636)^ 
 
 
 LIBRARY OF 
 
 LEWIS BINGLEY WYNNE 
 
 A.B.,A.M., COLUMBIAN COLLEGE/71 , '73 
 WASHINGTON. D. C. 
 
 THE GIFT OF 
 
 MRS. MARY A. WYNNE 
 
 AND 
 
 JOHN H. WYNNE 
 
 CORNELL '98 
 
 1922 
 
Cornell University Library 
 BX6384.M7 G85 
 
 History of the P"m'<il'S,,,P,?iPliSffiiifiL||'''® 
 
 olin 
 
 3 1924 029 452 608 
 
Cornell University 
 Library 
 
 The original of tliis book is in 
 tine Cornell University Library. 
 
 There are no known copyright restrictions in 
 the United States on the use of the text. 
 
 http://www.archive.org/details/cu31924029452608 
 

 ■'' / / '-^ ■ 
 
 
 / 
 
 A^ 
 
A HISTORY 
 
 PRIMITIVE BAPTISTS 
 
 MISSISSIPPI, 
 
 FROM THE 
 
 FIRST SETTLEMENT BY THE AMERICANS, UP TO 
 THE MIDDLE OF THE XIXth CENTURY; 
 
 INCLUDING A BRIEF ALLOSION TO THE COURSE, DOCTRINES, AND PRACTICE OF 
 THE CHRISTIAN CHURCH FROM JERUSALEM TO AMERICA ; ALSO, THE DOC- 
 TRINE AND PRACTICE OF MODERN MISSiuNARIES, FROM THE DAYS OF 
 ANDREW FULLER, AND A BRIEF NOTICE OF D. BENEDICT'S LATE HISTORY 
 OF THE BAPTISTS ; CONCLUDED WITH AN ADDRESS TO THE GENERAL READER. 
 
 BY BENJAMIN GUIFFIN, 
 
 OF HOLMES COUNTY, MISS. 
 
 JACKSON, MISS., 
 
 jPUBtlSHBD FOE THE AUTHOE BY BAEKSDALE AND JONESi 
 
 a • • • 
 
 1853. 
 
ENTERED ACCORDING TO ACT OF CONGRESS IN THE YEAR. 1853, BT 
 BENJAMIN GRIFFIN, IN THE CLERK's OFFICE OF THE UNITED STATES 
 DISTRICT COURT FOR THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF MISSISBIFFI. 
 
PREFACE. 
 
 In September, 1850, the Primitive Baptist Association appointed two 
 persons (Joseph Erwin and Benjamin Griffin,) to write " A Brief History 
 of the Old School Baptists of Mississippi." Ihe object of the Association, 
 as appeared from the discussion, was to set forth our platform of principles, 
 and show the contrast between the Old and New Schools. How far this 
 obj eet has been attained, is not for the writer to say. 
 
 In September, 1851, the Association was again convened. But little had 
 been done towards the comtemplated history — and, indeed, the Author was 
 more than half ificlined to evade the task. But he was stimulated by the 
 influence of friends to persevere in accomplishing the object in view. 
 
 In viTiting a history of this kind, a wide field has to be reconnoitred. 
 What is now written only pretends to be a mere sketch of a vast subject. 
 And no one can be more sensible than the writer of its numerous defects. 
 
 After all, it must be frankly confessed, that wi'iting on an unpopular sub- 
 ject, without a literary reputation, and in a state of suspense as to its re- 
 ception by friends or foes, had much to do in relaxing the energies of both 
 body and mind. But ' what is written is written;' and if the outlines of 
 ihe Missionary System have been sketched in colors too dark to please its 
 fiiends, they may be assured that the writer had no other design in view 
 than simply to state the truth, on what he believed to be reliable authority. 
 And if, by chance, he has been misled so as to do injustice to any man or 
 hody of men, no one would be more ready to make suitable reparation, 
 when made sensible of the fact. 
 
 It win perhaps be necessary to notify the reader, that Particular, Kegular, 
 Primitive, or Old School Baptists, mean the same — being different appella- 
 tions, applied at different periods and localities, to the same people. 
 
 With these remarks, the history is left to explain and speak for itself, to 
 those who may, from curiosity or any other motive, peruse the following 
 pages. - BENJAMIN GRIFFIN. 
 
INTRODUCTION. 
 
 CHAPTER I.^ 
 
 A BRIEF NOTICE OF THE CHURCH, UP TO 
 THE REFORMATION. 
 
 We are fully assured, by Divine authority, that th^ 
 Mosaic dispensation of worship was put down by Christ 
 and his Apostlesy and the Gospel mode of worship set up. 
 But the precise time when the first local Gospel church ^ 
 ■was organized, is a matter of inference only. In the 
 second chapter of the Acts, we find the following brief 
 history of the saints, and their practice: " Then they 
 that gladly received His word were baptized ; and the 
 same day there were added unto them about three 
 thousand souls ; and they continued steadfastly in the 
 Apostle's doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of 
 bread, and in prayers. And fear came upon every soul ; 
 and many wonders and signs were done by the Apostles. 
 And all that believed were together, and had all things 
 common^and sold their possessions and goods, and 
 parted them to all men, as every man had need. And 
 they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and 
 breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat 
 with gladness and singleness of heart, praising God, and 
 having favor with all the people. And the Lord added 
 to the church daily such as should be saved." In 
 verse 47, we are told that " the Lord added to the 
 church," but in verse 41, "church" is omitted. There- 
 fore, from this fact, as \7ell as the general narrative, we 
 
6 
 
 are fully pursuaded that there was no regularly 
 organized local church, when " there were added unto 
 them about three thousand souls." But it is more than 
 probable, that this great addition "unto them," led to 
 an immediate organization, for in verse 47, we learn that 
 "the Lord added to the church." 
 
 In Acts 5 — 11, we are informed that " great fear came 
 upon all the church" in consequence of a signal judgment 
 inflicted upon a couple of hypocrites who "lied unto 
 God," by pretending to give that which they did not 
 give — by pretending to do that which they did not do — 
 by trying to obtain a good name in the church for 
 liberality and benevolence, regardless of truth and 
 christian sincerity. 
 
 In the 8th chapter of Acts, we learn that " Thei-e was 
 a great persecution against the church ■yphich was at 
 Jerusalem ; and they were all scattered abroad' through- 
 out the regions^ of Judea and Samaria, except the 
 Apostles. Therefore, they that were scattered abroacj 
 went every where preaching the word." Some of 
 " these travelled as far as Phenice, and Cypi'us, and 
 Antioch, preaching the word to the Jews only.. And 
 some of them were men of Cyprus and Cyrene, which, 
 when they were come to Antioch, spake unto the 
 Grecians, preaching the Lord Jesus. And the hand of 
 the Lord was with them ; and a great number believed 
 and turned unto the Lord. Then tidings of these things 
 came unto the ears of the church which was in 
 Jerusalem, and they sent forth Barnabas, that he should 
 go as far as Antioch" — perhaps to see if these things 
 be of God or of men — for " when he came and had seen 
 the grace of God, he was glad," which seems to 
 express a previous doubt, or at least a f^ar. 
 
 Barnabas now left for Tarsus to seek Saul; and 
 when he had found him he brought him tp Antioch, it is 
 more than probable, for the pui-pose of constituting a 
 
church. Be that as it may, "A whole year they 
 assembled themselves with the church, and taught 
 much people." And from this same church these same 
 two Apostles were sent by the Holy Ghost to set things 
 in, order, and ordain Elders in all the churches as 
 overseers thereof. Having accomplished this object 
 they returned to Antioch. 
 
 In' process of time a difficulty arose in Antioch church 
 relative to circumcision ; and " Paul and Barnabas, and 
 certain other of them" were sent "up to Jerusalem unto 
 the Apostles and Elders about this question. And the 
 Apostles and Elders came together for to consider of 
 this matter." After the discussion was over, which 
 seems to have been conducted by lay members. Elders 
 and Apostles — " Then pleased it the Apostles and Elders, 
 with the whole church, to send chosen men of their own 
 company to Antioch, with Paul and Barnabas, namely : 
 Judas, surnamed Barsabas, and Silas, chief men among 
 the brethren. And they wrote a letter by them after 
 this manner : The Apostles and Elders, and brethren 
 send, greeting unto the brethren which are of the Gentiles, 
 in Antioch, and Syria, and Gillicia," &c. This latter 
 concludes thus: "For it seemed good to the Holy Ghost, 
 and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden than these 
 necessary things; that ye abstain from meats offered to 
 idols, and from blood, and from things strangled, and 
 from fornication; from which, if ye keep yourselves, ye 
 shall do well. Fare ye well." "So when they were 
 dismissed, they came to Antioch; and when they had 
 gathered the multitude together, they delivered the 
 epistle ; which, when they had read, they rejoiced for 
 the consolation/' And so ended the first regularly 
 conducted church difficulty under the Gospeldispensation* 
 
 The foregoing we have gjeaned from the Acts, which 
 is about all the history of the visible church that we.can 
 gather from aninspired writer. There ar e m any letters, 
 written by inspiration to the local churches^ which, 
 
8 
 
 incidentally,, throw additional light on their history ; but: 
 our limits constrain us to pass on. We must now leave 
 Jerusalem and follow the church westward, and that,, 
 too, without an inspired guide. 
 
 The number of the local churches in the Apostolic day 
 is unknown tons — neithercau we learn their constitutions, 
 rules of decorum, or the terms on which sister churches, 
 of that day, were associated together. These external 
 arrangements must necessarily be left to the local 
 churches, to be managed according to circumstances. 
 Hence, where persecution raged against them, they were 
 constrained to adopt rules, to govern their meetings, 
 which were unnecessary when they were permitted to< 
 meet openly. 
 
 Christ and His Apostles had revolutionized the mode 
 of worship, and set up the Gospel Kingdom. The- 
 Comforter had sent Paul and Barnabas to ordain Elders 
 in all the churches, as overseers thereof. Christ 
 commanded His Apostles to go into all the world and 
 preach the Gospel to every creature — and they acted 
 accordingly. The Comforter commanded the Elders to 
 feed the church of God which he hath purchased with 
 His own blood — and they acted accordingly. The 
 former acted in the capacity of revolutionary officers, 
 the latter as household or civil officers. 
 
 Although we cannot learn the precise time that the 
 Apostolic churches existed, yet we know, that it was 
 comparatively a short period, and that the part of the 
 ■world in which they were located, has, for many long 
 centuries, been buried in Egyptian darkness, so far as true 
 Christianity is concerned. The mystery of iniquity 
 began to work in the days of the Apostles; and in 
 process of time, become so overwhelming in the local 
 churches that the true followers of Christ were con- 
 strained to withdraw from the popular church, and form 
 a separate connection, on Apostolic principles. 
 
 It is not my object to write a history of the Church, 
 
9' 
 
 but simply to show th^ general drift of her travels up 
 to the/ present! century. Therefore, it is sufficient for my 
 purpose to say, that a separation took' place at an early 
 day. And Baptist historians generally agree, that the 
 true dhurch passed up through the Novations, the 
 Paulicians, the Paterines, and the Waldenses, to the days 
 of the reformation. These, however, are generic terms, 
 similar to "Protestant" of the present day. The want of 
 proper attention to this fact, has led many well meaning' 
 persons astray, relative to the doctrine and practice 
 approved by these people. Suppose' a history of the 
 Protestant's of the 19th century was written^- yea, 
 suppose a full history of all the people called Baptists' 
 only, was written, how much inconsistency in doctrine' 
 and practice could be handed down to future generations ? 
 A flood of errors, and heresies, and superstitions, from the 
 rtiouth of the Serpent, has followed after the Church, 
 from Jerusalem, through Western Asia, Southern Europei' 
 and North America — and had it been possible, the very' 
 elect would have been deceived and carried' away 
 by those signs and lying wonders which the followers of 
 anti-Christ hath power to do in the sight of men. 
 ' Satan's greatest efforts have been directed against the 
 true Churchi not only to annoy the saints, but to cast a-- 
 blur upon the religion of their Lord and Master. In all 
 the travels of the Church, he has hovered arriund her, 
 with transformed angels of light, who will at times ap-' 
 proximate so near the truth, as to render it difficult for 
 the "vfery elect," and impossible for the natural man, to 
 discover their hypocrisy. Yea, these incarnate fiends ofi 
 darkness, like: those of old, will at times admit the truth 
 of God, and at the same time burlesque it, as being 
 unprofitable, and therefore should be hid from men, bein^" 
 iniits tendency a licentious doctrine. 
 
 Search the Scriptures, and you will find that those 
 incarnate. enemies of God, who have made hypocritical 
 
10 
 
 pretensions to His worship^ while warring against; His 
 saints, and blaring the character of true Christianity, are* 
 the characters against whom all the gospel woes are 
 pronounced. 
 
 Church history, except what little can be gleanedi 
 from the inspired writers, is, at best, nothing more thaii 
 the tra'ditions of men. Therefore, though it might be 
 reliable, as a record of facts and events as they 
 transpired, yet, it only portrays the history of unin- 
 spired fallible men. But when we consider that the true 
 followers of Christ have generally been hid from the 
 world, and when seen always hated, and every where 
 spoken against — and, in addition to this, when we 
 consider the great anxiety of the followers of anti- 
 Christ, to establish their false doctrine and practice, and 
 for this purpose shaping history, by misrepresenting 
 some facts and omitting others, by false coloring and 
 illegitimate inferences — then, we shall feel with additional 
 force, the great propriety of cleaving to that Book, 
 which we recognize as the only rule of faith and practice.- 
 And, when we still go forward and search the Scriptures, 
 and find that even the true visible church is not infallible, 
 but liable to error, and that truth and falsehood are eternal 
 opposites, and that the practice of an error by saints or 
 sinners, for any length of time, can never make it right, 
 then will the propriety of searching the Scriptures as 
 our only rule, be still more forcibly riveted uponi our 
 minds. Hence, it seems much more consistent with 
 Christain propriety to measure ourselves by the Diving 
 standard, in order to prove our legitimacy, than to go to 
 history for the purpose of proving a regular succession. 
 Though God has no doubt reserved to Himself, in all 
 ages of the Gospel day, a people who never bowed the 
 knee to Baal, yet, to say that the legitimacy of His 
 visible church depends on proving a regular successfoa 
 fijom the days of the Apostles, would be laying an uns- 
 
11 
 
 necessary burden upon the household of faith. , The 
 visible church, as organized under the reign of the 
 Comforter, was never designed, in whole or in part, to 
 procure the eternal salvation of God's people ; but seems 
 to be designed for their salvation from error and delusion 
 — -false doctrine ' and false practice^to gather them 
 together into one fold, through the . insti-iimentality of 
 under-shepherds, where they are to be fQd,.and edified, 
 and comforted. Here " all things must be done decently 
 and in order." Hence, it would seem sufficient without 
 any concern about a regular succession, that we 
 fellowship no disorder, which comes within the range of 
 our knowledge. 
 
 THE WALDENSES. 
 
 We shall here proceed to give a few quotations 
 relative to these people, promiscuously taken from 
 Jones's Church History : 
 
 "In articles of faith the authority of the Holy 
 Sci'iptures is the highest, and for that reason ' it is the 
 standard of judging, so that whatsoever doth not agi'ee 
 with the word of God, is deservedly to be rejected arid' 
 avoided. 
 
 " The decrees of preachers and counsels are only s6 
 far to be approved as they agree with the word of God. 
 
 " We believe that there is one God the Father, Son, 
 and Holy Spirit. ' ' 
 
 " The Scriptures teach us, that there is one God, 
 almighty, unbounded in wisdom, and infinite in goodness^ 
 and who, in His goodness, has made all things^ For He 
 created Adam after His own image and likeness, but 
 through the enmity of the devil, and his own disobediencei 
 Adam fell, sirt entered into the world, and we became 
 transgressors in and by Adam. 
 
 "Christ had been promised to the fathers' who 
 received the law, to. the end that, knowing their sini by 
 the law, they might d«sire the Coming of Christ to maker 
 satisfaction for their sins, and to accomplish the law by 
 Himself. 
 
12 
 
 "At the time appointed of the Father, Christ was 
 bol-ii— a time "When iriiqaity every where abounded— to 
 make it mianifest that it was not for the sake of any good 
 in ourselves, for all were sinners, but that He, who is 
 true, might display His grace and mercy towards us. 
 
 "Christ is our life, and truth, and peace, and 
 righteousness, our shepherd and advocate, our sacrifice 
 and priest, who died for the salvation of all who should 
 believe, and rose again for their justification. 
 
 " That is the Church of Christ, which hfears the pure 
 doctrine of Christ, and observes the ordinances 
 instituted by him, in whatsoever place it exists. 
 
 " He is our mediator and advocate, nor is there any 
 other name given under Heaven by which we can be 
 saved. In His name alone, we call upon the Father — 
 using no other prayers than those contained in the Holy 
 Scriptures, or such as are in substance agreeable 
 thereto. 
 
 "Ministers of the church ought to be unblamable, 
 both in life and doctrine ; and if found otherwise, that 
 they ought to be deposed from their office, and others 
 substituted in their stead ; and that no person ought to 
 presume to take that honor untp himself but he who is 
 Galled of C^od, as was Aaron ; that the duties of such .are, 
 to feed the flock of God, not for filthy lucre's sake, or as 
 having dominion over God's heritage, but as being 
 examples to the flock, in word, in conversation, in 
 charity, in faith, and in chastity. 
 
 "All those in whom the fear of God dwells, will thereby 
 be led to please him, and to abound with good works 
 which God hath before ordained that we should walk in 
 them, which are : Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, 
 GOODNESS, GENTLENESS, SOBRIETY, and th'c Other good 
 works enforced in the Holy Scriptures. 
 
 "We consider it to be our duty to beware of false 
 teachers, whose object is to divert the minds of men 
 frdm the true worship of God, and to lead them to place 
 their confidence in the creature, as well as to depart 
 from the good works of the Gospel, and to regard the 
 inventions of men. 
 
 "We have ever regarded the inventions of men, in 
 
13 
 
 the affairs of religion, as an unspeakable aboininaticiil 
 before God. 
 
 " We hold in abhorrence all human inventions, as 
 proceeding from anti-Christ, which produce distress, and 
 are prejudicial to the liberty of the mind. 
 
 "We consider .the sacraments as signs of holy 
 things, or as the visible emblems of invisible blessings. 
 We regard it as proper, and even necessary, that 
 believers use these symbols, or visible forms, when it can 
 be done. Notwithstanding which, we maintain that 
 believers may be saved without these signs, when they 
 have neither place nor opportunity of observing them. 
 
 "We acknowledge no sacraments, as of Divine 
 appointment, but baptism and the Lord's supper. 
 
 " We honor the secular powers, with subjection, 
 obedience, promptitude and payment. 
 
 " Although anti-Christ was conceived in the days of 
 the Apostles, he was then, in his infancy, imperfect and 
 unformed, rude, unshapen, and wanting utterance. He 
 then wanted those hy'pocritical ministers and human 
 ordinances, and the outward show of religious orders, 
 which he afterwards obtained. As he was destitute of 
 riches and other endowments necessary to allure to 
 himself ministers for his service, and to enable him to 
 multiply, defend, and protect his adherents, so he als o 
 wanted the secular power to force others to forsake the 
 truth and embrace falsehood. But growing up in his 
 members, that is, in his blind and dissembling rninisters, 
 and worldly subjects, he at length arrived at full 
 maturity,. when men, whose hearts were set upon this 
 world, blind in the faith, multiplied in the church, and by 
 the union of church and State, got the power of both 
 into their hands. 
 
 " Christ never had an enemy like this ; so able to 
 peryert the way of truth into falsehood, insomuch that 
 the true church, with her children, is trodden under 
 foot. He robs the Savior of His merits, and the suffi- 
 ciency of His grace in justification, regeneratioo, 
 remission of sins, sanctification, establishment in the 
 faith, and spiritual nourishment. He seduces the, people 
 from Christ, drawing off their minds from seeking those 
 blessings in Him, by a lively, faith in God,, in Jesus 
 
14 
 
 Christ, and in the Holy Spirit, and teaching his followers 
 to expect them by the will, and pleasure, and works of 
 anti-Ohrist. 
 
 " He makes use of an outward confession of faith ; 
 and therein is verified the saying of the Apostle : ' They 
 profess in words that they know God, but in works they 
 deny him.' He boasts of numerous miracles, even as 
 the Apostle foretold, ' Whose coming is after the working 
 (if Satan, with all miracles and signs, and lying wonders, 
 and with all deceivableness of unrighteousness.' He has 
 an outward show of holiness, consisting in prayers, 
 fastings, watohings, and alms deeds, of which the 
 ApOstle testified, ' Having a form of godliness, but 
 denying the power thereof. 
 
 "Thus it is that anti Christ covers his lying wicked- 
 ness as with a cloak or garment, that he may not be 
 rejected as a pagan or infidel, and under which disguise 
 he can go on practising his villainies boldly, and like a 
 harlot. But it is plain from both the Old and New 
 Testaments, that a christian stands bound by express 
 command to separate himself from anti-Christ. 
 
 "It is manifest from the New Testament, that the 
 Lord is come, and hath suffered death, that he might 
 gather together in one the children of God ; and it is on 
 account of this unity in the truth, and their separation 
 from others, that it is said. Matt, x., "I am come to 
 separate a man from his father, and to set the daughter 
 against her mother, and the daughter4n-law against her 
 mother-in-lkw, and those of a man's household shall be 
 his enemies. Christ hath enjoined this separation when 
 he said, ' Whosoever doth not forsake father and mother, 
 &c., cannot be my disciple.' And again, "Beware of 
 false prophets which come to you in sheep's clothing.' 
 Again, ' Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees — and 
 take heed lest any man seducfe you, for many shall come 
 in -My name and seduce many.' ' And in the book of the 
 revelation he warns by His own voice, saying ' Come out 
 of her My people, and be not partakers of her sins, that 
 ye receive not of her plagues ; for her sins are come 
 up unto heaven, and the Lord remembereth her iniquity.' 
 The Apostle says the same, ' Have no fellowship with 
 unbelievers, for what communion hath righteousness 
 
15 
 
 with iniquity, or what agreement hath light with 
 darkness, or what part hath a behever with an infidql, 
 br ^he templer of ,God with idols ? Wherefore, come out 
 from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, 
 and touch no undean thing, and I will receiveyou, and 
 be a father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and 
 daughters, saith the Lord Almighty. 
 
 " Thus, as trie Lord is pleased to e6able us, and so far 
 as our understandings are instructed into the path of 
 duty, we attach ourselves to the truth of Christ, and to 
 His church, how mean soever she, may appear in the 
 eyes of men. We, therefoi'e, have thpught it good to 
 make this declaration of our reasons for departing from 
 anti-Christ, as well as to make known what kind of fel- 
 lowship we have, to the end, that if the Lbrd'be pleased 
 to impart the knowledge of the same truth to others, 
 those that receive itmay love it together with us. It is 
 our desire also, that if, peradventure, others are not 
 sufBcieiitly enlightened, they may receive assistance 
 from this service, the Lord succeeding it by his blessing. 
 On the other hand, ii any have received more abundant- 
 ly from Him, and in a higher measure, we desire with all 
 humility to be taught, and instructed Better, that so we 
 ii)ay rectify whatever is amiss." 
 
 Thus wrote the Waldenses more than seven hundred 
 years ago, while struggling against the first beast. The 
 rgecond beast, which John saw coming up as the other 
 went down, has the external appendages of a lamb, but 
 inwardly he is a dragon every whit. And he exercispth 
 all the power of the first beast, vvhich was before hini.' 
 Here is wisdom. Let him that hath understanding 
 count the number of the beast. 
 
; CHAPTER 11. 
 
 A BRIEF NOTICE OF THE HISTORY OF THE 
 EUROPEAN BAPTISTS. 
 
 Dr. Mosheim, a learned church historian, of the 
 Lutheran order, and strongly prejudiced against the 
 Baptist, thus writes concerning them : " The true origin 
 of that sect which acquired the denomination of 
 Anabaptists by their administering anew the rite of 
 baptism to those who come over to their communion, 
 and derived that of Mennonites from the famous man to 
 whom they owe the greatest part of their present fehcity, 
 is hid in the remote depth of antiquity, and is, of conse- 
 quence, extremely difficult to be ascertained." Here is 
 a irank acknowledgment by a learned opponent of the 
 Baptist that their origin was more than a century ago, 
 " Hid in the remote depth of antiquity." 
 
 Again, the same historian says, " The modern Meno- 
 nites (Baptists) not only consider themselves as the 
 descendants of the Waldenses, who were so grievously 
 oppressed and persecuted by the despotic heads of the 
 Roman church, but pretend, moreover, to be the purest 
 offspring of these respectable sufferers, being equally 
 averse to all principles of rebellion on the one hand, and 
 all suggestions of fanaticism on the other." The careful 
 reader will here notice an allusion to an important fact, 
 too often overlooked by others, that is, that Waldenses 
 is a genuine term, similar to that of Protestant, of the 
 present day — covering many sects, many creeds, and 
 many rules of practice. To prove this conclusively, we 
 will make a short quotation from the same author, 
 bearing on this point, viz : " It must be carefully observed, 
 that though all these projectors of a new, unspotted and 
 perfect church, were comprehended under the general 
 denomination of Anabaptists, on account of their 
 opposing the baptism of infacts, and their rebaptising 
 
17 
 
 such as had received that sacrament in a state of child- 
 hood in other churches, yet they were, from their origin, 
 subdivided into various sects, which differed from each 
 other in points of no small moment." It appears, then, 
 from the testimony of Dr. Mosheim, that the Waldenses, 
 previous to the Reformation, were divided into different 
 denominations, and, that the Baptists, subsequent to the 
 Reformation, were " subdivided into various sects, 
 which differed from each other in points of no small 
 moment." And this testimony could be amply corrobo- 
 rated from other sources, were it necessary. 
 
