[ Canoe Brook,T[ Jacobs Town,T[ Joseph Powell, John Blackwell, Edward Taylor, Abner Sutton, Samuel Vail, f William Worth, I David Elwell, Isaac Bunnell, Ebenezer Ferris,* John Dodge,* Thomas Fleeson, f John Thomas, I Elijah Britton, David Jatne,* Lewis Richards, Eliphaz Dazey, iJohn Stow, Thomas Ainger, Obed Denham, { i Peter Sexton, William Snowdon, 446 2 1 102 60 106 13 89 63 77 17 28 28 99 38 16 25 51 34 28 44 2755 Note. — The ministers' names are in small capitals. Those marked thus * were not present. From the churches marked thus ! we received no intelli- gence. A dash denotes no settled minister. *^* The churches marked thus T[ being sound in faith, and regular in prac- tice, were freely received into union with this Association. MINUTES OF THK PHILADELPHIA BAPTIST ASSOCIATION, HELD AT NEW YORK, OCTOBER 2d, 3d, 4tH, AND 5tH, 1787. October 2d. — At three o'clock, P. M., sermon by Brother Wil- liam Vanhorn, from Isa. liii. ii., " He shall see of the travel of his soul, and shall be satisfied." 2. Brother James Manning was chosen moderator, and Brother William Vanhorn, clerk. 3. Proceeded to read the letters from the churches. Adjourned till half past eight o'clock to-morrow morning. Sermon this evening, by Brother William Fristoe, from 2 Cor. vi. 10 : " As poor, yet making many rich." October 3d. — Met pursuant to adjournment. 2. Voted, That the brethren in the ministry, from distant parts, be requested to take a seat amongst us, and give us their assistance. 3. Received a very agreeable letter from the Virginia Associa- tion, by their messenger, our esteemed Brother William Fristoe, in which we note two things particularly : First, That a happy union has taken place between the Regular and Separate Baptists in Virginia ;* of which we also had informa- tion by a letter from our Brother John Leland, by order of the committee of Regular and Separate Baptists. In this union we sincerely rejoice. Secondly, They warn us to beware of a certain Duncan M' Clean, late one of their ministers, who has embraced the doctrine of univer- sal salvation. In a postscript. Brother Leland informs us, that about twelve hundred persons have been baptized, and added to their churches, within about two years. 4. A letter from the Charleston Association was received, with their minutes, containing very agreeable information of the state of religion in some of their churches. 5. A letter from the Warren Association was read, and their mes- senger. Brother Manning, entered into a particular detail of the progress of the gospel in various parts of New England. Brother William Wood, of Kentucky, did the same with respect to the * See page 233, for " Plan of Union." (227) 228 MINUTES OF THE PHILADELPHIA ASSOCIATION. interest of religion in that place : and some of the brethren present gave us the like intelligence from Redstone and Georgia. By all which, we were made to rejoice in the prosperity of Zion through- out this continent : and encouraged to believe that the purity of the doctrines and ordinances of the gospel of Christ, are prevailing more and more. 6. A church on Staten Island, constituted 30th of December, 1785, was received. 7. A church at Pittstown, county of Luzerne, in the State of Pennsylvania, constituted 7th of August, 1786, was received. 8. Query, from the church at Lower Dublin : Whether a person declining communion with the church, be it for what cause it may, ought to be excluded, while his moral and religious character in other respects is unexceptionable ? Voted in the affirmative. Adjourned to three o'clock, P. M. 1. Met pursuant to adjournment. — The circular letter being read, it was moved, that a committee be appointed to revise it. Brethren Joshua Jones, David Jones, and Elkana Holmes, are hereby ap- pointed ; to report thereon to-morrow. 2. Brother Samuel Jones represented, that a real estate in New Castle county, in the State of Delaware, had been demised by Reese Jones, to the ministers of this Association, for the education of young men. Resolved, That this Association will engage in the recovery of said estate, and become amenable for the expenses arising. Voted, That our brethren, Samuel Jones, Colonel Samuel Miles, Samuel Davies, sr., David Jones, and William Rogers, or any three of them, be, and they are hereby appointed and authorised, by every eligible method, to recover said estate for the intention of the tes- tator ; and to proceed therein with all convenient speed. Adjourned to nine o'clock, to-morrow morning. Sermon this evening by Brother John Stanford, from Psalm 1. 2, "Out of Zion the perfection of beauty, God hath shined." 1. October 4th. — Met pursuant to adjournment. — Agreeable to appointment yesterday, Brother Samuel Jones produced a letter, addressed to the committee of the District Association, in Virginia, which, being read and amended, was approved. 2. Pursuant to a request yesterday, Brethren Oliver Hart, Wil- liam Vanhorn, and Stephen Gano, brought in a draft of a letter addressed to the Associations throughout America, which being read, was approved. Ordered, That ten copies be brought in this afternoon. 3. Brother S. Jones, and Brother John Stanford, are requested to form proposals for printing an abridgment of Doctor Gill's Exposition of the Bible. Adjourned to three o'clock, P. M. 1. Met pursuant to adjournment. — In answer to the query from the church at Goshen, we reply : If a man and wife should separate, MINUTES OF THE PHILADELPHIA ASSOCIATION. 229 be it for what cause it may, if either of the parties be innocent in the matter, and should applj for baptism, such may be admitted ; but may not marry to another without a legal divorce. 2. The first church in New York queried: Whether a person applying to one of our churches for admission as a member, and satisfies the church that he has been previously baptized by immer- sion, on a profession of his faith in Christ ; but at the same time confesses, the person who administered the ordinance was, at the time, neither ordained to the work of the ministry, nor baptized himself by immersion, but only chosen and called by a religious society to officiate as their teacher or minister, should be received. 3. Resolved, That the above query be held over on consideration till next Association, and that our brethren Holmes, Ferris, S. Jones, D. Jones, or any of the brethren, who choose to engage in it, be requested to deliver their thoughts in writing, upon the subject at the next Association. 4. Brother Samuel Jones informed the Association, that a manu- script of the history of the Baptists, in the State of New Jersey, was lost by the depredations of the enemy in the late war, and that those who had advanced cash for putting it to the press, might call upon Brother Ustick, of Philadelphia, who will refund the same. Adjourned to six o'clock to-morrow morning. Sermon this evening by Doctor Manning, from John xvii. 21. " That they all may be one, as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us : that the world may believe thou hast sent me." October 5th. — Met pursuant to adjournment. 1. On application from Shelburne, in Nova Scotia, after conside- ration, it was agreed that their request ought to be attended to. Several of our ministers being in nomination. Brother William Van Horn finally concluded to go and pay them a visit, on condition the church at the Scotch Plains could be supplied during his absence ; which was agreed to. 2. Agreed to the report brought in this morning by the com- mittee appointed yesterday, viz : that our honored brother. Dr. Samuel Jones, prepare for the press an abridgment of Dr. Gill's Exposition of the Bible, desiring our brethren in the ministry to give him all the assistance they can in the work. That subscription papers, with the proposals and conditions of printing said work be prepared immediately, to forward with our minutes, and that it be recommended to all our churches to promote said subscriptions. 3. The committee on the circular letter having presented the same, with some alterations, it was read and adopted. 4. Supplies for destitute places. N. B. As the supply for Nova Scotia is, on further consideration, postponed till next summer, on account of the short time before winter will set in at that place, the supplies for Scotch Plains this fall are also postponed. 5. Brother David Jones to write the circular letter for next year. 230 MINUTES OF THE PHILADELPHIA ASSOCIATION. 6. ^lessengers to the Associations are as follows : To New Hamp- Bhire, Brother James Manning ; to AVarren and Stonington, Brother William Yanhorne ; to Woodstock, Brother Ebenezer Ferris ; to Vermont, Brother Elkana Holmes; to Shaftsbury, Brother Stephen Gano ; to Redstone, Brother David Jones ; to Virginia, Brother David Loof borrow; to South Carolina and Georgia, Brother Oliver Hart. 7. Agreed, That Brother Rogers be requested to write a letter to the Kentucky Association at his leisure, reserving a copy to be pre- sented to the next Association. 8. Voted, unanimously. That the Association be held next year at Philadelphia, on the first Tuesday in October, 1788. Introductory sermon to be preached at three o'clock, P. M., by Brother John Dodge, and, in case of failure, by Brother Elkana Holmes. 9. Brother Stanford and Brother Samuel Dodge are requested to superintend the printing of the minutes, and forwarding them to the churches and Associations. CIRCULAR LETTER. Br REV. p. p. VANHORX. The messengers of the several Baptist churches, belonging to the Philadelphia Association, met in the city of New York, October 2d, 8d, 4th, and 5th, 1787. To the churches to which they are respectively related, greeting. Dear brethren, — We beg leave to introduce our circular letter by informing you, that our souls have been refreshed at this meeting, by the glorious tidings brought from different parts, of the advance- ment of our Redeemer's cause. We congratulate you on this joyful event, portentous, we hope, of the speedy accomplishment of the pro- mises made by the Father to Christ, the King of Zion. As also, on the kind interposition of Divine ProAidence, visible in that happy union which obtained among the members of the late federal convention, to agree upon and report to the States in this Union, a form of a Federal Government ; which promises. On its adoption, to rescue our dear country from that national dishonor, injustice, anarchy, confusion and bloodshed, which have already resulted from the weakness and inef- ficiency of the present form ; and which we have the greatest reason to fear is but the beginning of sorrows, unless the people lay hold on this favorable opportunity offered to establish an efficient govern- ment, which, we hope, may, under God, secure our invaluable rights, both civil and religious ; which it will be in the power of the great body of the people, if hereafter found necessary, to control and amend. As we wish you to grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, we shall address you on the important subject of Sanctification. We are exhorted to contend earnestly for the faith, once delivered to the saints ; and as there are some who deny the work of sanctification, and too many who are little acquainted with it, we shall therefore consider the subject in the following order — MINUTES OF THE PHILADELPHIA ASSOCIATION". 231 ' I. We shall explain the term sanctification. II. Give some reasons why sanctification is necessary. III. The happy effects in the subjects of it. I. In a performance of this nature, brevity must be expected ; yet enough may be said to display our sentiments on the subject. By searching the Scriptures, you will find the term hath various sig- nifications. 1. It is used to signify the setting apart a person or thing to the pe- culiar service of God. This is the general use of the word in the Old Testament, and in this sense God is said to sanctify the Sabbath, Gen. ii. 3 ; and to the same purpose it is applied to the first born, Exod. xiii. 2. Thus the temple, the priests, the altar and saci'ifices, were sanctified under the law. 2. It is used for that holiness and purity of nature, which gives us a meetness for the inheritance of the saints in light ; and, in some respects, may be distinguished from regeneration, though it is radi- cally connected with it. The Apostle, speaking of our salvation, said, " It was not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy, he saved us by the washing of regenera- tion and renewing of the Holy Ghost," Tit. iii. 5. By washing of regeneration, we understand that great change, which is instantaneously made in us by the power of the Holy Ghost, when we are first made alive in Christ Jesus ; and from that period we are new creatures, created in Christ Jesus unto good works. The word is used in the same sense in 1 Cor. vi. 11, where the Apostle says, " But ye are washed, but ye are sanctified." In regeneration, the divine nature is begun in us by the power of the Holy Ghost, and without this work, there can be no growth in grace. From these passages of Scripture, we see that the Holy Ghost makes a distinction between regeneration and sanctification ; in regeneration we receive a new nature or principle, and sanctification is the growing of that new nature to the stature of a man in Christ Jesus. The washing of regeneration is never repeated, but the renewing of the Holy Ghost is carried on through the whole life of a Christian, till he ascends to be with Jesus, Phil. i. 6. It is the Holy Ghost which begins it, and it is his work to finish it ; for in the great plan of salvation, the Holy Spirit is as firmly engaged to begin and finish this work, as the Son of God was to finish the work of redemption assigned him to do. The council of God has ordained this way to make us meet for that state of glory, to which we have a right by the adorable Redeemer's righteousness ; and therefore we are said to be " chosen unto salvation, through sanctification of the Spirit," 2 Thess. ii. 13. II. We now proceed to demonstrate the necessity of sanctification. 1. We premise, that the necessity of sanctification and regeneration arise from the same cause, the fall of man. This has incapacitated us for communion with God ; therefore, notwithstanding all our blessed Redeemer has done, we are represented to be in a lost state till this good work is begun. As sanctification is a progressive work, the necessity of it arises from the consideration that we are at first 232 MINUTES OF THE PHILADELPHIA ASSOCIATION. only babes in Christ, and not complete in holiness ; for the best men have a body of sin and death. Every renewed soul must feel this to be his case. The great Apostle groaned under it, and the beloved disciple said, " If we say Ave have no sin, we deceive ourselves," 1 John i. 8. The Holy Ghost is promised to dwell with us and remain in us as his temple, and ye know the temple of the Lord must be holy. " With- out holiness, no man shall see the Lord." 2. Sanctification is necessary, because without it we cannot honor and glorify God. For this our blessed Lord prayed, and for this we should daily apply to the throne of grace, that we may under- stand the mysteries of his kingdom, and the glory of his grace ; that we copy after his great example, and honor him in every, dispensa- tion of his providence. 3, It was the great design of Christ's coming into the world ; therefore his name is called Jesus, because he saves his people from the demerit and the pollution of sin ; purifying a peculiar people unto himself, zealous of good works. This great end of the Redeem- er's coming shall be fully accomplished in all God's elect by the effectual operations of his Holy Spirit ; whose work it is to glorify the Son of God, in applying his benefits to the heirs of glory, and give them a meetness to that inheritance that fadeth not away. III. We shall now attempt to consider the eifects of sanctification. 1. The eifects of it appear immediately after regeneration,, in a sincere and hearty detestation of sin. The prophet having spoken of a new heart and a new spirit, adds, " Then shall ye remember your own evil ways and your doings that were not good, and shall loathe yourselves in your own sight," Ezek. xxxvi. 31. No man can loathe himself till he is born of God, because the new man only sees the deformity of sin. After he is turned he truly repents after a godly sort, and is humbled in dust and ashes before God ; firmly believing that nothing can deliver him from guilt, but the precious blood of the dear Redeemer. 2. Another efi'ect is, we see more clearly our divorcement from the law, by the satisfaction of Christ, as the way by which life is to be obtained by the believing soul, who, at the same time, honors the law, by acknowledging that it is good, just, and holy. It is the fatal mis- take of all in a state of nature, to expect acceptance with God, by the deeds of the law ; but the renewed man knows that Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth. The great Apostle says, " I, through the law, am dead to the law, that I might live unto God." What a display of infinite wisdom in the plan of salvation ! Here we see the sinner saved by grace, flowing consists ent with all the perfections of God, and, at the same time, maintain- ing the honor of the divine law. Vain are the expectations of all who separate what God has joined together. Preserve divine truth in its own order, and it is glorious and harmonious. In the great plan of salvation, God joined together justification by the righteousness of Christ, imputed unto us by an act of grace, by which we have a right to eternal life, and sanctification, which gives us a meetness for the MINUTES OF THE PHILADELPHIA ASSOCIATION. 233 inheritance of the saints in light. One great error in religion is, separating what God has joined together, and joining together what God has separated. Beware of all who applaud the imputed righte- ousness of Christ, and, at the same time, either deny the work of the Holy Spirit in sanctification, or speak lightly or reproachfully of it. He, therefore, who would either verbally or doctrinally exclude the imputed righteousness of Christ, and, at the same time, make great professions of holiness and zeal for religion, ought to be considered as an inveterate enemy to the blessed Redeemer and his truth. Now, dear brethren, we take our leave of you, by entreating you to walk worthy of the vocation wherewith you are called. Watch over one another in love ; in humility, seek spiritual growth to glorify your heavenly Father, and appear as lights in the Avorld. May the God of all grace sanctify you wholly, and preserve you blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen. James Manning, Moderator. William Vanhorn, Clerk. THE PLAN OF UNION. After a long debate about the utility of adopting a Confession of faith, agreed to receive the Regular Baptists. But to prevent its usui'ping a tyrannical power over the consciences of any, we do not mean that every person is to be bound to the strict observance of every thing therein contained : yet that it holds forth the essential truths of the gospel, and that the doctrine of salvation by Christ, and free unmerited grace alone, ought to be believed by every Chris- tian, and maintained by every minister of the gospel. And that the terms. Regular and Separate shall be buried in oblivion ; and that from henceforth, we shall be known by the name of the United Bap- tist Church of Christ in Virginia. Copy Test. N. B. This union respects all the Baptists below the Alleghany, and does not affect those on the Western waters. 30 234 MINUTES OF THE PHILADELPHIA ASSOCIATION. THE MINISTERS AND MESSENGERS AT THE ASSOCIATION, AND THE STATE OF THE CHURCHES FOR THE YEAR. CHURCHES. MINISTERS AND MESSENGERS. -a ll 1 i "S i a ^ (S^ 5 M E4 p 1 Lower Dublin, Pen- nepek. Samuel Jones, Thoiiias Webster, John Holmes, 2 1 69 ' Samuel Morgan, Middletown, ■< John Cook, John Stillwell, 1 4 104 Reune Runtan, Piscataqua, Jeremiah Manning, Abraham Monday, Hezekiah Smith, jr. George Drake, 22 1 2 140 Cohansle, Robert Kelsat,* 1 4 95 Welsh Tract, John Boggs,* 15 1 3 70 Great Valley, 27 1 2 2 54 Cape May,t Artist Seagraves,* 72 Hopewell, Oliver Hart, David Snowden, 3 2 1 2 185 Brandywine, Abel Griffith,* 2 15 Tolpehokin,t Montgomery, 2 5 30 Kingwood, Nicholas Cox, John Robinson, 18 2 2 1 112 Southampton, David Jones, William Watts, 3 1 1 53 Philadelphia, Thomas Ustick,* William Rogers, Peter Wilson, 7 3 2 2 111 Haightstown, ■( John Morford, Abraham Freelmg, William Vanhorn, 48 1 4 1 175 Scotch Plains, Joseph Manning, Jacob Fitz Randolph, Joseph Fitz Randolph, 19 1 5 1 152 Horse Neck, Oyster Bay, 2 1 14 Benjamin Coles, Albert Albertson, J- 9 1. Morristown, • David Loofborrow, John Brookfield, 8 2 1 1 85 Knowlton, David Finn, 30 23 1 1 42 Hartford.t John Davies,* New Britain, Joshua Jones, Benjamin Mathews, 1 20 Salem, Peter P. Vanhorn,* 1 1 1 36 Newtown, Silas Southward,* 74 Pawling's Precincts, Samuel Waldo,* G Dividing Creek, John Garrison,* 1 43 MINUTES OF THE PHILADELPHIA ASSOCIATION. 235 CHURCHES. MINISTERS AND MESSENGERS. 1 i 1 a n «^' S s C s ' John Gano, Stephen Gang, 1. New York, Samuel Dodge, Thomas Longly, Thomas Slow, 29 2 4 5 1 192 New Mills, Konoloway,! Coram,! 1 1 4 84 Upper Freehold, John Blackwell,* 2 1 1 1 61 Mount Bethel, : Abner Sutton, John Manning, 13 3 3 113 Goshen, or "Warwick, Thomas Jones, Jonathan Sylsby, 4 f' 32 Lyon's Farms, Ichabod Grummon, 13 Philip's Patent, Pittsgrove, William Worth,* David Elwell, 1 2 8G Manahawkin,f Vincent,! Tuckahoe,! Isaac Bunnel,* 63 Cortland's Manor, 2. New York, ■ John Dodge, Francis Vandyke, 10 Stamford, Ebenezer Ferris, Elijah Hunter 24 6 20 2 64 Cow Marsh,! 28 London Tract, Thomas Fleeson, 1 1 28 Hilltown, John Thomas,* Enoch Thomas, 2 1 100 Lower Smithfield, David Jayne, 3 3 1 29 Mispilion, ! 16 Baltimore, Lewis Richards,* 1 2 1 28 Duck Creek, Eliphaz Dazet,* 5 1 55 Wilmington, Canoe Brook, ] 21 7 1 1 55 35 Isaac Price, r BuRGiss Allison,* Jacobstown, < James Cox, i William Snowden, 1 43 r Elkana Holmes, Staten Island, < Anthony Fountain, ( Nicholas Cox, 26 Pittstown, James Finn, 32 309 32 83 27 35 2953 KoTE. — The ministers' names are in small capitals. Those marked thus * not present. The churches marked thus f sent neither letters nor messengers. A dash denotes no settled minister. MINUTES PHILADELPHIA BAPTIST ASSOCIATION, HELD AT PHILADELPHIA, OCTOBER 7tH, 8tH, AND 9tH, 1788. October 7th, three o'clock, P. m. — Brother Elkanah Holmes preached, by appointment, from 2 Cor. iv. 5, " For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord ; and ourselves your servants for Jesus' sake." 2. Brother Samuel Jones was chosen moderator, and Brother Thomas Ustick, clerk. Letters from thirty-four churches were read. October 8th, 8| o'clock, A. M. — Met according to adjournment. 3. Proceeded to read the letters from the respective corresponding Associations. Doctor Manning presented a letter from the Warren Association as their messenger, which, with their minutes, contained agreeable intelligence. Brother Stephen Gano, as messenger from Shaftsbury Association, gave in their letter and minutes, which con- tain comfortable tidings. The Charleston minutes, and a letter also from that Association, came to hand, by which it appears that their circumstances are prosperous and their numbers increasing. A letter was likewise received from the Ketockton Association, giving ac- counts of a marvellous revival ; that in one particular church three hundred had been added. They further add, that the harmony of their assembly was such, that there did not appear to be among the watchmen, as they beautifully express it, "one discordant note." 4. A letter and minutes, which contain the sentiments and plan of the Stonington Association, were received. From which it appears, that they have adopted the same printed Confession which this As- sociation has heretofore approved. We shall therefore cheerfully concur with them in maintaining a mutual correspondence. 5. A letter from the Salisbury Association was presented by our brethren, Philip Hughes and Jonathan Gibbons ; and, as their senti- ments and plan are conformable to ours, their messengers were una- nimously accepted. Agreeable accounts were likewise received from the New Hampshire Association. 6. Letters from three of our Associations in England, both for 1786 and 1787, forwarded by Brother John Rippon, of Southwark, London, to Brother Ustick, were delivered and received with pleasure. (236) MINUTES OF THE PHILADELPHIA ASSOCIATION. 237 Agreed, That Brother Ustick remit at least fifty copies of our minutes for the different Associations in England. 7. By a letter from the church at the Great Valley, we were in formed that the Divine Providence has removed, in the year past, that ancient and beloved servant of Christ, Thomas Jones, as we trust, to the church triumphant. The translation of the righteous is their gain, but our loss. Let us, therefore, lay it to heart, and earnestly pray the Lord of the harvest, to raise up faithful laborers to succeed them, whom he is pleased to take home to himself. They subjoin, that there was a mistake in the last year's minutes, and that there have not been, for a number of years past, any persona excluded from that church. 8. Having received information from the church at Pawling's Town, that it is more convenient for them to meet with the Shafts- bury Association, and that they desire our concurrence in removing their membei'ship ; We agree. That hereafter the church at Pawling's Town, be con- sidered as belonging to the Shaftsbury Association. Adjourned till half past two, P. M. 9. Met according to adjournment. — Whereas, the church at Jacob's Town, after acknowledging the unspeakable mercies of God to our nation and churches, have taken notice of the army of God — • the Hessian Fly — as a judgment ; and propose to the Association, the propriety of appointing days of fasting and prayer on this account. Concluded, after considering the matter, that the Association, upon this occasion, rather refer the propriety of conforming to this motion, to the decision of each particular church, Avho can determine what days may best suit their convenience. 10. Our brethren, Abel Griffith, Thomas Pleeson, Nicholas Cox, Joshua Jones, and David Jones, were desired to examine the circular letter, and to propose the amendments, which they may think neces- sary, to-morrow morning. 11. The church at Cape May query : " Whether a member, who professes that Christ died for all mankind, and that every individual of the human race will finally be saved, ought to be excommunicated ?" Agreed, That every such person, upon conviction, and after proper steps have been taken, ought to be excluded. 12. Agreed, That Brother William Vanhorn prepare a letter for the Warren Association ; Brother Philip Hughes, for Shaftsbury ; Brother Stephen Gano, for Charleston; Brother Montanye, for Ke- tockton; Brother Richards, for Stonington; Brother James Jones, for Salisbury ; and Brother Joseph Stevens, for New Hampshire. Adjourned till to-morrow half after eight, A. M. Our aged and venerable Brother Kelsay preached in the evening, from Acts viii. 35. His address to the young ministers gave them great pleasure. He advised them. First. To study, with earnest prayer, as if all depended on their own endeavors ; but, in preaching, to depend upon Divine assistance, as though they had not studied at 238^ MINUTES OF THE PHILADELPHIA ASSOCIATION. all. Second. To be concise in preaching, and to conclude when done. Third. To pray for a blessing on their labors immediately after preaching : and Fourth. To embrace every seasonable opportunity of conversing with precious souls, and not to forget such as were in menial circumstances. 13. Met according to adjournment. — Appointed our Brethren Nicholas Cox, William Vanhorn, and Thomas Montanye, messengers to Shaftsbury Association; Brother Burgis Alison, to Warren; Brother Dazey, to Ketockton ; and Brethren Samuel Jones, John Boggs, Thomas Fleeson, and Eliphaz Dazey, to that at Salisbury. 14. As the church at Wilmington are in debt, and fear that they shall lose their meeting house unless assisted : and as the church at Staten Island is desirous of building a house for the worship of God, we recommend it to the churches to make separate contributions, at such times and ways as is most agreeable to themselves, and forward the same to the aforesaid churches. 15. In answer to a query from the first church in New York,, of last year, held over to this time, respecting the validity of baptism, administered by a person who had never been baptized himself, nor yet ordained ; we reply, that we deem such baptism null and void : First. Because a person that has not been baptized must be dis- qualified to administer baptism to others, and especially if he be also unordained. Second. Because to admit such baptism as valid, would make void the ordinances of Christ, throw contempt on his authority, and tend to confusion : for if baptism be not necessary for an administrator of it, neither can it be for church communion, which is an inferior act : and if such baptism be valid, then ordination is unnecessary, con- trary to Acts xiv. 23 ; 1 Tim. iv. 14 ; Tit. i. 5, and our Confession of faith. Chap. XXVII. Third. Of this opinion we find were our Associations in times past ; who put a negative on such baptisms in 1729, 1732, 1744, 1749, and 1768. Fourth. Because such administrator has no commission to baptize, for the words of the commission were addressed to the apostles, and their successors in the ministry, to the end of the world, and these are such, whom the church of Christ appoint to the whole work of the ministry. 16. The report of the committee appointed to examine and cor- rect the circular letter not being satisfactory, a new committee was nominated ; viz., brethren Manning, Vanhorn, Boggs and Hughes, who were desired to report in the afternoon. 17. This Association, receiving information from Dr. Manning, that Mr. Dobson, printer in this city, has now published Mr. Booth's Apology for the Baptists, and likewise proposes to publish Booth's Paedobaptism examined and refuted, upon the principles and conces- sions of Paedobaptist writers, do recommend both these pieces as worthy the perusal of all enquirers after truth, as affording the most convincing and demonstrable evidence in favor of the principles and MINUTES OF THE PHILADELPHIA ASSOCIATION. 239 practice of our churches. As such we recommend them to all our churches and sister Associations. Adjourned till half after two, P. M. 18. Met according to adjournment. — In the course of 'the day the letters for the respective Associations with whom we correspond, were produced and approved. 19. Our Brother Allison is appointed to prepare the circular letter against next Association. 20. Brother John Dodge is requested to preach the introductory sermon ; in case of failure, Brother Lewis Richards. 21. Voted, That this Association consider themselves amenable for, and promise to defray the expenses accruing from the proceed- ings of the ministers of the Association, in attempting to recover the estate demised by Reese Jones to the ministers of the Associa- tion, for the education of young men. 22. The amendments proposed by the committee appointed this morning to revise the circular letter, were accepted ; and, with those amendments, the circular letter prepared by Brother David Jones, was approved. 23. Supplies for Hilltown. 24. This Association, taking into consideration the ruinous effects of the great abuse of distilled liquors throughout this country, take this opportunity of expressing our hearty concurrence with our brethren of several other religious societies, in discountenancing the use of them in future ; and earnestly entreat our brethren and friends to use all their influence to that end, both in their own families and neighborhood, except when used as medicine. 25. Our Brethren Samuel Jones, David Jones, and Burgiss Allison, are appointed a committee to prepare a collection of Psalms and Hymns for the use of the associated churches ; and the churches of this and of our sister Associations are requested to conclude how many of said collection they will take, sending information to Brother Ustick with all convenient dispatch. 26. Voted, That our next Association be held at Philadelphia, on the first Tuesday in October, 1789. 27. Brother Ustick is requested to superintend the printing of these minutes, and forward them to the churches and Associations. Brother Stephen Gano preached in the evening, from 1 Tim. iv. 8. CIRCULAR LETTER. BY REV. DAVID JONES. The messengers of the Baptist churches, belonging to the Philadel- phia Association, met in the city of Philadelphia, October 7th, 1788. To the churches with whom they are connected, greeting. Beloved brethren, — The great design of our annual meeting is to promote the welfare of the church of Christ, by giving our advice in difficult cases, and by the use of every other means, to preserve the unity of the spirit in the bond of peace. To accomplish this end, it has been thought expedient to select a chapter of our Confession of 240 MINUTES OF THE PHILADELPHIA ASSOCIATION. faith annually, to be the foundation of our circular letter. That which comes under consideration this year, is the doctrine of Saving Faith, contained in the fourteenth chapter. By such, as have wished to suit their definitions to carnal minds, the subject has been rendered very abstruse; but divine truth is plain and easy to them who are taught of God, and have learned of Christ to be meek and lowly in heart, believing all things contained in the holy scriptures. The method in which we propose to treat the subject shall be, First. To explain what we mean by saving faith. Second." To give some distinguishing properties, or marks, of this precious grace. I. It has been the custom of divines, in ages past, to use the word saving, when treating of this grace ; hence it is probable, some have been led to suppose that this grace had something in it so meritorious as to justify the subject before God, at least in a conditional sense; but who ever reads our Confession of faith, will find that we exclude any such meaning, and only use the word to distinguish true faith from that kind, which is found in unregenerate men and devils. Saving faith may be thus defined, " That grace whereby the elect are enabled to believe to the saving of their souls, which is the work of the Spirit of Christ in their hearts, and is ordinarily wrought by the ministry of the word." By this grace the person is enabled to believe all divine truths revealed in the holy scriptures ; and in particular to apprehend the Lord Jesus Christ, and to rely alone on his atoning blood for acceptance in the sight of God. The apostle, speaking of salvation, said, "By grace ye are saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God," Eph. ii. 8. The same apostle informs us that the Ephesians were dead in trespasses and sins, and were by nature the children of wrath even as others ; but when the gospel of Christ was preached, the Holy Ghost working with the word, opened their hearts to receive it, and by his powerful operations implanted this grace, by which they were enabled to be- lieve the record that God has given of his Son. The precious grace of faith is a free and sovereign gift of God, conveyed through the power of the Holy Ghost, and the instrumentality of the word ; and is co-existent with regeneration, if not an essential part of it ; and as it is not of ourselves, we see that all boasting is excluded, so that we may all say, "by the grace of God, we are what we are." When the apostle was enumerating the fruits of the Spirit, he mentions faith as one, Gal. v. 22. This is a truth which every one, who is born of God, knows, and in substance will acknowledge. We know that this doctrine is too humiliating to carnal hearts, but it is as true as if they believed it ; and if it was not so, there would be no true Christians on earth. Blessed be God, he has not left himself without many witnesses in our days, who are willing to confess that they were as unable to believe on the Lord Jesus, as to keep the law of Moses, till God gave them a new heart and a new spirit, through the powerful operations of the Holy Ghost. We will freely acknowledge, there- MINUTES OF THE PHILADELPHIA ASSOCIATION. 241 fore, that our faith is through the operation of God, to the praise and glory of his free grace ; and in the Psalmist's words, conclude, "Not unto us, Lord! not unto us, but unto thy name give glprj, for thy mercy and for thy truth's sake." II. We now give some distinguishing properties, or marks, of this precious grace. 1. This faith receives tlie whole mind of God, and has a due re- spect to every part of his counsel, when made known to the subject. The language of this grace is. Lord, what wilt thou have me to do ? It never selects some and rejects other parts of God's will. This grace never wishes any doctrines expressly contained in the Bible, to have been left out. No ; as far as it knows the mind of God, so far it obeys. It is a truth to be lamented, that education directs to& much the practice of many in the world ; but where the voice of this grace is attended to, the person receives the truth in the love of it. The apostle had no exception to any part of the revealed will of God. When he was before Felix, he said, " But this I confess unto thee, that after the way, which they call heresy, so worship I the God of my fathers, believing all things, which are written in the law and the prophets, and have hope towards God — that there shall be a re- surrection, both of the just and unjust," Acts xxiv. 14, 15. Here is the distinguishing property of this grace, "believing all things." Whether acceptable or not to the Jews or Gentiles, yet his faith be- lieved all things written in the law or prophets, and his hope was ac- cording to his faith. The Psalmist could say, " Then shall I not be ashamed, when I have respect unto all thy commandments," Psalm cxix. 6. Has the Lord requested us to take up our cross and follow him ; then, says faith, I will confess him before men. The true Chris- tian is pleased with the whole counsel of God; the way in which he walks is a straight and narrow way, but it is as wide as faith wishes it. Christ is to the unbeliever, a stone of stumbling and rock of offence ; but to the believing soul, he is altogether lovely and precious. 2. This faith is not dead and fruitless, it will not allow men to live in sinful ways. The doctrines of grace may be abused to lascivious- ness and all manner of ungodliness ; but the work of God in the soul, cannot produce such effects. There are many vain talkers in the world, who walk after their own lusts, and speak much of salvation by Christ, and walk according to the course of this world ; but where this precious grace is communicated, it is as fire in the soul, Avhich will produce works meet to repentance; hence says the apostle, "In Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircura- cision: but faith which worketh by love," Gal. v. 6. There is a faith which works not at all, or it works either out of fear of punishment, or with a view of reward ; but this divine grace, which is peculiar to the regenerate, obeys out of love. If there was neither heaven nor hell, the true believer would wish to live soberly, righteously, and godly in this present world. We are taught to pray that the will of God may be done on earth as it is done in heaven, and this is the case when all our obedience flows from love. It is then we serve the 31 242 MINUTES OF THE PHILADELPHIA ASSOCIATION. Lord our God as the angels in heaven, when all our works originate from love, and our souls are humbled iu us, because we serve him no better ; we find that when we would do good, evil is present with us, but this leads us to make Christ our all in all. 3. Another distinguishing property, or mark of this grace, is to be dead to the law with respect to our dependence on works for justifi- cation before God : we see that all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags after regeneration, as well as before. The apostle said, " Yea, doubtless, I count all things but loss for the excellency of the know- ledge of Christ Jesus my Lord," Phil. iii. 8. Faith can bear no other recommendation to God, but the atoning blood of the blessed Jesus : it can admit of no other righteousness, but that which God imputes unto us without works, even the righteousness of the Lamb of God, which can justify us from all things, from which we never could be justified by the law of Moses. Hence we may see that all legal, conditional preaching, is wounding to the souls of true be- lievers, and can answer no other purpose than to support the hope of hypocrites; but when Jesus is represented as bleeding and dying on the cross, to atone for our sins, our languishing hope is quickened, and the soul says, " The life that I now live, I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me," and, amazing to express ! " gave him- self for me." The language of faith is, now I can venture into the eternal world, when I behold my bleeding Lord, as the way of accep- tance into divine favor. " Whom have I in heaven but thee, and there is none on earth that I desire besides thee !" Dearly beloved, we have briefly endeavored to explain what we mean by saving faith, and have given some of the distinguishing properties or marks of it ; and it has been with this view, to alarm the formalist, and refresh the soul of the sincere, humble Christian, as well as to detect all vain talkers, whose faith is not productive of works agreeable to the gospel of Christ. If you can say, "Lord, I believe, help thou my unbelief;" remember that full assurance is not -essential to the being of this grace; and little faith, is always attended with fear and doubting. Let the disciple's prayer be yours, " Lord, increase our faith." By it the elders obtained a good report; and as you are partakers of like precious faith, endeavor to walk worthy of the vocation wherewith you are called, and " add to your faith virtue, and to virtue knowledge, and to knowledge temperance, and to tem- perance patience, and to patience godliness, and to godliness brotherly kindness, and to brotherly kindness love ; for if these things be in you, and abound, they will make you to be neither bar- ren, nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ: to whom be glory in the church throughout all ages." Amen. We remain your brethren in the fellowship of the gospel. Signed, by order of the Association, Samuel Jones, Moderator. Thomas Ustick, Clerk. MINUTES OF THE PHILADELPHIA ASSOCIATION. 243 THE MINISTERS AND MESSENGERS AT THE ASSOCIATION, AND STATE OF THE CHURCHES DURING THE YEAR. CHURCHES. MINISTERS AND MESSENGERS. 13 1 .a p a 8 1^ 1 1 Lower Dublin, Pennepek, ' Samuel Jones, Benjamin Dungan, 1 Thomas Holmes, Jesse Dungan, 1 2 1 67 Middletown, ( Samuel Morgan, \ William Blair, 8 1 2 131 Piscataqua, Cohansie, 5 Reune Runyan, { Jeremiah Manning, Esq., ( Robert Kelsat, < Providence Ludam, (Jonathan Bowen, 8 2 1 3 145 93 Welsh Tract, Great Valley, Cape May, John Boggs, 23 36 3 1 2 1 7 90 89 63 Daniel Cornog, William George, •Jonathan Philips, Michael M'Cees, ( [ Amos Cresse, Hopewell, [ Oliver Hart,* 1 David Stout, jr., [ Jediah Stout, 2 17 1 5 164 Brandywine, Montgomery, Tulpehokin,t Kingwood, ■< Abel Griffiths, Joshua Vaughan, John Powel, 5 4 24 Charles Humphrey, 54 6 28 IGO Nicholas Cox, Joshua Opdyek, Jonathan Welverton, Southampton, ' David Jones, Arthur Watts, Elias Yerkes, Elias Dungan, 1 3 51 Philadelphia, ' Thomas Ustick, Morgan Edwards, William Rogers,* Samuel Miles, Esq., Joseph Watkins, George Ingolls, Benjamin Thaw, 1 3 1 2 2 111 Haight's Town, J Peter Wilson, William Covenhoven, Alexander M'Gowan, 45 2 1 1 221 Scotch Plains, ] William Vanhorn, Robert Fitz Randolph, ' 12 15 1 2 146' 244 MINUTES OF THE PHILADELPHIA ASSOCIATION. churches. MINISTERS AND MESSENGERS. 1 ll '1^ 1 g ■d a o3 n s n A g Horse Neck.f Oyster Bay,f 14 Benjamin Coles,* XT 9 Morristown, f David Loofborrow,* ( .John Brookfield, 3 1 87 Knowlton,t David Finn,* 42 Hartford,! John Davis,* New Britain, f Joshua Jones, < Edward Matthew, (Benjamin Matthew, 1 19 Salem, ( Peter P. Vanhorn,* ■< John Brings, (_ John Walker, 4 32 Newtown,! Silas Southworth,* 74 Pawling's Town, Samuel Waldo,* 13 3 67 Dividing Creek, John Garrison,* 43 1. New York, f Benjamin Foster,* ■I Thomas Montanye, (John Bedint, 14 1 15 2 3 187 New Mills, Samuel Jones, 13 95 Konoloway,! Joseph Powell,* Coram,! Upper Freehold, Edward Taylor, 2 1 1 45 Mount Bethel, Abner Sutton,* 2 4 111 Goshen or Warwick, Thomas Jones,* 32 Lyon's Farms, Joseph Stevens, 3 1 15 Philip's Patent,! Pittsgrove, ', William Worth, , [ Hosea Snethen, 1 3 2 82 Manahawkin,! Vincent,! V Tuckahoe,! Isaac Bunnell,* 63 Cortland's Manor,! ■" 2. New York,! John Dodge,* 10 Stamford, Ebenezer Ferris,* 38 9 1 1 89 Cow Marsh,! London Tract, 98 Thomas Fleeson, 9 37 Hill town. ' John Thomas,* Elijah Britton, Jonathan Jones, Robert Shannon, 1 99 Lower Smithfield,! David Jatne,* 29 Mispilion,! Joshua Dewees,* 16 Baltimore, Lewis Richards, 8 1 35 Duck Creek, J Eliphaz Dazey, 1 James Jones, 12 1 2 64 MINUTES OF THE PHILADELPHIA ASSOCIATION. 245 CHURCHES. MINISTERS AND MESSENGERS. 1 1 li 1 s 2 4 S3 i 1 1 1 20 i g ft 1 f Thomas Ainger, "Wilmington, 4 Caleb Way, [John Redman, 2 6 1 3 326 3 14 2 1 48 49 35 47 28 32 3198 Jacob's Town, | Ishur'cot''"'''''' Staten Island, Elkana Holmes, Pittstown, James Finn, XoTE. — The ministers' names are in small capitals. Those marked thus * not present. From the churches marked thus f we received no intelligence. A dash denotes no settled minister. MINUTES OF THE PHILADELPHIA BAPTIST ASSOCIATION, HELD AT PHILADELPHIA, OCTOBER 6tH, 7tH, 8tH, AND 9tH, 1789. October 6th, 3 o'clock, p. m. — Sermon by Brother Lewis Eichards, from John viii. 36, "If the Son, therefore, shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed." 2. Brother Oliver Hart -vras chosen moderator, and Brother Wil- liam Vanhorn, clerk. 3. Letters from thirty -nine churches were read. 4. Three churches constituted within the last year ; one at Marcus Hook, in May ; another at the Ridge, August 23 ; and the last on September 26 ; desiring to join this Association, were admitted. Adjourned to nine o'clock to-morrow morning. Agreed to meet at six o'clock to-morrow morning for prayer. October 7th. — Met pursuant to appointment. 1. Very agreeable letters were received from the Charleston, War- ren, Ketockton, and Shaftsbury Associations, Brother Stephen Gano, messenger from the Shaftsbury Association, present. 2. The ministering brethren providentially present, not messen- gers from the churches, are invited to take a seat amongst us. 3. After conferring upon the necessity and importance of raising a fund for the education of pious and promising young men for the ministry, — we, the members present, do engage to promote subscrip- tions in our respective churches and congregations, for said purpose ; and to bring in the moneys raised, with the subscription papers to the next Association, to be at their disposal. Agreed, That our Brother Samuel Jones, shall take young Mr. Silas Walton under his care, for instruction, for one year, at X25 for his accommodations, including the use of necessary books, on our account, if he should judge it expedient; upon this condition, nevertheless, that the said Walton give his obligation to refund the money within seven years, if he should not become a minister of our order within that time, and continue therein. Met pursuant to adjournment. — The church at North-East Town, formerly called Cortland's Manor, in the State of New York, being (246) MINUTES OF THE PHILADELPHIA ASSOCIATION. 247 situated nearer the Shaftsbury Association, requested to be dismissed from this to the said Association. Agreed, That their request be granted ; and when they shall be received by them, they will be fully dismissed from us. 2. As we had reason to fear, at the last Association, that Mr. Worth, of Pittsgrove, was far gone in the doctrine of universal salvation, we are well certified, by undoubted authority, that he is now fully in that belief. We, therefore, to show our abhorrence of that doctrine, and of his disingenuous conduct for a long time past, caution our churches to beware of him, and of Artist Seagreaves, of the same place also, who has espoused the same doctrine. 3. Agreeably to a recommendation in the letter from the church at Baltimore, this Association declare their high approbation of the several societies formed in the United States and Europe, for the gradual abolition of the slavery of the Africans, and for guarding against their being detained or sent off as slaves, after having ob- tained their liberty ; and do hereby recommend to the churches we represent to form similar societies, to become members thereof, and exert themselves to obtain this important object. 4. The circular letter was presented, read, and ordered to lie on the table. 5. Our Brethren, Messrs. Ustick, Wilson, Richards, and M'Laughlin, are appointed to prepare letters to the Associations corresponding "with us, and bring them in to-morrow morning. Adjourned to eight o'clock to-morrow. Sermon in the evening by Brother Foster. October 8. — Met pursuant to adjournment. 1. The church at Mispilion having signified it was more convenient for them to meet with the Salisbury Association, and that they request our concurrence therein. Agreed, That the church at Mispilion be hereafter considered as belonging to the Salisbury Association. 2. The circular letter was again read and approved. Adjourned to three o'clock, P. M. Met pursuant to adjournment. — The letter to the Warren As- sociation, written by Brother Wilson, was approved, and Dr. Man- ning appointed messenger. The letter to the Shaftsbury Association, by Brother Ustick, was approved, and our Brethren Nicholas Cox and Thomas Montanye were appointed messengers. Also, the letter to the Charleston Association, and that to Salisbury, were presented, read, and approved. 2. Dr. Jones is appointed to write a letter to the church at Pittsgrove. Adjourned to six o'clock, to-morrow morning. Sermon in the evening by Dr. Manning. October 9. — Met pursuant to adjournment. 1. This Association taking under consideration the proposals of Mr. Isaac Collins, of Trenton, in New Jersey, to print an edition of the Holy Bible, in quarto, after the Oxford edition; and his request 248 MIXUTES OF THE PHILADELPHIA ASSOCIATION. to this Association to patronize the work. Being desirous to en- courage so laudable a design, -we appoint our brethren, the Rev. Oliver Hart, Dr. Samuel Jones, Rev. Benjamin Foster, and Rev. Burgiss Allison, to concur with any committee appointed by any other denomination to revise and correct the proof sheets, and, if necessary, to fix upon the most correct edition of the scriptures to be recommended to the printer, from ■which to make his impression. And that the same committee be ordered to use their influence to prevent the Apocrypha, or any notes of any kind, being printed and included in said edition, as having a dangerous tendency to corrupt the simplicity and truth of the sacred scriptures, by being thus inti- mately associated vcith. them; and, particularly, as being incom- patible with the union of people of different religious sentiments in promoting the work. And, moreover, the Association recommend to all the churches and congregations in theii* bounds, to encom'age the undertaking. 2. Supplies were granted to the following destitute churches : — Salem, Morristown, Cohansie, and Great Valley. 3. On motion, unanimously agreed, That, as our chui'ches in the middle States have greatly increased, a history of the same appears to be eligible and useful: And, as Brother Morgan Edwards has com- menced a collection of materials for such a history in the state of New Jersey, he be requested to proceed as it may be convenient for him, and that any of our brethren, so laudably disposed, be entreated either to collect materials or assist therein. 4. Toted, That the Association be held at New York, the first Tuesday in October next. We take this opportunity to observe, that, for the encouragement of the churches in the State of New York and adjacent places, we have met at New York a few times ; but with much inconvenience to the western churches of our Association : and now recommend it to the churches to give their opinion the next Association on the expediency of the eastern churches forming a new Association at New York, if they request them. 5. Doctor Jones is appointed to preach the Association sennon next year ; and, in case of failure, Brother Hart is requested to be prepared. 6. Brother Benjamin Foster is appointed to write the cii'cidar letter for next year. 7. Brother Ustick is requested to superintend the printing of the minutes, and forwarding them to the churches and Associations. Sermon in the evening by Brother S. Gano. CIRCULAR LETTER. BT REV. BURGISS ALLISON". The elders and messengers of the several churches met in Associa- tion at Philadelphia, October 6th, 1789. To the several churches in union with this Association, send greeting. MINUTES OF THE PHILADELPHIA ASSOCIATION. 249 Dearly beloved, — Inasmucli as our divine Lord and Master has been pleased, in his infinite mercy, to furnish us with the means of grace, for our furtherance and growth therein; and for the declara- tive glory of his great and holy name ; and as one of these means is the assembling of ourselves together, our predecessors have wisely instituted this annual Association of the churches ; that by hearing of the welfare of each other, conferring together upon difficult matters, admonishing and exhorting to steadfastness in the faith, and address- ing each other upon the important doctrines of grace ; the Redeemer's cause and interest might be promoted in the world, and Zion built up upon the foundation laid in the gospel. In pursuance of this, in our circular letters, we have addressed you upon those essential doctrines of divine truth ; and, for connection sake, have followed the order in which they are treated in our Confession of faith : That which comes next in succession, is Repentance unto life and salvation. 1. By repentance, in general, we understand, sorrow or pain arising from a retrospective view of any action or circumstance, in which we have been agents, which is contrary to, either the dictates of conscience, the word of God ; that from whence we see any evil consequences accruing to ourselves, or that which is evil in its own nature, and which is increased in proportion to the light and evidence we have thereof. This repentance may be considered in a two-fold point of view, generally known by the appellations of evangelical and legal. This distinction the apostle seems to have had an eye to, in 2 Cor. vii. 10, where he tells us, " That godly sorrow worketh repen- tance unto salvation not to be repented of; but the sorrow of the world worketh death." This is indeed implied when we speak of re- pentance unto salvation, since its distinguishing characteristic, pre- supposes that there is a repentance which is not unto salvation. 2. The repentance which is not unto life and salvation, or, what is generally denominated, mere legal repentance, originates in self- love, terminates in the fear of future punishment, or penal evil ; and is but a transient view of that legal condemnation which is the con- sequence of sin : but never leads the soul to the gospel refuge. Hence, if any reformation is effected, it finally terminates in apos- tacy : Agreeable to the apostle's assertion, 2 Pet. ii. 22 ; " But it hath happened unto them, according to the true proverb. The dog is turned to his own vomit again ; and the sow that was washed, to her wallowing in the mire." 3. Repentance, which is unto life and salvation, has God for its Author ; and does not arise from the power of free-will, or the dic- tates of a natural conscience ; but from the grace of God as the effi- cient, and operation of the divine Spirit as the impulsive cause; without which no means, as judgments, mercies, or the most power- ful ministry, of themselves can effect. It is produced in the soul by divine illumination, through which we are led to see something of the nature and perfections of God, the holiness of the divine law, and the strictness of justice. Rom. vii. 9, " But when the command- ment came, sin revived, and I died." Hence a discovery of the evil 32 250 MINUTES OF THE PHILADELPHIA ASSOCIATION. and accursed nature of sin, the pollution and defilement of nature, and the state of condemnation into which the soul is involved. The person is now filled with shame and confusion of face ; with sorrow and contrition of soul. He views his heart as a cage of uncleaji birds, as a nest of pollution and sink of iniquity : and conceives him- self to be the most hell-deserving, as well as undeserving of God's creatures, and is made to adopt that lamentable complaint, "The whole head is sick, and the whole heart is faint." This godly sorrow and repentance for sin, is not excited merely from a view of the de- merits of sin, of its evil consequences to the soul, or a fear of hell and damnation : but on account of the evil that is in sin ; its contra- riety to a holy God. He mourns that he has oflFended God, wounded Christ, and grieved the holy Spirit. It farther produces an ingenu- ous confession of sin, and forsaking it, in bringing forth fruits meet for repentance in life and conversation. This is not called repentance unto salvation, as being the cause of salvation, or condition of it ; for Christ alone is the fulfiller of the con- ditions : and, therefore to fit his people for the enjoyment of it, he hath sent forth his Spirit into their hearts, to convince " of sin, of righteousness, and of judgment;" to beget evangelical repentance in them ; a hatred to sin, and a turning from it to God. Agreeably to which, it is said, Matt. i. 21, " Thou shalt call his name Jesus, for he shall save his people from their sins." But it is said to be unto salvation, as itself is a blessing of salvation and a part of it; an evidence of an interest in it, and terminates in the full enjoyment of it. This repentance is wrought in the hearts of God's people, as above, in order to their sanctification, that they may be qualified to enjoy the heavenly inheritance. 4. Again, as the Christian experiences the inherence of sin as long as he lives, "for there is none that liveth and sinneth not," though freed from the reigning power and dominion of sin; so he has continued reason to exercise the grace of repentance, and humble himself under every transgression in particular, as well as the remains of corruption in general. Such was the exercise of the apostle, Rom. vii. 24, " wretched man that I am, who shall deliver me from the body of this death." Thus is the Christian continually, while in the exercise of grace, aspiring after holiness, and mournino- over his depravity. His sanctification is carried on, and will finally be accomplished, when he shall be admitted into the mansions of eternal blessedness and ineffable glory; "where all sorrow and sighing shall flee away;" — Avhere there shall be no more sin, and consequently no need of repentance or sorrow, for the Lord our God " shall wipe away all tears from our eyes." Thus, dearly beloved, have w^e endeavored to consider repentance unto life and salvation, according to the gospel sense of the doctrine. May the great Head of his church, through the influence of the divine Spirit, give us a humbling view of all our imperfections, that we may live to the honor of his great name, and ascribe all the MINUTES OF THE PHILADELPHIA ASSOCIATION. 251 glory of our salvation to the riches of his grace, through our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen. Oliver Haet, Moderator. William Vanhorn, Clerk. THE MINISTERS AND MESSENGERS AT THE ASSOCIATION, AND STATE OF THE CHURCHES DURING THE YEAR. CHURCHES. MINISTERS AND MESSENGERS. ll 1 S 2 2 3 8 1 9 5 s 8 X 1 2 2 1 2 5 •6 i fi 3 6 2 4 4 1 1 § 66 134 147 90 104 91 63 164 37 28 186 240 53 Lower Dublin, Middletown, Piscataqua, Cohansie, Welsh Tract, Great Valley, Cape May,t Hopewell, Brandywine, Montgomery, Tulpehokin,t Kingwood, Haight's Town, Southampton, ' Samuel Jones, John Wright, William Rooper, Benjamin Dungan, f Samuel Morgan, [ Jacob Covenhoven, [ Reune Runyan, [ Henry Smalley, 1 6 4 12 8 8 9 37 26 3 1 2 3 5 1 5 5 2 3 [ Nathan Shepherd, ' David Shepherd, ■ John Boggs, James Griffith, Daniel Cornog, Michael McKees, John Davies, Jonathan Philips, Owen Thomas, Abner Davies, Oliver Hart, John Jewel, James Ewen, Abel Griffith, Joshua Vaughan, Thomas Davies, Edmund Pennington, Nicholas Cox, Richard Carter, John Koughler, James Drake, Peter Wilson, Alexander M'Gowan, ^ Samuel Minor, ' David Jones, Thomas Folwell, Benjamin Bonnet, [William Watts, 252 MINUTES OF THE PHILADELPHIA ASSOCIATION. l-fe y ■6 s CHURCHES. MINISTERS AND MESSENGERS. 13 ■ 1 B 1 i ft 28 104 Philadelphia, Thomas Ustick, William Rogers, John Stancliff, George IngoUs, John McLeod, 21 Scotch Plains, ( William Vanhorn, Jacob Fitz Randolph, 1 4 5 1 137 Horse Neck,t 14 Oyster Bay.f Benjamin Coles,* 9 Morristown, Knowlton,f 4 n 83 42 Harford,t John Davies, New Britain, Salem, ^ ' Joshua Jones, Benjamin Matthew, Edward Matthew, r 2 1 21 31 John Holmes, John Walker, Newtown,! Silas Southworth,* 74 Dividing Creek, John Garrison,* 3 5 41 1. New York, New Mills, ■< Benjamin Foster, William Thomson, William Durel, r 19 7 2 4 13 2 2 196 100 David Gaskil, Benjamin Hedger, Konoloway,t Joseph Powell,* Coram, Upper Freehold, ' n 56 Joseph Stephen, Edward Taylor, 11 1 1 Mount Bethel, Abner Sutton,* 10 101 -np- . 1 f Thomas Montanyb, Warwick, 1 Amos Park, 142 7 3 4 1 192 Lyon's Farms, Philip's Patent,! *15 Pittsgrove, John Kelly, Armenius Snethen, Manahawkin,! Vincent, Tuckahoe,! 99 Isaac Bunnel,* Northeast Town, Simon Dakin,* 54 2. NewYork,t John Dodge,* 10 Stamford,! Ebenezer Ferris, 89 Cow Marsh, London Tract, 1 4 6 2 2*^ Thomas Fleeson,* George Evans, J. 3 2 3 35 MINUTES OF THE PHILADELPHIA ASSOCIATION. 253 "6 g •sl p i 2 1 i CHURCHES. MINISTERS AND MESSENGERS. p« > "S 1 i ,£3 1 C3 it Q fi 1 John Thomas, Hilltown, James M'Laughlin, Nathan Evans, John Davies, jr.. 3 1 3 98 Lower Smithfield,+ David Jatne,* 29 Mispilion, Joshua Dewees,* ( Lewis Richards, 1 1 16 Baltimore, < George Prestman, ( William Taggart, 10 2 48 Duck Creek, f James Jones,* \ John Patton, f Thomas Ainger, 1 2 5 63 Wilmington, < Thomas Brooks, (Andrew Hawke, 14 11 1 2 49 Canoe Brook, Isaac Price, ( BuRGiss Allison, 2 1 2 35 Jacob's Town, < James Cox, ( Samuel Sexton, 18 1 1 1 52 Staten Island, f 28 Pittstown,f James Finn,* 32 Marcus Hook, f Eliphaz Dazet, 1 Richard Riley, 18 Rocksberry, r Abraham Levering, < Charles Nice, (John Levering, 36 Falls township, Bucks county. [ Joseph Richardson, 13 373 42 109 39 43 3369 Note. — The ministers' names are in small capitals. Those marked thus * were not present. From the churches marked thus f we received no intelli- gence. A dash denotes no settled minister MINUTES OF THE PHILADELPHIA BAPTIST ASSOCIATION, HELD AT NEW YORK, OCTOBER 5tH, 6tH, AND 7tH, 1790. Tuesday, October 5th. — At three o'clock, P. M., Dr. Samuel Jones delivered the introductory g'ermon, from John vii. 17 : " If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God." 2. After worship, proceeded to business. Dr James Manning was chosen moderator, and Brother William Vanhorn, clerk. 3. Letters from the churches were read. 4. Letters from corresponding Associations were read, viz., Charles- ton, Warren, Ketockton, Shaftsbury, and Vermont ; also a letter from an Association lately formed at Danbury, in the State of Con- necticut, desiring union and correspondence with us, was read. After the usual inquiries respecting their doctrine and practice, their request was agreed to, and their messenger, Elder Adam Hamilton, received. Adjourned to nine o'clock to-morrow morning. Wednesday, October 6th. — Met pursuant to adjournment. In answer to the query from the church at the Scotch Plains : Whether a minister who has been excommunicated, and in process of time is restored again, has a right, on said restoration, to preach the gospel ? We advise, that with his restoration to membership, before he exer- cises the functions of the ministry, he be expressly approbated there- in by the church, and we think it expedient that it be with the ad- vice of sister churches. Resolved, That in answer to requests from the churches at Cape May and Pittsgrove, Brethren Samuel Jones, Samuel Morgan, Wil- liam Vanhorn, and Ezekiel Robins, be a committee to prepare a letter to them on the subject of their diflSculties. Adjourned to three o'clock, P. M. Met pursuant to adjournment. — As it appears expedient that Mr. Silas Walton should continue another year under the tuition of Dr. Jones, and as Mr. Carter, of Virginia, has generously engaged five pounds towards his assistance, it is agreed that we will be account- able for twenty pounds in addition thereto, said Walton giving a bond for refunding said twenty pounds in seven years, without inte- (254) MINUTES OF THE PHILADELPHIA ASSOCIATION. 255 rest; and it is recommended to the churches to promote subscrip- tions or collections the ensuing year, to raise said sum, and make additions to our fund, and transmit the same to our next Association. Voted, That Brother S. Jones, Brother Hart, and Brother Allison be, and they are hereby appointed a committee to revise the materials for a history of the Baptist churches in the State of New Jersey, collected by Brother Morgan Edwards. Letters to the corresponding Associations, ordered to be prepared by to-morrow afternoon, as follows ; Brother Earl, to that of the Warren, Brother Ustick, to the Charleston, Brother D. Jones, to Ketockton, Brother Eleeson, to Shaftsbury, Brother Runyan, to Vermont, and Brother Smalley to that of Danbury. Adjourned to nine o'clock to-morrow morning. Sermon this evening by Elder Adam Hamilton, from Heb. xii. 1, 2. " Wherefore, seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses," &c., &c. Thursday, October 7th, — Met pursuant to adjournment. A letter written by Dr. Jones, opposed to universal salvation, being read, and esteemed very seasonable at this juncture, it was adopted as the cir- cular letter for the present year, in lieu of that prepared by Brother Foster, agreeably to appointment, which was also read, generally approved, and though not revised, was nevertheless agreed to be printed. Resolved, That it be a standing rule of this Association, that the circular letter be produced early in the session, and being read, a committee shall be appointed to examine, and, if necessary, correct it. On the receipt of a letter from Mr. Isaac Collins, printer, of Tren- ton, respecting subscriptions for his Bible, we earnestly recommend to our churches, to promote the subscriptions, which are amongst them. Our committee, appointed last year to inspect this work, in- form us, that it is executed as far as the book of Job, and Avith the greatest accuracy. Returns of the subscriptions, and the money paid on subscribing, may be made to the Rev. Mr. Foster, of New York, Rev. Mr. Allison, of Bordentown, and the Rev. Mr. Ustick, of Philadelphia. Cash paid, agreeably to the recommendation of last Association, for a fund, &c., is as follows : £ s. d. £ s. d. Lower Dublin, 4 7 9 Haight's Town, 3 Piscataqua, 1 2 6 Philadelphia, 3 1 3 Cohansie, 1 2 6 Scotch Plains, 2 15 6 Hopewell, 2 11 New York, 8 1 8 Brandywine, 9 4 Baltimore, 9 7 6 In all £35 18s 7d., Pennsylvania currency. Adjourned to three o'clock, p. m. Met, pursuant to adjournment. — The subject of forming a new Association, to be held at New York, being considered, it did not appear there were a sufficient number of churches desired dismission for that purpose. 256 MINUTES OF THE PHILADELPHIA ASSOCIATION. In answer to a query from the church at Stamford, accompanied with a number of quotations from certain authors, holding what is called the new system of divinity : Whether we hold them as Scripture truths, and whether such persons as hold them, and endeavor to pro- mote them, are to be held in fellowship in a gospel church ? We reply, that we apprehend danger, lest by these fine spun theories, and the consequences which are drawn from them by some, the great doctrines of the imputation of Adam's sin, Christ's proper atonement, imputed righteousness, &c., should be totally set aside, or, at least, the glory of them sullied. We therefore advise, that great care should be taken to guard against innovations not calculated to edify the body of Christ. But that the individual churches must judge for themselves, when any of their members so far deviate from that sys- tem of doctrine held by the churches of this Association, as to require their exclusion. This Association lament they have occasion again to call the atten- tion of that part of Zion we represent, to another awful instance of departure from the faith once delivered unto the saints. Mr. Nicholas Cox, late a brother in the ministry, having espoused, and artfully, as well as strenuously endeavored, to propagate the fatal notion of the universal restoration of bad men and devils from hell. As such, we caution our churches, those of our sister Associations, and Christian brethren of every denomination, to be aware of him. The request of the churches at Stamford, Warwick, first and second of New York, King Street, and Staten Island, for permission to join other Associations, if it should be found more convenient, was granted. Supplies for destitute churches at Salem, Pittsgrove, Lyon's Farms, 2d New York, and Staten Island. Letters to the corresponding Associations, according to order of yesterday, were brought in, read, and approved. Dr. Manning ap- pointed messenger to the Warren Association. Elder Hamilton to Shaftsbury, and Elder Ferres to Danbury. This Association sincerely regret the failure of an appointment, the last year, to address the President of the United States ; but deem it at present out of season. Association to be held, first Tuesday in October, next in Phila- delphia. Brother William Vanhorn is appointed to write the circular letter for next year. Brother Oliver Hart is appointed to preach the Association ser- mon next year, and, in case of failure. Brother William Vanhorn is requested to be prepared. Brother William Vanhorn is requested to superintend the print- ing of the minutes, and forward them to the chui'ches and Asso- ciations. Sermon this evening by Brother Thomas Fleeson, from Rev. iii. 4 : " Thou hast a few names even in Sardis, which have not defiled their garments ; and they shall walk with me in white, for they are worthy." MINUTES OF THE PHILADELPHIA ASSOCIATION. 