 As Dr. Mosheim was a member of the Lutheran 
 church, the eldest daughter of the Roman lady, and 
 consequently not a friend to the Baptists, we will extract 
 some more statements before he is dismissed from the 
 stand, viz : " Before the rise of Luther and Calvin, (that 
 is before the Reformation,) there lay concealed in almost 
 all the countries of Europe, particularly in Bohemia, 
 Moravia, Switzerland and Germany, many persons who 
 adhered tenaciously to the following doctrine, which the 
 Waldenses, WicklifHtes and Hussites had maintained, 
 some in a more disguised, and others in a more open " 
 and public manner, viz : " That the kingdom of Christ, 
 or the visible church he had established upon earth, was 
 an assembly of real and true saints, and ought, therefore,, 
 to be inaccessible to the wicked and unrighteous, and 
 also exempt from all those institutions which human 
 prudence suggests, to oppose the progress of iniquity, 
 or to correct and reform transgressors." Again : " It is 
 true, indeed, that many Anabaptists suffered death, not 
 on account of their being considered as rebellious 
 subjects, but merely because they were judged to be in- 
 curable heretics ; for, in this century, the error of limit-' 
 ing the administration of baptism to adult persons only, 
 and the practice of rebaptising such as had received 
 that sacrament in a state of infancy, were looked upon 
 
 X n-..-^- J :_*„1, Ul„ 1 ;„„ ') 
 
18 
 
 When we consider that Dr. Mosheim is one of the 
 most learned church historians, that has eve;r written on 
 the subject, and, that he, entertained no partiahty i». 
 favor of the Baptists, we feel fully authorized tp accept 
 the foregoing as reliable testimony in their favor. By a; 
 careful examination and comparison of these extracts, it 
 will be seen, that there was a sect in Europe, whose 
 origin was hid in the remote; depths of antiquity, who 
 practised Baptist principles, and hence, subsequent to, 
 the Reformation, acquired the denomination of Ana- 
 baptists — that they lay concealed in almost all the 
 European countries, particularly in Bohemia, Moravia, 
 Switzerland and Germany — and that they adhered te^ 
 naciously to the following doctrine, viz : " That the 
 kingdom of Christ, or the visible church he had estab- 
 lished upon earth, was an assembly of true and real 
 saints, and ought, therefore, to be inaccessible to the 
 wicked and unrighteous, and also exempt from all those 
 institutions which human prudence suggests, to oppose 
 the progress of iniquity, or to correct and reform trans- 
 gressors." And it will be also seen, that many 
 Anabaptists suffered death, not on account of their 
 being considered as rebellious subjects — for they were 
 equally averse to ail principles of rebellion, on the one 
 hand, and all suggestions of fanati(?ism on the other — but 
 they were punished with death merely because they 
 were judged to be incurable heretics. 
 
 The witness testifies that the Baptists were "subdi- 
 vided into various sects, which differed from each other 
 in points of no small moment." Hence the gross injustice 
 of applying the inconsistencies and bad conduct of some 
 Baptists, indiscriminately, to all the sec^s bearing that 
 name. 
 
Id 
 
 ENGLISH BAPTISTS. 
 
 The reformation having somewhat abated , the spirit j 
 of persecution, and, enlightened the minds of men, om 
 the subject of religious rights', we find the Baptists 
 organizing themselves into local churches, in the various 
 countries of Southern and Western 'Europe. They 
 were divided into two principal sects, especially' in 
 Great Britain, and were denominated Particular Baptists, 
 and General Baptists. In the early part of the 1 6th' , 
 century, churches were organized in and about London, 
 of both denoininations. They differed prinqipally on 
 points of doctrine. The General Baptists were Armi- 
 nians, and the Particular Baptists were Predestinariang. 
 The modern Missionary scheme was then unknown 
 among the Baptists. 
 
 In 1689 a general assembly of the Particular Baptists 
 of England and Wales, was held in London, for the 
 purpose of forming a general Union, by setting forth 
 the articles of faith upon which they were organized, 
 which they honestly believed, to which they held 
 privately and publicly, and according to which they 
 acted. These articles of faith are divided into thirty-' 
 four chapters. They are in substance the same as those 
 of the Primitive or Old School Baptiists of this day. 
 Hence, it is only necessary here to give a few extracts 
 upon leading points of difference between them and the 
 Arminian Baptists : 
 
 " ADVERTISEMENT. 
 
 "We, the Ministers and Messengers of, and concerned 
 for, upwards of one hundred baptised congregations in 
 England and Wales, (denying Arminiaiiism,) being met 
 together in London, from the third of the seventh month 
 to the eleventh of the same, 1689, to consider of some 
 things that might be for the glory of God, and the good 
 of these congregations, have thought meet (for the satis- 
 faction of all oth6r christians that differ from us in the 
 point of baptism,) to recommend to their perusal the 
 
20 
 
 Confession of our Faith, printed for, and sold by, John 
 Marshall, at the Bible, in Grace Church street, which 
 confession \ve own, as containing the doctrine of our 
 faith and practice, and do desire that the members of our 
 churches respectively do furnish themselves therewith." 
 "CHAPTER m. 
 " OF GOD'S DECREE. 
 "1. God hath decreed in Himself from all eternity, by 
 the most wise and holy counsel of His own will, freely 
 and unchangeably, all things whatsoever ; yet so as there- 
 by is God neither the author of sin, nor hath fellowship 
 with any therein, nor is violence offered to the will of 
 the creature, nor yet is the liberty or contingency 
 of second causes taken away, but rather established, in 
 which appears his wisdom in disposing all things, and 
 power and faithfulness in accomplishing his decree. 
 
 2. Although God knoweth whatsoever may, or can 
 come to pass upon all supposed conditions, yet hath he 
 not decreed anything because he foresaw it as future, or 
 that which would come to pass upon such conditions. ■ 
 
 3. By the decree of God, for the manifestation of His 
 glory, some men and angels are predestinated, or foreor- 
 dained to eternal life, through Jesus Christ, to the praise 
 of His glorious grace — others being left to act in their 
 sin to their just condemnation, to the praise of His 
 glorious justice. 
 
 4. These angels and men thus predestinated, and 
 foreordained, are particularly and unchangeably design- 
 ed, and their number so certain and definite, that it can- 
 not be either increased or diminished. 
 
 5. Those of mankind that are predestinated to life, 
 God, before the foundation of the world was laid, accord- 
 ing to His eternal, immutable purpose, and the secret 
 counsel and good pleasure of his will, hath chosen in 
 Christ unto everlasting glory, out of his mere free grace 
 and love, without any other thing in the creature as a 
 condition or cause moving him thereto. 
 
 6. As God hath appointed the elect unto glory, so he 
 hath by the eternal and most free purpose of his will, 
 foreordained all themeans thereunto, wherefore theyvvrho 
 are elected, being fallen in Adam, are redeemed by 
 Christ, are effectually called unto faith in Christ, by His 
 
21 
 
 spirit workilig in due season, are justified, adopted, 
 sanctified, and kept by his power through faith unto 
 salvation; neither are any other redeemed by Christ, or 
 efiectually called, justified, adopted, sanctified, arid 
 saved, but the elect only. 
 
 7. The doctrine of this high mystery of predestina- 
 tion is to be handled with special prudence and care, 
 that men attending the will of God revealed in His 
 word, and yielding obedience thereunto, may, from the 
 certainty of their effectual vocation, be assured of their 
 eternal election; so shall this doctrine afford matter of 
 praise, reverence, and admiration of God, and of 
 humility, diligence, and abundant consolation, to all that 
 sincerely obey the Gospel." 
 
 " CHAPTER IV. 
 " OF DIVINE PROVIDENCE. 
 
 "1. God, the Creator of all things, in his infinite power 
 and wisdom, doth uphold, direct, dispose, and govern all 
 
 . creatures and things, from the greatest even to the least, 
 by His most wise and holy providence, to the end for 
 which they were created, according to his infallible fore- 
 knowledge, and the free and immutable counsel of his 
 own will, to the praise of the glory of His wisdom, power, 
 
 • justice, infinite goodness and mercy. 
 
 2. Although in relation to the foreknowledge and 
 decree of God, the first cause, ail things come to pass 
 immutably and infallibly, so that there is not anythitig 
 that befalls any by chance, or without his Providence; 
 yet, by the same Providence he ordereth them to fall out 
 according to the nature of second causes, either neces- 
 sarily, freely, or contingently. 
 
 3. God in his ordinary providence maketh use of 
 means, yet is free to work without, above, and against 
 them at his pleasure. 
 
 4. The Almighty power, unsearchable wisdom, and 
 infinite goodness of God, so far manifest themselves in 
 His providence, that His determinate counsel extendetfa 
 itself even to the first fall, and all other sinful actions, 
 both of angels and men, (and that not by a bare permis- 
 sion,) which also He most wisely and powerfully 
 boundeth, and otherwise ordereth, and goVerneth, in'a 
 manifold dispensation to His most holy ends j yet so as 
 
22 
 
 the sinfulness of their acts proceedeth oiily from the 
 creatures, and not from, God ; who, being most holy and 
 righteous, neither is, nor can be, the author or approver 
 
 of sin. 
 
 6. The most wise, righteous and gracious God, doth 
 oftentimes leave for a season his own children to mani- 
 fold temptations, and ' the corruptions of their own 
 hearts, to chastise them for their former sins, or to 
 discover unto them the hidden strength of corruption 
 and deceitfulness of their hearts, that they may be 
 humbled ; and to raise them to a more close and constemt 
 dependance for thqir support upon Himself, and to make 
 them more watchful against all future accessions of sin, 
 and for other just and holy ends. So that whatsoever be- 
 falls any of His elect is by His appointment, for His 
 glory, and their good. 
 
 6. As for those wicked and ungodly men, whom God 
 as a righteous judge, for former sin, doth blind and 
 
 : harden, from them He not only withholdeth His grace, 
 whereby they might have been enlightened in their un- 
 derstanding, and wrought upon in their hearts, but some- 
 times also withdraweth the gifts which they had, and 
 exposeth them to such objects as their corruptions make 
 occasion of sin ; and withal, gives them over to their 
 own lusts, and temptations of the world, and the power 
 of Satan, whereby it comes to pass, that they harden 
 themselves, even under those means which God useth 
 for the softening others. 
 
 7. As the Providence of God doth in general reach 
 to all creatures, so after a more special manner it taketh 
 care of his Church, and disposeth all things to the good 
 thereof" 
 
 " CHAPTER X. 
 "OF EFFECTUAL CALLING. 
 "1. Those whom God hathjpredestinated unto life, He 
 is pleased in His appointed and accepted time effectually 
 to call by His word and spirit, out of that state of sin 
 and death, in which they are by nature, to grace of 
 salvation by Jesus Christ; enlightening their minds, 
 spiritually, and savingly, to understand the'things of God, 
 taking a-vv^a,y their heart of stone, and giving unto them 
 an heart of flesh, renewing their wills, and by His 
 
23 
 
 almighty power determining them to that which is good, 
 and effectually drawing them to Jesus Christ ; yet so, as 
 they come most freely, being made willing by His grace. 
 ' 2. This effectual call is of God's free and special grace 
 aldne, not from any thing at all foreseen in man, nor fi'om 
 any power or agency in the creature, co-working with 
 His special grace, the creature being wholly passive 
 therein, being dead in sins and trespasses, until being 
 quickened and renewed by the Holy Spirit, he is thereby 
 enabled to answer this call, and to embrace the grace 
 offered and conveyed in it, and that by no less power than 
 that which raised up Christ from the dead. 
 
 3. Elect infants dying in infancy, are regenerated and 
 saved by Christ through the Spirit, who worketh when, 
 and where, and how, he pleaseth ; so also are all other 
 elect persons, who are incapable of being outwardly 
 called by the ministry of the word. 
 
 4. Others not elected, although they may be called by 
 the ministry of the word, and may have some common 
 operation of the Spirit, yet, not being effectually drawn 
 by the Father, they neither will, nor can, truly come to 
 Christ, and thetefore cannot be saved ; much less can 
 men that receive not the Christian religion, be saved, be 
 they never sq diligent to frame their lives according to 
 the light of nature, and the law of that religion they do 
 profess." 
 
 "CHAPTER XVI. 
 
 "OF GOOD WORKS. 
 "1. Good works are only such as God hath commanded 
 in His holy word, and not such as without the warrant 
 thereof, are devised by men out of blind zeal, or upon 
 any pretence of good intentions. 
 
 2. These good works, d!one in obedience to God's 
 commandments, are the fruits and evidences of a true 
 and lively faith, aind by them believers manifest their 
 thankfulness, strengthen their assurance, edify their 
 brethren, adorn the profession of the Gospel, stop the 
 mouths of the adversaries, and glorify God, whose 
 workmanship they are, cheated in Christ Jesus thereunto, 
 that having their fruit unto holiness, they may have the 
 end, eternal life. 
 
 3. Their ability to do good works, is not at all of 
 
24 
 
 themselves, but wholly from the spirit of Christ; and that 
 they may be enabled thereunto, besides the graces they 
 have already received, there is necessary an actual in- 
 fluence of the same Holy Spirit to work in them to will 
 and to do of his good pleasure ; yet are they not hereupon 
 to grow negligent, as if they were not bound to perform 
 any duty, unless upon a special motion of the spirit, but 
 they ought to be diligent in stirring up the grace of God 
 that is in them . 
 
 4. They who in their obedience attain to the greatest 
 height which is possible in this life, are so far from being 
 able to supererogate, and to do more than God requires, 
 as that they fall short of much which in duty they are 
 bound to do. 
 
 5. We cannot by our best works merit pardon of sin, 
 or eternal life at the hand of God, by reason of the great 
 disproportion that is between them and the glory to 
 come, and the infinite distance that is between us and 
 God, whom by them we can never profit, nor satisfy, for 
 the debt of our former sins ; but when we have done all 
 we can, we have but done our duty, and are unprofitable 
 servants ; and because as they are good, they proceed 
 from His spirit, and as they are wrought by us, they are 
 defiled, and mixed with so much weaknes,s and imper- 
 fection, that they cannot endure the severity of God's 
 judgment. 
 
 6. Yet, notwithstanding the persons of believers 
 being accepted through Christ, their good works also 
 are accepted in him; not as though they were in this life 
 wholly unblamable and unreprovable in God's sight ; but 
 that he, looking upon them in his Son, is pleased to 
 accept and reward that which is sincere, although ac- 
 companied with many weaknesses and imperfections. 
 
 7. Works done by unregenerate men, although for the 
 matter of them, they may be things which God com- 
 mands, and of good use, both to themselves and others; 
 yet because they proceed not from a heart purified by- 
 faith, nor are done in a right manner according to the 
 word, nor to a right end— the glory of God — they are 
 sinful and cannot please God, nor make a man meet to 
 receive grace from God ; and yet their neglect of them 
 is more sinful and displeasing to God. 
 
25 
 
 "CHAPTER XVn. 
 
 "OF THE PERSEVERANCE OF THE SAINTS." 
 
 1. "Those whom God hath accepted in the Beloved, 
 effectually called and sanctified by his spirit, and given 
 the precious faith of his elect unto, can neither totally 
 nor finally fall from the state of grace, but shall certainly 
 persevere therein to the end, and be eternally saved, 
 seeing the gifts and callings of God are without repen- 
 tance, (whence he still begets and nourisheth in them 
 faith, repentence, love, joy, hope, and all the graces of 
 the spirit to immortality,) and though many storms and 
 floods arise and beat against them, yet they shall never 
 be able to take them off that foundation and rock which, 
 by faith, they are fastened upon; notwithstanding, through 
 unbelief and the temptations of Satan, the sensible sight 
 of the light and love of God may, for a time, be clouded, 
 and obscured from them, yet it is still the same, and they 
 shall be sure to be kept by the power of God unto salva^- 
 tion, where they shall enjoy their purchased possession, 
 they being engraven upon the palm of his hands, and 
 their names having been written in the Book of Life 
 from all eternity, 
 
 2. This perseverance of the saints depends not upon 
 their own free will, but upon the immutability of the 
 decree of election, flowing from the free and unchangable 
 love of God, the Father, upon the efficacy of the merit 
 and intercession of Jesus Christ and union with him, 
 the oath of God, the abiding of His spirit, and the seed 
 of God within them, and the nature of the covenant of 
 grace; from all which ariseth also the certainty and in- 
 fellibility thereof 
 
 3. And though they may, through the temptations of 
 Satan, and of the world, the prevalency of corruption 
 remaining in them, and the neglect of means of their 
 preservation, fall into grievous sins, and for a time con- 
 tinue therein, whereby they incur God's displeasure, 
 and grieve his Holy Spirit, come to have their graces 
 and comforts impaired, have their hearts hardened, and 
 their consciences wounded, hurt and scandalize others, 
 and bring temporal judgments upon themselves, yet they 
 shall renew their repentence, and be preserved, through 
 faith in Christ Jesus, to the end." 
 
26 
 
 The foregoing is deemed amply sufficient to portray 
 the distinguishing features in the artieles of faith, of the 
 Particular Baptists of that day. Nevertheless, as the 
 new idea of a general atonement and special application, 
 was introduced, in the succeeding century, by Mr. 
 Andrew Fuller, the attention of the reader is called to 
 one section of chapter 8, on the mediation of Christ, 
 viz : " The Lord Jesus, by his perfect obedience and 
 sacrifice of himself, which He, through the eternal 
 spirit, once offered up unto God, hath fully satisfied the 
 justice of God, procured reconciliation, and purchased 
 an everlasting inheritance in the kingdom of Heaven, for 
 all those whom the Father hath given unto him." 
 
 FULLER'S VIEW OF THE ATONEMENT. 
 In 1768 there were in England, including Wales, two 
 hundred and thirty-eight Particular Baptist churches, 
 twenty of which were located in London. Soon after 
 this, Mr. Fuller, a Particular Baptist preacher, introduced 
 his new doctrine on the atonement. It is here frankly 
 admitted, that as a polemical writer, Mr. Fuller has 
 had few equals in strength of mind, and depth and origi- 
 nality of thought ; but his ingenuity of arrangement, in 
 opposing the doctrine of special atonement, by intro- 
 ducing principles inconsistent with it, instead of a direct 
 opposition, in common with the Arminian, evinces an 
 evil design, or a palpable delusion. If the former, then 
 how are we to account for his able defence of many 
 glorious truths ? But if the latter, then it illustrates a 
 great truth, that zeal, erudition and power of intellect 
 are no security agaiast error. 
 
 It is no part of our purpose to sift the abstruse dis- 
 quisitions of Mr. Fuller on this subject. There may 
 not, however, be any impropriety in stating a few of his 
 
27 
 
 bt»ld assertions, and leave the reader to draw his own 
 inferences, viz : " Both guilt and innocence are transfer- 
 able in their effects, but in themselves they are untrans- 
 - ferable." " Neither sin nor righteousness are in thetn- 
 : selves transferable." "Debts are transferable, but 
 crimes are not. A .third person may cancel the one, but 
 he can oiily obliterate the effects of the other. The 
 desert of the criminal remains." 
 
 A few quotations from the Bible, by way of contract, 
 and the subject will be dismissed : Typical — " And when 
 He hath made an end of reconciling the holy place, and 
 the tabernacle of the congregation, and the altar, he 
 shall bring the live goat, and Aaron shall lay both his 
 hands upon the head of the live goat, and confess over 
 him all the iniquities of the children of Israel, and all 
 their transgressions in all their sins, putting them upon 
 the head of the goat, and shall send him away by the 
 hand of a fit man into the wilderness. And the go?ti 
 shall bear upon him all their iniquities into a land not 
 inhabited ; and he shall let go the goat into the 
 wilderness." 
 
 Here we have a real transfer of sin, transgression, 
 and iniquity — and that too of the Israelites, a peculiar 
 people. Prophetical — " By his Knowledge shall my 
 righteous servant justify many ; for he shall bear their 
 iniquities." Isaiah liii and ii. Here is another clear 
 case of transfer. Declarative — "For he hath made him 
 (Christ) to be sin for us, who knew no sin ; that we might 
 be made the righteousness of God in him." 2 Cor. v, 21. 
 Again, "Who his own self bear our sins in his own body 
 on the tree, that we being dead to sins should hve unto 
 righteousness." 1 Peter, ii, 24. Many more quotatiphs 
 ttiight be given, of the same import, showing clearly 
 that Christ did bear the sins of his people, as well as the 
 effects.: 
 
 Our object in calling Mr, Fuller's doctrine on the 
 
28 
 
 atonement a new idea was to distinguish it from that 
 for which the Arminians contend. For when his argu- 
 ments are critically examined, it will be found that he 
 contends for an indefinite atonement. But his disquisi- 
 tions on this subject are so refined and obscure, that 
 most of his followers suppose him in favor of a general 
 atonement — while those who do understand him, can 
 occupy a position between the Arminian and Predesti- 
 narian, and cozen the former on the atonement, and the 
 latter on the application. 
 
 We will now leave Mr. Fuller's theory, and examine 
 his practice — like faith, like works — like always begetting 
 its like. And this will require 
 
 A CHAPTER ON MODERN MISSIONS. 
 
 The paternity of the Missionary System among the 
 Baptists is claimed for Mr. Fuller, by his biographer. 
 His new doctrine on the Atonement, as might be expected, 
 caused great distress and controversy in the churches. 
 And in order to give the reader a hint, respecting his 
 state of mind, and his standing among his brethren, 
 previous to his begetting this thing, a few quotations 
 from his diary, as reported by his biographer, will be 
 suflicient : 
 
 1781, April 1st. — "It seems as if the church and I 
 should break each other's hearts ! To night I have been 
 but truly charged with having 'an irregular mind.' How 
 heartily could I embrace death, if it pleased God to 
 send it ! How far are peace and happiness from me !" 
 1785, Nov. 21st.—" Much grieved to find the spirits of 
 people about the neighborhood of G hurt by contro- 
 versy. I find there are several whose conversation al- 
 most entirely, and on all occasions, turns on these sub- 
 jects. It seems to be one of Satan's devices, in order to 
 destroy the good tendency of any truth, to get its ad- 
 vocates to hackney it out of its senses, dwelling upon it 
 
29 
 
 in every sermon or conversation, to the exclusion of 
 other things. Thus the glorious doctrines of free and 
 great igrace have been served in the last age, and so have 
 fallen3sadly into disrepute. If we employ all our time 
 in talking about what men ought to be and to do, it is 
 likely we shall forget to put it into practice, and then all 
 is over with us." 
 
 The reader, if his heart has been circumcised, his ears 
 unstopped, and his eyes opened by "free and great grace," 
 is now fully prepared to admit that Mr. Fuller was, on the 
 21st November, 1785, qualified to be the father of some 
 new invention. And accordingly, about this time, we 
 are informed by his biographer, the "germ of this Mis- 
 sionary institution" began to exist. But it was seven 
 years afterwards that it began to bear tangible fruit. 
 
 The following extracts from the memoirs of Mr. 
 Fuller, will show his relationship : 
 
 "In conjunction with a few individuals who had 
 united with him in strenuous efforts to induce compassion 
 on behalf of the heathen world, Mr. Fuller was, in the 
 midst of his afflictions, occupied in maturing plans which 
 issued in the formation of the Particular Baptist Society 
 for propagating the Gospel among the heathen. A meet- 
 ing was convened for that purpose at Kettering, on the 
 2d of October, 1792, on which occasion the contribu- 
 tions amounted to £l3 8s., 6d., which then constituted 
 the whole of its pecuniary resources." 
 
 In a letter to Dr. Ryland, Mr. Fuller says, (as re- 
 ported by his biographer) : "You see things of great 
 consequence are in train. My heart fears while it is 
 enlarged. I have this day been to Olney to converse 
 with brother Sutcliff, and to request him to go with me 
 to Leicester this day se'nnight, to conciliate the church 
 there, and to sound Mrs. Gary's mind, whether she will 
 go and take the family" (to the East Indies.) 
 
 1794, Oct. 27— (From his diary again.): "Of late I 
 have been greatly employed in journeying and preach- 
 ing, and endeavoring to collect for the East India 
 
30 
 
 Mission. I find a frequent removal from place taplace^i-; 
 though good for my health, not good for my souL" ■ ' -^^ • 
 
 .' " There was (says the biographer) at that time little or ■ 
 no precedent for the management of thci affairs of such 
 institutions, nor had Mr. Fuller any predilection for that 
 business-like apparatus which the more extended . con^^ 
 cerns of the society at length imperatively demanded, 
 and for the want of which they suffered during the 
 latter part of his life. Besides his utter repugnance to 
 that parade which has in too many instanpes been made 
 an appendage to the business of religiouslnstitutions, he 
 entertained serious objections of another kind. 'Friendsv 
 said he, 'talk to me about coadjutors and assistants, hut 
 I know not how it is, I find a difficulty. Our undertaking 
 to India really appeared to me, on its commencement, 
 to be somewhat like a few men, who were deliberating 
 about the importance of penetrating into a deep mine, 
 which had never before been explored. We had no 
 one to guide us ; and, while we were thus deliberating, 
 Gary, as it were, said, ' Well, I will go down, if you 
 will hold the rope !' But, before he went down, he, as 
 it seemed to me, took an oath from each of us at the 
 mouth of the pit to this effect, that while we lived, we 
 should never let go the rope. You understand me. 
 There was great responsibility attached to us who began 
 the business." 
 
 In this last sentence, Mr. Fuller has no doubt uttered 
 a profound truth. " Who hath required this missionary 
 system at their hands ?" Is such a system set 'jrth by 
 precept or example in thp revelation of God to man? 
 If not, as we boldly assert, how dare they practice such 
 a system in His name — professing at the same time to 
 take His revealed word as their only rule of faith and 
 practice. 
 
 Be this system what it may, and founded on what au- 
 thority it may, it is uncontrovertibly true, that Mr. 
 Fuller, « in conjunction with a few individuals," did ma- 
 ture the plan, which, in 1792, " issued in the formation 
 of the Particular Baptist Missionary Society." And 
 those who deny this fact, as a mere matter of policy, are 
 
31 
 
 attemptingf to rob Mr. Fuller of the honor justly due' 
 hina,, and give it to the; Apostles, who would not accept 
 it were they present-' , ■ 
 
 Mr. Fuller, under a deep sense of the responsibility of 
 the undertaking, expresses himself, in a letter to Dr. 
 Ryland, thus: "You see things of great consequenfce 
 are in train.- My heart fears while it is enlarged," He 
 viewed the matter " somewhat ,like; a few, men, wbo 
 ■were deliberating About the importance of penetrating ; 
 into a deep mine, which had never before been explored" 
 " We had no one to guide us," says Mr, Puller, "and 
 while we were deliberating, Gary, as it were, said, ' well, 
 I will go down if you will hold the rope' " ! ! ! 
 
 One more quotation from Mr. Fuller's biography, and 
 we will pass on. In reply to an editor he Says : 
 
 " As to magazines, there are several to which I con- 
 tribute, for the sake of the Mission and other public 
 interests, and, through such a number of objects as press 
 upon me daily, my own vineyard, my own soul, my 
 family and congregation, are, neglected." 
 
 Our limits will not permit further quotations. 
 
 Before crossing the Atlantic in search of Missionary 
 operations in our own beloved country, it would perhaps 
 be well to notice the leading text, on which the New 
 School Baptists rely, in support of their missionary 
 system, viz: "Go ye into all the world an3 preach the 
 Gospel to every creature." This command was given 
 to the Apostles, and not to the elders of the churches. 
 They are two distinct set of officers, the former were 
 ordained by our Saviour personally, the latter by the 
 Holy Ghost, instrumentally. 
 
 That there is some difference of opinion, among or- 
 thodox Baptists, relative to the obligation of this com- 
 mand, is readily con6eded. Nevertheless, were it not 
 for traditionary notions on this subject, and were the mind 
 strictly confined^ to the revealed word alone, the differ- 
 
32 
 
 oice would no doubt vanish into nothing. At all events, 
 the Apostles did fulfil the command, and whether it -will 
 ever again be fulfilled, or not, let those who believe it, 
 show their authority. 
 
 ^ Gto ye into all the world and preach the gospel to 
 every creature. — Mark xvi: 15. 
 
 " If you continue in the faith, grounded and settled, 
 and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, 
 which ye have heard, and which was preached to every 
 creature which was under heaven." — Col. i: 23. 
 
 " But I say, have they not heard ? Yes, verily, their 
 sound went into all the earth, and their words unto the 
 ends of the world." — Rom. x : 18. 
 
 Without involving ourselves in the controversy about _ 
 the extent of the world here meant, it is sufficint for our 
 purpose to prove that the fulfilment of the command is 
 asserted by equal authority, and of equal length and 
 breadth. 
 
 It is well known to all those concerned, that scripture 
 language often has a special and general meaning. As 
 a general rule there is no objection raised. But as to 
 the speciality of the command, in the sense in which it 
 was given to the Apostles, to go into all the world and 
 preach the gospel to every creature, it never was re- 
 quired at the hands of the churches, nor the elders of 
 the churches. 
 
 In conclusion of this part of the subject, we will quote 
 from the circular letter of the Primitive Baptist Associa- 
 tion, published in 1847, viz : " The elders were ordained 
 as overseers of the churches. And Paul says to the 
 elders, ' I have not shunned to declare unto you all the 
 council of God. Take heed therefore unto yourselves 
 and to all the flock, over which the Holy Ghost hath 
 made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which 
 he hath purchased with his own blood.' Peter, also, in 
 his first letter, exhorts the elders, to 'feed the flock of 
 God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, 
 not by constraint, but willingly ; not for filthy lucre, but 
 of a ready mind. Neither as being lords over God's 
 
33 
 
 heritage, but being examples to th6 flock.' Not cfne 
 word from either of tliese inspired writers, about the 
 command laid upon the Apostles, alid which the 
 Apostles fulfilled. Neither can it be found in all the 
 apostolic writings addressed to the churches. Paul tells 
 Titas that a Bishop must ' Hold fast the faithful word, 
 as he hath been taught, that he may be a:ble, by sound 
 doctrine, both to exhort and to con'Vince the gainsayers. 
 For there are many unruly and vain talkers and deceivers, 
 especially they of the circumcision. Whose mouths 
 must be stopt, who subvert whole houses, teaching 
 things which they ought not, for filthy lucre's sake. 
 ' They profess that they know God, but in works they 
 deny him.' Though an Apostle might officiate as an 
 elder, we have no authority for supposing, that an e Ider 
 may officiate as an Apostle. The Apostles were com- 
 manded to work miracles, but the elders were not. 
 
 " Some contend that the command to go into all the, 
 world and preach the gospel to every creature, was 
 given to the Apostles in a church capacity, and equally 
 binding with the sacrament of the Lord's supper. But 
 we see many palpable objections to such a conclusion. 
 And 1st, we have no testimony of any organized Gospel 
 church before the day of Pentecost. And 2nd, supposing 
 the Apostles organized into a church, at the time they 
 received the command to 'go into all the world and 
 preach the gospel,' and by analogy made binding on all 
 church members, then, according to this hypothesis, all 
 should go, men and women ; or, do what is less possible, 
 show gospel authority for sending substitutes. Again : 
 The Comforter, who was to lead Christ's people into all 
 truth, directed the supper to be administered to the 
 members of organized churches — but in all the letters to 
 the churches, they are no where commanded to 'Go 
 into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. ' 
 Neither was this undertaken, or practised by the Church 
 at Jerusalem, or any other of the gospel churches, so 
 far as we know from Divine truth." 
 
 None were ever specially engaged under this com- 
 mand, except the Apostles ; and they, not as a Church 
 norMissioniiry Society ; but as extraordinary Ministers, 
 who" conferred not with flesh and blood," and wfere re- 
 
34 
 
 We would now ask every intelligent christian,' 
 whether the gospel was sent to the heathen land of 
 America by a Missionary Society, or the providence of 
 God? The truth is, that the Holy Ghost, it seems, has 
 never adopted any other mode than persecution in some 
 shape for sending the gospel from one country to 
 another. This was commenced at Jerusalem, and 
 has been continued ever since. ' " Wo unto the world 
 because of offences ! for it must needs be that offences 
 come ; but wo to that man by whom the offence cometh." 
 
 Dr. Judson is set up, by his friends, as the father of 
 American missions. But the reader should understand 
 this in a qualified sense. Mr. Fuller is the father of 
 modern missions ; and the American missions are fash- 
 ioned after the English model. Therefore, to speak of 
 sectional missions, would seem to be invidious distinc- 
 tions, wholly unjustifiable — for they are all governed by 
 the same spirit. 
 
 In 1812, Dr. Judson left America, a Congregational 
 Missionary, and proceeded to Rangoon, in Burmah, and 
 commenced operations. The next year " he was adopted 
 by a society formed among the Baptists of this country." 
 " In that year American christians pledged themselves 
 to the work of evangelizing the world. They had but 
 little to rest on except the command and promise of 
 God. The attempts then made by British christians had 
 not been attended with so much success as to establish 
 the practicability, or vindicate the wisdom of the mis- 
 sionary enterprise. For many years the work advanced, 
 but slowly. One denomination after another embarked 
 in the undertaking — and now American Missionaries are 
 seen in almost every clime." 
 
 The above is from the address of Dr. Judson, de- 
 livered, or read, in Baldwin Place, Boston, in June, 
 1846, and of course will be received as apostolic au- 
 thority, at least by the Missionaries, He calls it a mis- 
 sionary enterprise, and though it had then been in opera- 
 
35 
 
 tion about twenty years, yet, its practicability had not 
 heen established, or its wisdom vindicaXcd. 
 
 We take the following from the address of the 
 President of the Foreign Mission Board to Dr. Judson, 
 at Richmond, Va. : 
 
 " When you and your honored associates, Nott, Mills, 
 and Newell, presented to the General Association of 
 Congregationalists, in Massachusetts, assembled in Brad- 
 ford, in 1810, a paper expressing your desire to engage in 
 the work of Foreign Missions, and asking their advice and 
 aid, who could have anticipated the result of the applica- 
 tion! At that time the churches were slumbering profound- 
 ly on the subject of Missions — there were no Missionary 
 Societies — no plans matured for conducting Missions — 
 and no funds collected for the support of Missionaries. 
 
 "The application originated the American Board of 
 Commissioners for Foreign Missions. A noble institu- 
 tion it is, superior to any in our own land, and vieing in 
 the wisdom of its measures, and the success of its efforts, 
 with the best ordered and most renowned Missionary 
 organizations of the old world. Its annual expenditures 
 is not far, if at all, short of one third of a million of 
 dollars ; and its Mission stations have dotted almost the 
 whole extent of heathendom. 
 
 "Under the patronage of this Board, after consider- 
 able hesitation and delay on their part, you embarked, 
 with your companion, and several associates, in 1812, 
 for the East. On your arrival there, an event occurred 
 deeply affecting your own course, and the cause of 
 Missions. You, Mrs. Judson, and the lamented Rice, 
 became Baptists. The hand of God was in it. The 
 change was the means of arousing, among the Baptists 
 of the United States, the Missionary spirit, and forming 
 the Baptist Trienriial Convention, under whose patronage 
 you have so long labored. 
 
 * * * * * * " The success of the Missionary 
 enterprise has everywhere corresponded, in a remark- 
 able mannei*, with the measure of ability, zeal and dili- 
 gence employed in its prosecution. We base our expec- 
 tations on the increasing prevalence of the Missionary 
 spirit. When more than half a century ago, the work 
 of Foreign Missions commenced (at Kettering,) among 
 
36 
 
 the Anglo-Saxon ChristiaHs, led on by the immortal 
 Gary, it was predicted that its advocates would soon 
 grow weary; and relax their efforts. The prediction 
 has not been fulfilled. At no previous period has it been 
 so much the settled policy and purpose of the churches 
 to make efforts and sacrifices in the work of evangeliz- 
 ing the world, as it is now. * * * * * * * 
 
 " Henceforth, my brother, you and we shall labor in 
 connection with different Boards. Events which neither 
 you nor we could control, produced the separation* 
 * * # * # ^g honor you as the father of 
 American Missions." 
 
 In the foregoing the reader will readily see, that in 
 his eagerness to honor Dr. Judson, the President has 
 admitted modern Missionism to be a new thing among 
 the Baptists. And yet in the face of this, and the truth 
 of history, the New School Baptists will contend, that 
 it has been practiced ever since the days of the Apostles. 
 
 For the purpose of showing the estimation in which 
 modern Missionism was held in America in days gone 
 by, we extract the following from an address of Dr. 
 Judson, at Utica, New York, viz : 
 
 " Thirty-three years ago he took passage with an as- 
 so<jiate missionary in a ship bound for India. No minis- 
 tering brother, and but few christian friends, dai-ed risk 
 their reputation so much as to accompany them to the 
 ship. No prayers were oflered on the occasion, no af- 
 fectionate farewells. They went down to the ship 
 alone, crept into the cabin, and committed themselves to 
 the deep. Now, how changed ! ! !" 
 
 So do we say " how changed !" And all the Old 
 School Baptists throughout the United States say " how 
 changed !" But the most astonishing thing of all is, that 
 whea Dr. Judson says " how changed !" the New School 
 Baptists are ready to throw up their hats — and when we 
 say the same thing, they, with a contemptuous scowl 
 upon their faces, will affirm that modern Missionism is 
 regular Baptist usage, and has been practiced ever since; 
 the days of the Apostles. 
 
37 
 
 MTSSIONISM AMONG THE HINDOOS. 
 
 We take the following from the MacpdoDiarij a New 
 School Baptist; paper, published in Cincinnati, Ohio, 
 which will give the reader some idea of the state of af- 
 fairs in a country where modern Missionism has been at 
 work ever since Gary Was sent out by the '* Particular 
 Baptist Society for propagating the t Gospel among the 
 heathen." The re,ader will recollect that this society 
 was formed at Kettering, in Great Britain, in 17;92, by 
 Rev. Andrew Fuller, and his associates. And as Dr. 
 Judsoh has been rather significantly called, by. his 
 friends, the father of American Missions, we ?irfe im- 
 pelled by the truttiof history to admit, that Mr,, Puller 
 is the great father of Modern Missions, >vhich is. the 
 same thing everywhere. 
 
 We now proceed to give the extract alluded to, which 
 is a letter, written at Balasore, June 26th, 1845, by 0. 
 R. Bachelor, viz: 
 
 " The prospect of affairs in India has recently assumed 
 anew and interesting aspect.' Great excitemdtit hate 
 prevailed of late in the Hativte society at Calcutta and 
 vicinity, in relation to Missionaries arid Missioiiary apfe- 
 rations. The native press has been actively engaged, 
 and large assemblies have been held, with the design tt> 
 get up an influence which shall compel their country- 
 men to withhold all support and encouragement from the 
 iprdpagators of Christianity, and thereby compel them to 
 lea-ve the country. 
 
 " The immediate cause of this new movement is briefly 
 this: The mission of the church has for several years had 
 in successful operation a large and flourishing school, 
 which has afibrded constant instruction to nearly one 
 thousand heathen youth in English literature and science. 
 'But the conductors of this institution were not merely 
 teachers of literature. While the heathen mind, bound 
 in chains for ages, was expanding under the influence of 
 E'uEopean science, they endeavored to stofe it With the 
 principles of Gospel truth. Christian theology occupied 
 a prominent place in their instructions. 
 
38 
 
 " The consequence was, that so long as no converts 
 were made, the native community were not only quiet, 
 but loud m their praises of the Missionaries. Important 
 changes have recently taken place. The seed, so long 
 sown in sorrow and in tears, has at length begun to ger- 
 minate. Several of the young men in the institution, 
 some of them belonging to wealthy and influential 
 families, have one by one embraced Christianity. Every 
 successive conversion has given rise to increased ex- 
 citement, until lately, cases of apostacy from Hindooism 
 have become so frequent, that the whole community has 
 become aroused — I might almost say enraged — aiid the 
 spirit of enmity to the Gospel, like the eruption of a 
 volcano, long pent up and confined, has burst forth in all 
 its vindictive malignity and virulence. A large assembly 
 of native gentlemen, was called to adopt measures for 
 counteracting the influence of the Missionaries. Many 
 flaming speeches were made, characterized by enmity, 
 misrepresentation and abuse ; and a plan was finally 
 adopted to raisg three hundred thousand rupees, nearly 
 one hundred aiid fifty thousand dollars for the endow- 
 ment of an English free school, capable of affording in- 
 struction to one thousand young men. But some extracts 
 from the native papers will best show the state of public 
 feehng on the subject. The following extract is from 
 tho Prabakar, a. Bengali newspaper, of May 16, 1845, 
 viz : ' The son of the brother of an acquaintaince of ours, 
 like a bird from its cage, having escaped with extended 
 wings in company with his wife fromhis borne, hasfallen 
 into the hands of a certfiin fowler in Calcutta. On this 
 our friend with some of his relatives, by spreading the 
 net of habeas corpus, endeavored to rescue the silly 
 little bird from the clutches of the fowler. But the 
 fowler — the white incarnation— seeing this, said to our 
 frieYids : All your efforts are vain, for the little, bird has 
 come to my house, and I shall endeavor to keep it. I 
 cram it daily with knowledge from; my own bill ; it has 
 already learned to chirp a few pretty notes, so that it 
 will no more rehsb your attentions. After saying this, 
 he dismissed our friends, without even allowing them a 
 sight of the boy. Alas! we fear that God has made the 
 hearts of the white-faced ascetics of the hardest stone. 
 
 " We fear the Missionary more than we do the serpent 
 
$9 
 
 by whose poisonous bite life is so much in danger ; for 
 the evil effects arising from the serpent's bite may be 
 removed by the application of medicine, but there is no 
 remedy from the sting of the serpent-like white-faced 
 missionary. The tiger is a fearful and powerful animal, 
 but he can be overcome by sticks and other weapons, 
 but God himself is scarce able to punish these wolves 
 that roam the forest wilds. 
 
 " The sword is a terrible weapon, for by its stroke alone 
 the body can be cut into pieces, and the soul freed from 
 the body escapes to the shades of death ; but the ravages 
 of the sword may be stayed in a variety of ways, but 
 the sword-like words which proceed from the blood-red 
 mouths of the white-faced teachers, hoW sharp are they ! 
 If they but strike one, even in secret, they tear to pieces 
 his own soul and the hearts of all his friends. 
 
 "Disease is a terrible enemy, but physicians have dis- 
 covered many remedies by which the most fatal diseases 
 which affect tbe body and cause death, may be overcome; 
 but when exposed to the pestilential atmosphere of the 
 Missionary's influence, a youth is effected by the fatal 
 disease of Christianity, he is irretrievably lost ; for this 
 disease there is no cure, no remedy. 
 
 '•Death is very terrific, for by its very mention the soul 
 is almost driven out of thebody, and when once gone there 
 is no hope of recovering life ; still we do not fear death 
 so much as the influence of the Missionaries ; for death 
 ofttimes performs the ofiice of a friend, when we are 
 oppressed with sorrow, disease and poverty, and are not 
 able to bear up with the ills of hfe ; when we remember 
 that one's death is as certain as one's birth, the sorrow 
 occasioned by death is removed. But alas ! alas ! if a 
 person becomes a christian, he and his family are utterly 
 ruined. Tliere is no disgrace in death, but when one's 
 son becomes a christian, the disg^race entailed on a 
 family is beyond calculation. Wherefore, on account of 
 the reasons already mentioned, we infinitely more dread 
 the influence of the Missionaries, than the attack of all 
 the enemies we have already named.' " 
 
 The reader should bear in mind, that this extract from 
 a Bengali newspaper was selected by the friends of 
 missions as best suited to answer their purpose. And, 
 
40 
 
 having no means of information on this subject, frqiiiithat 
 distant land, exeept through the Missionaries, the best 
 that we can do is to analyze their own showing. 
 
 This Hindoo writer evinces no 'favoritism for any re- 
 ligion, but does manifest a stropg prejudice against 
 Christianity. But we are not prepared . to decide this 
 matter fairly, without first . knowing the fruits of 
 Christianity, as manifested by its representatives in that 
 country. For by their fruit they are to be knbwn — and 
 if that he evil, then Christ himself will condemn such 
 Christianity. , 
 
 All the cool, calculating opposition to Jesus Christ and 
 His Apostles, mainly eminated from the pretended Wor^ 
 shippers of the true God. The opposition to christianitj% 
 by the heathen, was usually through temporary excite- 
 ment. A mob was raised at Macedonia and Ephesus, 
 and other places, through the chicanery of interested 
 priests. But this was by no means a settled design of 
 the people. When Paul disputed with the philosophei's 
 at Athens, some called him a babbler — some said he set 
 forth strange gods — some that he brought strange things 
 to their ears — ^and some would like to hear him again on 
 the subject ; but no spiteful opposition. ' 
 
 Reader, suppose that a Hindoo priest was to settle, 
 with a company of associates, in our Country, to decoy 
 young people into their possession— keep them confined 
 in s,e crecy froni their friends — and then set the laws of 
 the land at defiance, looking to the Br^tjsh flag fpr pro- 
 tectionT-what would be the resjalt t Have not Catholic 
 nunneries been destroyed in this country for sirfiiiar 
 o fFenees while looking to our own flag |tor protection ? 
 
 Let us now examine the admiss^^ns of th? Balasoi'e 
 letter. The writer adniits, t|ja,t go long as no converts 
 were made — that is, so long asf tjbe sphpols w.ere not 
 sectarian — "the native cornmu^i^y vyere p9f only quiet, 
 but loud in thei r praises of the Mi3Siong,ries." But a 
 
41 
 
 soon as Ihey began to stuff schpol theology down the 
 children's throats, great excitement followed. These 
 Hindoos were not opposed to an English education ; but 
 on the contrary made arrangements to raise about one 
 hundred and fifty thousand dollars for the endowment 
 of an English free school — -free from sectarianism^ — 
 free from school theology. 
 
 Before leaving this subject we feel constrained to 
 shpw that these unfbrtunate Hindoos are not all that op- 
 pose such Christianity as they have to deal with. The 
 following is from the Portland Boat, published in 
 Maine, viz : 
 
 " Pious Deviltey.— It jappearS from recent acts of 
 the ungodly in this city, that tlie tide of pious blasphemy 
 and mockery is rapidly approaching its utmost limits ; 
 the last swell or " roller" has gone much, higher than any- 
 thing ever witnessed here before. The ungodly have 
 been building what they blasphemously call a church 
 edifice, whose weatherrcock is to outtop everything in 
 the city; and it appears from recent occurrences, that 
 the rowdyism of its owners has exceeded that of ttieir 
 neighbors, in proportion to the height of their weatjier- 
 . cocks. 
 
 A fair, or as they call it, a bazaar, was held last weeic 
 t^ mal^e money, as I am told, for carpeting, cushioning, 
 ornamenting, <&c., this heathen pagoda. The following 
 notice which appeared in the daily papers will give the 
 reader some faint idea of the blasphemous scene. Let 
 the reader observe how much it sounds like the doctrines 
 and doings of Jesus Christ: 
 
 "'Notice^ — Bazaar at Lancaster Hq,U. — The above 
 aew and spacious hall, will be opened for the second 
 time, on Monday evening next, and continue until Wed- 
 nesday evening ; on which occasion the ladies, on behalf 
 of the New Church, on State street, will offer a great 
 variety of useful articles for sale. Among the attrac- 
 tions may be found the 'Phrenological Old &entleman,' a 
 paper printed expressly for the occasion, containing 
 original pieces from some of the most celebrated authors 
 of the country ; a Post-Office ; a Taletitine Department ; 
 
42 
 
 but more particularly a JDepartment of the Interior. 
 Door open at 7 o'clock, Monday evening. Admittance 
 12 cents.'" 
 
 " I have now before me one of the papers 'printed ex- 
 pressly for the occasion,' and had some rowdy opened a 
 grog shop and eating rooms, he could scarcely have pub- 
 lished a more rowdyish thing than are most of its 
 contents. 
 
 "The above advertisement speaks of the ' Depart- 
 ment of the Interior,' and the following from the same 
 paper tells us something about the contents of that 
 Department : 
 
 " ' The Department of the Interior, abounds in the 
 most delicious refreshments. The luxuries and substan- 
 tials of our own and other lands appear thpre in rich pro- 
 fusion — coffee and lemonds of the choicest flavor, ice 
 creams, oranges, sponge and loaf cake, elegant puffs and 
 tarts, tongues, hams, chicken salad, oysters, sardines, 
 fig paste, Guava jelly, pj-unes, candies, golden tipped 
 cigars of the nicest brands, and also magnificent loaves 
 OF FRUIT CAKE With gold rings m them. Every article 
 will be sold on the most favorable terms, for cash. 
 Supplies abundant. No one need fear exhaustion, so 
 long as his purse holds out. Walk up.' " 
 
 " Is it not horrible that in a city like this, a temperate 
 moral man cannot send his children into the street with- 
 out exposingthem to the continual danger of being drawn 
 aside by-flamihg church advertisements and pioijs hand- 
 bills, and robbed of : money and morals, and initiated into 
 vices in the name of Jesus Christ ! Is it not horrible ! 
 And men who once possessed a tolerable share of com- 
 mon sense, and who have seen enough of the world to 
 know the withering, cursing effeets of vice, helping the 
 priests on with their infernal craft— teaching children 
 vice and dissipation in the name of the Holy One, just 
 for the purpose of filching from them their few coppers. 
 
 " Gakes with gold rings in them ! One' ring in a cake, 
 the cake cut into twenty slices, and each slice sold for 
 one-fourth as much as the ring cost ! A gamblers cake 
 sugared, all over to tempt the depraved appetite, and 
 teach children to gamble, for rings ! And Mrs. L. H. S., 
 Miss H. F. G., and John N., prostituting their pens and 
 
43 
 
 powers by contributing articles to the occasional paper, 
 that helps on this deviltry ! Strengthening the hands of 
 gamblers, with their pious strains ! 
 
 " Magnificent loaves of fruit cake, with gold rings in 
 them ! Just as much like the barley loaves of Christ, as 
 the religion of these blasphemers is like the reHgion of 
 Christ ! I will now close, for it would be impossible to 
 do full justice to this subject. It is horrible to witness 
 the rapid stride, that the rising generation, especially in 
 cities, are making in vice and immorality-— everything 
 evil ; and when we reflect, that false churthes, with their 
 priests, are the fountains of these increasing evilis— 
 that they are initiating children in the school of vice, 
 that too, in the winning name of Christ, language fails? to 
 express our horror. Is it noit time that these infernal 
 engines of evil, called churches, who are guilty of such 
 acts as are sketched above, were despised and hated by 
 all honest people?" 
 
 Now, gentle reader, you have seen that an American 
 editor denounces the acts of these people in terms as 
 strong as the Hindoo editor. We ask you, in all candor, 
 if these people will do such things in our presence, what 
 may we expect when they are hid behind the globe, in a 
 far distant land? Is it any wonder that g^n honest, mOral 
 and intelligent Hindoo should despise such Christianity? 
 Yea, has not Christ and his inspired Apostles denounced 
 such :christiamty, in stronger terms than either of the 
 Ibregoing editors? ' 
 
 MISSIONISM IN AFRICA. 
 
 ' The following was taken from the Universe, and pub- 
 lished in the " Signs of the Times," from which we have 
 obtained it. It speaks for itself : 
 
 ?fTHE Missionary Enterprise at Home and Abroad.^ 
 Missionaries, notwithstanding they profess to be elevated 
 above ordinary men in their motives and desires, and to 
 beiactuated ir( their efforts for the conversion^ of th6 
 \s^or}d,by the most disinterested love to God and their 
 
44 
 
 fellow-men, are nevertheless men subject to likepassions 
 as the generality of mankind are, have similar natural 
 propensities and designs, love the good things of this 
 world, and consider themselves perfectly justified in 
 doing all they can to secure the confidence, esteenj, arid 
 support of the religious public, in order to be comfortably 
 provided, for in their efforts for the propagation of their 
 faith. They, therefore, in their public reports, invariably 
 labor to make the most favorable impression upon the 
 •public mind with reference to the results of the so-(jal]ed 
 momentous undertaking in which; they are engaged ; not 
 .omitting in^the accounts they give of the progress of the 
 good work, the most trivial affair which they think they 
 may in any way construe, whether justly or er- 
 roneously, as being in the least degree indicative of the 
 advancement of their cause. Nor do some of these 
 good apd holy men hesitate, vs'hen they think it is neces- 
 sary for the good of the cause, that they should dq go, 
 to make, statements in their Reports which, are utterly 
 false. 
 
 " An English gentleman, now residing in dur city, and 
 connected with one of thfe most respectable commercial 
 houses down town, and who, previous to his coming to 
 this country, spent several years in Sierra Leone, having 
 been appointed, by the British government, manager of 
 the liberated African Department in that country, gave 
 us the following account of Missionary proeeediiigs 
 there, as witnessed by himself We give it publicity vy 
 that gentleman's permission^ who, being hittiself a 
 christian and a lover »f truth, is by no means desirau? to 
 keep back the truth from his fellow-men, lest it should 
 give offence to the friends of the Missionary cause. 
 