257 CIKCULAR LETTER. BY REV. SAMUEL JOXES, D. D. The elders and messengers of the several chuVches met in Associ- ation, in the city of New York, October 5th, 1790. To the several churches in union with this Association, send greeting. Dearly beloved, — We are happy, at the close of our annual meet- ing, that we can say, it was agreeable and comfortable through the whole. We had refreshing news from several churches in our con- nection, as well as from the Associations that correspond with us. It is matter of joy, and calls for acknowledgment and giving of thanks, that peace and good order so generally prevail, and that the work of the Lord is carried on with power in many places. We have, how- ever, to lament, that there are some appearances, in two or three of our churches, of the leprosy of universal salvation, which, perhaps, the Lord may permit to spread, that they which are approved may be made manifest. But, when we see such an Achan, such a troubler of Israel, in the camp, we m.ay well suspect the Lord has a controversy with us. It behoves us, then, to humble ourselves, to implore the divine mercy, and to do our endeavor to prevent the spreading of so dangerous a plague. To this end we have concluded to address you at this time on the aforesaid subject. The notion of universal salvation, as now propagated, is explained two ways. Some of them say that there is no hell, or, if there be, that there shall not any of the human race be sent there, but that all, good and bad, shall be taken to heaven together. Others say, that though there be a place of future punishment, and though some of the human race are sent thither for a time, yet that they all finally shall be released, and brought safe to heaven. We doubt not, dear brethren, but it will seem strange to such of you as may not have heard these things before, that any who pretend to be the ministers of Christ, should advance such dangerous notions. Yet so it is. He who, in the beginning, gave divine revelation the lie, when he said to the woman, "Ye shall not surely die," has ever since been going about, like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour ; and endeavoring, by various means, to deceive and lull asleep, and among others, by endeavoring to evade the force of divine truth. As for the first of these notions, namely, that not any of the human race are ever sent to a place of future punishment, but that all, good and bad, are taken to heaven, we shall say but little to it ; not only because we have no room, but also because we deem it unnecessary. The Scripture, on the one hand, is so express, particular, and posi- tive, and, on the other, the methods they take to evade these Scrip- tures are so disingenuous, and their endeavors to accommodate other Scriptures to their own views so trifling, that it is hard for any one to believe that they believe themselves, or that they can be serious and in earnest, when the Scriptures positively and without equivoca- cation say, " the wicked shall be turned into hell, and all the nations 83 258 MINUTES OF THE PHILADELPHIA ASSOCIATION. that forget God," Ps. ix. 17. " That the whole hody should be cast into hell," Matt. v. 29. " To be cast into hell fire," Matt, xviii. 9. " How can ye escape the damnation of hell," Matt, xxiii. 33. " To be cast into hell," Mark ix. 45, 47. " And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torment," Luke xvi. 23 ; besides a number of other places. What need we more, not to mention the dissolute manners which might be expected to attend, and which actually have been the con- sequences of so licentious a tenet, as that of which we are speaking. The other way of explaining this notion, namely, that, though some of the human race are sent to a place of future punishment for a time, yet that they shall all finally be released, and brought safe to heaven ; this merits more attention, because it is more plausible, though not more true. Here we shall consider, I. That the Scripture is express against it. II. That there are no Scriptures for it. III. That there can be none, since it would be likely to do much hurt, but could do no good. IV. And lastly, that if the notion was in some degree likely to be true, yet that it would be safest to reject it. I. The Scripture expressly says that future punishment will be for ever, 2 Pet. ii. 17 ; Jude, verse 13 ; for ever and ever, Kev. xx, 10 ; xiv. 11 ; xix. 3. And we read of " eternal damnation," Mark iii. 29 ; " eternal judgment," Heb. vi. 2; "eternal fire," Jude, verse 7; "everlasting fire," Matt. xxv. 41; xviii. 8; "everlasting punishment," Matt. XXV. 26 ; and of one sin that " it shall not be forgiven, neither in this world, neither in the world to come," Matt. xii. 32. In this abso- lute manner is expressed the endless duration of the awful denuncia- tions of the wrath of God : and to cut off all pretence of every possi- ble evasion, there are three things remarkable : 1. That the eternal duration of the punishment of the wicked, is expressed in the very same w^ords as eternal duration in general, Dan. ii. 20. 2. In the very same words also, whereby the eternal duration of the happiness of the righteous is expressed, Dan. xii. 2 ; Kev. xxii. 5 ; John iii. 16 ; Matt. xxv. 26. 3. Nay, in the very same words whereby the eternal duration of God himself is expressed, Gen. xxi. 33; Psalm xc. 2; Dan. vii. 27; Lam. v. 19 ; Deut. xxxii. 40. II. Since the awful subject before us is so clearly revealed in the word of God, it may seem trifling to undertake to show that there is no Scripture in favor of a release from future punishment, as if it might be possible for Scripture to say and unsay, to speak for and against the same thing. Nevertheless, it may be of use to mention the principle Scriptures that are pretended to hold forth a redemption from hell, in order to shoAv, that beside the foregoing reason, there are generally reasons sufficient, arising out of the texts tliemselves and contexts, to show that they mean no such thing as they are brought to prove. MINUTES OF THE PHILADELPHIA ASSOCIATION. 259 Thus, for instance, the "all men" in 1 Tim. ii. 4, can never mean ever}^ individual of the human race, for there are some " who were be- fore ordained unto condemnation," and are " vessels of wrath fitted for destruction," (Jude 4; Rom. ix. 22;) but rather all sorts of men, as ver. 1, kings and peasants, rich and poor, bond and free, male and female, young and old ; and who are therefore to be prayed for : nor can 2 Pet. iii. 9, admit of such an interpretation ; for this means, not any of the us mentioned before, or the beloved in the first verse ; nor 1 John ii. 2, which means that the benefits of Christ were not to be confined to the Jews only, but to be extended to the Gentiles also; nor Rom. v. 18, for here the first and second Adams, and their re- spective offspring are put in opposition, showing that as the offspring of the one was lost by his sin, the offspring of the other shall be saved by his grace ; the one offspring condemned for one offence, the other saved from many; nor Col. i. 20, for all here must be un- derstood in a limited sense ; for it cannot include angels in heaven, who could not be reconciled to God, since they never had been in a state of irreconciliation : all the elect of God then are meant, who are spoken of as reconciled by the blood of the cross. Nor Eph. i. 10, which only says, that all m Christ shall be brought to- gether, but not those who never were in him, and die in their sins; nor 1 Cor. xv. 22 ; for this speaks of the resurrection of the body from natural death, not of a resurrection from spiritual death. Nor Rom. xi. 32, which speaks of having mercy on all, that is, on all that believe, as in the parallel place. Gal. iii. 22. Nor Zech. ix. 11, for these are the words of Christ to the Jewish church, comforting them in the prospect of the favor that should be shown them by Cyrus, and comparing their distressed situation in the Babylonish captivity, to the situation of one in a pit, wherein was no water: and it is said this deliverance should be wrought in virtue of the covenant made in their behalf, which is therefore called their covenant. Nor Rev. XX. 13; for this speaks of gathering them from all quarters to the general judgment, who in the next verse are said to be cast into the lake of fire. Nor Heb. xii. 23 ; for here all the saved are said to be the Jirst born, to denote their excellency, high privileges, right of priest- hood, and large inheritance. Nor James i. 18 ; for the first fruits here means all the saved, as in the last, who are separated and dis- tinguished by grace from others, as the first fruit was wont to be from the crop, and consecrated to God as that was. Nor 1 Cor. xv. 25, 28, and Phil. ii. 10; Rev. v. 13; for these are only expressive of the universal dominion of Christ, and of homage and adoration paid him on that account. Nor Ezek. xvi. 53, 55 ; for, if Sodom was to be restored, it must be to its former state, which was a very bad one. If restored should be understood in an improper sense, then by Sodom may be understood the Gentile nations, who were like unto Sodom in practice, Deut. xxxii. 32 ; Isa. i. 10 ; Jer. xxiii. 14 ; Rev. xi. 8 ; and Israel, by Samaria, who shall be restored when all the JeAvs, with the fulness of the Gentiles, shall be brought in at the time of the latter day glory. Or that when Sodom and Samaria should 260 MINUTES OF THE PHILADELPHIA ASSOCIATION. return to their former state, then the Jews should to theirs : as much as to say, they never should, as they never were. For, though many of them returned from the Babylonish captivity, yet they Avere never restored to their former state and glory. And besides, it is expressly said, with respect to " Sodom and Gomorrah, and the cities about them," that they " are set forth for an example, suffering the vengeance of eternal fire," Jude, verse 7. Thus, brethren, we have cited the principal passages brought in support of this wild notion of universal salvation, and you see how little they are to the purpose. Thus it is that people in a strait will catch at any thing. III. Further, it is not only manifest that there is no text to support such a notion, but that there cannot be such a text. It cannot be that the Divine being has published any thing that woidd be, not only contrary to those plain texts, that speak positively of the eternal duration of future punishment, but that it would also be perfectly useless, and at the same time dangerous. If the wicked were ever to be released from hell, time enough to let them know it after they get there, and not before, to encourage them in sin. To give them so much as a hint of it in this life, would be exactly the same as if the Divine Being, when he prohibited the use of the forbidden tree, had told Adam, that if he should eat of that tree, he would contrive a way for his escape, of which we know that not the least item was given before the fall, and indeed than which nothing could be more unworthy the Divine Being. So that if there was any passage with- in the lids of the Bible that gave information of a release from hell, we might be sure, such a text could never be the word of God. IV. We only add, that if the notion of restoration from hell was in some degree probable, which it is not, yet it would be much safest to reject it altogether ; for if those who place dependence on it should at last find themselves mistaken, awful will be the disappointment. On the other hand, those who place no dependence on it, but seek to avoid future punishment, by placing their dependence on a better hope, if they should be mistaken, they will nevertheless share equal benefit with others. Let us, therefore, carefully avoid a notion so unscriptural, so use- less, and at the same time so dangerous. But, beloved, of you we hope better things, though we thus speak. We do not apprehend much danger, but judge it seasonable, and that it might be of use to give a word of caution. " Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory, with exceeding joy, to the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen. " James Manning, Moderator. William Vanhorn, Clerk. N. B. The clerk takes the liberty of informing those who wish to see the subject discussed more at large, that they will find their at- tention amply rewarded by reading Edwards against Chauncey. MINUTES OF THE PHILADELPHIA ASSOCIATION. 261 CIRCULAR LETTER. BY REV. BENJAMIN FOSTER. The messengers, to the churches of the Philadelphia Baptist Asso- ciation, send Christian salutation. Beloved Brethren, — We rejoice that the Father of mercies has permitted us once more to meet, in order that we might unitedly pur- sue the promotion of that cause which we believe is unspeakably precious to the dear churches we have the honor to represent. But the success of our feeble efforts to advance the important object in view depends wholly on the blessing of Him "who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will." To Him, therefore, we humbly commit the concerns of Zion in general, and the transactions of this our meeting in particular ; fervently beseeching Him that of his abundant grace and mercy he would grant our labor may not be in vain in the Lord ! Notwithstanding the darkness and delusions of a sinful world, and the various imperfections of God's people in the present state, blessed be God ! we are united in the leading and essential truths of divine revelation. And, therefore, on these important and glorious sub- jects, we can address you with greater freedom and pleasure. You will permit us, this year, to call your attention to the subject of Good works, treated of in the sixteenth chapter of our excellent Confession of faith. Works may be said to be good either in a natural, or in a moral or spiritual sense. The action or influence of the sun on the earth is good, as a useful and an important natural blessing. The movements of a machine may be denominated such on account of the purposes of convenience and profit answered by them. But the actions which are under consideration are good, not merely on account of natural advantages in their tendency, or of which they may be the occasion, but on account of their being right in a spiritual sense, and proper to be performed by creatures possessed of rational and immortal souls ; and who are the subjects of obligations to God, and created intelligences in the moral world which can never be dissolved ; and who enjoy the means of information respecting their duty and their everlasting welfare ; and who must give an account of the deeds done in the body, whether they be good or whether they be evil. Actions which are good in this sense are such as are agreeable to the will of God revealed in his word. The action performed, the temper exercised, and the motives by which men are actuated in con- duct of this nature are required by God in the holy scriptures. The thing done may answer to the letter of the requisition, or be what is expressed in the command; but the action may not be pleasing in the sight of God on account of a deficiency in temper, motive or design. The action as good must be intended, the authority of him who enjoins the action must be respected, and the end pro- posed by Infinite Wisdom and Goodness must bo presumed, or there will not be a compliance with the spirit of the command. An intelligent creature may not only comply with a divine precept 262 MINUTES OF THE PHILADELPHIA ASSOCIATION. SO far as it respects wliat is external, but do that which is highly be- neficial, and yet there may be a material deficiency in the action. Good may be done in a natural respect, and the action notwithstand- ing may not be good in a spiritual respect, though performed by one possessed of rational powers of mind. " Though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor ; and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, (that is true love to God and man,) it profiteth me nothing," 1 Cor. xiii. 3. Good works are the performances of those who are good. Good- ness must first exist, in some measure, in the state of the soul before it can be expressed in life and conversation. Persons wholly under the dominion of sin, as is the case with all the unconverted, are totally incapacitated on account of the fixed opposition of their minds to the truth, to perform actions right and pleasing in the sight of God. As the tree must be made good before the fruit will be good : so the nature of man must be renewed by divine grace, in order that the fruit may be unto holiness, and the end everlasting life. To sup- pose that one under the influence of a carnal mind, and in a state of unbelief, may, while he continues in this state, perform actions truly good, is to suppose what is unreasonable m itself, and expressly con- tradicted by the word of truth, which informs us, that they who are in the flesh cannot please God ; and that without faith it is impossible to please him. Jehovah is the great and all-important object in the performance of good works. The Christian directs and finishes his course under the influence of an approving and pleasing belief of what God is, and what he has done. The high estimation that his soul possesses of the excellencies and glories of the Deity, in his attributes, works, and designs, is expressed in every work of faith, and in all his labor of love. The life that he lives of the flesh, he lives by faith in the Son of God ; by whose gospel he is efi"ectual]y taught to deny un- godliness and every worldly lust, and to live soberly, righteously, and godly in this present world. The beauties of the divine character exhibited in the great atonement, and impressed on the believer's mind, lay him under a willing constraint to shun the paths of vice, and to be found in the ways of justice, mercy, and truth. Though in the performance of good works, he is not wholly divested of a re- gard to self, yet he is not merely influenced by a selfish gratitude arising from reflections on the reception of past favors, by fond ex- pectations of future enjoyments, or by a slavish fear of approaching wrath : but mainly by the noble principle of love to the blessed God on account of his spotless purity, and the unchanging holiness of his nature. Is the Christian attending to the civil aff'airs of life, en- gaged in the sacred duties of devotion, or employed in acts of bene- ficence and compassion, he does all to the glory of God. The believer, as far as his actions answer to the will of heaven, directs his attention to the greatest possible good, as he pursues the divine glory, and in subordination to this, his own happiness in connection with the good of others. But alas ! when we review the best actions of MINUTES OF THE PHILADELPHIA ASSOCIATION. 263 our lives, we find a sad deficiency in these respects, in the perform- ance : and after attending to the most mispotted characters in the Christian world, we must undoubtedly conclude, that there is none doeth good and sinneth not. Good works are by no means the foundation of our acceptance or justification in the sight of God. Nothing that we ever have done, and nothing possible for us ever to perform, will have the least con- cern or weight in the important affair of our acquittal from guilt, and acceptance as righteous before the tribunal of a holy God. Nothing on earth or in heaven can be found to answer this glorious purpose but the finished righteousness, and the atoning death of the great Immanuel, God with us. It is equally true, and may as evidently be deduced from the word of truth, that foreseen good works are not the cause of our election to salvation. One end of our election was to bring us to the love and practice of holiness : and, therefore, good works, or holiness of life, could not have been the reason of the eternal purpose to recover us to the divine image and favor. The purpose of election stands "not of works, but of him who calleth," Rom. ix. 11. All the graces of the Spirit, and all our acts of true religion and virtue, are to be con- sidered as eftects of the unconditional and eternal counsel of God in Christ. And, permit us, dear brethren, further to add, that the same reasons, in effect, forbid us to suppose that good works are the condition of our regeneration or of our being called out of darkness into marvellous light. If we are so happy as to be the subject of this glorious change, not a tribute of praise is to be ascribed to ourselves ; but all the glory is to be given to God, "who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began," 2 Tim. i. 9. Notwithstanding our salvation is not by works of righteousness which we have done, nor our regeneration and effectual calling on account of any previous goodness of temper or conduct in us ; yet we are to consider that those who are renewed are the subjects of an alteration in the state of their minds from sin to holiness : and that this moral change will be attended, as opportunity may be given for action, with holiness of life and conversation. A renewed mind in- cludes a temper of love to the moral character of Jehovah. And as the divine law, or the moral rule given by God to his creature man, is with propriety considered as a transcript of this character, there will be the same freedom in the Christian to yield subjection to this holy law, in its sacred and various injunctions, as to love the divine image, or to be truly pleased with the beauties of holiness in the face of Jesus Christ. Those who, by divine grace, imbibe the genuine spirit of Christianity, will pay a sacred respect to all God's holy commands. It becomes the disciples of Jesus not merely to avoid the neglect of the express precepts of their divine Lord; but to be ready to every good work. Though they cannot be profitable to their Maker, 264 MINUTES OF THE PHILADELPHIA ASSOCIATION. or add to his essential glories ; yet tliey may and ought to be pro- fitable to themselves, and a blessing to their fellow creatures. He who, regardless of his own improvements in the divine life, and un- concerned about the good of others, seeks only to shun the reproofs of conscience, gives us reason to doubt his acquaintance with true religion. AVe are not only to engage, but to persevere in the performance of good works. Those who have never experienced a real and genuine work of God upon their souls, may, from selfish motives, perform the externals of duty for a while : but when the floods come, and the winds of temptation blow and beat on the house, then it appears to have had its foundation in the sand. But as true believers have the seed of God abiding in them, they are those who, by perseverance in the ways of righteousness and truth, will renew their strength, brave every storm, and bafile every hostile attempt, till they finish their heavenly course with complete and eternal joy. Dearly beloved, let us urge the importance of good works, and endeavor to excite you to a faithful and diligent performance of them, from the following considerations. Remember, they are the duties you owe to God — to that Being who is infinitely great and infinitely good ; the creator and preserver of all things, the former of your bodies, and the Father of your spirits ; and who stands in a relation to you which no alteration of circum- stances, in time or through eternity, can possibly dissolve. Consider that in this way you will be the followers of God as dear children. Your heavenly Father is universal, unremitted, and eter- nal in the operations of his goodness. He acts for the noblest end, as he has made all thino-s for himself. His works are done in righte- ousness and truth. Without upbraiding, and in a rich profusion he bestows the blessings of his providence, and gives the enjoyments of his grace. And you are directed by the great Head of the church to abound in works of goodness and love, " that ye may be the chil- dren of your Father who is in heaven : for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust," Matt. v. 45. What a powerful motive to excite you to the performance of good works, is the conduct of Him who was made flesh and dwelt among us ! He went about doing good, attending to the business of his Father, and improving in the best manner the golden moments of time. " I must work," says he, " the works of him that sent me while it is day: the night cometh when no man can work," John ix. 4. And is it possible that those who love his person, possess his temper, feel the power of his divine religion, and have enlisted under him as the Captain of their salvation, should ever live uninfluenced by so bright and perfect an example, or fail to follow him wheresoever he goeth ! How much to induce us to works of virtue, piety, and mercy, from reflections on the unmerited and unbounded goodness of God to- wards us ! How great the designs of God's love in the covenant of redemption, made by the eternal Three-in-One before the foundation MINUTES OF THE PHILADELPHIA ASSOCIATION. 265 of the •world ! How wonderful is his mercy in the gift of his dear Son as the infinite price of our release from eternal ruin. How astonishing his compassion in saving us from sin and hell, and giving us a title to a crown of immortal glory ! And can the objects of eternal love, and the subjects of such marvellous grace be indifferent to the service of the great Benefactor of their perishing and sinful souls ! Has God done such great things for us, and shall we fail to do the little we can for him ? Has he in fact done all things for us, and is not something to be done by us, in a way in which he will consider it as done unto himself? Would not a thousand lives spent in his service, and a thousand deaths suffered in his cause, be but a small testimony of gratitude and love for his undeserved and matchless grace in the eternal salvation of one poor sinner, bound to unutterable woe ? Is it not the habitual desire, and the fervent wish of your souls to recommend the religion of Jesus, and to promote the declarative glory of God ? In this way they will be effected ; by such a line of conduct you will find an answer to the devout exercises of your own minds. " Let your light so shine before men, that they may see youi' good works and glorify your Father who is in heaven," Matt. V. 16. To these things, dear brethren, you will attend if you are in the pursuit of real advantage, of substantial good to yourselves. For in keeping God's commands there is great reward. A cheerful com- pliance with the divine will, a tender regard to the dictates of con- science and the voice of reason, and the performance of whatever may promote and honor religion, and conduce to make ourselves and others happy, in time and through eternity, will be attended with that peace and comfort which the world never did, and never can give. As you would wish to enjoy the blessings of God's kingdom, seek ever to be found in these paths of wisdom. For her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace. He who walketh uprightly walketh safely. The more diligent you are in works of piety and mercy, the greater reason you have to expect that God will confirm your minds in the truth, support you in the day of trial, in- crease your graces, establish your hopes, and in the end render your conquest and triumph complete over all your spiritual and powerful enemies. Then on the brink of death, and the invisible world brought near to view, in the exulting language of a Paul, each one of you may say, " I have 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. iv. 7, 8. When addressing the churches of Jesus Christ on the duties of their holy profession, we trust, beloved, you will not be offended if we conclude the subject by exhorting you to the performance of them in a few particulars. If the works of Christian churches be not found perfect before God, but be attended to with partiality and sloth, how does the enemy blaspheme, and how deeply wounded is the blessed Jesus in the house of his friends ! You expect that your U 266 MINUTES OF THE PHILADELPHIA ASSOCIATION. ministers, — and undoubtedly you may with propriety, — will be diligent in every good woi-k wliich belongs to their pastoral office, and con- cerns your spiritual and eternal welfare. If they should be found negligent and unfaithful, how great their guilt, and how dreadful their doom when the blood of immortal souls shall be required of them by their angry Judge ! It certainly much concerns them well to improve their time, to study to show themselves approved work- men, who need not to be ashamed before God, angels, and men, when the books shall be opened, and the judgment fixed. They are to watch for souls as those who must give an account. But in return, you must consider it as your incumbent duty to strengthen their hands for this good work, by affording them a competent supply of the necessaries and conveniences of life. For if they have sown unto you spiritual things, is it a great thing if they should reap your car- nal things ? And has not your dear Lord ordained, that they who preach the gospel should live of the gospel ? And can it be said that you have diligently followed every good work, if you suffer your ministers to live in indigence, and their minds to be perplexed, for want of those enjoyments of which God has granted you a rich svip- ply ? Provide houses decent and convenient for the public worship of God. Is it fit for the servants of the most High to dwell in their ceiled houses, and to let the house where his honor dwells, and where his adorable Majesty is addressed, to lie waste ? Pay proper attention to the poor ; but especially endeavor to relieve the wants of your needy brethren and sisters. It is more blessed to give than to receive ; for they who give to the poor, lend unto the Lord. En- courage family order and government, and make your habitations houses of prayer. Let not the duties of the closet be neglected : but in those places of retirement be statedly found, in order to pray to your heavenly Father in secret ; and your Father, who seeth in secret, will re- ward you openly. Forsake not the assembling of yourselves together, as the manner of some is : but continue in the apostles' doctrine, in fellowship, in breaking of bread and in prayers. Let proper discij^line be attended to, and supported : let the respective members keep their places, and highly respect the authority of Christ in the churches. Be at peace among yourselves ; warn them that are unruly ; comfort the feeble minded ; support the weak ; and be patient to all men. And blessed indeed is that servant whom his Lord, when he cometh, shall find so doing ! MINUTES OF THE PHILADELPHIA ASSOCIATION. 26T THE MINISTERS AND MESSENGERS AT THE ASSOCIATION, AND THE STATE OF THE CHURCHES FOR THE YEAR. CHURCHES. MINISTERS AND MESSENGERS. ■6 13 1 ■i 1 1 C9 P3 1 1 1 »< 2 1 67 Lower Dublin, Samuel Jones, 1 Middletown, Samuel Morgan, 8 1 3 140 Piscataqua, Cohansie, Reune Runyan, Henry Smalley, 1 23 1 1 4 148 109 Providence Ludlam, Welsh Tract,! John Boggs,* 104 Great Valley Cape May, 4 1 4 86 John Stancliff,* 1 5 2 61 1 Oliver Hart, Hopewell, -! James Eicen, 1 James Hunt, 3 4 5 1 165 Brandywine, Abel Griffiths, 7 1 2 43 Montgomery, 3 25 Tulpehokin,! Kingwood,t 180 Peter Wilson, Haight's Town, Alexander McGowan, Peter Jobs, 18 3 7 1 5 248 Southampton, David Jones, Benjamin Bennet, 1 1 53 Philadelphia, Thomas Ustick, Samuel Davies, jr.,* ' William Vanhorn, 5 2 6 1 1 105 Scotch Plains, Jacob Fitz Randolph, Marmaduke Earle, _ Joseph Drake, 4 2 4 1 2 136 Oyster Bay, Mori-istown, 10 2 25 91 Michael Parce, Knowlton, Daniel Vaughan,* 2 2 43 Hartford, t John Davies,* 120 New Britain,! Joshua Jones,* 21 Salem 28 12 59 Wantage, late New- ] town, J Silas Southworth,* 8 1 2 1 66 Dividing Creek,f 41 'Benjamin Foster, \J Samuel Dodge, 1. New TorK, Abraham Cannon, William Norris, Ezekiel Robins, JolmBedient, 22 21 2 3 192 New Mills, Konoloway,t 5 14 2 891 Joseph Powel,* 268 MINUTES OF THE PHILADELPHIA ASSOCIATION. CHURCHES. MIXISTERS AXD MESSENGERS. J •a g o a P i^ 5 1 P4 fi Coram, Upper Freehold, 17 2 1 1 30 74 ( Joseph Stephens, 1 Edward Taylor, Mount Bethel,! Abner Sutton,* 1 101 Warwick, Lyon's Farms, ' Thomas Montanye, _ John 3L Foght, Abij ah Whitney, ^ Thomas D. Madam, 8 3 1 3 1 5 2 194 16 < Aaron Ball, ( Michael Law, Philip's Patent,! Pittsgrove, Manahawkin,f Vincent, Tuckahoe,! 2. New York, 1 3 18 2 22 32 Isaac Bunnel,* f ■I Francis Vandyke, (Joseph Stout, Stamford, King Street, 1 Ebenezer Ferris, ( Elijah Huntei', f 5 33 5 2 16 3 1 2 72 36 I Benjamin Sutton, Cow Marsh,! 23 London Tract, Thomas Fleeson, 1 1 34 Hilltown, J. M'Laughlix, 12 1 10 2 99 Lower Smithfield, David Jatne, 2 2 1 2 26 Baltimore, Lewis Richards,* 3 4 1 1 53 Duck Creek,! John Patton,* 63 Wilmington, Thomas Ainger, 2 1 1 45 Canoe Brook, Jacob's Town, 07 1 1 3 1 62 60 1 BuRGiss Allison, \ William Snowden, 1 Staten Island, C Elkana Holmes, < Anthony Fountain, ( Nicholas Cox, 28 Pittstown,! James Finn,* 28 Marcus Hook, Eliphaz Dazey,* 18 Roxbury, Curtis Gilbert, 4 2 1 39 Falls Township, 4 17 264 56 117 3 28 42 3587 Note. — The ministers' names are in small capitals. Licensed preachers in italic. Those marked thus * were not present. From churches marked thus ! we received no letter. A dash denotes no settled minister. MINUTES OP THE PHILADELPHIA ASSOCIATION. 269 1 CJ'OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO OOOOOOOOi^OOOOiOiOOOOOOOOOOOOOiOOCS CO i-Hi-l i-iTl 1-1 -^OOCli-^CSi-Hi-H rHi-l i-Hi-.C^ o = o o p 00C0-t. ^- ^r « ^^ a ^ >> c 5 .S -^ >-.o ^ -S .S -S c -^ -g Jill .9 .9 -^1 1 •; ;. ;.s 1 .9 .9 g^ ^ -•;..9 1 -all's ^11 2||£s=.l|l-|||l=t« 1 € o a c .9 1 1 .3 -9 .9 .9 c a ^ ^ &■ ^'^.'^ III! ii eg Cfi ^^ ri II ^ ^ ^ -* OS ffq a .2 .2 '3 O B bo a ■£b R o o a o .J= c t a H E- -< c? cT .9 .5 5dc5dt l^-* §-= g III IliH UM i.^ll«lt Z O < f jli|J„-ltflsl|1!^'^:4Sl| J J ^ li iillll 1 III ilili^^illl! ^N.^^.,ot-cca.o-^2;:;ss^sssj^S3S5S >o CO *- a> OS o eq M M es es M MINUTES OF THE PHILADELPHIA BAPTIST ASSOCIATION, HELD IN PHILADELPHIA, OCTOBER 4tH, 5tH, AND 6tH, 1791. October 4th. — At 3 o'clock, p. m., Rev. Oliver Hart delivered the introductory sermon, from 2 Chron. xxix. 35, " So the service of the house of the Lord was set in order." 2. After worship, proceeded to business. Rev. Dr. Samuel Jones was chosen moderator, and Rev. John Stancliff, clerk. 3. Letters from thirty-three churches were read. Adjourned to half past eight to-morrow morning. October 5th. — Met pursuant to adjournment. 1. Whereas a difficulty respecting the second church in New York was brought before us, we wish a mutual council may be called to settle the matter. 2. The new constituted church at Sideling Hill, Belfast township, Bedford county, made application for admittance into this Associa- tion; but an objection arising, in consequence of a letter sent by Brother Powell, their admission was postponed until next meeting of Association, when the objectors will have opportunity to show their reasons, why the request of said church should not be granted. 3. Letters from the corresponding Association of Stonington, Shaftsbury, and Danbury, were received and read. Brother Van- horn was appointed to write to the Stonington ; Brother Bryant, to the Shaftsbury ; and Brother Allison, to the Danbury Association. 4. A copy of a neat quarto Bible, of Mr. Collin's impression, was laid before the Association by Dr. Rogers, which was highly ap- proved of; and as the subscriptions for the same will continue open till the 1st of January next, at four dollars each, it is hereby recom- mended to the several churches and individuals of our body to patro- nize so laudable an undertaking;. 5. Query from the church at Great Valley : What steps ought a church to take in respect of a member, who hath married the son of a former husband's sister? Referred to the next Association. 6. Doctor Rogers read a paragraph of a letter from the Rev. Abraham Booth, of London, directed to himself, in which was inti- mated the expediency of our reconsidering the decision of this Asso- (270) £ .5. d. £ 5 d. 1 19 1 Haiglit's Town, 2 1 2 6 Scotch Plains, 1 3 5 5 Morristown, 15 MINUTES OF THE PHILADELPHIA ASSOCIATIOll^. 271 ciation, In 1788, respecting "the invalidity of Baptism "when administered by an unbaptized person." Agreed to refer it to the next meeting of the Association. 7. The circular letter was read. Our Brethren Ustick and Allison ■were desired to revise the same, in conjunction "with the author, Brother Vanhorn. Adjourned to three o'clock, P. M. 1. Met according to adjournment. — The churches at Scotch Plains, Canoe Brook, Piscataqua, and Morristown, requested liberty to join an Association at New York, should they think proper. Their request was granted ; and they will be considered as dismissed from us, when received by them. 2. Supplies were granted to the following destitute churches : — At Great Valley, Dividing Creek, and Kingwood. 3. The collections, agreeably to last year's recommendation, were as follows : Lower Dublin, Cohansie, Philadelphia, In all £10 3s. Od. Agreed to return this sum to those churches, as the necessity for the same has ceased. 4. Doctor Samuel Jones, our treasurer, stated, that he had funded the two small certificates belonging to the Association, with his own, and meant to be accountable for their value ; — six per cents, at 20s. and 6d. ; three per cents, at lis. 4d. ; deferred, 12s. 2d. The reason for his conduct was approved. 5. Resolved, That the Bev. Samuel Jones, the Rev. Morgan Ed- wards, Samuel Miles, Esq., Thomas Shields, Esq., Rev. Dr. William Rogers, Rev. Burgiss Allison, and Rev. Thomas Ustick, be a com- mittee to effectuate the incorporation of the Association by charter. 6. Agreeably to the report of the committee, the circular letter, composed by Brother Vanhorn, was approved. 7. Voted, That the money raised last year, remaining in the treasurer's hands, be allowed, on the usual terms, to Brother David Stout, who is a candidate for the ministry, and a member of the church at Kingwood. Adjourned to nine o'clock to-morrow morning. Rev. Reune Runyan preached in the evening, from Rom. iii. 24. October 6th. — Met pursuant to adjourment. 1. The letters to the Stonington, Shaftsbury, and Danbury Asso- ciations, were read and approved. 2. Doctor Rogers is desired to write to Ketockton, Brother Van- horn, to Warren, and Brother Hart, to Charleston Association. 3. During the past year two of our brethren in the ministry were removed by death, viz., Rev. John Thomas, of Hilltown, Bucks county, aged seventy-nine years, and Rev. Abner Sutton, of Mount Bethel, Kew Jersey, aged forty-six years. 9 7 -2 MIXUTES OF THE PHILADELPHIA ASSOCIATIOX. 4. Doctor Jones is requested to prepare an abstract, from the proceedings of this Association, of those particulars which are most material and important, against next meeting of the Association, 5. The Association to be held next year at Philadelphia, on the first Tuesday in October. Kev. William Yanhorn is appointed to preach the introductory sermon ; and in case of failui'e, Rev, Dr. William Rogers. 6. Rev. Joshua Jones is appointed to write the cii'cular letter for next year, 7. Brother Ustic is requested to superintend the printing of the minutes, and to forward them to the several churches and Asso- ciations. Sermon in the evening, by Rev. John Boggs, from Matt. xxii. 29. CIRCULAR LETTER. BY REV. WILLIAM TAXHORX. The elders and messengers of the several churches met in Asso- ciation in the city of Philadelphia, October 4th, 1791. To the churches in union with this Association, send greeting. Beloved brethren, — We are happy at the close of this anniversary meeting, to inform you, we have enjoyed an agreeable interview. By communications from the churches, we rejoice to hear that peace is enjoyed so generally, and that to many of them considerable addi- tions have been made. It is matter of much satisfaction, that, in this day of prevailing error, there appears amongst you so general a concern for the preservation of divine truth. From corresponding Associations we have received very agreeable intelligence. On the s^hole, we have been called upon to very gi-ateful acknowledg- ments for the goodness and grace of God manifested the year past. But our joys abate, while we reflect on the heavy tidings so generally mentioned in your letters, of the death of our highly esteemed and dearly beloved Brother, Dr. Maxxixg ; who, engaged in the dearest interests of rehgion, of science, and the prosperity of his country, fell from the zenith of glory and usefulness. In the general loss we sustain an important part. Xo longer shall we en- joy his able counsels, his divine and persuasive eloquence, nor his personal friendship. But while we trust he fell, to rise to higher, to celestial glories, and joys imspeakable, resignation becomes us. May the Lord sanctify to the chui'ches and ministers of Christ, the awful stroke ; enable us to feel, and faithfully discharge, the duties devolv- ing on us, and imitate his amiable example. The subject on which we are now to address yoti, brethren, is, the Perseverance of the saints in grace, till it shall be consummated in glory. Confession of faith. Chap. XVII. A doctrine which forms an important article in the system of divine truth, and of which Revelation abounds with evidence ; a sentiment calculated to administer the truest spiritual support to the real Christian, to influence him to the warmest zeal for God, and holiness of life. MINUTES OF THE PHILADELPHIA ASSOCIATION. 273 In treating on this subject, in an epistolary way, it will not ha ex- pected to enter at large on Avhat might be said on it, nor formally to encounter all the unreasonable objections which have been raised against it. To convince you of this truth, we trust, dear brethren, there is no necessity. To quicken your graces, and awaken your gratitude, for so divine a support in your Christian race, is chiefly intended. By asserting the perseverance of the saints in grace, we do not mean to convey an idea, that through the various and powerful opposition. . with which they are beset in this state of spiritual warfare, none of them may fall into sin, be overtaken in transgression, to the wound- ing of their own souls, the tenderest feelings of their brethren, the churches of Christ, the interests of religion in general, and the dis- pleasure of God, — but, that through this unspeakable grace and mercy he will not suffer them so to fall, and continue therein, as totally and finally to perish. He will, by sore chastisements, or such other means as, in his wisdom shall seem best, bring them to an affecting sense of their sins, to genuine repentance for them, and deep humiliation before him, — as in the instances of Peter, David, and others, — and restore them. " If his children forsake my law, and walk not in my judgments ; if they break my statutes, and keep not my commandments : then will I visit their transgression with the rod, and their iniquity with stripes. Nevertheless, my loving kindness will 1 not utterly take from him, nor suffer my faithfulness to fail. My covenant will I not break, nor alter the thing that is gone out of my lips." Psalm Ixxxix. 30-34. We exclude, in the consideration of this subject, all false pro- fessors of religion, of every description, whatever may be their at- tainments, as in the grace of knowledge, talents, or tongues, and power of working miracles, who. nevertheless, are, and continue desti- tute of the renewing grace of God. Hence, those who have made a fair show in religion for a time, as the foolish margins. Matt. xxv. The branches who were in the true vine, either by profession only, or in relation to Abraham, .John xv. Those, who in a sense may have tasted of the good word of God, as the stony ground hearers, Matt, xiii. ; or, as Herod, who heard .John gladly. Matt. vi. 20. Those who may have embraced the doctrine of the gospel, frequently styled *' The Faith," in the New Testament, Acts xxiv. 24 ; 1 Tim. i. 21 ; 2 Tim. iii. 8; as Hymeneus and Alexander, who in time made ship- wreck thereof, 1 Tim. i. 20. Those who have been enlightened, and had the gift of prophecy, as Balaam, 1 Cor. xiii. 2 ; or who had the gift of tongues — power to work miracles, and, as such, tasted of the powers of the world to come, or of the gospel dispensation, as .Judas, Heb. vL 0, — all such we exclude, — of all such there Is no .sufficient evidence, that any of them were renewed by the grace of God, but of many of them the fullest testimony they were not. We, therefore, cannot plead their perseverance in grace, which they never had ; nor can such instances of defection, with any propriety, be produced as objections to the doctrine in contemplation. We assert, that those only will persevere in the way of etema 274 MINUTES OF THE PHILADELPHIA ASSOCIATION. life, and attain unto it, in -whom the regenerating grace of God has, or will take place. That this will be the happy event with all such, through the riches of sovereign mercy and goodness, the following considerations evince. The everlasting love of God to his people, manifested in Christ Jesus, tends to establish the truth. Of his church of old, God says, " I have loved thee with an everlast- ing love, therefore, with loving kindness have I drawn thee," Jer. xxsi. 3. This is the true origin of the stupendous plan laid by God the Father, for the salvation of his people. The true source of the execution of this plan is by the mediation of Christ the Son. From hence proceeds the execution of the gi-acious offices of the Holy Ghost, in the conversion of sinners, as a necessary preparation for the en- joyment of heaven. It is he who draws and leads them from death to life — from sin to holiness — from enmity to God to the love of him. Agreeably to this, divine testimony says, " We love him, because he first loved us," 1 John iv. 19. " Having loved his own, he loveth them to the end," John xiii. 1, — even to everlasting. That the love of God, in its manifestations and influences, would issue in the perseverance of the saints, and bring them to glory, Paul had the fullest assurance, when he asks with an air of triumph, " Who shall separate us from the love of Christ ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword ? Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. For I am persuaded, that 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 separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord," Rom. viii. 35, 37-39. This sentiment receives strength from the connection which sub- sists between the grace given to sinners, and God's eternal decrees ; when the good work is begun, it is the gracious accomplishment of his purposes to them from everlasting. " Who hath called us with an holy calling, according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began." On this foundation, then, the purpose of God, his word proceeds. The gospel is preached wherever it comes. " As many as were ordained to eternal life, be- lieved," Acts xiii. 48. " He that believeth on the Son, hath ever- lasting life," John iii. 36. " He that believeth, shall be saved," Mark xvi. 16, — shall not perish. " The Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved," Acts ii. 47, — should not be lost. Such is the inseparable connection between election — grace communicated, and the contemplation of it in glory. " For whom he did predestinate, them he also called ; and whom he called, them he also justified; and whom he justified, them he also glorified," Rom. viii. 30. The possession Christ has taken of the believer, by his grace, de- serves notice. Formerly Satan had dominion ; kept his goods in peace ; reigned and ruled in them in the state of their unbelief and disobedience. But when the King of Zion arrests the sinner ; casts MINUTES OF THE PHILADELPHIA ASSOCIATION. 275 out the Strong man armed ; takes the emph-e of the soul to himself, and establishes the kingdom of his grace, who shall dispossess him ? Can it be supposed, that he who is conquered, dethroned, routed, and enfeebled, shall regain what he was unable to hold? Does Christ take possession, but to keep it ! Shall any power subdue Omnipo- tence, recaptivate a new born heir of eternal life ? No, none shall be able to pluck them out of his hand ; nor out of his Father's hand, who is greater than all, John x. 25-29. The nature of this divine life merits our attention. The soid of man being immortal ; eternal in its future existence ; that which is necessary to its happiness ought to be of the like nature and dura- tion. That principle of divine life by which the soul is quickened in regeneration, is such ; " I give unto them eternal life, and they shall never perish," John x. 28. Its source is the eternal Jehovah; its communication free; its continuance durable as the immortal Spirit. It is assimilated to a seed that remaineth — to a well of water spring- ing up unto everlasting life, which the scorching heat of persecution, fiery trials, and darts of the devil, shall not dry up, but the riches of grace will replenish ; to the smoking flax which shall not be quenched — a spark of life which the many waters of affliction cannot quench, nor floods of temptation drown ; which will not expire amidst the dashing of the most boisterous waves of trouble and distress ; but nourished by him that gave it — will live and glow, till it shall blaze in eternal day. All obstructions to the saints' perseverance and salvation are re- moved. The demands of the law of God against them are fully answered by Christ their surety. There is no condemnation to such, Eom. viii. 1. The awful separation between God and them, made by sin, is healed ; peace and reconciliation is made by the blood of the cross. Col. i. 20 ; Rom. v. 1. The Avay of communication with God is open; on God's part, to confer all spiritual blessings upon them ; on their part, that they may have free access to God, through the mediation of Christ, Eph. ii. 18. Their enemies are conquered, Ps. Ixxxix. 23. The " works of the devil" destroyed, 1 John iii. 8. Sin is dethroned, and " shall not have dominion over them," Rom. vi. 14. The world is overcome. And, though imperfections cleave to them, and trials surround them, they have a prevailing advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ, "who ever liveth to make intercession for them," Rom. viii. 33, 34. It is a pleasure to observe, that the means for the promoting and effecting the perseverance of the saints are well established. Gifts for men, for the perfecting of the saints, the work of the ministry, the edifying of the body of Christ, Eph. iv. 12. The divine word, rich in all important truth, tending to establish the soul in righteous- ness ; the rich and precious promises of the gospel for encouragement and comfort ; the most suitable instructions in every state of the spiritual warfare ; faithful warnings against sin ; the glorious examples of the saints, who have gone before us, to engage us to emulate their conduct ; the falls and transgressions of others, held up as beacons, 276 MINUTES OF THE PHILADELPHIA ASSOCIATION. to warn all the camp of Israel against iniquity ; the ministrations of the word, also, opening, illustrating, and enforcing the above ; the ordinances of the gospel ; prayer, Christian fellowship ; together Avith the' laws and discipline of the house of God ; all tending, under a divine influence, to accomplish their final perseverance. The Lord Jesus, overruling all things together for good to them who love God, is a further confirmation of this truth, Rom. viii. 28. The gospel shall work effectually in them who believe, 1 Thess. ii. 13. The various dispensations of Providence shall concur to this end. Prosperity sanctified, shall promote gratitude, obedience, and humility ; adversity shall correct us ; afflictions teach the vanity of worldly enjoyments ; bereavements, their uncertainty, and the necessity of a better hope. These will cause the children of God to cleave to him. Tribulation shall work patience, and patience experience, and expe- rience hope, that maketh not ashamed ; and he that hath this hope in him purifieth himself. But, brethren, the time would fail us to dwell on the considera- tions arising from the covenant of grace, ordered in all things, and sure ; redemption by Jesus Christ ; the charge he has taken of his people ; the promises of the gospel, all tending to establish this doc- trine. As also from the perfections of God, his immutability, justice, power, wisdom, faithfulness, and truth, all engaged to bring the heirs of grace, through perseverance therein, to glory. A popular objection made to this doctrine is, that it tends to licen- tiousness ; that if the perseverance of the saints is sure, they may be as wicked as any — all will be well. Strange, that proving the perseverance of saints in grace should be a license for them to be devils in wickedness ! That advancing in holiness should be a reason for abounding in sin ! It is fatal to this objection, that it bears the strongest features of that raised against the doctrines of grace of old : " Let us continue in sin, that grace may abound ;" and may be well answered in like manner : " God for- bid. How shall we, who are dead to sin, live any longer therein," Rom. vi. 1, 2. The objection is founded on the perverse disposition, not of a renewed, but of an unrenewed heart, which the love of God does not constrain ; which does not love God for his holiness, nor delights in his law ; nor has seen his ways, — ways of pleasantness, and paths of peace ; but is in love with sin, and rejoices in an excuse or opportunity to indulge it. As such, it is inapplicable to the real saint, who delights in the law of God after the inward man. The objection, therefore, ought to fall, and men of grace be ashamed to raise it again. iVnother objection is, that the certainty of the saints' perseverance in grace leads to negligence and inattention to the duties of religion. We are ready to compare notes, not for a transient flight of zeal, but thi'ough the whole lives of those real professors of religion who hold, and those who oppose, this doctrine. This objection rests on the same foundation with the other, and as liable to the same fate. It cannot DC proved that this sentiment had this eff"ect on the immediate real disciples of Christ ; but it is abundantly evident it had the reverse MINUTES OF THE PHILADELPHIA ASSOCIATION. 277 tendency. Paul, who had the highest confidence that he who had begun a good work in the saints at Philippi, would perform it till the day of Jesus Christ, and represents them as faithful and zealous brethren, says of himself, " I press forward toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus," Phil. iii. 14. His brethren he exhorts, " Having these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and of the spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God," 2 Cor. vii. 1. To indulge a licentious spirit, or indifference to the duties of reli- gion, on the ground of these objections, would be a most flagrant violation of the laws of reason, gratitude, and love. May you, dear brethren, continue persuaded of this truth, and par- take of the support to be derived from it. How uncertain are all temporal enjoyments and prospects ! How happy for the people of God, that in the most important of all concerns, those of religion, there is a stability ! That the foundation standeth sure, — the Lord knoweth them that are his ! Having begun a good work in you, he will perform it. That the perseverance of the saints in grace to the consummation of it in glory is sure ! How supporting the reflection ! how animating the prospect ! Shall not the stupendous plan of sovereign grace and love, by which the sinner's salvation will be so surely and fully completed, for ever command the admiration of angels and men ! Will not the warmest gratitude glow in every heart on the remem- brance of it ? Shall not the most cheerful obedience be rendered ? the most ardent affection arise to God ? the most devout adoration ascend from every soul ? Surely these are the genuine offspring of grace, so great, so sure, so rich, so free. Is there a professor amongst us to whom these emotions are not more common than the rising sun ! Be alarmed, oh man ! Has the law of sin gained the ascendancy over the law of thy mind ? or hath the law of the spirit of life in Christ Jesus never made thee free from the law of sin and death ? Examine thyself. Are any fallen into sin, how great their ingratitude ! How aggra- vated their transgressions, to sin against such amazing love, unspeak- able goodness, and rich grace ! to offend against so many and great obligations to obedience. What pungent distress, what shame, what sorrow, must ensue ! How light my affliction compared with my sin ! says the offender ; surely he has not visited me according to my sin, nor rewarded me according to my transgression. And oh ! will he not take his loving kindness from me, nor suffer his faithfulness to fail ? Is there yet hope ? Oh, grace beyond degree ! With this prospect before us in prosperity, with this support in affliction, trial, and darkness, to which we are liable in this pilgrim- age state, let us press forward in the way of truth and holiness. Now, unto God the Father be glory in the church, through Jesus Christ, world without end. Amen. Samuel Jones, Moderator. John Stancliff, Clerk. 278 MINUTES OF THE PHILADELPHIA ASSOCIATION. THE MINISTERS AND MESSENGERS AT THE ASSOCIATION, AND STATE OF THE CHURCHES DURING THE YEAR. "C -SI p i •a o s CHURCHES. MINISTERS AND MESSENGERS. .S "p. 1 s 1 CD 1 i is 1^ 5 » a s . Samuel Jones, D. D., Lower Dublin, -i John Wright, Benjamin Dungan, 4 63 ,,. , ,, , f Samuel Morgan,* Middletown, | William Blair, 17 5 152 Piscataqua, Reune Runt an, Peter Bryant, ' Henry Smalley,* 1 1 4 2 3 141 Cohansie, Jonathan Bowen, David Shepherd, ^ John Siffin, 13 1 2 121 Welsh Tract, ' John Boggs, ^ Andrew Molton, 14 5 5 1 3 114 John Beauly, Great Valley, Isaac Abraham, Daniel Cornog, Nathaniel Davis, ^ Andrew Garden, 1 2 82 Cape May, John Stancliff, 2 1 4 5 53 Hopewell, Oliver Hart, ' Joshua Yaughan, 6 3 168 Brandywine, -t William Simonson, Thomas Davis, 8 2 49 Montgomery, Isaac Johnson, Edmond Pennington, 1 2 1 23 Tulpeliokin,t Kingwood, James Drake, David Stout, ' Peter Wilson, 9 80 Haight's Town, Nehemiah Dye, [Lloyd Holmes, 22 5 1 4 3 259 ' Thomas Ustick, William Rogers, D. D., ]Morgan Edwards, Philadelphia, < Thomas Shields, George IngoUs, John M'Leod, Hugh Gorley, 6 10 6 4 111 ' David Jones, Southampton, ■< Benjamin Bennet, Elias Yerkes, jr.. _ Arthur Watts, 6 o 2 2 57 Scotch Plains, William A'anhorn, 1 1 2 136 Oyster Bay,t 25 Morristown, 5 2 94 MINUTES OF THE PHILADELPHIA ASSOCIATION. 279 CHURCHES. ministers and messengers. ■a S ■3 c p 1 5 o K i ■3 1 s a 43 Knowlton,! Daniel Vaughan,* Hartford,! John Daties,* 120 New Britain,t Joshua Jones, 21 Salem, [ Ephraim Lloyd, [ Abraham Harris, 12 2 3 66 Wantage,! Silas Southworth,* Dividing Creek, 1. New York, 2 9 5 3 2 3 40 198 Benjamin Foster,* 1 New Mills, • David Gaskill, Richard Watkin, 2 4 2 1 86 Konoloway,! Coram,! Upper Freehold, Joseph Powell,* 2 1 30 78 Joseph Stephens,* Edward Taylor, 7 1 Mount Bethel,! Lyon's Farms,! Philip's Patent,! Pittsgrove,! Manahawkin,! Vincent,! Tuckahoe,! 2. New York, King Street,! Cow Marsh, 1 101 16 22 36 30 Isaac Bunnell,* Joseph Stout, 8 2 Job Meredith, London Tract, Thomas Fleeson, 4 38 Hilltown, James M'Laughlin, Robert Shannon, John Pugh, 4 1 1 102 Lower Smithfield, David Jatne,* 26 Baltimore, 1 Lewis Richards,* George Prestman, 5 5 63 Byrn Slon, Duck Creek, ' James Jones,* John Patton, Gideon Ferrell, John Crawford, Hugh Durburrow, Gasper Harwood, 32 3 1 3 12 83 Wilmington, < ' Thomas Ainger, Thomas Brooks, Jesse Walraven, 12 3 1 3 53 Canoe Brook 14 2 1 1 73 Jacob's Town, Burgiss Allisokt, James Cox, 2 1 3 59 Staten Island, Elkana Holmes,* 28 Pittstown,! James Finn,* 28 Marcus Hook, Eliphaz Dazet, 1 2 0. 1 16 280 MINUTES OF THE PHILADELPHIA ASSOCIATION". CHURCHES. MINISTERS AND MESSENGERS. •a M 'o. II 5 u o a 8 i i 1 § Kocksberry, f Curtis Gilbert, < Michael Conrad, [ Col-nelius Holdgate, 5 44 Falls Township, f Alexander M'Gotv^an, ^ Joseph Richardson, jr., [Jeremiah Ward, 7 1 25 224 41 55 8 22 60 3253 Note. — The ministers' names are in small capitals. Licenced preachers in italics. Tliose marked thus * were not present. From the churches marked thus t received no intelligence. A dash denotes no settled minister. MINUTES OF THE PHILADELPHIA BAPTIST ASSOCIATION, HELD AT PHILADELPHIA, OCTOBER 2d, 3d, 4tH, AND 5tH, 1792. October 2. — At three o clock, p. m., Rev. Doctor' William Rogers delivered the introductory sermon, from Phil. iii. 8, " Yea, doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord. 2. After worship, proceeded to business. Rev. Isaac Skillman was chosen moderator, and the Rev. Burgiss Allison, clerk. 3. Letters from thirty-six churches were read. Adjourned to nine o'clock to-morrow morning. October 3. — Met agreeably to adjournment. 1. Two letters were read from the Warwick Association, for the years 1791 and 1792 ; the former not having come forward last year. This Association, according to their request, was received by their messengers, Rev. Thomas Montanye and Benjamin Pelton, as a cor- responding Association. 2. A letter was also read from the New York Association, re- questing union and correspondence with us, which was unanimously agreed to. 3. The Rev. Messrs. William Augustus Clarke, from London, Hunt and German, from New Jersey, and David Sutton, being pre- sent, were invited to sit with us. 4. An application was again made by the newly constituted church at Sideling Hill to be admitted into connection with this Association. After examining the objections which had been made, and not think- ing them sufficient to ground a rejection upon, the said church was admitted. Nevertheless the Association disapprove of multiplying churches by dividing those already established, without evident ne- cessity; and also, of any one minister by himself undertaking to constitute a church. 5. An application was also made by the church at West Creek, New Jersey, lately constituted, desiring to be admitted. It was accordingly received. 6. Letters were received, and read, from the Associations of Charleston, Shaftsbury, Warren, and Daubury ; and printed minutes 36 (281) 282 MINUTES OF THE PHILADELPHIA ASSOCIATION. from those of Warwick, New York, Warren, Charleston, Kehukee, Bethel, and Portsmouth, Virginia. 7. The following brethren to write to the corresponding Associations, viz., Dr. Samuel Jones, to that of New York ; Mr. Smalley, to Warwick ; Mr. Blackwell, to Warren ; Mr. Stevens, to Shaftsburj ; Mr. StancliflF, to Danbury ; and Mr. Ustick, to Charleston. 8. The circular letter was read, and Messrs. Samuel Jones, David Jones, and James M'Laughlin appointed a committee to revise the same. 9. Three o'clock, p. m. — Mr. Smalley appointed to write the cir- cular letter for the ensuing year. 10. A query from the Church at Great Valley, referred from last Association : Whether the degree of affinity there mentioned, viz., between a widow and her first husband's nephew, is sufficient to ex- clude them from church communion, in case of their marriage ? Determined in the negative. 11. Resolved, That a certain lot of ground, the bequest of Mrs. Hubbs, in Hopewell township, Hunterdon county. New Jersey, be sold by the trustees, and the money added to the Association funds, after the expense of erecting a head-stone for Mr. and Mrs. Hubbs, each, shall be deducted. Adjourned until nine o'clock to-morrow morning. Rev. Mr. Clarke preached this evening, from Acts xv. 86. October 4. — Met pursuant to adjournment. 12. This Association, taking into consideration the difficulty sub- sisting in the second church at New York, do profess, that by any transaction of either last Association, or this, they do not pretend to decide which party is in the wrong, or to have received either of them in particular, but recommend the calling a council to have all differences amicably settled among themselves. 13. A query respecting the validity of baptism by an unordained and unbaptized administrator, referred in the sixth section of October 5, in our minutes of last year, was taken up, and determined in the negative. 14. Three o'clock, P. M. — The committee appointed to revise the circular letter written by Brother Joshua Jones, approved the same, and made their report. 15. A query from the church at Marcus Hook: Would it not be expedient for this Association to republish Dr. Gill's Nature, Order, and Discipline of a Gospel Church, or some other equally good, and recommend the same to the churches? In answer. That, whereas most of the churches are unacquainted with Dr. Gill's piece referred to, the Association recommend that they make themselves acquainted therewith against next annual As- sociation, by which means they will be prepared to determine upon the expediency thereof. 16. Queries from the church at Great Valley : Are the words bishop and elder of the same meaning in the writings of the apostles ? Yes. This Association, therefore, recommend that the terms - MINUTES OF THE PHILADELPHIA ASSOCIATION. 283 pastors, bishops and elders, as used in our Confession of faith, be adopted. 17. Query from the church at West Creek : Is the washing of feet a gospel ordinance? This Association consider the washing of feet, as mentioned in the New Testament, only as a pattern of humility; nevertheless have no objection to those practising it who think it a duty. 18. The churches of Mount Bethel and Lyon's Farms request a dismission from this Association to join that of New York, as being more convenient. 19. Whereas, there is or ought to be a considerable sum of money in the hands of the heirs, executors, or administrators of the late Isaac Jones, Esq., belonging to the funds of the grammar school under the direction of this Association, the amount of which is at present uncertain ; therefore, Resolved, That Dr. Samuel Jones, Dr. William Rogers, and Samuel Miles, Esq., be a committee to ascertain the amount and situation of this money, with full power to use such means (whether in conjunc- tion with the trustees, or separate from them,) as may be best calcu- lated to recover the said money ; and, if need be, to employ council learned in the law for the above purpose. 20. Letters written to the Shaftsbury, Warren, Danbury, Charles- ton, Warwick, and New York Associations were read and approved ; and the following brethren appointed as messengers : — To Warren, Dr. Samuel Jones and Rev. William Augustus Clarke ; to Danbury, Mr. Benjamin Pelton ; to Charleston, Rev. Peter Philanthropos Roots ; to Warwick and New York, Rev. Dr. Samuel Jones, Rev. Joseph Stephens, and Rev. Peter Wilson. 21. Elders Patten, Clingan, and Vaughan, agree to travel for three months in the ensuing year, about Juniata and the West Branch of Susquehanna, to preach the gospel to the destitute ; and this As- sociation recommend that a sufficient sum be subscribed by the churches, and paid immediately into the hands of Col. Samuel Miles, to bear their expenses. 22. In answer to a letter received from some destitute persons at * Niagara, it is recommended to such of the ministering brethren as have it in their power to pay them a visit. Adjourned until to-morrow morning at nine o'clock. This evening Brother Roots preached from Heb. ii. 3. October 5, nine o'clock, A. m. — Met according to adjournment. 23. Some difficulties subsisting in the Pittstown church, the Asso- ciation appoint Dr. Samuel Jones, David Jones, and Thomas Fleeson, as a committee to enquire into the matter this afternoon, and, in conjunction with those of the parties present, endeavor to remove them. 24. Two queries from the Pittstown church. First query : Where there is a positive contradiction between two men, both members of the church, is the testimony of either of their wives to be received, supposing her also a member. Yes. 284 MINUTES OF THE PHILADELPHIA ASSOCIATION. Second query : "Where a council is called to settle a difficulty between two churches, ought that council to give judgment, or to propose measures of reconciliation? It is our judgment that the council should both give their opinion, and likewise advise to measures of reconciliation. 25. Supplies were granted to the following destitute churches : — Ringwood, Dividing Creek, and Pittsgrove. 26. Three o'clock, p. m. — The committee appointed last year to effectuate the incorporation of this Association, by charter, are con- tinued the ensuing year. 27. Dr. Jones, agreeably to a resolve of last year, brought in an abstract from the minutes of the preceding years. 28. The next Association to meet in Philadelphia, on the first Tuesday in October, 1793. 29. Brother Skillman to preach the introductory sermon ; and, iu case of failure. Brother David Jones. 30 Brother Ustick is requested to superintend the printing of the minutes, and forward them to the churches. Bev. Mr. Montanye preached in the evening. CIECULAR LETTER. BY REV. JOSHUA JONES. The elders and messengers of the several churches met in Asso- ciation, in the city of Philadelphia, October 2d, 1792. To the churches in union with this Association, send greeting. Dearly beloved brethren, — According to the course of our order, the subject of our circular letter, this year, is the assurance of grace and salvation. Confession of faith. Chap. XVIII. This is a subject of very great importance, with which all true Chris- tians are concerned, and, perhaps, for the most part, make the matter of their most serious inquiry. It is, therefore, very obvious that it requires to be discussed with the greatest care, whereby it may tend to minister some revival of hope to the doubting Christian, and that the joy of faith may be increased in those that are of a higher at- tainment ; while, at the same time, the nominal professor may be de- tected and convinced of his delusion. In order to attempt something for the illustration of this very important article, several particulars are to be considered; as First. That there are degrees in this grace of assurance, as well as in other graces of the Spirit. Divine revelation, and the expe- rience of all ages, make it abundantly manifest, that there are some, who from a deep sense of their own sinfulness, together with the weak exercise of their graces, cannot help hesitating respecting their own interest in the great salvation that is in Christ ; but yet they have such expectation of obtaining salvation by him, as bears them up from falling into despair. The true Christian views his own sins in their own colors, and they appear, attended with their several aggravations, horrid and detestable in his view ; and he finds, by sad experience, that there is a body of sin and pollution in his nature, so MINUTES OF THE PHILADELPHIA ASSOCIATION. 285 that he cannot well tell how a gracious change in his heart can consist with so much sin and defilement ; yet he would endeavor to conclude with the Psalmist, Ixv. 4, " iniquities prevail against me : as for our transgressions thou shalt purge them away." The believer has a view, though it be weak, to the fountain opened for sin and for uncleanness ; and it is from this source he draws all his comforts, that his sins are pardoned; and this confidence, though weak, enables him to look unto Jesus, whom he hath pierced with his sins, and hope that there is healing virtue in his blood ; so that he rests his soul upon it, as that alone that can cleanse him from all sin. Though all this may not amount to a full assurance, that his state god-ward is good, yet he would not exchange it for all that the world could give him in lieu thereof. Second, We are to consider that this grace of assurance is attain- able in this life, not only in extraordinary cases, such as martyrdom, and under some other very difficult cases that some maybe called to; but also in the common course of the dispensation of grace ; for it may be justly observed, that every true Christian may and has a just right to conclude that his state God-ward is a state of peace, were it not for the remainder of unbelief that cleaves unto him ; but this is what prevents it : and where this is done away and overcome, the Christian may say with holy Job, " I know that my Redeemer livetli ;" and with the apostle, " I am crucified with Christ ; nevertheless I live ; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me ; and the life which I now live in the flesh, I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me," Gal. ii. 29. And again, " For me to live is Christ, and to die is gain," Phil. i. 21. It is abundantly evi- dent from divine revelation, that the grace of assurance in this life is attainable. 1. Because that it appears to be the privilege of believers in com- mon; for this see 1 Cor. ii. 12, " For we have not received the spirit of the world, but the Spirit which is of God, that we may know the things that are freely given us of God." Here we see the apostle ad- dresses these Corinthian believers, that they were interested in the same grace of assurance in common with himself; and in the first Epistle of John v. 20, " And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we may know him that is true ; and we are in him that is true ; even in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God and eternal life." There is such provision made for it, so that the heirs of glory might have an undoubted hope of enjoying it. For this see Heb. vi. 17, 18, 19, " Wherein God will- ing more abundantly to show unto the heirs of promise, the immuta- bility of his counsel, confirmed it by an oath : that by two immutable things, in Avhich it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold on the hope set before us. Which hope we have as an anchor to the soul, both sure and steadfast, which entereth into that within the veil." And moreover, it is spoken of as something blamable in Christians, that they do not know their union with Christ, 2 Cor. xiii. 5, " Know ye 286 MINUTES OF THE PHILADELPHIA ASSOCIATION. not your ownselves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates ?" 