 " A missionary situated on the Island of St. Mary, 
 tinder the care of the Church Missionary Society, sent 
 home his annual report to the Board in LondoU' The 
 report was published in the Society's Missionary Maga- 
 zine, and was of course circulated through the British 
 empire and other parts of the world, and was univei-sillj*' 
 read by the friends and supporters of the Church Mis- 
 sionary Society. A few copies reached the Missionary 
 stations in Sierra Leone, and one of these fell into the 
 hands of the Manager of the Liberated African Depart- 
 ment. He opened and read the report sent home bylhe 
 
45 
 
 Missionary on the Island of St. Mary, in whose neighs 
 borhood he happened to be at the time. The report gave 
 a most glowing account of a great religious excitement 
 then felt in that place; and among other things it stated; 
 that the chapel was constantly crowded with hearers, 
 who manifested a deep feeling while listening to the 
 word preached. It stated also that the neighboring 
 country, separated from his station by a river, was in- 
 habited by a race of people who were of the Mahomedan 
 faith ; that this people gave the most encouraging indica- 
 tions of their preparedness for the reception of the 
 Gospel, and that even their priests flocked over in crowds 
 — hundred of them having visited him, wading through 
 the water for that purpose, spending day after day with 
 him in religieus conversation, and reading vfrith the most 
 profound interest an Arabic bible which he had in his 
 possession. 
 
 "Amazed at the contents of the report, he showed it 
 to another gentleman, a resident of the place, and 
 fully conversant with all missionary proc^dings there, 
 and asked him if he could say what it meant. That gentle- 
 man, on reading it, was notless amazed than himself — the 
 whole report covering the awakening, and the in- 
 terest felt by the Mahomedan tribes, and their priests^ 
 being a mere fabrication of the Missionary's brain, 
 without one word of truth in it. The two gentle- 
 men, however, called upon the Missionary, and show- 
 ing him the article, to which his name was affixed, 
 asked him if that had been written by him? His 
 answer was in the affirmative. He was then asked, 
 'What do you mean by these statements? Where are 
 those Mahomedans you speak of? When were they 
 here ? Who has seen any of them or their people with 
 you!!!' He replied, 'Gentlemen, other Missionaries 
 send home good reports of their doings, and of the suc- 
 cess which attends their labor ; and if I do not the same, 
 I shall not be able to retain a situation hefe. 
 
 " Be it remembei'ed that this account we have re- 
 ceived from the gentleman himself, who, with the Mis- 
 sionary's report in his hand, questioned him upon the 
 subject, and ' received his answer — a gentleman of un- 
 questionable veracity, and whose statements may be 
 fully relied on. Missionaries, doubtless, are anxious to 
 
46 
 
 do all the good they can, by their public ministry, to the 
 pieople among whom they labor — or at least they are 
 very desirous to have large congregations to hear them 
 when they preach— and if the people will not voluntarily 
 attend when they are requested to do so, they think it 
 perfectly right to drive them, contrary to their inclina- 
 tion, to the sanctuary of God, that thereby they niight 
 be saved. 
 
 " Mr. P— , manager of the Liberated African De- 
 partment, in , Sierra LeonCj informed us, that shortly 
 after his arriv.al in that country, being then in a town 
 called Regent, he went out one morning and saw the 
 colored poUce about the streets, collecting the people 
 together, and driving them with whips. He went up 
 to them and asked what they were about ? They said 
 that they were taking the people to meeting. He asked 
 them by whose authority they were doing so. They 
 said that they were ordered to do so by the Missionary. 
 He replied : ' You go and tell the Missionary that I 
 forbid you doing so any more' — and the converted 
 Africans were released from the power of the police, 
 and were permitted to go where their inclinations led 
 them, or their business called them. Shortly afterwards 
 the Missionary called on him, and asked him why he 
 prevented the police taking the people to meeting. He 
 replied : ' I have no objections for these people to go and 
 hear you, if they are so inclined ; but I will not allow 
 them to be driven with whips to church against their 
 own will, when their business might call them elsewhere.' 
 The Missionary answered : ' It is the only way we can 
 get them there, and if we do not use such means they 
 will not attend.' After some further remarks by each 
 of the parties, the Missionary continued : ' My prede- 
 cessor, Mr. Johnson, used to report to the Board, that 
 his chapel was crowded with people, to attend public 
 prayer, every morning and evening in the week ; and I 
 understand that he employed the police to bring them, 
 together, as long as he was here, and therefore always 
 secured a full attendance. The. Board will expect the 
 same report from me ; and I see no r;easoD why I should 
 not be allowed to use the same means as he employed 
 to bring the cpngregation together, 
 
 "The missipn in Sierra Leone is represented, in the 
 
47 
 
 annual report of the Society as being in a most flourish- 
 ing state ; the preaching of the Missionaries having pro- 
 duced the most wonderful effect? in the conversion and 
 elevation of that once degraded people. Wonderful in- 
 deed is the change wrought among them ! ! How 
 elevated must be their state, how thorough and perfectlj'- 
 satisfactory their conversion, and how intense the interest 
 they feel for the truths of the Gospel, which the zealous 
 and self-denying Missionary preaches to them, whem 
 that Missionary is under the necessity of sending round, 
 his police to drive them with whips to meetmg, before 
 they can be induced to come and hear him preach, and 
 unite with him, asj their beloved pastor, in public 
 worship ! ! ! 
 
 " But to employ whippers-in to drive the converted 
 heathen to the sanctuary of God, thereby to secure large 
 congregations of attentive and interested hearers, listen- 
 ing with deep emotion to the preaching of the Gospel, is, 
 not peculiar to the Missionaries on the African coast ; 
 the practice is common in other parts of the world, when 
 it is in the Missionary's power to exercise such authority. 
 Herman Melville, in his Narrative of Adventures in the 
 South Sea, makes mention of a similar class of people 
 in the employment of the Missionaries in Polynesia. He 
 speaks upon the subject as follows: 
 
 '" The hypocrisy in matters of religion, so apparent in 
 all Polynesian converts, is most, injudiciously nourished 
 in Tahiti, by a zealous, and in many cases, a coercive su- 
 perintendence over their spiritual well-being. But this 
 coercive superintence is only manifested with respect to 
 the common people, their superiors being exempt from it. 
 On Sunday morning when the prospect is rather small 
 for a full house m the minor orinferior churches, a parcel 
 of fellows are actually sent out .with rattans into the 
 highways and by-ways, as whippers-in of the congrega- 
 tion. This is a sober fact. With abhorrence and dis-, 
 gust the custom is alluded to by a late benevolent visitor 
 at the island. See page 763 of the Memoirs of the Life 
 and Gospel Labors of the late Daniel Wheeler. These 
 worthies constitute a religious police ; and you always, 
 know them by the great white diapers they wear. On, 
 weei;, days they are quite as busy as on Sundays, to the; 
 great terror of the inhabitants, going all over the island, 
 and sDvinar out the wickedness thereof. , Moreover, thev 
 
48 
 
 are the cdllectors of fines— levied generally in grass- 
 mats — for obstinate non-attendance upon Divine worship, 
 and other offences amenable to the ecclesiastical judica- 
 ture of the Missionaries. These fellows are called 
 'Kinnahippers.' 
 
 " ' The Kinnahippers are hated by the islanders, and es- 
 pecially by the ladies. And no wonder ; the impertinent 
 varlets, popping into their houses at all hours, are for- 
 ever prying into their pecadtlloes. Mr. Roloo, who at 
 times was patriotic and pensive, and mourned the evils 
 under which his country was groaning, frequently in- 
 veighed against the statute, which thus authorized an 
 utter stranger (the Missionary,) to interfere with domestic 
 arrangements. He himself — quite a ladies' man — had 
 often been annpyed thereby. He considered the Kinna- 
 hippers a bore. Besides their confounded inquisitive-, 
 ness, they add insult to injury, by making a point of 
 dining out every day at some hut within the limits of their 
 jurisdiction. As for the gentleman of the house, his 
 meek endurance of these things is amazing. But ' good, 
 easy man,' there is nothing for him but to be as hospit- 
 able as possible. These gentry are indefatigable. At 
 the dead of night prowling round the houses — and in the 
 day-time hunting amorous couples in groves. Often 
 when seated in a house, conversing quietly with its in- 
 mates, I have known the family betray the greatest con- 
 fusion at the sudden announcement of a Kinnahipper's 
 being in sight. To be reported by one of these officials 
 as a ' Tootai Owte,' signifying abad person or disbeliever 
 in Christianity, is as much dreaded as the forefinger of 
 Titus Gates was, levelled at an alleged papist. 
 
 "• But the islanders take a sly revenge upon them. Old 
 Bob, one day drawing near home, and learning that two 
 of them were just then making a domiciliary visit at 
 his house, ran behind a bush, and as they came forth, 
 two green bread fruits, from a hand unseen, took them 
 each between the shoulders. The sailors in the calabaza 
 were witnesses to this, as well as several natives, who, 
 when the intruders were out of sight, applauded captain 
 Bob's spirit in no measured tefmS — the ladies present ve- 
 hemently joining in. Upon entering a dwelling the 
 Kitinahippers oftentimes volunteer a pharasaical prayer 
 meeting ; hence, they go in secret by the name of 'Boora 
 • Artuas,' signifying 'PSfay-to-Gods.' " 
 
49 
 
 DEAN'S ILLUSTRATION. 
 
 We have now given as much relative to the Mission- 
 ary effort in Asia and Africa, as our limits will permit. 
 We will, however, give an extract from the " Address of 
 ,Rev. Mr. Dean, at the Brooklyn Anniversary," showing 
 -the great importance of a continuous effort, and the 
 awful consequence; of an abatement, viz: 
 
 " Let us suppose, my friends, that you had sent one of 
 your children down intp a deep well to gather diamonds. 
 Suppose you had prepared all the machinery and ma- 
 terials, and that you had sent one down into the deep 
 and dismal place, to collect, amid the damps of that 
 dangerous pit, ornaments, with which to deck an honored 
 guest. You have prepared the rope and let him gently 
 down ; his efforts have been successful, he has collected 
 a rich treasure from among the filth and rubbish of the 
 place, and now you begin to draw him up laden with 
 gems which shall sparkle in beauty on the honored 
 brow. 
 
 "And, after you began to draw him up, you become 
 tired or discouraged, and let him fall suddenly to the 
 bottom, and all the rich load is scattered and lost ! Your 
 Missionaries, my friends, have been gathering with 
 great toil, amid the deadly damps of the pit of heathen- 
 ism, diamonds which are to glitter in your Saviour's 
 crown to all eternity, and will you let go the rope ? Will 
 you suffer the precious treasure to be lost ?" 
 
 Rev. Mr. Dean is a missionary to Asia, and highly 
 skilled in missionary theology and practice. His views 
 are ably and forcibly illustrated ; and if his figure of il- 
 lustration is to be understood to the full extent, it is 
 clearly shown by analogy, that the Missionaries them- 
 selves as well as the heathen, are in great danger, should 
 their friends in the United States let go the rope. 
 
 Mr. Dean, towards the close of his Address, says, " I 
 expect soon to go again down into the pit, to gather 
 diamonds," relying of course on his friends here to hold 
 the rope. This whole, figure, used here by Rev. Mr. 
 Dean is quite orthodox, having been borrowed from Rev. 
 
50 
 
 Mr. Fuller, the great head of moderii missions. And 
 should it have the desired effect in stimulating the friends 
 of missidtis to distil showers of money' upon those who 
 'labor in the pit, with the liberal use of the rattan, they 
 will, no doubt, work wonders in the name of Jesus^ 
 and at least equal the Jews, Pilate and the Roman ffol- 
 diers, in decking His head with a glittering crown. 
 
 We iliust pass Europe for the following very obvious 
 redson, given by Rev. Dr. Judson, in an address, which, 
 he being unable to speak, was read to the audience by 
 the Rev. Baron Stow : 
 
 "The greatest popular objection to the missionary en- 
 terprise is draWn from the small success which has at- 
 tended missionary efforts among the great" nations of 
 the earth. Some progress has been made in converting 
 {he ruder tribes of man ; but it must be confessed, that 
 ho encouraging impression has been made, in a single 
 instance, upon any great and particularly civilized 
 people." 
 
 The nations of Europe, like the United States, con- 
 sider themselves " great and particularly civilized," and 
 refuse, to the missionaries, the use of the " rattan," and 
 hence their want of success. It is no uncommon thing 
 in those countries to see crowds of men and women, 
 either engaged in business or amusing themselves on 
 days of preaching ; and still, all ecclesiastical power, to 
 force them to church and to heaven, is absolutely denied 
 to these pious, proselyting Evangelists. 
 
 MISSIONISM IN THE WEST INDIES. 
 
 The following account of Christianity in Jamaica, is 
 taken from a letter written by Rev. JacOb Weston, and 
 published in the Utica Baptist Register, N. Y., a New 
 School paper — and republished in the Advocate and 
 Monitor, N. Y., an Old School paper, from which we 
 t&ke it, and the editor's comment : 
 
51 
 
 " But 1 proceed to state a little more definitely the 
 Leadership System/- Nearly every estate has a man 
 called a leader, generally appointed by the missionary, 
 ■who conducts the meetings held by the people on his 
 Estate. 
 
 " It is the leader's duty to induce persons to be set off. 
 When he finds one willing, such person is brought into 
 4he class-room and assigned to a particular seat, when 
 after some heathenish ceremonies, the candidate is made 
 to kneel and repeat over a short prayer, -which the 
 leader puts, word by word, into his mouth. After this 
 the leader takes him by the hand, saying, ' In the name 
 of the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, I raise you to new- 
 ness of life.' They are now termed by the missionaries, 
 inquirers, and receive an inquirer ticket. And both 
 missionaries and people believe, or pretend to beli*ve, 
 that when a person is thus set off by the leader, he is 
 made a new creature, or born again. After being set 
 off, the candidate is instructed in a round of questions 
 and answers similar to the lectures in the Masonic 
 Lodge. The leader at the first puts the questions, and 
 gives the answers. 
 
 " When it is supposed the candidate can answer the 
 questions expertly, if he please the leader and give him 
 sufficient money, he is taken to the Missionary in these 
 ?7ords : ' Minister, here are some fit to be baptized, I 
 give them good character.' The Missionary then ques- 
 tions them as he pleases. But here let me remark that 
 the Missionary asks the same questions as are asked in 
 the clags-meeting by the leader,. If the candidates do 
 not answer the Missionary readily, the Leader who 
 stands by, answers for them. Frequently have I seen 
 the candidate turn to the Leader and ask him what to 
 answer. After the examination, the Missionary enrolls 
 their names in a book for baptism. 
 
 "The leader has the whole care of making christians, 
 and I think I may say tlie acknowledged care. For one 
 missionary, who has baptized over five thousand, said, 
 "L do not know that I have ever been instrumental in 
 the conversion of a single soul. All were convert- 
 ed at the time the Leader set them off. 
 
 " When baptised", the white inquirer ticket is exchatoged 
 
52 
 
 "Several times when I was examining candidates for 
 baptism, I told them, that I feared they had never been 
 born again. Upon which they would go away with the 
 -Leader a while and by and by return, sayings ' now 
 minister we can answer the questions.' On one such 
 occasion I labored more than two hours, trying to con- 
 vince one who had returned in this way, that if he was 
 not a christian before, I feared he was not now. Ltold 
 him that he might answer all my questions, and yet not 
 be a christian. But he seemed to get no idea of what 
 I meant. He said 'tother minister always take them, 
 when the Leader tell them what to answer ; and he spose 
 I have some mad against him, so I no baptize him.' My 
 heart bled for the poor soul, and for thousands of others, 
 going to destruction under the care of, I had almost said, 
 ' blind leaders of the blind.' 
 
 " This manner of making christians accounts for the 
 'glorious news' we so often hear from the island of Ja- 
 maica, of the triumphs of God's grace. 0, my soul, 
 come not thou into their secret. 
 
 * * * * * * * * * 
 
 " Many of the missionaries receive by their tickets, as 
 a consequence of the Leadership system, more than five 
 hundred dollars per month. And by exchanging as they 
 call it, once in four weeks, they make thirteen months a 
 year. For this money they make no account with the 
 society at home. The plate of these missionaries ; their 
 equipage ; their sumptuous fare, would astonish people 
 in this Republican land. They riot on the price of soul? 
 of their people, and then wiping their mouths, they say, 
 ' We have done no wickedness.' Is this language too 
 severe? These vast sums are given by these poor un- 
 suspecting people with the confident expectation of pro- 
 curing an admittance to heaven therewith. The mission- 
 aries know this ! What then can I say less." 
 
 On the foregoing extract the editor of the Monitor 
 comments as follows: 
 
 " The above is only a part of a letter from one, who 
 had personally witnessed the practice of the systemj as 
 presented in that number of the Register, the whole 
 being too long for us to copy. Two things which here- 
 in appear, might more fully be exposed by further quota- 
 
53 
 
 tion : but let this for the present suffice, as an exhibition 
 of the high-handed traffic in souls, and the heaven daring 
 lies and delusions, practiced in the 19th century, by- 
 certain men, called Baptist Missionaries. 0, tell it not 
 in Gath, except it be to warn the nations of the earth of 
 such as may come to them in the sheep's clothing, while 
 inwardly they are remaining wolves ! 
 
 "It'is true, many are at home embarked in the benevo- 
 lent doings, as they are called, for conscience sake, sup- 
 posing them to be instructed by the Gospel, and necessary 
 for its extension. To such we would say, ' Search the 
 Scriptures,' and see, if this or that be there required ; 
 and if ye love the Lord Jesus Christ, and cannot^build 
 on your own works, nor teach others to do so, be ex- 
 horted, in the Lord's name, to come out of Babylon, and 
 all her practices. 
 
 "The Gospel of the Son of God we love, and in its 
 behalf hope to be found laboring, whether for its exten- 
 sion or defence ; and to see the gracious fruits of the 
 Spirit fitly manifested in all the dear saints unto the 
 praise of Him, who has called them, is our earnest 
 prayer.- But we abominate all those tricks, and human^ 
 iy originated schemes, which lead the children of God 
 in 6 captivity, to the maxims of worldly policy ; and 
 which give room for the apostles of Satan, to practice 
 their craft, in making a g-ain of godliness, "deceiving 
 and being deceived." 
 
 " The system, here under consideration, will admit of 
 almost an endless variety of forms and shape, through 
 the wisdom of such as are concerned in shearing the 
 sheep and goats. Nor need Mr. Weston be surprised, if 
 his character be assailed, or his truth called in question, 
 even by many of that kind of professed Baptists, in this 
 his native land, who are strenuously seeking to systemize 
 things so finely, that ministerial support shall be, by 
 taxing the church and world ; while benevolence shall be 
 enforced by the precept and authority of blind guides. 
 
 "Who does not know, that the system of modern 
 doctrines and practices, in relation to making christians 
 at home, as well as professedly extending the Gospel 
 abroad, is daily becoming, under the agency of New 
 School principles and men, more and more like the 
 Popish^f afic in 'indulgencies,' or the old delusive system 
 of priestly pardon.' " 
 
54 
 
 MISSIONISM IN POLYNESIA. 
 
 The following is taken from the ' Banner of Liberty,' 
 a paper published in the State of New York : 
 
 " It is a very common thing to hear boasting of the 
 good results of missionary labors in improving the 
 morals of the natives of the Sandwich Islands. The 
 accounts, however, from that country are gerterally 
 written by the missionaries themselves, and 'hence the 
 reason of their boasting. Other kind of writers give £\ 
 very different view of things ; and, as proof of it, we 
 present the following on the subject from John C. Jones, 
 Esq., who was formerly United States Consul at Oahu. 
 Mr. Jones resided at the islands nearly twenty years* 
 and of course was well qualified to judge of the effects 
 of missionary labors, and the influence of the mission- 
 aries upon the lives, and conduct of the natives. This 
 extract was first published some time ago, but it is a,s ap- 
 propriate now as it was then. Mr. Jones says : 
 
 "I came to this land when* I may almost say, an ptber 
 order of beings peopled these shores. The native popuT 
 lation, in the days of the good and great Kamehameha, 
 possessed different feelings from those we now see 
 around us, and with whom we are compelled to- asso- 
 ciate. Then, the white man was respected, and the 
 stranger, humble though he might have been, found a 
 welcome at the abode of the savage. 
 
 "Professed Christianity has been proclaimed through- 
 out these benighted iles, but what has been its. effects? 
 Where are its fruits ? We cannot see them manifested 
 in the true piety of the convert^ ; we cannot see them 
 displayed in the acts of justice, and benevolence 
 of its boasted professors ; what, then, has it effect- 
 ed? The destruction of every fi.ner feeling which this 
 unsophisticated people once pojssessed. It has swept 
 from them every sense of humanity and hospitality 
 which was so characteristic of them Jp byrgone days ; 
 it has constituted them a nation of hypocrites. 
 
 "I would not be understood to say, t^f^t tWs has been 
 the effect of true Christianity, snc|i a^ was taught by the 
 merciful son of God ; but is ql^ri^tianity inculcated l|y 
 biased emissaries, sent out by i\\% prq^fessovsi of a par- 
 ticular doctrine, to sectaj-isinize ai)f} plui^der tjigse un- 
 suspecting children of nature ! 
 
5p 
 
 " The fruits of^ the spirit, I have always been taught 
 to. believe, are love, peace, and charity ; and when I can 
 see such virtues eminate from the word that is proclaim- 
 ed, then, and not till then, shall I be willing to go hand 
 in hand with those who encompass sea and land to 
 evangelize the natives oi Hawaii. 
 
 " But this people are fast passing away ; death is stalk- 
 ing abroad among these beautiful isles, sweeping away, 
 with frightful rapidity, their once dense. population. In 
 a few years they will cease to exist, only in remembrance, 
 and, at no protracted period, the inquisitive white man, 
 as he ponders over the structure of their remains, will 
 wonder to what order of beings they belonged." 
 
 Our limits will not permit us to publish the shameful 
 and anti-christian conduct of the missionaries in these 
 islands. This has already been done, to some extent, 
 by a portion of the political and religious press of this 
 country. We have given the results of missionary in- 
 fluence among the natives, as witnessed by the United 
 States consul, who resided there nearly tvventy years. 
 We must now hasten to our own country and talk about 
 things nearer home. 
 
 The following letter, dated Washington City, ])Iarch 
 5, 1831, and signed by six Indian chiefs, was taken froni 
 the Washington Globe : 
 
 " We, the Chiefs and Sachems of the Senaca Nation 
 of Indians of Sandusky, Ohio, have often heard of the 
 goodness of our white brothers and sisters in the United 
 States, and that they have given and sent many presents 
 of money, cloth, and clothing to us, to relieve the distress 
 of our women and children. We thank them for their 
 charity and good will ; but we solemnly say to them 
 that we have never received from them a cent of money, 
 nor cloth or clothing. ' ' 
 
 " Brothers and Sisters : We speak the truth to you as 
 it is give^ to us by the Great Spirit, in whom we trust 
 and believe, and wish yoli to listen to us that' you ttlay 
 
56 
 
 no longer be in the dark. We hear that collections have 
 often been made in all your churches for us, and that you,, 
 from the best motives towards us, have entrusted them 
 to the missionaries, whom we call black coats, to 
 present us. 
 
 " Brothers and sisters : We ask you all in the name 
 of the Great Spirit, in whom red and white men believe, 
 not to send anything more to be given us by the 
 black-coats. 
 
 " Brothers and sisters : We ask you to hear what we 
 say, for it is true. We have found the black-coats 
 treacherous and they deceive us. They come among us 
 and ask us to give them our property for saving our souls 
 after we die. We do not like it, for they knew no more 
 about the next world than we do. We think the Great 
 Spirit will save our souls and that the black-coats 
 cannot. 
 
 "Brothers and sisters : How can we have confidence 
 in men who have deceived both you and us ? We feel 
 friendship and 'affection for you, and we know you feel 
 the same for us. We wish you to know the truth, and 
 we will tell it to you. If you send us any more presents, 
 we hope you will send them by honest men, who do not 
 pretend to so much goodness. 
 
 " Christian brothers and sisters : We red children of 
 Nawoneti, whom we call the Great Spirit, who is present 
 everywhere, now give you a talk which we hope will 
 be long remembered by you all. Do not be deceived by 
 the black-coats. We beheve they are sent out by the 
 Bad Spirit to make a talk to us. If the Great Spirit had 
 sent Lhem out, they would have given us your presents, 
 and their talk would have made us better ; but their talk 
 do us no good, and we hear nothing of the presents you 
 sent us. 
 
 "Brothers and sisters : We do not worship the Great 
 Spirit as you do, but our belief in him and our worship 
 is sincere, and we think it acceptable to Him. You do 
 not think so. If we should send out our teachers of our 
 religion to you, you would not believe them. It is cou;- 
 trary to your belief, but your black-coats say we must 
 believe yours. You have your own teachers, let us have 
 ours. We are grateful for your kindness. We should 
 be glad to have you send persons to teach us how to 
 
57 
 
 plbw and reap, and teach us all the arts of agriculture. 
 This would malie us happy — but the black-coats cannot. 
 " Brothers and sisters : This is the truth that you have 
 not known before. We are your friends, and wish that 
 you may not.be deceived." 
 
 : As our limits require us to be brief, we will pass over 
 many other items, and give an extract from the writings 
 of Joseph Erwin, relative to the Choctaw Indians in 
 Mississippi. He emigrated to the Natchez country in 
 1783 ; was a member of the first Baptist church formed 
 in the State, and a delegate in the Convention which 
 formed the first Association, and has been' an orderly 
 Baptist ever since : 
 
 "There has been abundance said in our religious 
 world, about evangelizing and converting the heathen of 
 Burmah, Hindostan, &c. But let us look at the effect of 
 missionary labors among the poor heathen at home. I 
 live at this time nearly in the centre of the Choctaw 
 nation, now occupied by the whites, where the mission- 
 aries swelled their neck veins for years among the wild 
 men of the forest ; trying to evangelize the hearts of 
 that people ; trying to stimulate them to receive the 
 Gospel of Christ. And after spending thousands of 
 dollars among the Choctaws, and other red tribes, what 
 is the result of all their efforts? why hardly a remaining 
 vestige of all their missionary labor. 
 
 " Although it may seem bordering on the marvellous- — 
 and it is no gratification to me to say it — yet, there are 
 living persons now in this land, that have been eye-wit- 
 nesses to the application of the whip or cow hide on the 
 hacks of numbers of the red men of the forest, in en- 
 forcing the doctrines of the Gospfel upon them. Yes, in 
 this very land wheae I now live, the most unlimited ex- 
 tent of blind infatuation. There are powerful arguments 
 in the whip, when it is applied with judgment, but I don't 
 believe it ever evangehzed the heart of a poor sinnerr." 
 