2. It appears that assurance is attainable in the present state of things, because it is inculcated upon us, to use diligence to make our calling and election sure. And were it not attainable, we conclude that so interesting a point would not be enjoined us ; but it appears that is not the case. And it appears that those that live in a nearness to God in their affection of love, incline to keep his word practically, and the more we are in this salutary employment, there is a motive annexed, that is infinitely beyond the merit of our doing ; for there is a promise to the disciples of Christ, to such as love him, and keep his word, that the Father and the Son will come and make their abode with them, by which we are to understand, that it means a manifestation of his fatherly love, and receive more of the Spirit of adoption, whereby they are, enabled to cry, Abba, Father. From hence it appears that those Christians that live in a nearness to God in their love and affections, have, for the most part, the clearest dis- covery of his love. But yet — Thirdly. There is another particular to be inquired into ; that is, the source and efficient cause from whence this full assurance of hope doth proceed, and that is the Spirit of God. Hence it is said, " that the Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the chil- dren of God," Kom. viii. 16. It is said "the Spirit itself." Now when it is said, that a person doth something himself, it is to be un- derstood, that he doth it not by another, or by a deputy ; so that we are to understand, that it is the Holy Spirit that is the sole efficient cause of a Christian's having a clear manifestation of his interest in Christ; and this cannot be attained unto, without tho witness of the Spirit. Here it may be inquired, how the Spirit doth witness ? In answer to this, we are to consider what our Lord says concerning the Spirit, as we read in John xvi. 14. Our Lord, speaking there of the Spirit, says, " He shall glorify me, for he shall receive of mine, and shall show it unto you." By which we are to understand, that it is owing to the influence of the Holy Spirit, that any Christian is en- abled to behold the sufficiency that is in the blood of Christ to cleanse from all sins, and make an appropriation of it to himself; and the Holy Spirit is called the Comforter, which is very comprehensive, and includes in it not only comfort, but strength, light, and joy ; because his assurance of hope is upon the blood and righteousness of Jesus Christ, and to behold that there is forgiveness of sins through his blood, and that now all are "justified from all things, from which they could not be justified by the law of Moses." It must be observed, that the Spirit witnessing by the word of grace, enables the soul to appropriate those great and precious promises to himself, by virtue of the witness of the Spirit itself, with our spirit, that we are the children of God. But here may arise a very serious inquiry, how may a believer know that it is the Spirit of God and not the spirit of delusion ? We shall say no more, in answer to this, than that the Spu'it itself can and will resolve it to his own childi'en by his own MINUTES OF THE PHILADELPHIA ASSOCIATIOX. 287 powerful efficacy. Much might be said on this head, but brevity for- bids us to enlarge. Fourthly. We are to consider that the faith of assurance is not the essence of the faith of reliance, for the lowest degree must be at- tained before the highest, for the sealing of the Spirit comes after believing, and not always upon believing, for there are little children in this grace as well as strong men ; for in our regeneration, we are to conclude that every grace of the Spirit, that is inseparably con- nected with salvation, is implanted in the heart of every true believer, though they may be weakly exercised by the sincere Christian. The conversion of some is more obvious than of some others, both to themselves and to their fellow Christians, and the Spirit may sweetly breathe on them his own impression, and the comforts derived there- from ; so that he that has only the faith of reliance, has some de- gree of appropriation ; and yet not being clear of being beclouded, and of uncomfortable doubts prevailing in his breast, — so as yet he loves, and wonders at the stupendous love, wisdom, and faithfulness of God, in laying " help on One who is mighty to save," and there- fore he leans upon him for life and salvation, — and yet those that have the faith of reliance, it is of that nature that it tends to purify the heart, and overcome the world ; so that the soul is brought to an humble submission to the will of God, and beholds that there is no salvation in any other, and is enabled to rejoice that it is even so, and concludes, that this is all his hope. Although his sins appear to him of the deepest dye, yet he hopes to find mercy through the aton- ing blood of Jesus, because that it is revealed in the word of grace that it was to this end Jesus Christ came into the world to save sin- ners, the chief of sinners. Let it be observed, that if a Christian, whose faith amounts to no higher than that of affiance — if he discovers in himself one link of the precious chain of salvation, he upon the best grounds may conclude, that he has the whole ; for there is not one soul, that shall perish, that has one of the saving graces of the Spirit, but then one is never alone ; and that the Spirit of God may withhold the shinings of his face upon the operation that he hath wrouglit upon the heart of the believer, that relies on the merits of Christ for salvation — and the believer may walk in darkness, as to the comfortable manifestation of everlasting love ; for we find that this has been the case with some of God's dear children : and hence it is that such go mourning all the day ; and this has been the case with some that had great nearness to God, and intimacy with him, as we may see in the 51st Psalm. It comes to pass commonly in consequence of their departing from God by sin, which was the case with the Psalmist, and in consequence of it their faith is shaken, and their assurance intermitted, and yet in regard of their secret state Godward, it is a state of peace — it is immovable and immutable, and the union subsisting, never can be dissolved. But, Fiftiiiy. We are to consider that there is such a thing as false hope, and counterfeit assurance ; and this we are to guard against as one ui the most pernicious evils that may befall the human mind. 288 MINUTES OP THE PHILADELPniA ASSOCIATION. But by thus observing, we do not mean to discourage you, dear brethren, from appropriating to yourselves the riches of divine grace, and an assurance of an eternal weight of glory. But there is such a similarity between a sincere Christian and a nominal one, as there is between wheat and tares in the blade, which teaches us that a close inspection ought to be exercised by every one of us, whether we have in possession a vital principle of true religion. For the holy Scrip- tures hold forth unto us that many will be deceived at last, and meet a dreadful overthrow, by reason of building on a false foundation — as we may see in Matt. vii. 22, 23. So that it is not every one that says he has an assurance of faith, who really hath it. And the apostle saith, " If a man thinketh himself to be something, when he is no- thing, he deceive th himself," Gal. vi. 3; and a great many passages of holy writ might be adduced to prove this awful truth. But we pro- ceed finally, to point out the great utility of the grace of assurance of hope, to those that have it, during their pilgrimage here on earth. 1. It enables them to submit, with cheerfulness, to adverse dis- pensations, upon the account that they are enabled to believe that their heavenly Father does every thing for good to them that love him. 2. Full assurance of hope enables them to believe whatever God is pleased to reveal concerning himself, because that there is now a greater nearness to God than heretofore, and the more knowledge the believer has of God, the more acquaintance he has with himself, whereby he is made to behold his own impotence and ignorance ; for until such time as the believer attains to some degree of assurance, carnal reason will retard his progress in the exercise of faith, par- ticularly in some points that are beyond his rational comprehension. For the more assurance the believer attains unto, the more carnal reason is overcome ; and therefore forms a just idea of the infinite disproportion that is between him and that Infinite Being in whom he confides. Believing that God's proceedings with all his crea- tures, are in infinite wisdom, justice and holiness; and that the Judge of the whole earth will .do right ; and this is one great means whereby the children of God are kept from apostatizing from the great fundament/il articles of the Christian faith ; and for want of which many in the present day run into such extremes of error, in turning the true meaning of the sacred Scriptures, in those very essential articles of the Christian faith, contrary to the very literal meaning of them. This comes to pass by leaning too much on their own carnal wisdom and judgment — so they conclude that God has a different meaning from what his word conveys, and that impeni- tent sinners shall pass with impunity. From such errors as drown the wicked in perdition, those that have a well founded hope are finally preserved. 3. The grace of assurance will be of the greatest use in our last conflict with death, knowing that Christ has taken away the sting of death, and that death itself will be destroyed ; so that the assured Christian is made to rejoice, that he has no cause to fear that any MINUTES OF THE PHILADELPHIA ASSOCIATION. 289 ill consequence will attend his exit out of time into eternity ; and it enables him not only to submit to, but also to obey, with cheerful- ness, the messenger his heavenly Father sends ; being confident, upon good grounds, that he will be admitted into the society of "the spirits of just men made perfect," and so ever be with the Lord ; where the weary are at perfect rest, and the wicked forever cease from troubling. The assurance of this is a prelibation or a foretaste of that heavenly glory that awaits all the children of God in a coming world. Dear brethren, let these things sink deep into your hearts, whereby ye may be found in the lively exercise of every grace, and in the faithful discharge of every duty; and be enabled, with pa- tience, to run the race that is set before you, " still looking to Jesus who is the author and finisher of our faith." Now, unto him who is able to keep you from falling, and present you faultless before the presence of his glory, with exceeding joy. To the only wise God, our Saviour, be glory and majesty, domi- nion and power, both now and forever." Ainen. Signed by order of the Association, Isaac Skillman, Moderator. BuRGiss Allison, Clerk. I Rev. Curtis Gilbert, of Rocksberry, died in the year past. | THE MINISTERS AND MESSENGERS AT THE ASSOCIATION, AND STATE OF THE CHURCHES DURING THE YEAR. CHURCHES. MINISTERS AND MESSENGERS. 1 2 ^1 .£;■£ ^^ 1 s 4 ■6 1 1 2 § 63 123 Pennepek, Middletown, 1 Samuel .Jones, D. D., \ John Wright, } William Blair, ( John Smock, Piscataqua,t Cohansie, 15 1 1 7 141 127 ' Henry Smalley, A. M., David Bowen, Daniel Harris, Howell Watson, Welsh Tract,! Great Valley, John Boggs,"^ f David Jones, A. M., -< Daniel Cornog, [Isaac Abrams, 3 6 2 114 77 Cape May, John Stancliff, ' Oliver Hart, A. M.,* 2 2 49 Hopewell, JouN Blackvvell, I Daniel Drake, (^ James Ross, 4 1 2 2 171 37 290 MINUTES OF THE PHILADELPHIA ASSOCIATION. CHURCHES. MINISTERS AND MESSENGERS. •3 n 1 -3 2 o 8 ■3 1 a n cS^ fi K f^ ft s Brandywine, Montgomery, 'Joshua Vaughan, James Shields, William Simpson, John Garrett, William Griffith, 17 2 3 66 23 Peter Evans, Charles Humphries, Edmond Pennington, Tulpehokin,t Kingwood, 2 2 76 James Drake, David Stout, Haight's Town, Peter Wilson, A. M., 20 6 1 3 271 Philadelphia, Southampton, ^ Thomas Ustick, A. M., William Eogers, D. D., Morgan Edwards, A.M. Samuel Miles, Esq., Thomas Shields, Esq., John M'Leod, George Ingolls, Aaron Vanhorn, 6 2 7 1 3 3 1 1 1 124 55 Benjamin Bennett, Thomas Folwell, Elias Yerkes, jr., William Watts, KnoTvlton,! Daniel Vaughan,* 43 Hartford,! John Davies,* 120 New Britain, ' Joshua Jones, James Dungan, 4 2 27 Salem, Dividing Creek, New Mills, 1 ■ Isaac Skillman, A. M., ' Ephraim Lloyd, ' John Walker, f 2 15 3 2 2 3 4 5 2 3 62 50 88 Jonadab Shepherd, Isaac Carlisle, David Gaskill, Joseph Barber, Konoloway,t Joseph Powell,* Coram, f Upper Freehold, 3 30 75 ; John Stephens, Edward Taylor, 4 2 Philip's Patent, Pittsgrove,t Manahawkin, Vincent, 2 2 2 24 1 John Gwin, MINUTES OF THE PHILADELPHIA ASSOCIATION. 291 1 « fe V ■a a 8 ■6 2 CHURCHES. ministers and messengers. ■| ii 1 o 03 a n 36 4 5 26 1 ft a Tuckahoe, Isaac Bunnel, 3 14 46 Cow Marsh, f Joseph Flood, 1 John Gruwell, 6 1 2 1 33 London Tract, Thomas Fleeson, John Whitting, 'James M'Laughlin, 1 1 1 37 Hilltown, Enoch Thomas, Isaac Morris, Robert Shannon, 2 104 Lower Smithfield,f David Jatne,* 26 Baltimore, f Lewis Richards,* < William Clingan, [ Charles P. Polk, 4 3 1 2 65 Bryn Sion, Duck Creek, ' James Jones, John Patton, Gideon Ferrol, ^ Samuel Davis, 3 1 4 81 Wilmington, f Thomas Ainger,* ^ Thomas Brooks, [Abram Simson, 1 1 1 2 52 Jacob's Town, f BuRGiss Allison, A. M. ( James Cox, 59 Pittstown, James Finn, 134 Marcus Hook, Rocksberry, f Eliphaz Dazet, - Richard Riley, George White, 2 2 0. 1 18 46 John Levering, Anthony Levering, ^ Wickard Jacoby, Falls Township, f Alexander M'Gowan, < Malachi Richardson, [George White, 8 4 2 35 Sideling HiU, Thomas Runtan, 47 West Creek, 160 30 64 7, 18 63 28 2810 Note. — The ministers' names are in small capitals. Licensed preachers in italic. Those marked thus * not present. From the churches marked thus f received no intelligence. A dash denotes no settled minister. MINUTES PHILADELPHIA BAPTIST ASSOCIATION, HELD^ BY SPECIAL APPOINTMENT, AT SOUTHAMPTON, BUCKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA, OCTOBER 29tH AND 30tH, 1793. [Having been prevented meeting, at the time appointed, in the city of Philadel- phia, by a prevailing infectious disdorder, with which God, in his providence, has been pleased to visit that city.] October 29th. — At three o'clock, p. M., the introductory sermon was preached by the Rev. David Jones, from 1 Cor. xv. 24, 25: " Then cometh the end, when he shall have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father; when he shall have put down all rule, and all authority and power. For he must reign, till he hath put all enemies under his feet." Adjourned to nine o'clock to-morrow morning. 2. October 30th. — Met, agreeably to adjournment. Rev. Oliver Hart was chosen moderator, and the Rev. Burgiss Allison, clerk. 3. Letters from seventeen churches were read. 4. A letter from the Elkhorn, Kentucky Association, was received and read, with their minutes, and Brother David Jones appointed to answer it at his leisure ; and transmit the answer by the first good opportunity. 5. Dr. Jones was requested to write to the Danbury Association, in the name of this Association, in reference to their circular letter of last year. 6. Resolved, That the committee appointed in the 19th section of our last year's minutes, still be continued for the purposes therein mentioned. 7. The Association, taking into consideration the awful dispensa- tions of Divine Providence in the epidemical disorder now raging in the city of Philadelphia, together with the great drouglit in our part of the country, and general declension in vital piety, recommend that Tuesday, the 12th day of November ensuing, be observed as a day of humiliation, fasting, and prayer, throughout our churches ; and should it please God to remove any part of those judgments previous to that day, that his mercy therein be remembered with public thanksgiving at the same time. (292) • MINUTES OF THE PHILADELPHIA ASSOCIATION. 293 8. The churches are warned against receiving Joseph Stephens, late pastor of Upper Freehold church, or admitting him to preach amongst them, being an excommunicated person, and holding the erroneous doctrine of universal salvation. Brother Memminger to preach at four o'clock, P. M. Adjourned to half-past three o'clock, P. m. 9. Met, agreeably to adjournment. — Brother Fleeson having been appointed to write a circular letter in consequence of Brother Smalley not bringing forward the one he was nominated last Association to write, accordingly wrote one, which, being read, was approved. 10. Brother Smalley was appointed to write the circular letter for the ensuing year, upon the subject on which he was to have written for the present. 11. Mr. Allison requested the messengers to give information to the members of their respective churches, if any more family Bibles should be wanting, that Mr. Collins has yet some of his impression on hand. 12. The Association to meet next year at Philadelphia, on the first Tuesday in October, at three o'clock, p. M. 13. Brother Allison is appointed to preach the introductory ser- mon ; and, in case of failure, Brother M'Laughlin. 14. Brother Allison is also requested to superintend the printing of the minutes, and to disperse the same. CIRCULAR LETTER. BY REV THOMAS FLEESON. The elders and brethren of the several churches belonging to the Philadelphia Baptist Association, met, by special appointment, at Southampton, in the county of Bucks, October 29th and 30th, 1793. To the churches in union with us, send greeting. Beloved in the Lord, — In a course of Divine Providence, we were favored to meet at this place, and, blessed be God, our meeting has been comfortable. We trust we have had the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ, the great and exalted head of the church. In all our deliberations we have had a view to the glory of God and the peace and comfort of the church of Christ. The contagious disorder with which the Lord has been pleased to visit the city, the present great and uncommon drought, the sad decay of vital piety, are circumstances of a very alarming nature, — are sure indications of the displeasure of Almighty God, and call aloud for deep humiliation before the Lord. How necessary is it that we should lay these things seriously to heart ; that we should consider the cause of the Lord's displeasure ; that we should repent and do our first works ; that we should turn to the Lord with all our hearts, with weeping, fasting, and mourning, — rend our hearts, and not our garments, and turn unto the Lord our God, who is gracious and merciful ; slow to anger, and of great kindness, and repenteth him of the evil. The accounts from our churches are such as give pleasure and pain ; pleasure, when we consider the peace and unanimity which 294 MINtlTES OF THE PHILADELPHIA ASSOCIATIOX. generally prevail; pain, from the consideration of a too general de- clension, and the small addition to our churches. 0, dear brethren, be engaged with the Lord, that he would revive his work, that his threatened judgments may be averted, that we may enjoy his presence, that a spirit of grace and supplication may be poured out upon us, and that we may revive as the corn, and grow as the vine. And now, dear brethren, committing you to God and the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inherit- ance among all them that are sanctified. We remain yours in the Lord, Oliver Hart, Moderator, BuRGiss Allison, Clerk. THE MINISTERS AND MESSENGERS AT THE ASSOCIATION, AND STATE OF THE CHURCHES DURING THE YEAR. CHURCHES. MINISTERS AND MESSENGERS. Pennepek, Middletown, Piscataqua,t Cohansie,t Welsh Tract,t Great Valley, Cape May,f Hopewell, Brandywine, Montgomery, Tulpehokin,f Kingwood,t Haight's Town,! Philadelphia, Southampton, Knowlton.t Hartford,! New Britain, Salem,t Dividing Creek, {Samuel Jones, D. D., Benjamin Dungan, John Holmes, Benjamin Bennet, Reune Runtan,* Henry Smalley, A. M.,* John Boggs,* f Dayid .Jones, A. M., [ Daniel Cornog, John Stancliff,* I Oliver Hart, A. M., \ John Black well, Joshua Vaughan, 5 Charles Humphries, ( John Harris, Peter "Wilson, A. M.,* Thomas Ustick, A. M.* r Arthur Watts, ■< Elias Dungan, [ William Watts, Daniel Vaughan,* John Davis,* ( Joshua Jones, < Edward Matthew, ( James Dungan, Isaac Skilman, A. M.,* 1 1 61 142 141 127 114 49 163 72 22 76; 271 124 54 43 120 26 01 62 ol 01 50 MINUTES OF THE PHILADELPHIA ASSOCIATION. 295 CHURCHES. MINISTERS AND MESSENGERS. •a ■-S §■ pq 5 ll «^ 3 t 2 a s X 1 ri 1 £ 1 o 1 92 New Mills, ( David Gaskill, \ Benjamin Hedger, Konoloway,t Joseph Powell,* Coram,! Upper Freehold, 1 30 72 1 Edward Taylor, 1 2 Pittsgrove.t Manahawkin,t Vincent, Tuckahoe,t 3 1 24 46 Isaac Bunnell,* Cow Marsh,! Joseph Flood, 2 33 London Tract, Thomas Fleeson, 1 1 35 Hilltown, f James M'Laughlin, ■< Isaac Morris, ( James Lunn, 1 1 101 Lower Smithfield,! David Jatne,* 26 Baltimore,! Lewis Richards,* 65 Byrn Sion, Duck Creek, > James Jones,* 1 81 Wilmington,! Thomas Ainger,* 52 Jacob's Town, f BuRGiss Allison, A. M., < Thomas Memminger, ( James Cox, 2 1 2 58 Pittstown,! James Finn,* 134 Marcus Hook,! Eliphaz Dazey, 18 Rocksberry, C William White, < John Levering, ( Michael Conrad, 2 1 1 46 Penn's Manor, S Alexander M'Gowen, / Malachi Richardson, 2 2 35 Sideling Hill,! Thomas Runyan, 47 West Creek,! 40 14 28 21 6 15 2817 Note. — The ministers' names are in small capitals. Licensed preachers in italic. Those marked thus * were not present. From churches marked thus ! received no letter. A dash denotes no settled minister. MINUTES OF THE PHILADELPHIA BAPTIST ASSOCIATION, HELD AT PHILADELPHIA, OCTOBER 7tH; 8tH; AND 9tH, 1794. October 7. — At 3 o'clock, p. m.. Rev. Brother Joshua Jones delivered the introductory sermon, from 2d Corinthians ii. 2, " For I determined not to know any thing among you save Jesus Christ, and him crucified." 2. After worship, business was opened with prayer by Brother Oliver Hart. 3. Proceeded to business. Brother William Rogers, D. D., was chosen moderator, and Brother Thomas Memminger, clerk. 4. Letters from twenty-eight churches were read. 5. The business of the day was closed with prayer by the mode- rator. Adjourned until nine o'clock to-morrow morning. October 8. — Met pursuant to adjournment. 6. The business of the day was opened with prayer, by Brother Morgan Edwards. 7. A letter was received and read from the church in Buffalo Valley, Northumberland county, State of Pennsylvania, requesting to be received into this Association. Postponed, no messenger ap- pearing to receive the right-hand of fellowship. 8. Letters were received and read from the Associations of New York, of 1798 and 1794 ; Vermont, of 1791 ; Shaftsbury, of 1794 ; Charleston, of 1792 and 1793 ; Danbury, of 1793 ; and Stoning- ton, of 1792 and 1793 ; and printed minutes,*from those of New York, of 1793 ; Vermont, of 1791 and 1792 ; Warren, of 1793 ; Shaftsbury, of 1792, 1793, and 1794 ; Danbury, of 1793 ; Charles- ton, of 1792 and 1793 ; Middle District, South of James' River, of 1791 ; and Bethel, of 1792. 9. Brother Vanhorn attended and was received as a messenger from the New York Association ; as did Brother Webb, from that of Shaftsbury. (296) MINUTES OF THE PHILADELPHIA ASSOCIATION. 297 10. The following brethren to write to the corresponding Asso- ciations, viz : Samuel Jones, to that of New York ; Peter Wilson, to that of Warren ; David Loof borrow, to that of Shaftsbury ; Isaac Carlisle, to that of Vermont ; William White, to that of Danbury ; Oliver Hart, at his leisure,* to that of Charleston ; and Thomas Ustick, to that of Stonington, when convenient. 11. The churches of Cow Marsh, Welsh Tract, Duck Creek, and Wilmington, request the approbation and dismission of this Asso- ciation to join another. It is considered and decided that the churches have an undoubted right to depart from this Association, and to join any other they may see fit ; but this Association, having been happy in their con- nection, wish them to continue in union with them as long as (con- sistently with their own interests) they can ; but if they choose to withdraw and join any other, we consent. 12. Resolved, That it be recommended to the different churches in this Association, to institute the chatechising of children in their respective congregations, at stated seasons. 13. Two queries from the church at Philadelphia, viz : First, Whether the word exhibited would not be preferable to the word offered, in question 34th of the Catechism, and in other places where it is used in the same sense 9 Determined, That the word offered be expunged, and the words held forth be inserted in the place thereof. And, That a committee, consisting of Brother Samuel Jones, Brother William Rogers, and Brother Thomas Ustick, be appointed to revise the whole of the Catechism, and to recommend such alterations to the next Association as to them may seem proper. Second, Would it not be advisable for the churches in this connec- tion to make it their invariable practice to transmit a return of the reception of persons by letter, to the churches by whom they were dismissed ? Determined in the affirmative. 14. Resolved, That it be recommended that the minutes of the different Associations in correspondence with this be printed in quarto. 15. A query from the church at Sideling Hill, viz : Shall the evidence of a non-member be taken as valid against a member ? Determined that it be left to every church to judge for themselves in every instance of this nature. 16. Brother William Vanhorn, having been appointed Librarian to this Association, some years past, begs leave to resign. 17. The business of the morning was closed with prayer by Brother Peter Wilson. Adjourned until three o'clock, P. M. Three o'clock, p. m. — Met pursuant to adjournment. 18. Business was opened with prayer by Brother William Van- horn. 19. Letters were received and read from the churches of Balti- 38 298 MINUTES OF THE PHILADELPHIA ASSOCIATION. more and Hartford, in Maryland, requesting a dismission from this to the Baltimore Association. Determined, That their request be granted. 20. The circular letter was read, and Brother Samuel Jones, Brother Oliver Hart, and Brother Thomas Ustick, were appointed a committee to revise the same. 21. Minutes of this Association, from the beginning thereof to the year 1793, inclusive, bound together, were presented to the • Association by Brother Morgan Edwards. The unanimous thanks of the Association were directed to be given him for his present. 22. In consequence of information communicated to the Associa- tion by Brother William Rogers, it is desired that all donations for the propagation of the Gospel among the Hindoos, in the East Indies, be forwarded to him. 23. Letters written to the New York and Warren Associations were read and approved, and the following brethren appointed as messengers to New York, viz : Samuel Jones, Peter Wilson, and Thomas Memminger. 24. The next Association, by divine permission, to meet in Phila- delphia on the first Tuesday in October, Anno Domini, 1795. 25. Brother Peter Wilson to preach the introductory sermon ; and, in case of failure. Brother Thomas Ustick. 26. Brother Samuel Jones to write the circular letter. 27. Brother Thomas Ustick is requested to superintend the print- ing of the minutes, and forward them to the churches. 28. Supplies granted to Great Valley. 29. Supplies to Kingwood, New Jersey. 30. It is earnestly and warmly recommended to the ministering brethren in the neighborhood of Manahawkin, West Creek, and Tuckahoe, to visit those places as often as they conveniently can. 31. The business of the day was closed with prayer by Brother Samuel Jones. Adjourned until six o'clock to-morrow morning. Brother Webb preached this evening from Ephesians, ii. 13, "But now, in Christ Jesus, ye who sometimes were afar off, are made nigh by the blood of Christ." October 9th. — Met pursuant to adjournment. 32. The business of the day was opened with prayer by Brother David Loof borrow. 33. The committee appointed to revise the circular letter, written by Brother Henry Smalley, revised the same, and made report accordingly. 34. Letters written to the Danbury, Vermont, and Shaftsbury Associations; were read and approved. Brother Thomas Memminger was appointed a messenger to the Shaftsbury Association. 35. The business of the Association being gone through, it was closed with a suitable address and prayer by the moderator. MINUTES OF THE PHILADELPHIA ASSOCIATION. 299 CIRCULAR LETTER. BY REV. HENRY SMALLEY, A. M. The elders and messengers of the several churches met in Asso- ciation, in the city of Philadelphia, October, 1794. To the churches in union with the Association, send greeting : Dearly beloved brethren, — According to the order observed in our excellent Confession of faith, the subject from which we shall address you in this circular letter, is the Law of God, commonly called the Moral Law, by some the law of reason and the law of nature, because it is agreeable to the reason and nature of things, and was perfectly understood by our first parents in a state of purity. False apprehensions of this law, have constituted and spread extensive error and confusion, confirmed men in sin and rebellion against the throne of Jehovah, and eclipsed the glory of gospel grace. It is of great importance, therefore, that we entertain just ideas of the divine law : which law may be defined, " That relation which necessarily exists between the Creator and the creature ; and will everlastingly continue necessary to exist, though not indepen- dent of the divine will." If this definition be just, the law of God is not arbitrarily imposed on his creatures ; it results from their relation to their God and to each other. Jehovah is our Creator and kind protector, the being of beings, his excellence infinitely transcends all derived excellence ; he ought therefore to be loved for what he is in and of himself, as well as for the relation he stands in to his creatures. Nothing can destroy the obligation of rational beings to love their God. Our possessing hearts of enmity against God, is so far from rendering us excusable for not loving and serving him, that it is the very thing, in which our criminality consists. Has the creature a right to hate his God ? Surely not. If he has no right to hate, he ought to love. There is no medium in the present case : We must either bless God, or curse him. But let us not refer the present question to the partial deci- sions of men ; let us attend to the awful and majestic voice of God, in the ten commands promulgated from Mount Sinai, — which com- mands, so far as they are moral, are of personal and perpetual obligation ; were written in the hearts of our first parents, in their state of innocency, and are written on the heart of every son and daughter of Adam, that has been born again, by the Spirit of the Lord and the power of his grace. This law, we have summarily comprehended by our Lord, in Matt. xxii. 37-39, " Jesus saith unto him, thou shalt love the Lord thy God, with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets." "Love," says the Apostle, "is the fulfilling of the law." The law of God refers to the whole man, " Thou shalt love the Lord thy God, tvith all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with 300 MINUTES OF THE PHILADELPHIA ASSOCIATION. all thy mind.'" The heart is required, the reason is obvious ; reli- gion consists in the disposition, and a man may work to eternity, — if his heart is not in the work, it is nothing. " Though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity," true love to God and man, "it pro- fiteth me nothing." This law being founded in reason and righteousness, being the unchangable and everlasting rule of equity ; as far as our actions are in agreement with it, they are right ; and as far as they deviate from its just requisitions, they are wrong. Christ " came not to destroy the law, but to fulfil." Unbelievers are as much under the curse of the law, as though our Lord had never obeyed it in his own person. See John iii. 18, 36. And those who have a true and living faith in Christ, are as much under the moral law, as a rule of duty, as ever they were. They have received a free and complete pardon of all their sins. " There is no condemnation to those that are in Christ Jesus." But notwithstanding the penalty of the law cannot hurt the believer, he delights in the law of God after the inner man, and shall finally be brought into perfect con- formity to its holy dictates. Those who are not conformed to the holy law of God in this world, must forever feel its awful penalty, eternal damnation. We now proceed to the second grand division of this subject, as made by our Divine Teacher : " Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself." If ever there was a period in which this precept required serious attention, it could not require it more than the present, when general discord pervades the nations. The great Creator has thought fit, that mankind should be united together in society. Mutual love and agreement are necessary to the prosperity of society ; and it is as impossible to conceive of a happy community, whose members shall hate each other ; as it is to conceive of a material system, where repulsion shall universally take place. The man who loves others as himself will discover this affection, by promoting the good of his neighbor, in every thing that concerns either his body, his mind, his fortune, or reputation. We show our love to our neighbor by doing him no injury ourselves, and by pre- venting others from injuring him ; by doing him justice in all things, and by promoting his temporal and eternal happiness. Those sel- fish, narrow-hearted people, who frequently boast that they have done no hurt, are only negatively good, mere cyphers in creation, unworthy the dignified character of loyal benevolent beings ; and are wholly unfitted for a place in that more extensive future society, which will consist of beings ennobled by virtue and true benevo- lence. Love for our neighbor will incline us to do him justice in his property and reputation. The property received from a parent, who is in duty obliged to provide for his offspring ; property acquired by a person's own inge- nuity or industry, and property acquired by purchase ; these are MINUTES OF THE PHILADELPHIA ASSOCIATION. 301 all lawful, and it is iniquitous for any one to deprive us of such established rights. Whoever loves his neighbor as himself will be as tender of his property, as he "wishes others to be of his own ; and will be more fearful of breaking in upon another's right, than of losing a part of what he himself possesses. Whoever is raised to a station of power or influence, and takes the advantage of this power to oppress his fellow creatures, shows himself not only unjust but base ; for the heart where the law of kindness dwells, contemns every unfair action. And how cruel is it, in such a person,*to ap- propriate to his own use the property of the poor and indigent, who should rather be ready to relieve their wants, when they look up to him in their distress. The withholding of a just debt, all breaches of trust, all undue advantages taken by the trader, in commerce and traffic, are iniquitous, and deserve the severest punishment. We have already observed, that a man of real goodness will not injure his neighbor's reputation. It is a just remark of an eminent author, that every man has a right to be thought and spoken of agreeably to his real character. Whoever then is the cause why his neighbor is not considered in the light he deserves, grossly violates this sacred rule of duty, nor is he possessed of true bene- volence. One of the greatest injuries against our neighbor's repu- tation, is falsehood in testimony. To open a door to villany, to blast the character of an innocent person, are crimes of the deepest die ; and few punishments can be too severe for such as are guilty of them. The voice both of Moses and of Christ, breathes love, peace, and good-will to man ; a temper conformed to its dictates, will shudder at the idea of spreading a false report. Even insinua- tions, by which an innocent character may be blemished, are cruel and impolitic. They are cruel, because they spring from malevo- lence of heart, and prove too often fatal to the peace and prospects of the unhappy victims ; they are irrational, because our own cha- racters are in the hands of others, and our temporal concerns at their disposal. The malicious causeless defamer, is certainly among the most abandoned characters in the world ; neither profit, honor, nor plea- sure, can he propose to himself, from the practice of his extraordi- nary disposition, unless the indulgence of malice be a pleasure ; and if so, Satan has no inconsiderable share of happiness. The defamer has been justly compared to the dark assassin, who murders without giving notice of his intention. Here then is a law attended with no inconveniences, which not only leads us to the great duties we owe to our God, but also to the exercise of the first social duties to each other, as well as to practice those which we owe to ourselves. Human laws are numerous, and too burdensome to the memory, and frequently raise disputes rather than intimate duty. But this worthy maxim is free from all perplexities ; the most uninformed mind can scarcely misapprehend it, and the weakest memories are capable of retaining it. This precept lies ready on all occasions ; we need but glance, as it were, upon oui' own minds, where it abides 302 MINUTES OF THE PHILADELPHIA ASSOCIATION. and shines like the polar star, to direct the course of the mariner. This injunction of our divine Redeemer is of vast and comprehen- sive influence, extending to all ranks and conditions of men, and to all kinds of action and intercourse between them, to matters of cha- rity as well as justice, to negative as well as positive duties, to communities as well as individuals. But the law of God is not recommended to us by its own intrinsic excellence only ; how many and how great are the advantages arising from a strict observance of it?« The satisfaction it afl"ords a rational mind, is certainly most refined and lasting. From hence arise pleasures that will flourish in the winter of adversity, illuminate death, and exist beyond time. The man who is conformed to the divine law, has the approbation of his own conscience, his great soul ever possesses a continued source of substantial delight. In the near approach of death, peace shall dawn upon his mind, like the radiance of the morning ; and as the exiled captive exults with the hopes, that he is returning to his native home, he will look forward with rapture toward the happy country where his heart has fled before him. To consider the distress and dangers, to which a person who dis- regards these essential duties is exposed, afibrds a truly melancholy prospect. At enmity with his God, he cannot be happy in the nature of things ; at enmity with his fellow men, they will conspire against him for their mutual defence. Revenge from some baneful corner shall return the injury on the defamer's head, — his character shall bleed by his own arts, — his faith shall be questioned, — his best works misrepresented, — his excellencies, if he have any, be forgotten, and his conduct meet with just and universal abhorrence. Let us then, dear brethren, contemplate the law, in order to know our obligations to God, and the impossibility of obtaining eternal life, by any performances of our own. This will make us willing to submit to the righteousness of Christ, and enable us to stand with boldness in the great examination day. By the Association, William Rogees, Moderator. Thomas Memminger, Clerk. MINUTES OP THE PHILADELPHIA ASSOCIATION. THE MINISTERS AND MESSENGERS AT THE ASSOCIATION, THE STATE OF THE CHURCHES FOR THE YEAR. 303 AND CHURCHES. MINISTERS AND MESSENGERS. •6 1 •6 a: i ""3 1 1 C3 rt^ s A s H 1 g Samuel Jones, D. D., Lower Dublin, ■< John Holmes, Joseph Wright, 1 62 Middletown, Benjamin Bennet, John Smock,* Henry Smallet, A. M., 9 1 1 4 5 144 Cohansie, Nathan Shepherd, i Jeremiah Brooks, 2 1 6 122 ( John Boggs,* Welsh Tract, Great Valley, Ephraim Stoops,* Francis Goteer, 33 2 1 6 138 Isaac Abraham, Jonathan Phillips, George Passfield, 1 6 1 71 Cape May, John Stancliff,* Oliver Hart, A. M., 49 Hopewell, John Blackr^ell,* David Stout, ' Joshua Vaughan,* 4 6 2 2 5 156 Brandywine, John Powell,* Robert M'Coy,* Montgomery, John Vaughan, 8 4 1 1 2 1 82 21 Joshua Jones, Charles Humphrey, Kingwood,t 76 Haight's Town, ! Peter Wilson, A. M., Peter Groom, ' Thomas Ustick, A. M., William Rogers, D. D., Morgan Edwards, A. M., 33 14 2 6 286 Philadelphia, Hugh Gorley, George IngoUs, John M'Leod, Southampton, Samuel Davis,* 7 14 6 17 122 Thomas Memminger, A. M. William Watts, ^William W. Folwell, 8 1 1 3 59 Knowlton,f Daniel Vaughan,* 43 Hartford, New Britain, John Davis,* 1 110 ' Edward Matthew,* . Joseph Dungan, 26 f Isaac Skillman, A. M.,* Salem, < Ephraim Lloyd,* (John Briggs, 9 4 1 7 69 304 MINUTES OF THE PHILADELPHIA ASSOCIATION. •6 "v ^ P 13 ■S i N |> *J 'm i a ss ^ CHURCHES. MINISTERS AND MESSENGERS. "p. ^^ 1 1 ^ 1 i 03 X^ O ^ » o g ' Garner Hunt,* William Mason,* Dividing Creek, 1 Sylvanus Tul)man,* (^Nathaniel Loring,* 36 110 3 3 80 Isaac Carlisle, New Mills, Benjamin Hedger, David Gaskill, 2 : 2 1 1 90 Konoloway,f Joseph Powell,* < 3 Coram,! 3 30 Upper Freehold, David Loofborrow, 3 5 61 Pittsgrove,t Manahawkin,t Vincent, 2 2 23 ( \ Thomas Fleeson, Tuckahoe,t Isaac Bunnel,'* 46 Cow Marsh, 1 Joseph Flood, \ Job Meredith, 3 1 2 34 London Tract, Thomas Fleeson, ( James M'Laughlin, 3 1 39 Hilltown, \ Philip Miller, ( Grifiath Owen,* 1 3 99 Lower Smithfield,f David Jatne,* C Lewis Richards,* Oi 26 Baltimore, < William Clingan,* ( Charles P. Polk,* 3 6 1 2 2 69 ' James Jones,* Bryn Sion, John Patton,* Duck Creek, Gideon Ferrol, James Davis, 2 7 4 6 66 Wilmington, Thomas Ainger,* f BuRGiss Allison, A. M.,* 8 2 2 1 3 54 Jacob's Town, \ William Snowden, [ James Cox, 2 1 59 Pitts to wn,t James Finn,* 134 Marcus Hook, Rocksberry, Eliphaz Dazey, 2 20 William White, John Levering, Charles Nice, c 48 Penn's Manor, Alexander M'Gowan, 3 1 c 2 35 Sideling Hill, Thomas Runyan,* 6 2 5 C ) 1 49 West Creek, 5 IBS 2 C 35 5 22 ) 34 88 2732 42 ( Note. — The ministers' names are in small capitals. Licenced preachers in italics. Those marked thus * were not present. From the churches marked thus t received no intelligence. A dash denotes no settled minister. MINUTES OF THE PHILADELPHIA BAPTIST ASSOCIATION, HELD IN PHILADELPHIA, OCTOBER 6tH, 7tH, AND 8tH, 1795. October 6th. — At three o'clock, p. m., Rev. Peter "Wilson preached the mtroductory sermon, from 1 John iv. 1, " Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they be of God." 2. After worship, business was opened with prayer by the Rev. Dr. William Rogers. 3. Proceeded to' business. Brother Thomas Ustick was chosen moderator, and Brother Peter Wilson, clerk. 4. Letters were read from twenty-six churches. 5. The business of the day was closed with prayer by the moderator. Adjourned until to-morrow morning, at nine o'clock. October 7th. — Met pursuant to adjournment. 6. Business was opened with prayer by Brother Runyan. 7. Received a letter and minutes from the Baltimore Association, newly formed, desiring to hold a correspondence with us. Their letter was presented by our Brother Charles P. Polk, and they were re- ceived into fellowship. 8. Rev. John Pitman, from Rhode Island, being present, was invited to take a seat. 9. Received letters and minutes from the Warwick Association for 1793, 1794, and 1795, by the messenger. Rev. Brother Thomas Montanye ; from that of Charleston, 1794, and from that of New York, by Rev. Brother Reune Runyan. 10. Appointed the following brethren to write to the correspond- ing Associations : — Thomas Memminger, to write to the Warwick Association; Reune Runyan, to that of Charleston; Thomas Fleeson, to that of Baltimore ; Joshua Jones, to that of New York ; Burgiss Allison, to that of Warren ; William Folwell, to that of Stonington ; and William White, to that of Shaftsbury. 11. Read the circular letter prepared by Samuel Jones, B. D. Our Brethren William Rogers, John Blackwell, and James M'Laugh- lin, were appointed a committee to revise the same. 12. Distributed the minutes received from different Associations amongst the churches. 13. The committee appointed last year to revise the Catechism, 39 (305) 306 MINUTES OF THE PHILADELPHIA ASSOCIATION. and make such alterations as they judged necessary, brought their amendments forward. Voted to insert those alterations in our minutes for the inspection of the churches, and they are desired to manifest their approbation, or disapprobation, at our next Association. 14.- Query from Cohansie church : Is it not proper, from the con- sideration of abounding error, infidelity, lukewarmness, and decay of vital piety in the world, and in professors of religion, that a day of humiliation, fasting, and prayer, should be observed in our churches ? Answer : We agree to appoint and recommend Wednesday, the 28th day of October, as a day of fasting and prayer throughout our churches, for the above mentioned reasons, and on account of the late calamitous visitations. 15. Also, agreeably to a query from Philadelphia church, and in conformity to the general concert for prayer, in which many churches have engaged, — We appoint and recommend the first Tuesday in January, April, July, and October, beginning at two o'clock, p. M., particulary to implore a blessing on the Word, and the general spread of the Gospel. 16. Second query from the Philadelphia church : Whether it might not, at this time, considering the frequency of emigration, be ad- visable for this Association to insert in their minutes, a request to the transatlantic churches, that they would be particular in their letters of recommendation and dismission of members, to specify whether they intend merely to recommend, or to dismiss ; together with the principles and practice of the church so dismissing ? Answered in the aflSrmative. 17. Query from New Mills : Whether a circular letter published by an Association meeting at Bromsgrove, in England, on the educa- tion of children, shall be republished ? Appointed Brethren Isaac Skillman, Henry Smalley, and Samuel Jones, to examine the same, and report thereon. 18. Brother Jenkin Davids concluded by prayer. Adjourned until three o'clock, P. M. Met pursuant to adjournment. 19. Brother John Pitman opened the service by prayer. 20. In answer to queries from Cape May, and a request from West Creek churches, we recommend to said churches mutually to call a council. 21. Committed our system of discipline to Dr. Samuel Jones, for revision and amendment. To be brought forward at the next Association. 22. Brother James M'Laughlin closed by prayer. Adjourned until to-morrow morning, nine o'clock. Sermon this evening by Brother Thomas Montanye, from Colos- sians iii. 4, " When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory." October 8th. — Met according to adjournment. MINUTES OF THE PHILADELPHIA ASSOCIATION. 307 23. Brother Peter "Wilson opened the Association by prayer. 24. The letters prepared for the Warwick, Baltimore, and Charles- ton Associations were approved. 25. The committee appointed to examine a piece on the education of children, recommend its publication ; together with the Baltimore circular letter, written by the Rev. John Davis. 26. On application for assistance to build a meeting-house in Sa- vannah, Georgia, large enough to admit some hundreds of blacks in the galleries, we recommend to the churches to make subscriptions or collections for the above purpose, and to forward the amount to Mr. Ustick by the 20tli of November next; which Mr. Ustick is requested to convey by the first opportunity ; together with a letter of condolence to the above-mentioned blacks, and our ardent wishes that Providence may interfere in their favor, at least so far, that their masters may be moved to allow them the free enjoyment of public and private worship. 27. Appointed our Brethren Blackwell, Wilson, Bennet, and M'Gowan, messengers to the New York Association ; M'Laughlin, Memminger, and Dazey, to Warwick; Allison, to Warren; Peter Groom, to Shaftsbury ; David Bees, to Charleston ; and Dazey, Davids, ^Vhite, Carlisle, and Ustick, to Baltimore. 28. Besolved, That our Brethren Rogers and Ustick, be a com- mittee to revise Edward's materials towards a history of the Bap- tists in the state of Delaware. 29. Agreed that the churches be advised to make collections for the missionaries to the East Indies, and forward the same to Dr. Rogers. 30. Appointed Brother John Blackwell to write the circular letter for next year. Subject — Christian Liberty, and Liberty of Con- science. Chap. XXI. 31. Brother Thomas Ustick to preach the introductory sermon next year ; in case of failure. Brother Isaac Skillman. 32. The Association to meet in the city of Philadelphia on the first Tuesday in October next, by divine permission. 33. Brother Ustick is requested to superintend the printing of the minutes, and forward the same to the churches. Also, the pam- phlet on the education of children. 34. The business of the Association was closed with an address and prayer by the moderator. Sermon in the evening by our Brother Jenkin Davids, from Eph. ii. 8, 9, " Eor by grace are ye saved." PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO THE CATECHISM. Question. V. May all men make use of the Holy Scriptures ? Answer. All men are not only permitted, but required to read, hear, and seek an understanding of the Holy Scriptures. Q. YI. What things are chiefly contained in the Holy Scriptures ? A. The Holy Scriptures chiefly contain what man ought to believe concerning God ; they also teach what duty God requii'eth of man 308 MINUTES OF THE PHILADELPHIA ASSOCIATION. in his Law; and in his Gospel how men are reconciled unto God, through a Mediator. Q. X. What are the decrees of God ? M. The decrees of God are his eternal purposes respecting all events ; whereby for his own glory, he worketh all things according to the council of his own will, Eph. i, 11. Q. XII. What is the work of creation ? Ji. The work of creation is God's making all things, by the word of his power, in the space of six days, and all very good. Q. XV. — Ji. Man being created a subject of moral government, God was pleased to give him a positive command for the trial of his obedience, forbidding him to eat of the tree of knowledge of good and evil upon the pain of death. Q. XIX. — Ji. Adam being made a public head, all mankind, de- scending from him by ordinary generation, sinned in him, and fell with him in his first transgression. Q. XXY. — Jl. Add, " and the positive command respecting the forbidden fruit." Q. XXX. — ^. Christ's humiliation consisted in his being born, and that in a low condition, made under the law, and in his enduring the penalty of the law as the sinner's substitute and surety; in the miseries of his life, and in the death of the cross, in being buried, and continuing under the power of death for a time. Q. XXXII. and XXXIII. And in the answer, instead of pur- chased, read obtained. Q. XXXIV.— ^. For freely offered, read, " freely held forth in the Gospel." Q. LVII. — Ji. Last line, for instead of to, read, "for his own worship." Q. LXIV. — Which day of the seven hath God appointed to be the weekly Sabbath? Ji. Before the resurrection of Christ, God appointed the seventh day of the week to be the weekly Sabbath ; but now the first day of the week is observed, both for rest and worship, in conformity to the example of Christ, and the practice of his holy apostles. Q. XC. How may we escape the wrath and curse of God due to us for sin ? Ji. We ought diligently to use the outward means, whereby Christ communicateth to us the benefits of redemption, that we may have faith in Jesus Christ, and repentance unto life; without which it is impossible to escape the wrath and curse of God due to us for sin. Q. XCI.— A For offered to us, read, "held forth." Q. XCIII. What are the outward means whereby Christ commu- nicateth to us the benefits of redemption ? Ji. The outward and ordinary means whereby Christ communi- cateth to us the benefits of redemption, are the reading, but especially the preaching of the word, which the Spirit of God niaketh an effectual means of convincing and converting the sinner, and the • MINUTES OF THE PHILADELPHIA ASSOCIATION. 309 ordinances as an additional means of building up believers in holiness and comfort, through faith unto salvation. Q. XCVI. What is the use of Baptism and the Lord's Supper ? A. Baptism and the Lord's Supper are ordinances of Jesus Christ, and are of use to set forth our faith in Christ, and to increase faith and every grace in us, through the blessing of Christ and the operation of the Spirit. CIRCULAR LETTER. BY REV. SAMUEL JONES, D. D. The Philadelphia Baptist Association, convened at Philadelphia, the 6th, Tth, and 8th of October, 1795. To the churches they represent, send Christian salutation. Beloved Brethren, — Through the tender mercy of our God, we have had a comfortable meeting ; for which we hope you will join us in thanksgiving. Referring you to our minutes for information respecting our pro- ceedings at this time, we pass on to the subject, on which, according to our course, we are now to address you. As we always, in our an- nual epistles, with fervent affection, aim at your instruction and edi- fication, we hope our labor of love will ever be received and attended to with Christian benevolence, and that the effect will be, the building us up in our most holy faith. The subject of our last address, was the Law — the next in order, in our most excellent Confession of faith, Is the Gospel. Between the Law and Gospel, there is a near connection; but, at the same time, a very material difference. The blending of these to- gether, or treating of them in an injudicious and indistinct manner, has ever been a material source of error in the Christian church. It is, therefore, the more necessary to keep each of them in its proper place ; and the rather on account, that a legal spirit is so natural to man, and a legal strain so difficult to be guarded against. Man is so naturally wedded to the Law, that he cannot easily be disengaged from it. Would you know the difference between the Law and the Gospel ? Only observe — the Law denounces wrath ; the Gospel publishes peace ; the Law convinces of guilt ; the Gospel brings an acquittance ; the Law pronounces sentence ; the Gospel holds out a pardon ; the Law requires satisfaction to the last mite ; the Gospel discovers, that satisfaction has been made in full; the Law knows nothing of mercy ; the Gospel knows nothing else: in the Law, righteousness, justice, and truth, shine gloriously; in the Gospel, love, grace, mercy, pity, condescension, and compassion do also shine, and Avith much more resplendent glory : commands, prohibitions, conditions, threatenings, penalties, &c., belong to the law; but, in the Gospel, these have no place. In the Gospel we find free grace, free mercy, free pardon ; faith and repentance are freely given, and, with them, a new heart, a new nature, new life, — all is new, all is free. The Gospel, as the word signifies, is good message, good news, glad tidings. The Ian- 310 MINUTES OF THE PHILADELPHIA ASSOCIATION. guage of the angels at the birth of Christ, was, " Behold, we bring you glad tidings of great joy," Luke ii. 10. The angelic prophet Isaiah, in that memorable passage, applied by our blessed Lord to himself and the gospel day, Luke iv. 18, 19, breaks out in the fol- lowing gospel strain : " The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me, be- cause the Lord has anointed me to preach good tidings imto the meek; he has sent me to bind up the broken-hearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison doors to them that are bound, to proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord, to com- fort all that mourn; to appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness," Isa. Ix. 1-3. The Gospel is sometimes called the Gospel of the grace of God, Acts XX. 24, because it publishes the rich grace and mercy of God in Christ Jesus. Sometimes it is called the Gospel of salvation. Eph. i. 13; Acts xiii. 26, because it brings to light the way of life and salvation provided of God for lost, perishing sinners. Sometimes the Gospel of peace, because it proclaims that glorious peace made by the peace-making blood of Christ ; produces peace and tranquil- lity in distressed minds, makes men to be of a peaceable disposition, directs men to, and leads in the way of peace, and makes meet for eternal peace. The Gospel brings glad tidings of good things ; good things done for us ; in that atonement is made for us, our debt paid, a righteous- ness wrought out, pardon and acceptance procured: good things wrought in us ; such as regeneration, meetness for heaven, faith, hope, and every other grace; all the good things of providence and grace that are necessary for our present use during our passage through life ; and finally, the good things of heaven itself, even all the glory and happiness of the beatific state. The Gospel, in fine, contains a discovery of all good things for time and eternity, in de- liverance from sin and every evil, and the full enjoyment of every bliss and happiness beyond what the tongue of men or angels can express, or the powers of the human mind conceive. Of the Gospel we farther observe, that it is purely a matter of re- velation, and is not discoverable by the light of nature. This reve- lation was made by slow degrees. On this head a late writer* in our connection expresses himself thus : " The first dawning of the Gospel, and at the same time the first glimmering of hope, appeared to Adam in the promise that was made respecting the seed of the woman, Gen. iii. 15. Here the eternal counsels of the grace of God began to unfold themselves. In the promise made to Abraham, which was afterwards renewed to Isaac and Jacob, the same gospel grace breaks forth with clearer light. What had before been spoken in more general terms of the seed of the woman, is now said in a more particular manner of the seed of Abraham, Gen. xxii. 18. To Jacob the very time of accomplishing the promise was pointed out, * Dr. Jones's Sermon on the Covenant. MINUTES OF THE PHILADELPHIA ASSOCIATION. 311 Gen. xlix. 10. Moses renders the promise still more manifest, while he points out a character and likeness, Deut. xvii. 15. In the pro- phets, who were much farther advanced in the dispensation of the promises, approaching to the fullness of time, hastening to the com- ing of the Messiah, you have his virgin mother, Isa. vii. 5 ; place of birth, Micah v. 2, and the other circumstances particularly pointed out. Only observe the order and progress of the divine promises, gathering light and strength as they advance. When the first inti- mation of a Saviour was given, he w^as to be sought for among all the human race ; afterwards we are directed to the particular seed of Abraham ; even Isaac and Jacob : of Jacob's numerous sons the tribe of Judah is taken ; of. the tribe of Judah the family of Jesse ; and of Jesse's sons the house of David. Thus, reducing, as it •were, to a point, what had at first been delivered but in very general terms. " These are some of the leading and principal discoveries that were made to the world, of our blessed Saviour before his incarnation. Thus did the promises and prophesies become brighter and brighter, until at last they shone more clear in their full accomplishment, when the sun of righteousness rose, dispelling darkness, and spread- ing the light of the gospel-day." This revelation of the Gospel has been made known to such na- tions, and applications of it made to such individuals of those nations, as it seemed good to the sovereign will and good pleasure of God. " It is not of him that willeth," says the apostle, " nor of him that runneth, but of God that showeth mercy," Rom. ix. 16. The applications of the Gospel under the influence of the divine Spirit, in the work of conviction and conversion, is absolutely neces- sary, in order to our receiving saving benefit from it. In this pre- cious work of grace in our hearts, the Law and Gospel, considered as means, go hand in hand, and are often found in the same verse. By the one is the knowledge of sin, by the other the discovery of de- liverance. The one worketh despair, the other faith and hope. Thus, beloved brethren, you see, that the glorious Gospel, in every point of view, is the work of the rich and sovereign grace of God. It was of the sovereign grace and mercy of God, that the glorious plan of redemption was concerted, was published, and was after- wards, as it still is, applied to the elect, with all its saving benefits. the glorious and blessed Gospel ! the sovereign grace and mercy of God in and through a gracious Redeemer ! From what we have said, various useful observations, by way of inference, might be made ; but we shall only mention two : First, that according to the Gospel, the atonement of Christ did not ex- tend to every individual of the human race ; and, secondly, that the Gospel contains no conditional off'ers of salvation. We mention these, because some in our days seem to favor such notions, and some others, that tend to mar and go a great way to- wards sullying the glory of the Gospel. In regard to the first, if atonement was made for all, it was God's 312 MINUTES OF THE PHILADELPHIA ASSOCIATION. intention tliat it should ; that intention must have its full effect ; the effect must be that all must and will be saved. If Christ answered the demands of law and justice for all, and paid the price in full, then there must be guiltless persons in hell for want of being made meet for heaven. Chi'ist has done his part, but the Spirit declines doing his. Why God should appoint satisfaction to be made for all, and afterwards not renew and sanctify all, and bring them to heaven, must be very strange, and utterly inconsistent with the glory and perfections of Him, who does nothing in vain, who never does a part, without doing the whole, who always finishes what he begins. It is manifest from the holy Scriptures, that Christ made atone- ment for his people, Isa. liii. 8 ; Luke i. 68 ; his sheep, John x. 15, 26, 29 ; xvii. 9 ; those that were given him, Heb. ii. 13 ; who were redeemed from among others, Rev. v. 9. As to the second, to make salvation conditional, would rob God of his sovereignty, and make his glory to depend on man ; while at the same time it would give room for boasting. It would also convert the Gospel of the grace of God into a new law. Is the law of works to be preferred to the covenant of grace? If it be of grace, says the apostle, then is it no more of works, otherwise grace is no more grace. What ! make our happiness depend on man ? If we will do part, God will do the rest. Alas ! what can man do in the business of his salvation first or last, to merit or promote it ? Is he altogether dependent on God ? Yea, verily, that at every step, in the beginning and progress of the glorious work, he may cry, grace, grace ; and whosoever glorieth, let him glory in the Lord. But these men make a distinction between natural and moral ability. What is the use of this distinction, but to evade, deceive, and confuse? What can natural ability avail towards producing a supernatural effect ? The effect can never exceed its cause, any more than a stream can rise higher than its fountain. Now the exercise of any and every evangelical grace is supernatural, is purely of God : but what is born of the flesh is flesh. And besides, if man's natm*al ability was competent to repent, believe, accept, obey, &c., what good could it do him, since he is never to exert it, unless God induces or influences him thereto ; and without which influence, all offers and moral suasion will prove ineffectual. If we speak of repentance, for instance, is not Christ exalted as a Prince and a Saviour to give repentance unto Israel, and remission of sins ? If we speak of faith ; what faith? natural faith? What can this be better than the faith of devils, who believe and tremble ? But if we speak of superna- tural and evangelical faith, the Scripture is express. By way of dis- tinction from the other, it is called, the faith of the operation of God, the faith of God's elect, like precious faith with us, that faith which purifies the heart, and worketh by love. And in regard to them, who received him, it is said, to them gave he power. Yea, verily, all the power, influence, and every thing in the business of MINUTES OF THE PHILADELPHIA ASSOCIATION. 813 our salvation is entirely of God alone, and not of us, who are but perfect weakness. The scheme of divine truth contained in the Holy Scripture, is manifestly this : That man fell from that state of rectitude wherein he was created, and became guilty, polluted, depraved, helpless, &c.; that God in his rich mercy and wisdom, devised a way for the reco- very and salvation of such as to him seemed meet, which was doing no injury to others, that were left ; that the way of recovery is through the atoning blood of Christ, who glorified the divine perfec- tions in making honorable the law, and bringing in an everlasting righteousness in behalf of and for those that were given him, who in God's own time and way are renewed and sanctified, made holy here and happy hereafter. To this end means are appointed, chiefly the word and the ministration thereof; wherein the state of the sinner by nature, and the way of recovery through rich grace is unfolded ; and it pleases God to enlighten the mind ; move on the affections, and subdue the will. The sinner is awakened and con- victed ; he sees his danger ; is filled with concern of mind ; enquires what he must do to be saved ; has repentance unto life given him ; is led to see the fulness, freeness, suitableness, and glory of the way of life through a Redeemer ; is enabled to lay hold by faith of this hope ; is transformed by the renewing of his mind ; has the con- straining love of God shed abroad in his heart ; is humbled and abased in himself, yet triumphs in the mercy and power of God ; and thus being filled with holy zeal, he goes on his way rejoicing. He is sensible the Lord of his mere sovereign unconditional grace and mercy began the good work, is now carrying it on, and will complete it in glory, to whom, therefore, without reserve, he as- cribes all the praise, and will to all eternity. It is now, brethren, time that we draw towards a conclusion. We hope you are in a good measure established in these truths, and that they are precious to you. May the Lord bless you, and the Gospel of his grace be among you, and may the time be hastened when it shall be spread in its purity with power and great glory over the whole earth. Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to pre- sent you faultless, before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy ; to the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen. Thomas Ustick, Moderator. Peter Wilson, Clerk. Rev. Morgan Edwards, formerly Pastor of the Philadelphia church, resigned his place in the church militant in the year past. ' Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord." 40 314 MINUTES OF THE PHILADELPHIA ASSOCIATION. THE MINISTERS AND MESSENGERS AT THE ASSOCIATION, AND STATE OF THE CHURCHES DURING THE YEAR. ^ vS J3 •a ■a h CHURCHES. MINISTERS AND MESSENGERS. a. 1 -i i C5 § C3 «.& n K s T T-v x,T f Samtel JOXES, D. D., Lower Dublin, | j^^^-.^^-^ p^^g^^^ 1 1 64 TVT. ij, , f Benjamin Bennet, Middletown, | George Hunt, 2 3 2 141 Henry Smalley, A. M., Cohansie, Nathan Shepherd, David Gilman, 4 1 1 126 ■"David Jones, A. M.,* Great Valley, Jenkin Davids, Daniel Cornog, Jonathan Philips, 1 1 3 2 69 Cape May, John Stancliff, ' Oliver Hart, A. M.,* 1 3 47 Hopewell, < John Blackvvell, ( [ Jared Saxton, 1 3 4 150 ' Joshua Vaughan,* Thomas Davis, Brandywine, John Garret, jr.. Thomas Le Teller, 1 1 2 86 Joshua Jones, Montgomery, ■< Edmund Pennington, Isaac Johnson, 21 Kingwood, David Stout, 'Peter Wilson, A. M., 9 13 57 Haiglit's Town, David Fees, Nehemiah Dye, John Flock, 12 6 2 2 288 " Thomas Ustick, A. M., "William Rogers, D. D., Isaac Carlisle, Philadelphia, Benjamin Thaw, George Ingolls, John M'Leod, Hugh Gorley, Thomas Shields, 3 14 6 2 1 124 ' Thomas Memminger, A. M., Arthur Watts, Southampton, Elias Yerkes, ^ William Watts, 25 1 2 1 2 82 Knowlton.t Daniel Vaughan,* 43 New Britain, William White, Edward Matthews, ' Isaac Skillman, A. M., o 28 Salem, Gamaliel Garrison, Abraham Harris, Jacob Harris, 2 2 5 68 Dividing Creek, Garner Hunt, 1 1 2 5 74 MINUTES OF THE PHILADELPHIA ASSOCIATION. 315 CHURCHES. MINISTERS AND MESSENGERS. a I i: ^' ' C New Mills, Konoloway, Coram,! Upper Freehold,! Pittsgrove,t Manahawkin,t Vincent, Tuckahoe,! London Tract, Hilltown, Lower Smithfield,! Jacob's Town, Pittstown.t Marcus Hook, Rocksberry, Penn's Manor, Sideling Hill, West Creek, ( Benjamin Hedger, \ David Gaskill, j Joseph Powell,* I John Cook, Thomas Fleeson, f James M'Lafghlin, I Isaac Morris, David Jayne,* ( BuRGiss Allison, A. M., \ William Snowden, Eliphaz Dazey, (John Levering, Michael Conrad, Nathan Levering, f Alexander M'Gowan, ( Caleb JefFers, Thomas Runyan,* Peter Groom, 1 2 1 1 1 2 2 1 1 60 29 , s o c y. •6 % 1 1 1 1 21 34 89 30 30 61 23 46 38 99 20 59 134 19 Note. — The ministers' names are in small capitals. Licensed preachers in italic. Those marked thus * not present. From the churches marked thus f received no intelligence. A dash denotes no settled minister. MINUTES OF THE PHILADELPHIA BAPTIST ASSOCIATION, HELD AT PHILADELPHIA, OCTOBER 4tH, 5tH, AND 6tH, 1796. October 4th. — At three o'clock, p. m., Brother Thomas Ustick preached the introductory sermon, from Rom. i. 15, 16, " So as much as in me is, I am ready to preach the gospel to you that are" at Rome also. For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ : for it is the power of God unto salvation, to every one that believeth ; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek." 2. After sermon business was opened with prayer by Brother Us- tick, when Dr. Samuel Jones, was chosen moderator, and Brother Burgiss Allison, clerk. 3. Letters were read from twenty-seven churches. Business closed with prayer by the moderator. Adjourned until nine o'clock, to-morrow morning. Sermon in the evening by Dr. Foster, from 2 Cor. xii. 10, " For when I am weak, then am I strong." October 5th. — Met pursuant to adjournment. 4. Business was opened with prayer by the moderator. 5. A church newly constituted at Shemokin, having made appli- cation to be admitted as a member of this Association, was accord- ingly received. 6. Brother John Blackwell, having been appointed at the last Association to write the circular letter for the present year, but not having sent it forward ; it is requested that at the next Association he will give reasons for such omission. 7. Brother Staughton is requested to write a circular letter to accompany the minutes. 8. Received letters from the following Associations: — Welsh Tract, with a messenger : Charleston, with their minutes ; Warwick, with their minutes ; New York, with their minutes, by Dr. Foster, as messenger ; and Stonington, with their minutes. 9. A copy of the charter for incorporating the Association, was brought forward by Dr. Samuel Jones, and read, and he ap- pointed to proceed with all expedition in obtaining said charter. 10. The committee appointed, in sect. 28th of last year's minutes, to revise and publish Mr. Edward's history of the Delaware Baptists, report, that they have omitted proceeding in the business, on account ^316) MINUTES OF THE PHILADELPHIA ASSOCIATION. 317 of a request from the Delaware Association that it might be post- poned in order to rectify some mistakes. 11. A letter being read, from a committee of the New York Asso- ciation, appointed to confer with us respecting a new edition of the New Testament, wherein the terms of Baptism are proposed to be translated agreeably to their original import ; this Association con- clude to defer the same until next year for further consideration. Concluded with prayer, by Dr. William Rogers. Adjourned until three o'clock, p. M. Three o'clock, P. M. — Met pursuant to adjournment. Business opened with prayer by Brother Peter Wilson. 12. Brother Joshua Jones, from Lincoln, in Old England, produ- cing proofs of his having been pastor of a Baptist church there, of the same faith and order with us, was invited to take a seat among us. 13. The proposed amendments to the Catechism were brought un- der consideration, but for the present set aside. 14. Dr. Samuel Jones, to whom was referred, last year, the re- vision and amendment of our system of discipline, having given satisfactory reasons why he had not yet brought forward the same, is appointed to go on in the business, and bring forward such amend- ments at next Association. 15. In answer to the query from Dividing Creek, this Associa- tion think it inexpedient to admit Mr. German to administer the ordinances among them, inasmuch as those of his society will not commune with us ; and also, as it may be productive of confusion and disorder. Brother Fleeson to write the letter, and, accompanied by Brother William White, to go as messenger to the Delaware Association; Brethren Rogers and Wilson, as messengers to that of New York ; Brother Wilson to write the letter; Brother Memminger to write to that of Warwick ; and Brethren White and Groom to go as messen- gers ; Brother Rogers to write to that of Charleston ; Brother White, to that of Stonington ; and Brother Groom, to Shaftsbury, to which he is also appointed a messenger. 17. A letter from the Warren Association, dated September, 1794, was received and read, and Brother James Ewing appointed to write to them. Brother Joshua Jones concluded by prayer. Adjourned until to-morrow morning, nine o'clock. Sermon in the evening by Brother Skillman, from Isa. xlv. 22, and Eph. ii. 28. October 6th. — Met pursuant to adjournment. Opened with prayer by Brother Wilson. 18. Brother Skillman to preach the introductory sermon next year ; and in case of failure. Brother Burgiss Allison, 19. Brother Memminger to write the circular letter. 20. Supplies for Dividing Creek. 21. The church at Shemokin request their sister churches to as- sist them in erecting a meeting-house. The Association, therefore, 318 MINUTES OF THE PHILADELPHIA ASSOCIATION. recommend it to the churches to make collections for this purpose, and forward the same to Brother Ustick, in Philadelphia, as soon as possible, as the winter season is coming on, and the people are en- tirely destitute of a suitable place to worship in. ' 22. The circular letter, written bj Brother Staughton, was brought forward, and read with approbation. 23. The brethren appointed to write to our corresponding Asso- ciations, brought forward their letters, which were read and approved. 24. Brother Ustick is requested to superintend the printing of the minutes, and to forward them to the respective churches as soon as may be. 25. The business of the Association closed with prayer by the moderator. Sermon in the evening by Brother Staughton. CIRCULAR LETTER. BY REV. WILLIAM STAUGHTON. The ministers and messengers of the Baptist Association, held at Philadelphia. To the churches they represent, send Christian salutation. Christian Brethren, — According to the good hand of our God upon us, we are again met in Association. With gratitude to Him wlio is head over all things to the church, we mention, that the va- rious letters we have received from the churches testify, that among them love and peace prevail, and that in like manner harmony has crowned our recent deliberations. Accustomed annually to address you, and to derive the theme of our letter from the succession of subjects in our Confession of faith, we expected this year to have set before you the principles and plea- sures of Christian liberty and liberty of conscience. Though in this expectation disappointed, we are still desirous of pressing on your minds such reflections as shall be friendly to your advance in knowledge and virtue. Not more from the present state of religion, than from the pious hints suggested in your letters, our thoughts are turned to the pre- valence of infidelity. With that regret and anxiety which every good man must feel when the godly man ceaseth, and when the wicked prevail, we observe crowds of unreflecting youths, pressing on to ruin, fascinated with systems which, though congenial with depravity, are at an infinite remove from holiness and truth. Our eyes, our ears, afi"ect our hearts, while we perceive the sophistry admired which is pointed against the gospel of Christ, and the course of thought and conver- sation, which tends to the advancement of guilt and confusion, applauded as fashionable and just. To trace this evil to its proper source we must recur to the origi- nal depravity of man, but we perceive a less distant cause in the revolution of empire. Our God sitteth upon the circle of the earth, and guides its affairs as his infinite perfections direct, yet its vicissi- tudes are usually so connected that one event appears naturally to rise out of another. Europe has for ages been deluged in super- stition, and even where the reformation had destroyed its servile fet- ' MINUTES OF THE PHILADELPHIA ASSOCIATION. 319 ters, among the professors of religion little of the power of godliness was visible. We rejoice in the progress of civil liberty, because so intimately related to the liberty with which Christ has made us free ; but we perceive that as it moves, papal superstition and protestant insensi- bility are brought to light. Whilq these are by their advocates termed religion, the infidel, with an air of plausibility, exclaims — all' religion is vain. Permit us. Christian brethren, as those who watch for your souls, to guard your minds against the influence of this prevaling evil. In this unfriendly world, popular sentiments, though evidently errone- ous, sometimes produce an unhappy eifect on the minds of such as are coming up out of the world. The unavoidable habits of society operating in conjunction with remaining depravity, too frequently give a tone to the thoughts and actions of believers, which is contrary to the simplicity that is in Christ. Brethren, forgive the jealousy we feel, lest they produce this effect among you. As an antidote to this evil, we affectionately exhort you to labor after an enlarged acquaintance with divine truth. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom. You have a reason of the hope that is in you, stand prepared, on every proper occasion to give it with meekness and fear. While you implore the teaching of the Spirit of God, search the Scriptures. The religion of Jesus courts the investigation of all, but it has a special claim on the attention of the righteous. Ye are set as a defence of the gospel, the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, is put into your hands, be ambitious to use it with a happy dexterity. Prompt and ingenious are the sons of infidelity in disseminating error ; and shall the sons of God be inactive and unskilful in the support of truth ? — Never do the triumphs of an infidel rise higher than when a man of God stands foiled before him. But while we urge you to seek an increase of the knowledge of God, and of our Lord Jesus Christ, and, when duty invites, to ap- pear as the advocates of evangelical piety, we beseech you scrupu- lously to banish a love of vain disputation. Aware of the invincible arguments in favor of the truth as it is in Jesus, and prone to mingle our personal interests with the subject we defend, we are in danger of disputing for the poor reward of victory. Remember, brethren, the religion we profess is of infinite moment ; seriousness ought to attend all our labors to maintain its truth. If you attempt to defend the gospel with infidel wit and heroism, a wound will be received in the house of a friend ; but when you ap- pear in its defence with all the weight of eternal concerns on your minds, the circumstance, like the splendor on the countenance of Moses, will make a rebellious people tremble. It is acknowledged that the shafts of satire are sometimes projected with success against vice and error; but they more frequently fall pointless to the ground. The weapon is dangerous, and in the sacred pages little used. Every sentiment has its natural influence. The tendency of infidelity is to 320 MINUTES OF THE PHILADELPHIA ASSOCIATION". produce ridicule and folly, while wisdom and seriousness are the off- spring of religion. When we by folly and ridicule attempt to overturn popular errors, we give the wicked an easy triumph, by indulging in ourselves the unhappy influence, at the time we condemn the sentiment. But before a holy savor of truth, as before the incense of the altar in Bethel, the lifted arm of every opposing Jeroboam will be dried up. But, Brethren, it is not enough that ye maintain the truth by ar- gument : the purity of your walk and conversation will best demon- strate the sincerity and excellency of your faith. Errors have for ages distracted the Christian church ; but they have generally origi- nated in the ungodly lives of the professors of religion. The ene- mies of the cross blend together the gospel of Christ and the lives of its subjects, and, when believers sin, ascribe the iniquity to the gospel itself. At a time like the present, when the adversaries of truth are torturing their invention for new arguments against the cause which ought to be dearer to you than your lives, how ought ye to walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, that by well-doing ye may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men. There is, brethren, an awfulness in piety, before the display of which the most hardened infidel is occasionally confounded. While your conversation is as becometh the gospel of Christ, assure your- selves, that though the ungodly outwardly laugh at and contemn you, they inwardly tremble and approve. For nearly a century past shame, arising from derision, has been but little realised in the church : we have long sat peaceful and blest as under vines and fig trees. But in the present day, by appearing as the friends of vital and experimental godliness, by determining, assisted by the Holy Spirit, to follow the Lamb of God, whithersoever he goeth, we must expect to have our ideas pitied as mistaken, and our affections derided as enthusiastic. But to suffer for well-doing is an honor ; and while we consider shame for the sake of Jesus, not as an evil patiently to be borne, but as a mark of glory of which, like the apostles, we are accounted worthy, like them we shall rejoice in him. When you enter the sanctuary of the Lord, or retire into your closets, and hold communion with your own hearts, and with the God of your salvation, the hard speeches of the wicked will appear lighter than vanity ; and while you reflect, that the natural man knoweth not the things of the Spirit of God, and that base things of the world are chosen, to confound the mighty; for the aversion of the learned and opulent in our day you will as easily account, as for the conduct of the Jews and Greeks, in the days of the apostles, in pro- nouncing the preaching of the cross a stumbling block and foolish- ness. As the purity of the gospel is educible from the aversion of wicked men, so the impurity of infidel opinions is demonstrable from their passionate zeal for their diffusion. From the earliest ages of time the world has had its course. Lust, idolatry, persecution, and superstition, have successively been as mighty streams on which thousands have been borne along to ruin. At present, infidelity prevails; but it is an evil, and every evil, like MINUTES OF THE PHILADELPHIA ASSOCIATION. 321 the frail body of man, has the principle of decay within itself. An infidel exhibits his sentiments, and considers them as a lamp to the nations. His actions testify it is the lamp of the wicked, and heaven declares the lamp of the wicked shall be put out. While the nations rage, and the earth is moved, ye who love the God of Israel and pray for the prosperity of Zion, like venerable Eli, when the Philistines were contending between Ebenezer and Aphek, may tremble for the Ark of the Lord ; but not like him shall ye sink under the distressing information, that the ark is taken — the kingdom of Jesus overthrown. Universal empire and permanent prosperity, are promised to the great Redeemer: of the increase of his dominion and peace there shall be no end. The present spread of infidelity, far from portending the destruction of Christianity, establishes its truths by fulfilling its predicions. The earth is waxing old like a garment, and, like smoke, the heavens will shortly vanish away. All flesh is grass and the grass withereth, but the word of God, which, by the gospel, is preached unto you, shall stand for ever. Banish Christianity from the world, and what remains but guilt and death ? But this is a living system, and must prevail till the king- doms of this world become the kingdoms of our Lord and of his Christ. When pursuing the interests of Zion, we are fellow workers with God. Do we pray for the coming of the Saviour's kingdom ? Martyrs, at the foot of the altar, join our prayers. Do we groan ? We groan with the creation, which travails for the redemption of the body of the righteous. Do we expect the period ? We expect with Jesus. At the right hand of his Father he sits, henceforth expect- ing until his enemies be made his footstool. The God of heaven baflles the designs of Satan, and laughs at the rage of the wicked against his anointed. When persecution was stirred up at Jerusalem, the disciples indeed were scattered ; but by their dispersion their sound went out into all lands, and their words unto the end of the world. As persecution was formerly made to promote the Gospel by separating the disciples, in the present age, infidelity appears to answer the same grand design, by uniting them together. The distinctions which till lately destroyed the happiness of different sects of christians, lose their importance, while they prepare to encounter a common enemy. When the tribes of Israel were at peace with surrounding nations, contentions com- monly existed among themselves ; but, when a foreign foe drew near to battle, the different tribeships were forgotten, while in one great band, as the people of God, they marched to contest and victory. Amid the important revolutions with which we are daily familiar, let us pray that, standing with our loins girt about, and our lamps burning, we may be prepared for every event, and that, our work on earth being finished, we may enter into the joy of our Lord. Signed in behalf of the whole, Samuel Jones, Moderator. BuiiGiss Allison, Clerk. 41 >22 MINUTES OF THE PHILADELPHIA ASSOCIATION. THE MINISTERS AND MESSENGERS AT THE ASSOCIATION, AND STATE OF THE CHURCHES DURING THE YEAR. •6 la T3 s o K i u CHURCHES. MINISTERS AND MESSENGERS. n 13 3 i i B r Samuel Jones, D. D., Lower Dublin, 1 Benjamin Dungan, Joseph Green, Joseph Evans, 3 7 1 2 70 ^liddletown, Benjamin Bennet, 1 5 140 Cohansie, ( Henry Smalley, A, M., I David Eiwell, [Jeremiah Brooks, 4 1 4 1 117 Great Valley, David Jones, A. M., Jenkin Davids, Jonathan Philips, Isaac Abram, . Daniel Cornog, 2 4 63 Cape May,t John Stancliff,* 47 Hopewell, [James Ewing, < Jared Sexton, (David Stout, 5 1 3 141 Brandywine, [Joshua Yaughan, John Powell, [ Robert M'Coy, 1 2 3 1 85 Montgomery, Joshua Jones, Charles Humphreys, Isaac Johnston, Silas Hough, Joseph Hubbs, Edward Pennington, 1 1 291 Kingwood, Garner Hunt, 2 2 80 Haight's Town, Peter Wilson, Nehemiah Die, Peter Job, Thomas Appleton, 8 14 4 277 Philadelphia, ' Thomas Ustick, A. M., William Rogers, D. D., Isaac Carlisle, George Ingolls, John M'Leod, Benjamin Thaw, Joseph Keen, Nathaniel Davis, 19 17 2 4 3 151 Southampton, '' Thomas Memminger, A. M., Arthur Watts, Abel ^Nlarple, ^Elias Y'erkes, jr.. 6 0' 1 87 Knowlton,f Daniel Yaughan,* 43 New Britain, ' William White, Joseph Matthews, Edward Matthews, Joseph Dungan, 10 34 MINUTES OF THE PHILADELPHIA ASSOCIATION, 323 CHURCHES. MINISTERS AND MESSENGERS. ■3 J II a i o ! 1 a 5 K H p ( Isaac Skillman, A. M., Salem, ^ John Walker, [Joseph Lloyd, 5 2 3 2 70 Dividing Creek, New Mills, 2 1 4 TO ( Benjamin Hedger, \ David Gaskill, 1 3 2 5 82 Konoloway, Joseph Powell,* 4 34 Coram,t Upper Freehold, Pittsgrove,t Manahawkin,f 30 52 5 Vincent, Thomas Fleeson, 2 19 Tuckahoe, Peter Groom, 1 25 London Tract, Thomas Fleeson, r James M'Laughlin,* 1 37 Hilltown, Philip Miller, Enos Morris, Joshua Dungan, 6 1 104 Lower Smithfield,t David Jayne, ( BuRGiss Allison, A. M., 26 Jacob's Town, < William Staughton, [William Snowden, 2 61 Pittstown,t 134 Marcus Hook, Rocksberry, Eliphaz Dazey,* 1 1 19 John Levering, Michael Conrad, John Walraven, 2 47 Penn's Manor, Alexander M'Gowan, 1 26 Sideling Hill, f Thomas Runtan,* 1 John Occoman, 1 50 West Creek, J" Peter Groom, 1 David Lore, 1 2 32 Shemokin, John Patten, 34 8 1 50 113 40 42 10 49 2332 Note. — The ministers' names are in small capitals. Licensed preachers in italic. Those marked thus * were not present. From churches marked thus f received no letter. A dash denotes no settled minister. WaSEBEBWe^S It hath pleased God, in the year past, to remove from the church militant to the chm-ch triumphant, that burning and shining light, the Rev. Oliver Hart, A. M., of Hopewell, New Jersey. Also, since the rise of the Association, the Rev. Eliphaz Dazey, of Marcus Hook, of respectable memory. MINUTES PHILADELPHIA BAPTIST ASSOCIATION, held at lower dublin, philadelphia county, october 3d, 4th, and Sth, 1797. October 3cL — At three o'clock, P. M., Brother Peter Wilson, in consequence of the non-attendance of the brethren who were ap- pointed last year, was requested to preach the introductory sermon, which he did, from John vii. 46, "Never man spake like this man." 2. After sermon, business was opened with prayer by Brother Samuel Jones, when Brother William Rogers was chosen moderator, and Brother Peter Wilson, clerk. 3. Letters were read from twenty churches. 4. Our Brethren Morgan J. Rhees, William Davis, Jacob Fitz Randolph, and John Evans, lately from Wales, being present, were invited to take a seat with us. The moderator concluded with prayer. Adjourned until ten o'clock to-morrow morning. October 4th. — Met pursuant to adjournment. Business was opened with prayer by Brother David Jones. 5. A letter and minutes were received from the Warwick Associa- tion. Minutes were also received from those of New York, Ston- ington, and Shaftsbury; but no messengers from either of these Associations. 6. Received a letter from a church at Opeckon Creek, Berkeley county, Virginia, requesting admission among us. Appointed our Brethren David Jones, Samuel Jones, and Thomas Memminger, a committee to write to the Ketockton Association, and to the church at Opeckon Creek, on the subject. 7. A letter was received from part of the Brandywine church, respecting existing difficulties. Agreed, That our Brethren, Samuel Jones and John Holmes, from Lower Dublin; David Jones and Daniel Cornog, from Great Valley ; and Thomas Fleeson and Josiah Phillips, from Vincent, be a com- mittee to endeavor to accommodate said difficulties, and report thereon to the next Association. The committee to meet at the upper meeting-house, on Wednes- day, November 8th, at nine o'clock, a. m. (324) MINUTES OF THE PHILADELPHIA ASSOCIATION. 325 8. Read the circular letter. Our Brethren William Staughton and Morgan J. Rhees, together with the writer Brother Thomas Mem- minger, were appointed a committee to revise the same. 9. Resolved, That those churches which omit sending a messenger, or letter, to this Association for three years successively, shall be dropped from our minutes, and considered as excluded. 10. Brother Ustick having informed us that minutes from se- veral corresponding Associations remain in Philadelphia, in conse- quence of the calamitous visitation, is requested to distribute them among the churches, when he may return to that now afflicted city. Brother Alexander M'Gowan concluded with prayer. Ajourned until one o'clock, P. m. One o'clock, p. m. — Met pursuant to adjournment. Brother Benjamin Hedger opened with prayer. 11. The Association recommend it to the churches to observe the first Tuesday in January, April, July, and October, at two o'clock, P. M., to unite in prayer to Almighty God, that he would be pleased to pour out his Spirit on the churches. It is also recommended to ob- serve the third Thursday in the present month, as a day of humilia- tion and prayer, on account of the manifold sins and iniquities too prevalent among ourselves, and the present calamitous visitation on the city of Philadelphia. 12. Brother Benjamin Bennet is appointed to write to the Warwick Association. 13. The moderator and Brother Ustick are requested to answer the letters from the corresponding Associations, which may have been left in Philadelphia, and designed for this Association. 14. Brother Samuel Jones, to whom was referred the revision and amendment of our system of discipline, brought forward and read the same. Agreed, That a member be appointed by each church belonging to this Association, to meet on the second Tuesday in December next, at two o'clock, p. m., in the city of Philadelphia, to take into consideration, and make such alterations as unto them may appear proper. And in case any malignant, or contagious disorder should render their meeting in Philadelphia unadvisable, the said committee are to convene in Southampton, Bucks county. Concluded with prayer by Jacob Fitz Randolph. Adjourned until ten o'clock to-morrow morning. Sermon at four o'clock, p. M., by Brother William Staughton, from Acts xvii. 22, 23. October 5th. — Met pursuant to adjournment. Opened with prayer by Brother Thomas Fleeson. 16. Brother Samuel Jones, who was appointed last year to pro- ceed with all expedition in obtaining a charter for the incorporation of this Association, having succeeded in the business, brought forward the same, which was read. The trustees of the said incorporation met this morning, agree- ably to the charter, and chose the following officers : Samuel Jones, 326 MINUTES OF THE PHILADELPHIA ASSOCIATION. of Lower Dublin, president, George Ingels, of Philadelphia, treasurer, and "VVilliam Rogers, of Philadelphia, Secretary. 17. The circular letter being revised by the committee, was pro- duced and unanimously adopted. 18. Brother David Jones is appointed to write the circular letter for the next year. 19. Whereas, the last will and testament of James Honeywell, of Sussex county, New Jersey, appointed as trustees of said will, Benjamin Miller and Isaac Stelle, of New Jersey, together with Samuel Jones, of Lower Dublin, Pennsylvania, and also empowered the Baptist Association of Philadelphia, to fill up all vacancies occa- sioned by death or otherwise ; and, whereas, Benjamin Miller and Isaac Stelle are deceased, this Association taking the matter into consideration, do appoint Gabriel Ogden, and Daniel Pridmore, of Sussex county, New Jersey, to supply those vacancies. 20. Brother Burgiss Allison is appointed to preach the introduc- tory sermon next Association; and, in case of failure, Brother Tho- mas Memminger. 21. Agreed, That the next Association be held in Philadelphia, the first Tuesday in October next, at three o'clock, P. M. In case that any malignant disorder should then exist in the city, the Asso- ciation are to meet at New Mills, New Jersey. 22. Brother Peter Wilson is appointed a messenger to the New York Association, and Brother Peter Groom, to that of Shaftsbury. The moderator is requested to give each of them a certificate of their appointment. 23. Brother Thomas Ustick is desired to superintend the printing of the minutes of this Association, and to send them to the several churches in connection with us, and to the corresponding Associa- tions. 24. The moderator concluded the business of this Association by solemn exhortation and prayer. Sermon at three o'clock, p. M., by Brother William White, from John's Gospel iii. 16. [Note. — The reason why Brother Ustick has not made returns to the Associa- tion of the collections for distant churches, ordered into his hands is, that he had not with him the necessary papers and receipts, having no preconception, when he left the city, that the Association would be held elsewhere.] CIRCULAR LETTER. BY REV. THOMAS MEMMINGER. The elders and messengers of the churches belonging to the Phi- ladelphia Baptist Association, met in Association at Lower Dublin, in the county of Philadelphia. To the churches they represent, send christian salutation : Dearly beloved, — In the course of his providence, it hath seemed good unto the Lord again to visit the city of Philadelphia with the rod of his chastisement, in sending among the inhabitants a malig- nant fever; in consequence of which, it has been thought right MINUTES OF THE PHILADELPHIA ASSOCIATION. 827 that this Association should be held in some place free from the disease ; from whence we now address you by this our letter. We rejoice in the Lord that we, as the spared monuments of his mercy, have been permitted to meet each other by the respective messengers of the churches ; from whom we have been glad to hear of the general welfare of Zion, and return thanks unto the great head of the church for the unanimity and brotherly love which have existed among us while in Association. The subjects, upon which you will be addressed by us this year, are the important ones of Christian liberty and liberty of conscience, which come next in order in our Confession of faith. That there is a liberty, and a glorious liberty too, which is the inheritance and portion of the people of God, is a fact clearly established, not only by the experience of all those who are made alive unto God in Christ, but also by the unerring testimony of the Spirit of truth as given in the word of God, declaring that, he that is called in the Lord, although he be a servant, is the Lord's free man. The existence of spiritual bondage, as opposed to this liberty, is also clearly ascertained by the same incontrovertible testimony: the sons of men having, because of transgression, even in their first legal representative and head, sold themselves for nought, being brought into bondage unto Satan, and having made themselves the servants of sin, for whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin. In this state of bondage mankind are naturally, and their evi- dence of their being so, is the desperate wickedness of their hearts, inclined to evil as the sparks are to fly upwards, leading them on to the perpetration of all manner of sin and uncleanness with delight and greediness : hence they are brought under bondage to the law, and are under its curse. While thus the wrath of God abideth on them ; considered in this point of view they are the slaves of Satan, and remain, unless Jesus deliver them, all their lives long in this ser- vitude, by reason of the fear of death, and the awful prospect of a future state of never-ending punishment. They are also tied to the world, and labor under the guilt of sin. Deplorable state in which men stand ! without a deliverance from which the mind shudders at the fearful prospect before them. But blessed be our God with him there is redemption, that he may be feared ; and it hath pleased him to place all power in the hands of Jesus, so that if the Son make us free, we shall be free indeed not only from the guilt and condemnation of sin, but also from the weight and burden of the law, which w.e are told gendereth to bondage — he bringing them under the gospel, which is the perfect law of life and li- berty. For we also were in bondage under the same, until the fulness of the time was come, when God sent forth his Son, made under the law, to redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons. Wherefore, those that are thus delivered, are no more servants but " sons ; and if sons, then heirs of God, through Christ." They are delivered from the condemnation of the law; for " there is now no condemnation to them, which are in Christ Jesus, 328 MINUTES OF THE PHILADELPHIA ASSOCIATION. who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit." They are released by him from the dominion of sin and death ; " for the law of the Spirit of life, in Christ Jesus, hath made them free from the law of sin and death." From the fear of death, the king of terrors to the sons of men, they are specially released ; "forasmuch as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also, himself likewise took part of the same ; that through death he might destroy him, that had the power of death, that is, the devil ; and deliver them who through fear of death, were all their lifetime subject to bondage." From the evil consequences of temporal affliction and distress, which in the children of disobedience work resentment against the good providence of a God of wisdom, they are peculiarly freed ; because, by the Spi- rit of adoption, beholding God as their indulgent father, they know that " all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose." But, beloved brethren, the glorious liberty of the sons of God as wrought out for them by the blessed Jesus, the deliverer of the cap- tives of sin, extends further than what has been stated unto you. The veil between time and eternity is rent, — for them the everlasting doors of heaven are thrown open: and they who are led by his free Spirit have an access unto the throne of the most high God, and are privileged to go in and out and find pasture. For " now in Christ Jesus, ye who sometimes were far ofi", are made nigh by the blood of Christ. For he is our peace ;" and through him we, both Jews and Gentiles, all that are named of the family in heaven and on earth, all that are called, "have access by one Spirit unto the Father. Now, therefore, ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow citi- zens with the saints and of the household of God;" and may exercise boldness to enter into the hoHest by the blood of Jesus in full assur- ance of faith. The service of God is performed, by such as are brought into this precious liberty with perfect pleasure ; the love of that God, who hath saved them and redeemed them, casteth out all slavish fear, and with a willing mind and filial aff"ection they delight to do his will. Such is the glorious liberty which Christ was anointed to proclaim to the captives, such the opening of the prison to them that were bound, such the freedom of which none can deprive you, and from which you cannot be excluded. But dearly beloved and longed for, our hope and crown of re- joicing, the blessed Captain of our salvation hath thus freed us, that we might manifest to the glory of God, that the liberty in which we stand is not connected with licentiousness, but is continually the attendant of the Spirit of God leading into all truth and righteous- ness before him: now the Lord is that Spirit: and "where the Spi- rit of the Lord is there is liberty." For so is the will of God, that with well-doing you may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men, (\\ ho charge this doctrine of our liberty as licentious, thinking they spy out that which they know nothing of,) that you as free should not use your liberty for a cloak of maliciousness but as the servants MINUTES OF THE PHILADELPHIA ASSOCIATION. 329 of God. For brethren, ye have been called unto liberty, only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh. It is to be regulated by an attention to the whole moral law as the rule of our conduct both toward God and our fellow men: "For whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed." Therefore, so speak ye, and so do, as they that shall be judged by the law of liberty. Remembering that of whom a man is overcome, of the same is he brought into bond- age ; for ye cannot be the freed men of Christ, and the servants of sin, because no man can serve two masters. Christ hath ransomed you for this same purpose; "that you being delivered out of the hands of your enemies, might serve him without fear, in holiness and righteousness before him all the days of your life;" "Knowing this that your old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin : for he that is dead is freed from sin. For we are become dead to the law by the body of Christ, that we should be married to another, even to him, who is raised from the dead, that we should bring forth fruit unto God." The all-wise Jehovah has given unto all men an equal freedom and liberty of conscience, the court of which is sacred, and wherein none have a right to tread but the individual himself and the blessed God by his word and Spirit, those only being the judges, who have authority to decide all matters concerning it. The angels of God themselves have no authority to interfere therein, much less any of the sons of men who are creatures of the dust, short sighted beings of a moment ; and therefore their commandments, doctrines, or ordinances, unless founded upon, consistent with, and springing out of his word, which alone is truth, are by no means to be considered by you as obligatory ; who, having your consciences purged from dead works, are called upon to hearken unto God, rather than unto men, making his word alone your rule and guide in all things. And now, brethren, we bid you farewell. May that God who hath by his grace placed you in the liberty wherein you stand, enable you to stand fast therein ; until you behold the top stone of the building brought forth in Heaven, shouting — Grace ! Grace unto it ! Amen. By order of the Association, William Rogers, Moderator. Peter Wilson, Clerk. 42 830 MINUTES OF THE PHILADELPHIA ASSOCIATION. THE MINISTERS AND MESSENGERS AT THE ASSOCIATION, AND THE STATE OF THE CHURCHES FOR THE YEAR. CHURCHES. MINISTERS AND MESSENGERS. ■a II g ■3 1 1 1 k^ (5 ft s ' Samuel Jones, Lower Dublin, Benjamin Dungan, Jesse Dungan, Joseph Miles, 1 1 70 Middletown, Benjamin Bennet, 1 1 2 138 Cohansie, ; Henry Smalley,* Joel Shepherd, 2 1 5 1 6 108 Great Valley, ■ David Jones, Jenkin David, 1 1 64 Cape May,t { John Stancliff,* ' James Ewing,* 47 Hopewell, < Nathan Stout, i David Stout, 1 13 5 120 Brandywine,t Joshua Vaughan,* ^ Joshua Jones, Charles Humphrey, 85 Montgomery, Silas Hough, David Davis, Joseph Hubbs, 1 1 27 Kingwood, Garner Hunt,* 2 2 1 2 77 Haight's Town, Peter Wilson, 'Thomas Ustick, William Rogers, Isaac Carlisle, 11 4 1 2 281 Philadelphia, George Ingolls, Joseph Keen, John M'Leod, Heath Norbury, 3 12 5 3 10 148 Thomas Memminger, Southampton, Arthur Watts, Thomas Folwell, ^Elias Yerkes, jr.. 1 1 87 Knowlton,t Daniel Vaughan,* ' William White, 43 New Britain, John Dungan, Joseph Dungan, ^Edward Matthew, 3 1 36 Salem, t Isaac Skillman,* 70 Dividing Creek,t 70 New Mills, 1 Benjamin Hedger, ^ Jacob Wolston, 13 1 2 91 Konoloway,t Joseph Powell,* 34 Coram,f Upper Freehold, 3 1 1 30 66 Andrew Harpendxng, . James Tapscott, Pittsgrove,t MINUTES OF THE PHILADELPHIA ASSOCIATION. 831 CHURCHES. MINISTERS AND MESSENGERS. ■d II 1 B ■a 1 Manaliawkin,f Vincent,! - 19 Tuckahoe, London Tract, 1 26 38 Thomas Fleeson, Hilltown, (James M'Laughlin, J. Philip Miller, [Isaac Morris, 7 110 Lower Smithfield,! David Jatne,* 26 Jacob's Town, C BcRGiss Allison,^'*' < William Staughton, ( William Snowden, 1 65 Pittstown,! 134 fMarcus Hook,! Roxbury, 19 46 f < John Levering, ( Michael Conrad, Penn's IManor, f Alexander M'Gowan, 1 Caleb Jeffers, 1 1 26 Sideling Hill,! Thomas Runtan, 50 West Creek, Peter Groom,* 2 31 Shemokin, John Patten, 50 55 15 20 21 36 2332 Note. — The ministers' names are in small capitals. Licenced preachers in italics. Those marked thus * were not present. From the churches marked thus ! received no intelligence. A dash denotes no settled minister. 332 MINUTES OP THE PHILADELPHIA ASSOCIATION. ADDENDA TO 1797. BAPTIST GRAMMAR SCHOOL— PECUXIARY TRANSFER, &c. March 29th, 1797. "Whereas, several of the churches belonging to the Philadelphia Baptist Association, about five and thirty years ago, subscribed and collected money, for the purpose of supporting a Grammar school in their connection, that young men, promising for the ministry, might enjoy the benefits of education : Now the subscribers, trustees of said money, considering : That it is inconvenient for them from distant parts to attend to so small a concern ; that the trustees of the Association aforesaid have a considerable sum or sums of money in their hands for the very same use ; that the said Association trustees could take care of and apply the money now in the care of the subscribers under one trouble, if the same was committed to their care, and that it is troublesome, unnecessary and useless, to have two sets of trustees for the very same purpose : The subscribers do therefore resolve, vote and determine, that the monies in their care for the use above said, shall be delivered to the trustees of the Association aforesaid, the interest whereof to be applied by said trustees to the original use and design, and no other ; and the said Association trustees are hereby desired, authorized, and empowered to receive, sue for, and recover all monies, bonds, notes, book debts, books, papers, or other property whatever per- taining to the subscribers, as trustees as aforesaid, and to give proper receipts and discharges for the same, in as efi'ectual a manner as themselves might or could do. In witness whereof, they have hereunto set their hands. Samuel Jones, of Lower Dublin. Silas Hough, of Montgomery. Arthur Watts, Benjamin Bennet, of Middletown. [Note. — The above act of pecuniary transfer was in my possession, in manu- script, and does not appear ever to have been incorporated with the minutes, nor regarded as belonging properly to the records of the Association ; but it belonging now to history, and relating to property for "vvhich, I believe, the Association is yet responsible, I have thought best to insert it here. — Ud.] MINUTES OF THE PHILADELPHIA BAPTIST ASSOCIATION, HELD AT NEW IMILLS, BURLINGTON COUNTY, NEW JERSEY, OCTOBER 2d, 3d, and 4th, 1798. October 2d. — At three o'clock, p. M., Brother Burgiss Allison, agreeably to appointment last year, preached the introductory ser- mon, from 2 Corinthians iv. 5, " For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus' sake." 2. After sermon, business was opened with prayer by Brother William Rogers, when Brother David Jones was chosen moderator, and Brother Burgiss Allison, clerk. 3. Letters from twenty-five churches were read. Adjourned until ten o'clock to-morrow morning. October 3d, ten o'clock, A. m. — Met pursuant to adjournment. 4. A newly constituted church at Amwell having addressed us by letter requesting to be admitted into the Association, was ac- cordingly received, by their messengers, John Carr and John Manners. 5. Brother William Burton, from Nova Scotia, being present, was invited to take a seat with us. 6. Letters from the following corresponding Associations, with their minutes, were received: viz.. From New York, by Reune Runyan, as their messenger ; from Warwick, by their messenger, John Caton ; also, from Chaideston and Warren. 7. Appointed the following brethren to write to the different As- sociations : viz., Rogers, to the Charleston ; Ustick, to the Warren ; Staughton, to the Now York ; Wilson, to the Shaftsbury ; Smalley, to the Warwick ; and Fleeson, to the Delaware. And it is further understood, that those who cannot conveniently write during the session of the Association, may write at their leisure, but in time to transmit the letters to the respective Associations prior to their meeting; and present copies to the next Association. 8. The following brethen are appointed as messengers to the dif- ferent Associations: viz., Wilson, to the New York; White and Groom, to the Shaftsbury and Warwick; and Vaughan, to the Delaware. f333) 334 MINUTES OF THE PHILADELPHIA ASSOCIATION". 9. Brother Ustick brought forward the letter which he had wi'it- ten to the Warren Association, agreeably to the 13th section of last year's minutes, which was approved. 10. The church at Dividing Creek having applied for supplies, our Brethren Skillman, Smalley, Groom, and Stancliff, are requested to supply them at convenient seasons. 11. Received a letter from the church at Opeckon Creek, Berke- ley county, Virginia, with reference to their letter mentioned in the 6th section of last year's minutes : and also a statement of their diflBculties. The reading of the statement postponed until afternoon. Adjourned until two o'clock, P. M. Two o'clock, p. M. — Met pursuant to adjournment. 12. The statement of the church at Opeckon Creek, postponed until this afternoon, being read, it is the opinion of this Association, that the Ketockton Association be again written to on the subject, indicating that if we do not receive from them satisfactory reasons by our next Association, why said church should not be received, we shall admit the church. Brother Samuel Jones was accordingly appointed to write to said Association. 13. The Brethren appointed as a council, in the 7th section of our last year's minutes, to investigate and give advice respecting certain difficulties subsisting in Brandywine church, report : That they found the church in a disagreeable situation ; that party spirit ran high ; that they labored after a reconciliation, but were not so happy as to succeed. Nevertheless, hoping that an accommo- dation may yet be brought about ; therefore, appointed another committee, consisting of our Brethren Skillman, Wilson, Ustick, M'Gowan, Smalley, and Carlisle, to attend again upon the above business, on the first Wednesday in November next, at ten o'clock, A. M., and make report at the ensuing Association. 14. The circular letter written by Brother David Jones, was read ; and Brethren Samuel Jones, Reune Runyan, Isaac Skillman, William Staughton, and Burgiss Allison, were appointed a commit- tee to revise the same in conjunction with the author. Adjourned until ten o'clock, to-morrow morning. October 4th, ten o'clock, A. m. — Met pursuant to adjournment. 15. The committee appointed to revise the circular letter, brought it forward with amendments, which being read, it was approved. 16. The letter to the New York Association, written by Brother Staughton, was read and approved. 17. The committee appointed in the 14th section of last year's minutes, to examine the amendment of the church discipline, report : That having revised, and by a majority approved the same, they or- dered it to be printed. 18. Brother Skillman is appointed to write the circular letter for the ensuing year, and left to his own discretion as to the subject. 19. Brother Burton, who is now travelling to make collections from the churches to assist in building a meeting-house in Halifax, Nova Scotia, at the request of the Association, read his credentials. MINUTES OF THE PHILADELPHIA ASSOCIATION. 835 which were fully satisfactory. We therefore recommend to the churches to assist him in so laudable an object. 20. Brother Memminger is appointed to preach the introductory sermon next year ; and, in case of failure, Brother Staughton. 21. Brother Samuel Jones is requested to draw up a map of the relative situations of all the Associations in the Unites States. 22. Brother Ustick is requested to superintend the printing of the minutes. 23. The Association is appointed to meet on the first Tuesday in October, 1799, by divine permission, in Philadelphia ; or in case any malignant disorder should prevail in the city, at the Great Yalley. CIRCULAR LETTER. BY REV. DAVID JONES, A. M. The messengers of the churches of Christ belonging to the Phila- delphia Baptist Association, met at New Mills, in the State of New Jersey. To their respective churches, send greeting. Beloved brethren, — We have been once more prevented assembling in the city of Philadelphia by a dreadful visitation from God. What- ever may be the natural cause of this complaint, no doubt sin is the procuring cause ; nor can we reasonably expect a removal of the calamity without a suitable reformation among the inhabitants, for which we ought fervently to pray to God; and who knoweth but he may, in his great mercy, graciously answer our supplications. The subject to which we shall call your attentions this year is, " Religious worship and the Sabbath day," being Chapter XXII. of our Confession of faith. That there is an eternal, almighty, unsearchable God, the creator and upholder of all things, the works of creation, as well as divine revelation, do clearly make appear ; but the acceptable manner, in which we are to honor and worship him, is made known only by divine revelation, for which we should ever adore our God. The object of all divine and religious worship, is the Godhead, consisting of Father, Son, and Holy Spirit; and these three personal distinctions are only one and the same Divine Being, from everlast- ing to everlasting the same one, living, and true God, blessed for evermore. That He alone is the object of religious worship, is evident from many texts of Holy Scripture, and in particular Matt. iv. 10, " Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve." All religious worship is to be performed in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, who is the only Mediator between God and men. To call on any other as mediator or intercessor, is contrary to divine re- velation, and highly dishonorable to our adorable Redeemer, as well as shameful idolatry. Nor should such idolaters ever be esteemed Christians, whatever they may believe, or profess to believe, on other subjects connected with Christianity. Some of the texts of Scrip- 336 MINUTES OF THE PHILADELPHIA ASSOCIATION. ture to which we would refer you, on this subject, are the following, viz., " I am the way, the truth, and the life : no man cometh unto the Father, but by me," John xiv. 6. And in the 13th verse, it is said, " Whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son." " There is one God, and one Mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus," 1 Tim.- ii. 5; "For through him, we both have access, by one Spirit, unto the Father," Eph. ii. 18. And whereas, by reason of the fall, all men are depraved, blind, and insensible of their spiritual wants, it is necessary to have the assistance of the holy Spirit to prepare our hearts, and strengthen our souls to give glory and honor to God suitable to the divine na- ture. Our faith on this subject is founded on the following texts, with many others : viz., " And I will pour upon the house of David, and upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the spirit of grace and of supplications," Zach. xii. 10; "Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities : for we know not what we should pray for as we ought; but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us," Rom. viii. 26. Many other passages of Scripture might be mentioned to the same purpose; but this subject is generally acknowledged by all who are worthy of the name of Christians. At the same time, we may confess with deep humility and sorrow of heart, that God has in a great measure suspended the powerful operations of his Holy Spirit in our churches. Oh that it were with us as in years past ! All our preaching, and all your hearing, will be to little purpose, without the gracious operations of the Holy Spirit. We now proceed to observe a few things with respect to the time of performing religious worship. We are taught that God is a Spi- rit, and must be worshipped in spirit and in truth, and that we should pray without ceasing; yet it is necessary to have, in the churches, fixed times for public worship. And it is to be wished that all Chris- tians were unanimous on this subject ; but there is little hope of this being the case, till we drop all traditions and traditional modes of speech ; for these things will cause many mistakes. The compilers of our Confession of faith were desirous to use the same language with other Christians, as far as was thought consist- ent with a good conscience ; and it may be, on this subject, they con- formed more than can be supported by the Holy Scriptures, or any ai'guments justly drawn from them. Should we express ourselves in a manner different from them, we are in hopes it will give no offence to any of our brethren; and we are rather persuaded the manner in which we shall treat this subject, will be generally acceptable, if the arguments are calmly considered. We shall inquire into two points relative to the subject. I. Whether the fourth command was moral or ceremonial ? II. By what authority Christians observe the first day of the week as a day of worship ? I. It is not pretended that the word moral is used either in the Old or New Testament. By it, we understand those obligations, MINUTES OP THE PHILADELPHIA ASSOCIATION. 337 Trhlcli in their nature are unalterable, and binding on all men; and by ceremonial, we are to understand such commands as were types or shadows of spiritual things, which might be abolished by the will of the legislator. Having premised these things, we proceed to show that the fourth command was not moral, notwithstanding it is sometimes placed with moral commands ; but this is not always the case. There is in the nature of things no reason why one day should be appropriated to religious worship more than another, for God is the same every day, and is to be worshipped in spirit and in truth. The observance of one day more than another was instituted for certain reasons, and was binding on those to whom the will of God was made known ; but not on the Gentiles, who were never charged with a breach of the Sabbath. The word Sabbath signifies rest ; and two reasons are given in Scripture why God enjoined it on the Jews. The first is that God finished the works of creation in six days, and rested the seventh, Ex. xx. 11. The second reason is the deliverance of Israel from their bondage in Egypt. When Moses repeated the law in Deut. v. 15, he said, " And remember that thou wast a servant in the land of Egypt, and that the Lord thy God brought thee out thence, through a mighty hand, and by a stretched out arm ; therefore, the Lord thy God commanded thee to keep the Sabbath day." The Sabbath is repeatedly mentioned as a sign between God and the chil- dren of Israel throughout their generations, and seems limited to them. For want of room, we must omit many arguments ; but it may suffice to say that a ceremonial command is an institution of God to bring to mind some events past, or to come. Such was the pass- over, and such was the Jewish Sabbath. It brought to mind the finishing of the creation in six days, and God's resting the seventh, as well as the deliverance of the children of Israel from their bon- dage in Egypt ; and it alludes to that rest which a soul enjoys when enabled to believe in Christ. The answer of our blessed Lord to the Pharisees, accusing his disciples of breaking the Sabbath, plainly proves that he considered the Sabbath as a ceremonial command. We shall transcribe the passage and make a few remarks. " And he said unto them. Have ye never read what David did, when he had need, ^nd was an hun- gred, he, and they that were with him ? How he went into the house of God in the days of Abiathar, the high priest;, and did eat the shew bread, which is not lawful to eat, but for the priests, and gave also to them that were with him ? And he said unto them, The Sabbath was made for man, and not man for the Sabbath ; therefore, the Son of man is Lord also of the Sabbath," Mark ii. 25, 26, 27, 28. This passage affords an unanswerable proof in what light Christ considered the Sabbath ; for had the Sabbath been a moral command, there would have been no propriety in quoting the breach of a ceremonial command as a parallel case. II. We proceed to show by what authority we keep the first day of the week, as a day of Christian worship. 43 S38 MINUTES OF THE PHILADELPHIA ASSOCIATION. We would premise that the duties of the Gospel differ in many respects from the law of Moses ; for the law says, " Do this and thou shalt live ;" but the Gospel says, " Live, and as a child of God and joint heir with Christ, do this, for his yoke is easy and his burden is light." We do not say that there is any express command in the New Testament positively making it a duty to worship on the first day of the week ; yet from the examples of the disciples, we have reason to believe that the disciples met by the authority of Christ ; for some of his last words to his apostles were a solemn injunction, to do as he commanded, which are these : " Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you," Matt, xxviii. 20. If we admit that the apostles were faithful, of which we can have no doubt, we must believe that their practice was conformable to the command of Christ ; we would, therefore, refer you to their example, recorded in John xx. 19 and 26, "Then the same day, at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled, for fear of the Jews, came Jesus, and stood in the midst, and saith unto them. Peace be unto you." "And after eight days, again his disciples were within, and Thomas with them. Then came Jesus, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said. Peace be unto you." And in Acts xx. 7, "And upon the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul preached unto them." The historian mentions it as the practice of the church at Troas, and hence we find it as the known and estab- lished order of Christian churches in Galatia and Corinth, as appears from 1 Cor. xvi. 1, 2. And in John's time, it seems to have obtained the name of the Lord's day. Rev. i. 10. We must close this epistle in a few words respecting the manner in which this day of worship ought to be observed. 1. Let us avoid all worldly business as far as possible, that we may with singleness of heart wait upon God in all the appointed means of grace. Li order to obtain this end, we should use our best endeavors to dismiss all our worldly affairs on the seventh day of the week, that we may be prepared for divine worship. 2. We should spend the morning of the Lord's day in prayer or reading the holy Scriptures, or other good books composed by the servants of Jesus Christ ; and never allow small excuses to prevent our meeting with the disciples of Christ for divine worship. None can tell how much is lost by omissions of duty. It is good to wait on the Lord, for he walks in the midst of the golden candlesticks, and sits as a refiner or purifier of his people. From the apostle's words, in Heb. x. 25, it seems some were faulty in his day, and forsook the assembling together, a sure sign of backsliding of heart. Think not the duties of the day ended when you have at- tended public worship ; but make a good improvement of time, for it is very precious. Therefore, redeem the time by doubling your diligence. Be not conformed to the vain customs of the present age, in pay- MESrUTES OF THE PHILADELPHIA ASSOCIATION. 339 ing or receiving unprofitable visits on the Lord's clay, for this will tend to destroy the power of religion. From the above arguments, we may justly infer, that the religious observance of the Lord's day for divine w^orship, is warranted by the examples of the apostles and churches in their days. Conse- quently, we have sufficient grounds to believe that it was by the authority of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, who is the head of his church and lawgiver to the body. And now, dear brethren, we commend you to God and the word of his grace, and remain in the Gospel of Christ. By order of the Association, David Jones, Moderator. BuRGiss Allison, Clerk. THE MINISTERS AND MESSENGERS AT THE ASSOCIATION, AND STATE OF THE CHURCHES DURING THE YEAR. CHURCHES. MINISTERS AND MESSENGERS. 1 3 ^ 1 a 8 g 1 M I.& P o s Lower Dublin, Samcel Jones, Benjamin Dungan, 5 1 74 Middletown,-}- Benjamin Bennet,* 138 Cohansie, f Henry Smalley, ( Isaac Wheaton, 3 105 Great Valley, Datid Jones, 1 1 1 63 Cape May,t John Stanclifp,* [ James Ewing, 47 Hopewell, ] Paul Hill, ' Abraham Servis, [ Joshua Vaughan, 17 1 9 1 128 Brandy wine, I William Simeson, ' Thomas Davis, ' Joshua Jones,* 1 1 84 Montgomery, Charles Humphrey, ' Silas Hough, 1 28 Kingwood, i Garner Hunt, [ John Robinson, ' Peter Wilson, 6 10 1 1 68 Haight's Town, Thomas Dye, Peter Job, John Blakeley, 12 2 1 4 290 'Thomas Ustick, William Rogers, Isaac Carlisle, Philadelphia, George Ingolls, John M'Leod, ■| Southampton, Benjamin Thaw, George Allen, o 2 1 1 148 89 Thomas Folwell, Knowlton,t Daniel Vaughan,* 01 43 340 MINUTES OF THE PHILADELPHIA ASSOCIATIOX. churches. ministers and messengers. 1 1 n 17 13 6 7 2 2 2 2 8 ll «^ 1 1 1 1 1 2 2 1 1 a 1 1 1 1 8 6 i X 2 1 1 ■6 a s 1 4 5 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 M 30 82 55 102 40 30 72 23 29 39 111 26 60 134 19 49 18 50 38 50 16 New Britain, Salem, Dividing Creek, New Mills, Konoloway, Coram,t" Upper Freehold, Pittsgrove,t Manahawkin,t Vincent, Tuckahoe, London Tract, Hilltown, Lower Smithfield,! Jacob's Town, Pittstown,t Markus Hook,t Roxbury, Penn's Manor, Sideling Hill,t West Creek, Shemokin,t Amwell, ' William White, Edward Matthew, C Isaac Skillman, < John Walker, ( Sylvanus Shepherd, Alexander IM'Gowan, Benjamin Hedger, Henry Chambers, Jacob Woolston, Samuel Jones, .Job Rogers, 5 Joseph Powell,* ( Abednego Stephens, f Andrew Harpending, ■j James Tapscott, [ David Burcalo,* Thomas Fleeson, ' James M'Laughlin,* ■ Philip Miller, David Jatne,* C BuRGiss Allison, } William Stacghton, ( William Snowden, r \ Caleb Jeffers, Thomas Runtan,* f Peter Groom, 1 Lemuel Edwards, John Patten,* r < John Carr, [John Manners, 97 20 40 7 29 2394 Note. — The ministers' names are in small capitals. Licensed preachers in italic. Those marked thus * were not present. From churches marked thus f received no letter. A dash denotes no settled minister. *^*A particular return of the collections for distant churches is neces sarily deferred until next Association, when it is expected the business will be concluded. MINUTES PHILADELPHIA BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. HELD AT THE GREAT VALLEY, CHESTER COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA, OCTOBER 1st, 2d, AND 3d, 1799. October 1st. — At three o'clock, p. m., Brother Thomas Memminger being prevented by indisposition, Brother William Staughton, agree- ably to appointment last year, preached the introductory sermon, from Psalm xlviii. 12, 13, " Walk about Zion and go round about her, tell the towers thereof, and mark well her bulwarks, consider her palaces, that ye may tell it to the generations following." 2. After sermon, business was opened with prayer by Brother David Jones, when Brother Burgiss Allison was chosen moderator, and Brother William Staughton, clerk. 3. ^Letters from twenty-nine churches were read. 4. Brother Isaac Skillman, who was appointed to write the circular letter, being removed by death, Brother Samuel Jones is requested to prepare one. After prayer by the moderator, adjourned till nine o'clock to- morrow morning. October 2d, nine o'clock, A. M. — Met pursuant to adjournment. Brother David Jones prayed. 5. Letters from the following corresponding Associations, with their minutes, were received: — From New York, by their mes- senger. Rev. William Vanhorn ; from Warwick, by Bev. John Wil- liams; from Delaware, by Brother Jesse Walraven, and from Charleston. 6. Appointed the following brethren to write to the different As- sociations : — Staughton, to Charleston ; Ellis, to Warren ; Ustick, to New York ; Wilson, to Shaftsbury ; Ewing, to Warwick ; Hunt, to the Delaware ; and to produce the letters to-morrow. 7. The following brethren are appointed messengers to the Asso ciations : — M'Gowan, M'Laughlin, and Ewing, to New Y'ork ; Vaughan, to Delaware; and Harpending, to Shaftsbury. (341) 342 MINUTES OF THE PHILADELPHIA ASSOCIATION. 8. The church at Salem having applied for assistance, we will en- deavor to supply them. 9. The church at Manahawkin may expect supplies. 10. Supplies also granted to Pittsgrove. 11. To Tuckahoe. 12. To Dividing Creek. Note. — It is particularly recommended by the Association, that such churches as are destitute of Pastors, do endeavor regularly to support divine worship. Their widowed state bespeaks the necessity for prayer, and the promises of the Lord of the harvest encourage it. In most churches there are brethren who can with acceptableness to a congregation read sermons ; and the support of unity and intercourse among the brethren, as well as the duty of publicly venerating the Lord's day in the midst of an infidel world, loudly call for these holy services. 13. The brethren appointed as a committee to give advice relative to existing difficulties in Brandywine church, reported the course of conduct they had recommended to that church, which was fully approved. Brother Samuel Jones concluded in prayer. Adjourned for an hour — one o'clock. Two o'clock, p. M. — Met pursuant to adjournment. 14. Agreeably to the request of the committee, the church at Brandywine reported their proceedings consequent on the commit- tee's advice; on which the Association directed, That its opinion be transmitted to the complaining parties, in writing, which was ac- cordingly done. Brother William Rogers prayed. Adjourned till ten o'clock to- morrow morning. Sermon at four o'clock by Brother William Vanhorn, from Col. ii. 10, "And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all princi- pality and power." October 3d, 10 o'clock, a. m. — Met pursuant to adjournment. 15. The case of the church at Opeckon Creek being taken up by the Association, and a letter from the Ketockton Association, and another from the church at Opeckon Creek, on the subject, being read, it is the opinion of this Association that the subject be dis- missed, and that Brother Samuel Jones be appointed to write, both to the Ketockton Association and to said church, our reasons for this measure. 16. The letters to the different Associations were read and approved. 17. The circular letter, produced by Brother Samuel Jones, was read and approved. 18. The church at Sidling Hill requesting dismission to a nearer Association, it was granted. 19. Brother Staughton is appointed to write the circular letter for the ensuing year, and left to his own discretion as to the subject. 20. Brother Samuel Jones and Brother Staughton are appointed to prepare a map of the situation of the churches in this Associa- MINUTES OF THE PHILADELPHIA ASSOCIATION. 843 tion, and to inform themselves of the probable expense attending its engraving. 21. Apprehensive that many advantages may result from a general conference, composed of one or more members from each Associa- tion, to be held every one, two, or three years, as may seem most subservient to the general interests of our Lord's kingdom ; this As- sociation respectfully invites the different Associations in the United States to favor them with their views on the subject. 22. Brother Ustick is requested to forward to each Association in the United States a copy of our minutes, on account of the above request. 23. The four following days, viz., the first Tuesday in January, April, July, and October, are recommended as days of humiliation and prayer, that we may humble ourselves under the hand of God, and seek his forgiveness and favor; and that he would be pleased to pour out his Spirit upon his churches. 24. This Association, desirous of spreading ecclesiastic informa- tion, recommend " Crosby's History of the English Baptists " to our chm'ches and sister Associations, as a valuable work ; and hope that, should our Brother Ustick be disposed to publish it, he will meet with universal encouragement. 25. Brother Ustick reports that the moneys raised for the Savan- nah African church were : From the church at Middletown, - - - $22 00 From the church at Montgomery. - - - - 13 50 From other churches in smaller sums, - - 36 34| $71 84i Which was remitted in the following manner, viz. Cash sent by Mr. Michaels, - - - - $10 00 Paid by Rev. Mr. Furman, - - - - 30 00 An order on Mr. John Hamilton, for - - - 31 89 $71 89 26. Collections received for Shemokin church, viz., from the church at Montgomery, $4 56J Philadelphia, 40 05 Penepek, 5 03 Hopewell, 5 62* Hilltown, 4 75 $60 02 Paid Mr. Daniel Rhees, $55 27 Paid to Rev. Mr. Patten, 4 75 $60 02 27. Brother Samuel Jones is appointed to preach the Association sermon next year ; and in case of failure, Brother William Rogers. 28. Brother Ustick is requested to superintend the printing of the minutes. 29. The Association is appointed to meet, on the first Tuesday in October, 1800, at two o'clock, p. m., at Philadelphia; but in case of the return of the fever there, to be held at Cohansie. 344 MIXUTES OF THE PHILADELPHIA ASSOCIATIOX. CIRCULAR LETTER. BY REV. SAMTEL JONES, D. D. The elders and messengers ef the several Baptist churches, per- taining to the Philadelphia Baptist Association, convened at the Great Valley, on Tuesday, October 1st, 1799. To the several churches to whom they relate send Christian salutation. Beloved Brethren, — While we lament the distress in which our me- tropolis is involved, which prevented our meeting there, yet we have the pleasure to observe that we have had a pretty general represen- tation from the churches in our connection, and a comfortable oppor- tunity, for which we desire to be thankful. You will see by the returns from the churches, that although it be a dark and declining day, yet the Lord has not left us without the manifestation of his power and grace, but has granted some quicken- ing and refreshing showers of divine influence in divers places, both in our bounds and those of our sister Associations. Being disappointed in addressing you at this time, from the pen of that great man we last year appointed to that service, you can expect but a few general hints, imperfectly penned, in the midst of the hui-ry of business. Dr. Skillmax is no more ! He has been removed, we trust, from his labors in the church militant to that rest which remaineth for the people of God, and though we feel and lament the loss we sustain by this heavenly visitation, yet we desire to be resigned to the divine will, in a comfortable assm'ance that our loss is his gain. When we take a view, brethren, of the number of churches desti- tute of those to go in and out before them, and break unto them the bread of Hfe, and at the same time that there are so few likely to come forward in the ministry, while so many are removed from their posts on Zion's walls ; we think it a time, when we shoidd feel with solemn weight on our minds, the force of our blessed Lord's injunc- tion when he said, '^ Pray ye the Lord of the harvest, that he would send forth many laborers into his harvest," and we wish it to be more effectually impressed on each of our hearts. Yes, brethren, we beseech you all to attend seriously to this weighty consideration. When we consider the unbounded mercies of God, the rich dis- plays of his goodness and grace in the various dispensations of his hand, both in a spiritual and temporal way, we have the highest reason to praise and adore his holy name. May the streams of his bounty lead us to him who is the fountain of all good, may they lead us to unfeigned repentance, that shall be attended with reformation of life, and influence us to walk worthy of the high vocation where- "with we are called. How desirable to experience the shedding abroad of the constraining love of God in our hearts. Then shall we love as brethren, then shall we be moved to diligence in the use and improve- ment of the privileges, means and opportunities we enjoy, whereby we may grow in grace, and abound in holy zeal. How indispensable to cause our light to shine before men, that they seeing our good MINUTES OF THE PHILADELPHIA ASSOCIATION. 345 VTorks may glorify our Father who is in heaven. Yes, brethren, let us, by our demeanor and deportment in life, recommend to others the holy religion we profess, as it were stamp it with the seal of reality and truth, and cause the beholders to observe, that we have been with Jesus and learned of him. Is it not of serious concern, that when the preacher explains the principles of pure and undefiled reli- gion, in regard to their native tendency to holiness and purity of life ; the very professors of that religion should by their unworthy conduct, caution the hearers not to believe the preacher, and as it were testify that there was not a word of truth in what he says ? Permit us, brethren, before we close, to beseech you to bear in mind those who labor among you in word and doctrine. We beseech and intreat you to pray for them; that a door of utterance may be given unto them abundantly, and that the power of God may rest on their labors; and withal make conscience of contributing to- wards their comfortable support as God has prospered you. Finally, Brethren, farewell. " 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 every good work, to do his will, working in you that which is well pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen." BuKGiss Allison, Moderator. William Staughton, Clerk. Note. — Crosljy's History will be comprised in 4 volumes octavo, neatly bound and lettered, at six dollars, unless it should be thought more eligible to abridge the work. The sister Associations are requested to send their advice and sub- scriptions to the meeting of this Association in October next, or to T. Ustick, previously. 41 346 MINUTES OF THE PHILADELPHIA ASSOCIATION. THE MINISTERS AND MESSENGERS AT THE ASSOCIATION, AND STATE OF THE CHURCHES DURING THE YEAR. s "% o 'p •a ■6 t CHURCHES. ministers and messengers. IS 1 1 5 o 1 1 03 1 .a a J TV 1 T f Samuel Jones, Lower Dubhn, | Thomas Holmes, 75 Middletown, Benjamin Bennett,* 4 4 132 Cohansie, Henry Smalley,* David Shepherd, 3 1 8 99 Great Valley, David Jones, John Boggs, Daniel Cornog, Isaac Abraham, James Abraham, Jonathan Philips, Enoch Jones, David George, _ Isaac Bewla, 2 2 2 61 Cape May,t John Stancliff,* 47 Hopewell, ' James Ewing, John Blackwell,* David Stout, Joseph Ott, 55 1 1 4 179 Brandywine, 'Joshua Vaughan,* William Simonson, John Garret, jr., Thomas Davis, Thomas Stroud, 1 85 Montgomery, " Joshua Jones, _ Charles Humphreys, 1 1 28 Kingwood, Garner Hunt, 4 1 70 Haight's Town, ', Peter Wilson, John Mawford, 38 1 3 1 3 322 Philadelphia, Southampton, ' Thomas Ustick, William Rogers, Isaac Carlisle, George IngoUs, John M'Leod, Hugh Gorley, Joseph Keen,* Benjamin Thaw,* 2 126 87 Arthur Watts, Abel Marple, Thomas Folwell,* Knowlton, New Britain, Salem, -i 17 'William White,* Edward Matthews, William James, Ephraim Thomas, r 21 1 2 3 5 54 79 Benjamin Thompson Henry Mulford, MINUTES OF THE PHILADELPHIA ASSOCIATION. 