 The author of this work, having been engaged for a 
 linmber of years in surveying land for the general go- 
 vernment, among the Choctaws, previous to their re- 
 moval west of the Mississippi river, had a fair opportunity 
 
pa 
 
 of learning something of their religious ceremonies, 
 none of which had the least " vestige" of true christianty. 
 Indeed, the external forms of Christianity was no where 
 found among them; no, not even in the slightest degree. 
 But it is now said that the missionaries " have done many 
 wonderful works" among them, which of course is an 
 additional proof of the great propriety of their removal 
 to a dark corner of the world, seeing that they could 
 not be converted in the presence of an intelligent 
 community. 
 
 MISSIONISM AMONG THE AMERICANS. 
 We must now leave the heathen and turn our atten- 
 tion to missionism among our own people. The United 
 States, like other " great and particularly civilized na- 
 tioi;is," refuse to the missionaries the use of the rattan, 
 whip or cow-hide, which have proved to be such povver- 
 ful auxiliaries among the ruder tribes of men. Hence 
 we shall now show a different mode of operations, suited 
 to the circumstances. In allusion to the manners and 
 customs of the different nations in which he traveled, 
 the apostle Paul says, " I was a,ll things to all men ;' and 
 this the missionaries seem to think, alluded to religious 
 doctrine and practice. And therefore they preach and 
 practice such things as are best calculated to fascinate 
 the carnal mind ; to draw large congregations together; 
 and initiate large numbers into their churches. 
 
 The avowed object of the great missionary enter- 
 prize is to advance the Redeemer's kingdom, to evan- 
 gelize the world, and usher in the milenium. Money 
 is, the power, and the nurnberless benevolent institutions 
 of tlje day are the means, by which this grand object is 
 to be accomplished. It is well understood that the evan- 
 
 geli^ing machinery, however skilfully constructed, will 
 
 * 
 
59 
 
 not work without a due application of power. There- 
 fore one of the great cardinal points, at all times, and on 
 all occasions, is to get money. And it would be interest- 
 ing and instructing to investigate the hundred and one 
 no)odes in which this is done. Our limits, however, will 
 permit us to notice only a few. 
 
 The Corrupt interpretations of the scriptures on this 
 subject are so palpable that none but those who are wil- 
 fully bhnd, and love to have it so, can be deceived. The 
 following extract from a paper prepared for the American 
 Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions will ex- 
 hibit what they are pleased to call the divine plan, viz : 
 
 "It is to contribute frequently and statedly. Upon 
 the first day of thp week. This is frequently, for it is 
 once in seven days. Nor shall we think that God calls 
 too frequently, if he calls once a week, to make some 
 appropria.te acknowledgment of his right, by giving a. 
 portion of what he gives us, to carry on his peculiar 
 work in, the world, and to save the perishing ; to save 
 them, not from starvation, but from perdition. Can once 
 a week be too frequently to lay by in store to feed the 
 hungry and clothe the naked? Was it not ordered in 
 the churches of Galatia as wejl as in the church of 
 Corinth, that the same rule should be observed ? And 
 can we hesitate for a moment to adopt it in regard to 
 the evangelizing of the world. Once a. week— can this 
 be too often to make a pecuniary contribution to send 
 the word of life, or the messenger of mercy, annoiunc- 
 ing life to those who are dead in sin ? Were our souls 
 where theirs are, should we think once a week too often 
 to be thought of, and prayed for, and labored for, that we 
 might live ? Relief must be had. God has ordered it 
 to be given by us, and given on the first day of the week. 
 Frequently, so that we may never forget it. 
 
 " it is to contribute universally, ' every one of you.' 
 It is a duty to contribute frequently and statedly for 
 evalgelizing the world. Whose duty is it? The duty 
 of every christian. Is it a privilege? Whose privilege ? 
 Does our Lorddemand the service of every one ? Poi^? 
 he not, a,t the sarne time, allow every one the privilege f 
 
60 
 
 Who is it, then, among all his friends, that is to be ex- 
 empt from the duty ? Who that is to be deprived of 
 the privilege ? Not one. Due allegiance is expected of 
 aj], and due favor .'s shown to all. It is ordained that 
 every one shall lay by him in store. Hovy suitable and 
 how beautiful is this arrangement ! Here the w^hole 
 church of Christ, the high and the Iovf, the rich and the 
 poor, the male and the female, appear before him on the 
 first day of the week. Nor does any one appear empty. 
 Every one lays by him in store an offering, as an acknow- 
 ledgement of obligation and thanksgiving. This being 
 done frequently and statedly, and on that day of conse- 
 cration and blessing, it is suited to produce the most 
 happy results. Here all hearts beat in unison before 
 the face of the Lord. This act is done by every one in 
 his own dwelling, under the eye of the Lord, who seeth 
 not as man seeth, but looketh upon the heart. From a 
 principle of obedience and love every redeemed sinnei" 
 gives an offering to the Lord. While this method 
 cherishes the best feelings towards God our Savior, and 
 tovvards his people and cause, it does, at the same time, 
 lie at the basis of all that is needful by way of 
 contribution. 
 
 " For a moment think of the power which the mighty 
 Saviour can call into action on this principle. Suppose 
 a church of two hundred and fifty members. Let every 
 one be poor, and every one lay by only the widow's two 
 mites, which make a farthing. One cent a week from 
 two hundred and fifty christians, will amount in a year, 
 to at least one hundred and twenty-five dollars ! Is not 
 the Divine Method one of great power 1 How vast the 
 sura from a million of Christians l^from a million of 
 poor christians ! Not less than five hundred thousand 
 dollars ! 
 
 " But this is by no means the divine standard of con- 
 tribution. It is only the frequency and universality that 
 we have yet considered. And far be it from us to inti- 
 mate that the rich are to contribute no more than the 
 poor. Such is by no means the Divine Method." 
 
 The foregoing is certainly as ingenious a sophism on 
 the subject as any that has ever fallen under our observa- 
 tion. And as it embraces the substance of all the argu- 
 
61 
 
 ments for 'raising money for missionary purposes, we 
 feel disposed to lay the scripture, from which such de- 
 ductions are ' drawn, before the reader, that he may see 
 the contrast and draw his own inferences. The follow- 
 ing is about every thing in the New Testament bearing 
 on this subject : 
 
 " And in these days came prophets from Jerusalem 
 unto Antioch. And there stood up one of them named 
 Agabus, and signified by the Spirit, that there should be 
 a great dearth throughout all the wotld ; which came to 
 pass in the days of Claudius Cass ar. Then the disciples, 
 every man according to his ability,, determined to send 
 relief unto the brethren which dwelt in Judea: Which 
 also they did, and sent it to the elders by the hands of 
 Barnabas and Saul. — Acts xi : 27, 30. 
 
 "But now I gO to Jerusalem, to minister unto the 
 saints. For it hath pleased them of Macedonia and 
 Achaia to make a certain contribution for the poor saints 
 which are at Jerusalem. It hath pleased them verily ; 
 and their debtors they are. For if the Gentiles have 
 been made partakers of their spiritual things, their duty 
 is also to rninister unto them in carnal things, — Rom. 
 XV : 25, 27. 
 
 " Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I 
 have given order to the churches of Galatia, even so do 
 ye. Upon the first day of the week, let every one of 
 you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him, that 
 there be no gatherings when I come. And when I come, 
 whomsoever ye shall approve by your letters, them will 
 I send to bring your liberality unto Jerusalem. And if 
 it be meet that I go also, they shall go with me— 
 1 Cor. xvi: 1, 4. 
 
 "Moreover, brethren, we do you to wit of the grace 
 of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia: How 
 that, in a great trial of affliction, the abundance of their 
 joy and their deep poverty abounded unto the riches of 
 their liberality. For to their power, (I bear record,) yea, 
 and beyond their power, they were willing of themselves : 
 Ptaying us with much entreaty that we would receive 
 the gift, and take upon us the fellowship of the minister- 
 ing to the saints. — 2 Cor. viii: 1, 4. 
 
62 
 
 "For as touching the ministering to the saints, it is su^ 
 ferflous for me to write to you. For I know the for- 
 wardness of your mind, for which I boast of you to th^m 
 of Macedonia, that'Achaia was ready a, year ago ; and 
 your zeal hath provoked very many. Yet have 1 sent 
 the brethren, lest our boasting of you should be in vatin 
 in this behalf; that, as I said, ye may be ready : Lest 
 baply if they of Macedonia come with me, and, find you 
 unprepared, we (that we say not you) should be ashamed 
 in this same confident boasting. Therefore, I thought it 
 fritecessary to exhort the brethren, that they would go be- 
 fore unto you, arid make up before hand your bounty, 
 "whereof ye had notice! before, that the same might be 
 ready, as a matter of bounty, and not as of coveteous- 
 ness. Butthislsay, he which soweth > sparingly shall 
 reap also sparingly ; and he which soweth bountifully, 
 shall reap also bountifully. Every man according as he 
 proposeth in his own heart, so let him give; not grudging- 
 ly or of necessity, for God loveth a cheerful giver.^- 
 2Cor. ix: 1,7." 
 
 If the reader can see any authority in the foregoing 
 quotations from the New Testament for begging money 
 in the name of the Lord, to send the Gospel to the 
 heathen, his perception is much keener than ours. In- 
 deed, the very reverse is taught, in the quotation 
 from llomans, as a duty. " For if the Gentiles have 
 been made partakers of their spiritual things, their duty 
 is also to minister unto them in carnal things." The only 
 object set forth in the collecting of these contributions, 
 was to supply the necessity of the saints^ — but the mis- 
 sionaries have reversed the rule, and beg money for the 
 heathen. Paul calls it ministering to the saints — but the 
 missionaries minister to the heathen. Paul instructed 
 the churches for each member to lay by him in store 
 upon the first day of the week — but the missionary rule 
 is to contribute money every Sunday. Paul encouraged 
 the collection of contributions for a, specific purpose— but 
 the missionaries for every purpose which their vain arid 
 fruitful imaginations, can invent and call benevotent. 
 
63 
 
 Paul's object wais to minister to the saints in cafhal 
 things— but the missionaries, is tO minister to the heathen 
 in spiritual things. The Apostolic purpose was to save 
 the saints frotti starving — but the missionary purpose is 
 to save the heathen from perdition. The Apostle call's 
 the contribution carnal things — biit the missionaries Call 
 it the power of Christ. "For a moment, say they, 
 think 6f the power which the mighty Saviour can call 
 ih'to action on this principle." 
 
 For the purpose of accumulating the power here al- 
 liideid to, many plans are put ih operation. One is to 
 send out begging agents, and give them a certaiin per 
 (ieht. on all they can obtain. Another is to have mis- 
 sfoWary sermons preached on stated occasions; when the 
 ttiost skilful sophist is selected, to play upon the sympa- 
 thies of the people, and obtain money under false pre- 
 tences. On these occasions it is usual for the spelaker 'to 
 i'fe^iresent the heathen as crying for help to save them 
 from perdition. But we have given ample testimony to 
 show, that, instead of this, they cry as ' an oppressed 
 people, against the tyranny of the anfi^christian crusaders. 
 
 We might here with propriety say, that there is not 
 oiie instance, by prefeept or example, to be foUnd in the 
 New Testament, of taking up a contribution for sending 
 the Gospel from one country to another. But on the 
 Contrary it is positively forbid. The only rule ever laid 
 down by Christ or his Apostles for this purpose is, " Pro- 
 vide neither gold nor silver, nor brass in your pUrses; 
 nor scrip for your journey, &c., for the laborer is 
 worthy of his hire, &c. And into whatsoever city ye 
 etiter, and they receive you, eat such things as are set 
 before you, &c. But into whatsoever city ye enter, and 
 thgy receive you not, go your ways out into the streets 
 of the same, and say : feven the very dust of your city 
 which cleaveth on us, we do wipe off against you." 
 
 But the missioiiaries, though they profess to know 
 
64 
 
 God, yet in works they deny him. They set at naqght 
 
 the rules and regulations laid down by the King of Zion, 
 
 and practice plans invented by their own evil imagjna^ 
 
 tions. Instead of contributing to the neqessities of 
 
 the poor, asthe Lord has commanded, they would beg 
 
 from them their last cent, and then brag behind the 
 
 curtain of th^ir success — thus glorying in their own 
 
 shame. This they do under the pretence of enforcing 
 
 Christian duty ; and though they have no scripture 
 
 authority for such conduct, yet they are enabled to lead 
 
 " silly women" astray, and consequently the men, through 
 
 the influence of a pious conclave associated together 
 
 in one common cause. They make merchandize of the 
 
 people, under false pretences,, by first corrupting public 
 
 opinion on the subject, and then bringing it to bear upon 
 
 them^thus forcing them to give, merely to avoid censure. 
 
 And this is all done in the name of the Lord ; and that 
 
 too for, the avowed purpose of saving the heathen from 
 
 perdition. 
 
 But it would be easy to prove, by a fair mode of 
 reasoning, that, though they may have an outside accu- 
 mulating faith on the subject, yet, they have not an in- 
 ternal conscientious faith. The manner and purposes 
 for which they spend money is alone ample proof on 
 this subject. The disbursing of missionary funds among 
 the officers and agents has been a source of loud com- 
 plaint by those who support the cause. The following 
 from the Boston Investigator, will somewhat illustrate the 
 views and objects of the missionary leaders who live in 
 the large cities, and control the funds : 
 
 ■' We never had any doubt but there were some who 
 supported religion from the best motives ; but we believe 
 that many support it with about the same object in view 
 that the multitude had when they followed Jesus — ^name- 
 ly, for ' the loaves and fishes.' This making a trade of 
 ■ religion is a shocking evil. We find tract societies es- 
 tablished; charitable institutions set on foot; new plans 
 
65 
 
 devised to meliorate our condition ; new buildings erect- 
 ed; new laws devised; new improvements suggested; 
 and when we follow them up and see them organized, 
 we shall find the pious, humane, and totally disinterested 
 projectors filling the lucrative places of presidents, 
 scribes, agents, clerks, printers, &c. — a son here, a brother 
 there, and religion is made to answer the purpose of 
 private gain, under the specious pretext of public good. 
 
 " As an instance in point, the 'Missionary House' in 
 this city pays four secretaries a salary of six thousand 
 yearly ; and out of more than ten thousand doUars 
 raised the last year by the Foreign Evangelical Society, 
 not less than six thousand were expended in agencies, 
 &c. This is the principle upon which religious teachers, 
 as a class, conduct their performances. They labor for 
 money just as much as the mechanic who builds a house 
 or a ship. The only difference is, the missionai-ies are 
 not half as honest as the mechanic, inasmuch as they 
 pretend not to work for money, which in fact amounts to 
 a system of cheating, or, as they say in law, ' obtaining 
 goods under false pretences.' 
 
 "Society requires reform, there is no doubt, but it can- 
 not be effected by these money-making, pious schemers. 
 It must be done by precept and example, by justice, 
 generosity, mild persuasion, disinterested benevolence,' 
 unmitigated love and l^indness, and not got up under 
 the shape of contributions for missionaries, tract so- 
 cieties, &c. . , 
 
 " On every side wc rerceive new schemes to obtain 
 money for religious p;:r-joses — concerting the heathen, 
 sending missionaries abroad, building churches, holding 
 religious fairs, buying up theatres for purposes of pious 
 speculation, establishiijig, pious newspapers, &c. 
 
 " These sums which could be converted to objects of 
 charity, to feed the hungry, and clothe the naked, are 
 taken from thpse who cannot affbrd them, to constitute 
 a fund which is to be expended under the superinten- 
 dance of certain men. The annual amount raised for 
 such purposes in this country is immense, and we are 
 feeling the force of it, not in substantial and wholesome 
 reforms, but in the meddling interference in private con- 
 cernsr— invading the sanctity of domestic retirement, 
 and attempting to hold public opinion and public will in 
 
66 
 
 a liiraMom atoost as oppressive as the inquisition itsetf. 
 We are told that this is all for real goodness and sin- 
 feere piety ; and he who objects to it is no friend of be- 
 nevolence and true religion. Let us beware of fanati- 
 cism, of bigotry, and intolerance ; they are the curses of 
 human society; and always assume some plausible 
 shape to deceive and beguile. Men do not ail ways practice 
 as thpy preach ; and when we see profit introduced under 
 the panoply of spiritual guides, we can see no grounds 
 for believing that a system of religion which thus en- 
 courages hypocrisy is of any utility in promoting human 
 happiness." 
 
 Again we quote from the Portland Boat, published in 
 the State of Maine, viz : 
 
 "The pews in Calvary Church, New York, were 
 Ifttely sold at auction for forty thousand dollars; and 
 it is said that the society, in addition to a salary of five 
 thousand dollars ^per year, has given its Rector fifteen 
 thousand dollars, furnished a parsonage house, and in- 
 sured his life to the amount of ten thousand dollars ! 
 
 "This church is rightly named: it was at Mount 
 Calvary that the body of Christ was crucified ; and at 
 this New York Calvary, this mountain of pride and sin, 
 he is ' crucified afresh and put to open shame.' Just 
 think of Christ with a little band of humble fishermen, 
 going up and down the world doing good, without 
 where to lay his head, preaching from fishing boats, 
 among the poor, the sick and the afflicted, gathering 
 grain and rubbing it out of the chaff" with his hands to 
 appease his hunger; eating with the poor, tarrying at 
 night with those most despised of the world; without 
 popularity, despised, hated, reviled, persecuted ; without 
 salary, asking none, yet continuing to do good even 'to 
 his enepojes ; and in his last breath asking forgiveness 
 for those who nailed him to the tree. Jur^ think of Him 
 and His humble course, through poverty and abuse, and 
 
 then think of the Right Rev. Dr. H^ , of New York 
 
 —the professed disciple of this lowly 'Master — in his 
 forty thousand dollar church, witb a present of fifteen 
 thousand dollars in hiiS; pocket, and a yearly salajry of 
 five thousand;more ! with his life insured to the amount 
 p/ ten thousand. Verily, if this be t^ie rejigion of JeSus, 
 
67 
 
 it has wonderfully changed since first preached on the 
 mountains, and by the sea side, eighteen hundred years: 
 ago. 
 
 " A forty thousand dollar church built with money 
 gained by buckling, cheating, lying, grinding the face of 
 the poor, robbing the widows and the fatherless ! A 
 fifteen thousand dollar preseijt, and a five thousand dollar 
 salary, the money gained by the same means ! Now, 
 who is there in this broad nation that does not know that 
 such a religion must be a curse, and nothing else but a 
 curse, to all concerned ? Who has not sense enough to 
 see that this is as directly opposite to the religion of 
 Jesus as darkness is to light 1 and yet, my friends,, 
 whether you will believe it or not, this church is nO' 
 worse at heart than nearly all other churches in the land; 
 but give them the means, and small is the number of 
 such as would not wander just as far from the truth, and 
 be just as ready to crucify Christ afresh, and put him to 
 open shame. 
 
 " Is it surprising that there are infidels in the world, 
 and that the number increases, while the professed fol- 
 lowers of the meek and lowly Jesus manifest such inon- 
 strous hypocrisy ?" 
 
 Is it possible that these people, who make such a 
 lavish expenditure of money, for such purposes, do, in 
 the sincerity of their hearts, believe that that money 
 could have been made instrumental in saving souls 
 from perdition ? If so, do they not aci grossly, yea, 
 fiendishly inconsistent with their faith ? Yet saving the 
 heathen from perdition is the theme of all these mission- 
 ary denominations, and begging money as a power to 
 accomplish this end ! Yea, they would beg the last dime 
 from the poor and needy, who, according to the letter 
 and spirit of the gospel, should be objects of their 
 charity. And when thus blasphemously obtained in the 
 name of the Lord, for unwarranted purposes, it is huddled 
 together in large sums to be disposed of by certain men 
 in our large cities. 
 
68 
 
 'GORNEK STONE EXERCISES OF THE STRONG 
 PLACE BAPTIST CHURCH, BROOKLYN. 
 
 " The introductory exercises were by Rev. Dr. Welsh 
 and Rev. Mr. Hodge. Address by Rev. Dr. Dowling. 
 Ceremony of laying the stone, with the benediction, by 
 the pastor. 
 
 " The address was one of the happiest efforts of the 
 author, particularly Baptistical and orthodox. While 
 the speaker disclaimed any New Testament injunction 
 or precept for the customary ceremony in laying the 
 corner stone of a church edifice, he nevertheless most 
 happily showed the appropriateness of such a service, 
 and satisfied his hearers that in its observance on the 
 present occasion neither himself nor the church and 
 society engaged in the enterprise could be charged with 
 'going toward Rome."' 
 
 Of course not. Every beast must have his day. The 
 first has had his, and now' the second , must reign. 
 Therefore, instead of your 'going toward Rome,' she 
 must come towards you, and present you with the 
 image. See 13th chapter of Revelation. 
 
 The description of the exercises, from the Recorder, 
 thus continues: 
 
 " The history of the Baptists and their connection 
 with the development and progress of religious liberty 
 in England and our own country, was briefly but most 
 happily set forth. It was on'the whole one of the most 
 interesting ceremonies of this nature, we were ever 
 privileged to enjoy. The leaden box, closely sealed 
 and put in the corner stone, contained, among other 
 matters, the following : A Bible, bearing the imprint of 
 the American and Foreign Bible Society; Brooklyn 
 City Directory; New York Recorder, Watchman and 
 Reflector, and other denominational papers; Annual 
 Reports of denominational Societies; a quantity of 
 American coin, &c. 
 
 " The prospects of the young church and society are 
 encouraging. They have a subscription of twenty 
 
69 
 
 thousand dollars raised among themselves, with expecta- 
 tions of a still farther increase from the vicinity in which 
 their house is located, of which it is to be an ornament. 
 The church was constituted in March, 1849, with but 
 sixty-six members; it now numbers one hundred and 
 ninety-three. They built their present chapel at an ex- 
 pense of about ten thousand dollars, and supposed it 
 would be amplfe in its accommodations for four or five 
 ye^irs. The increase of the church and congregation 
 has so far exceeded their expectations as to render it ne- 
 cessary to enlarge immediately the place of their habita- 
 tion. Their contracts require the house to be rea"dy for 
 occupancy by the first of April next. 
 
 "The building, with a spire of about two hundred 
 feet, is to be of solid stone work. A description of 
 the design of the building will be hereafter given." 
 
 . Now why, we ask in all candor, was this ' quantity of 
 American coin' hid in a ' leaden box' from all practical 
 use, while those who did it profess to believe it might 
 have been instrumental in saving souls from eternal 
 death? Which are we to believe, their words or their 
 acts ? 
 
 Again,, they had twenty thousand dollars subscribed, 
 to which they expected a farther increase, for building a- 
 new chapel, with a spire of two hundred feet. Why all 
 this extravagance to make their chapel an ' ornament to 
 the vicinity?' If this people believed what they pretend 
 to believe, would it not be more consoling to their hearts 
 and consciences to worship in a house less costly, and 
 with the balance of the money save a portion of the- 
 heathen from endless woe, than to gratify their' pride 
 and vanity by an ostentatious display ? Surely, they 
 could have curtailed a little for the benefit of the poor 
 heathen, even if it had been only ten feet of the, spire. 
 That would have left one hundred and ninety feet, which, 
 if not so 'ornamental/ certainly would have been ample 
 for a Baptist church. 'f 
 
 We shall now conclude this part of the subiecit with. 
 
70 
 
 an extract from a letter written by Rev. Joseph Kennard, 
 to the New York Recorder, showing the spirit and man- 
 ner of raising funds for these purposes, viz : 
 
 " I suppose you have accounts of the progress of mis- 
 sion feeling among our churches. I have been a pastpr 
 many years in Philadelphia, but I have never before 
 witnessed anything to equal what we have seen in the 
 last two weeks. The spirit of God seems to be ppured 
 out from on high. The meeting of last Wednesday- 
 evening was with my people, and to my grateful aston- 
 ishmer^t resulted in securing twenty-six life-memberships, 
 in the midst of a special effort to pay a heavy debt on 
 our meeting house. As a friend of Missions you will 
 rejoice in thife result. The same spirit is manifested in 
 all the churches in this city." 
 
 We must now conclude this chapter on Missions. We 
 have designedly travelled over a wide field, for the pur- 
 pose of showing the outline of missionary character. 
 But we must inform the reader, that we have mainly kept 
 on the outskirts. We have not attempted to enter the 
 deep, dark, mysterious ocean of iniquity, which has 
 been practiced by priestcraft among " the great and 
 particularly civilized nations of the earth." As the grand 
 object of missions is to evangelize the world and to ad- 
 vance the Redeemer's kingdom, we Will conclude tins 
 chapter with a few extracts, showing the result of all 
 their efforts. Lest we might be considered unfair in our 
 selections, we have given extracts relative to the state 
 of mprals in Boston and New York City, the great head- 
 quarters of missionism. 
 
 The Boston Christian Obserner, of October 24, 1851, 
 ia a leading editorial, after alluding to the recent murders 
 in that City, says : 
 
 " Other vices are by no means ccKifiined to our foreign 
 population, as we have continual pcc^sion to know. We 
 must, then, come to the conclusiotj that the morals of 
 our city, taking its population, Hviih their origin, numbers, 
 &c., into tiie account, is alarmingly low. If we were 
 disposed to dwell upon the vic$ at Md&ntiousness alone. 
 
and give the proofs which are at hand of its existence^ 
 in, high pierces, as well, as lorn, and especially among 
 heads of families, of botk sexes, the same coiicMsion 
 would be reached." 
 
 The Neto York Reitirder comments on the above as 
 follows, viz : 
 
 "Such a statement as' this, atid particularly that por- 
 tion of it which I have italicised, call for the instant and 
 serious consideration of every true friend of his country. 
 For what is alleged of the morals of Boston, it is to be 
 feared is also applicable to our own city; indeed, to the 
 country at large." 
 
 The foregoing extracts are the admissions of mission- 
 ary papers. If our limits and inclination permitted, we 
 could select hundreds of extracts, from the religious and 
 political press, showing a worse picture of affairs than is 
 exhibited above. 
 