347 MINISTERS AXD MESSENGERS- Dividing Creek, New Mills, Kolonoway,t Coram, Upper Freehold, Pittsgrove, Manahawkin,f Vincent, Tuckahoe, Loudon Tract, Hilltown, Lower Smithfield,! Jacob's Town, Pittstown,* Marcus Hook, Koxbury, Penn's Manor,t Sideling Hill, "West Creek, Shemoken, Am well. ( Alexander M'Gowan, I Levi Wilson, Joseph Powell,* Andrew Harfexding, iJosiah Philips, Enos Miles, Thomas Lloyd, Thomas Fleeson, C James M'Laughlin, ! Philip Miller, 1 Isaac Morris, [Thomas Matthias, David Jayne,* ( BuRGiss Allison, I William Staughtox, JoJin EUis, George Mustin, George AVhite, John Levering, Anthony Levering, Cornelius Holgate,* f Thomas Runtan, I John Ockerman, (Peter Groom, Lemuel Edwards, James Edwards, John Patten, William Merrell, 2 224 2619 2 S'Sl 2529 3 1 2 Note. — The ministers' names are in small capitals. Licensed preachers in italic. Those marked thus * not present. From the churches marked thus f received no intelligence. A dash denotes no settled minister. MINUTES PHILADELPHIA BAPTIST ASSOCIATION, HELD AT PHILADELPHIA, OCTOBER 7tH, 8tH, AND 9tH, 1800. October 7th. — At three o'clock, p. m.. Brother Samuel Jones, agreeably to appointment last year, preached the introductory ser- mon, from Acts xx. 23, " I kept nothing back that was profitable unto you." 2. After sermon, business was opened with prayer by Brother Burgiss Allison, when Brother Samuel Jones was chosen moderator, and Brother Peter Wilson, clerk. 3. Letters from twenty-four churches were read. Prayer by Brother Wilson. Adjourned till nine o'clock to-morrow morning. Sermon this evening by Brother John Stanford, from Acts vi. 4, "But we will give ourselves continually unto prayer." October 8th, nine o'clock, a. m. — Met according to adjournment. Brother David Jones prayed. 4. Brethren Jonathan Jerman, Thomas Jones, and Joseph Flood, being present, were invited to take a seat with us. 5. Received a letter and minutes from the Warwick Association, by their messengers John Stanford and Thomas Montanye; letter and minutes from the Delaware Association, by their messenger John Boggs, jr. ; letters and minutes from the New York and Charleston Associations. Also, minutes from the Shaftsbury, Middle District, Neuse, Dover, Flat River, Goshen, Roanoke District, Kehuke, and Culpepper Associations. 6. JBrethren Ewing, Staughton, and Stanford, are appointed as a committee to examine the printed letters from the different Associa- tions, and report thereon. 7. Read the circular letter to the churches, and appointed Brethren David Jones, Allison, and M'Laughlin, together with the author, to examine the same and report thereon. 8. Appointed the following brethren to write to the different As- sociations : — David Jones, to the Warwick ; Horatio G. Jones, to the Delaware; White, to New York; and Staughton, to Charleston. (348) MINUTES OF THE PHILADELPHIA ASSOCIATION. 349 9. The following brethren are appointed messengers to the Asso- ciations : — M'Laughlin, to Warwick ; Yaughan and Horatio G. Jones, to Delaware ; and White and Wilson, to New York. 10. No communications having been lately received from the fol- lowing churches, the brethren whose names are annexed to them, are appointed and do agree to write unto, or visit them. Samuel Jones, to \asit Knowlton ; Ustick, to write to Coram. M'Laughlin and White, to visit Lower Smithfield, on the third Lord's day in November, and Pittstown the Monday evening follow- ing, enquire of them relative to their faith and practice, and report thereon to the next Association. David Jones, to write to Konoloway, relative to a resolution of the Association to drop oflF such churches' names out of oui' minutes, who neglect to write for three years in succession. Brother M'Laughlin prayed. Adjourned till three o'clock, P. M. Three o'clock, p. M. — Met pursuant to adjournment. Brother Hunt prayed. 11. Conscious that the interposing Providence of God hath pre- served the city of Philadelphia, during the present season, from the malignant fever, and caused the earth to bring forth her fruits more abundantly than for some years past, the Association set apart, and recommend, Thursday the 13th of November next, to be observed as a day of thanksgiving by all the churches in our connection. 12. The committee appointed to examine the printed letters from the diflferent Associations, reported thereon. Brother Rogers prayed. Adjourned till half after six o'clock to-morrow morning. Sermon this evening by Brother Montanye, from Col. i. 18, " And he is the head of the body," October 9th, half after six o'clock, A. M. — Met pursuant to adjournment. Brother Ewing prayed. 13. The Association having received approving resolutions from three of their sister Associations, respecting the general conference, as recommended by the 21st article of our last year's minutes, bef' leave to call the attention of the other Associations to this important subject, and solicit from them, severally, their views as to the time when, and place where, the first general conference ought to assemble. This Association also recommend, that the different messengers from those Associations who may meet with us by divine permission, next year, be authorised to confer with a committee to be appointed by oui' body, on this subject, in digesting a plan relative to the ge- neral conference, and to do whatever may have a tendency to accele- rate this beneficial design. Brethren William Rogers, Thomas L^stick, Burgiss Allison, William Staughton, and Peter Wilson, are appointed a committee by this Association to receive and answer all communications from the 350 MINUTES OF THE PHILADELPHIA ASSOCIATION. different Associations in the United States appertaining to the busi- ness, in order that we may bring the whole to a conclusion. 14. The letters to the different Associations were read and ap- proved. The committee appointed to examine the circular letter to the churches, report that they approve of the same. Brother Hedger prayed. Adjourned till half after ten o'clock, A. M. Met pursuant to adjournment. 15. The Association recommend to the churches, that collections be immediately made and forwarded to Brother Ustick, for the instruc- tion and assistance of Thomas Jones, a young man lately from Wales of promising gifts ; and that Brother Ustick pay forty dollars to Thomas Jones, if as much be received ; if more, to retain the same to be at the future disposal of the Association. 16. A query having been received from the church at Philadelphia on the subject : — Resolved, That it be particularly urged on our churches, that, as stewards of God, and influenced by a strong desire to spread the cause of our blessed Redeemer, they endeavor to raise, as early as possible, and to maintain a fund for the assistance of such ministers as may be called to supply destitute churches, or otherwise publish the gospel in their connection: and as there are flattering prospects at the church of Manahawkin, which has been recently visited with much success, they earnestly entreat that some collections may be immediately forwarded to brother Rogers, for the desirable purpose of affording them ministerial aid. 17. The four following days, viz., the first Tuesday in January, April, July, and October, are recommended as days of humiliation and prayer. 18. Whereas, the church of Philadelphia have presented a query, on the propriety of forming a plan for establishing a missionary so- ciety : This Association, taking the matter into consideration, think it would be most advisable to invite the general committee of Virginia and different Associations on the continent, to unite with us in lay- ing a plan for forming a missionary society, and establishing a fund for its support, and for employing missionaries among the natives of our continent. 19. The Association conceive, that the regular business of the As- sociation is to take into consideration those matters which are intro- duced by the churches ; yet, that the Association consider themselves at liberty to take up any matter of consequence introduced by any individual member. 20. It is recommended to our churches, that a sermon be annu- ally preached among them, and after it a collection be made, the amount to be forwarded to the Association at their subsequent meet- ing, in order to augment the fund for the education of such pious young men as appear promising for usefulness in the ministry of the gospel. 21. The committee appointed to prepare a map of the situation MINUTES OF THE PHILADELPHIA ASSOCIATION. 351 of the churches in this Association, and to inform themselves of the probable expense attending its engraving, presented a map; and report, that the expense will be about one hundred dollars. It is, therefore, recommended that each church send, by its messengers, at the next meeting, four dollars, to complete the designs. 22. The Association, understanding that objections lie against the character of Andrew Harpending, desire the Shaftsbury Association to inquire into the grounds of those reports. 23. Brother Ewing to write the circular letter for next year. 24. Brother William Rogers is appointed to preach the Associa- tion sermon next year ; in case of failure. Brother John Boggs. 25. Brother Ustick is requested to superintend the printing of the minutes. 26. The Association is appointed to meet on the first Tuesday in October, 1801, at two o'clock, p. m., at Philadelphia; and in case of the return of the fever there, to be held at Hopewell. 27. The moderator concluded by prayer. CIRCULAR LETTER. BY REV. WILLIAM STAUGnXOX. The ministers and messengers of the Philadelphia Association, to the churches they represent, send Christian salutation. Beloved Brethren, — Having once more been permitted to meet in Association, to consult the interests of the Redeemer's kingdom, not as having dominion over your faith, but as helpers of your joy, we once more aflfectionately address you. It affords us the highest pleasure to find from your letters, that peace, like a river, flows among you ; that additions have been made to many of our churches ; and that your adherence to the faith of the gospel remains unshaken. We trust you will continue to abound in the work of the Lord, assured that in your holy profession, you have followed no cunningly devised fable, and that in prospect of the invisible world you know whom you- have believed. To assist you in repelling every temptation to abandon your profession, and in sur- mounting the obstacles which may lie in your path to glory and virtue, in an age when thousands are treating the doctrines we main- tain as unintelligible, and the duties we practice as irrational, permit us to bring to your view, some of the proofs of the divine origin of that gospel, which has been preached unto you, which also ye have received and wherein ye stand. The evidences which address the understandings of all men, are the performance of miracles and the accomplishment of prophecy; but there is an evidence too little regarded, which particularly addresses itself to the consciences of believers, — equally convincing with any of the rest, and perhaps, in point of perspicuity and usefulness, su- perior to them all. It consists in that consciousness, which every Christian in his measure possesses, that he is born of incorruptible seed, which is well expressed by the beloved disciple, where he says, " He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself." 352 MINUTES OF THE PHILADELPHIA ASSOCIATION. We know not any occasion on which this evidence can be more seasonably illustrated and enforced, than when writing to such as hare tasted that the Lord is gracious. We wish not, brethren, to direct your thoughts to any fancied in- ternal light, any capricious impulses, which may be supposed to supersede the necessity of scriptural instruction: we refer to those operations of sovereign grace, which include the regeneration and sanctifying of the heart, strong consolation in trouble, and lively hopes in death. As He who formed the mind is the author and finisher of our faith, we are not surprised that there is a visible harmony between the na- tural faculties and relative circumstances of the one, and the divine excellencies of the other. An understanding deeply penetrating is the privilege of few, and still fewer are blest with the external means which swell its capacity and assist its researches. " Ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called." If the proofs of the gospel were to be derived only from the investigation of ancient histories, the collating of original manuscripts, the acquisition of several languages, or the pursuit of deep metaphysical reasonings, by far the greater part of mankind must remain invincibly ignorant of its heavenly nature. But God, of his infinite wisdom and good- ness, has made provision for the poor: He has let fall into the bo- som of the Christian, who has both to pray and to toil for the daily bread of himself and family, a key which can open every door of the doubting castle. The evidence we are contemplating is so plain, that the wayfaring man, though a fool, need not err; so rational, that the attempts of the enemy to gainsay or resist are impertinent and abortive ; and so universal, that babes, young men, and fathers in Christ, may alike enjoy its power. We possess, naturally, that intimacy with ourselves which renders the perception of the exercise of our senses, afi'ections, and under- standings, obvious to us all. Should a philosopher tell you that the morning sun can shed no lustre on the hills — that there is no noise in the thunders of summer — that there are no such passions as joy and grief — that a human being is not able to reason, or if he be, that he cannot distinguish the operations of his mind — you would re- ject his assertions, convinced that if you know not these things, you know nothing; convinced that these are to be classed among those self-evident facts which do not properly admit of proof, because no- thing in their support can be adduced plainer than themselves. In like manner, should an infidel assert, that there is no glory in the person of Jesus, no terrors in the law of God to the trans- gressor, no joy in the Holy Ghost, no brokenness of heart for sin, that there exists no such power of discernment as that which Paul ascribes to him that is spiritual; the believer having no in- ternal sense of moral truth, perceives clearly that such declarations are false. Permit us, brethren, to illustrate the nature of this evidence more . MINUTES OF THE PHILADELPHIA ASSOCIATION. 353 fullj. Does the infidel declare that the Bible is an imposition on the credulity of mankind? Your experience can answer: "Unless the law of God had been our delight, we had perished in our afilictions." Have you heard him assert that Christ was an impostor ? You know he is mistaken ; for Christ is formed in you the hope of glory. More blind than the Jewish ruler, does he ridicule the doctrine of the rege- neration of the heart? You know what it means, and from its influ- ence argue its origin. Once you loved the world ; now you place it beneath your feet. Once you saw no loveliness in religion ; now her ways are pleasantness. Pious persons you once hated ; now they are your beloved associates, and for the very reason which formerly com- manded your aversion, because they bear the image of the heavenly. Eifects like these are irresistible proofs that you have passed from death unto life. It is in vain that an infidel contend, that it is ab- surd to suppose that God would pardon sin by so strange a means as the death of his Son ; the Christian has felt the efiicacy of the blood of Christ on his conscience. It is of no avail, his deriding the idea of an infernal agent ; you know you have such an enemy, and are not ignorant of his devices. Let the foes of piety, if they please, term our religion wild and visionary ; we have felt its soothing power, when our bodies have been tortured with pain, when our friends have been removed from our embraces, when the waters of complicated afiliction have overwhelmed us. This inward conviction assisted the primitive Christians to hold fast the faithful word. While the unbelieving Jews and Greeks were reriuiring a sign and seeking after wisdom, the disciples beheld, in a crucified Saviour, the power and the wisdom of God. No oppo- sition could induce them to be ashamed of a system, which is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth. In the days of our Lord when Philip could not immediately an- swer Nathaniel's objection to the Messiahship of Jesus, satisfied that he had found him of whom Moses in the law and the prophets did write, he requested Nathaniel to come and see. We may give the same invitation, both to the friends and enemies of Christianity. Come and see, how swearers become praying persons — how the un- clean become chaste — how Sabbath breakers become devout — how he that stole, steals no more, but rather labors, working with his hands the thing which is good. Come and see how the churlish be- come liberal and the inebriated sober; see right hands cut off, and right eyes plucked out, rather than the whole body should be cast into hell. Come and "see how a Christian can die," and whether you behold him surrounded with weeping friends on his couch in the chamber, or with exulting enemies at the stake amid the flames, you may hear him singing with surprise and joy, " death where is thy sting? Come, Lord Jesus, come quickly!" We are sensible, brethren, that infidels may reject this evidence as unfounded ; but, while we ask them to assign some other adequate cause, if they can, for the important changes we have named, we beg of you to remember, that "the natural man receiveth not the things 45 354 MINUTES OF THE PHILADELPHIA ASSOCIATION. of the Spirit of God : for they are foolishness unto him : neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned." This change of heart and conduct, this inward witness, you need not be told is not of your own producing. God, who is rich in mercy, hath quickened us together with Christ. Neither moral suasion nor gentile philosophy, could have accomplished it. It could have been effected neither by the providences of God, nor by the ministry of the Gospel itself, separate from the power of the Holy Ghost. Indeed, the opposition made to it by our depravity, the world and the tempter, prove it a work essentially different from their nature and influence. Paul, when standing on the stairs in Jerusalem, when speaking for himself before Agrippa, and when writing to the Galatian churches, demonstrates the truth of the Gospel, and his commission to proclaim it, from the history of his conversion. We wish you, brethren, ever to exercise that wisdom which dwells with prudence ; but, we would recommend to you on proper occasions, even in the presence of infidels, to relate the story of your conversion to God. Some, like the Jews, may deride you ; many, like Agrippa, may be almost persuaded to become Christians ; while others, by the blessing of God, may, like the Galatians, be made not almost, but altogether disciples of Jesus Christ. It is frequently observed respecting prophecy, that it is a growing evidence ; the same is true as to the witness within. The more you grow in grace and the knowledge of Christ, the stronger will be your faith; purity and stability are the companions of each other. Suffer us then, dear brethren, to exhort you to every good Avord and work. Enable your ministers, while they behold your faith, your patience and charity, to say, " Ye are our epistles written in our hearts, known and read of all men." Dwell much in your medi- tations on the redemption of the Son of God, Christ ; increasing in love to him who first loved you and to your brethren in the Lord, Let grace and truth govern all your actions. Pray for and pursue the prosperity and peace of Jerusalem. Mortify the deeds of the body. JNIind not the world nor the things of the world. Let your conversation be in heaven. In short, labor to attain to such a pro- gress in knowledge and purity, as shall compel a wicked world to exclaim with the damsel of Philippi, " These men are the servants of the most high God." Though the evidence we have been explaining brightens with our advance in the divine life, yet we hope none of you will write bitter things against yourselves, because the knowledge or joys of your brethren may be greater than yours. While we expect you to give all diligence to make your calling and election sure, we wish you to remember, that the evidence lies in the fact itself. Fire is as truly in the smoking flax as in the great volcano ; the small dust of the balance is as really a part of the creation as the mountain of Libanus. A careful investigation of the work of grace on the heart, will MINUTES OF THE PHILADELPHIA ASSOCIATION. 35f enable each of you to say before Jehovah, with a great divine^ of the last century, " I see no doctrme so pure and heavenly, as bear- ing the image and superscription of God ; nor any so fully confirmed and delivered by the attestation of thy own omnipotency ; nor any which so purely pleads thy cause ; calls the soul from self and vanity ; condemns its sin ; purifies it, and leads it directly unto thee. Thou hast mercifully given me the witness in myself ! not an unreasonable persuasion in my mind, but that renewed nature, those holy and heavenly desires and delights, which sure can come from none but thee. And ! how much more have I perceived it in many of thy servants than in myself. Thou hast cast my lot among the souls that Christ hath healed ; I have daily conversed with such whom he hath raised from the dead. I have seen the power of thy Gospel upon sinners. All the love that ever I perceived kindled towards thee, and all the true obedience I ever saw performed to thee, hath been efiected by the word of Jesus Christ. And if con- fidence in Christ be yet deceit, must I not say that thou hast deceived me, who I know canst neither be deceived, or by any falsehood or seduction deceive?" You will perceive with the pious Watts, that this is a powerful witness, and ever ready to baffle the most learned sophisms and the boldest temptations : it lies so near, that it is a present shield against every arrow from the camp of infidelity. It is an argument drawn from sense and vital experience, and effectually answers all the subtle cavils of false reasonings. The quibbles of logic against the experience of the Christian, are but as darts of stubble against the scales of a leviathan. That you may enjoy this earnest of the Spirit, this unction from the Holy one, more and more, is the hearty prayer of, beloved brethren, your servants, for Christ's sake. Signed in behalf of the whole, Samuel Jones, Moderator. Peter Wilson, Clerk. *Richard Baxter. 356 MINUTES OF THE PHILADELPHIA ASSOCIATION. THE MINISTERS AND MESSENGERS AT THE ASSOCIATION, AND STATE OF THE CHURCHES DURING THE YEAR. -2 II T3 i -o a CHURCHES. ministers and MESSENGERS. Ci. IS 1 i 1 i 1 K^ A » 1 1 Lower Dublin, ' Samuel Jones, Joseph Wright, ^ Jesse Dungan, 1 74 Middletown, Benjamin Bennet, 8 3 1 2 140 ( Cohansie, • < ( ' Henry Smallet, ' Jeremiah Brooks, Isaac Wheaton, 7 5 101 Great Valley, ■\ 'David Jones, John Boggs, Horatio G. Jones, Daniel Cornog, Isaac Abraham, David George, 4 65 Cape May,t John Stancliff,* Hopewell, ' James Etving, William Salyer, ^ Moses Quick, 30 1 7 3 200 Brandywine, 'Joshua Vaughan, William Simpson, John Garrett, jr., William Griffith, 1 2 1 1 84 Montgomery, Joshua Jones, Charles Humphrey, Joseph Lunn, Silas Hough, 30 1 57 Kingwood, Garner Hunt, Jonathan Robinson, John Heath, 4 1 73 Haight's Town, ' Peter Wilson, Thomas Dye, John Morford, 19 1 6 4 332 Philadelphia, Southampton, ^Thomas Ustick, William Rogers, Isaac Carlisle, George lugolls, John M'Leod, Joseph Keen, Samuel Oakford, John Peckworth, Hugh Gorley, ^Benjamin Thaw, 15 12 5 1 2 2 1 145 84 Jeremiah Dungan, Elias Yerkes, ^ Peter Sowerman, Knowlton, 17 New Britain, William White, Abel Matthew, Isaac Oakford, John Dungan, 40 3 1 1 96 MINUTES OF THE PHILADELPHIA ASSOCIATION. 357 CHURCHES. MINISTERS AND MESSENGERS. Salem, Dividing Creek, New Mills, Konoloway,t Coram,! Upper Freehold,! Pittsgrove,! Manahawkin, Vincent, Tuckathoe,! London Tract, Hilltown, Lower Smithfield,f Jacob's Town, Pitts town,! Marcus Hook, Roxbury, Penn's Manor,! West Creek,! Shemokin, Amwell, Benjamin Thompson, Henry Mulford, I Jonadab Shepherd, C Alexander M'Gowan, < Benjamin Hedger, ( Jesse Cox, Joseph Powell,* Josiah Philips, ^^neas Miles, ( Samuel Carlisle, f James M'Laughlin, (Isaac Morris, Abel Jones, Thomas Matthias, iBuRGiss Allison, William Staughton, James Cox,* ( John Ellis, \ George Mustin, Thomas Fleeson, John Levering, Titus Yerkes, Peter Groom,* John Patten, William IVIerrell, John Runyan, ■a n t I a 8 05 ft 1 1 3 75 1 3 58 15 2 3 119 40 30 79 12 5 5 1 2 34 26 1 37 39 1 6 1 2 151 26 1 61 134 .0 17 7 1 2 52 18 43 4 1 96 16 45 240 24 34 11 1 34! 2626 Note. — The ministers' names are in small capitals. Licenced preachers in italics. Those marked thus * were not present. From the churches marked thus ! received no intelligence. A dash denotes no settled minister. MINUTES OF THE PHILADELPHIA BAPTIST ASSOCIATION, HELD AT PHILADELPHIA, OCTOBER 6tH, 7tH, AND 8tH, 1801. October 6th. — At three o'clock, p. m., Brother William Rogers, agreeably to appointment last year, preached the introductory sermon, from Psalm Ixxxiv. 4, " Blessed are they that dwell in thy house ; they will be still praising thee." 2. After sermon, business was opened with prayer by Brother Samuel Jones, when Brother James Ewing was chosen moderator, and Brother William Staughton, clerk. 3. Letters from twenty-seven churches were read. 4. Application being made by a newly constituted church in Bur- lington for admission into this Association, they were cheerfully received. 5. Read the circular letter to the churches and appointed Breth- ren Rogers, Wilson, M'Laughlin, Allison, and Vanhorn to examine it, and report respecting it to the Association. Brother M'Laughlin concluded by prayer. Adjourned till half after eight o'clock to-morrow morning. October 7th, half past eight o'clock, A. M. — Met pursuant to adjournment. Brother White prayed. 6. Brethren John Morgan, from England, John Ellis, and Jethro Johnson, being present, were invited to seats Avith us. 7. Received, from the Charleston Association, a letter and minutes ; from the Warwick Association, a letter and minutes ; from the De- laware, a letter and minutes, by their messenger, John Boggs, jun. ; from New York, a letter and minutes, by their messenger, William Vanhorn ; from the Stonington, Warren, and Shaftsbury Associations, minutes, with the printed corresponding letters. Received also a letter from the Miami Association soliciting cor- respondence with us ; on which we cheerfully entered. 8. Our Brethren Samuel Jones and Garner Hunt were appointed a committee to inspect the minutes and corresponding letters from different Associations, and report them to-morrow. 9. Appointed Brother Staughton to write to the Charleston Asso- ciation ; Brother Montanye, to the Warwick ; Brother ElHs, to the f358) MINUTES OF THE PHILADELPHIA ASSOCIATION. 35^ Delaware ; Brother Horatio G. Jones, to the New York ; Brother White, to the Miami ; Brother Smallej, to the AVarren ; Brother Boggs, jun., to the Shaftsbury; and Brother Hough, to the Stonington. 10. Appointed messengers to the following Associations: — To the Delaware, Brethren Joshua Vaughan and Jethro Johnson ; to the New York, Brethren Burgiss Allison, Samuel Jones, and Thomas Ustick ; and to the Warwick, Brethren William White and Thomas B. Montanye. 11. Monies were sent to Brother Ustick, agreeably to the 15th minute of our last Association, from Lower Dublin, . . . - - Great Valley, - - - - , - Philadelphia, - - - Vincent, ._---- Height's Town, _ _ _ - - $27 07 Paid as directed, to Brother T. G. Jones. 12. Monies received by Brother Rogers, for the purpose expressed in the 16th minute of our last Association, from Philadelphia, - - - - $29 00 Lower Dublin, - - - - - 8 20 Haight's Town, 5 00 Great Valley, 4 00 $46 20 Which were by him applied as directed. 13. Monies were received towards the education fund from the following churches. Lower Dublin, $14 02 Hopewell, 15 52 Burlington, ..... 15 00 Haight's Town, 12 00 Jacob's Town, - - - •■ - 3 00 $6 07 4 00 10 00 4 00 3 00 $59 54 14. Several churches and individuals presented sums for the de- fraying of the expense attendant on the engraving of the proposed map ; but as the amount was inadequate for the purpose, and as it was understood from several messengers that more money might be obtained, We recommend it to our churches, and to such individuals as may be disposed to send their subscriptions next year ; but it is considered that the plate is to be the property of the Association, and the impressions to be disposed of at the lowest rate possible. 15. It is recommended that a portion of the first Tuesday in January, April, July, and October, be devoted to prayer for the dif- fusion of the gospel. 16. The remaining members of the Manahawkin church having some doubts on their minds, because of the fewness of their numbers, whether they exist as a church or no : — it is the sense of this Asso- 360 MINUTES OF THE PHILADELPHIA ASSOCIATION. '' ciation, that the church still exists; and while they rejoice in that prosperity which has lately attended the preaching of the gospel among them, they exhort them to proceed to the reception of mem- bers and the election of ofEcers. Brother Fleeson concluded with prayer. Adjourned till three o'clock, p. M. Three o'clock, p. m. — Met pursuant to adjournment. Brother Boggs, sen., prayed. 17. Query from the church at Great Valley : Is it consistent with the independence of the churches, for the Association to admit any charges and publish them to the world, against a minister or mem- ber, Avithout first referring to the church, to which he stands related ? Answer. This depends on circumstances : in some cases it is con- sistent, in others, not so. 18. Appointed a committee to attend to certain business, relative to the Dividing Creek church, agreeably to that church's request. This committee to consist of Samuel Jones, John Boggs, sen., Alex- ander M'Gowan, Henry Smalley, and Jonathan Bowen. 19. Supplies appointed for Manahawkin. 20. Supplies for Upper Freehold. Brother Peter Groom prayed. Adjourned to ten o'clock, A. M., to-morrow morning. Sermon this evening by Brother Vanhorn, from Matt. vii. 28, 29, " And it came to pass, when Jesus had ended these sayings, the people were astonished at his doctrine ; for he taught them as one having authority and not as the scribes." October 8th. — Met according to adjournment. Brother Samuel Jones prayed, 21. The committee appointed to attend to certain business relative to the Dividing Creek church, report : — That it referred to a variety of circumstances concerning Brother Peter Wilson, Brother John Butter, and the said church : That Brother Butter, since his becoming a Baptist, has been blameless, excepting as to his entering on the ministry, with regard to which the Dividing Creek church, through wrong influence, have been too precipitate : — That they are inclined to justify Brother Wilson altogether. That matters past ought to be buried ; and that Brother Butter be viewed as of good character. 22. The 13th of our last minutes, which respects the general con- ference, to be continued. 23. The committee appointed to examine the circular letter pro- duced it, and it was unanimously approved. 24. Letters were read by our Brother Rogers, received by him from Brother Carey, at Serampore, in the East Indies, and from Dr. Ilawes of England, respecting promising appearances among the IloUentots. This Association exult in every prospect of the success of the gos- pel, and wish the missionaries God speed. Brother Ustick prayed. MINUTES OF THE PHILADELPHIA ASSOCIATION. 361 Adjourned to three o'clock, P, m. Three o'clock, P. M. — Met according to adjournment. Brother Vaughan prayed. 25. The letters to the different Associations were read. 26. Brother Montanje was appointed to write to the church at Hanahawkin. 27. The 18 th minute of our last Association, which respects the stahlishment of a missionary society, continued. 28. The following brethren are requested, when convenient, to visit the church at Lower Smithfield : — William White, James M'Laughlin, Isaac Carlisle, John Ellis, T. B. Montanye, G. Hunt, and such other of our brethren as can make it convenient. Brother Yaughan will supply the first Lord's day in December. 29. Brother Montanye to write the circular letter for next year. 30. The 16th minute of our last Association, relative to collections for the church at Manahawkin, to be continued. 31. The 20th minute of our last, which respects the annual ser- mon for the education fund, it is hoped will be still regarded. 32. Brother Boggs being about to remove from the precincts of this Association, Brother Smalley is appointed to preach the sermon next year; in case of failure. Brother M'Laughlin. 33. This Association, impressed with a sense of the numerous and laborious services of our venerable Brother Samuel Jones, with re- spect to the pecuniary and other affairs of the Association, while they solicit his future aids, beg his acceptance of their most affectionate and grateful acknowledgments. 34. Brother Ustick is requested to superintend the printing of the minutes. 35. The Association is appointed to meet on the first Tuesday in October, 1802, at two o'clock, P. m., at Philadelphia; but in case of the fever being there, to be held at Hopewell, New Jersey. The moderator concluded with prayer. Sermon this evening by Brother M'Laughlin, from Heb. ii. 3, " How shall we escape if we neglect so great salvation ; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him." At a meeting of the trustees, October, 1800 — Resolved, That T. Ustick be appointed librarian to take charge of the books belonging to the Association, and make report of their condition. B. Allison, Secretary. Such as have in possession any of the books belonging to the As- sociation, are requested to forward them to Thomas Ustick, Librarian. 46 362 MINUTES or the Philadelphia association. CIRCULAR LETTER. BY KEY. JAMES EWING. The Philadelphia Baptist Association convened in Philadelphia, October 6th, 7th, and 8th, 1801. To the several churches thereunto belonging, sendeth Christian salutation. Beloved brethren, — Under the smiles of an indulgent Providence, we have been once more so favored as to meet in this city, unawed by the angel of death. The interview has been comfortable, and our deliberations have been in peace. Custom will lead you to expect an address from us in our collective capacity. We comply with the expectation ; " not as having domi- nion over your faith, but as helpers of your joy." We have entered upon a new century; and while it is yet the morning of it, let us take a view of some of the works of God in the last. Ninety-four years have rolled on since the first meeting of this Association, the first in America, and then composed of only five churches; but viewing the present state of our connexion in this country, we perceive it to be as the thousands of Israel, embracing numerous Associations, composed of, at least twelve hundred churches, including more than a hundred thousand members. The circumstances of our brethren in this country, prior to the Revolution, in several of the then colonies, were much the same as those of our brethren in Europe, at that time and since. Civil estab- lishments of religion, the natural foes of civil and religious freedom and of the progress of truth, were only partial here ; yet where they had a being, persecution of our brethren was the consequence, the establishment in Britain having considerable influence in those colonies where no such establishment actually existed, owing to the power of the British king in this country, who is the head of the established church, and who, as such, accordingly bestowed his favors. But Jehovah changed the times, and so overruled the matter, that the then colonies not only became sovereign independent States, but have taken a national form under the federal constitution. The con- stitutions, and generally the laws of the individual States, and that of the United States, declaring and guarantying full religious free- dom, we are not only released from that yoke of bondage which the witnesses for Christ have borne almost in every age and nation since the commencement of the Christian era; but we see the effects of this freedom in the increase of our connexion, which, since the Revo- lution, is comparable to an accelerated motion. The display of the sovereignty of God in this progress of gospel truth is great, teaching us that Christ's kingdom needs no support from union with the governments of this world ; that the more dis- tinctly the line is drawn between them the better. Indeed, all at- tempts to unite them are in direct contempt of Christ's authority as MINUTES OF THE PHILADELPHIA ASSOCIATION. 8G3 "Head over all things to the church;" directly destroy her glory, and effectually impede the general progress of truth. During the space of nearly fourteen hundred years, have men and devils at- tempted the church's destruction by such a union. The existence of civil establishments of religion in Europe, humanly speaking, presents an insurmountable barrier to the spiritual reign of Christ in that quarter ; for while they remain, we see no way in which the pure gospel and unadulterated ordinances of Christ can have general countenance. The course of Divine Providence induces the idea, that Zion's de- fence is opening another field for the displays of his grace. And, perhaps, while he pours out the vials of his wrath on those nations which have given their power to the beast ; for the destruction of the monster produced by the union of church and state, in order that he may be " King over all the earth," he will show his gracious power, and " make the place of his feet gloi'ious," where this part of anti- christian tyranny has no existence. Ever mindful of his promise, God, in the latter part of the last century, brought to the knowledge of those nations where the gospel was, large and populous parts of the world, which in former times were unknown ; and, also, disposed the minds of his people in Europe to send the gospel there, in a way as unexpected. The generality of the denominations of professed Christians hav- ing originally derived their various forms of ecclesiastical govern- ment, from attempts to mould the church after the model of the polity of the nation into which they were intended individually to be incorporated, and the civil support of which they sought and needed ; having departed from the simplicity of the divine constitution, which knows no other aid but that of its divine head; their frame admit- ting of worldly grandeur and prosperity, as well as support and de- fence ; and naturally leading them to court a civil establishment, made them unfriendly to each other ; but, in a manner, as unexpected as unexampled, God weakened their mutual jealousies, and they have united in sending to, and, at a vast expense, supporting mis- sions in those distant regions ; and in that respect appear to have dropt their particular pursuits of temporal power and aggran- dizement, which, as well as union, was necessary to their success in the work. Many endeavors to christianize the heathen have proved abortive, owing to collateral attempts of the society which sent the missiona- ries to gain political power or exaltation thereby. But the order of our churches having never been derived from the wisdom or policy of man ; not being framed according to the model of any body poli- tic, we cannot, in any consistency therewith, have such views in send- ing or supporting the gospel where it is not ; and so humanly speaking, are more likely to be successful in it. This consideration, over and above those commonly urged, calls upon us as a people, to exert ourselves in the great and important work. 364 MUruTES of the Philadelphia association. Connected with this view of the subject, the success of the breth- ren of our denomination, in England, ought to arrest our attention. They have sent, and, with such pecuniary aids as the Lord stirred up others to afford them, have supported a mission in the idolatrous and far distant country of Hindostan, where the inhabitants, by their customs, appear to be more strongly fortijBed against the introduc- tion of Christianity among them than perhaps in any other heathen land. Yet not only many of the people, but in some instances their Brahmans, lend a patient ear to the doctrines of the cross. The gospel by Matthew, printed in the language of that country, has reached America ; and probably the whole of the Bible is by this time distributing among the blinded Hindoos in their native tongue by the extraordinary efforts of that mission. The success of the missionary sent to the western Indians by our sister Association of New York; and the disposition to hear the gospel manifested by whole nations of them, when met in council, satisfied that neither he nor those who sent him, sought any temporal aggrandizement by, or emolument from them, claims our particular notice; it may operate as a stimulus upon us to be found in like exertions, hoping the Lord is about to come in his kingdom. In comparing our happy circumstances with those of our brethren in past ages, or at present in other countries, we view ourselves as surrounded with calls to adore the Divine Sovereignty that has brought us into existence now, rather than four hundred years ago, and here rather than in Europe. And although we pretend not to know with certainty when " the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord," yet the events of Divine Providence within the last twenty-five or thirty years are incentives to adore the " Head over all things to the church," that He, ever mindful of his purpose, is at least beginning, to bring about predicted events in ways declara- tive of his wisdom and care, securing the gloi'y to himself by using unexpected means. How safe is his church in his hand ! How immovable ! when unconnected with national governments, she rests alone on him as her firm foundation. The time in which we live, the late providential occurrences, and the general appearance of things call loudly upon us as a people for particular exertions in duties arising from our circumstances. While in times of persecution, a decided testimony for the Gospel and Laws of Christ, and patience in suffering are required ; — so now, besides that testimony, to cleanse our hands from seeking worldly honor, as connected with the affairs, offices or prosperity of the church of Christ, and to exert ourselves in sending the gospel where the Lord may farther open a door for it among the heathen, may be mentioned as some of those duties that providence demands from us. We hope better things of you, than to suppose that you are negli- MINUTES OF THE PHILADELPHIA ASSOCIATION. 865 gent in prayer for the coming of Christ's kingdom ; yet we cannot but conclude, from solid grounds, that together with importunity at the throne of grace, pecuniary exertions for the diffusion of tho gospel are particularly necessary. We also hope, that not only the Lord will incline you to make such exertions ; but that you will look up to him as the disposer of all events, that he may both raise up persons endowed with mission- ary qualifications, and open "a great door and effectual" of gospel usefulness before them. It is probable that difficulties will present themselves to you as individuals, in the prospects of usefulness in this way, as " that all you can do will be ineffectual ; but be not discouraged. Let each one act conscientiously, according to the magnitude of the object, and the ability God has given, leaving it in his hand, and we shall have a solid hope that a blessing will follow ; for it is common for the Lord to blast the blooming expectations of his people, and succeed those attempts made according to his will which promise less. Nor need we expect that Satan will refrain from attempting, by every method in his power, to impede any thing that may be thought of, or done to disturb or destroy the empire he has so long maintained among them. But to be the humble instruments in the I'Ord's hand, of sending that gospel, and those pure ordinances which European civil establishments of religion almost shut out or naturally hinder the progress of, to those poor heathen whose hearts the Lord has opened or may open, — to be thus the means of benefit to one poor soul, will unspeakably overpay all the exertions you may use, or expense that may accrue. And finally, dear brethren, we exhort you to walk circumspectly. A time of such outward peace and prosperity is a time of peculiar trial. We are in danger of sinking into remisness in secret devo- tion, and thus becoming exposed to every temptation ; of becoming worldly minded, and, by eagerly pursuing the accumulation of wealth, giving the lie to our profession of love to Christ, his people and laws ; of conforming to the world in their customs and insipid conversation, and thereby encouraging infidelity. What can strengthen and encourage the infidel more than the worldly conduct and con- versation of professors, and especially of those who exhibit a testi- mony for purity of doctrine, worship and discipline, according to the will of Christ ? But we have professed simply to follow him in these things, and as, on the one hand, we ought to do it as our privilege, our happy employment ; so on the other, the world will busily compare our conduct with our profession. We earnestly beseech you to be before- hand with them in the comparison, and steadily consider whether your common conduct be according to the divine pattern you have professed and engaged to imitate. And seeing we are compassed about with crowds of spectators, some of them professed christians, some professed deists, and some who appear to care for none of those 366 MINUTES OF THE PHILADELPHIA ASSOCIATION. things, " let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus," as our pattern, glorying to tread in his footsteps ; and as our support, knowing that ayc cannot make any progress in our professed subjection to him or for his glory, without assistance from him ; but which he has promised, and will assuredly give to those who trust in him. " 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 every good work, to do his will, working in you that which is well pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ : to whom be glory, for ever and ever. Amen." By the Association, James Ewing, Moderator. William STAuanxoN, Clerk. MINUTES OF THE PHILADELPHIA ASSOCIATION. 3G7 THE MINISTERS AND MESSENGERS AT THE ASSOCIATION, AND STATE OF THE CHURCHES DURING THE YEAR. CHURCHES. LoTver Dublin, Middletown,! Cohansie, Great Valley, Cape May, Hopewell, Brandywine, Montgomery, Kingwood, Haight's Town, Philadelphia, Southampton, Knowlton,"!" New Britain, MINISTERS AND MESSENGERS. (Samuel Jones, John Holmes, Thomas Holmes, Benjamin Bennet,* C Henry Smalley, •< Jonathan Bowen, ( David Gillman, ' Datid Jones,* John Boggs, Horatio G. Jones, Thomas G. Jones, Isaac Eaton, Daniel Cornog, Isaac Abraham, John Stancliff,* r James Ewing, J John Blackwell, 1 Levi Stout, [Benjamin Stout, ' Joshua Vaughan, John Garret, Robert Frame, John Powell, ^ William Griffith, 'Joshua Jones,* Peter Evans, Thomas Davis, Daniel Morgan, Silas Hough, f Garner Hunt, I Isaac Blue, f Peter Wilson, I Peter Job, Thomas Ustick, William Rogers, Isaac Carlisle, George Ingolls, Jeseph Keen, John Peckworth, ^ Samuel Oakford, (Thomas B. Montante, William Watts, Elias Yerkes, Abel Marple, 'William Waite, Benjamin Matthew, Edward Matthew, Isaac James, ^Erasmus Thomas, 33 4 2 II 4 1 75 140 96 222 64 81 329 2 6 1 93 150 868 MINUTES OF THE PHILADELPHIA ASSOCIATION. MIXISTERS A>'D MESSENGERS. Salem, Dividing Creek, New Mills, Konoloway, Coram,! Upper Freehold, Pittsgrove,f Manahawkin, Vincent, Tuckahoe, London Tract,f HilltowD, Lower Smithfield,! Jacob's Town, Pittstown,f Marcus Hook, Ridge, in the town- ship of Roxbury, Penn's Manor,! West Creek, Shemokin,! Amwell, Burlington, < Joseph Lloyd, I Erasmus Hogbin, John Butter, AVilliam Mason, Amos Bradford, C Alexander M'Gowan, < Benjamin Hedger, i Jesse Cox, Joseph Powell,* I ^neas Miles, I Elias Smith, {James M'Laughlin, Robert Shannon, John Mathias, Joseph Mathias, {BuRGiss Allison, James Cox, Richard Sexton, Joseph Sexton, Richard Riley, ' THOiiAs Fleeson, John Xevering, Jonathan Yerkes, f Peter Groom, I Joseph Chester, John Patten,* ' Samuel Hunt, William Merrell, William Staughton, Joseph Barber, William Collins, 10 2 5 8 O' 3' 3 143 39 '58 1 14 39 2756 1 52 134 Note. — The ministers' names are in small capitals. Licensed preachers in ifalic. Those marked thus * not present. From the churches marked thus ! received no intelligence. A dash denotes no settled minister. ^x. MINUTES PHILADELPHIA BAPTIST ASSOCIATION, HELD BY SPECIAL APPOINTMENT, AT HOPEWELL, NEW JERSEY, OCTOBER 5tH, 6tH, AND 7tH, 1802. October 5th. — At two o'clock, p. M., Brother Henry Smallej, agreeably to appointment last year, preached the introductory sermon, from Isa. ix. 6, "And the government shall be upon his shoulder." 2. After sermon, business was opened with prayer by Brother Ewing, when Dr. Hezekiah Smith, who was present as messenger from the Warren Association, was chosen moderator, and Brother Bui'giss Allison, clerk. 3. Our ministering brethren present, viz., Benjamin Coles, of Oys- ter Bay, Long Island, W. Collier, of New York, and Peter Smith, of Miami,, were invited to seats with us. 4. Letters from twenty-six churches were read. Prayer by the moderator. Adjourned till half past eight o'clock to-morrow morning. October Gth, half past eight o'clock, A. M. — Met according to ad- journment. Prayer by Brother Wilson. 5. After finishing reading the letters from the churches belonging to the Association, a letter was read from the church at Mount Holly, requesting admission into our body ; which was cheerfully granted. 6. Application also being made by a newly constituted church at Dover, in York county, in Pennsylvania, for admission into this Asso- ciation, it was received. 7. Received letters from the following Associations : viz., W^ar- wick, by their messenger John Palmer, with their minutes ; Delaware, by their messenger John Boggs, jun. ; New Y'^ork, by their messen- gers Reune Runyan, Charles Lahat, and Lebbeus Lathrop, with their minutes ; AVarren, by their messenger Dr. Hezekiah Smith. Re- ceived also a copy of the minutes of the Miami Association, by Brother Peter Smith. 8. Appointed Brethren S. Jones, Staughton, and White, a com* mittee to inspect the minutes and letters from the corresponding Associations, and report to-morrow. 9. The following brethren were appointed to write to the corres- ponding Associations : viz.. Brother Ustick, to Charleston ; Brother Montanye, to Warwick; Brother White, to Delaware; Brother 47 (369) 870 MINUTES OF THE PHILADELPHIA ASSOCIATION. Staughton, to New York ; Brother Wilson, to Stonington ; Brother Smalley, to "Warren; Brother Boggs, to Shaftsbury; and Brother Ewing, to Miami. 10. Appointed messengers to the following Associations : — To War- wick, Brethren Montanye and White ; Delaware, Brother Vaughan ; New York, Brethren Montanye, D. Jones, Wilson, and White ; War- ren, Brother Ilezekiah Smith; Miami, Brother Peter Smith. 11. After reading the circular letter, Brethren Samuel Jones, David Jones, William Staughton, with Brother Montanye, the author, were appointed a committee to revise the same, and make report. 12. The following sums were contributed, viz., FOR THE EDUCATION FUND. From Lower Dublin, $10 00 Haight's Town, 12 00 Southampton, 8 00 Salem, 15 00 Jacob's Town, 5 00 Burlington, 15 11 FOR THE CHURCH AT MANAHAWKIN. From Ilaight's Town, $5 00 Southampton, 4 00 Salem, 4 00 Total, $65 11 Total, $13 00 13. It is recommended that the first Tuesday in January, April, July, and October, be observed as days of prayer, for the effusion of the Divine Spirit ; and it is earnestly requested, that particular at- tention be paid to it. 1-1. Brother White is appointed to write the circular letter for the ensuing year. 15. A general conference not being likely to be accomplished, a plan was laid before the Association, designed to answer all the pur- poses, and the following committee appointed to examine the same, and report, viz.. Brethren S. Jones, R. Runyan, W. Rogers, and T. Montanye. — Brother S. Jones, concluded by prayer. Adjourned to two o'clock. Two o'clock, P. M. — Met according to adjournment. Brother Rogers prayed. 16. Supplies granted to Manahawkin, Upper Freehold, and Dover, York county, Pennsylvania. 17. It is recommended to the churches belonging to this Associa- tion, to appoint a day, to have a discourse delivered in each of them, upon the subject of a mission for propagating the gospel in destitute places ; to make a collection for a fund to defray the necessary ex- penses of the missionaries, and to forward the money to Brother Rogers, between this and the first of April ensuing. It is agreed that a committee be now appointed to form a plan for a missionary society, and present the same at the next Association, and that Brethren S. Jones, B. Allison, W. Rogers, T. Ustick, and W. Staughton, be the committee. 18. The churches are requested to recollect, that an annual sermon is recommended to be preached, for the purpose of collecting money for the education fund, to be transmitted to the Association. 19. The committee to examine the " plan for a committee of cor MINUTES OF THE PHILADELPHIA ASSOCIATION. 371 respondence," reported, and the plan was adopted as amended; and the following brethren are appointed as a committee to carry the same into execution : viz., S. Jones, B. Allison, W. Kogers, T. Us- tick, W. Staughton, W. White, T. Montanye, J. Peckworth, Silas Hough, M. D., G. Ingles, T. Holmes, J. M'Leod, J. Holmes, and W. M'Gee. The plan is as follows : — PLAN OF THE COMMITTEE OF CORRESPONDENCE. I. That a general committee be appointed by the Philadelphia Association, for the purpose of corresponding with all the Baptist Associations, churches, and ministers, on the continent of North America. II. That this committee be selected out of those ministers and private brethren who may reside in the city and vicinity of Phila- delphia. Their number may consist of ten or fifteen, including a President, Vice President, Treasurer, and two Secretaries ; two- thirds of whom may make a quorum for business. III. That this committee open a correspondence with the several Associations, requesting an accurate account of its origin, constitu- tion, numbers, increase, decrease, declensions, revivals, ministers, ordinations, &c. IV. That this committee of correspondence meet once in the year, or as often as circumstances may require, whether in the city of Philadelphia, or in towns adjacent, for the purpose of examining the communications which may have been made, and to adjust the same as they may deem necessary. V. That the committee publish once in the year, or in two years, as to them may appear necessary, a pamphlet, containing the most interesting and important intelligence, and that such periodical pub- lication do not exceed in price one-half dollar. VI. After the expence for printing, &c., be discharged, the over- plus, if any, to be appropriated to the relief of ministers' widows and orphans ; for the improvement of young ministers, or other laudable purposes, as to the committee may seem good. 20. The delegates of this Association do engage, on the part of themselves and the churches they represent, to pay at, or before, the next Association, the sum of two dollars for each church, for the pur- pose of defraying the expenses which may be incurred by a corres- pondence with the different parts of the Union, agreeably to the plan which this Association has adopted. Brother Staughton concluded by prayer. Adjourned to eight o'clock to-morrow morning. Sermon in the evening by Brother Ilezekiah Smith, from Heb. xiii. 20, 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 every good work, to do his will, working in you that which is well-pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ: to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen." 372 MINUTES OF TUB PHILADELPHIA ASSOCIATION. October 7th, eight o'clock, A. M. — Met according to adjournment. 21. Letters to corresponding Associations were read and approved. 22. According to information from Kentucky, the following are the numbers of communicants in the Baptist churches belonging to the respective Associations in that State. In the Elkhorn Association, - - 5,310 communicants. " Green River " - about - 800 " " Salem " - - 2,023 " Bracken "... 753 " Tates' Creek " - - 1,802 " S. Kentucky "... 1,384 " Total, .... 12,072 Allowing six Baptists in a congregation, to one communicant, which is a very moderate allowance, the number of Baptists in Kentucky will amount to '72,426. It is supposed that throughout the whole of the United States, the societies of Baptists amount to 700,000 persons and upwards. 23. The brethren appointed to inspect the minutes and letters made their report. 24. The following brethren are appointed as a committee to pre- pare, and bring forward to the next Association, a set of rules for conducting the business of this Association ; viz., S. Jones, W. Rogers, T. Ustick, W. Staughton, G. Ingles, and J. M'Leod. 25. The Association to meet next year on the first Tuesday in October, in Philadelphia ; but should the epidemic then prevail in the city, to meet at Cohansie. In which case the clerk will give notice in the public prints. Service to begin at three o'clock, P. M. 26. Brother M'Laughlin to preach the introductory discourse ; and, in case of failure, Brother Ewing. Sermon this evening by Brother Staughton, from Acts iii. 26, " Unto you first, God, having raised up his Son Jesus, sent him to bless you, in turning away every one of you from his iniquities." CIRCULAR LETTER. BY REV. T. B. MONTANYE. The elders and messengers of the Philadelplria Association, To the churches they represent send Christian salutation. Beloved brethren, — We were highly pleased, and much gratified, in the enjoyment of such a general representation of the churches, and the kind reception we met by our sister church at Hopewell, while the cause of our convening in this place gave us pain. Phila- delphia being once more visited by trying dispensations of Provi- dence, her situation demands our united cry, that God would turn away this calamity from her, and her inhabitants to himself. Anxious for your increase in knowledge, and to be instrumental in advancing the kingdom of our Lord the Messiah, we have chosen as the subject of this our epistle — The Baptism of the Holy Ghost. In making this choice at the present time, the following reasons have guided our pen: MINUTES OF THE PHILADELPHIA ASSOCIATION. 373 1. That though this point has been often mentioned, "we think sel- dom clearly explained; and for want of a right idea of it, the glory of the Gospel lessened. 2. It has, almost universally, been so blended with the work of regeneration and sanctification, that it is commonly called the inward baptism, and the only necessary preparative for heaven ; whereas, it was never inculcated in this light in the Gospel, and we think ought not to be considered as constituting any part of the office work of the Divine Spirit in renewing the heart. 3. That haply we may be of use to some of our respected friends, by showing them, that, though they may be regenerated, and enjoy the highest consolation in the sweet incomes of the Holy Comforter, and the most sensible communion with Christ; yet, as all this does not constitute the baptism of the Holy Spirit, nor is designed by it in the sacred Scriptures, it follows of consequence, that, rejecting the water baptism, they have no baptism whatever, and ought cheer- fully to submit to that prescribed in the example of Jesus Christ. 4. It being extremely absurd to hold one point of the Christian religion under the denomination of another, especially when there is no well founded evidence of its present existence. To render this subject plain, and the truth of it familiar, we call your attention to the following considerations : The term baptism of the Holy Ghost, is only to be found in the New Testament, and was first taught by the harbinger of Jesus Christ, Matt. iii. 11, " He shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost and with fire ;" confining it wholly to the office work of the Saviour, in exe- cuting the trust committed to him by the Father ; and so in Acts ii. 33, " Therefore, being by the right hand of God exalted, and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost, he hath shed forth this which ye now see and hear," which evinced the power of Christ, and confirmed the divine mission of John. The subject itself is the fulfilment of prophecy and the accomplish- ment of the promise made by Jesus Christ to his disciples, Joel ii. 28, and recorded Acts ii, from the 16th to the 22d verse, " And it shall come to pass in the last days," saith God, "I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh, and your sons and your daughters shall pro- phesy," &c. ; also in Luke xxiv. 49, "And, behold, I send the pro- mise of my Father upon you : but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high;" which promise is again mentioned by Luke, in Acts i. 4, 5, as the ground on which the apostles went to Jerusalem, and there in holy concert joined in prayer and supplication for the accomplishment of such qualifying aid, to promulge the knowledge of their exalted Redeemer. The nature of this baptism, most clearly evinces it to be distinct, and materially diiferent from that of regeneration. The one a still small voice, saying, " This is the way;" the other, that of " a rush- ing mighty wind." One invisible, " A white stone, and a new name given, which no man knew save he that had received it;" the other, to be seen, " Cloven tongues of fire sat on them." One internal, 874 MINUTES OF THE PHILADELPHIA ASSOCIATION. filling the heart with secret consolation, joy and pleasure ; the other external, " The whole house where they were sitting." This renders the term baptism proper, because they were immersed in the fountain of the Spirit, and thereby made partakers of such extraordinary and miraculous influence, as in regeneration and con- version were never promised. The design of this baptism, is another important argument in fa- vor of this idea. To qualify otherwise ignorant and unlearned men, to cope with all the greatness of this world, and to meet the wisdom of men, in all their formidable attacks, putting them to silence. To establish the greatest doctrines in the councils of heaven, or among men, God and man dwelling in one Christ; and that Jesus of Naza- reth, crucified by the envious and treacherous Jews, was he ; and, though the master was exalted, the disciple could effect, in his name, visible evidence of his Godhead, and by signs and miracles, as well as Scripture prophecy, prove him to be the Messiah promised to the fathers. To establish the gospel dispensation, by the instrumentality of a few illiterate persons, raised up in the land of Judea, (who declared that the whole economy made known to the ancient fathers, the costly grandeur of the temple and the expence of its worship, was fulfilled, and all its glory exceeded, in him who expired on the accursed tree,) needed the power of omnipotence, to make its way against the formidable force raised in opposition. Another reason was to assure the apostles, primitive Christians, and all subsequent believers, that Jesus Christ was the Son of God, and only Saviour of Jews and Gentiles. For which reason, the Holy Ghost, in his miraculous gifts of speaking with divers tongues, fell on the Gentiles in a visible form, as upon the apostles on the day of Pentecost, Acts xi. 15, 16, " The Holy Ghost fell on them, as on us at the beginning;" which extraordinary gifts served to confirm Peter that he was doing right, in hearkening to the vision he had seen ; and to satisfy the church of the divine right of all nations in common to partake of salvation by the cross of Jesus Christ. The subjects of this baptism differ essentially from those of regen- eration. The work of grace is upon the hearts of the unregenerated, bringing them from a state of moral death to life, from darkness to light, and from the power of sin, and service of Satan, to the liberty of the gospel, and the enjoyment of fellowship with God. Whereas, the baptism of the Holy Ghost was upon the apostles; who, having experienced the work of grace upon their souls, and being thereby made partakers of all that is peculiar to regeneration, could not be re- generated by the descent of the sacred Spirit, which being a work only once in the divine life, could not be effected again. As an assurance of this fact, they are declared to have " their names written in heaven," and Jesus Christ had manifested the Father to them, (John xvii. 6,) and "that they had known surely Christ came from God, and had believed on the Son of God," (verse 8.) "Flesh and blood had not revealed it unto them, but the Father in heaven." They MINUTES OF THE PHILADELPHIA ASSOCIATION. 375 are called by every near and dear appellation, that could express the love of God to them. And as for Cornelius, he had intercourse with God, and was acquainted with the power of renewing grace, as the cause of sending for Peter. As for the twelve on whom Paul laid his hands, none can doubt of their previous interest in Christ ; for they are said to have believed. To render this point more clear, not only regeneration is not the baptism of the Holy Ghost, nor yet the receiving of the sacred Spirit ; this is most clearly manifested in the case of the disciples, who, after the resurrection of Christ, were visited by him, and he breathed on them and they received the Holy Ghost, (John xx. 22,) no doubt as much, if not more, than believers in common ; and yet, notwithstanding, they are ordered to tarry at Jerusalem until baptised of the sacred Spirit. All which join to show, that whatever any Christian may have gained in the experience of grace, he has no right to the term, baptised by the Spirit, unless such a person professing this miraculous attainment, for no other is called the baptism of the Holy Ghost, prove it by signs and wonders, as did the primitive Christians. The effects which followed this baptism : Casting out devils ; Paul dispossessed the damsel that had a spirit of divination, commanding the spirit, in the name of Jesus Christ, to come out of her, and it did ; and also of others, by the power and in the name of Christ ; speaking with new tongues — not such as all others were ignorant of, but such as they had never learned or understood before ; taking up serpents without injury — so Paul had a viper fastened on his hand, which he shook off, and to the amazement of the beholders, received no harm, but their united testimony that he was more than mortal ; drinking deadly poison, without hurt ; laying hands on the sick, and they recover ; the father of Plubius was healed of a fever and the bloody flux ; the lame man from his mother's womb made whole, and the shadow of Peter effected the cure of many ; (Acts v. 15, 16 ;) others were healed by handkerchiefs and aprons taken from the body of Paul : (Acts xix. 12 :) all of which were then neces- sary for the confirmation of the gospel, and the establishment of Christianity in the world. Here it is proper to remove some apparent diflBculties, which are a means of puzzling the minds of many. First, What baptism the apostle denominates one baptism ? We answer, The instituted appointment of Jesus Christ, which he authorised after his resurrec- tion, which remains a standing ordinance in the church, and which Peter, when filled with the Holy Ghost, enjoined on Cornelius and the rest of the believing Gentiles, even after they were baptised with the Holy Spirit ; though the baptism of the Spirit was never an essential prerequisite to water baptism ; but a striking evidence to the Jews of the salvation of the Gentiles, and confirmation of the existence of grace in the heart ; as only such were the subjects of his miraculous operations. The next we meet is in 1 Corinthians xii. 13 : " For by one Spirit are we all baptised into one body, whether Jews or Gentiles, 376 MINUTES OF THE PHILADELPHIA ASSOCIATION. and have been all made to drink into one Spirit." By attending to the chapter, you will at once perceive that the scope of it is upon the extraordinary work of the Spirit, and indeed miracles are named in verse 10, and divers tongues, which, as we have shown, were given to the Gentiles as well as the Jews. The former stood now, under the gospel dispensation, on an equal ground with the latter, and had come into the fellowship of the saints by the same miraculous evi- dence from heaven ; and to us there seems no absurdity in saying that the same Spirit influences all nations to yield an obedience to the instituted appointments of Jesus Christ, and so come into the union of the body the church. As for sundry other Scriptures, such as Rom. vi. 3, 4., Col. ii. 12, 1 Peter, 3, 21, Gal. iii. 27, they have an evident relation to water baptism, and are no way connected with, nor yet refer to, the work of grace in the heart. The narrow limits of a letter call us to a close. We must, there- fore, leave you to gather further instruction from the few inferences deducible from the whole. 1. That though regeneration and sanctification be essential to the character of a Christian ; yet neither of them constitute the baptism of the Holy Ghost. 2. However much you may enjoy of the Spirit, as the Spirit of life, light, and love ; you have no Scripture grounds to call this inward baptism, and so the one baptism, and thereby live in the neglect of the appointments of Jesus Christ. 3. That as the baptism of the Holy Ghost was given for the con- firmation of the gospel dispensation, it has effected its design ; the sacred prophecy is fulfilled, and it has ceased. 4. That as the extraordinary work, and no other, is known in the gospel as the baptism of the Holy Ghost, and that took place after faith in Christ, or regeneration, we have no right to call regenera- tion baptism. 5. Though we are the hopeful subjects of divine grace, and live in the smiles of heaven ; it is both our duty and privilege to submit to the appointments of Jesus Christ, as laid down in his word. And now, dear brethren, you may perceive, that our intention is not to deny any of the blessed operations of the holy Ghost upon the human mind ; but to distinguish between truth and error. While we write these things to you, we hope that God may give you and us more of his Spirit, that we may live unto Him, who has died for us. And as churches, we would exhort you to live in the Spirit, and grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed until the day of redemption. In the mean time, pray for us, that as instru- mental of your joy, you and we may honor our profession by holy living, in the smiles of God's gracious Spirit. Signed by order of the Association. Hezekiah Smith, Moderator. BuKGiss Allison, Clerk. MINUTES OF THE PHILADELPHIA ASSOCIATION. 377 THE MINISTERS AND MESSENGERS AT THE ASSOCIATION, AND STATE OF THE CHURCHES DURING THE YEAR. CHURCHES. ministers and messengers. .a "S. a pq i 1 i 1 Jjeceaseu. Members. Lower Dublin, f Samuel Jones, < John Holmes, ( Thomas Holmes, 2 73 Middletown, Benjamin Bennet,* J. Stilhvell, Samuel Ogburn, Jacob Conover, 6 4 1 139 Cohansie, f Henry Smalley, 1 Samuel B. Harris, (Joseph B. Cook, 54 3 2 1 149 Great Valley, j David Jones, [ James Abraham, 3 62 Cape May,t Jonathan Garman,* 7 1 40 Hopewell, 'James EwiNG, John Blackwell, James Stout, James Hunt, Andrew Stout, Hezekia Stout, Nathan Drake, 9 9 1 1 222 Brandywine, Joshua Vaughan,* 5 2 89 Montgomery, 'Joshua Jones,^ Charles Humphrey, Silas Hough, John Hartel, jr.. 7 1 69 Kingwood, ^ Garner Hunt, David Stout, Daniel Bray, ^ Isaac Blue, 3 1 2 1 81 Haight's Town, Philadelphia, 'Peter Wilson, John Flock, John Jones, Amos Hart, John Walling, ' Thomas Ustick, William Rogers, John Peckicoiih, George Ingolls, John M'Leod, 32 23 10 17 8 I 2 1 ) : i 339 5 167 Southampton, ^ Thomas B. Montanye, Thomas Folwell, Jeremiah Dungan, 4 2 ( ) ] L 91 Knowlton,! ( ) ( ) 17 New Britain, < AYilliam White, Edward Matthew, George Sigfried, 1 1 c ) 96 Salem, < Horatio G. Jones,* Benjamin Thompson, Henry Mulford, 25 2 2 4 99 1 48 378 MINUTES OF THE PHILADELPHIA ASSOCIATION. CHURCHES. Dividing Creek, New ]VIills, Kolonowaj,f Upper Freehold, Pittsgrove, Manahawkin, Vincent, Tuckahoe,t London Tract,f Hilltown, MINISTERS AND MESSENGERS. John Rutter,*" f Alexander M'Gowan, I Benjamin Hedger, Joseph Powell,* John Morgan, Edward Jennings, Jacob's Town, Marcus Hook, Roxbury, Am well, Burlington, Mount Holly, Dover, York county. (James M'Laughlin, Philip Miller, John Mathias, W. H. Roland, TBuRGiss Allison, J William Snowden, 1 Asher Cox, [ James Cox, Thomas Fleeson,* Nicholas Ott, John Teurny, i William »Staughton, Isaac GifiPord, Elijah Condon, J Jesse Cox, j George Allen, [Edward Thomas, 4 12 247 50 1 100 19 58 96 65 75 124 27 33 27 26 146 57 19 52 58 32 4i34'2695 Note. — The ministers' names are in small capitals. Licensed preachers in italic. Those marked thus * were not present. From churches marked thus f received no letter. A dash denotes no settled minister. The Rev. John Stancliff, of Cape May, died on the 19th of January, 1802. MINUTES PHILADELPHIA BAPTIST ASSOCIATION, HELD BY SPECIAL APPOINTMENT, AT COHANSIE, NEW JERSEY, OCTOBER 4th, 5th, AND 6tH, 1803. October 4tli. — At three o'clock, p. m., Brother James M'Laughlin being prevented by affliction in his family, from attending, Brother James Ewing preached the introductory sermon, from Matt, xxiii. 8, " One is your Master, even Christ; and all ye are brethren." 2. After sermon, business was opened with prayer by Brother Al- lison, when Brother Samuel Jones was chosen moderator, and Brother William Staughton, clerk. 3. Letters from twenty-nine churches were read. Adjourned to nine o'clock, to-morrow morning. Brother Rogers concluded by prayer. October 6th, nine o'clock, A. m. — Met according to adjournment. Prayer by the moderator, 5. After reading the letters from the churches belonging to the Association, a letter was read from the second Philadelphia church, and another from the second Hopewell church, requesting admission into our body ; which was cheerfully granted. 6. Our Brother Jacob Bishop, being present, was invited to a seat with us. 7. Received letters from the following Associations: viz., War- wick, by their messenger Benjamin Montanye, with their minutes ; Charleston, with their minutes ; from Middle District Association, with their minutes only ; from New York, the corresponding letters, with their minutes ; from Delaware, a letter by Thomas G. Jones, with a copy of their minutes. 8. Having obtained a parcel of minutes through the medium of Brother Herrick, from the Rensellaer Association, this Association rejoicing in their prosperity, are desirous of commencing a corres- pondence with them. 9. Learning from a minute in the Delaware Association, that Joseph Flood has not only preached the plurality of wives, but actually put the pernicious doctrine into practice, we join with our sister Asso- (379) 380 MINUTES OF THE PHILADELPHIA ASSOCIATION. elation in cautioning the churclies against him as an excommunicated person. 10. London Tract and Conolaway churches having requested dis- mission from us, the former to the Delaware, the latter to the Balti- more Association, this Association agrees to their dismission. 11. The following brethren are appointed to write to the corres- ponding Associations ; Brother Montanye, to the Warren ; Brother Allison, to the Charleston; Brother Ellis, to the New York ; Brother Hough, to the Warwick ; and Brother Yaughan, to the Delaware. 12. The New York and the Warwick Associations having unitedly requested that three of ten brethren whom they have named, be ap- pointed as a council to assist in the adjustment of some difficulties subsisting between them; this Association appoints Brethren Samuel Jones, David Jones, and Burgiss Allison; and in case of the sick- ness or death of either of these, Brethren Wilson and Ewing. Brother Rogers prayed. Adjourned to half past two o'clock. Half past t^ o'clock, P. M. — Met according to adjournment. Brother Staughton prayed. 13. Query from the first Church of Philadelphia: "Is it in order to have a moderator appointed in our Association, who is not a mem- ber of one of the churches belonging to it, and a delegate at the same time to the Association from the church so belonging ?" Answer : This Association is not of opinion that it is, strictly speaking, out of order to have a moderator appointed, who is not a member of any of the churches which compose this body ; yet, in ad- dition to other considerations, his being unacquainted with the course of our business, and his inability, by reason of absence, to discharge some duties which among us devolve on the moderator in the interval of our meetings, render such a choice improper. 1-1. Collected for the education fund : Lower Dublin, . - - Haight's Town, . - - - - Southampton, ..... Salem, ...... Burgiss Allison, ..... Burlington, ..--.. $57 91 15. Appointed a committee, consisting of Brethren George Ingles, John Holmes, and William Magee, to enquire into the expenses which have attended such of our brethren as have visited destitute churches for the two years past. 16. After reading the circular letter, Brethren David Jones, W. Staughton, M. A. M'Gowan, H. Smalley, and B. Allison were ap- pointed a committee, together with the author, to revise it for publication. 17. Supplies for Sculltown, Upper Freehold, Manahawkin, Hope- well, Frankford, Philadelphia, and Dover. Adjourned till eleven o'clock to-morrow morning. §10 35 10 00 8 00 15 00 2 00 12 58 MINUTES OF THE PHILADELPHIA ASSOCIATION. 381 Sermon in the evening by Brother B. Montanye, from 1 John lii. 5, " And ye know that he was manifested to take away our sins." October 7th, eleven o'clock, A. M. — Met according to adjournment. 18. A letter was read from Brethren Bryan, Vanhorn, and Lahatt, requesting the aid of our funds for the improvement of Thomas Brown, a member of the church at Newark, he being a young man of very promising gifts for the ministry. The moderator is requested to write to the brethren on the subject. 19. Resolved, That the studies of any young man who may ap- ply to this Association for assistance in his learning, shall be directed in such a way as the Association then sitting shall think proper : the extent of the term of his studies is not to exceed one year. Brother Smalley prayed. Adjourned to half past two o'clock. Half past two o'clock, p. M. — Met according to adjournment. Brother Vaughan prayed. 20. The letters to the corresponding Associations were read. Brethren Peckworth and Vaughan were appointed messengers to the Delaware Association ; Brethren Montanye and Allison, to the War- wick; Brother Montanye, with the committee, to the New York. 21. The plan of a missionary society was read, and with some alteration approved and recommended. It is also recommended that sermons be preached for the education and mission funds. 22. It is hoped the quarterly days of prayer will be continued through the churches. 23. Report of the corresponding committee was received. At a meeting of the committee of correspondence at Lower Dub- lin, September 20, 1803,— Resolved, That the recording secretary be directed to copy from the minutes, a statement of the intelligence that has been received to be presented to the Association. The committee accordingly report, that they have received, I. A view of the rise and progress of the churches composing the Otsego Association, in the west part of New York State, by A. Hosmer and John Lawton, forwarded to Brother Ustick by John Lawton. II. A letter from Andrew Brown, a member of the Rensellaer- ville Association in the west of New York State, dated Berne, August 8th, 1803, and Avith it the minutes of the Association from 1799 to 1802, inclusive. III. A short history of the Baptist churches in Wayne and Lu- zerne counties, Pennsylvania, forwarded July 8th, 1803, by Samuel Stanton, of Mount Pleasant, to Brother Rogers. IV. A communication from the Roanoke District Association, for- warded by their committee, August 1st, 1803, to Brother Ustick, in which they furnish us with a short history of their rise and progress, and mention their intention of forwarding annual accounts. V. A letter from Benjamin Watkins, of Powhattan county, Alrglnia, ( 382 MINUTES OF THE PHILADELPHIA ASSOCIATION. forwarded to Brother Rogers, in which he gives a short account of the Middle District Association. He has also sent several of the minutes for 1802 and 1803. — A true extract. William Staughton, Recording Secretary. The committee adjourned to the 26th of April, 1804 ; to meet at Philadelphia, at 3 o'clock, P. M. 24. Brother Benjamin Thaw, of Philadelphia, was appointed to supply the vacancy, in the corresponding committee, occasioned by the decease of Brother Thomas Ustick. 25. Brother Staughton is appointed librarian to the Association, in the place of our late Brother Ustick, to whom it is requested that the books may be forwarded, in order to the making out a regular catalogue of the whole. 26. Brother M'Laughlin to preach the Association sermon next year ; in case of failure. Brother T. B. Montanye. — Brother Allison is appointed to write the circular letter. 27. Brother Staughton is requested to superintend the printing of the minutes. 28. The Association is to meet next year, on the first Tuesday in October, in Philadelphia; and in case of the disease in the city, at New Britain. The Association closed with an address and prayer by the moderator. Sermon this evening by Brother T. B. Montanye, from Jer. xxxi. 9. This Association recommends to the churches the edition of the Bible now publishing by Mr. Matthew Carey, Philadelphia, as worthy their patronage. CIRCULAR LETTER. BY REV. WILLIAM WHITE. The elders and messengers of the Philadelphia Baptist Association, To the churches they represent, send Christian salutation. Beloved brethren, — As it has been our custom to address you an- nually in an epistolary way ; in conforming therewith this year, we have deemed it expedient to continue an investigation of the office- work of the Holy Ghost. In our last year's epistle, relation is had to the work of the Spirit in qualifying the apostles to discharge the great duties entrusted to them ; but we shall confine ourselves to that part which relates to preparing those that were given to Christ to redeem, for the fruition of happiness in the presence of God. When we speak of the Holy Ghost, we mean the third person in the divine essence, to whom many significant titles are applied, the con- sideration of which, will probably be edifying. He is called the Holy Spirit, Psalm li. 11, and Eph. i. 13; intimating thereby, that such is the purity of his nature, being purity in the abstract, that there is an absolute necessity that those who would enjoy the fellow- ship of the Spirit, Phil. ii. 1, should be holy, not using the members of the body, which is the temple of the Holy Ghost, 1 Cor. vi. 19, MINUTES OF THE PHILADELPHIA ASSOCIATION. 383 in the service of sin. He is also called the Spirit of holiness, Rom. iv. 1, because he implants a principle of holiness in all the elect; and forasmuch as there is not any thing amiable or lovely in God's dear children, but what is the fruit of the Spirit, Gal. v. 22. Eter- nity is ascribed to him, and, therefore, he is called the eternal Spirit, Heb. ix. 14, to show that ho is not God by oflSce, or in a figurative sense only ; but that, as he possesses eternity, one of the attributes of the divine nature, he is truly and properly God. He is called the Spirit of grace, Heb. x. 29, because the holy Scriptures, given by inspiration of the Spirit of God, make known all the gracious de- signs of Jehovah towards his people ; and because he implants gra- cious affections, and applies the blessings of grace to the subjects of it. He is called the Comforter, John xiv. 16, by reason of that sup- port which pious men derive from him, when under affliction. He is styled the Spirit of promise, Eph. i. 13, with relation to his bringing the promises to our view, applying them to us, so as exactly to suit our particular cases, and enabling us to take consolation from them : or, because the marvellous descent of the Spirit on the day of Pente- cost was the fruit of promise, as well as the indwelling and aid of the holy Spirit to believers, to whom it is promised, that he shall abide with them forever, John xiv. 16. He is called the Spirit of the Lord, 2 Cor. iii. 17, and the Spirit of Christ, Rom. viii. 9, de- noting that he comes in consequence of covenant stipulations, for which cause Christ is said to receive gifts for men. Psalm Ixviii. 18, and to shed forth the Spirit, Acts ii. 32, and to send the Comforter to abide with the disciples, John xvi. 7; and lastly, he is called the Spirit of glory, because he gives a foretaste of it — assures us of our right to it — and prepares us for the complete enjoyment of it. In treating further on this subject, we shall show, 1st, That the children of the Lord only, are made partakers of the Holy Spirit in its operations on their hearts. And 2dly, What is effected by the Holy Ghost in such. Many well meaning persons have certainly handled this subject very injudiciously : and we are convinced, if they would but for a moment consider, they must see into what difficulties they are involved ; and that if they have a system of doctrine at all, they must systematically become Armenians, as it is impossible to hold the precious doctrines of grace upon such ground. It is not uncommon for many, from whom we might have expected better things, after treating upon some of the sublime doctrines of the gospel, in applying their subject and addressing impenitent and unrenewed sinneis, to tell them God's most holy Spirit has been striving with them from their infancy up, and that hitherto his attempts have been unsuccessful. If such doctrine is according to godliness, brethren, you will readily discover that the sinner, and not the Spirit of God, is omnipotent ; and that from henceforth, instead of saying confidently, that the dead shall hear his voice and live, John v. 25, we must always add, provided men will condescend to let the Holy Spirit work, since then, and not till then, shall they be quickened or made alive. Such doctrine, is 384 MINUTES OF THE PHILADELPHIA ASSOCIATION. evidently in direct opposition to the Scriptures of truth ; for the sinner, prior to regeneration, is always represented as passive, and therefore is declared to be dead, Eph. ii. 1, and is said to be born ; to be begotten. As the creature begotten, cannot be said to be active prior to his existence, or be the instrument of its own exist- ence, these expressions fully show, that it does not depend upon the favorable reception the divine Spirit meets with, that the work of grace is effected in the soul. The work of the Spirit is called a creation, Ps. li. 10, 2 Cor. v. IT, in allusion to an almighty agent giving existence to the system of nature, both with respect to matter and form. As there was no pre-existing matter to form the present material world, and consequently infinite power was neces- sarily engaged in producing it, these phrases evidently show, that the sinner is not an effectual agent to hinder the work, and that nothing can possibly frustrate that grace which creates the soul in Christ Jesus to good works. In addition to what has been said it will be sufficient to observe, that the language of holy writ is abso- lute : "They shall be my people," 2 Cor. vi. 16 ; "they shall be willing," Psalm ex. 3 ; " which were born, not of the will of the flesh," John i. 13 ; " all that the Father giveth me shall come," John vi. 37 ; " the dead shall hear my voice," John v. 25. Some urge the strivings of the Spirit, as essential to constituting a judicial right in God to punish the finally impenitent. This may suit well enough for those that believe in general redemption and universal provision ; but how it suits with the Calvinistic scheme, (which we believe to be founded on the word of God,) we cannot comprehend. Such doctrine is one of the greatest insults that can be offered to the Divine Being. It supposes that the infinite Jeho- vah, intends no good to the sinner, but on the contrary has deter- mined to make him miserable ; not having sufficient reason to make him so, and knowing that he has no power nor inclination to receive Christ and his benefits, yea, that God himself does not intend that he shall, he will make him some insincere offers of salvation, and afford him, what some persons call, common opera- tions of the Spirit, which he knows will be entirely ineffectual ; and, after this pretence of trying to save him, very gravely tells him, that for his not letting the Spirit convert him, he must be miserable to all eternity. It would be hard to say worse of the great God, than what is said of him in the above sentiment ; for, therein he is charged with hypocrisy and cruelty — hypocrisy, for his only making pretence to commisserate the case of the sinner and afford him relief; and of cruelty, since, on such principles, men are not pun- ished as offenders, but simply as creatures. It makes God proceed therein, not as the moral governor of the world, but upon the ground of arbitrary or despotic authority. You will readily per- ceive, brethren, that it is not merely the want of faith and repen- tance, that is the procuring cause of the sinner's destruction, but a want of moral rectitude, of coming up to the requirements of the divine law ; and, therefore, there is no need that God should seek MINUTES OF THE PHILADELPHIA ASSOCIATION. 385 an occasion against him, forasmuch as there is sufficient reason that he should punish men, even if no Saviour had been provided. As for common operations of the Spirit and days of grace, these are links of the same chain, and are necessary to help the legal preacher along : but though they may be necessary to the system of the Armenian, they are equally unscriptural. As to the first, there is no mention made of them in any part of the sacred oracles — they have existed only in the fancies of men ; and the latter opinion, which that much abused scripture, Luke xix. 42, is used to support, is far from being substantiated thereby. The text in question, had respect simply to the treatment of Christ as the promised Messiah ; for the rejection of whom, after his mission had been attested by so many miracles, the city of Jerusalem was doomed to a dreadful overthrow, and the Jewish commonwealth wholly ruined : but the text has no relation whatever to the dav of their salvation beincr past ; for it is manifest, that many of those very persons, of whom it has been said that their day of grace was past, were afterwards converted under the preaching of Peter. See Acts ii. But let us inquire further, upon what the abettors of this doctrine build their theory. It is certain, that these sentiments have been chiefly gathered from observing a kind of legal exercise, which more or less exists in the hearts of unregenerated persons who sit under the gospel, and especially if the ministry be powerful and alarming ; and also from some passages of holy writ, which have been amaz- ingly misunderstood. As to the first, it may be properly called the workings of natural conscience ; such is the evidence which divine truth brings with it to the mind, searching the hearts of the children of men, bringing to light their enmity against God, and their immoral conduct generally. Hence, sinners, merely by the light of reason, perceiving that God's holy law condemns them, and that the penalty of it is no less than eternal misery, are at times very uneasy. Paul says, " the Gentiles which have not the law are a law unto themselves," and that "their thoughts accuse or excuse each other, their conscience in the mean time bearing witness." By way of inference, he adds, " which show the work of the law written in their heart," Rom. ii. 15. Here the apostle plainly accounts for the above-mentioned feelings of unregene- rate persons, which he intimates do not come from the immediate operations of the Holy Ghost, but from the law, some faint traces of which continue in the mind : and that it is conscience, and not the Spirit of God, which bears testimony to their actions, the result of which is, that their thoughts accuse or excuse one another. Is it any wonder, therefore, that persons sitting under a gospel ministry, hearing the word and beholding the ordinances, and enjoying withal a pious education and the godly example of religious parents, (for it is unregenerate persons of that class who feel most uneasy,) should sometimes, when under some qualms of conscience, enter upon some legal duties? The same matter is forcibly illustrated in the case of Felix, Acts xxiv. 25. It is said, Paul "reasoned," (not a word about 49 386 MINUTES OF THE PHILADELPHIA ASSOCIATION. the strivings of the Spirit;) that the subjects were "righteousness, temperance, and judgment," (very suitable indeed to alarm a rapa- cious, rioting, and wicked governor;) that he, as is usual with such, trembled at the thought of a day of retribution : and the whole of this is attributed to Paul, and not to the Spirit. It has been a pre- vailing opinion, that these feelings are peculiar to youth; but then it must be remembered, that it is only in such (as has been before observed) as enjoy religious instruction. And as for others, however young, they appear to be as insensible as those in mature age who live carelessly. It may be again remarked, that such as have lived all the early part of their lives without religious instruction, when, in the course of divine Providence, they are cast under a powerful ministry, become as much disturbed, at times, as persons do in youth. From all which we may infer, that these feelings are not from the Spirit of the Lord, working in persons in early life, and ti'ying to make them Christians, who, not being able to effect it, at length, when old, leaves them as persons out of the reach of mercy — and, as some tell us, because their day of grace is past ; for we find that many, very many of that description of persons, are afterwards con- verted to God, and live sober and religious lives. Those texts which have been understood as countenancing the striving of the Spirit in all men, we shall consider so far as the bounds of a letter will admit. We are frequently reminded of John xvi, 8, as a text in point, to prove the doctrine; but, by consulting the con- text, it will appear, that the apostles were the subjects of the pro- mise, and that it did not relate to the workings of gracious affections in them by the Spirit, (for these they enjoyed before,) but the effu- sion of the Holy Ghost, which they were to wait for in Jerusalem, that they might " be endued with power from on high," Luke xxiv. 49. By " the world," is primarily intended the Jewish nation, a vast mul- titude of whom were then at Jerusalem keeping the feast ; by the ful- filment of Christ's promise, in the outpouring of the Spirit, they were reproved for, or convinced of sin, not only in putting Christ to death, but of not believing on him, as the Messiah — of righteousness, either his personal rectitude, being no impostor, or more especially that it was he who was the subject of Daniel's prophecy, of whom it was foretold that he should "bring in everlasting righteousness," Dan. ix. 24 ; and of judgment, because, by the outpouring of the Spirit, complete evidence was given that he was really risen from the dead, and consequently thereby giving assui'ance of his coming to sit in judgment on them, Acts xvii. 31. Nor can Heb. vi. 4, be brought to prove the doctrine. As the be- ing made partakers of the Holy Ghost there intends, not his regene- rating influences, but merely gifts, or ministerial abihties. Such was the case with Balaam and Judas. Christ says, "Rejoice not that the devils are subject to you; but rather rejoice because your names are written in heaven," Luke x. 20. When St. Paul says, that " the mani- festation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal," 1 Cor- xii. 7, he has respect to gifts, and not to grace; for by the "every MINUTES OF THE PHILADELPHIA ASSOCIATION. 387 man,"' is meant the gifted persons in the church of Corinth; and his design is to show, that although their gifts differed widely, yet they were given by the same Spirit for the edification of the church, and would be profitable to the body. But it may be objected, that the holy Spirit is said to '' strive with man," Gen. vi. 3; to be resisted, Acts vii. 51; and vexed, Isa. Ixiii. 10. We have no inclination to deny that the Spirit may strive, be resisted, and vexed in a certain sense ; but not in the sense in which the words are commonly used. It is manifest that the Spirit in the apostles and prophets is intended, when said to strive, to be vexed, and resisted by the impenitent. As to the first, the Spirit in Noah was intended ; and in this sense it is the apostle Peter affirms, (1 Pet. iii. 19,) that Christ preached to those antediluvians who are now in prison, because that his Spirit was in Noah as a preacher of righte- ousness, and they were strove with in the ministry of the word. When it is said that the children of Israel vexed his holy Spirit, as in the above text, it is also added, which he put in him (Moses), by whose right hand they were led. And it is also plain, that the same thing is intended in the Acts. For Stephen, in charging the Jews with resisting the Holy Ghost, observes, they did as their fathers h;id done before them, who persecuted and slew the prophets which showed the coming of the Just One, of whom (says he) you have been the betrayers, and murderers, thereby resisting and rejecting the testimony of the Holy Ghost as they did. A parallel passage with those mentioned is Zech. vii. 12, " Yea, they made their hearts as an adamant stone, lest they should hear the law, and the words which the Lord of hosts hath sent in his Spirit by the former prophets." We have now, brethren, bi'iefly noticed the principal places in holy writ, which have been supposed to countenance the strivings of the S}iirit in all men : and taking it for granted that what has been said is sufficient, we shall now proceed to show some Scripture arguments, to prove that the Holy Ghost is given to the elect only. By the good work begun in the people of God, (Phil. i. 6,) most un- questionably must be meant, the operations of the Spirit of the Lord in their souls. But if so, how can we be assured that it will be performed until the day of Christ, if, according to the above- mentioned sentiment, this work does not always prove victorious — is not always completed — yea, is absolutely relinquished and the sub- jects of it suffered to perish eternally ? Surely, upon this hypo- thesis, the apostle's reasoning is very inconclusive, and the argument advanced with a design to encourage, must have had quite a contrary effect for they would reply, How can this be, when you constantly assure us that this work may be, and often is, frustrated ? All evan- gelical obedience, being the fruit arising from the holy Spirit, is made the evidence of adoption ; " For as many as are led by the Spirit of God are the sons of God," Rom. viii. 14. But in case men may possess the divine Spirit, and yet be lost, then the evidence of adoption is vague and uncertain; and it follows, that the having of 388 MINUTES OF THE PHILADELPHIA ASSOCIATION. this Spirit in his influence is no evidence at all, and the reasoning im- pertinent. The apostle to the Galatians speaks of receiving the Spirit by the hearing of faith (or the gospel which is so called), Gal. iii. 2 ; but if God ordinarily uses the gospel, through which to com- municate the gifts and graces of the Spirit, then every man has not the Spirit, forasmuch as the gospel is withheld from many nations of the earth. In the epistle to the Romans, the having of the Spirit is made the criterion of belonging to Christ, Rom. viii. 9, "If any man have not the Spirit of Christ he is none of his." But if every man has the Spirit, it is no criterion at all, or else every man is a Christian, an adopted child of God ; but the apostle, making it a test by which to try our standing, supposes clearly that some have not the Spirit of Christ, and therefore are not his. The same apostle to the church of Corinth, (1 Cor. ii. 14, 15,) draws a line of distinction between the natural and spiritual man ; but if all have the Spirit, there can be no distinction ; in vain does he talk of a spirit of dis- cernment in divine things, wherein they differ from other men ; and he must surely have been mistaken, when he said the things of the Spirit of God are foolishness to such ; but if we understand him as making a clear distinction between the believer and unbeliever — the one having the Spirit of God and the other not — then there is a beauty in his reasoning, and not else. But, brethren, it is of no use to mul- tiply quotations in a case so plain; we shall therefore only make an observation or two on the following passages, and leave them to your meditations. Paul to the Thes. iv. 8, says, " Who also hath given unto us his holy Spirit." John, in his first epistle says, " Hereby we know that he abideth in us, by the Spirit which he hath given us," (ch. iii. 24,) "Hereby know we that we dwell in him and he in us, be- cause he hath given us of his Spirit," (ch. iv. 13.) You will remark, brethren, that the above are addressed to the churches of Christ and consequently to all believers composing them, and not to men of the world at all. Now, when he says, he hath given it us, it is clearly implied, that he has not given it to others ; and as our bodies are temples of the Holy Ghost, and we know, by the indwelling of the Spirit, our union to Christ ; therefore, let us never part with this pre • cious test of an interest in the favor of God. But to crown all, and to show with certainty, putting the matter beyond all doubt, that every man has not the Spirit of the Lord, in Jude 19, it is ex- pressly said, " These be they who separate themselves, sensual, hav- ing not the Spirit." We come to show what is effected by the Holy Ghost in the elect, all of whom are effectually called to the knowledge of God and finally saved. All the elect are called the mystical body of Christ, of which he is the Head; and it is not only said that the church (complete) is the fulness of him that filleth all things; but it is also affirmed, that there is a fulness in him. Col. i. 19, out of which all his people receive grace for grace. Therefore, provision has been made in Christ for all that were given to him; and as they are jus- tified by his blood and saved from wrath through him, so also, by the MINUTES OF THE PHILADELPHIA ASSOCIATION. 389 holy Ghost which Christ sheds forth, they are completely emancipated from the tyranny of the prince of darkness, and made meet for the inheritance among the saints in light. The first work, in order, effected by the holy Spirit, is regeneration, which consists in an infusion of spiritual life into the soul. In this work, the creature is wholly passive ; so that, instead of doing any thing of a preparatory nature, in order to invite the Spirit to under- take and effect it, men, on the contrary, are represented as " dead in trespasses and sins," Eph. ii. 1, as having hearts full of " enmity against God," Rom. viii. 7. From this principle, thus implanted, flow all those holy affections, such as faith, hope, love, and humility, which are usually denominated graces of the Spirit, because they originate from him and are all of grace. Notwithstanding the spiritual man, thus begotten, is perfect with relation to parts, he is not so in stature ; for those graces become more vigorous under divine cultivation, which we shall have occasion to notice hereafter. This work is instantane- ous; some examples of which we find in the New Testament, as in Paul's conversion, that of the jailor, and of the three thousand under Peter's sermon. Conversion and regeneration are distinct from each other, and by no means the same thing, and the former is an effect of the latter ; the former being brought about through the gospel preached as means, whereas the latter is immediately from the Spirit of God, without any instrument whatever. The divine Spirit does, by the word, effectually convince of sin, causing the regenerate soul to loathe it — makes known the amazing depths of misery into which it has been plunged by the fall — gives a discovery of divine justice as demanding the punishment of the guilty; and it is in consequence of these views, that so much alarm is created, and such dreadful ap- prehensions of divine wrath are felt. It is peculiarly the ofiice-work of the Spirit to discover the Lord Jesus, in all his glory and fulness, to such; "He shall take of mine and show it unto you," John xvi. 14; "No man can call Jesus Lord, but by the Holy Ghost," 1 Cor. xii. 3. So that regenerated sinners, beholding the plenitude of grace that is in, Christ, and made sensible of their extreme need of him, by discovering more and more their spiritual poverty and weakness, be- ing thus taught of the Spirit, they come to Jesus, John vi. 45. A soul deeply convinced of sin, and viewing the divine perfections, would BOt have courage sufiicient to approach unto, God, were it not for the gracious promises in the word to the weary and heavy laden; but in vain does the convinced sinner essay to take hold upon the promise, until the Spirit of promise (Eph. i. 13) make an application of them to him. How desirable is it to experience a manifestation of divine favor, and to enjoy those raptures which Jehovah sees meet to be- stow on many of his people when first initiated into gospel liberty ! The apostle says, " the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given to us," Rom. v. 5. Many are the powerful temptations that assault us, so that by reason of contend- ing passions for victory over us, and the prince of darkness presenting sin in its most alluring form, we feel our weakness and frequently 890 MINUTES OF THE PHILADELPHIA ASSOCIATION. despair of making head against them. But behold, we are "strength- ened with might by his Spirit in the inner man," Eph. iii. 16. Yea, when our way seems hedged up on every side, so that there seems no way to escape, and error, like a flood, carries all before it. Yet, says the prophet, " the Spirit of the Lord shall lift up a standard against the enemy," Isa. lix. 19. Mixing Avith the world and being necessa- rily engaged in temporal concerns, we often get into a lukewarm state and experience spiritual languor and the consequence, a loss of the sensible presence of God. But the diAdne Spirit disengages us from time-things, dissipates our coldness, invigorates our souls, and, after showing us that it is easier to lose than to regain those divine joys, transports us with a view of the unchangeable love of God. Having lost a spirit of prayer, so that the heavens seem as brass above, and the earth as iron beneath us, at the same time a preached gospel making no impression, and the holy Scriptures seeming like a sealed book, this divine Spirit " helps our infirmities with groanings which cannot be uttered," Rom. viii. 26 : and giving efficacy to the word preached and read, we can once more take delight in public and secret devotions. It is by the agency of the Spirit our percep- tion of divine things is enlarged. It is truly desirable that we should not be always children tossed to and fro by the sleight of men, but on the contrary become acquainted with the mysteries of the gospel — be built up in our most holy faith and become firmly established thererein : these favors are conferred by that Spirit which leads into all truth, John xvi. 13. An assurance of faith comes from the di- vine Spirit. Upon this assurance our comfort much depends, and as there are difi"erent degrees of it, and each degree his work, we ought to remember with thankfulness that " the Spirit bears witness with our spirits that we are the children of God." Lastly : The work of sanctification must be carried on in us, in conformity with which the apostle prays, (1 Thess. v. 23,) that the believers of the church of Thessalonica might be sanctified wholly in " spirit and soul and body," and "be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.'" This work consisteth in the mortifying of our inbred corruptions, so that our sinful alfections become more and more weakened, and we are set apart, (as the sig- nification of the term is,) to the service of God. Therefore, as this work progresses, sin loses its dominion over us, (Rom. vi. 14,) and we are made conformable to the death of Christ, (Phil. iii. 10,) the " old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin," (Rom. vi. 6,) and " changed into the image of the Lord from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord," 2 Cor. iii. 18. The instrument used in sanctification is the divine word, which has a transforming effect: " Sanctify them through the truth: thy word is truth," John xvii. 17; " That he might sanctify and cleanse it (the church) with the wash- ing of water, by the word," Eph. v. 26: the preaching and reading of which, under the influence of the divine Spirit, furnishes such powerful motives to obedience, and to forsaking of sin, — setting the MINUTES OF THE PHILADELPHIA ASSOCIATION. 891 one in so abhorrent a point of view, and the other in such an amia- ble light, that the soul falls in love with and embraces the service of God, and flees from sin as the most deadly evil. Hence it is that the word has different effects, as awaking our fears, exciting our hopes, abounding with threatenings, promises, warnings, reproofs, expostulations, exhortations, tender and pathetic addresses, lively descriptions of the glory of the person and offices of Christ, and of the joys of the heavenly world ; all which, set home upon the heart by the divine Spirit, produce fruit unto holiness and the end ever- lasting life. How comfortable must the reflection be to the Chris- tian, that all the changes he meets with in this world, whether in spiritual or temporal things, are closely connected with his sanctifi- cation ! To this we must attribute sickness and pain, poverty and disgrace, personal and relative afilictions, severe tempations, spiritual desertion, trials which faith and patience meet with ; and, what seems most of all astonishing, that even their very backslidings, by being made the instruments of their correction, are made use of by the divine Spirit, who brings light out of darkness, order out of con- fusion, and causes " all things to work together for good to them that love God," (Rom. viii. 28.) This work of sanctification is not, like regeneration, instantaneous ; nor is it perfect during life, but more or less of the body of sin still remains ; but so as that it does not reign over us, but disturbs our peace, and creates in us much self- abhorrence. But the crowning work of all is the sealing of the Spirit, by which we "are sealed to the day of redemption," Eph. iv. 30. This consists in the enjoyment of a calm and tranquil mind, waiting with composure for our great change, and giving evidence to others with ourselves, that we have " a house not made with hands eternal in the heavens," and having a longing desire to be at home with the Lord. And now, dear brethren, having treated on the office-work of the Spirit, and merely touched on the most important points, to help your meditations, we close this epistle, by earnestly intreating you to labor after a greater sense of your need of his influences, and not to grieve, by an unholy life, this sanctifying and sealing Spirit. And that you may, under his influence, become exemplary for purity of doctrine, zeal in his service, and uprightness in your lives, is the sincere prayer of your brethren who represent you in this our associate capacity. Signed in behalf of the whole. Samuel Jones, Moderator. William Staughton, Clerk. 392 MINUTES OF THE PHILADELPHIA ASSOCIATION. THE MINISTERS AND MESSENGERS AT THE ASSOCIATION, AND STATE OF THE CHURCHES DURING THE YEAR. CHURCHES. MINISTERS AND MESSENGERS. i t U g3 1 i 5 1 a 1 1 5 2 1^ s Lower Dublin, ' Samuel Jones, John Holmes, T. Holmes, 72 Middletown,t Benjamin Bennet,* ' Henry Smallet, Jonathan Bowen, David Gillman, James Shepherd, David Plats, 139 Cohansie, Nathan Shepherd, Jeremiah Brooks, Joel Shepherd, Eldad Cooke, David Shepherd, John Elmer, 25 1 2 5 170 Great Valley, David Jones, 2 60 Cape May,t ' Jonathan German, Christopher Smith, 12 1 2 4 51 Hopewell, James Ewing, James Hunt, 4 29 3 1 193 Brandywine, Montgomery, Joshua Vaughan, 16 1 1 104 Silas Hough, i Daniel Harrar, 10 2 77 Kingwood, Garner A. Hunt, David Stout, 5 2 84 Haight's Town, Peter Wilson, John Jones, 46 3 7 4 377 William Rogers, Philadelphia, John Peckworth, 1st church. George IngoUs, John M'Leod, . Heath Norberry, 35 15 31 1 4 181 ( Thomas B. Montante, Southampton, < William Magee, ( William Watts, 4 2 4 93 Knowlton,f New Britain, 2 17 95 William White, < . Horatio G. Jones, Salem, 1 Joseph Lloyd, Dividing Creek, [ William Walker, f 26 3 1 3 118 1 Jonadab Shepherd, [ Hosea Shepherd, 58 New Mills, Alexander M'Gowan, 10 1 107 Upper Freehold, Pittsgrove, 2 2 75 r I Josiah Nichols, [ Stanford Mayhew, 7 2 1 20 MINUTES OF THE PHILADELPHIA ASSOCIATION. 893 CHURCHES. MINISTERS AND MESSENGERS. 1 1| ,■=1 1 S3 i ^^ S ^ « s Manahawkin, Vincent, Tuckahoe, 9 5 1 33 38 28 2 i George Knoll, ( James M'Laughlin,* Hilltown, < John Matthias, sr.. ( John Matthias, jr.. 3 3 5 141 Jacob's Town, BuRGiss Allison, 2 1 60 Marcus Hook, Roxbury, 1 1 1 19 51 Thomas Fleeson,* West Creek, Peter Groom, 1 1 1 48 Shemokin,t John Patten,* 96 Amwell, Burlington, Mount Holly, 8 18 26 1 3 1 1 1 1 1 65 52 76 f William Staughton, 1 John Fisher, 2 \[ Jesse Cox, Dover, York county, Philadelphia, 2d church. 4 25 1 5 2 22 50 < John Ellis, ( Cornelius TrimmuU, Hopewell, 2cl church. ( 28 \ Daniel Drake, 305 35 89 13 5 37 2898 Note. — The ministers' names are in small capitals. Licensed preachers in italic. Those marked thus * not present. From the churches marked thus f received no intelligence. A dash denotes no settled minister. Among the number of our deceased this year, we have the afflic- tion to class our venerable and beloved Brethren Joshua Jones, of the church at Montgomery, and Thomas Ustick, of Philadelphia. The former slept in Jesus, December 26, 1802, aged 82, after being engaged in his Master's service about 50 years ; the latter, April 18, 1803, in his 50th year, and after laboring 30 years in the same glo- rious cause. "Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord !" The Rev. John Boggs, sen., late of our Association, finished his course this year, in the 63d year of his age, and in the 27th of his ministry. 50 MINUTES PHILADELPHIA BAPTIST ASSOCIATION, held, by appointment, at philadelphia, october 2d, 3d, and 4th, 180-1. October 2d. — At three o'clock, p. m., Brother James M'Laughlin preached the introductory sermon, from Heb. i. 13, " But to which of the angels said he at any time, sit on my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool." 2. After sermon, business was opened with prayer by Brother Samuel Jones, when Brother William White was chosen moderator, and Brother Silas Hough, clerk. 3. Letters from thirty-two churches were read. Brother Daniel Dodge prayed. Adjourned until nine o'clock to-morrow morning. October 3d, nine o'clock, a. m. — Met pui'suant to adjoui'nment. The moderator prayed. 4. Brethren Thomas G. Jones and Isaac Eaton being present, were invited to seats with us. The church, constituted in the year past at Blockley in Phila- delphia county, applied for admission into this Association, which was freely granted, after they had given full satisfaction as to their faith and practice. 6. Received corresponding letters and minutes from the following Associations, viz. : — from the Warwick, letter and minutes, by their messenger Luke Davis; from the Delaware, letter and minutes, by their messenger Daniel Dodge ; from the New York, letter and minutes, by their messengers William Vanhorn and Peter Bryant ; from the Charleston, letter and minutes; from Danbury, letter and minutes ; from the Miami, a letter but no minutes ; and from the Skaftsbury, letters and minutes for the years 1803 and 1804. 7. After reading the circular letter, Brethren Samuel Jones, Thomas B. Montanye, and Henry Smalley, together with Burgiss Allison, the author, were appointed a committee to revise it. Brother Bryant prayed. Adjourned to thi'ee o'clock. ^394) MINUTES OF THE PHILADELPHIA ASSOCIATION. 395 Three o'clock, p. M. — Met pursuant to adjournment. Brother Carlise prayed. 8. The following brethren are appointed to write to the corres- ponding Associations: — Joseph Mathias, to the Delaware; Isaac Eaton, to the New York ; Carlile, to the Shaftsbury ; Peckworth, to the Charleston ; Hedger, to the Warren ; Zebulon Holmes, to the AVarwick ; Samuel B. Harris, to the Danburj ; and Allison, to the Miami. 9. Appointed messengers to our corresponding Associations. Breth- ren J. M'Laughlin, Joshua Vaughan, and John Peckworth, to the Delaware ; Peter Wilson, James M'Laughlin, and John Butter, to the New York. 10. Query from the first Philadelphia church: "Should not the supplies for our destitute churches, and our messengers to our sister Associations, with all other committees which may be appointed by the Association, make report to the Association succeeding, that the Association may ascertain whether or not their engagements have been complied with ?" To this query the Association answer in the aflBrmative. 11. Brethren M'Laughlin and H. G. Jones are appointed a com- mittee to examine the letters and minutes of the corresponding As- sociations, and make report of such facts as particularly concern us. 12. Collected for the education fund : At Lower Dublin, - - ■ ■ Cohansie, ------ Brandjwine, - - - - - Montgomery, - - . . _ Ilaight's Town, . - . - First Philadelphia, ----- Southampton, ----- Salem, ------ §84 37 13. This Association, aware of the great benefits arising from a regular contribution of the churches to the education fund, do here- by most aftectionately recommend its continuance. 14. Collected for the mission fund: At Cohansie, ----- First Hopewell, - . . - - Montgomery, - . - - - Haight's Town, . - - - - First Philadelphia, - - - . New Britain, - - - - - Salem, - - - . . . Hilltown, --..-- Roxbury, - - - - - $121 28 The circular letter, being approved by the committee, was adopted by the Association. 16. Resolved, That the future collections for the education fund, §12 73 10 00 2 18 4 00 6 00 23 96 10 50 15 00 $6 00 7 27 6 00 4 00 57 30 4 00 12 50 4 00 20 21 896 MINUTES OF THE PHILADELPHIA ASSOCIATION. be applied to discliarge the debts contracted b^ borrowing from that fund, for the prosecution of the suit against the executors of Silas Hart, late of Virginia, deceased. 17. The query from the Great Valley is laid over till next Asso- ciation, when it shall be taken up, provided that church sees proper to renew it. Brother Luke Davis prayed. Adjourned to eleven o'clock to-morrow morning. Sermon this evening by Brother Vanhorn, from 2 Cor. v. 20, " Now then we are ambassadors from Christ, as though God did beseech you by us : we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God." October 4th, eleven o'clock, A. M. — Met pursuant to adjournment. 18. Supplies for Frankford, Manahawkin, Hill Town, Upper Free- hold, and Pittsgrove. 19. The corresponding letters were read and approved. Brother Vanhorn prayed. Adjourned to three o'clock. Three o'clock, p. M. — Met pursuant to adjournment. Brother Wilson prayed. 20. Brother Hough is appointed to write the circular letter for next year. 21. Brother Thomas B. Montanye is appointed to preach the in- troductory sermon ; and in case of failure. Brother Horatio G. Jones. 22. It is recommended that the quarterly prayer meetings be con- tinued as heretofore, excepting the day in October. Instead of meeting on the first Tuesday in October, we recommend the Friday preceding; but the other days to be observed as formerly recom- mended. 23. Brother Samuel B. Harris, who has been licensed to preach by the Baptist church at Cohansie, made appHcation to the Associa- tion for assistance from the education fund, to help him in his learn- ing. It is therefore agreed, that Brother Samuel B. Harris shall have the interest of the fund for two years, to assist him in his education. 24. Agreed, that Mr. Stephen C. Ustick print the minutes ; and that Brother Allison be requested to superintend the printing, and, in conjunction with the printer, to distribute them to the churches and corresponding Associations. The Association is appointed to meet, on the first Tuesday in Oc- tober, 1805, in Philadelphia ; but, in case of any malignant disorder prevailing in that city, at New Britain, at three o'clock, P. M. Closed with prayer by the moderator. Sermon this evening by Brother D. Dodge, from Rom. i. 16, " For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ." MINUTES OF THE PHILADELPHIA ASSOCIATION. 397 CIRCULAR LETTER. BY REV. BURGISS ALLISON'. The elders and messengers of the Philadelphia Baptist Association, To the churches they represent, send Christian salutation. Dearly beloved in the Lord, — It is with gratitude to the Supreme Head of the church, through whose superintending providence we have been favored with another interview in an associated capacity, that we have the happiness in announcing to you the general har- mony which has subsisted among us during our deliberations. For information respecting the prosperity of Zion, in the enlarge- ment of her borders, by additions to our churches within the last year, we refer you to our minutes hereto annexed. From year to year you have been addressed upon subjects of the highest importance by our letters ; and as we feel no less anxious now than formerly to promote the spiritual welfare of the churches with whom we are connected, in particular, as well as the interest of the Redeemer's kingdom in general, we have been solicitous to select a subject which has been less frequently discussed, though not less important than many others upon which you have been addressed in the course of our epistolary correspondence with you. We know that no means can become eifectual without the blessing of God ; but, with the benign influence of his grace, the smallest efi"ort will be crowned with success. Important are the doctrines of grace with which it behoves you to be acquainted ; various are the divine truths necessary to be exhibited to the Christian's view, and many are the duties re- quisite to be inculcated and warmly recommended to practice. As occasion and circumstances occur, and as the unerring Spirit of wis- dom directs, we should press one and another of those doctrines and duties upon your notice, that we may stir up your pure minds by way of remembrance. The subject to which we would invite your serious attention at this time, is Prayer. That we may be the more fully able to perform this incumbent duty with acceptance to God, and comfort to ourselves, and that we way learn rightly to appreciate its exalted worth, and blessed effects, we shall endeavor to consider, First, the nature of prayer. Secondly, the seasons for prayer. Thirdly, the importance of prayer, and Lastly, the incentives to prayer. In defining the nature of prayer, taken in a religious point of view, we would call it an intercourse between God and man, or an address from the needy creature to the independent and bountiful Creator, Preserver, and Redeemer, respecting what the creature hath either received, or whatever he may need for time or eternity — for grace or glory. As prayer is addressed to the Omniscient Jehovah, who is the searcher of hearts and trier of reins, (Psalm vii. 9 ; Jer. xi. 28 ;) who looketh not at the outside appearance, but at the heart, (1 Sam. xvi. 7 ;) so it is the language of the heart which is to be addressed to God 398 MINUTES OF THE PHILADELPHIA ASSOCIATION. in prayer. Nevertheless, prayer is not always to be confined to the secret elevation of tlie soul in ejaculations ; but our mental exercises are to be at proper seasons expressed in an audible language : and that language should be framed with propriety, decorum, and rever- ence. Propriety of language should be adopted, both as it regards the dignity of the Being addressed, and the comprehension of those ■who unite in this duty, when one becomes a mouth for the rest. But let it be remembered, that a prayer, composed of the best form of words and most elegant diction, which is not accompanied by true internal devotion, is less acceptable to a prayer-hearing God, than the humble groan or fervent desire of a broken and con- trite heart, though expressed in language the most plain and un- adorned. Hence our Lord accuseth the hypocritical Pharisees, " This people dravveth nigh unto me with their mouths, and honoreth me with their lips, but their heart is far from me," Matt. xv. 8. Let no one, then, be discouraged from attempting the performance of this duty, from a conscious deficiency in point of diction, or apprehension of inability to express himself in appropriate language : for if that humble address of the publican, " God be merciful to me a sinner," is put up in sincerity, it will ascend to heaven as an in- cense of sweeter savour than the boasted perfection of the Pharisee, decorated in all the flowers of rhetoric. Propriety of language, however, is commendable, and is what we should endeavor to attair^, especially in imitating the example given us in God's word, where the aspirations of his people are recorded, and furnish us with a specimen of that style of address which doubtless meets the divine approbation ; the Iloly Ghost having inspired it, and influenced the writers thereof to leave it on record for our imitation. Although we address God in specific language, we do not infer from hence that he is unacquainted with our wants : on the contrary, he knoweth what we need before we ask ; yea, he is perfectly ac- quainted with each particular of our address, before it is conceived in our minds or uttered with our lips ; yet he saith he will be sought unto by the house of Israel for all these things. He Avhose eyes are over the whole earth, and who is omnipotent as well as omnis- cient, can assuredly supply all the wants of his people unasked, and bestow his benefits unsought : but this is not the method of his grace. He hath annexed a blessing to even the means of attaining the end sought : for we should not be in a suitable disposition for receiving his favors, were we not in a praying frame and temper of mind : and hence we experience a sweetness in performing the duty. Our address should be performed also with decorum. In order to attend to a due decorum in our addresses to God, it is proper that some attention shoiild be paid to the order thereof. That which has been more generally adopted by many eminently pious children ^f God, in sometliing like the following, viz : Adoration, Confession^ Petition, and Thanksgiving. Prayer, literally speaking, is undoubtedly confined to petition ; ut as we have considered it, in a theological and scriptural view, MINUTES OF THE PHILADELPHIA ASSOCIATION. 399 to be an intercourse between the Creator and creature, or an adrlresg from man to God in a general sense, it may with propriety comprise the parts assigned to it. In our addresses to God, adoration is un- questionably the most suitable exordium. With what profound reverence, with what humble adoration should a worm of the earth approach the great I am ; should a being of yesterday, whose foun- dation is in the dust, draw near the eternal Jehovah, the exalted majesty of heaven ! Let us, then, approach him with expressions of admiration and reverential awe : with acknowledgments of his uncreated excellen- cies and boundless perfections. By such reflections and such acknowledged sentiments of the attributes and perfections of the ever-blessed God, we shall acquire a reverence of sentiment, a so- lemnity of mind and humility of soul, more suited to the character which we justly sustain of guilty and self-condemned criminals, at the footstool of an ofi'ended Judge, ready to make a confession of our guilt. It is true, the omniscient Jehovah is fully acquainted with our most secret sins before we acknowledge them ; for he knoweth our out-going and our in-coming, our up-rising, and our down-sitting ; he compasseth our path about, and is fully acquainted with all our ways : none can conceal his oft'ences under the cover of night or a mantle of secrecy, for darkness and light are both alike to him. Yet a soul under a sense of guilt, and conscious of the aggravation of his transgressions, feels a relief in unbosoming him- self to his God, and in pouring out his soul in confession of his iniquities. Such ingenuous and unreserved acknowledgments are also acceptable to God, — as Prov. xxviii. 13, Psalm xxxii. 5, — besides which passages, there are many examples in the sacred Scriptures of the confession of God's people, recorded for our sakes, both as an argument in favor of the propriety and necessity of this part of our address, and as an incitement to our imitation. Confession may not only be said to include self-accusation of guilt, but also an acknowledgment of our helpless and needy condition ; each of which paves the way to a deprecation of divine displeasure on account of sin, and to an earnest request for a supply of needful blessings; both comprised in that part denominated petition. Under what we call petition, may properly be included depreca- tion of the anger of God against our sins, and punishment as the just demerit thereof, inasmuch as this is included in our petition for mercy. Hence a soul approaching God in prayer, after a humble confession, will earnestly plead for the pardon of his sins, so offensive to God, and which appear so heinous in his own eyes, and will sup- plicate a deliverance from that punishment which he knows they have .justly merited. As all the miseries, to which in this life we are liable, are the consequences of sin, so in deprecating sin with its effects, we shall pray to be delivered from the reigning power, and even inheritance of sin ; the darkness of our minds and the tempta- tions of Satan. Added to these are other petitions for mercies and benefits which 400 MINUTES OF THE PHILADELPHIA ASSOCIATION. we know we need from his hand, in which are included the comfort^ and blessings pertaining to this life, all which should he requested with becoming deference to the di\'ine will. Blessings of a spiritual nature, as the sanctifying influence of his Spirit to fit us for the en- joyment of God in glory, are such as the knowledge and feelings of the Christian will dictate to him. Some are in the habit of particu- larizing, and entering into the minutiae of every want, every circum- stance, and every concern ; but such extreme minuteness does not seem necessary, nor is it enjoined in the word of God. Although we do not deem it indispensable at all times to follow verbatim, that form which our Lord gave his disciples, proAdded we include in our addresses the substance of it ; yet we think it exhibits so much of the nature of prayer, as to inform us, that neither a par- ticular enumeration of every want, or petition of every desire is re- quisite ; and that the protraction of our prayer to an immoderate length, is not sanctioned by that comprehensive, concise form. Our Lord, indeed, expressly condemns the Pharisees for their long prayers, and mistaken supposition that they would be heard for their much speaking. We would, however, be delicate on this subject, and avoid the other extreme, lest we quench the Spirit by a suppression of holy desires, where the spirit of prayer is poured out in an extraor- dinary manner. With all our wants, all our deficiencies, which so amply furnish us with matter for petition, we have also received much from the Lord's hand, for •which we are bound to be thankful : so that the surplusage of our enjoyments is far above our sufferings. We shall, therefore, consider thanksgiving as a necessary part of our address to God. When we reflect upon God as the self-sufiicient and self-dependent Jehovah, who needeth not the services or praises of his creatures to make him happy : that no essential glory can be added to him who is glorious in holiness and fearful in praises, who is the very abstract of perfection and essence of glory ; it would seem as though the as- criptions of praise from our polluted lips were an indignity offered to the High and Holy One : but that we may not be discouraged from engaging in this important duty, we are exhorted in God's word to praise him, and to render thanksginng to his great and holy name, Psalm ciii. 1, 2 : as also in various other passages. Although we cannot add to the essential glory of God, it is our indispensable duty, declaratively to glorify him. By such exercises we excite each other to those sentiments of gratitude, acknowledg- ment of our obligations, and grateful sensibiUties for favors received, as will burst forth in pathetic expressions of thankfulness. There is no Christian, but who, upon the least reflection, or under the exer- cise of gracious affections, must ever glow with gratitude to the Om- niscient and Bountiful Giver of every good and perfect gift, for the loving-kindness and tender mercies wherewith he hath crowned our lives, both in the dispensations of his grace toward us, in mercies un- sought by us, early provided in the covenant of grace, and in answers to our petitions. MINUTES OF THE PHII^DELPHIA ASSOCIATION. 401 Although in the preceding remarks we have in general considered prayer as addressed to the most high God ; yet it may not be impro- per to treat more particularly the object of prayer. The only and proper object of prayer is God the Father, Son, and Spirit, the ever adorable Trinity. The mode of address which is more generally adopted in the Scrip- tures, is to the Father, through the Son, and by the aid of the Spirit. "VVe know that in our sinful condemned state, as outcasts from God, we cannot approach him as an absolute God : that there is no me- dium of access but one, and that is through the mediation of our Lord Jesus Christ. Our Lord says, expressly, " no man can come unto the Father but by me." He hath opened the way to the throne of grace, in which we may approach with humble boldness and our prayers ascend as an acceptable sacrifice, perfumed with the incense of the New Testament Altar. But it doth not appear, that all our addresses are. to be confined to the Father personally, as we are fur- nished with examples of personal addresses to the Son. There have been some, who strenuously opposed the propriety of making our addresses to any but the Father in particular ; but if the martyr Stephen, when filled with the Holy Ghost, when he saw the heavens opened and Jesus standing at the right hand of God, could call upon our Lord, saying, "Lord Jesus receive my Spirit," we ought not to be scrupu- lous, or fearful of following such an illustrious example. That in the primitive church it was customary to call on the name of the Lord Jesus, we learn from Acts ix. 14; chap. iv. 24; chap. xxix. 30; Rev. xxii. 20. From the many instances afibrded in the holy Scriptures of prayer offered to the second Person in the adorable Trinity, we infer that •the Spirit, the third Person, the same in essence with the Father and the Son, equal in power and glory, and equally concerned in the work of Kedemption, is an object of religious worship: and that occasional invocations of the divine Paraclete are admissible. If in our doxologies we offer distinct adoration to the holy Spirit, we may with the same propriety ofter to him occasional petitions. In follow- ing, however, our sacred guide, the word of God, we shall be led to imitate the examples therein, of more generally addressing the Father, for the sake of the Son, through the influence of the Spirit, and thus worship the Triune God. In farther illustrating the nature of prayer, we may consider the qualifications requisite in the petitioner to enable him to pray with profit. By qualifications, we do not mean inherent qualities or personal merit, to entitle us to an answer to our prayers, since all our answers must come through the merit of Christ alone ; but such qualifications as are imparted by the Holy Spirit : — A knowledge of God and ourselves — a knowledge of God in Christ reconciling the world unto himself — a knowledge of God, as willing to receive and hear all that come to him by Christ — a knowledge of God as one who is mighty to save, even to the uttermost — a knowledge of ourselves, 51 402 MINUTES OF THE PHILADELPHIA ASSOCIATION. as poor, sinful, hell-deserving creatures — of ourselves as needy, helpless and dependent creatures. Another requisite qualification is a trust in God, through faith in our Lord Jesus Christ. Again, " And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us,"&c., 1 John v. 14, 15. This trust must be grounded on the promises contained in the word, and encouragement given therein. Another excellent qualification is the spirit of prayer, by which, we not only mean a readiness of conception and aptness of expres- sion in prayer, but also those gracious aids of the Spirit, by which we are enabled to approach God in a becoming manner, and with comfort to our own souls. "The Spirit helpethour infirmities, for we know not how to pray as we ought; but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered," Rom. viii. 26. Prayer, to be acceptable to God, must be made with submission to his will, i. e. according to his word. In our petitions for a supply of our many wants, especially in such things as are of a temporal nature, we ought not to be peremptory, as we know not what will be for our advantage, as it is said, " Ye ask and ye receive not, be- cause ye ask amiss." As God is infinitely Avise and knows what will promote our real good, we should always ask with submission to his holy will. In such things as tend to his own glory, we may be more importunate, as they are always according to his will : which comprehends whatsoever is contained in his promises, and expressed in his requirements. We cannot be too earnest in our supplications, for a greater abhorrence of sin, for a more ardent love to God, a more fervent desire after holiness, and a growing conformity to his image : far more of a submissive acquiescence in all the dispensations of his providence, and a firm reliance on his word. Secondly : Having touched upon some of the important points connected with the nature of prayer, we proceed to consider the SEASONS of PKAYER. Although we are exhorted to " pray without ceasing," yet we conceive there are some seasons more peculiarly adapted to this duty. The first which we shall notice, are public seasons, in the great congregation, or when people are assembled for public Avorship, (Zach. viii. 20, 21; Luke xxiv. 53.) At such seasjons all are not to pray audibly, or express their feelings indiscriminately ; for this would produce confusion and tumult : but the minister, whose duty it is to oflficiate on the occasion, should be a mouth for the people to God, with whom they may join mentally. For the minister to address the throne of grace previous to his commencing his dis- course, is both a duty and a privilege, as it respects not only himself, but the people also : that he may receive assistance, and a blessing attend the word, — which part of worship has a tendency to promote MIXUTES OF THE PHILADELPHIA ASSOCIATION. 403 a solemnity of mind in the audience, and to fit tliem to hear the word with profit. Nor is it less a duty to subjoin an address at the conclusion of the discourse. Another season for prayer is when the church of Christ is con- vened, or in an assembly of the saints in social worship, (Acts i. 14 ; chap. ii. 42.) -'In such societies it appears a duty for the difi"erent male members to exercise their gifts in prayer alternately, as this tends greatly to promote a growth in grace, and improvement in the g f t of prayer, and to discover to the church such gifts as may be likely to become useful in the ministry. Domestic worship, or family prayer, is likewise a duty which ought to be performed in the families of all such as have professed to put on Christ. Many arguments might be adduced to enforce this duty ; but suflice it to say, that the good example and salutary influence of such a practice, shoidd be a sufficient inducement. Every Christian to Avhom the Lord hath given children, has, no doubt, a fervent desire that they should be brought to a saving acquaintance with the truth as it is in Christ Jesus. What influence their example may have in an uniform attendance on the duties of family worship they cannot tell, but have great reason to hope for a happy result : as the first soul exercises of many young people have had their rise under the influence of domestic devotion. Public prayer, however, is not to be considered as a substitute for piivate or closet devotion : this is an important part of the Chris- ti;in's exercise, " But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet ; and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret, and thy Father which seeth in secret will reward thee openly," ]\Iatt. vi. 6. Here the Christian can unrestrainedly pour out his soul before his God ; here he can confess his sins, and plead for forgive- ness through the merits of Christ. This, indeed, is a great and pre- cious privilege, but such devotions should in reality be in secret, agreeably to our Lord's directions ; to enter into the closet and shut the door ; not to go on the house top, or in an exposed apartment ; not to elevate the voice in such manner as to become audible to the neighborhood, as this savors too much of hypocrisy, and the practice of the Pharisees which our Lord condemns. Those seasons for prayer which the examples in the Scripture more particularly sanction, and which the nature of the duty seems to point out, are, on the Lord's day, and other stated periods of wor- ship ; in the performance of domestic prayer, the morning and the evening seem proper, to which David also adds the noon, " In the evening and morning and noon will I pray and call aloud, and he shall hear my voice," Psalm Iv. 17. The evening calls for thankful- ness for protection through the day, and supplication for support through the night. The morning again renews our obligations for protecting providence through the silent watches, while nature de- mands the refreshment of sleep for our bodies, whilst our senses ara locked up, and the vigilant eye closed in darkness. When we con- sider our proneuess to neglect, and forgetfulness of our duties, the 404 MINUTES OF THE PHILADELPHIA ASSOCIATION. advantage of having stated periods foi' the performance of them, tlint thus impressed, our memories may not let them slip, is obvious to every reflecting mind. But our stated periods for public devotion or private retirement for prayer, ought not to interfere ivith occasional duties. There are many occurrences, many exercises or peculiar circumstances, -uhich may call for our special application at the throne of grace. Besides the actual retirement to our closets, that there we may in more humble position, or energetic effusions, pour out our desires before God, vre also enjoy the privilege of frequently raising our souls to God in secret ejaculations, even whilst engaged in our common occupations or secular concerns, and whilst surrounded by our fellow-creatures ; without their notice or observation. The IMPORTAXCE of PRAYER, which we proposed also to consider, will appear from various considerations, amongst which, that of our great need is worthy of attention. We are in a moral sense, poor and blind, and naked, and destitute. Grace hath provided a rich store of every thing reqitisite to supply our deficiencies; and prayer is the instrument by which wo may ol)tain the needful supply. We are hungry, and prayer supplies the heavenly manna as food for the soul : we are sick, and prayer administers the never-failing restora- tive, prepared and furnished by the best of physicians. Its conse- quence will be enhanced in our apprehension, when by faith we be- hold the inexhaustible store of sacred treasure deposited in Christ for us, notwithstanding our utter unworthiness, and abject debase- ment by reason of sin. Again, prayer is the most effectual means of delivering the Christian from darkness of mind and deadness in the exercise of duties. Though the dejected child of God approaches the throne of grace with scarcely a sensible evidence of his right so to do, and almost without a desire of so doing, he frequently becomes animated with a participation of divine love, and a spirit of prayer, whilst thus lowly bowing at the footstool of divine mercy; so that before he is aware, his soul is made like to the chariot of Aminadab. Indeed, the gracious soul never goes quite empty away, though insen- sible of any additional supplies, or actual blessing derived from his late intercoui'se with God. We derive another argument in favor of the importance of prayer, from the blessing frequently attendant on the united prayers of God's people, in times of declension in vital piety, and a general dtadness in religion. When the people of God say to each other, " come, let us worship and bow down, let us kneel before the Lord our Maker," Psalm xcv. 6; when we see them forming concert in prayer, and uniting in the petition for a revival, a revival generally follows. Hence our Lord says, " Where two or three of you shall agree touch- ing any thing; and ye shall ask it, I will do it." Lastly, In speaking of the incentives to prater, or encourage- ment to the performance of this duty, we would observe, that this part of the subject has in a great measure been anticipated in the preceding observations, as many incentives to prayer have been MIXUTE3 OF THE PHILADELPHIA ASSOCIATION. 