 We shall now close this chapter with an extract from 
 the Sunday Times, being a reply of the late Major Noah, 
 a learned Israelite, to a question propounded, relative to 
 the second coming of Christ, viz: 
 
 " He would, we think, be less welcome to the christians 
 than to the Jews. He could not, we think, recognize re- 
 formed religion which is carried out iii his name. He 
 who preached against pride, ostentation and arrogance 
 —who was the friend of tl^e poor, and rebuked the rich 
 and worldly-minded — who preached peace on earth and 
 good will to men — who ordained obedience to the laws 
 and submission to rulers — Would not brook the desecra- 
 tion of the christian pulpit, occupied by some men who 
 endeavor to stir up rebellion and division among the 
 people — who falsely quote the scriptures to carry out 
 their fanaticism — who openly defy the laws, and wicked- 
 ly commend opposition to them — who are sowing division 
 and misery throughout the land. He would say, ' I had 
 trouble with the Scribes and Pharisees, vyho were my 
 own people— they did not recognize my missien ; but 
 here are my followers — as they represent themselves to 
 be — who ought, in my name, to carry out my principles, 
 but do not — who consider that there are many of my 
 
72 
 
 orders, di; rctions, and, doctrines which they cannot carry 
 out, alleg' f ' -it *hey do not conform to the spirit of the 
 age!!'i I ;,-iir; find his own people as he left them 
 two the .. ■ •! y :..rs ago — with one faith and one God ; 
 but the modern church he would find divided into nu- 
 merous sects, one arrayed against the other — preaching 
 all kinds of doctrines — and understanding better what 
 he meant to establish than he did himself The question 
 is not, ' How coilld the Jews receive him?' but, 'How 
 would he be received by those professing to be christians?' " 
 
73 
 
 BAPTISTS IN MISSISSIPPI. 
 
 Previous to 1785, a few families had immigrated from 
 South Carolina, and settled near Natchez, which was then 
 a Spanish province. Some of these were regular 
 Baptists. Driven from their native State by the pressure 
 of the Revolution, they sought a peaceful home in the^ 
 wilderness, far away from the tumults of war. But even 
 here, they soon found, that they had not passed the 
 bounds of the great enemy of peace — " All that will live 
 godly in Christ Jesus shall sufferpersecution;" — and here 
 they suffered persecution, through the instrumentality of 
 nominal christians- Yea, those who professed to be 
 followers of the " meek and lowly Jesus," became the in- 
 struments of Satan, to vent his bitter spite against the 
 Regular Baptists. And what for ? Was it for sedition 
 against the civil authorities ? No. Was it for immoral 
 conduct ? No. It was for nothing more nor less than 
 what the Catholic priest was pleased to consider heresy 
 in religion. 
 
 A regular Baptist Licentiate, in the year above men- 
 tioned " mounted the rostrum, and declared publicly to 
 the surrounding country, the plan of salvation by grace; 
 and preached the pure and gentle doctrine of the Gospel. 
 Thus affairs moj^ed on till 1793, when the high Priest, 
 " like Demetrius of old, began to take the alarm, thinking 
 that his craft was in danger, by the propagation and 
 growth of such heretical principles." The Rev. Eccle- 
 siastic commanded silence and implicit obedisnce to the 
 Catholic religion. Finding his edict disregarded by the 
 Baptists, he had recourse to the civil authority to suppress 
 such heresy. Accordingly, " Richard Curtis (the Baptist 
 
74 
 
 Licentiate,) was denounced as an iijcorfigibie heretic, 
 with all his adherents ; and consequently, if there were 
 five subsequently found together, in a religious capacity, 
 they should be put in confinement." 
 
 In 1794 said Curtis returned to South Carolina, where 
 he was. ordained to the ministry by the Regular Baptists. 
 His preaching in the Natchez country had so aroused the 
 resentment of the Catholics; that, during his absence, they 
 seized several of his adherents and cast them into prison. 
 "Elder Curtis now returned to his brethren and friends, 
 fully authorized to fill the different functions of the Gospel, 
 as a minister of Christ. This will bring us up to 1795 
 when th& United States negotiated with Spain for this 
 country. The negotiation being announced, ^ind Popish 
 fetfers broken, there was nothing to fear from that 
 quarter. In this same year Elder Curtis, acting the part 
 of an under-shepherd, gathered the few scattered sheep 
 to the fold, when they were constituted into a church on 
 the old regular predestinarian plan, by the name of "Salem 
 Church, on Cole's creek," in Jefferson county. 
 
 Emigration now began to come in rapidly from South 
 Carolina, Georgia, and Tennessee, among whom were 
 many Regular Baptists, some of whom were ordained 
 ministers. In 1797, Newhope church, on Second creek, 
 near Natchez, was constituted, on the same principles of 
 Salem church. In 1803 and '4, they were blessed with 
 a "great revival in religion, under the preaching of Elder 
 Thomas Mercer and others," which led to the constitution 
 of .other churches. • 
 
 It will be necessary, here, to take some notice of t)r. 
 James Mullen, a Baptist preacher, who inoved into the 
 territol-y about 1797. The Doctor preached and con- 
 tended for the general atonement system, which was so 
 contrary to regular Baptist doctrine, and'the arfictes of 
 faith, on which the Baptist churcfies in the territory bad 
 been constituted, that he was unable to ofctain mertibef- 
 
75 
 
 ship. He, however, succeeded in drawing away frdm 
 the churches some followers. But, after an unavailing 
 effort for several years, not being able to realize his ex- 
 pectations, he left the territory, without ever constituting 
 his adherents into a church. 
 
 The foregoing information was obtained principally 
 from the writings of Joseph Erwin, who was born in 
 Rowan county, North Carolina, in 1774, and emigrated 
 to the vicinity of Natchez, in 1783. He was a member 
 of the first Baptist church ever constituted in the Mis- 
 sissippi territory, and was^a delegate for forming the first 
 Association. He has been a member ever since, and is 
 now living in Holmes county, and enjoying as good 
 health as is usual for his age. 
 
 Before taking up the Associational minutes, we will 
 give place to an extract from one of his letters, written 
 in 1839, viz: 
 
 " When, alas, the enemy began to make inroads upon 
 us by sending us young theologians from the Academies 
 as missionaries, who came in among us, and said we are 
 of you ; and the poor old Regulars not being always at 
 their post, with unsuspecting simplicity received them 
 into their arms, their bosoms, their pulpits, and dandled 
 them on the knee ; there beiag a train of them from the 
 up country, all things appeared to go on well until those 
 visitors had got well in the hearts and aflfections of the 
 churches, and began to be looked up to as men of con- 
 siderable weight and talent. Then it was that they 
 began to vomit out their heterodoxical sentiments in all 
 its multifarious forms. Campbellism was what they ap- 
 peared to advocate most strenuously, after they had 
 gained weight and influence in the churches. 
 
 " And now, brethren, it is a fact, that churches which 
 were in good standing, and apparently in good health, 
 were torn to pieces, and have never regained their 
 foriner statiding. And not only churches, but associa^ 
 tions ; the Mississippi and Union, have been powerfully 
 shook with these seeds of corruption ; and though those 
 men are gone, yet the fruits of their baneful and h^ero- 
 
76 * 
 
 doxical sentiments -have been>ft behind, asalasting me- 
 morial of their deception. / ' vow, brethren, this re- 
 mindsme of what theApost ' h, that ' After my 
 
 departure wolves, should ' auiong them (the 
 
 churches) not sparing the flock ; but scattering,' (Sic, and 
 leading or drawing away disciples after them. 
 
 " Well, another Babelor Castle built in the air, was 
 the Mississippi Baptist State Convention; when and 
 where all^the churches belonging to the different Asso- 
 ciations must annually send up their delegates, with their 
 pecuniary remittances to support theological schools, for 
 the purpose of educating young men in and for the 
 ministry. 
 
 •'After the same had progressed a little", and got so it 
 looked like it migLt "tand on its legs, its features and 
 forms could be moreminutely discovered. And then the 
 .old Regulars, or some of them, did not like its shapes. 
 They sa^^ the impropriety of such a line of conduct — 
 that it was not congenial with or to the Gospel plan — 
 believing that God called and qualified his ministers for 
 and to the work. And now down comes the building to 
 the ground, because it could not live without money. 
 The Old School boys being now twice bit, began to be a 
 little more on their guard, and to stand aloof to things 
 which they did not understand. 
 
 " Well, from some part of the State in pours the general 
 atonement doctrine, with its multifarious doctrines, that 
 Christ tasted death for every man equally alike, that all 
 mankind are in a salvable state. The old Regulars op- 
 posed that doctrine strenuously, believing it to be false 
 when weighed in the balance of the sanctuary. 
 
 " The Missionary System with all its multifarious train, 
 were pressed upon the churches. But the old Regulars 
 cannot submit to such measures, not believing them to 
 be Apostolic. My remarks turn particularly on the 
 above mentioned Associations. There are others of 
 recent date, where the isms prevail abundantly, with 
 their tj'^yantic strides. 
 
 "'J'he Primitive Baptist Association to which I belong 
 has closed her doors against the above train of specula- 
 tive notions, or moneyed institutions of the day ; and I 
 hope the day is, not far distant, when all God's dear 
 children will listen with attention to that solemn and pa- 
 thetic invitation, ' Come out of her, my people.' " 
 
77 
 
 MISSISSIPPI ASSOCIATION. 
 
 IaJuly,l807, several churches met, by delegates, at 
 Salem, in Jefferson county, and agreed to form themselves 
 into an Association ; and that each church appoint dele- 
 gates to meet at Bethel, in Wilkinson county, in Sept., 
 1807. Accordingly the delegates, then and there, con- 
 stituted the Mississippi Baptist Association : 
 ■■.^ preamble: 
 
 We, the churches of Jesus Christ, who have been 
 regularly baptized upon a profession of our faith, are 
 convinced of the necessity of a.combination of churches, 
 and of maintaining a correspondence, for the preserving 
 a federal Union amongst all the churches" 6f the same 
 faith and order. We, therefore, do agree to unite and 
 form ourselves into an Association Upon the following 
 principles, namely : 
 
 ARTICLES OF faith: 
 
 1. We believe in one only true and living God, and 
 that there are a trinity of persons in the Gfod-head, the 
 Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost,. the same in essence, 
 equal in power and glory. 
 
 2. We believe the scriptures of the Old and New Tes- 
 tament were given by inspiration of God ; are of divine 
 authority, and the only rule of faith and practice. 
 
 3. We believe in the fall of Adam ; in the imputation 
 of his sin to all his posterity; in the total depravity of 
 h*-' nan nature ; and in man's inabihty to restoi-e himself 
 to tiie favor of God. 
 
 4. We beheve in the everlasting love of God to his 
 people ; in the eternal unconditional election of a definite 
 number of the human family to grace and glory. 
 
 5. We believe that sinners are on^y justified in the 
 sight of God, by the imputed righteousness of Jesus 
 Christ ; which is unto all, and upon all them that believe. 
 
 6. We believe all those who were chosen in Christ, 
 before the foundation of the world, are in time effectually 
 called, regenerated, converted and sarictified ; and are 
 kept by the power of God, through faith unto salvation. 
 
 7. We believe there is one Mediator between God and 
 men, the man Christ Jesus, who by the satisfaction which 
 he made to law and justice, in becoming an offering f6r 
 
 sin, hath bv his most nrecious blood, redeemed the elect 
 
from under the curse of the law, that they might be holy 
 and without blame, before him in love. 
 
 8. We believe good Works are the fruits of faith, and 
 follow after justification ; are evidence of a graciOtis 
 state ; and that it is the duty of believers to perform them 
 from a principle of love. 
 
 9. We believe in the resurrection of the dead, and a 
 general judgment, and that the happiness of the righteous, 
 and the punishment of the wicked will be eternal. 
 
 ON GOSPEL GEDEE. 
 
 1. We believe that the visible church of Jesus Cbrist, 
 is a congregation of faithful persons who have given 
 themselves up to the Lord, and to each other, and have 
 coven£|,nted to keep up a Godly discipline, agreeably to 
 the rules of the Gospel. 
 
 2. We believe that Jesus Christ is the head of the 
 Church, the only law-giver ; that the government is with 
 the body, "the church," and is equally the right and 
 privilege of each member thereof 
 
 3. We;be]ieve that Baptism and the Lord's supper 
 are Gospel ordinances, appointed by Jesus Christ, and 
 are to be continued in the church, until his second coming. 
 
 4. We believe baptism, by immersion, is the only 
 Scriptural mode, and that believers are the only proper 
 subjects. • 
 
 5. We believe that none but regular baptized church 
 members have a right to partake of the Lord's supper. 
 
 6 We believe it to be the duty, and privilege, of all 
 believers, to make a public profession of their faith, to 
 submit to baptism, by immersion, and to give themselves 
 members of the visible church. 
 
 7. We believe it to be the duty of every regular or- 
 ganized church, to expel from her communion all disor- 
 derly members, who are immoral in their lives — or that 
 hold doctrines contrary to the Scriptures. 
 
 EULES OF DECORUM. 
 
 1. Those delegates who are regularly chosen by the 
 churches in our Union, shall compose the Association. 
 
 2. The delegates, so chosen shall produce letters from 
 their; respectiive churches, certifying their appointment, 
 together with their number, in fellowship, baptized, re- 
 ceived by letter, restored, disriaissed, excommunicated, 
 and dead, since the last Association. 
 
79 
 
 3. The delegates thus chosen» and convened, shall be 
 denominated the M^sissippi Baptist Association. 
 
 4. This Association shall have a Moderator and Clerk, 
 who shall be chosen by the members present. 
 
 5. If new churches desire to be admitted into the 
 Union, they shall petition by letter and delegates. If, 
 on examination, found orth6dox, and orderly, shall be re- 
 ceived by the Association, and manifested by the 
 Moderator giving their delegates the right hand of 
 fellowship. 
 
 6. No church in the Union shall have a right to more 
 than two delegates, until she shall exceed one hundred 
 members — then she shall have a right to an additional 
 delegate for every fifty^ 
 
 7. Every query sent to the Association, by any church 
 of the Union, shall be read and put to vote by the 
 Moderator, whether it shall be debated, and if there shall 
 be a majority for it, it shall be taken up and investigated; 
 Provided, always, That those be first considered, which 
 effect the union of the , churches. 
 
 8. Every motion made and seconded shall be taken 
 up by the Association, except it be withdrawn by the 
 person who made it. 
 
 9. Only one person shall speak at once, who shall rise 
 from his seat and address the Moderator. 
 
 10. The person thus spe^aking, shall not be interrupted 
 except he depart from the subject, break the rules of 
 decorum, or cast reflections on a brother ; in which case 
 he shall be immediately called to order by the Moderator. 
 
 11. No person shall speak more than twice to the same 
 subject, without leave of the Association. 
 
 12. No brother shall be suffered to whisper or laugh 
 during the conference; neither shall he absent himself 
 without leave of the Moderator. 
 
 13. The Moderator shall have the liberty of speaking 
 to any question that may be debated, provided the chair 
 be previously filled; and have the privelege of voting, 
 only when the "association are equally divided. 
 
 14. The names of the delegates, shall be enrolled by 
 the Clerk, and called over as often as the Association 
 may deem expedient. 
 
 1)5. We think it absolutely necessary to have an Asso- 
 ciation-fund, for defraying the expenses of the saipe — 
 for the raising and supporting of which, we think it the 
 
80 
 
 duty of each church in the Union to contribute such 
 sums as they may deem proper, and send by the hands 
 of their delegates to ihe Association— and the money 
 thus contributed by the churches, shall be deposited in 
 the hands of a Treasurer, by the Association appointed, 
 who shall be accountable to the Association, for all 
 monies by him received and paid out, according to the 
 direction of the same. 
 
 16. The minutes of the Association shall be read, (and 
 corrected, if necessary,) and signed by the Moderator 
 and. Clerk, before the Association rises. 
 
 17. These rules of decorum and Gospel order; may 
 be altered, changed or amended, from time to time, or 
 any part of them, when a majority of all the' churches in 
 the Association shall deem it necessary — but the Articles 
 of Faith shall not be subject to any alteration, only as it 
 respects term. 
 
 POWERS OP THE ASSOCIATION. 
 
 1. It shall be the business of the Association to provide 
 for the general union of the churches. 
 
 2. To keep up a friendly correspondence, when con- 
 venient, with those Associations of the ifeame faith and 
 order. 
 
 3. This Association shall have no power to lord it 
 over God's heritage, nor to infringe upon any of the in- 
 ternal rights of the churches. 
 
 4. It shall be the duty of this Association to ,give the 
 churches the best advice in their power in difficult mat- 
 ters — to enquire into any difficulties which may exist be- 
 tween sister churches, and remove them if possible. 
 
 5. To admit any of the brethren in the ministry as as- 
 sistants, but not to give them the privilege of voting, 
 
 6. This association shall have power to withdraw 
 from any church in the Union, who may be unsound in 
 principle, or immoral in practice, until reclaimed. 
 
 7. To appoint any person or persons, by and with their 
 consent, to transg-ct any business which the Association 
 may deem necessary. 
 
 8. The Association shall have power to adjourn to any 
 time or place they may think most proper. 
 
 9. The Association shall be opened and closed by 
 prayer. 
 
81 
 
 1807. In September, the first sessipnof the Mississippi 
 Baptist Associatioij was held, at, Bethel, in Wilfcinson 
 ■county, in which fisre churches were represented by 
 delegates, viz : Salem, Newhbpe, Bethel, New Provi- 
 dence and Ebenezer — the aggregate strength, I96 mem- 
 bers. It was agreed, that each church should, herealfter, 
 send three delegates, and no more. 
 
 1808. In October, the second session was held at New 
 Providence, Amite County, in which seven churches 
 were represented — the five above named, and the Bayou 
 Pierre and Morgan's Fork-^ aggregate strength 236 
 members — $26 50 sent up by the churches. Two 
 union meetings were appointed, to be held during ' the 
 ensuing associational year. 
 
 EXTRACT FEOM THE MINtJTES. 
 
 Query. — What steps would be most advisable to take 
 with the members of our society, whose treatment to 
 their slaves is unscriptural ? 
 
 Answer. — We recommend to the several churches, be- 
 longing to our connexion, to take notice of any improper 
 treatment, of their members, towards their slaves, and 
 deal with them in brotherly love, according to the rules 
 of the Gospel. 
 
 Query. — What shall be done with members of our 
 society who hve in the constant neglect of family 
 worship. 
 
 Answer. — We recommend to the heads of families/in 
 our connexion, to keep up family worship, as a christian 
 duty,' and where they do not, that Gospel steps be taken, 
 in order that they may be reclaimed.* 
 
 Query. — Shall the ordination of a Minister of the 
 Gospel, who may become a member of the Baptist 
 Church, be considered valid, who was ordained by men 
 not in our connexion? 
 
 Answered in the negative. 
 
 Query. — Is a brother under obligation in all cases of 
 private offence, to go to his broth<er, and tell him his fault ? 
 
 Answered in the affirmative. 
 
 * This is the only mstance in forty-odd years that the subject is'named. 
 
82 
 
 Brother T. Mercer, M. Hadly, and D. Snodgrass, 
 were appointed a committee to enquire into the validity 
 of brother John Wood's ordination, and if thought re- 
 quisite to ordain him ; and to report the result to the 
 church. 
 
 1809. In October, the third session was held at Salem, 
 in Jefferson county — same churches represented — ag- 
 gregate strength 251 members — no money reported — 
 three Union meetings appointed for the ensuing year. 
 Brother M. Hadley was appointed to write the circular 
 for next year. Brother T. Mercer, to preach the intro- 
 ductory sermon at the next association, and in case of 
 failure, brother E. Courtney. Brother D. Cooper, to su- 
 perintend the printing of the minutes. 
 
 Query. — Is it consistent with Gospel order to receive 
 testimony fcom persons of good character, not of our 
 connection, against a church member ? 
 
 Answered in the affirmative. 
 
 EXTRACT FROM THE CIRCULAR LETTER. 
 
 " For the better understanding of the mind of Christ 
 on this subject, we shall observe in the first place, that 
 the object of church censures, in whatever degree it may 
 be necessary to use them, is not the destruction, but the 
 salvation (from error) of the unfortunate transgressor. 
 Therefore, whether we exhort, admonish, reprqve, or 
 proceed to the high censure of excommunication, still 
 our object should be the destruction or mortification of 
 the flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the day of the 
 Lord. 
 
 " But it is lamentable that possessors of religion are 
 not always influenced by this principle. We may vent 
 our spite, and gratify secret revenge, on a brother who 
 has gone astray, ana that under the specious appearance 
 of rehgion, and zeal for the Lord of hosts. But let that 
 man tremble, who would thus pervert and prostitute 
 sacred things to the gratification of a base, malicious 
 passion. Let him recollect, that his hypocrisy and 
 malice will be detected, when he shall stand before the 
 Judge of quick and dead. 
 
83 
 
 We shall next enquire whether the Gospel requires 
 ate labors to be used in cases of public transgression. 
 IS been the prevailing opinion that private offences 
 lire private labors ; but where the offence is public, 
 offender should be immediately cited to appear at the 
 of the church ; and that no previous steps were ne- 
 ary. But, however general this opinion may have 
 1, it is not according to the rule of the Gospel. 
 ich, we trust, will clearly appear from the following 
 srvations, wherein we shall endeavor to prove, that 
 ate labors ought to be used in all cases of public of- 
 ;e, except where the sin is of so heinous and flagrant 
 ture, that the honor of religion would require the 
 ader to be immediately excommunicated. For we 
 e already observed, that the great object of the 
 rch should be to reclaim the' offender. Therefore, 
 le means should most certainly be adopted, which are 
 ; calculated to answer that purpose. 
 Should we go to the offender in the spirit of Christ, 
 him his fault, explain to him the nature and conse- 
 nce of his transgression, and charge the sin upon his 
 science, it would be more likely to bring him to re- 
 tance, than if he should be immediately cited to ap- 
 r at the bar of the church. Where rash measures 
 used, there is reason to fear, that the heart of the of- 
 ler, already hardened by sin, would still grow harder, 
 the sheep which has gone astray, would only wander 
 her into the wilderness. But the good Sheperd will 
 sue the lost sheep into the mountains ; and when he 
 found it, he will not drag it home, nor yet attempt to 
 re it, but he will lay it on his shoulder and bring it to 
 fold again. 
 
 We shall now examine Matthew xviii: 15, 16 and 
 on this subject, which is considered as a directory in 
 es of offenders : ' If thy brother trespass against thee, 
 and tell him his fault between him and thee alone ; 
 le shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother; but 
 le will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two 
 re, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses, every 
 rd may be established,' &c. There is but one de- 
 iption of private offence to which this rule will pro- 
 ■ly apply, viz : Where the offender does, not deny 
 ! rharo-e. hut nleada not ffuiltv. unon the ffround of 
 
84 
 
 ithere being no criminality attached to the action, 
 where the charge is denied, the rule above will not ap 
 Por it IS a principle laid down in the word of God, 
 no man shall be condemned, until he is proved guilty, 
 that by the testimony of at least two witnesses. 
 Deut. xvii : 6, and xix: 15. 'One witness shall not 
 up against a man for any iniquity, or for any sin tha 
 sinneth ; at the mouth of two witnesses, or at the mc 
 of three witnesses, shall the matter be establishi 
 Again, Matt. xviii : 1 6, and 2 Cor. xviii : 1 : 'In the mc 
 of two or three witnesses shall every word be establish 
 Now where the offence is of a private nature, if it she 
 be brought into the Church, it would be impossible 
 establish the charge by the testimony required. Th( 
 fore, it would be improper in itself, as well as inconsis 
 with Gospel order, to bring it into the Church. ' 
 direction given by our Saviour is, 'If thy bi'other .t 
 pass against thee, go and tell him his fault alone/ 
 should you fail to reclaim him, other steps must be tal 
 and should he continue impenitent, he is at last to 
 brought before the Church; and should he refuse to h 
 the Church, he is to be expelled. Here the labors ci 
 mence in private, but end in public excommunication 
 
 " Now, in this case, it appears that the trespass co 
 not have been entirely of a private nature, (althoi 
 private labors are required) because it is to be establ 
 ed in the Church, by the testimony of two or three ■< 
 nesses, which would be impossible, unless there w 
 witnesses present ; and if there were witnesses, it cc 
 not be a private offence ; therefore, we are constrai 
 to believe, that the rule laid down in the 18th 
 Matthew, as there stated, is only applicable to pu 
 offences, which can be supported by proper testimo 
 And that it is the duty of the Church, in all cases 
 public trangressiun, to use- private labors, except in 
 •case of the heinous offender, before excepted. 
 
 " But to make this subject as plain as possible, supp 
 A and B, members of the same church, and of equal 
 spectability ; A brings a charge of immorality agai 
 B, which charge is by B denied- A then takes" with } 
 C and D to labor with B, but the charge is still deni 
 and no satisfaction obtained. B is now to be brou' 
 before the Church. This is an illustration of what 1 
 
i 85 
 
 3n,called Gospel steps, where in the first instance, the 
 spass was of a private nature. 
 
 ' Here we have two members of equal standing, the 
 3 aiSrms, but the other denies. Now who is the- 
 urch to believe, or by what rule will she form a 
 :;isibn. To censure the accused, would be a violation 
 the Vi^ord of God. For no man shall be condemned 
 t by the testimony of two or three witnesses. As to 
 i helps who were called in, they can prove nothing to 
 
 I point ; all they can testify is, that a contradiction 
 sted between the two brethren. And as to the testi- 
 ny of the accuser, it is quite insufficient ; the solitary 
 dence of one man can never be admitted, according 
 the rule of the Divine word. Therefore, the Church 
 
 II be bound in this case, to acquit or justify the accu- 
 l member ; the accuser not being able to make good 
 
 charge. In this case, it is to be understood, that 
 ire is no collateral or circumstantial evidence, by 
 dch the charge may be supported. 
 "But what shall be done with the member who 
 )ught in the accusation ? He must be considered in 
 order, and fall under the censure of the Church, for 
 ndering his brother. See Deut. xix: 19. 'After strict 
 [uisition shall be made, and it shall appear to be a 
 se accusation, then " shall it be done unto him, as he 
 i thought to have done unto his brother.' 
 ' But suppose I see a member of the Church commit 
 in which merits excommunication, and I go to him^ 
 i tell him his fault, and he should deny the fact, what 
 . I to do, there being no witness to establish his guilt? 
 this case it wifl be your duty to testify against his 
 :kedness, and endeavor to charge the sin upon his 
 iscience;but should he remain impenitent, you are 
 ar, for you have discharged your duty. His blood 
 illbe upon his own head. And should he continue a 
 mber of the Church, and presume to partake at the 
 rd's table, the sin will be at his own door. But is it 
 ' duty, under these circumstances, to continue a mem- 
 • of the Church, and to partake with this disorderly 
 rson at the Lord's table ? We conceive it to be your 
 ty to continue in the Church, and to fill your seat in 
 I house of God, and upon all convenient occasions to 
 rtake of the Lord's suppei*. For the word of God i& 
 
8« 
 
 the rule of your duty, and not the conduct of any ma 
 You ought to remember that you commune with Chr 
 and his Church, and not with this disorderly perse 
 whose sin you have borne a faithful testimony agains 
 
 1810. In Oct., the fourth session was held at Ebenezi 
 Amite county, in which nine Churches were represents 
 viz: Salem, Newhope, Bayou Sara, New Provideni 
 Ebenezer, Morgan's Fork, Bayou Pierre, East Pork, a 
 Middle Fork — the aggregate strength 277 members 
 $2-1 87 sent up by the churches— appointed four uni< 
 meetings — agreed to open a correspondence with t 
 Georgia Baptist Association, and the Cumberland Ass 
 ciation, and that brother T. Mercer write to the form( 
 anol brother D. Cooper to the latter. 
 
 Extract. — " Be it known to the public in general, a 
 all christian societies in particular, that John Wood, f( 
 merly a Baptist minister, in the month of January la 
 was expelled from the Baptist denomination." 
 
 Query from the Bayou Pierre church, — Is the was 
 ing the saints' feet a christian duty?* 
 
 Answered in the affirmative. 
 
 1811. In October, "The Association convened 
 New Hope, Adams county. 
 
 The introductory sermon was preached by brotl 
 John Atkins, from Jud. i : 3. — 'Earnestly contend i 
 the faith once delivered to the saints.' 
 
 Letters from nine churches were read, and the narr 
 of the delegates enrolled. 
 
 Brother Thomas Mercer was chosen Moderator, a 
 brother David Cooper, Clerk. 
 
 Read the rules of decorum adopted by this associatii 
 
 The following churches applied, by letter and de 
 gates, for admission into the Association : The chur 
 on Tancipiho, the church at Shilo, and the church 
 Zion Hill, which were accordingly received. 
 
 Received a letter of correspondence from the Cumbi 
 land Association. 
 
 * This is the only instance in which the subject is named. 
 
87 
 
 « 
 
 The Circular Letter was read, and submitted to T. 
 Mercer, M. Hadley and D. Cooper, for correction . 
 
 The same were appointed to preach on Sunday. 
 
 Monday morning, the Circular Letter was called for, 
 read and received. 
 
 The petition from a number of brethren on Bogue 
 Chitto, praying to be constituted into a church, was 
 received. Brother T. Mercer and D. Cooper, were ap- 
 pointed to visit them, and, if they deem it expedient, to 
 constitute them into a church. 
 
 Query from Ebenezer Church. — How should a church 
 act that has an ordained minister among them, a«d who 
 refuses to preach ? 
 
 Answer. — We advise the church at Ebenezer to call 
 in help to assist them in their difficulties. 
 
 On motion, 
 
 Resolved, That we think it expedient and necessary to 
 appoint supplies to the destitute churchep. Supplies for 
 New Hope and Ebenezer churches : Brother Mercer to 
 attend the first Saturday and Sunday in December at 
 Ebenezer, and the third Saturday and Sunday in January 
 at New Hope. Brother Hadley the first Saturday and 
 Sunday in January at Ebenezer, and the third Saturday 
 and Sunday in February, at Nevvj Hope. Brother 
 Scarborough, the second Saturday and Sunday in Dec, 
 at New Hope. Brother Slocumb, the third Saturday 
 and Sunday in November, at New Hope, and the first 
 Saturday and Sunday in February at Ebenezer. Brother 
 Atkins, the third Saturday and Sunday in March, at 
 New Hope. Brother Cooper, the first Saturday and 
 Sunday in March at Ebenezer, and the third Saturday 
 and Sunday in April, at New Hope. 
 
 Appointed six union meetings, to be held at particular 
 times and places the ensuing year. 
 
 The following brethren were appointed to write to the 
 corresponding Associations : J. Atkins, to the Hepzibah ; 
 T. Mercer, to the Georgia ; D- Cooper, to the Cumber- 
 land ; and M. Hadley, to the Savannah. 
 
 Brother Hadley appointed to write a Circular Letter 
 for the next year. 
 
 Brother D. Cooper, to preach the next introductory 
 sermon ; in case of failure, L. Scarborough. 
 
88 
 
 -EXTRA CT'FRO'M THE CIECULAR L E T T E H . 
 
 "These words, contain more iproofs than one; first, 
 from the perpetuity of ; this covenant, which is not of 
 works, promising life founded on obedience ; for then, in- 
 deed, their perseverance would be precarious ;. but it is 
 of grace,' sovereign and free, and so is abetter covenant, 
 established on better promises, not depending upon 
 creative acts, but runs thus— 'I will and they shall;'^ — a 
 covenant well ordered in all things, nothing wanting 
 which would be conducive to the welfare and happiness 
 of the saints, containing all spiritual blessings for time 
 and eternity, in both grace and glory, and therefore said 
 to be sure. Its blessings are the sure mercies of David ; 
 its promises are yea and amen in Christ, and the whole is 
 ratified and confirmed by the blood of the Son of God, 
 and sure to all the spiritual seed — a covenant not made 
 with them as considered in themselves, but with Christ 
 as theirhead, and with them in him, and which will stand 
 firm forever more. It is an everlasting covenant, flows 
 from divine love, is founded on an eternal purpose, and 
 consists of promises which God made before the world 
 began, and of ^race given in Christ, who was set up from 
 everlasting as the medfator of it. It is said of those who 
 are begotten again into a lively hope by the resurrection 
 of Jesus Christ, that they are kept ;by the power of God, 
 through faith, unto salvation. — 1 Pet. i: 5. They are 
 kept in the love of God, in the covenant of grace, in the 
 hands of Christ, and on him the sure foundation, in a 
 state of grace, both of sanctification and justification. 
 They are kept in the paths of truth and holiness ; also, 
 from the destructive power of Satan, and from being 
 finally carried away by the destructive errors of false 
 teachers. Therefore, they shall never perish, but Christ 
 will raise them up at the last day. 
 
 " Again. It is written : ' I am the Lord, I change not, 
 therefore, ye sons of Jacob are not consumed.' Now, if 
 the true believer should finally perish or be consumed, 
 God must change in his love toward them, in his pur- 
 poses and designs concerning them, and in His promises 
 of grace made to them ; and His blessings of grace be- 
 stowed on them must be reversed, which is impossible; 
 for he will not alter the thing that .has gone out of his 
 
89 
 
 mouth, nor change Ms irnind ; fonhe is of one mind, and 
 who can turn him ? The doctrine of the saints' final 
 perseverance in grace; establishes the unchangeableness 
 of God ; but the contrary doctrine makes him changeable 
 in his nature, will and grace, and reflects dishonor on 
 Him with whom there is no variableness, no shadow of 
 turning. 
 
 "'The wisdom of God, which is displayed in all His 
 works of nature, providenc^ and grace, appears very 
 conspicuous in this doctrine ; which would not be the 
 case, if any of the Lord's people should perish. No 
 wise man, who has an end in view, but will devise and 
 make use of proper means ; and, if in his power, to make 
 them effectual to accomplish the end. The end which 
 God has in view is the salvation of his people ; and it is 
 inconsistent with his wisdom, to appoint means which 
 will prove ineffectual, seeing it is completely in His 
 power, to make them effectual to the accomplishing the 
 end. 
 
 " God has appointed His Son as the author of this 
 salvation, which he has wrought out by his obedience, 
 sufferings and death^and that for his people ; and has 
 appointed, as the means of their enjoying it, the sanctifi- 
 cation of the spirit and belief of the truth ; for which 
 purpose he sends his spirit to sanctify and work faith in 
 them, whereby these means become effectual, and the 
 end is accomplished. . 
 
 " Here we see the wisdom of God highly displayed 
 and glorified. But where would be his wisdom to ap- 
 point a people to salvation arid not save them ? to send 
 His Son to redeem them, and never be the better of it ? 
 to send His spirit into them to begin a good work, and 
 not complete it ? But this is not the case ; for he has 
 put the work of redemption into the hands of His Son, 
 by whom it has been completed, and assigned the work 
 of sanctification, in its beginning, progress and issue, to 
 the iSgency of the Holy Spirit, who is adequate to it, and 
 by Wihom it will be effected. 
 
 *'^Irj the work of salvation there is an eminent and 
 glorious display of Divine power. Those who are 
 elected according to the foreknowledge of God, and re- 
 geiiiiera.ted by the opera/tion of the Divine ispirit, are kept 
 by the power of God, through faith, tjnto salvation ; so 
 
90 
 
 " Brethren, we are obliged to believe, that inasmuch as 
 God sent his Son into the world to save his people from 
 their sins, that he has a people whom he designs to save. 
 Now, if any of those whom God designs to save should 
 be finally lost, he must either change his mind, or else 
 he has not power to accomplish his designs — the suppo- 
 sition of which we consider blasphemy. * * * * 
 
 " Having established the doctrine' of the final perse- 
 verance of the saints in grajp, we shall conclude this 
 letter, by just observing, that when this doctrine is pro- 
 perly understood, and received by a living faith, it is so 
 far from producing licentiousness, that it fills the soul 
 with humble gratitude and lively praise to him who hath 
 loved us. and Washed us from our sins in his own blood.'" 
 
 1812. In Oct., the Association convened at Zion Hill, 
 Amite county — 14 churches represented. 
 
 Received a petition from a number of brethren on the 
 Tangipiho, praying to be constituted into a church, and 
 brethren Ceurtney and Wall were appointed to attend 
 them. 
 
 1813. In October, the Association convened at Bayou 
 Pierre, Claiborne county — 18 churches represented. 
 
 Query from iioo churches. — " What course shall a 
 church take when an excommunicated person from a 
 distant church applies for fellowship ? 
 
 Answer. — In all such cases diurches must act discre- 
 tionally. 
 
 The union meetings to be discontinued." (No cause 
 given.) I 
 
 1813. EXTRACT FROM THE CIECULAR LETTER. 
 
 "War, it is readily conceded, is one of the greatest 
 human calamities. It should never be entered into but 
 upon principles, and from motives, that there is the clear- 
 est evidence the God of love and peace will approve. 
 Then, indeed, it should be met with alacrity, and 
 prosecuted with energy, as a means of speedily restoring 
 the blessings of peace. History proves that a nation 
 can be in no situation more dangerous than that of war, 
 when it is conducted with languor and supineness. A 
 pause, but a momentary pause, in its prosecution, en- 
 dangers the vitals of freedom. Like commerce, war has 
 its attendant train of vices to be carefully guarded 
 
91 
 
 against. From the aspect of the times, we all appear 
 imperatively called upon to be found in the prompt 
 discharge of all the duties of citizens and of christians. 
 
 * . * * * * * 
 
 "This brethren, is not a war of passion and of 'mad 
 ambition on our part. Deeply do we sympathize with 
 many of the virtuous subjects of the government our 
 country is contending against. We lament, with genuine 
 sorrow of soul, the indivMual miseries that it will pro- 
 pably occasion, the useful aad valuable lives that will be 
 sacrificed, the many amiable and worthy characters that 
 probably will, in consequence thereof, go with lacerated 
 hearts to the grave. These reflections affect us deeply — 
 but in the eye of Eternal Justice we stand jicquitted of 
 producing this evil — it devolves on the head of the 
 aggressor." ******* 
 
 1814. In Oct., the Association convened at Shiloh, 
 
 Wilkinson county — 18 churches represented. Brother 
 
 Howel Wall, according to appointment, preached the 
 
 introductory sermon from John iii : 36. 
 
 " The articles of faith and rules of decorum wer^ 
 read. 
 
 • " On piotion, a committee was appointed, of Jacob 
 Cobb, Josiah Flowers, and B. E. Chany, to name six 
 days in the year to be kept by our churches, as days of 
 fasting, humiliation and prayer, and to be continued 
 during the war in which our nation is involved. 
 
 " On motion, 
 
 Resolved, That it be recommended to, and enjoined On, 
 the preachers of our order, that they use the utmost dili- 
 gence in the practice of itinerant preaching ; taking into 
 view the case of destitute churches and settlements, both 
 in our territory and West Florida, whose language is, 
 ' Come over and help us.' 
 
 Brother William Cooper was appointed to preach the 
 i^ext introductory sermon — and in case of failure, br-other 
 Nathan Morris. 
 
 A letter was received from sundry members on Cedar 
 Creek, requesting that ministers be sent to them for the 
 purpose of constituting a church. Whereupon, brethren 
 Allen and Morris were requested to visit them, and 
 
92 
 
 cooiply 'with their wishes, if deemed expedient and 
 proper. 
 
 1815. la Oct, the Association convened at Sarepta 
 church, Jefferson county~24 churches represented. 
 
 {Question. — " That in certain cases where two ministers 
 should be called by a church to assist in the ordmation 
 of a minister, and it should afterwards appear, that one 
 of said ministers was not at the time in good standing, as 
 an orderly member of any church, shall the ordination 
 of the minister so ordained be considered valid? — and 
 on the question being taken, it was carried in the 
 affirmative. 
 
 "The two letters from Salem Church were called for 
 and read, and after due deliberation it was 
 
 Resolved, That a committee of five be appointed to 
 sit forthwith and hear the evidence respecting the diffi- 
 culties existing in said church, and make report of their 
 views on the subject. 
 
 " Whereupon brethren Wm. Allen, Wm.Cooper, Jacob 
 Cobb, Thos. Cason and Harman Runnels, were chosen 
 in conformity with the foregoing resolution. 
 
 "The Half-Moon Bluff church made a request that 
 this Association would advise, as to what would be their 
 duty to do, respecting Robert Smith, who makes confes'- 
 sion of his disorderly conduct, and shows marks of re- 
 pentance sufficient to satisfy them, as to the propriety of 
 receiving him ais a private member, but have doubts 
 whether he should be restored by them to the exercise 
 of his public gift, without the advice of the Association. 
 Whereupon, it was agreed that the Church has a right 
 to restore him to fellowship, and leave him to act as it 
 respects his public gift, as God and his own conscience 
 may direct — and have appointed brethren Thomas 
 Mercer, Ezra Courtney and Lawrence Scarborough, to 
 act with them as helps, on the Friday before the first 
 Sabbath in December next, to decide on the propriety of 
 said Smith. 
 
 " A letter from the Baptist Board of Foreign Missions 
 for the United States, was received and read ; in which 
 they solicit this Association, and the churches connected 
 herewith, to contribute to aid them in raising funds for 
 the purpose of sending missionaries to preach the Gospel 
 
93 
 
 to/th© heatheu tiatiions ; and tliat a standing Secretary 
 of this Association be appointed with whom they will 
 correspond; and to whom they will forward their reports. 
 Whereupon, brother Wm. Snodgrass was chosen to 
 act in that capacity ; and it is the wish of this Associa- 
 tion, that the churches may contribute as liberally as they 
 may find it convenient, and forward the sarne to our 
 next annual meeting; also, thit our ministering brethren 
 endeavor to explain and further the views of said Board 
 of Missions in the best manner they possibly can, and 
 receive contributions from such persons as may be dis- 
 posed to favor that great and blessed work ; and that 
 they preserve an account of the names and sums an- 
 nexed, to be presented at our next meeting. 
 
 " On motion, 
 
 Resolved, That twenty dollars from our Association 
 fund heretofore raised, and all the money received at this 
 meeting, after paying for printing the minutes, be for- 
 warded, by our Secretary, to the Baptist Board of 
 Foreign Missions." 
 
 "Brother Nathan Morris is appointed to preach the 
 introductory sermon at our next annual meeting, and in 
 case of failure, brother William Whitehead. 
 
 EXTRACT FROM THE CIRCULAR LETTER. 
 
 " Brethren, you have long been praying for the destruc- 
 tion of anti-Christ, for the fullness of the Gentiles, for 
 the calling in of the Jews, and for the spread of the 
 Gospel, with the fulfilment of that prophesy which as- 
 sures us that the knowledge of the Lord shall cover the 
 earth. What think you of the signs of the times ? This 
 is certainly an eventful period. Our God is pouring out 
 the vials of his wrath, and shaking terribly the nations of 
 the earth ; while many are purified and made white, 
 many are running to and fro, and knowledge is increas- 
 ing. We have reason to believe, that a glorious change 
 is about to take place in the moral emd political world; for 
 the kingdoms of this world must become the kingdoms 
 of our Lord, and of his Christ. Brethren, christians of 
 the Mississippi Territory, how do you feel ? More than 
 an ordinary portion of zeal has latterly manifested itself 
 among modern christians in many parts. Bible societies 
 
94 
 
 have been> and are now, forming throughout Christen- 
 dom, for the diffusion of divine knowledge; while the 
 missionary spirit has been revived, and is gaining 
 ground in every direction. In a. short time, we have 
 reason to hope that the word of the Lord will be known 
 from the rising of the sun to the going down thereof ; for 
 the Gospel of His kingdom must be preached unto all 
 nations for a witness unto Ihem. Our missionary brethren 
 in India, with proper encouragement, will shortly have 
 the Scriptures translated in twenty-seven different lan- 
 guages; which will enable about three hundred millions 
 of poor benighted heathens, who are perishing for lack 
 of knowledge, to read the precious word of God, which 
 is able to make them wise unto salvation. 
 
 "Brethren, who will arise and come to the help of the 
 Lord against the mighty? If your zeal is cold and 
 languid, we trust the example of ancient and modern 
 saints will have the necessary influence on your minds; 
 that it will provoke you to love and good works. But 
 are you ready to say, what can we do ? You can do 
 much. There is not a worthy member of Christ's 
 militant church, but may be useful. By their example 
 and prayer, with the contribution of a very small part 
 of their wealth, great good may be done. You are en- 
 titled to the honor of being workers together with Christ; 
 and, if you can't preach and exhort, you can, by your 
 liberality, assist thoge who are engaged in the work of 
 the ministry. Godly zeal will induce you to make many 
 sacrifices, to suffer many privations, and to forego many 
 inconveniences, that you may promote the interest of 
 religion, and the salvation of God's elect." 
 
 1816. In October, the Association convened at Clear 
 Creek, Adams county — 30 churches represented. 
 
 Brother Nathan Morris, preached the introductory 
 sermon. 
 
 Brother Nathan Morris was chosen Moderator, and 
 brother Wm. Snodgrass, Clerk. 
 
 Brother Wm. Snodgrass presented a Circular Letter 
 from the corresponding secretary of the Baptist Board 
 of Foreign Missions, which was read, and also a receipt 
 of the Vice-President of said Board for the following 
 
95 
 
 sams, sent from this Association, and from individuals — 
 amounting to $83 93. 
 
 'Query. — Is it best to have church conferences in public 
 or private 1 
 
 Answer. — In public' 
 
 Resolmd, That all the funds collected at this Associa- 
 tion be forwarded, by our standing secretary, to the 
 Baptist Board of Foreign Missions. (The amount not 
 given.) 
 
 EXTRACT FROM THE CIRCULAR LETTER. 
 
 * ♦ * * <i You will please again to consider the 
 direful effects of flattery in church discipline; and while 
 some are striving to sweep the house of God from dis- 
 orders, others will stand up, and, through flattery, will 
 strive to make a bad cause good ; and, in their turn, will 
 strive to reduce mountains to mole-hills, and again, will 
 strive to swell mole-jjills to mountains, and hereby, 
 flattery and plausible pretensions, will lead the simple 
 astray. ** * * ** * * 
 
 "These things ate matters of lamentation, if true; 
 and whether they are facts or not, we leave general ob- 
 servation to determine. These hints strike not against 
 the faithful, but the false, deceiving flatterers. And 
 now, dear brethren, suffer a word of exhortation. We 
 exhort you to abandon every kind of flattery, and in 
 truth, faithfulness, and sincerity, keep up a regular and 
 strict discipline in your churches, and you will soon find 
 your difficulties disappear ; your church troublers will 
 be made manifest, and be censured, and bear their own 
 shame before the church and the world." 
 
 1817. In October, the Association convened at Bogue 
 Chitto, Pike county — 36 churches represented. 
 
 Eld. D. Cooper, chosen Moderator ; Eld. B. Davis, 
 Clerk. 
 
 Eld. James A. Ranaldson, missionary, being present, 
 was invited by the Moderator, to take a seat in the 
 Association. 
 
 Resolved, unanimously. That a summary of church 
 discipline be published for the use of the churches ; and 
 
96 
 
 that Elders: D, Cooper, J. A. Ronaldson, and: M. Hadly 
 be a committee to compile a Discipline, and present to 
 the next Association, for inspection and adoption. 
 
 Resolved, unanimously, That this Association recom- 
 mend and support a plan for raising a fund, for the 
 special purpose of promoting the proper education of 
 pious men called to the great and. important work of the 
 Gospel ministry. 
 
 "bur brethren, David Cooper, James A. Ronaldson 
 and Benjamin Davis were appointed a committee to pre- 
 pare and report a plan of education on to-morrow. 
 
 " To prevent imposition on the religious community. 
 
 Resolved, That certain imposters, under the names of 
 Samuel T. Council and John W. Carry, be advertized in 
 our JMinutes." 
 
 Tuesday, Oct. 21. — "The committee appointed for 
 the purpose, reported a. plan of Education, and presented 
 a short address to the churches on the subject, which 
 was approved and accepted. Ir^ consideration of which, 
 it was agreed : 
 
 1st. That a special committee of seven be appointed 
 for one vear, who shall be invested with right and au- 
 thority to solicit subscriptions and donations for the edu- 
 cation fund ; to judge and determine of the moral 
 character, piety, gitts, and graces of those who may 
 apply for the benefit of this fund ; to accept such as may 
 be deemed worthy, and are called of God to preach the 
 Gospel ; also, to conduct and superintend their education ; 
 and to defray all necessary expenses out of the funds 
 collected for that purpose. 
 
 2nd. That this special committee draft a constitution 
 and by-laws, to present for inspection at the next 
 Association. ' 
 
 3rd. That the respective churches of our order be re- 
 commended to contribute, yearly, to the education fund, 
 by the hands of their delegates. 
 
 4ih. That the address to the churches, prepared and 
 presentedby the committee, be substituted for our circular, 
 and printed with the minutes. 
 
 Elders D. Cdoper, J. A. Ronaldson, G. W. King, E. 
 Courtney, L. Scarborough, B. Davis, and brother Wm. 
 Snodgrass, were appointed the special cotnmittee of the 
 
97 
 
 Assooiation,to manage the affairsof Education, as specified 
 Iq' the preceding articles. 
 
 *' After some frtee' conversation on the subject of 
 Foreign and Domes*ie Missions, deeply interesting to 
 this body, it was agreed, that our brethren, Thomas 
 Mercer and Benjamin Davis, be requested to visit the 
 Greek Indians, to enquire what can be done towards the 
 establishment of schools, 'and the introduction of the 
 Gospel among them." 
 
 ADDRESS ON .MINISTERIAL EDUCATION. 
 
 " Beloved' brethren: Education is the subject to which 
 we now invit&your attention. This, next to the Gospel, 
 is our choice theme. After religion, it is of the highest 
 importance to the world. 
 
 " Philosophers, who know how much literature is in* 
 debted to Christianity, must value the glorious Gospel of 
 the blessed God. Christians, who know how much 
 ieduoation has contributed to the furtherance of the 
 Gospel, must appreciate leaning. The one is auxiliary 
 to the other ; and both are connected with the glory and 
 happiness of man, Thenletnot the unsanctified philoso- 
 pher spurn religion as opposed to reason; let not the 
 feigo^etf christian despise' learning as incompatible with 
 religion. Too, many, alas ! are unacquainted with the 
 excellency of tjie one ; too many ignorant of the utility 
 of the other. 
 
 "It is, however, with great joy we now behold 
 churches arising in various parts of our goodly land; 
 schools and colleges will also arise, as the hand'-maids of 
 knowledge and virtue. These, united, will make a land 
 happy, and a nation exalted. These, separated, will 
 lead to ignoranice and profligacy. 
 
 , " Although we do not consider a classical education 
 adso/wte/y essential to the qualifications of an evangelical 
 preacher, yet " be shall not be a novice." It is the first 
 principle of the oracles of God that they be able to 
 teach. They sho^tld be apt to communicate their ideas 
 with soundi speech, that cannot be condemned. The 
 words of the wise should be delivered with the tongne 
 of the learned: tl^at beings fitly spoken, they may sK'ine 
 as apples of goW in pictures of silver. 
 
 (7) 
 
98 
 
 "Literature is now ins. state of improvement iir oar 
 country. It is, therefore, the more important and de- 
 sirable that those who are set for the defence of the 
 Gospel, as the public tea<:hers of morality and religion, 
 should keep pace with the progress of their disciples, 
 that they may continue to be acceptable preachers in. 
 their respective congregations. 
 
 "We perceive some of our dear young brethren, 
 called to this great work, this most digiiifled station, vsrho, 
 though they possess amiable graces, and promising gifts, 
 yet, for the want of education, are doomed to labor under 
 many disadvantages, while contending with learned in- 
 fidels, and unmerciful critics. It is desirable that the 
 Student of divinity should be able to search the original 
 text in Hebrew and Greek ; and the practical preacher 
 should be able to deliver his sermons with boldness 
 without arrogance, with sound doctrine, with gramatical 
 correctness, with logical strength, with elegance of 
 rhetoric, and with simplicity of truth. 
 
 " Desirous to assist the student in the attainment of 
 these objects, so far as practicable, under the auspices of 
 heaven, we have appointed a committee, as you will see 
 in our minutes, for the purpose of soliciting donations 
 for an education fund ; to accept qualified candidates for 
 the benefit of this fund, and to superintend their 
 education. 
 
 " We now earnestly recommend to. the respective 
 churches we have the honor to represent in these States, 
 to send their voluntary contributions annually, as God 
 may prosper them, whether little or much, to be appro- 
 priated to this particular use. God will accept your freo 
 will offering ; and when we shall be removed from among 
 you, and you will no more hear our stammering tongues, 
 our successors, we hope, may be more aible rninisters of 
 the New Testament ; who shall come to you, not with 
 the doctrine of vain philosophy, and with the enticing 
 word of man's wisdom, but with the pure doctrines of 
 grace, delivered with the perspicuity of sanctified le a n- 
 ing, in the clear demonstration of the spirit, and in 
 power, and fraught vidth the fullness of the blessings of 
 the Gospel. 
 