405 comprised therein ; but we ■would bring to your recollection a few more, and particularly some, which are comprised in various pas- sages of holy writ, which exhibit the blessed effects of prayer in the answers returned, and hold out encouragement to the performance thereof. Our Lord, in speaking of the intercourse between God and his people, in order to strengthen our confidence and encourage us to expect returns to our petitions, calls our attention to the en- dearing relation subsisting between a father and son, and towards the natural result of a petition offered by filial affection to paternal regard: "If," says he, "a son shall ask bread of any of you that is a father, will he give him a stone ? or if he ask a fish, will he give him a serpent ?" — and draws that heart-cheering inference from it, that if we, who are sinful creatures, are influenced by parental feelings to administer good to our children, much more shall our heavenly Father, who is all perfection and goodness, make bountiful returns to his beloved children. Hence Ave may approach as children to a father, who is both ready and able to help, and who is the powerful and bountiful rewarder of all such as diligently seek him. The believer may always derive encouragement from the constant success which attends the prayer offered up in faith, (1 John v. 14, 15 ; Rom. X. 12; John ix. 31.) Also, from the promises which God hath given of hearing and returning answers of peace, (Ps. cxlv. 18, 19 ;) that he will hear them, (Isaiah xlv. 11—19;) that he will answer them, (Matt. vii. 7, 8.) As he hears our prayers, so he directs all things by his providence, that they shall eventually accomplish his will in returning answers to them. If immediate answers are withheld, it is only for a little season, until in the course of provi- dence they may be given in a way more suited to our case, and more for his own glory. The various examples on record of the successful prayers of God's ancient people, afibrd ample encourage- ment, as Abraham, (Gen. xx. 17;) Isaac, (Gen. xxv. 21 ;) .lacob, (Gen. xxxii. 9-12, 24-26; and xxxiii. 4;) of Moses, (Exod. xxxii. 11-14 ;) David, (2 Sam. vii. 17-29 ;) Solomon, (1 Kings iii. 5-13 ;) Hezekiah, (2 Chron. xxxii. 24;) Daniel, (Dan. ii. 17-19;) of Peter, (Acts xii. 5;) Paul, (Acts xx. 36;) the apostles united, (Acts i. 14, and ii. 42;) besides a multitude more. Seeing, therefore, we have such a cloud of witnesses, let us take heed that we let not this duty slip, or omit it on any account. Should no other argument be offered, this one alone is sufficient, that God has made it our duty to pray, by his command : to which also we shall add, that he has made it our privilege, by the pleasure which he takes in accepting our offerings. We are informed that the prayers of the saints ascended up to the throne of God as a sweet incense, holy and acceptable. The odours which were con- tained in the golden vials of the elders, were the prayers of the saints, (Rev. v, 8.) Also, the incense that ascended from the golden censer of ihe angel, was offered up with the prayers of all the saints. 406 MINUTES OF THE PHILADELPHIA ASSOCIATION. That the God of all grace may endue you with the grace and spirit of prayer, by the instrumentality of which, you may enjoy much of his presence and live more to his glory, is the prayer of yours in the Lord. Amen. William White, Moderator. Silas Houan, Clerk. THE MINISTERS AND MESSENGERS AT THE ASSOCIATION, AND STATE OF THE CHURCHES DURING THE YEAR. CHURCHES. MINISTERS AND MESSENGERS. .2 || 'i S T3 1 g c ■a $ 1 1 «^ o 1 n s Samuel Jones, Thomas Hulmes, Lower Dublin, Jesse Diinajan, Joseph Wright, ^John Keen, 22 1 95 Benjamin Bennet, Middletown, John Smock, John Bowne, 10 2 4 143 Henry Smallet, Cohansie, Samuel B. Harris, Jeremiah Brooks, 11 1 3 1 178 ^ David Jones,* Great Valley, Isaac Abrams, Jonathan Phillips, ^Michael M'Clure, G 1 65 Cape May, Jonathan German,* ^ James Ewing,* 1 4 47 Hopewell, 1st Church, David Stout, Richard Stout, ^ Lewis Labaw, 3 17 2 4 173 Joshua Vaughan,* Brandywine, Robert M'Coy, William Griffith, ' Silas Hough, 8 4 4 112 Montgomery, Charles Humphrey, Joseph Lunn, ^William Collom, 3 1 79 Kingwood, Garner A. Hunt, Daniel Bray, Peter Wilson, 9 1 92 Hight's Town, Amos Reeder, John Welling, 33 2 9 1 5 398 ' WiLLAM Rogers, John Peckworth, Philadelphia, Ist church. Thomas Billings, Hugh Gorley, John Bradley, George IngoUs, John M'Leod, Joseph Keen, Benjamin Thaw, 6 2 10 2 177 MINUTES OF THE PHILADELPHIA ASSOCIATION. 40T CUURCUES. MINISTERS AND MESSENGERS. -3 s 5 s o 1 1 u a ' Thomas B. Montanye, Arthur Watts, Southampton, William Magee, Abel Marple, ^ Peter Sowerman, 15 1 4 1 103 Knowlton,t New Britain, r 17 Edward Matthew, Isaac James, ^Erasmus Thomas, 1 1 2 6 89 Horatio G. Jones, Salem, < Sylvanus Shepherd, Joseph Harker, 18 5 3 7 131 Dividing Creek, David Stout,* ' Alexander M'Gowan, 1 3 56 New Mills, ■< Isaac Carlisle, Benjamin Hedger, 10 3 1 1 118 Upper Freehold, 7 82 Pittsgrove,t Manahawkin, i 20 r Samuel Gray, ^ Amos Southard, 1 1 2 31 Vincent, Tuckahoe,t 1 1 36 28 , James M'Laughlin, Hilltown, Isaac INIorris, Robert Shannon, Joseph Mathias, 4 1 4 132 Jacob's Town, BuRGiss Allison, William Snowden,* 3 1 62 Marcus Hook, 2 22 ' Thomas Fleeson, Roxbury, John Levering, Titus Yerkes, /rilman Culp, 3 1 1 54 West Creek, Peter Groom,* 1 1 48 Shemokin, < Amwell, John Patten,* 5 1 4 1 1 3 93 John Carr, ' Levi Stout, 3 3 68 'William Staughton,* _ Thomas Putts, Burlington, William Boswell, John Fisher, Matthew Randall, Mount Holly, Zcbulon Holmes, 12 4 1 1 2 63 Jesse Cox, John Pipit, Joseph Evans, 22 3 1 92 408 MINUTES OF THE PHILADELPHIA ASSOCIATION. ■c ■2^ ■n tj •a s CHURCHES. MINISTERS AND MESSENGERS. 1 a ^ 1 a o o (S i « M^ 5 w M P g Dover, York co., Pa. 5 27 William White, John Ellis, Isaac Johnson, Philadelphia, Thomas Timmings, 2d church, Cornelius Trimmul, Philip Ilalzel, William Magee, Hopewell, 2d church, ^ Adam Corfield, r 25 23 8 2 81 51 James Hill, Levi Knoveles, John Rutter, Bleckley, -! Heath Norbury, Amos Penager, u 16 273 35 77 8 1 53 3079 Note. — The ministers' names are in small capitals. Licenced preachers in italics. Those marked thus * were not present. From the churches marked thus t received no intelligence. A dash denotes no settled minister. We have to announce the mournful intelligence of the death of our much esteemed and reverend fathers in the gospel, John Gano and Joseph Powell, since our last Association. MINUTES OF THE PHILADELPHIA BAPTIST ASSOCIATION, HELD IN NEW BRITAIN, BUCKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA, OCTOBER 1st, 2d, 3d, AND 4tH, 1805. October 1. — At three o'clock, p. m., Brother Thomas B. Montanye preached the introductory sermon, from 1 Cor. iv. 2, " It is required in stewards, that a man be found faithfuL" 2. After sermon, business was opened with prayer by Brother William White, when Brother Thomas B. Montanye was chosen mo- derator, and Brother William Staughton, clerk. 3. Letters from thirty-four churches were read. Brother Samuel Jones prayed. Adjourned until half past eight o'clock to-morrow morning. October 2d, half past eight o'clock, A. M. — Met pm-suant to ad- journment. Brother David Jones prayed. 4. Brethren James M'Laughlin, David Cooper, from Natchez, Samuel B. Harris, and William Inglesby, deacon of the Baptist church at Charleston, South Carolina, being present, were invited to a seat with us. 5. The newly-constituted church at Squam, in Dover township, Monmouth county. New Jersey, applying for admission into our body, was acordingly received. 6. Received corresponding letters and minutes from the following Associations : viz., from Charleston, a letter and minutes ; from New York, minutes and corresponding letter, by their messenger, William Vanhorn ; from Warwick, a letter and minutes, by their messenger John Stanford ; from Warren, minutes and corresponding letter ; from Miami, a letter and copy of their minutes ; from Redstone, a letter and their minutes ; from Delaware, a letter and minutes, by their mes- senger Daniel Dodge. Brother Vanhorn prayed. Adjourned to three o'clock. Three o'clock, P. m. — Met pursuant to adjournment. Brother James M'Laughlin prayed. 7. The circular letter was read, when Brethren Vanhorn anrJ Dodge were appointed a committee, in conjunction with the author to revise it. 52 r409) 410 MINUTES OP THE PHILADELPHIA ASSOCIATION. 8. The following brethren were appointed to write to the corres- ponding Associations : — Brother William Rogers, to the Charleston ; Allison, to the Delaware ; Ewing, to the New York ; Stanford, to the Shaftsbury ; Wilson, to the Warren ; Horatio G. Jones, to the Warwick ; Bennet, to the Danbury ; David Cooper, to the Miami ; and Staughton, to the Redstone. 9. The following query, received from the Great Valley church last year, was considered : " Was the baptism of the Holy Ghost external or internal ? Answer: This Association believes it was purely external, though attended with some internal effects. For a statement of their senti- ments on the subject, they refer to their circular letter published in 1802. 10. Resolved, That this Association cannot take up a question that relates to an individual member of any church without interfering with the independence of such church. 11. Resolved, That whereas, there is some difference of sentiment with respect to a certain individual between the churches of Middle- town and Hightstown, this Association recommends the two churches, by mutual delegates, of such a number as they shall think proper, to call a council, at an early period, to whom they may submit their documents, and who, it is hoped, may promote the felicity and har- mony of both churches : the result of which the Association wishes to receive the next year. The moderator prayed. Adjourned to ten o'clock to-morrow morning. Sermons were delivered this evening, by Brother Stanford, at New Britain, Brother Wilson, at Hill Town, Brother Dodge, at Montgo- mery, and Brother Staughton, at Doylestown. October 3d. — Met pursuant to adjournment. Brother Samuel Jones prayed. 12. Letters to the corresponding Associations were read and ap- proved. The following brethren were appointed our messengers : — To the Delaware Association, Joshua Vaughan, Horatio G. Jones, Silas Hough, and John Riitter ; to the New York, William White and Peter Wilson ; to the Warren, Peter Wilson ; to the Warwick, Thomas B. Montanye. Brother Rogers prayed. Adjourned to three o'clock. Three o'clock, P. m. — Met pursuant to adjournment. Brother Ewing prayed. 13. The circular letter, revised by the committee, was adopted by the Association. 14. Resolved, That for the purpose of a speedy termination of the difficulty referred to, in the 11th article of these minutes, with the approbation of the delegates of the Middletown and Hightstown churches, this Association takes the liberty of recommending as the council referred to, the following brethren : — James M'Laughlin, Thomas B. Montanye, James Ewing, Samuel Jones, Burgiss Allison, MINUTES OF THE PHILADELPHIA ASSOCIATION. 411 William Yanhorn, William Stangliton ; — and that the time and place of their meeting be Friday, the 25th instant, at eleven c 'clock, at Bordentown, New Jersey. Brother Staughton prayed. Adjourned to eight o'clock to-morrow morning. Brother Vanhorn preached this evening at New Britain, and Brother Carlile at Hill Town. October 4th, eight o'clock, A. M. — Met pursuant to adjournment. Brother Rogers prayed. 15. Two queries were proposed from the first church in Phila- delphia. First. Is it consistent with the divine word, and the desirable har- mony of our churches, that any church encourage and practice the reception of individuals into membership, who live in the vicinity of another sister church ? Secondly. If not, what measures ought the aggrieved church, un- der such circumstances, to pursue ? Agreed, That, for want of time, and with the approbation of the delegates from the church of Philadelphia, the queries be laid over for the consideration of this Association next year. 16. It is recommended that the quarterly prayer-meeting be con- tinued, excepting the first Tuesday in October, instead of which, the Association recommends the Friday preceding. 17. This Association having sympathized with the destitute state of our churches, and considered the utter impropriety of the expense falling on a few of our ministers, agree, that as many of our churches had contributed for the laudable end, the collections of all the churches should have been deposited for the purpose the Association then sitting determined. 18. The report from the corresponding committee, drafted by the recording secretary, was reported, read, adopted, and is as follows : REPORT OF THE SECRETARY TO THE ASSOCIATTOX, Agreeably to the Resolution of the Corresponding Committee, at their meeting, June 11th, 1805. At the meeting, April 26th, 1804, Brother Rogers, the corres- ponding secretary, reported as follows : That Charleston, Warren, Danbury, New York, and Warwick As- sociations, have generally adopted our recommendation, for the ap- pointing of committees to correspond or confer with us, and have forwarded their minutes expressive of the same. Letters were also communicated and read by him, from our Brethren Smilie, Ilolcombe, Furman, and Backus ; severally giving pleasing information, as it respects the growth of religion and the advancement of the Baptist interest. The minutes of the Charleston, Warren, and Danbury Associations for 1803, and those of Savannah for the present year, were delivered by the corresponding secretary to the president of the committees, 412 MINUTES OF THE PHILADELPHIA ASSOCIATION. and also the first number of the Massachusetts Baptist Missionary Magazine. By particular request, recent letters received by the correspond- ing secretary, from our Brother Carey in India, and Dr. Fuller of England, relating to the concerns and progress of the Bengal mis- sion, were read and gave peculiar satisfaction. At the meeting of September 18th, 1804, letters and papers were communicated and read by the corresponding secretary, from the Rev. Mr. Hersey, Fayette county, Pennsylvania, dated July 7th, 1804 ; Samuel Stanton, Wayne county. May 1st, 1804 ; Rev. Mr. Caton, Orange county, New York, May 30th, 1804 ; with a state- ment of the Baptist churches in Wayne and Luzerne counties, Penn- sylvania, dated June 9th, 1803 ; also, a narrative of a convention of Baptist churches held in Chemung, Tioga county. New York, from November 10th, 1796, to October 26th, 1803: all of which letters and papers were deposited in the hands of the president, agreeably to a resolution of this committee, at their meeting of September 20th, 1803. At the meeting of June 11th, 1805, the following letters and com- munications were received and read by the corresponding secretary : — From our Brother John Morgan, a letter announcing the formation of a church at Ebenezer, Loudon county, Virginia ; a letter from Brother Vanhorn, of Scotch Plains, New Jersey, giving an account of the baptism and death of Mrs. Elizabeth Hampton, whose ex- perience and history were unusually interesting; also a letter from Brother Holcombe of Savannah, written at the request of the general committee of Georgia Baptists, and accompanied with the minutes of said committee, which met at Kioke, in Columbia county, 1804. Intelligence was received from Brother Rogers, relative to the pros- perous situation of the mission at Serampore, and of the work of God in New England, New Y'^ork, and South Carolina particularly ; information was received of the adoption of the faith of our society relative to baptism, by the Rev. Daniel Merrill of Sedgwick, New Hampshire, (formerly a pgedobaptist minister,) and a large body of the society over which he presided. William Staughton, Recording Secretary. 19. It is desired that the collection fund be continued and appro- priated as recommended last year. 20. The followino; sums were collected: — FOR THE EDUCATION FUND. From Lower Dublin, Middletown, Cohansie, Might's Town, Southampton, Salem, Pittsgrove, 153 15 FOR THE MISSION* FUND. $11 91 From Middletown, $6 00 12 00 Cohansie. 5 00 5 00 Hisht's Town, 5 00 5 00 Philadelphia, SO 03 9 00 Salem, 6 93 6 93 3 31 152 96 *The Mission Society will meet, with divine leave, the 18th of December 1805, at the First Church, in Philadelphia, at three o'clock, p. m. MINUTES OF THE PIIILADELPHIA ASSOCIATION. 413 21. The following Brethren, Isaac Carlile, John P. Peckworth, and John M'Leod, who have been appointed to examine the letters from our sister Associations, report that they see no particular business referred to in them, that requires the attention of this Association. 22. It is recommended that collections be made, or subscriptions increased, or both be attended to, for the use of the mission society, as much as can conveniently be done. 23. Supplies were appointed for the following destitute churches : Upper Freehold, Pittsgrove, Manahawkin, Dover, First Hopewell, Frankford, and Squan. As several of our brethren, who are present, cannot immediately fix upon any particular times for supplying the above churches, and some of our brethren who are absent, we believe are disposed to serve them, it is affectionately recommended to the said ministering brethren to visit the said churches, at such seasons, as are not already provided for. 24. Resolved, That a committee, consisting of Brethren Rogers, Peckworth, Ingles, and M'Leod, in conjunction with the librarian. Brother Staughton, are requested to use their exertions for obtain- ing intelligence respecting the books belonging to the Association, and that the churches be requested to assist the operations of the committee, 25. Brother Rogers is appointed to write the circular letter for next year. 26. Brother Horatio G. Jones is appointed to preach the intro- ductory sermon ; and in case of failure, Brother David Jones. 27. The Association is appointed to meet on the first Tuesday in October, 1806, in the first Baptist church, in Philadelphia, at three o'clock, P. M. ; and in case of any malignant disorder prevailing in that city, at Nottingham meeting-house, Hightstown church, New Jersey, 28. Resolved, That the Association recommend to the churches, the consideration of the propriety of altering the time of our usual meeting in October. 29. Agreed, That Brother Stephen C. Ustick print the minutes, and that Brother Staughton be requested to superintend the print- ing, and to distribute them to the churches and corresponding Asso- ciations. CIRCULAR LETTER. BY REV. SILAS HOUGH. The elders and messengers of the Philadelphia Baptist Association, sitting at New Britain, the 1st, 2d, 3d, and 4th of October, 1805. To the churches they represent, send greeting. Beloved Brethren, — In conformity to our usual custom of annually addressing you on some important religious subject, which may serve to promote your doctrinal knowledge, as well as to excite you to the practice of every Christian virtue ; we shall call your attention, at this time, to the important object of Brotherly Love. 414 MINUTES OF THE PHILADELPHIA ASSOCIATION. Though every suitable respect is to be paid to all men, vet there is a peculiar aft'ection due to every believer, Avhich is called brotherly love, and which Peter enforces in his exhortation to " Love the brotherhood," 1 Peter ii. 17. This, as one of the relative duties ■which Christians owe to each other, stands pre-eminent in the word of God. From the repeated exhortations to this duty, and the variety of forms in which it is enforced in the Bible, we believe the inference, of its being of the first magnitude, is not inconclusive. Moses gives the sum of all moral precepts in the ten commandments; and Christ comprehends them all in two. The first and principal one is, " Thou shalt love the Lord thy God, with all thy heart, soul and mind." The second is like and subordinate unto it, "Thou shalt love thv neighbor as thyself." And then he declares that " on these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets," ^latt. xxii. 37-39. Hence we see the propriety of Paul's declaration, that '' love is the fulfiling of the law," Rom. xiii. 10. For every duty required of us is to be per- formed from a principle of love to God, as the exciting cause, and in obedience to his revealed will, as the rule of all our actions; therefore, this is called "the fikst and great commaxdmext." The first table of the law, containing our more immediate duty to God, is here, by our Saviour, comprehended in this one sentence, '• Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, soul, and mind." The second table, which contains our duty to our neighbor is also comprised in this single sentence, " Thou shalt love thy neigh- bor as thyself." Hence we are authorized to conclude, that, though all our duties are to be performed from a principle of love to God; yet, love to the brethren, abstractedly considered, is the source from which arise all the other relative duties we owe unto them. For as love to God is that active principle which constrains us to delight in his worship — which makes the "ways of wisdom to be ways of pleasantness, and all her paths peace;" so love to man is that prin- ciple of action, which compels us not only to fly from the thought of doing him an injury, but prompts us to give relief when in distress, and render him happy. " Love worketh no ill to his neighbor: therefore, love is the fulfiling of the law," Rom. xiii. 10. This is what James calls the Royal Law. " If ye fulfil the royal law accord- ing to the Scriptures, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself, ye do well," James ii. 8. And granting we are to take this command in an unlimited sense, to extend to every individual of the human race; yet we still contend for the proposition before advanced, that there is a peculiar aft'ection due to the children of God. The apostolic ad- vice on this subject runs thus, " As we have opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially to them who are of the household of faith," Gal. vi. 10. "We are to love all men, as men ; though some, by their abominable practices, forfeit their respect, and bring upon them- selves merited contempt. But Christians are to be loved, as the adopted children of God, and for his image which they bear. The obligations we are under to love God and his children are in- separable. It is therefore folly in the extreme for any one to deceive MINUTES OF THE PHILADELPHIA ASSOCIATION. 415 himself under an iiloa that he loves God, when at the same time he has no disposition to love, and do good to his people. For says John, " This commandment have we from him, that he who lovcth God, love his hrother also." And, if a man say, "I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar," 1 John iv. 20, 21. From this, and similar lan^uiigc used in the Scriptures, it is evident, tliat brotherly love is an indispensable duty upon all the followers of the Lamb. Brotherly love is not only an incumbent duty upon all believers, but it is a very comfortable evidence of their gracious state ; for says the apostle, " We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren : he that loveth not his brother abidcth in death," 1 John iii. 14. From this passage it appears evident that all Cln'istians, from the circumstance of their loving the brethren, may draw the comfortable and assured conclusion, that they have passed from spiritual death to spiritual life, or in other words, that they are regenerated or born of God, and made heirs of eternal glory. As an evidence of gracious affections, it is not common for this to stand alone ; but is generally attended with other distinguish- ing marks whereby a person may judge of his gracious state, liut we still think that there are seasons when almost every other mark is lost, and when this is the Christian's principle, if not only sup- port. And we believe it to be abundantly sufficient to preserve him from sinking in despair. We will review the delightful passage. Figure to yourselves a per- son just made acquainted Avith his dreadful situation as a sinner — condemned by the law of God — a load of guilt upon his soul — ready, in his own a{)iirehcn.sion, to di'op into endless misery — but waiting, with an anxiety bordering on despair, to receive some comfort from the word of God, querying with the beloved disciple as he delivers these words, in the folloAving manner, "We know," says John, — ' what,' says the disconsolate sinner, ' do you know T " That we have passed from death unto life." ! happy saint ! do you certainly know that this is your situation? A knowledge this, worth ten thou- sand worlds ! would to God that 1 had but the smallest gleam of hope, that such a blessing belonged to me ! But let me ask, 'llowdo you know it?' "Because we love the brethren." ! beloved of the Lord ! do you say that this is a certain sign of such an important event as that of having passed from death unto life? Yes; the Holy Ghost instructs me to assert it for the benefit of his people; and you may rest assured that he who truly loves his brother hath been de- livered from death, and hath a right to all the blessings of the cove- nant of grace. And to check the presumption of hypocrites, I am further instructed, by the same authority, to declare that " he that loveth not his brother abideth in death." Brotherly love is not only an evidence to ourselves that we are born of God, but also to others: For says Christ, "By this shall all men knoAV that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another," John xiii. 35. It is oidy when Christians are wearing Christ's livery, and completely equipi)cd with the gospel armor, that they appear "fair as 416 MINUTES OF THE PHILADELPHIA ASSOCIATION. the moon, clear as the sun, and terrible as an army with banners," Cant, vi. 10. It is only those whose general conversation is such as becometh the gospel, that appear respectable to the eyes of mankind. For the path of the Christian is so plainly pointed out in the word of God, that even the wicked world can readily discern the least deviation in their steps. And when professors allow themselves to fall in with the vain and sinful customs of the world, and especially when they are contentious, and give themselves up to backsliding and evil- speaking, one of another, they become a stumbling-block to young converts, and a laughing-stock to infidels. Let us, therefore, be ex- ceeding careful, in all our conduct, to "give none occasion to the adversary to speak reproachfully," 1 Tim. v. 14. As every thing that is valuable may be counterfeited — and as there may be danger of the love we profess to have for the brethren being spurious, (and therefore no certain mark of our sonship,) we will describe the nature and effects of brotherly love, that you may be able to determine what degree of consolation you may draw from it. With respect to its nature. It is a holy love — of the same kind that is in God himself: for it is a grace communicated from him, therefore must be the same in kind, though not in degree. Here we will just observe, that the love of God is the display of his attribute of goodness which delights in the happiness of its object. And though God is good to all his creatures, " making his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sending rain on the just and on the unjust," (Matt. v. 45 ;) yet his approving, everlasting, and unchange- able love is only placed upon his elect ones. These, as sanctified, and especially as having the perfect righteousness of Christ imputed unto them, Jehovah beholds with complacency, and delights to do them good. Of this he has given the highest proof, in the gift of his Son — and, with him, he will freely give them all things that will be to their advantage, Rom. viii. 32. " The Lord will give grace and glory : no good thing will he withhold from them that walk up- rightly," Psalm Ixxxiv. 11. And brotherly love, having a divine origin, must be an holy affection — and, like that of Jehovah, will fix upon suitable objects, and delight to promote their happiness. Our love to God will be manifested by our obedience, (John xiv. 15,) and our love to his people, by our exertions to do them good. It is in vain to say we love them, and at the same time be in the habit of spreading, and perhaps magnifying, their faults. Had we that " fervent charity among ourselves," to which we are exhorted by Peter, it would "cover the multitude of sins," 1 Peter iv. 8. It is incongruous to suppose we love them, if, having the means, we withhold relief when they need it. Or as John expresses it, " whoso hath this worlds good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him?" 1 John iii. 17. Dear brethren, " let us not love in word, neither in tongue, but in deed and in truth." Let us evidence oiu: love, by feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, visit- MINUTES OF THE PHIL.ADELPHIA ASSOCIATION. 417 ing the sick, and cheerfully rendering them all the service in our power. In this way, let us manifest to the world that our profes- sions are not mere empty sound ; and give them reason to say, like the heathen in former days, " See how these Christians love one another." There are many important duties that Christians owe to each other, the source of which is love. And where this is active, those will be performed. Some of them are of a negative kind, and are essential to the peace and prosperity of the church. Such are the exhortations to avoid all unprofitable debates, envying, backbiting, tattling, and busying ourselves in other people's matters. If we possess this active principle, instead of being guilty of these, we shall be found in the practice of those positive duties enjoined upon us. Such as relieving the distressed — bearing with one another — praying with and for one another — promoting peace and harmony — watching over each other — and where any are wandering out of the way, endeavoring, in the spirit of meekness, to restore such — and by every other means in our power, advancing the interest of the Re<1eemer's kingdom, and promoting the happiness of its subjects. Dear brethren, if you are found faithful in the cheerful perform- ance of these duties, you are in possession of one bright evidence that you are the children of God, and heirs of eternal glory, in their pilgrimage towards their future inheritance, " standing fast in one spirit, with one mind affectionately striving together for the faith of the gospel," (Phil. i. 27 ;) and uniting against their common enemies. " Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity," Psalm cxxxii. 1. This precious grace will extend itself to all who bear the divine image. It knows no bounds till it meets with unworthy objects. For as he who truly loves God, loves him as possessing all the per- fections of Deity; so will he love all those who bear the marks of being born of God, of all nations, languages and denominations whatever. And those who live nearest to the Lord in all holy con- versation, together with a zealous attachment to the pure principles of religion, will be most loved by all the true followers of Christ. We shall close with the apostolic exhortation, " Add to your faith, virtue, knowlege, temperance, patience, godliness, brotherly kindness, and charity. For if these things be in you and abound, they make you that ye shall be neither barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ," 2 Peter i. 5-8. "Finally, brethren farewell : be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace shall be with you," 2 Cor. xiii. 11. Amen. Thomas B. Montanye, Moderator. William Staughton, Clerk. 53 418 MINUTES OF THE PHILADELPHIA ASSOCIATION. THE MINISTERS AND MESSENGERS AT THE ASSOCIATION, AND STATE OF THE CHURCHES DURING THE YEAR. CHURCHES. MINISTERS AND MESSENGERS. 1 1 p 1 O 03 i p 3 a 116 Lower Dublin, ' Samuel Jones, Thomas Holmes, Jesse Dungan, Joseph Wright, Abednego Whilton, 24 1 Middletown, ' Benjamin Bennet, John Stillwell, ^Jacob Conover, 4 1 2 144 Cohansie, ' Henry Smalley,* Jeremiah Brooks, 6 3 3 2 182 Great Valley, Cape May, Hopewell, 1st church, ' Dayid Jones, Horatio G. Jones, Isaac Buley, Jonathan Garman,* 2 3 2 17 2 1 65 46 157 James Ewing, Nathan Stout, Jesse Stout, Brandywine, Joshua Yaughan, John Petit, 5 2 115 Montgomery, Silas Hough, Charles Humphrey, Joseph Lunn, Thomas Davis, John Harris, 1 1 2 1 1 79 Kingwood, ^ Garner A. Hunt,* Thomas Lequear, Thomas Robertson, 24 3 113 Hight's Town, Philadelphia, 1st church. Peter Wilson, Thomas Allen, r 37 10 3 14 74 5 2 o 1 1 11 5 352 190 William Staughton, William Rogers, John P. Peckworth, Thomas Billings* George Engles, John M'Leod, Joseph Keen, Southampton, Thomas B. Montanye, Nathan Marple, Nathan Banes, George Shelmire, Peter Sauerman, Barnard Vanhorne, 21 1 1 1 2 121 Knowlton,t 1 Salem, < 5 10 1 2 17 123 John Walker, Joseph Lloyd, MINUTES OF THE PHILADELPHIA ASSOCIATION. 419 CHURCHES. MINISTERS AND MESSENGERS. ■a o. 4 6 5 1 44 3 2 2 10 14 44 1 34 "3 oj «^ 1 1 1 2 1 3 2 5 6 i a s New Britain, Dividing Creek, New Mills, Upper Freehold, Pittsgrove, Manahawkin, ' Vincent, Tuckahoe,t Ililltown, Jacob's Town, Marcus Hook,t Roxbury, West Creek, Shemokin, Amwell, Burlington, Mount Holly, Dover, York county, Philadelphia, 2d church, f 1 1 1 3 1 3 2 1 3 2 2 4 3 2 4 1 2 4 G 1 1 1 2 1 1 1 1 1 2 2 85 GO 123 86 21 74 38 28 127 61 22 50 53 89 76 79 130 21 111 Edward Matthew, Benjamin Matthew, Ephraim Thomas, William James, Abiah James, John nines, David Stout, ■ Alexander M'Gowan, Isaac Carlisle, tws Samuel Gray, Enos Miles, Joseph Matthias, Philip Miller, Ashbel Jones, John Davis, Thomas Lunn, Lewis Bitting, BuRGiss Allison, Thomas Fleeson, John Levering, Nathan Levering, jr., Peter Groom,* John Patten,* r Samuel Hunt, Aaron Stout, WiUiam BosweU,'* Joseph Shepherd, George Allen, Stephen C. Ustick, Matthew Randall, Jesse Cox, Joseph Evans, William Rogers, f Moses Davis, 'William White, Isaac Johnson, Adam Corfield, Richard Proudfoot, , Thomas Altimus, 420 MINUTES OF THE PHILADELPHIA ASSOCIATION. CHURCHES. MINISTERS AND MESSENGERS. .2 1 ll 1^ i o 1 S3 § a 1 1 ( 1 16 5 1 2 1 1 1 54 33 38 Ja ^i,„J 1, ^ James Hill, 2d church. [Daniel Drake, f John Rutter, Bleckley, < Heath Norbury, [ Amos Penager, ^^^^°' ' { Samuel Haven, 324 50 146 41 6 43 3279 Note. — The ministers' names are in small capitals. Licensed preachers in italic. Those marked thus * were not present. Fi-om churches marked thus f received no letter. A dash denotes no settled minister. *^* Sis persons have been baptised and added to the Welsh church, at Lower Dublin, during the year. MINUTES PHILADELPHIA BAPTIST ASSOCIATION, HELD, BY APPOINTMENT, AT PHILADELPHIA, OCTOBER 7th, 8th, 9th, AND 10th, 1806. October Tth. — At tliree o'clock, p. m., Brother Horatio G. Jones preached the introductory sermon, from Matt, xxviii. 20, " Lo I am with you alway, even to the end of the world." 2. After sermon, business was opened with prayer by Brother T. B. Montanye, when Brother Henry Smalley was chosen moderator, and Brother William Staughton, clerk. 3. Letters from thirty-six churches were read. Brother Rogers prayed. Adjourned till nine o'clock to-morrow morning. October 8th, nine o'clock, A. M. — Met agreeably to adjournment. Brother Carlile prayed. 4. jNIinistering brethren of sister Associations and churches, of good standing in their respective churches, who were present, were invited to a seat with us. 5. The newly constituted church at Evesham, and another new church at Trenton and Lamberton, applying for admission into our body, were accordingly received. 6. Received corresponding letters and minutes from the following Associations : — From Charleston, a letter and minutes ; from New York, minutes and corresponding letter, by their messengers William Parkinson and John Ellis ; from Warren, minutes and corresponding letter ; from Miami, letters and copies of their minutes for 1805 and 1806 ; from Redstone Association, minutes ; from Delaware, minutes and a letter, by their messengers Gideon Ferrell and Daniel Dodge ; from Shaftsbury, their minutes and corresponding letter. 7. Received a letter from Brother Stephen Gano, of Providence, with proposals for a small work, entitled, " Biographical Sketches of the late Rev. John Gano, written principally by himself." This As- sociation, retaining an afifectionate remembrance of that worthy servant of Jesus, recommend the work to the purchase of the brethren. 8. The following brethren were appointed to write to the corres- ponding Associations ; — Allison, to the Charleston ; Montanye, to the (421) 422 MINUTES or the Philadelphia associatiox. New York ; Hough, to the "Warwick, ; Rogers, to the TTarren ; Hunt, to the Miami; Ustick, to the Redstone; Shej^pard, to the Delaware; Samuel Jones, to the Shaftsbui-j. Brother Terrell prayed. Adjourned to three o'clock, p. M. Three o'clock, p. m. — Met pursuant to adjournment. Brother S. Jones prayed. 9. Appointed our Brethren Samuel Jones, "William "White, and Thomas B. Montanye, a committee to examine the minutes of the diiferent corresponding Associations, and report if there be any busi- ness upon them, to which it may be proper this Association should attend. 10. The circular letter, drawn up by our Brother Rogers, was read, and our Brethren David Jones, Staughton and Allison, in conjunction with the writer, were appointed a committee to revise it. 11. This Association heard the report of the committee, who were appointed on the subject of a difficulty between the churches of Middletown and Hightstown, and are happy to find that the diffi- culty which had respect to John Cooper, is removed. 12. The church at Hightstown having found that the conduct of said Cooper (late of Nova Scotia, now of Middletown) has been no- toriously censurable, have excommunicated him. The chui'ches will govern themselves accordingly. 13. The following brethren were appointed messengers to our sister Associations : — To New York, Brethren Thomas B. Montanye and Henry Smalley ; to "Warren, Brethren "William Rogers and Peter "VNllson ; to Delaware, Brethren "William White, Isaac Carlile, and Joshua Yaughan. Brother David Jones prayed. Adjourned till to-morrow morning at 10 o'clock. Sermon this evening by Brother Parkinson, from Rom. ix. 22-24, and by Brother Ferrell, from Jer. xxiii. 29. October 9th, 10 o'clock. — Met pursuant to adjournment. Brother Samuel Jones prayed. 14. On reconsidering the queries sent to the Association by the first church of Philadelphia last year, they agree to withdraw them, substituting the following query in their stead : " "Would it not be advisable to appoint a committee to examine and see if there be not rules in the new system of discipline which are discordant with the old, and which might be so connected as to ren- der them both harmonious ?" Agreed that it be postponed for consideration until the next Association. 15. It is recommended that the quarterly prayer meetings be con- tinued, excepting the first Tuesday in October, instead of which the Association recommends the Thursday preceding. 16. It is recommended that collections be made, or subscriptions increased, or both be attended to, for the use of the mission society, as much as can conveniently be done. MINUTES OF THE PHILADELPHIA ASSOCIATION. 423 17. The Association recommends that collections be made in all the churches in which thej have not been made, and repeated, if found convenient, in the churches in which they have already been made, for assisting our brethren in Serampore in the translation of the Scriptures into the several languages of India, and that the mo- neys be transmitted, by or before the next Association, to our Brother Rogers, to be by him deposited in the hands of Robert Ralston, Esq., to whom gratitude is due for his disinterested and obliging attention to the reception of moneys, and their transmission to India. 18. Appointed supplies for Pittsgrove, Manahawkin, and Dover. Brother Wilson prayed. Adjourned to three o'clock, P. M. Three o'clock, p. M. — Met agreeably to adjournment. Brother Allison prayed. Continued the appointing of supplies, for Frankford and Squan. The ministering brethren in Philadelphia, engage to supply the Frankford brethren as often as they can. As several of the ministering brethren who are present, cannot immediately fix upon any particular times for the supplying of the above-named churches, and some who are absent, we believe, are disposed to serve them, it is affectionately recommended to the brethren that they visit the churches named above, as often as they conveniently can. Supplies were also appointed for Trenton and Lamberton. 19. The circular letter presented by the committee was adopted by the Association. 20. Resolved, That our Brethren Samuel Jones and T. B. Mon- tanye, with the librarian, William Staughton, be a committee to make out a list of the books belonging to this Association, and that the persons holding the books send certificates of what books they possess as soon as they may be able. 21. Brother William Staughton is appointed to write the circular letter for next year, and the subject recommended is an answer to the inquiry, — "What are the qualifications of a Gospel Minister?" 22. Brother Samuel Jones is appointed to preach the Association sermon of next year, which is intended to be a century one — a hun- dred years having passed since we were first formed. In case of failure. Brother White will deliver a sermon on any subject he may approve. 23. Query from the first church in Philadelphia : What is the smallest number of members necessary for forming a gospel church ? Answer : On this head different sentiments are entertained. Some have supposed two or three are sufficient, others have imagined five, some ten, and others twelve, because it would seem that the church at Ephesus was formed of twelve men. Acts xix. 7. The Associa- tion is of opinion, however, that much depends on the probability of the persons living permanently together who may be about to be constituted. It appears desirable that there be in a new settlement, 424 MINUTES OF THE PHILADELPHIA ASSOCIATION. where removals are frequent, at least seven, and that of these tvro or three be males. 24. Query : Whether can an orthodox Baptist church receive a person who has been baptized by a Tunker Universalist, without baptizing him again ? The person has renounced Universalist prin- ciples. Answer. Yes. Brother M'Gowan prayed. Adjourned till nine o'clock to-morrow morning. Sermon by Brother Montanye, from John x. 28 ; by Brother Dodge, Acts viii. 5 ; by Brother Parkinson, Matt. viii. 2. October 11th. — Met pursuant to adjournment. Brother Peter Smith, of the Miami Association, prayed. 25. The letters appointed to be 'written to the sister Associations were read, and, after some amendments, adopted. 26. Voted a revision of the rules for conducting business in this Association ; and that Brethren Samuel Jones, Rogers, and Staugh- ton, be a committee for the pui-pose, who are requested to produce them the next Association. 27. The committee appointed on the memorial of six members of the first Baptist church of Philadelphia, report that in their opinion, said memorial ought not to be taken up by this Association. The Association concurred with the report. 28. Brother Rogers submitted to the Association, " Proposals for continuing by subscription, the Massachusetts Baptist Missionary Magazine, published for the benefit of the society." This Association recommend the work to the churches, and for their information ob- serve that eight numbers are already published, and that it comes out quarterly, at twelve and a half cents each number. Oiu- Brethren W. Rogers and Peter Wilson, are appointed agents for this work, within the bounds of this Association. 29. This Association recommend to Dr. Samuel Jones the abrido;- ment of Robinson's History of Baptism, so as to reduce it to the size of a dollar volume ; but, that every sentiment in it, contrary to our received evangelical doctrines, be totally expunged. 30. The following sums were collected : — FOR THE EDUCATION FUND. FOR THE MISSION FUND. From Lower Dublin, S9 50 From Great Valley, $19 17 Cohansie, 10 00 Montgomery, 7 62 Eight's Town, 5 00 New Britain, 5 63 Salem, 8 00 Southampton, 9 00 Middletovm, 3 00 Hilltown, 8 20 First Hopewell, 4 00 Roxbury, 10 15 night's Town, 5 00 Trenton and Lamberton, 5 00 Salem, 8 00 Philadelphia, 32 94 $39 50 $110 71 31. The Association is appointed to meet in 1807, in the first Baptist MINUTES OF THE PHILADELPHIA ASSOCIATION. 425 Churcli, Philadelphia, and in case of any malignant disease prevailing in that city, at Trenton and Lamberton meeting-house. 32. Our Brother S. C. Ustick is appointed to print the minutes and letters, and our brethren at Philadelphia, Eogers, White, Peck- worth, and Staughton, are requested to superintend their distribution. Brother Staughton concluded by prayer. REPORT OF THE CORRESPONDING COMMITTEE. At their meeting, January 29th, 1806, the following communica- tions were produced and read by the corresponding secretary. 1. A letter from Brother Asahel Morse, of Stratfield, Fairfield township, Connecticut, mentioning the death of Elder Stephen Royce, and the prosperity of the churches within the vicinity of his residence, together with a copy of the Danbury Association minutes. 2. A letter from Thomas G. Jones, stating the origin, constitution, and present state of the churches, Warren and Sharon, which lie North West'of the Ohio river, and belong to the Redstone Associa- tion : with several other articles of interesting information. 3. A communication from some of the brethren of the Sarepta Association, who mention their high approbation of the plan the committee has adopted: They state that there are four Associa- tions in Georgia — the Hephzibah, the Savannah, the Georgia, and the Sarepta — and express their hope to be able to transmit other communications shortly. 4. A letter from our Brother Bradley, of Newport, Rhode Island, addressed to Mr. John Dayton, of Philadelphia, mentioning the ex- istence of a revival in the church with which he is connected. At their meeting, October 10th, 1806, a communication was read by Brother William Rogers, corresponding secretary, from the Bethel Baptist Association, South Carolina, containing a large and interesting account of its rise. It was formed November, 1789, and consisted of only ten churches, but so increased, that in August, 1800, fourteen churches were dismissed from their body to form the Broad River Association; and, in the year 1802, nine churches were dis- missed to assist in forming what is called the Saluda Association. In the years 1802 and 1803, a great revival took place among them. In 1805, the number of churches was forty-nine — of ministers, fifty, and of members, 4092. The committee feel a sense of gratitude to the Bethel Association, for their pious, afi'ectionate, and instructive communication, made by Brother David Lilly, and hope to hear further from them. A true extract from the minutes. William Staughton, Recording Secretary. Brethren Ferrell and Matthias preached this evening. 54 426 MINUTES OF THE PHILADELPHIA ASSOCIATION. CIRCULAR LETTER. BY REV. WILLIAM ROGERS. The ministers and messengers of the Philadelphia Baptist Asso- ciation. To the churches they represent, send Christian salutation. Beloved brethren, — Having been permitted, once more, to assemble together, in our metropolis, without any interruption from pestilen- tial disease, we would offer our thanks to Almighty God; and hav- ing received and heard your affectionate communications, our hearts rejoice in your joy and sympathize in your griefs. Accustomed to address you annually, in a letter of Christian love, we proceed with pleasure to the task, and fervently pray that by this service your bosoms may be strengthened and refreshed in the Lord. At the present season, when a new era appears to have sprung up in the Christian church, when the servants of God, both in the Old World and in the New, dissatisfied with exhibiting the glories of the Redeemer in the vicinity of their own habitations, stand pre- pared to bear the lamp of the Lord's Anointed amid the glooms of the deserts and into the regions where the human frame is almost stiffened with cold or scorched with sunshine ; — at a season too when distinguished success follows such pious endeavors, and when we are loudly called upon to come "to the help of the Lord, to the help of the Lord against the mighty," we feel desirous of addressing you on the important subject of Christian missions. We will endeavor, by divine assistance, to exhibit — I. The principles on which they proceed. II. The extent to which they have been carried, and III. The encouragements we possess for future exertions. I. In inquiring into the principles which have given birth to mis- sionary toils, we are struck with the difference between them and those principles which actuate the world. Distant climes are not traced that wealth may be gotten, reputation and ease secured — that curiosity may be indulged, or the blood of thousands wantonly shed. The servant of Christ goes forth prepared to suffer, with his Lord, poverty and reproach ; perils from his countrymen and perils from the heathen. The awfulness of his message and the responsibility of his office elevate him above the vanities of curiosity, and on the ban- ners which he plants are inscribed, " Peace on earth and good will towards men." The following principles have given rise to Christian missions, and sway the conduct of faithful missionaries: 1. A deep conviction of the fallen state of the human race. Once indeed man was in honor, but now he is in disgrace. " Wo unto us that we have sinned." — In our common father we have all sunk in the abyss of original defection, and are all actual offenders against a righteous God. Many have endeavored to extenuate the offences of the heathen world. Idolaters have been represented as the untaught children of nature, whom the Supreme being would MINUTES OF THE PHILADELPHIA ASSOCIATION. 427 ratlier pity than punish ; but such are not the representations of the holy Scriptures, the oracles of divine truth. That they who have sinned without the law, will be judged without the law, is admitted ; but it is expressly declared, that " the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men." That such as " change the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image" are "without excuse." And that "the judgment of God is," that " they who commit such things are worthy of death," Who will dare to oppose his judgment to the judgment of infinite wisdom and righteousness ? Or, who can be inactive when he hears the Bible proclaim " Indignation and wrath, tribulation and anguish, upon every soul of man that doeth evil, to the Jew first and also to the Gentile ?" 2. Another principle influencing to holy labor is — the total inability of the sons and daughters of men to deliver themselves. The Jews on our earth, amounting to, at least, seven millions of its inhabitants, are still resting in the Mosaic law, a law which Christ has abolished, and which, were it now in force, could not eflect their salvation, it being impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sin. The Mahometans, whose number is full one hundred and thirty millions, found their hopes of paradise on zeal for the Koran, veneration for Mahomet, pilgrimages to Mecca, and the persecution of heretics; but alas, what can these do for a sinner's salvation, if, as we are persuaded, the Koran is false, Mahomet an impostor, the pilgrimage folly, and the persecution iniquitous ? — The heathen, amounting to about four hundred and twenty millions, place their expectations of life eternal, in the adoration of the heavenly bodies, or of idols, which having eyes see not. They hope for salva- tion because they worship and wash in rivers, or because they torture and abuse their bodies in a variety of ways at which reason shudders and humanity weeps. Spits run through their tongues, threads passed through the sides, hooks fastened in their backs, the burning of women on the funeral piles of their husbands, and the crushing to death of men under the wheels of the carriages of their gods, are among the numberless devices invented by them to take away sin. — Of the remaining inhabitants of our earth, consisting of one hundred millions of Roman Catholics, forty-four millions of Protestants, and thirty millions of the Greek and Armenian churches, how many are found depending on future happiness on penances, dispensations and unscriptural rights and ceremonies. Do and live was the law given to man in innocence. Do and live is the favorite maxim of our fallen race ; whereas all our doings are polluted, and the word of God ex- pressly declares, " that by the deeds of the law no flesh living shall be justified." 3. Another principle is, that there is in Christ all that fulness of salvation that poor and miserable sinners stand in need of. Jesus Christ is the glorious Mediator between God and man : his blood can atone and his righteousness can justify. His Holy Spirit can change the stoutest heart, arrest the deepest prejudices, beget in the 428 MINUTES OF THE PHILADELPHIA ASSOCIATION. breast -where sin has abounded the most fervent desires after perfect holiness, and transform the most infatuated idolator, or the most abandoned profligate, into a child of wisdom and an exemplary saint. The faithful missionary knows that Christ Jesus the Lord is ap- pointed of the Father, and is exalted by his own merit, to be a hiding place from the storm and a covert from the tempest, and that there is " no other name under heaven given among men whereby we can be saved." — An experimental sense, therefore, of the glory and the worth of the Redeemer, inspires the wish that all the ends of the earth may come and serve him. 4. It animates the heart farther to learn that this way of salva- tion shall be known in all the earth. The sacred page is replete with prophecies to this effect. A few may serve as a specimen of many. " It shall come to pass,in the last days, that the mountain of the Lord's house shall be established in the top of the mountains and shall b|^ exalted above the hills, and all nations shall flow unto it," Isa. ii. 2. "For the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord as the waters cover the sea," Isa. xi. 9. "Living waters shall go out from Jerusalem," — like an ocean breaking forth on each side, — " half of them towards the former sea, and half of them towards the hinder sea: in summer and winter shall it be. And the Lord shall be King over all the earth ; in that day shall there be one Lord, and his name one," Zech. xiv. 8, 9. " Afterward he measured a thousand ; and it was a river that I could not pass over : for the waters were risen, waters to swim in, a river that could not be passed over," Ezek. xlvii. 5. The progress of Christ's kingdom will be gradual, like the growth of the mustard tree or the operation of leaven, but at larft it will be victorious. The stone which has already smitten the image is becoming a great mountain and must fill the earth. 5. We will mention but one missionary principle more, namely, — That the means by which, instrumentally, the great work is to be effected, is the ministration of the Divine Word. We would not be understood as supposing that this is the only means. Whenever salvation goes forth as a lamp that burnetii, it will be in answer to the prayers of Zion, and as it extends, private Christians will, in their several circles, be instructors too: "Every man shall teach his neighbor and every man his brother until all shall know the Lord." The King of kings may also render famines, earthquakes, pestilence, wars, or revolutions of empires, channels of peculiar instruction ; but, it is at least presumable, that under the indefatigable labors of Zion's missionaries, his kingdom will come. Earthen vessels will bear the celestial treasure. The commission of Christ directs his ministers to "go out into all the world." "Many shall run to and fro and knowledge shall be increased." Israel an- ciently was often recovered from the backslidiugs by the holy pro- phets. The light of the reformation came forth and spread, while eminent men of God were bearing their testimony. Then may we not hope, and ardently expect, that the glory of the latter day will MINUTES OF THE PHILADELPHIA ASSOCIATION. 429 be visible, when the precious sound of evangelical ministers has gone out into all lands and " their words unto the ends of the world?" II. Influenced by these important considerations, and urged on by the love of immortal souls, many of the servants of Immanuel have gone forth, and are now employed in various and distant climes. To give you, dear brethren, a full statement of the extent and success of their labors would, were it even in our power, be trans- gressing the bounds prescribed for our annual epistle. We will, how- ever, in as brief a manner as possible, mention a few facts for your information and encouragement. The commission of our Lord, as before observed, directed the apostles to go and teach "all nations," and, in Mark xvi. 20, we read that they went forth and preached "everywhere." They were not stationed ministers, but itinerating missionaries. From the testi- mony of Eusebius and others, it appears that Peter visited Pontus, Galatia, and the places adjacent; that Andrew directed his course into Scythia, John into Lesser Asia, Philip into Media and Armenia, Bartholomew into Arabia, Matthew into Persia, Thomas into Judea, Jude into Syria, Simon the Canaanite into Lybia and Egypt, and Matthias into Capadocia ; while Paul, as a seraph, flew almost every- where to win souls to Jesus Christ. The first age of Christianity was eminently an age of missions. But after the decease of the apostles, the seed they had sown was left to spring up, — corruptions gradually entered the church, — the man of sin began at length to be revealed, and desire for the salvation of men was lost in the pursuit of ecclesiastical usurpation, pomp, and revenue. It is however, a very remarkable circumstance, that in modern missions Papal Rome has led the way. — " When the Roman Pon- tiffs," says Moshiem, "saw their ambition checked by the progress of the Reformation, which deprived them of a great part of their spiritual dominion in Europe, they turned their lordly views towards the other parts of the globe." The society, which in the year 1540, took the denomination of Jesuits, or the company of Jesus, were by the Pope chiefly employed, at first in India, Japan and China, after which they spared no pains in propagating their erroneous sentiments in the West Indies and on the continent of America. In the year 1556, Protestants began to feel for the nations involved in paganism. Fourteen missionaries were sent from Geneva to America. The Swedes also exerted their zeal for the conversion of the superstitious Laplanders, and both the English and the Dutch carried with them into their increasing foreign settlements the doc- trines of the reformation. Early in the last century the Moravians began to organize and exert themselves in the missionary cause. Their spheres of action have gradually increased ; besides their missions in six of the West India islands, they have settlements in Greenland, Upper Canada, 430 MINUTES OF THE PHILADELPHIA ASSOCIATION. and Soutli America ; tlieir missionaries are employed also at the Cape of Good Hope, on the coast of Labrador, and in the Russian part of Asia. The zeal, the afflictions, and the success of these United Brethren have been great. Patronized by Christians in Scotland and in America, Elliott, Brainerd, Edwards, and others labored among the aborigines of our country; but it was not till about the year 1790, that the great mis- sionary spirit, which now exists, began to diffuse itself. On the minds of our Brother Carey and of several of the brethren of the Northamptonshire Baptist Association in England, the case of the benighted pagans lay with weight. Prayer meetings for the spread of the gospel were established, and a pamphlet was composed and published by Brother Carey, stating and enforcing the obliga- tions of Christians to exert themselves for the conversion of the heathen. The holy flame spread, until in the year 1792, the Bap- tist missionary society was formed. Bengal was determined upon as the seat of the mission, and our Brethren Carey and Thomas were first sent thither. A mission house has been purchased and a church constituted at Serampore, near Calcutta. Many of the natives have been added to the Lord, and some of them have died triumphing in redeeming love. Though the mission has suffered loss in the removal of several of the missionaries by death, yet the loss has been re- paired by the accession of others. Ten or twelve brethren with their wives were, by the latest accounts, engaged there in advancing a Bedeemer's interest. Several natives, and some of them Brah- mans, are also preachers of a glorious gospel. A new church has lately been formed at Dinagepore, under the care of Brother Fer- nandez, and the constitution of two or three more churches was in contemplation when our brethren last wrote us. Twenty-seven per- sons were baptized last year, and fifteen more were under hopeful impressions. The whole word of God is translated into the Ben- galee, and the second edition of the New Testament is in the press. Nearly the whole of the New and some parts of the Old Testament are translated into Mahratta, Orissa, Hindostanee, and Persian Liaguages, and the good work is still proceeding. The gains that aie drawn by our Brother Carey from the College of Fort William, in which he is the oriental professor, and those by our Brother Marsh- man from the school, and by our Brother Ward from the press, are cordially devoted, as are the gains of all the brethren, to the advance- ment of the cause of Jesus. Oh that the Lord may abundantly re- compense their self-denial, and gloriously prosper their arduous and pious effort ! By the same society an attempt was made to establish a mission at Sierra Leone, in Africa. Two brethren were sent thither, but the sickness of the one and the imprudent political interference of the other, terminated the favorable expectations which were indulged of a settlement on that coast. The piety, the engagedness, and the activity, which were so visible among the members of the Baptist churches, operated on other evan- MINUTES OF THE PHILADELPHIA ASSOCIATION. 431 gelical societies to such a commendable degree as to produce anxious desires to be employed in the same waj. Hence, in the year 1795, two hundred ministers of different deno- minations assembled in London and formed " the London Missionary Society." Large sums have been collected, and this numerous society is zealously alive in causing the name of the Lord Jesus to be made known far and wide. Its first efforts were directed toward the islands in the South Seas. They have since sent missionaries to the Cape of Good Hope, Canada, Newfoundland, and India, It is generally be- lieved that there are under their patronage about one hundred mis- sionaries. Several societies of a similar kind have arisen of late in Scotland, and other parts of Europe, and in the United States. Aided by our Baptist friends, and especially by the New York con- vention, our Brother Holmes has labored among the Indians of the Six Nations, among whom, to the praise of illustrious grace, great inquiries have been made -respecting the way to heaven. At the last Association in New York, a Baptist mission society was established there. The Dutch Reformed Church have also sent missionaries on the frontiers of our country and into Upper Canada. The Methodists likewise, amidst great opposition and persecution, are persevering in maintaining a public ministry among the negroes and others in the West Indies. The Massachusetts Baptist Mission Society, which was formed in May, 1802, have, in manifold instances, found the blessings of the Lord following their Christian and benevolent exertions. The maga- zine published by them quarterly, the profits of which are appro- priated for the furtherance of the cause of God and of truth, is fraught with desirable information on this interesting subject. The Philadelphia Baptist Missionary Society, of which several of us are members, though of recent formation, has not been left to struggle in vain. Brother T. G. Jones, who is our missionary in the eastern parts of the State of Ohio, has already made a communica- tion of agreeable tidings. In order to baptize believers in Jesus, he has led them into waters where this holy ordinance was never ad- ministered before, and on a late tour he constituted a new Baptist church near the town of Lisbon. Numbers listened eagerly to the preaching of the cross, and in the work his heart appears to be much enlarged. The general assembly of the Presbyterian church in the United States has of late become a missionary body. During the three years previous to 1802, seven or eight missionaries were annually employed, and since then have increased to fifteen or twenty. The principal spheres of their exertions are among the settlers on the frontiers of the country, the blacks and a few of the Indian tribes. The Charleston Baptist Association of South Carolina, at their last session, received favorable accounts from their missionary, Brother John Booker, relative to his ministration among the Catawba 432 MINUTES OF THE PHILADELPHIA ASSOCIATION". Indians. They have engaged him to continue with them, and are about establishing a school for the instruction of their youth. Of the Congregational Mission Societies of Connecticut, Massa- chusetts, and New Hami^shire, we would now give brief statements, with pleasure, were it not for the circumscribed limits of our annual letter. We wish them every one success, so far as truth is maintained, in the name of the Lord God of Sabaoth ! III. And now, beloved brethren, from the unvarnished accounts we have given you, though by far too short, permit us Avith all seri- ousness to intreat you to judge of the signs of the times. Have we not almost superabounding encouragements for future exertions ? — The sky looks red and we think rain may be expected. Oh for showers of righteousness to bless the plains below ! Prophecy, as it relates to time, is no rule of action. It has been the pleasure of the Holy Ghost so to involve in mystery the num- bers, according to which the time when "these things shall be" is to arrive, as that the profoundest theologians, the ablest servants of Jesus have been, and still are, divided in their interpretations of the same. But if the time, the set time to favor Zion may be known by her children taking pleasure in her stones, we cannot but ardently hope that it is at hand. The best interpreter of prophecy is its fulfilment. It is an excel- lent remark of Sir Isaac Newton, that " The folly of interpreters has been to foretell times and things by prophecy, as if God designed to make them prophets. The design of God was much otherwise. He gave the revelations of John and the prophecies of the Old Testa- ment, not to gratify men's curiosity by enabling them to foreknow things, but that after they were fulfilled, they might be interpreted by the event; and his own providence, not the interpreter's, be ma- nifested thereby to the world." Such seems to be the meaning of the answer of the " man clothed in linen, who was uj^on the waters of the river," to Daniel (Ch. xii. 9.) The prophet was eager to know what and what manner of time the prophecy he had heard referred to : the reply was, " Go thy way, Daniel, for the words are closed up and sealed till the time of the end." The keys of time, as the great, Poole observes, "hang only at the girdle of Christ." The object of missionary societies, beloved brethren, is great, greater indeed than the Reformation itself. That aimed at the overthrow of the beast; this at the destruction of the dragon, from whom the beast derived its power: " For this purpose was the Son of God manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil." The Almighty Conqueror is on his way. In numbers of our churches, in various parts of our Union, the preaching of the cross is evidently the power of God. The uttermost parts of the earth have also fur- nished us with songs ! — may the season soon come when " Europe and Asia shall resound, With Africa, his fame ; And thou ! America, in songs Redeeming love proclaim." MINUTES OF THE PHILADELPHIA ASSOCIATION. 433 that we all may be truly active in tlie Saviour's cause. " There is the same difference between diligence and neglect or idleness, as between a garden curiously kept, and the sluggard's field. The one is clothed with beauty, the other with deformity." That the eternal God may be glorified, immortal souls saved, civil society benefited, savage cruelties superseded, and millennial days introduced, are among the many objects contemplated by the industrious sons and daughters of grace. They cannot sleep as do others ! — If Macarius did penance for only killing a gnat; if the least misconduct require purification, as was the case with the Jews when they touched things unclean, what must, on reflection, be the suffering of those professing Christians, who, owing to their indifference or sloth, cannot be repre- sented — to put the most favorable construction on their demeanor — as SAVING MUCH PEOPLE ALIVE ! What purifications, what interpo- sitions of mercy will they stand in need of, who, while thousands around them are full of energy in order to promote the universal spread of the gospel of peace, are themselves indulging in sleep ! "0 our souls, come not ye into their secret; unto their assemblies," let each one of us say, " mine honor, be not thou united." The indus- trious bee, by his sedulity in summer, lives on honey all th^ winter, •while the drone is not only cast out, but beaten and punished. Dear brethren, imitate the industrious bee ; feast on the luxuries of well- doing. Oh be much in prayer. Our Lord teaches us before we ask for daily bread, to petition for the coming of his kingdom. May we be watchful against sin and Satan, circumspect in our deportment, pa- tient in suffering, fervent in spirit, active in duty, and joyful in hope. That the God of peace may sanctify you wholly, is the prayer of yours, in a dear Redeemer, Henry Smallet, Moderator. William Staughton, Clerk. It has been the pleasure of the Supreme Head of the church to remove from us, this year, our beloved Brother James Ewing. "Blessed are the dead that die in the Lord." 55 434 MINUTES OF THE PHILADELPHIA ASSOCIATION. THE MINISTERS AND MESSENGERS AT THE ASSOCIATION, AND STATE OF THE CHURCHES DURING THE YEAR. CHURCHES. MINISTERS AND MESSENGERS. 1 'p 1 B 8 x 1 1 •6 1 1 i ' Samuel Jones, Lower Dublin, ^ Benjamin Duugan, Thomas Holmes, Jesse Dungan, Abednego T. Whitton, ^Joseph Wright, 10 12 3 1 2 124 Middletown, Benjamin Bennet, Jehu Patterson, 2 1 1 4 140 Cohansie, Henry S mallet, Jeremiah Brooks, Nathan Shepherd, James Shepherd, 17 2 3 1 2 195 Great Valley, ■ David Jones, Horatio G. Jones, Isaac Abraham, Michael M'Cleas, David George, 2 2 3 64 Cape May, Hopewell, 1st church, Jonathan Garman,* 1 2 2 2 1 2 1 2 5 42 150 David Stout, Abraham Servis, Jesse Stout, Brandywine, ■Joshua A^aughan, Thomas Baldwin, Thomas Hickman, John Powell, ^William Griffith, 9 4 3 3 122 Montgomery, ^ Silas Hough, Charles Humphrey, Joseph Lunn, William Johnson, ^William CoUom, o 3 85 Kingwood, Garner A. Hunt, Daniel Bray, 5 3 115 Hight's Town, Peter Wilson, 28 1 50 1 2 328 Philadelphia, 1st church. ^William Staughton, William Rogers, John P. Peckworth, Thomas Billings, George IngoUs, Joseph Keen, Hugh Gorley, Sampson Davis, Jared Sexton, Levi Garret, Benjamin Thaw, John M'Leod, 61 20 4 2 3 262 Dividing Creek, David Stout, Jonadab Shepherd, 1 2 0. 1 58 MINUTES OF THE PHILADELPHIA ASSOCIATION. 435 CHURCHES. MINISTERS AND MESSENGERS. Southampton, Knowlton,f New Britain, Salem, New Mills, Upper Freehold, Pittsgrove, Manahawkin, Vincent, Tuckahoe, Hilltown, Jacob's Town, Marcus Hook, Roxbury, West Creek, Shemokin, Amwell, Burlington, Mount Holly, Dover, York co.. Pa. {Thomas B. Montanye, Elias Yerkes, William Maghee, John Folwell, J Edward Matthews, 1 Ephraim Thomas, [ William James, (Thomas Brown, John Walker, Joseph Llojd, j Isaac Carlisle, I Benjamin Hedger, [Lemuel Howell,* {Edward Jennings, Samuel Gray, James Thomas, Elias Smith, Thomas Doughty, (Joseph Matthias, Philip Miller, John Matthias, BuRGiss Allison, Thomas Fleeson, John Levering, Anthony Levering, [John Walraven, Peter Groom,* f John Patten,* I John Hill, James M'Laughlin, Nathaniel Higgins, William Bosicell, Joseph Shepherd, Thomas Potts, Stephen C. Ustick, i Matthew Randall, William Rogers, William Layard, 12 127 17 6 0: 109 114 97 19 69 46 29 123 60 20 55 52 91 77 82 85 21 436 MINUTES OF THE PHILADELPHIA ASSOCIATION. Philadelphia, 2d church, Hopewell, 2d church, Blockley, Squan,f Evesham, Trenton and Lamberton, MINISTERS AND MESSENGERS. ' William White, Thomas Timruings, Isaac Johnson, Adam Corfield, Thomas Gilbert, James Wiley, Levi Knowles, Heath Norberry, William Sheldrake, George C. Lentner, 'Alexander M'Gowan, Joseph Evans, Job Lippincott, Amos Sharp, Amos Raeder, John Sunderland, 263 174 163 54 3456 Note. — The ministers' names are in small capitals. Licensed preachers in italic. Those marked thus * not present. From the churches marked thus f received no intelligence. A dash denotes no settled minister. MINUTES PHILADELPHIA BAPTIST ASSOCIATION, held by appointment at philadelphia, october 6th, 7th, and 8th, 1807. October 6th. — At three o'clock, p. M., Brother Samuel Jones preached the introductory sermon, from Isa. liv. 2, 3, " Enlarge the place of thy tent, and let them stretch forth the curtains of thine habitations; spare not, lengthen thy cords, and strengthen thy stakes ; for thou shalt break forth on the right hand and on the left ; and thy seed shall inherit the Gentiles, and make the desolate cities to be inhabited."* 2. After sermon, business was opened with prayer, when Brother William Staughton was chosen moderator, and Brother William White, clerk. 3. Letters from thirty-four churches were read. Adjourned to nine o'clock to-morrow morning. Brother Runyan prayed. Sermon this evening by Brother Lebeus Lathrop, from Hebrews xiii. 5. October 7th, nine o'clock, A. M. — Met agreeably to adjournment. Brother M' Go wan prayed. 4. Ministering brethren of sister Associations, and of good stand- ing in their respective churches, who were present, were invited to a seat. 5. The newly constituted church of Frankford, applied for admis- sion into this body, and were accordingly received. 6. Received corresponding letters and minutes from the following Associations, viz: — From Charleston, a letter and minutes; from New York, minutes and corresponding letters, by their messengers, Brethren Reune Runyan and Jacob F. Randolph; from Warren, minutes and letters for 1806 and 1807 ; from the Redstone Associa- tion, a letter and minutes ; from the Warwick Association, a letter and minutes, presented by their messenger, Lebeus Latlu'op ; from the Delaware, a letter and minutes, by their messenger Daniel Dodge ; from the Shaftsbury, a letter and minutes ; from the Ston ington, their circular, corresponding letter, and minutes. * The Sermon will be found at the end of the volume. — Ed. (437) 438 MINUTES OF THE PHILADELPHIA ASSOCIATION. 7. The following brethren were appointed to write to the corres- ponding Associations : — To Charleston, Brother Samuel Jones ; New York, Silas Hough ; Warren, Burgiss Allison ; Bedstone, Horatio G. Jones ; Miami, David Jones ; Delaware, Daniel Sharp ; Shaftsbury, John Boggs ; Stonington, Thomas B. Montauye ; Chemung, Peter Wilson; Warwick, William Staughton. 8. Appointed messengers to the following Associations : — To New York, William Staughton, John P. Peckworth, and Peter Wilson ; to the Warren, Thomas B. Montanye, Burgiss Allison, and William White ; to the Redstone, John Patton ; to the Delaware, James M'Laughlin and Joshua Vaughan ; to the Chemung, David Jones. 9. Brethren Peckworth, M'Laughlin, and Matthias, were ap- pointed to examine the minutes of the several corresponding Asso- ciations, to report to this body such things therein as particularly have respect to us. 10. The circular letter drawn up by our Brother Staughton, was read, and our Brethren Samuel Jones, and Thomas B. Montanye, in conjunction with the writer, were appointed a committee to revise it. Adjourned till three o'clock, p. m. Brother Fleeson prayed. Three o'clock, p. m. — Met pursuant to adjournment. Brother David Jones prayed. 11. In answer to the query from the first church in Philadelphia: " Would it not be advisable to appoint a committee to examine and see if there be not rules in the new system of discipline which are discordant with the old, and which might be so connected as to ren- der them both harmonious ?" Resolved, That it is not expedient. 12. It is recommended that the quarterly prayer meetings be con- tinued, excepting the first Tuesday in October, instead of which the Association recommends the Thursday preceding. 13. It is again recommended to the churches respectively of this body, that collections be made, or subscriptions raised, to support the domestic mission. 14. This Association again repeats their recommendation to the churches, that collections be made, and repeated, if convenient, to assist the Serampore mission in the translation of the Scriptures. 15. Appointed supplies : for Dover, Freehold, Frankford, King- wood, West Creek and Tuckahoe, Trenton and Manahawkin. 16. Query from the first church in Philadelphia : "Would it not cor- respond with the design of the original donors, relieve the Associa- tion of much solicitude, and tend more to the profit of the churches, if the Association library were to be distributed equitably among them ? And if so, would it not be expedient to advise the churches, or private members, to transmit to the city, at or before the next meeting of the Association, whatsoever books they may possess, or can find, by their delegates, that such distribution may be made ?" To which the anwer was in the affimative; and the churches and MINUTES OF THE PHILADELPHIA ASSOCIATION. 439 brethren who have books in their possession, are earnestly requested to forward them accordingly to Brother Staughton, who will, on ac- count of this Association, defray the expenses accruing on their removal. Adjourned till eleven o'clock to-morrow morning. Brother Wilson prayed. Sermon this evening by Brother Reune Runyan, from Mark iii. 3. October 8th, eleven o'clock, A. m. — Met agreeably to adjournment. Brother Allison prayed. 17. The circular letter presented by the committee, was by the Association adopted without amendment. 18. Brother Montanye is appointed to write the circular letter for the next year. 19. Brother William White is appointed to preach the Association sermon of next year; in case of failure, Brother Thomas Brown. 20. Query from the church of Blockley : Is it consistent for an excommunicated minister to perform the solemnities of marriage be- tween persons ? Can such marriages be viewed by us, as a people, as strictly legal. This Association are of opinion that, with an excommunicated minister we have no more to do, except as it may relate to the an- nouncing of such excommunication ; the law or any society he may join, must become the judge of his conduct ; for ourselves, we can- not countenance such marriages. 21. The thanks of this Association are presented by this body to our aged Brother Samuel Jones, for his laborious Association dis- course. They request the favor of a copy for publication. 22. The churches in our connection are cautioned against impos- tors, several of whom, we understand, are now going about ; and we solicit sister Associations to give us every information in their power relative to persons of such character, and we will do the same as they may come under our notice. 28. The churches in our connection are notified that John But- ter, late pastor of Blockley church, has been excommunicated ; they will therefore not countenance him as a preacher. Adjourned till three o'clock, P. M. Brother Montanye prayed. Met agreeably to adjournment. Brother Jarman prayed. 24. Understanding that Mr. W. W. Woodward, of Philadel- phia, has issued proposals for the publication of Dr. Gill's " Exposi- tion of the Old and New Testaments," this Association resolves to support the publishing of the work to the utmost ; they also recom- mend to each church to subscribe for a copy of this incomparable work for the use of their minister, and urge on all their sister Asso- ciations to aid in the accomplishment of this desirable object. 25. This Association recommend a neat, correct, cheap, and ori- ginal edition of Watts' Psalms and Hymns, just published, with a view to accommodate the Baptist churches, by Mr. Dobson of this city. They may be had of our Brother John Bradley, No. 78 Market 140 MINUTES OF THE PHILADELPHIA ASSOCIATION. Street. Tliey also inform the churches that a third edition of the book of Hymns, done by appointment of the Association, has been published, and may be had of Mr. Woodward, or Mr. Dobson, Philadelphia. 26. The letters appointed to be written to our sister Associations were read and adopted. 27. The Association affectionately recommend to the churches with whom they stand connected, to make their letters to the Asso- ciation as short as may be, confining them chiefly to facts, as the reading of many lengthy letters consumes much of their time. 28. This Association is appointed to meet the first Tuesday in October, 1808, in the first Baptist church, Philadelphia, and in case of any malignant disease in the city, at Trenton and Lamberton meeting house. 29. Our Brother Stephen C. Ustick, is appointed to print the minutes and letter ; and our brethren William Staughton and William White to superintend their distribution. Concluded wdth j)rayer, by Brother Hough. Sermon this evening by Brother Dodge, from Hebrews xii. 2, and by Brother M'Laughlin, from Hebrews xi. 6. CIRCULAR LETTER. BY RET. WILLIAM STAUGHTOX. The ministers and messengers of the Philadelphia Baptist Asso- ciation, To the churches they severally represent, send Christian saluta- tion. Beloved Brethren, — At our last annual meeting, the inquiry was proposed, as the subject of the present letter, "What are the QUALIFICATIONS OF A GOSPEL MINISTER ?" The question is an im- portant one, inasmuch as, on a proper reply, depend not only the ability of a candidate for the oifice of the ministry to examine him- self, and of the church with which he is connected to judge of his talents, but also the discriminating between those who are in truth " ministers of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God," and those who are such only in name. As there are some things which are regarded as qualifications, which in reality are not, and others that are supposed to disqualify, but from which no discouragement ought to be drawn, a few distinc- tions must be made. We need not prove to you that mere morality of character, powers of eloquence, or heirships to livings are insufiicient : a heathen or an infidel may possess them all. But it may be necessary to state that, 1. A persuasion in the mind of the subject himself is no genuine proof. We acknowledge that whom the Lord calls he inclines, but desire and talent are different things. Most young Christians, brought up from the horrible pit and taught the excellency of Jesus, feel ardent to proclaim his character to thousands. This anxiety for MINUTES OF THE PHILADELPHIA ASSOCIATION. 441 the salvation of sinners is lovely as a fruit of the work of God in the heart. It designates the saint but not the preacher. 2. The confident decisions of friends and relatives are not always to be trusted. These, the youth who is impatient to ascend the pul- pit, commonly regards as sufficiently confirming the propriety of his own impressions. He is not aware that natural affection usurps the seat of sober judgment. Many a fond parent, like the mother of the sons of Zebedee, has wished a child exalted in the service of Christ, without observing the mixture in the motives which govern the heart. To long earnestly that a son or a friend may glorify God in the work of the ministry is an effect of grace, while the sentiment we form of his ability may be nothing but nature. 3. Success is no satisfactory proof that a preacher is qualified of God. Many whose after-conduct has proved them, like Simon the sorcerer, to be "in the gall of bitterness," have been useful in a high degree. They have urged their success as a test of their call. But it should be remembered the blessing respects the doctrine, not the preacher, God has said, " My word that goeth forth out of my mouth shall not return unto me void !" This glorious word, therefore, may be quick and powerful though its preacher be held in the bonds of iniquity. There are, besides these, some things which are often supposed to disqualify, but do not. 1. A deep persuasion of our entire unworthiness. When we reflect ou the high honor done by the Lord to his faithful ministers, and connect with it, in our meditation, our own guilt and impurity, we may well recede and exclaim, " Lord, what am I, or what my father's house!" To appear an ambassador of Christ and to stand in His stead in the midst of the great congregation ; to be employed in the hands of his Spirit in training up the children of God for man- sions in their Father's house, are exercises in which the mightiest angel in heaven might glory. But if only the worthy are to serve in the sanctuary, where shall they be found ? Paul, who came not behind the chief of the apostles, with relation to his preaching the unsearchable riches of Christ, terms himself " less than the least of all saints." His services in the cause of his Lord were attended "with all humility of mind, and with many tears and temptations." Self-abasement will aid rather than hinder in the work of God. It will trample under foot the serpent-pride, and cast the crown at the feet of Jesus. 2. Great fear and trembling of spirit, in prospect of the service, should not lead to the conclusion that requisite qualifications are not possessed. When we reflect on the solemnity of the work, and on the awful responsibility of the minister of God, we may wonder the dread of soul is no greater. " Son of man, (said the Lord to Ezekiel,) I have made thee a watchman, — hear the word of my mouth. When I say to the wicked. Thou shalt surely die, and thou givest him not warning, the wicked man shall die in his iniquity, but his blood ■will I require at thy hand." One of the fathers terms the sentence 56 442 MI^■UTES OF the Philadelphia association. tliunderbolts and not ■words. Tlie sincere minister of Christ perhaps cannot be found, who has not trembled at the address. But impres- sions such as these have been common to the most eminent of God's servants. It was in the dread of his spirit that Moses said, " my Lord, send I prav thee by the hand of him whom thou wilt send." Jehovah encouraged Jeremiah when he cried, " Oh Lord God, I can- not speak: for I am a child," by saying, "Be not afraid." "I was with you," said Paul to the Corinthians, "in weakness and in fear, and in much trembling." Holy fear is useful and not injurious, when it leads to greater faithfulness in the ministry, and to a more entire reliance on the Lord for his assistance. 3. The neglect, or even the contempt of many who profess the name of Christ, does not prove that we ought not to gird up the loins for the labors of a steward. Different measures of talent are given to different elders, all designed for the perfecting of the saints. " One star differ eth from another star in glory." But he who con- temns a Christian minister possessing two talents, because he equals not another possessing ten, should fear lest he see it and be angry, who hath said, " whoso despiseth you despiseth me." The heart of man is easily vanquished by prejudice, and still easier by pride. Not all the eloquence and zeal, and purity and usefulness, of an apostle were sufficient to restrain his adversaries from saying, " his bodily presence is weak and his speech contemptible." 4. The discovery of no immediate or great success, should not lead any of God's servants to conclude he has never been called to his Master's work. Self-examination may be proper, whether truth has been exhibited in all its parts, or whether the heart may not be too vain "to bear" the glory of much usefulness. But we know that though Isaiah found occasion to exclaim, " Who hath believed our report," he continued still to prophesy. Few, in comparison of the multitude of his hearers, appear to have been converted under the teachings of our Lord, yet he still remained the minister of the cii'- cumcision. If Ave have as yet toiled and rowed and caught nothing, who can tell, but that the next endeavor may bring the greatest suc- cess? Whatever be the result, like the disciples we should say, "At thy word we will let down the net." A minister is no adequate judge of the degree of his usefulness. Seed may have been sown and harvests be rising where he suspected all was barrenness. We have sometimes discovered more of the usefulness of a minister after his de- cease than before. The lamp has burned when the pitcher was broken. The qualifications requisite for a gospel minister may be divided into two classes, the essential, without which he cannot properly bear the name, and the contributory, or those which tend to assist, adorn, and complete the holy character. The essential qualifications appear to be these four, godliness, knowledge, readiness of communication, and a divine call. 1. Godliness is requisite. Under the term we include holiness of heart, and piu'ity of life. An unconverted man is a wicked man ; but unto the wicked God MINUTES OF THE PHILADELPHIA ASSOCIATION. 443 saitli, " What hast thou to do to declare my statutes, or that thou shouldst take my covenant into thy mouth: seeing thou hatest in- struction, and castest my words behind thee." (Psahn 1. 15, 16.) In the epistle to Timothy and Titus, where the qualifications of a bishop are distinctly stated, it is required that he be "holy," and a '•lover of good men." He must hold the "mystery of the faith in a pure conscience." The apostles gave themselves unto prayer. Timothy is addressed as " a man of God," and Barnabas described as being "a good man and full of the Holy Ghost and of faith." David in his 34th Psalm, first relates his gracious experience, and then adds, " come, ye childen, hearken unto me, I will teach you the fear of the Lord." Describing the state of his disciples, our di- vine Prophet said, "ye are clean," and it was after Peter's avowal of his love to Jesus, that he received the injunctions, >' feed my sheep, feed my lambs." What indeed can be expected from an un- converted ministry ? How shall an ungodly preacher illustrate the excellency of the divine character which his heart abhors, or the glories of a law he loves to violate ? How shall he describe the dis- tress of an awakened sinner which he never felt, or the extacy of one who has received pardon through the blood of Christ, while he lies himself under sentence of condemnation ? If he refer to the temptations and conflicts, the fears and consolations of the true be- liever, he proceeds with such awkward irregularity as compels the afdicted good man to cry out, "the legs of the lame are not equal, so is a parable in the mouth of fools." The lip must be touched with a coal from the altar, and iniquity purged, before the prophet receives the commission, " Go tell this people, hear ye." "It pleased God," says the apostle Paul, " to call me by his grace, and to reveal his Son in me, that I might preach him," Gal. i. 15, 16. But "the root of the matter" is not all, — the verdure and fruit of a holy conversation are required also. The bishop must be visible in domestic life. He must be "the husband of one wife," polygamy being as contrary to the course of nature as to the laws of God. He must be " one that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity." For if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God ? Paul collects the vh-tues that should adorn the personal char- acter of an ambassador of God into one bright constellation. He must be vigilant, sober, of good behavior, given to hospitality, and not to wine : not ready to strike, or attached to filthy lucre, but mo- derate; not given to contention, not a lover of money, not self- willed, but sober, just, holy, and temperate, — blameless in all things as the steward of God. He must take heed to himself, to his flock, and to his doctrine. Hence, 2. Knowledge is requisite. The new man is renewed in knowledge ; but spiritual understanding is progressive, and in this it is required that a minister of the word abound. "The heart of the wise teach- eth his mouth." " The priest's lips should keep knowledge, and they should seek the law at his mouth ; for he is the messenger of th' 444 MINUTES OF THE PHILADELPHIA ASSOCIATION. Lord of hosts." As if God had said, should the Bible be not at hand, the mouth of the priest will supply its absence. An ignorant person can no more feed the church of God with knowledge and un- derstanding, than can a shepherd his flock by leading them through a desert, which has only here and there a shrub. John must first eat the book and then prophecy. To ascertain the precise degree of spiritual information that is necessary in a candidate for the ministry, is scarcely practicable. It seems, however, requisite that he should possess general views of the plan of salvation, of the doctrines of grace, and of the " law of the house of the Lord." It appears also proper that a church solemnly exhort a young licentiate brother, to give attendance to reading, to exhortation, and doctrine : to meditate on these things that his profiting may appear to all. When we are taught that a bishop must not be "a novice," we are not from the term to infer that he cannot sustain the character while young. Timothy's youth, Paul instructed no man to despise. The term " novice " has allusion to a plant newly set. Dr. Doddridge renders the word "one newly converted." Of the time requisite for the plant to take root and flourish, for the young convert to acquire a competent acquaintance with evangelical doctrines and duties, pro- ficiency in the divine life is so different in different individuals, you, brethren, observing the characters, will be best able to judge. The conversations of aged saints, contribute much to the information of the young. Apollos was an eloquent man, and mighty in the Scrip- tures, but Priscilla and Aquila taught him the way of the Lord more perfectly. 3. An aptness to teach is requisite. It consists in a readiness to communicate " the good treasures of the heart" to others. "The well spring of wisdom is a flowing brook." Many of the servants of the Lord are " filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding," but they cannot bring to light the intelli- gence they enjoy. They are shut up as with a wall, and cannot come forth. Now the qualification we speak of is like a passage through the wall ; it is called " a door of utterance to speak the mystery of Christ." " We were willing," says the apostle, "to have imparted unto you, not the gospel of God only, but our own souls also, because ye were dear unto us." It includes an ardent love for the souls of men, holy diligence, a fullness of ideas, a vigorous me- mory, and a flowing elocution. 4. There must be a divine call. No man must take to himself the honor, unless called of God as was Aaron. How can they preach except they be sent? Christ displays his sovereignty in calling to office whomsoever he pleases. His call is delivered not by visiting angels : it is not heard from the flame of a bush, or from the light- ning and clouds of a trembling mountain ; nor is it an audible address from our Lord Jesus Christ. To be so called in this last sense was one of the signs of an apostle, but is not to be applied to the vocation of ministers now. It is the still voice of God in the soul, saying, MINUTE6 0P THE miLADELPHIA ASSOCIATION. 445 " Occupy till I come." The subject feels a necessity laid upon liim : a dispeiisation of flic f^oHpel counnitted unto liim. The souls of men appear of greater value than he had before conceived, — already ho begins to travail in birth. ]le thirsts to be engaged in the work, as a hart for the waterbrook. lie would rather be a preacher of Christ than master of all the mines in the world. This secret fire begins in the end to break forth. In his countenance, in his converse, in his prayer, in his exhortations, his exercises discover themselves. At length they engage the attention of the church of (jod. The churches of old were accustomed to watch the openings of tho ministerial character, and as if desirous of encouriiging the candidate and of imitating their own attention to the utmost, the saying ap- pears to have prevailed among them, " If a man desire the office of a bishop, he dcsireth a good thing." It was by a public act of tho church at Jerusalem that Matthias was chosen to the ministry, from which Judas by transgression fell, and from the best testimony that we can obtain from ecclesiastical history, such appears to have been the wuy in which the election of ministers took place in the churches, until aspiring prelates arrogated to themselves the privilege which belonged to the faithful at large. The process a church, in the fear of God, observes in the call of a mendjcr to the ministry being stated so fully in the discipline of our churches, it is unnecessary to enlarge on it in the present letter. Besides these leading and essential (qualifications, there are several that are contributory to the improvement of the minister of God. These may be referred to two objects — the furniture of the mind and the affections of the heart. We acknowledge with gratitude and joy that every able minister of the New Testament is made such of God and not of men. We acknowledge that it has been common for God in all ages, to execute his purposes by instruments which should se- cure honor to his great name. He raised up Gideon from the thresh- ing-floor, and David from tho sheepfold. The wealthy and tho learned were not called to be the apostles of our Lord, but fishermen, publicans, and tent-makers. Many among the most useful of tho ministers of Christ in the present day, have received instruction ordy at the Master's feet. The celebrated L>r. Samuel Johnson, notwith- standing his ardor for classic learning, confesses, that, " compared with the conversion of sinners, eloquence and erudition are less than nothing." The ablest preacher is but an earthen vessel, and tho feeblest bears heavenly treasure. We are sensible that an ostenta- tion of learning, may be food for a weak or aspiring mind ; neverthe- less, as knowledge of almost every kind may be useful to a gospel minister ; as in the Ijible we have only a translation, behind the veil of which many a beauty is concealed; as we have no reason to ex- pect tha-t extraordinary assistance which the apostles enjoyed ; and as education places a minister of the gospel on equal ground with a learned adversary, to seek an acquaintance with language, history, and other similar studies, where it can be accomplished, is praise- worthy. 446 MiisruTES of the Philadelphia association. An increase in all the gracious affections of the heart well becomes a minister of Christ. To none with more propriety than to him may it be said, " Keep thy heart with all diligence, for out of it are the issues of life." How beauteous do the feet of that minister appear who approaches his flock clothed with humility ! If he must be greatest, he will ac- quire the elevation by becoming the servant of all ! How charming the voice that returns not evil for evil nor railing for railing, but, contrariwise, blessing ! Being defamed, said Paul, we entreat, be- ing reviled, we bless, being persecuted, we suffer it. How surpassing the heroes of the world is that man of God seen, who, brandishing the armor of righteousness on the right hand and on the left, pre- fers bonds and imprisonments, and derision and death, rather than the work of his God should be done deceitfully ! How valuable that prudence which never forgets, that "to every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the sun!" Of the Mes- siah, the Father said, " My servant shall deal prudently, and shall be extolled very high." How amiable that sympathy, which, for- getful of its subject, enters the circles of friendship or the cham- bers of sickness, and looking round, rejoices with them that rejoice, and weeps with them that weep ! And 0, how lovely that evangelical piety, which, when all is done, falls at the feet of Jesus, and prompts the cry, " God be merciful to me a sinner !" The original Bunyan has in a few touches admirably drawn the picture of a faithful preacher. The interpreter introduces his Chris- tian into a room, where he saw the picture of a very grave person hang up against the wall, and this was the fashion of it : " It had eyes lifted up to heaven, the best of books in his hand, the law of truth was written upon its lips, the world was behind his back, it stood as if it pleaded with men, and a crown of gold did hang over its head." Contemplating the qualifications of a minister of the gospel, you must perceive that their nature is important and solemn. Dear Brethren, pray for your ministers. 0, when it is well with you, pray, pray for them. Did you perceive half the toils, or half the afflic- tions which fill the hands and press down the hearts of your minis- ters, you would, and we hope you do, remember them always in your prayers. Let your prayers also ascend that more laborers may be thrust into the great harvest field. Our intercourse with each other in association, has been pleasant, and the tidings from the churches generally encouraging. Permit us to exhort you to abound more and more in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as you know that your labor is not in vain in the Lord. We remain, beloved brethren, your servants for Christ's sake. Signed in behalf and by order of the whole, William Staughton, Moderator. William White, Clerk. MINUTES OF THE PHILADELPHIA ASSOCIATION. 44T THE MINISTERS AND MESSENGERS AT THE ASSOCIATION, AND STATE OF THE CHURCHES DURING THE YEAR. • •a || TS 2 •d i CHURCHES. MINISTERS AND MESSENGERS. M II 1 a -2 i s 1 «^ Q S 1^ o_ g ' Samuel Jones, Thomas Holmes, Lower Dublin, Jesse Dungan, John Til aw, Abednego T. Whitton, John Richardson, 17 3 138 Middle town, ^ Benjamin Bennet, Henry Smalley,* William SteUing,* 5 135 Cohansie,' David Gilman, Joel Shepherd, ^ Daniel J. Swinney, 11 5 1 2 198 ' David Jones, Horatio G. Jones, Great Valley, Jonathan Phillips, Isaac Abrams, ^Phineas Phillips, 2 2 1 67 Cape May,' Jonathan Garman. 8 50 Hopewell, ^ 1st church. John Boggs, David Stout, Richard Stout, Joshua Vaughan, Robert M'Coy, 8 4 11 2 1 148 Brandywine, Thomas Baldwin, John Smith, William Griffith, 18 2 3 135 Silas Hough, Montgomery, ■< Charles Humphrey, Kingwood, Joseph Lun, 2 83 Thomas Davis, Edward West, Thomas Robertson, 2 2 1 2 112 ' Peter Wilson, Hight's Town, Andrew Perrine, John Jones, 11 6 3 2 328 'William Staughton, William Rogers,* John P. Peckworth, Thomas Billings, George Ingolls, Philadelphia, 1st church, George Mustin, Joseph Keen, Benjamin Thaw, Jared Sexton, Hugh Gourley, John M'Leod, Tilman Culp, ^J. M'Leod, jr., 38 21 7 5 1 3 307 448 MINUTES OF THE PHILADELPHIA ASSOCIATION. CHURCHES. MINISTERS AND MESSENGERS. Southampton, KnoTvlton,f ' New Britain, Salem, ■' Dividing Creek,! New Mills, ' Upper Freehold,!' Pittsgrove,! ' Manahawkin, '' Vincent, " • Tuckahoe,! ' Frankford, Jacob's Town, Marcus Hook, y Roxbury, West Creek, Shemokin, Amwell, Hopewell, ^ 2d church, ' Thomas B. Montanye, William Watts, Abel Marple, John Shelmire, Nathan Banes, James Dungan, < Edward Matthew, ( Joshua Riale, {Thomas Brown, Joseph Lloyd, Henry Mulford, Benjamin Thompson, Isaac Carlile,* Benjamin Hedger, t Lemuel Howell, Thomas Edman, \ Levi John, ( Robert Phipps, {Joseph Mathias, Philip Miller, Isaac Morris, Griffith Owen, J Burgiss Allison, I Asher Cox, ' Thomas Fleeson, John Levering, Cornelius Holgate, James Patterson, Charles Levering, ^ Nathan Levering, I Joseph Pricket, f John Patten, I Charles Saxton, {James M'Laughlin, John Carr, William Merrell, William Salyer, Joseph Boss, 1 1 11 1 i •6 o 1 c o ft 1 2 4 2 133 17 4 1 1 3 83 11 1 6 3 113 58 3 3 5 1 3 111 97 19 4 3 1 61 7 53 26 4 1 1 1 12G 6 3 63 3 2 21 1 56 6 2 1 1 58 5 2 1 1 92 2 2 1 76 3 2 55 MINUTES OF THE PHILADELPHIA ASSOCIATION. 449 CHURCHES. MINISTERS AND MESSENGERS. Burlington,' Mount Holly/ Dover, York co., Pa. Philadelphia, 2d. church, Blockley, Squan, ' Evesham,' Trenton and Lamberton, Frankford, William Boswell, Joseph Slieppard, Stephen C. Ustick, Matthew Randall, Joseph Barber, George Allen, {Jes^e Cox, William Rogers,* Edward Thomas, Moses Davis, 'William White, Samuel Harris,* Isaac Johnson, Thomas Timings, Adam Corfield, James Wiley, Philip Halzel, Jacob Keen, Amos Penegar, W. Sheldrake, G. Helmbold, I Samuel Haven, {Alexander M'Gowan, Joseph Evans, George Sparks, Eli Evans, Amos Reader, John Coleman, James Clark, John P. Skelton, John Dainty, 42 12 251 621102 1 5 3 42 181 34 45 80 30 3632 Note. — The ministers' names are in small capitals. Licensed preachers in italic. Those marked thus * were not present. From churches marked thus t received no letter. A dash denotes no settled minister. We announce to the clinrches the afflictive tidings, tliat our beloved brother Peter Groom, has been this year removed by death. — "Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord." 57 A CENTURY SERMON. DELIVERED IN PHILADELPHIA, AT THE OPENING OF TUE PHILADELPHIA BAPTIST ASSOCIATION, OCTOBER 6"^ 1807. BY SAMUEL JONES, D.D. PASTOR OF THE BAPTIST CHURCH IN LOWER DUBLIN, PENNSYLVANIA. PHILADELPHIA: PUBLISHED AT THE REQUEST OF THE ASSOCIATION. 1807. EDITOR'S PREFACE. Among the transactions which were recorded by the dele- gates at the ninety-ninth session of the venerable body, whose minutes we herewith present to the public, item twenty- second reads as follows : — " Brother Samuel Jones is appointed to preach the Association Sermon of next year, which is intended to be a Century one, a hundred years having passed since we were first formed." In editing the following discourse, as well as the fore- going minutes, I have strictly observed the instructions of the Committee, that imposed upon me the pleasant, yet arduous duty of superintending the work through the press, which instructions were : " To preserve, as far as possible, the ancient style of composition, as found in the original minutes." That the work now given to the world may do good, and awaken a becoming degree of gratitude to God, in the church, for the lives and labors of the men whose names and deliberations it transmits to our own and future ages, is the sincere desire of one who, in relation to the pro- curing of the materials and publishing this work, "has done what he could." A. D. G. A CENTURY SERMON. Enlargo the place of thy tents, and let them stretch forth the curtains of thine habitations : spare not, lengthen thy cords, and strengthen thy stakes ; for thou shalt break forth on the right hand and on the left. — Isaiah, liv. 2, 3. I HAVE had it on my mind, that it would be proper for me, before I proceed, to confess openly that I am not going to preach but to read. You may therefore perhaps have remarked, that in addressing the throne of grace I have not dared to ask for assistance in this part of the service. I must however observe, that I think reading is admissible on particular occasions, especially such as the present, when the chief of what is to be said is to be historical ; yet such historical facts as have some relation to religion. After saying this much I need not now be at any pains to conceal my notes. I had some thoughts of committing the whole to memory, but I did not like it very well, because I should seem to act the part of a school-boy, or, what would be worse, to play the hypocrite, by pretending to do what I did not. I shall only add in this way, that for the present I shall omit the notes, to preserve the thread of discourse. I will now enter on the subject before us. Enlarge the i^lace of thy tent, and let them stretch fcyrth the curtains of thine habitations : spare not, lengthen thy cords, and strengthen thy stakes; for thou shalt hreah forth on the right hand and on the left. These are the words of the elegant and sublime Isaiah, who, on account of the clearness of the discoveries made to him of the gospel day, obtained the name of the evangehcal prophet. Indeed in some places his predictions have the (453) 454 A CENTURY SERMON. air of a history, rather than a prophecy. (See chap. vii. 14 ; ix. 6, 7 ; L 6 ; liii. ixissim.) The passage before us refers to the implantation of the gospel among the Gentiles. It began to be accomplished in the days of the Apostles, and has been fulfilling iii all ages of the Christian church to this day, and will continue so to be to the commencement of the millenium. " Their sound," says the Apostle, " went into all the earth, and their words unto the end of the world." Rom. x. 18. But we are now to speak more particularl}^ of the work of the Lord, and the spread of religion in our Society du- ring the last century, and especially within the bounds of this Association : to show that there has been a fulfillment of the prophecy in the text among us ; that we have " en- larged the places of our tent, and stretched forth the cur- tains of our habitations : have lengthened our cords, and strengthened our stakes, because we have broke forth, on the right hand, and on the left." We shall now, then, apply ourselves, in the first place, to take into view what relates to our body, within the time under consideration. This Association originated in what they called general, and sometimes yearly meetings. These meetings were in- stituted so early as 1G88, and met alternatively in May and September, at Lower Dubhn, Philadelphia, Salem, Cohansie, Chester, and Burlington ; at which places there were mem- bers, though no church or churches constituted, except Lower Dublin and Cohansie. At these meetings their labor was chiefly confined to the ministry of the word, and the administration of gospel ordinances. But in the year 1707 they seem to have taken more properly the form of an As- sociation ; for then they had delegates from several churches, and attended to their general concerns. We therefore date our beginning as an Association from that time, though we might with but little impropriety, extend it back some years. They were at this time but a feeble band, though a band A CENTURY SERMON. 455 of faithful brothers ; consistmg of but five churches. The church at Lower Dublin, Piscataqua, Micldletown, Cohansie, and Welsh-Tract. There were at that time but these five in North America, except Massachusetts and Rhode Island.* Here it may not be amiss to take some notice of the first ministers in succession in each of the constituent churches, as a brief memorial of those venerable fathers, who were the instruments of propagating the gospel in these parts of the new world. The church of Lower Dublin had for their first minister? Rev. Elias Keach, son of the memorable Benjamin Keach of London. He, returning to England in 1692, was suc- ceeded by the noted John Watts, who departed this life in 1702, in the midst of his days and growing usefulness, the fortieth year of his age, and twelfth of his ministry. So was the will of God. After him they had Samuel Jones, Evan Morgan, and Joseph Wood; and in the year 1712, came over sea, by invitation, Abel Morgan, who had been pastor of a church at Blaene Gwent, in South Wales. He is said to have been indefatigable and abundantly useful in his ministry. He supplied Lower Dublin and Philadelphia, besides visiting other places. He wrote and published the first Welsh Concordance of the Holy Scriptures, that was ever published in that language. This good man was called home to reap the fruit of his labor, and much lamented, in the year 1722. Piscataqua, had Thomas Killingsworth, Mr. Drake, Henry Loval, and Benjamin Stelle, sr. Middletown, had James Aston, James Brown, Elias Keach, Thomas Killingsworth, John Burrows, and the incomparable Abel Morgan. Cohansie, had Thomas Killingsworth, Timothy Brooks, William Boucher and Nathaniel Jenkins. *When the first church in Newport, Rhode Island was one hundred years old, in 1738, Mr. John Callender, their minister, delivered and published a sermon on the occasion. It principally relates to the civil and religious affaira of that province, in connection with the other New England provinces. 456 A CENTURY SERMON. The last of the five was the church of the Welsh-Tract, who had for their first minister Thomas Griffith. He came to this country from Wales with the church, for they were constituted there, and was very useful among them to the day of his death, which came to pass in the 3^ear 1725. He was succeeded by Elisha Thomas and Enoch Morgan. Besides the above, this church was blessed with four others at the same time, that were men of first rate abilities. Jen- kin Jones, who became minister of Lower Dublin, and then of Philadelphia; Owen Thomas, who settled at Vincent in Chester county; David Davis, who succeeded Enoch Mor gan at the Welsh Tract ; and above all the great Abel Mor- gan, who moved to Middletown. These were men of shin- ing talents, with whom we have had few, if any since, tliat will bear a comparison. I will take the liberty to mention as the contemporary of the above, the late Rev. Benjamin Griffith, of Montgo- mery, who, though he was not of one of the constituent churches, nor distinguished for ministerial abilities, yet was eminent in council, and perhaps more so for the use of his pen. Under the appointment of the Association he wrote our first discipline ; and then, a brief account of the first seven- teen churches in our connection, which he entered in the Association book, together with their most material trans- actions to the year 1758. I will add in this way, that a junior class came forward in the churches, who were in a pretty high degree eminent in their day : as John Davis, of Harford, in Marj-land, yet living, aged 86 ; Robert Kelsay, of Cohansie ; Peter Peter- son Yanhorn, of Lower Dublin ; Isaac Eaton, of Hopewell ; Mr. Walton, of Morristown ; Isaac Stelle, jr., of Piscata- qua; Benjamin Miller, of Scott's-Plains ; and John Gano, of New York. These were burning and shining lights, especially the three last. May the God of Elijah grant that a double portion of their spirit may rest on all, that stand as watchmen on Zion's walls. A CENTURY SERMOX. 457 "We have mentioned that our number of churches at first was but five. As the country increased in population, our number, through the blessing of God on the faithful and zealous ministry of the word, has increased to 38, compre- hending 3556 communicants. But we should doubtless be more than treble that number, if we had not detached churches on all sides, to form five or six other Associa- tions,* that may be denommated our daughters, while some of them, again, have dismissed churches to form still other Associations, that stand as it were in the relation of grand daughters. Now if we suppose, that there are three hearers in a congregation for every communicant in the church, it will give us above 10,000 hearers; and as there does not half the number in the family, on an average, attend pubhc worship, on account of age, infirmities, &c., it will follow, that the population within our bounds must be above 20,000, and above 80,000, taking in the detachments. Thus have we spread to the North and South, to the East and West, and have seen the text abundantly verified among us. Doubtless it is the Lord's doings, and to him be all the glory. It may now be proper to extend our views to our breth- ren in other parts of the Union : for the work of the Lord was far from being confined to our bounds. He, who gave the word, attended it also with power, and great was the company of those who published it. But here we are at a loss for want of information. Had there been attention paid to the circular address of your committee of correspondence, appointed five years ago ; it might be in our power to lay before you a correct statement, of what would be both agreeable, entertaining, and useful : as it is, we are left to wander in the dark by the aid of uncertain conjecture. *Ketockton, Redstone, Baltimore, Delaware, New York, and Warwick. To form the Redstone Association, I think vre dismissed no churches ; but several of our ministers settled in those parts, and were instrumental in form- ing it. 58 458 A CENTURY SERMON. Mr. Asplund mentioned in the above address, to his immortal honor, has given us, at a great expense of haboi", a j)articular account of our state and number, at that time, in the United States, which he collected in his travels from characters on the spot, who were competent to give him correct information. But this was done seventeen years ago. Great changes have taken place since. We shall however make use of his calculation for our ground work, and build thereon by a reasonable allowance for those changes. It appears from him, that the number of members, or communicants, belonging to our society in the several States at that time, was 65,233. If we add for the Menonists, Dunkers, and Universalists,*the moderate sum of 4767, we shall have the round number of 70,000. This was their number seventeen years ago. What may it be now ? As we have good reason to think there are in some of the States more than three communicants for every one there was seventeen years ago, one would think we might very safely, for all the States, double the number that there were then : but we will only add three-fourths, which must be allowed to be very moderate. This will give us 122,500, for the present number of communicants through- out the United States. Now as the number of communicants in a church are to the number of hearers in a congregation nearly as one to three; multiplying the aforesaid number of communicants by three, we shall have 367,500 for the present number of hearers. This must be below the mark. For there were seventeen years ago, above seventy churches, that had but from eight to twenty communicants each, who, beyond all doubt, had of hearers not only three times their respective numbers of communicants, but more than ten times. This may serve to show we do not wish to exaggerate. And farther, as we observed awhile ago, since on account of age and infirmity, &c., there does not half a family, on * AVho then baptised by immersion only. — Ed. A CENTURY SERMON. 459 an average, attend public worship, bj multiplying the last number by two we shall have 735,000 for our present popu- lation, which is about one-eighth jDart of the whole popula- tion in the Union. It ought to be remembered, that we have not brought into the account the multitudes, that are fully convinced in favor of our religious principles and j)ractice, and are ready to burst the bands of the prejudice of education, their con- nections, &c., which are doubtless very binding and strong. But when the small still voice of the Spirit of God shall follow the light of knowledge they have received, and whisper in the ear of conscience, and in the mean time the constraining love of God shall be shed abroad in their hearts, we may expect to receive them with joy. It may also not be amiss to observe, that this remarkable increase, of which we have been speaking, has been chiefly within the last fifty years, and much greater in those States, where oppression for conscience sake has been most severe, excej)t the State of New York. In Virginia, I think, there was not one church of our de- nomination in the year 1760; in 1790, only thirty years after, there were two hundred and two. In Massachusetts previous to 1755, there were, as far as I can find, but seven churches, now there are one hundred and ninety-four.'*'' In the State of New York, there are now I imagine, one hundred and fifty churches; previous to 1770 there were but very few. It is with pleasure I observe, that oppression on account of religion has in Virginia totally ceased ; and in Massa- chusetts also has greatly abated. When the first Congress met in this city, I was one of *Rev. John Callender, in his afore-cited centurial discourse for Rhode Island, p. 58, mentions from bishop Sanderson, that the Rev. Archbishop Whitgift, and the learned Hooker, men of great judgment and fame in their times, did long since foresee and declare their fear, that if ever Puritanism should prevail, it would soon draw in Anabaptism after it. That Anabaptism had its rise from the same principles the Puritans held, especially that one principle, that the Scripture was the only and all sufficient rule of faith and practice, so as nothing might lawfully be done, without express warrant, either from some command or example therein contained. 460 A CENTURY SERMON. the committee under the appointment of your body, that, in company with the hate Rev. Isaac Backus,* of Massachu- setts, met the delegates in Congress from that State, in yonder State Hou3e, to see if we could not obtain some security for that liberty, for which we were then fighting and bleeding by their side. It seemed unreasonable to us, that we should be called upon to stand up with them in defence of liberty, if, after all, it was to be liberty for one party to oppress another. But our endeavors availed us nothing. One of them told us, that if we meant to effect a change in their mea- sures, respecting religion, we might as well attempt to change the course of the sun in the heavens. Should any be ready to inquire, if we are so numerous as just now mentioned, and of course entitled to about twenty seats in the general legislature, how comes it to pass, that we seldom have more than three, four, or five ? This is easily accounted for by observing, that being scattered and dis- persed among those of other societies, and every were in the minority. We cannot have a chance to rise, if we had the ambition. To which may be added, that as we are gener- ally of the middle class, agreeable to Augur's prayer, and, as the Apostle observes, "not many mighty, not many noble are called," these considerations will fully account for the fact. But if we cannot obtain seats for ourselves, we can however give them to others. For doubtless, casting our weight into the political scale must have an effect in turning the beam. This, it is thought, has actually been the case within a few years past. Perhaps some, in accounting for this circumstance, will be ready to mention the want of information among us. Be it so. There may be something in it. But suppose I should suggest a more probable reason. Having been persecuted and oppressed, suffered imprison- * This great and good man was dismissed from his labor below to wear a crown of glory above on the 20th of November, 1806, in the 83d year of his age, and 60th of his ministry. A CENSURY SERMON. 461 ment and alienation of property; it is but reasonable to expect, we should be very jealous of our religious libert}', which indeed is the case : and it has been thought by many that the rights of conscience are safer, in the hands of those who care but little for religion of any kmd, than in the hands of zealots, devoted to the interest of a particular sect.* Let it not be said, that this zeal for religious liberty can- not take place, where persecution has not been felt. For the report of it is gone every where, and although it has not every where excited alarm, yet it has sympathy. And then the thing itself is so horrible : to invade the rights of the Deity, to compel people to obey man rather than God, to do what they verily believe they ought not, and to pay for what they never had, nor wish to have ; every feeling of the moral sense, to go no farther, rises against it. It has been often said, that all parties will persecute when they have the power. This may be admitted as a general rule ; but I am bold to aver that the Baptists are an ex- ception. They have had the power in Rhode Island,*}- if *An historian observes, that the worst of men made the best emperors for heretics. In regard to the correctness of this maxim, the writer has not the least doubt. Nevertheless, as it may seem strange to some pious minds, that the wicked should be set up on high, and preferred to the religious, he begs them to consider, — First, That by those, who care but little about religion, is not meant the pro- fane, nor those who are professed enemies to revelation, who, it is expected, will never be raised to dignified stations by the people in this country. Secondly, That there may not be clear evidence, that a zealot has any real religion, though he bears the name. Thirdly, Suppose he should have real religion, and be elevated to the first office in the Union, what security can the people have, that he will be possessed of such firmness of mind, as to direct his own councils, and escape the influence of religionists, or clergy, with whom he will be encompassed, and who have never been thought to be over-favorable to equal rights and free inquiry in mat- ters of religion. In unison is the observation of the historian, " The worst of men made the best emperors for heretics" — /. e. — for dissenters from the ruling party. Hob. Ecdes. Researches, p. 74. f Rev. John Callender, in his aforesaid discourse, (p. 103,) speaking of Rhode Island, has these words : " Liberty of conscience was the basis of this colony. Our fathers thought it just and necessary, to allow each other mutually to worship God as their consciences were respectfully persuaded ; they thought no man had power over the Spirit of God, and that the duty of the magistrate was to leave every one to follow the light of his conscience. They were willing to exliibit to the world an instance, that liberty of conscience was consistent 462 A CENTURY SERMON. not in Portland : but not a single instance can be produced of their abuse of tliat power any where.* Hoping you will excuse these few political observations, I will now go on to what may be more agreeable. We would not be understood to suppose, that the work of the Lord has been confined to our society. We occupy but a small part of the Lord's vineyard: and we rejoice, that there are so many others engaged with us in spreading and promoting the kingdom of our Lord and Saviour, About the middle of the century a glorious revival took place and spread through the States, wherein that eminent servant of the Lord, the Rev. George Whitefield, bore a con- spicuous part. He was the blessed instrument in the hand of the Lord, both in commencing and spreading that won- derful work. This revival had a happy effect, not only in bringing many thousands out of the kingdom of Satan into the kingdom of God's dear Son, but also in being the means of introducing into the ministry many pious and zealous dis- pensers of the word, especially among Presbyterians in the Middle States, and the Congregationalists in the Eastern States. Without detracting from the merit of those who have appeared since in the ministry, we must be allowed to give a decided preference to the eminent characters that sprung up in the great day of God's power, the names of many of whom are had in precious remembrance to this day, as the Tenants, Edwards, Burr, Davis, Findley, Treat, Beaty, Hunter, Bostwick, Eogers, Rowland, and a long list of others, whose names have not come to our knowledge.f There have been many, and some of them very consider- TTith the public peace, and the flourishing of a civil commonwealth, as well as tliat Christianity can subsist without compulsion." And he might have added, that it could subsist a great deal better without than with it. * When the Quakers in Pennsylvania did something like persecuting the Keithians, Holme, a Baptist Judge or Justice, on the bench, opposed it. — Vide Mr. Edward's Matt. Vol. 1st, p. 56. t It is not here meant that those referred to, were greater than those now on the ministerial stage for natural powers of mind, much less for literary im- provement, but for powerful evangelical preaching. A CENTURY SERMON. 463 able revivals and seasons of the refreshment since the above, and that in many, or rather in all the States, particularly in Virginia, the Carolinas, Kentucky, &c., of which we have not room to speak at large, and shall only observe that there have been within those three or four years, and even now are, considerable revivals in Taunton, Norton, Aure- lius. Providence, Addison, Columbia, Stuben, Upper Canada, Marlborough, St. Andrew's, Hamilton, Suffield, Bristol, Colchester, Wardsborough, Windham, Winhall, Straton, Wilmington, Granville, Lyme, Philadelphia, Lower Dublin, Southampton, and in many j)laces in Virginia, the Caro- linas, Georgia, &c., wherein multitudes have been baptised. Rev. Henry Taler, in Virginia, baptised above 400 in little better than one year, 135 in one day. Glory to God for those refreshing showers of grace. About forty years ago the Methodist society took root among us, under the labors of Messrs. Pilmore, Boardman, and many others, who, for the time, by their diligence and zeal, have certainly been very successful, at least as to re- spectability of numbers, and a very considerable reforma- tion of manners, and there is reason to hope, that a real work of grace has taken place among them to a considera- ble extent. The many other religious societies are also progressing in numbers, weight and influence ; serving we hope, our com- mon Lord and Master, according to the light they have re- ceived; on whom, as on all, may the Lord shine, to give the light of the knowledge of his glory in the face of Jesus Christ. What shall we say of the missionary spirit, that has for some years, and more especially of late, prevailed in many places, and among different societies, with a view to spread the knowledge of the gospel and the way of salvation among the heathen in various parts, as well as among Christians in places destitute of the means. Whether the latter does not merit the greater attention we pass over, 464 A CENTURY SERMON. only observing, that it is thought it has been attended with more success and far less expense.* rime would fail us to cross the Atlantic and recount the displays of divine power and grace among them, Avithin the period we are speaking of, especially in Great Britain, that favored isle, — so highly favored j)articularly for the know- ledge of divine things, promoted among them b}^ the min- istry of the word, and by writing. Whether, with reference to the last, they are not now rather stationary, since that great luminary Doctor Gill has finished his course, we leave. Be that as it may, it would seem that knowledge, civil and religious hberty, and with them religion itself are tending westward. With the sun they rose in the East, after a course of ages crossed the Atlantic, and it is likely will progress westward until they reach the Pacific Ocean, civil- izing and making happy this western hemisphere in their course. We mentioned awhile ago the names of some in the ministry, that were eminent in their day for talents, piety and usefulness, who now rest from their labors, and " their works do follow them." At this time also there are not a few among us in the sacred office, of distinguished worth, not so much for their literary acquirements, as for what is of infinitely more value in promoting pure undefiled religion before God — namely, true piety, ardent zeal, ministerial gifts, and indefatigable diligence, and faithfulness in saving the souls of men and promoting the kingdom of our Redeemer. j- *The Massachusetts Baptist Missionary Magazine, published quarterly, and •which merits high encomium and support, gives us very pleasing intelligence of the success of missionaries east of Penobscot river, in Nova Scotia, back parts of the State of New York, Upper Canada, &c. One of their missionaries, Rev. Isaac Case, in a short time baptised 205, and constituted six churches. t The Baptists, as a society, have never considered the higher branches of learning as essential to the gospel ministry, and there is no doubt but the sen- timent is perfectly correct. They have, nevertheless, held education in high esteem, as a handmaid to grace, and have always had not a few among them, that ranked pretty high for literary improvement and extensive reading. In the year 1756, the late Rev. Isaac Eaton, M. A., of Hopewell, in New A CENTURY SERMON. 465 Some are Boanerges, sons of thunder, qualified to lay the axe at the root of the trees ; to awaken, alarm, and strip sinners of their carnal hopes and self-dependence: while others are sons of consolation, fitted to apply the healing balm of gospel grace, and mercy; to excite faith in the merits and mediation of Christ, and lead the subject of grace to rejoice in hope; fitted to build up, comfort, estab- lish and edify the faithful, leading them on as a peculiar people zealous of good works ; while all have a measure of all gifts, as God has distributed to all by the same Spirit. Of these there are a few, especially Southward and East- ward* of us, the force of whose natural genius has raised them far above the common level, whose names, for obvious reasons, we for the present suppress, and Hail the sons of glory when they set. Thus when we look back, as from an eminence, on what Jersey, opened a Grammar School under the patronage of the Philadelphia Baptist Association. In the fall of 1763, the writer ot these sheets, on request, repaired to New- port, in Rhode Island, and new-modelled a rough draft they had of a charter of incorporation for a college, which soon after obtained Legislative sanction. The summer following the institution went into operation under the Rev. James Manning, President, at Warren, at which place the first commencement wag held in 1769. Two years after, an elegant edifice was erected at Providence, and the institution flourished under its worthy President, the late renowned. Dr. Manning, as it did since his death under President Maxy, and does now under President Mercer. At the commencement of last September, twenty- nine were admitted to the degree of Bachelor of Arts. It is now called Brown's University, in honor of the generous Nicholas Brown, merchant, of that place. The writer kept a boarding school between twenty-nine and thirty years, at Lower Dublin, in which many were educated, that are now useful in the different learned professions. One of them, the Rev. Dr. Allison, kept a large Academy under his sole direction, at Bordentown, in New Jersey, from whence issued many useful characters. The Philadelphia Baptist Association have a fund for the education of young men promising for the gospel ministry, as have also the Charleston Association. The Baptists, in Georgia, have in contemplation to erect a College in that State, on Mount Enon, at the distance of 140 miles from the Atlantic, in lati- tude 33 north, on an elevation of 200 feet perpendicular, accommodated with salubrious air, and two fine springs that issue out of rocks on the north and west sides. The business is in some forwardness, as unsolicited donations already amount to about five thousand dollars. This account of Enon College bears date of December, 1806. * Of these my good and intimate friend, the late Doctor Samuel Stillman, of Boston, was one, to whose memory, memorable as it was. Doctor Baldwin, in the funeral discourse, has done such ample justice. It would be well, if on Buch occasions, truth was always so strictly attended to. 59 466 A CENTURY SERMON. has taken place within a small compass, in the course of the last century, in promoting the kingdom of the Messiah in the world, we see a glorious accomplishment of the pro- phecy in the text, and if we look forward, a still more glo- rious prospect lies before us. Before another century will revolve, before another op- portunity will offer, of delivering another discourse on the like occasion with the jDresent, we hope and expect, that the latter day of glory, the spiritual reign of Christ, will commence, in comparison of which, what we have seen, however glorious, can be but a prelude, a faint shadow. We have indeed lately seen a whole church with its ministry,* as it were a whole town, turn from will-worship to the apostolic practice, in a manner with one consent. This was great and remarkable, I confess, for our day and time. But how much greater and more glorious will it be, when superstition and false coloring of Scripture shall cease, when the Lord Jesus thall destroy every species of anti- christ with the sj)irit of his mouth and the brightness of his comuig, when his ancient people the Jews shall be brought in, together with the fullness of the gentile world j in one word, when a nation shall be born in a day. Should it enter the mind of any that this is a figurative expression, we grant it may be so : but then if it be, it is such an one as denotes something very great and glorious indeed ; nor is there room to doubt, but the power of God is able to bring that saying to pass literally. May the Lord hasten and accomplish his holy purposes to the praise of his glory. The glorious day sj)oken of will be the time of the Lord's reformation. The reformation, which has been so much gloried in was but a poor piece of business, although it has been attended with valuable consequences. The reformers shook off the Papal yoke, but in the main retained its principles and spirit. They did not estabhsh the right of * This refers to the Rev. Daniel Merril, of Maine. That of N. Dodge, at Lebanon, in Connecticut, is not very dissimilar. A CENTURY SERMON. 467 free inquiry, liberty of conscience, and the word of God as the only rule of faith and practice : but, on the other hand, opposed, restrained and suppressed every attempt to pro- mote a thorough reformation. They were influenced by worldly motives, connected religion with worldly establish- ments, were the abettors of tyranny and ojDpression, and even of persecution by fire and the sword. But we look for a far different reformation. The Lord will come, and will not tarry. Let us wait for him. Having thus, my brethren, laid before you our original state, and the progress made within our compass, and then extended our views to our brethren in the Union ; and having said a few words in regard to the state of religion among other societies, it may now be time to draw towards a conclusion. But, before I close, I shall take the liberty to say a few words with reference to the nature of our subject. Some may say, that we have talked too much about our numbers, and that it looks rather like boasting. I would inquire of such, whether it would not be more candid in them, to consider it as exulting in the riches of divine grace and goodness. If, however, we may not speak of the great things God has done for us, without being charged with boasting, then let us determine with the Apostle, that no man shall stop us of this boasting. Li the Lord we will triumph, and in his salvation. That our subject, however, is dry, and does not admit of much fervor and devotion is readily granted. It does not call for that pathos which the common subjects of the sacred desk, not only allow, but often require. To speak of the deplorable state of man under the wrath of God, and the sentence of condemnation ; to display the unsearchable riches of the grace and love of God in the way of recovery and salvation through Jesus Christ ; to describe the work of the Spirit in taking the things of Christ and showing them unto us, his work of conversion and sanctification ; to paint the awful process in the great day, and finally the irrecoverable perdition of the ungodly, 468 A CENTUKY SERMON. and the glory and felicity of the righteous ; these are sub- jects that will admit, and even call for animation. Here the preacher may well glow with ardor, and the hearer feel an in- terest. These subjects, when accompanied with divine power, will melt the affections, bow the will, and mend the heart. But if our subject does not rise to the height of those now mentioned, it is nevertheless well worth while, to devote one hour, once in an hundred years at least, to re- view the ways and doings of God with his church and peo- ple, in accomplishing the purposes and decrees of his grace and goodness. Such contemplation may be of advantage to us, not only for present satisfaction, but because it tends to call forth into exercise the best powers and faculties of the soul, and to excite to action the graces of the Spirit there implanted. Here we are led to exult and triumph in his power and goodness. In this contemjDlation our gratitude, thanksgiv- ing and praise, those heavenly exercises, will be most power- fully moved. From what has been done in the accomplish- ment of his promises, we are led to hope for the fulfillment of those that remain, we are led to a steadfast confidence in him, who has said, " And lo, I am with you always, to the end of the world f and that no weapon formed against Zion shall prosper. Every device of man to unite the church and the world must come to naught. For the Redeemer has said, " My kingdom is not of this world." Human schemes and policy will not long avail. The church will shortly come up out of the wilderness. In the spirit of true piety and ardent affection it is fit we should therefore join in the general chorus of the redeemed throng through all ages, saying, " Come Lord Jesus, come quickly." Let us then unite with one heart and voice in ascribing " honor and glory, praise and power, might, majesty and dominion to him that sitteth on the throne, and to the Lamb forever and ever." Amen. Date Due