 I818. In Oct., the Association convened at New Provi 
 dence church, Amite county — 40 churches represented 
 
99 
 
 , Eld. Jpsiah Flower preached the introductory sermon. 
 
 Eld.IX Cooper, chosen Moderator, and; Wm. Snod- 
 ■grasS, Clerk. . ■ 
 
 " Letters from the corresponding Secretary of the 
 Baptist Board of Foreign Missions were received by the 
 hand of our clerk, accompanied by a copy of their 
 /oMrf/it> annual report, for each church connected with the 
 Association. 
 
 , Resolved, therefore, That the thanks of this body be 
 -expressed for the kind attention of the Board, in making 
 these valuable and pleasing communications. 
 
 Communications from the Secretary of the Boal-d of 
 Directors of the Baptist Mission Society, of Kentucky, 
 ■were received, which contained information of great im- 
 portance relative to the most efficient joZans for aboriginal 
 reform; in consideration of which, it is resolved, unani- 
 mously, that the Association heartily concur in the views 
 of the Board, and that a suitable memorial, representing 
 the deplorable condition of the Indian tribes within the 
 limits of the United States, be prepared and sent tO Con- 
 gress at the ensuing session, signed by the Moderator 
 and Clerk, in behalf of this Association. 
 
 "A summary of church discipline, presented by the 
 Moderator,"prepared by a committee of the last Asso- 
 ciation, consisting of brethren D. Cooper, M. Hadley 
 and James A. Ranaldson, was received and read, and 
 with some alteration it was agreed, that it should be re- 
 commended to the churches as a proper system of rules 
 for their government." (Form not given .) 
 
 "In compliance with a resolution of the last Associa- 
 tion, a committee, consisting of brethren James A. 
 Ranaldson, D. Cooper, G. W. King, E. Courtney, L. 
 Scarborough, B. Davis and W. Snodgrass, reported a 
 constitutiop for the Mississippi Baptist Education Society, 
 which was read, approved, adopted, and is as follovi^s : 
 
 1. The society shall be styled "The Mississippi Baptist 
 Education Society." 
 
 2. The avowed and determined object of this society 
 shall be to assist pious, evangelical young men, called to 
 ithe work of the Gospel ministry, in receiving a literary 
 and theological education, i j 
 
 3. This society shall consist of the delegates and mes- 
 sengers of such churches and associations as contribute 
 
100 
 
 yejirly; to the fiauad, andiof siich persons aa shall subscribe 
 to this oonstitotioE, and pay into; the treasury a sum not 
 less than two dollars annually. Fifty dollars at one 
 time shall constitute a member for life ; subject, however, 
 to the rules and regulations of the society. 
 
 4. This society shall have a President, Secretary, 
 treasurer, and ten trustees, to be elected triennially by 
 the society. These oiEcers shall constitute the execa- 
 tive( committee, to conduct the whole concerns of the 
 institution ; five of wbGm, including the President, shall 
 make a quorum, to do business at any regular meeting of 
 the committee, duly notified by the Secretary. The 
 comnaittee shall be authorized' to fill any vacancy occa- 
 sioned, by death or otherwise, between the annual meet- 
 ings of the society. 
 
 5. None shall receive the bounty at any time, but such 
 as give satisfactory evidence of gracious experience, 
 sound faith in the doctrines of the Gospel, good moral 
 character, promising talent, and a Divine call to the worJc 
 of the ministry. . 
 
 6. The secretary shall keep a record of all the pro- 
 ceedings of the society and the committee, open at all 
 times to the inspection of the members. 
 
 7. The Treasurer shall give competent security to the 
 committee for the fund in his care; the whole or any part 
 of which he shall be ready at all times to deliver to the 
 order of the committee. It shall also be his duty to 
 rdport a specific account of the State of the funds, 
 audited by the Secretary at each meeting. 
 
 8. No moneys shall, at any time, be paid out of the 
 treasury, but by a written order of the committee, signed 
 by the President and Secretary. 
 
 9. The annual meetings of the society shall be held at 
 the time and place of the meeting of the . Mississippi 
 Baptist Association. 
 
 10. This constitution shall be subject to any altera- 
 tions which experience may prove necessary, by the 
 concurrence of two-thirds of the members present at an 
 annual meeting. 
 
 " The fallowing brethren were appointed officers and 
 trustees of the Mississippi Baptist Education Society, 
 for three years, viz : David Cooper, President; James 
 A. Ranaldson, Secretary; Bartlett Collins, Treasurer; 
 
101 
 
 Davis Gdllins, George W. King, Ezra Gourtney, Williim 
 Erwin, John Smith, Shadrack King, J^cob Buckholts, 
 Joel Glass, Wiliiam Gramnjoiid, William Snodgrass, 
 Trustees. 
 
 ' "Resolved, That the churches be recommended to 
 have a sermon preached in each year, with a special re- 
 lation to missionary concerns, and at the same time make 
 a collection for the support of missionaries, and on for- 
 warding the money to this Association, state whether 
 the contribution was for Foreign or Domestic Missions. 
 J Query from the Bayou Pierre Church- — Should a 
 brother be held in fellowship, who prefers the rights ais4 
 privileges of the Masonic Lodge to the communion of 
 ihis church? 
 
 Answer.— ^No. 
 
 1819. In October, the Association coiiv ened at Hqpzi- 
 bah church, Felioiaiia parish, La.-^SI3 churches represent- 
 •ed — 8 churches not represented— b^ing 41 in all. 
 
 Eld. D. Cooper, chosen Moderator, arid Wm. Snod- 
 grass, Clerk. 
 
 Elders Charles Felder, David Cooper and Samuel 
 Marsh preached on Sunday, and G. W. ICing closed' 'by 
 exhortation. 
 
 " The churches are requested to beware of W. White, 
 whp calls himself a Baptist preacjber." 
 
 On motion, 
 
 He^solved, That each of our messengers, (above n^rnp^., 
 shall receive out of our Association fund, nfteen dollarS), 
 for travelling expenses (to an Association west of Mis- 
 sissippi river.) 
 
 " Contributed for Foreign Missions, — Antioch Church 
 #21,75 Hepzibah Church |1 50. 
 
 EXTRACT FROM THE CIRCULAR LETTER. 
 
 "We beseech you, brethren, in the name of Jesus, for 
 the honor of God, and for the advancement of his btegsed 
 cause in the world, if you sustain the character of &. 
 master, that you govern with moderation, with getltlqw 
 nees, and with meekness of wisdom^ — ^alvvays keep in 
 
102 
 
 1820. In October, the Association convenedjat Zion Hiir 
 churcH, Amite county— 26 churches repi'esented — 7 not 
 represented— being 33 in all, after dismissing 8, at last 
 session, for the purpose p£ forming the Union Association. 
 
 " Brother Marsh was appointed Moderator, and brother 
 Andrews Clerk. 
 
 " The Association was highly gratified in the atten- 
 dance of Messengers from the Union, Bigby and Louisiana 
 Associations, bearing letters of correspondence. 
 
 " Queries from Zion Hill. — Has a church any claim 
 on an excommunicated person ? 
 
 Answer. — None. 
 
 Shall a church be deemed censurable, in the reception 
 of an individunl excluded from any sister church? 
 
 Answer. — The excommunicated person should give 
 suitable satisfaction to the church, which excluded him, 
 before he can be Consistently received by a sister church. 
 
 "Recommended and unanimously agreed, that our 
 faithful brethren Samuel Marsh and James A. Ranaldson, 
 visit all the churche? of this Association in the ensuing 
 year. , , 
 
 Resolved, That it be earnestly recommended to our 
 sister Association, that we meet annually, by delegates 
 appointed in one general meeting, for the purpose of cor- 
 responding, and of eliciting the energies of the whole, 
 in aid of the missionary cause, and other benevolent and 
 evangelical objects. Also, that any collections made 
 from individuals or churches, especially for the Mission 
 Or Education Society, be transmitted by the hands of 
 their delegates respectively, to the funds of these 
 societies. It is further recommended, that this general 
 meeting of the Association be held at the time and place 
 of the meeting of the Mississippi Missionary Society,.so 
 as to unite and concentrate the whole in the best and 
 most efficient endeavors to propagate the Gospel at 
 home and abroad. 
 
 "Pursuant to the foregoing resolution, brethren D. 
 Cooper, S. Marsh, J. A. Ranaldson, E. Courtney and H. 
 Wall, were appointed as our delegates, t6 convene with 
 other delegates at the next meeting of the Missionary 
 Society, to be held at Zion Hill, on Friday, before the 
 
103 
 
 - ''Agreed, that the several contributions frotai the 
 churches, for minutes and other purposes, be formed into 
 one fund, , , 
 
 . 1821. In October, the Association convened at Bethel, 
 Wilkinson county— 16 churches represented — having dis-' 
 missed^ 14 at last session, to fofn;! the Pearl River 
 Association. 
 
 Eld. Samuel Marsh, chosen Moderator. 
 
 Appointed a committee to prepare corresponding iet-r 
 terg to the Union, Pearl River, Louisiana and Bigby 
 Associations. 
 
 " Received an affectionate and encouraging Jetter 
 from the Board of Foreign Missions, with the intention 
 of which we desire to be united in heart and exertion. 
 
 "Agreed, that brethren Marsh, Ranaldson, Smith, 
 Cooper and Estes, be our messengers to the next aiiuiu^l 
 meeting of the Mississippi Society for Baptist MissiOiis, 
 to meet at Zion Hill, on Friday before the first Lord's 
 day in May, 1822. 
 
 "OnrQQtion, 
 
 Resolved, That the first day of January ensuing be 
 observed with fasting and prayer for the enlargement 
 of the Redeemer's kingdom. 
 
 " Now in the Treasurer's hands $30 25. In the Clerk's 
 hands for the payment of printing, $38 37." 
 
 EXTEACT EROM THE CIRCULAR LETTEB, 
 
 Written by James A. Ranaldson, Missionary,. , 
 
 " Come, let us follow on to know the Lord ; and as we 
 
 are called to walk mournfully before him,, let us pry into 
 
 the nature of those evils which mar the beauty of Zipn. 
 
 " And, first of all, may we not suspect covetousness 
 
 as one of the aggravating sins of the age. * * * 
 
 Evil Speaking. — " This crime is the bane of society. 
 The ignorant speak evil against others, because they 
 know nothing. They have not resourcesfor conversation 
 in science, literature or religion, and they must talk. 
 Children lisp in slander because they are imitative 
 animals, and they learn sad stories from indiscreet 
 parents. Slaves deal and traffic in misrepresentation, 
 
104 
 
 ,1832. In October, the Association convened at Ebene- 
 zer, Amite county — churches not given. 
 
 " The committee of finance received? the collections, 
 audited the Treasurer's accounts, and reported a balance 
 of $85 37 in the treasury. 
 
 "Brethren S. Marsh, J. A. Ranaidson, Wm. Balfour, 
 C. Felder and D. Cooper, were appointed Messengers to 
 the Missionary meeting to be holden at Zion Hill meeting 
 house, Amite county; on Friday before the first Sunday 
 in July, 1823. 
 
 1823. In October, the Association convened at Mars 
 Hill, Amite county — 14 churches represented. 
 
 "Resolved, unanimously, That we concur with the 
 Pearl River and Union Associations, in appointing faith- 
 ful brethren to assist in forming a constitution, for the 
 more systematic and efficient appropriation of your 
 talents in the great concerns of religion ; and thalt D. 
 Cooper, E. Estes, J. A. Irion, J. Smith, E. Courtney, S. 
 Marsh, and 0. Felder, be our delegates to meet those of 
 the other Associations, at Bogue Chitto church. Pike 
 county, on Saturday before the third Lord's day in 
 February, 1824. 
 
 Agreed, that Eld. J. Smith be requested to write our 
 next circular address ; and that the subject be ' The high 
 responsibility and criminality of those who do not con- 
 tribute, according to their circumstances, to the cause of 
 religion in general.' 
 
 "The Association fund was eighty-three dollars." 
 
 1824. In October, the Association convened at New 
 Providence, Amite county — 17 churches represented. 
 
 Eld. D. Cooper chosen Moderator, and E. Estes, 
 Clerk. 
 
 "Agreed, that our delegates to the next meeting; of the 
 State Corjvention, be D. Cooper, E. Ciiurtney, E. Estes, 
 S. Marsh, G. A- Irion, C. Felder, and W- B^four ; and 
 that this Association loan the Conven^iQn all their unap- 
 propriatud funds for the promotion of ©qjn^tic Missiong. 
 
 " After a settlement with the treasurer, the funds of 
 the Association, amounted to $8? 33." 
 
105 
 
 EXTEACT FROM THE CIRCULAELETTEa. ' 
 
 "Remember that God has no less ordained the means 
 of accornplishiag, than the end to be accomplished. The 
 gold and silver are his, he has committed tbem to' you, 
 care, to be used at his direction ; and if you do notfaitii- 
 fuUy discharge the trust committ;ed to you, he may say 
 to you "Give account of thy stewardship, for thou mayst 
 no longer be steward. * * * * * 
 
 "We need men trained, by every rule of heavenly 
 discipline, to the sacred warfare. Men who are thorough- 
 ly armed, and able to carry the assault to the very gate 
 of the enemy, to storm his garrison, and drive him from 
 his last entrenchment. But where are these men to be 
 found ? Are we to sit down in careless unconqern and 
 wait the Lord's time ? And do we thus act in our world- 
 ly concerns? We have equally a duty to perform in 
 both, and the criminality of neglecting either must be in 
 proportion to Us importance. 
 
 1825. In October, the Association convened at Shiloh 
 church, Wilkinson county — ^churches not given. , 
 
 " Delegates to the next State convention, appointed 
 brethren Cooper, Ranaldson, Marsh, Balfour, Felder, 
 Cain, Courtney and Andrews. 
 
 " A circular having been received from the Baptist 
 Genejal Convention and read before the Association^ 
 
 Resolved, That the Association feel a deep and lively 
 interest in the great objects recommended by the General 
 Convention, and most cordially pray for their success ; 
 but at present, we find all the pecuniary efforts we can 
 make, as a body, are imperiously demanded within pur 
 own boundaries. 
 
 " The contributions for Missionary purposes having 
 beep unintentionally omitted on yesterday, an oppor- 
 tunity was offered at this stage when the very liberal sum 
 of 90 dollars was taken lap ibr, that pious object." 
 
 1826. In October, the Association convened a,t Hepzi- 
 bah. East Feliciana, La.— 16 churches represented, 
 
 " The Lord's day was employed in public worship. 
 After the sermon, a collection was taken in aid of do- 
 mestic missions, which amounted to #1 10 75. This aum 
 w^as ordered to he nairl over to the Treasurer .of 'tha 
 
106 
 
 Mississippi Baptist State Convention, to be judiciously 
 applied to the objects designated. 
 
 " The Cpnstitution, Articles of Faith, &c., were read. 
 
 "Appointed as delegates to the Mississippi Baptist 
 State' Convention brethren Ranaldson, Balfour, Felder, 
 Erwin, Cain, J. Walker and J. Mumford." 
 
 1827. In October, the Association convened at Wood- 
 ville, Wilkinson county — 15 churches represented— 18 
 in all. 
 
 Brother Charles Felder chosen Moderator, and C. G. 
 Hatch, Clerk. 
 
 " Elders Courtney, Ranaldson, Andrews, Felder, Irion, 
 Cain and Creath, were appointed to attend the State 
 Convention. 
 
 " Brethren Walker, Quin and Mumford were appoint- 
 ed a committee of finance, and reported that, after the; 
 current expenses of the last year, they found in the 
 hands of the Treasurer $29 75, and that the amount of 
 contributions this year was $58 87, which sums added, 
 make f 88 62, now in the hands of the Treasurer." 
 
 1828. In October, the Association convened at Zioa 
 Hill church, Amite county. 
 
 EM. C. Felder chosen Moderator, and J. A. Ranaldson^ 
 Clerk. 
 
 " Courtney, Felder, Cain, Matthews, Robinson, Paxton 
 aild Ranaldson, were appointed delegates to the Missis- 
 sippi Baptist State Convention. 
 
 "The committee on the Treasiirer's account reported 
 that the contributions from the churches this year are 
 $60 62 — thebalanceof last year, in the treasury, $53 62 
 —total $114 25. 
 
 " On motion, 
 
 Resolved, unanimously, That a collection be taken on 
 Lord's day, at our annual meetings, for the support of 
 Home Missions, under the patronage of the Mississippi 
 Baptist State Convention — and that it be earnestly re- 
 commended to our churches and congregations to take 
 a collection at least once a year for the same object. 
 
 " The collection was taken up by E. Courtney, for 
 Domestic Missions, which amounted to $93 37, and was 
 ordered to be transmitted by the delegates to the Missis- 
 
 sinni Rantist S+atf» Cnnvpntinn. 
 
107 
 
 1829. In October, the Association convened at Jeru- 
 seQem, Amite county — churches not given. 
 
 Eld. E, dourtriey chosen Moderator, and J. A. Ra- 
 naldson. Clerk, 
 
 ; "T. Swearingen,, Robertson, Courtney, Felder, Cain, 
 Mfirqer and Robertson, Messengers to the Mississippi 
 Baptist State Convention. 
 
 "iE. Cpurtney was requessed to take a collection to- 
 morrow for Home Missions. 
 
 "Resolved, That this Association accept, with pleasure, 
 the 'generous offer of the ' Baptist General Tract iSociety,' 
 to receive a parcel of their tracts — and that brother D.. 
 Cooper be requested to act as our agent at Natchez, and 
 tb correspond with the society. 
 
 Query from NeU) Hope. — " Has a church the power 
 of ordaining a pastor or elder, without calling the assis- ■ 
 tance of an elder or elders from another church or 
 churches ? 
 
 Answer. — No. > 
 
 "Lord's day a contribution was raised for Home Mis- 
 sions, amounting to $66. 
 
 1830. In October, the Association convened at Ebe- 
 nezer, Amite county^ — 19 churches represented. 
 
 Eld. E. Courtney was chosen Moderator, and brother 
 Cain, Glerk, 
 
 " The Articles of Faith, Rules of Decorum, and the 
 Powers of the Association were read by the Moderator. 
 
 "Corresponding letters to sister Associations were 
 read and received, and messengers appointed, viz: 
 Brethren Courtney and Ranaldson, to the Leaf River ; 
 Felder and Mercer, to the Union ; Cain and Beavers, to 
 the Pearl River ; and Ranaldson to address a letter of 
 correspondence to the Louisiana Association, 
 
 " Resolved, That it be recommended io all the churches 
 cpmposing this Association, to discountenance the 
 writings of Alexander Campbell--and the new transla- 
 tiqn of the New Testament — and any minister who 
 holds to the Campbellite creed. 
 
 On motion. 
 
 Unsolved, That the query oi last year from Salem 
 
 r.hii-rr'K h& 'nr»naiHtf»ro/l vi"? • AV^hnt •will niVi'mmt in riprpav 
 
108 
 
 Answer.—A. departure from any Gospel doctrine is 
 heresy, according to the Scriptures— the Baptists be- 
 lieving that their faith is in strict conformity to the 
 Scriptures, whatever is contrary to their faith is hereby 
 to them. 
 
 "Brother Mercer informed the Association that he had 
 in the past year, travelled in the southern boundary of 
 this body 97 days, in which time he rode about 670 
 miles, and preached to about 1800 persons, with apparent 
 success. 
 
 "Resolved, That the Treasurer be authorized to ipay 
 to brother Mercer $37, -fo-r his missionary labors the past, 
 yfekr- 
 
 ! " Resdlved, That, instead of receiving a collection at 
 our annual meetings, the churches be advised to send 
 their contributions for Missions, by the hands of their 
 delegates annually. 
 
 " Brethren C. Felder, J. Cain, and M. Robinson were 
 appointed a standing committee until our next Assooia-i 
 tion, to employ missionaries to labor in the limits of this 
 body, and visit destitute churches. 
 
 " On motion, • 
 
 Resolved, That our messengers to sister Associations 
 be allowed 50 cents per day, to defray travelling 
 expenses." 
 
 1831. In October, the Association' convened at New 
 
 Providence, Amite county — 18 churches represented^- 
 19 in all. 
 
 " Two letters were presented, as being from Shilo 
 chui'ch. On investigation it was unanimously agreed, 
 that the one presented by Charles Edwards and John 
 Tison, was the letter fromi Shilo church. 
 
 " Corresponding Messengers. — D. Collins, S. Cokef 
 and J. Crawford, from Pearl River ; N. Morris and J. 
 Burch, from Union; J. Hill, from Louisiana. A letter 
 and minutes from Leaf River. 
 
 "Resolved, That brother E. Courtney receive $50, 
 andi brother C. Felder 029 50, for missionary services. 
 
 " Resolved, That, in future, all corresponding messen- 
 gers receive the sum of one dollar per day while neces- 
 sarily absent. 
 
 " Resolved, That this Association withdraw her fellow 
 
109 
 
 ship from W. E. Matthews and David Hughes, as men 
 having apostatized from oar faith and order, and havirfg 
 created disturbances in our churches. 
 
 " Resolved, That a public collection be taken to-mor- 
 row for locaf missionary purposes. 
 
 " Resolved, That T. Swearingen, T, Goode and T. R. 
 Cheatham, be a committee for local missionary purposes." 
 
 "The Missionary fund was $165 12— $72 12 of 
 which was received from the estate of Dr. Cooper. 
 
 The appropriations were as follows : By cash paid A. 
 Mercer, at the last Association for missionary services, 
 137; E. Courtney, $50; C. Felder $29 50. Total 
 ill 6 50. Balance $48 62. 
 
 Ezra Courtney, Moderator. 
 
 1832. In October, the Association convened at Moimt 
 Nebo church. La. — 16 churches represented. 
 
 " Brother C. Felder chosen Moderator, and brother 
 D. Lea, Clerk. 
 
 "Corresponding Messengers. — Pearl River Associa- 
 tion, D. Collins, 3. Crawford ; Leaf River, T. C, Hunt ; 
 Union, J. T. Fairchild and J. E. Bailey. 
 
 " Resolved, That T. R. Cheatham, John Jenkins and 
 W. Knight be, and are hereby, appointed a committee to 
 employ a suitable Baptist Minister to ride and preach 
 under their direction, within the limits of this Association ; 
 and it shall be the duty of any preacher, thus employed, 
 to certify to the committee, the number of days they 
 have served, sermons preached, and places where; on 
 which certificate, it shall be the duty of the committee 
 to give a draft on the Treasurer, to pay said preacher, 
 at the rate of oae dollar per day, out of any funds he 
 may have in his hands for missionary purposes." 
 
 " Association fund f 39 56 — due from former Treasurer 
 $101 12-^— contributions from the churches $55 37. 
 Total $196 06. 
 
 '^ Pmd to Messengers.—E. Courtney, $13 ; A. Cotton, 
 $ai; C. Felder, $9; J, Cain, $10; R. Quin, $9. For 
 printing minutes $50. Balance in hands of Treasurer 
 
 «94lQ&.: 
 
 " Missibnary Fiind. — Public collection at the Associa- 
 tion, on Lord's day, $58 87— in the hands of Treasurer, 
 $4« 62; from Mount Zion church $3 50, Total $111. 
 
no 
 
 1833. In October, the Association convened at Hepzi- 
 bah meeting house; 
 
 "Brother Ezra Courtney chosen Moderator, and 
 brother D. Lea, Glerk. 
 
 "A letter of correspondence and a package of minutes 
 •were received from the Yazoo Baptist Association. 
 
 " Brethren T. R. Cheatham, W. Wright and iVI. Seal, 
 ■were appointed to employ ministers to ride and preach 
 the ensuing year." 
 
 "Resolved, unanimously, That this Association d;is- 
 countenance and will not fellowship, or knowingly com- 
 mune, with any church or individual member, who holds 
 to the doctrines or dogmas held by the Christian Baptists, 
 alias, the Campbellites ; and alsOj those held by elder 
 Parker, alias, the two Seed doctrine, so far as relates to 
 the eternal existence of the Devil, and his being literally 
 the father of a certain portion of the hupian family. 
 
 "Association fund $110 11. Contributed by the 
 churches, $42. 
 
 ' Paid Messengers. — C. Felder, $J0; J. Young, $5; 
 J. Cain, $5 ; due the present Treasurer, $6 06. Printing 
 minutes, $45. 
 
 "Mission fund fill. Collection on.Lord's day $45 62. 
 Keceived from different churches $29 85. Total 
 $186 47. 
 
 "Paid C. Felder, $42. Balance $144 47. 
 
 1834. In October, the Association convened at East 
 Fork, Amite county — 13 churches represented. 
 
 Eld. E. Courtney, chosen Moderator, and D. Lea, 
 Clerk. 
 
 Letters of correspondence to Union Association, Pearl 
 River, Leaf River and Yazoo. 
 
 " Corresponding Messengers. — To Union, Felder and 
 Rabourn ; to Pearl River, Reeves and Young ; to Leaf 
 River, Reeves and Young. ; 
 
 "Resolved, That brethren Brian, Cheatham and Sibly 
 be appointed a committee to employ missionaries in '.the 
 ensuing year. 
 
 "Resolved, That this Association recommend the 
 churches of her union to take into view the blessing of 
 God on foreign and home missionary labors ; that each 
 individual should instruct himself by a liberal and prayer- 
 
lit 
 
 ful z;eal, to send the gospel toievery human being, for it 
 is God's method by which he will give to His Son the 
 heatherl for his inheritance, and the remotest parts of 
 the earth for his possession." 
 
 1835. In October, the Association convened at Zion 
 Hill, Amite county — 16 churches represented. 
 
 Brother C. Felder chosen Moderator, and H. D. F. 
 Roberts, Clerk. 
 
 " Lord's day, J. Webb, J. Fairchild, E. Courtney and 
 J, p. Martin, preacheid in the order of their names — a 
 considerable number of both sexes availed themselves 
 of an invitation to kneel before the stand, and have the 
 prayers of the brethren made in their behalf. 
 
 " Correspondenpe. — Pearl River, Union, Leaf River 
 and YazOo Associations. 
 
 "Messengers. — -To Pqarl River, C. Felder and Z. 
 Reeves — to Union, S. Coker and J. Young — Leaf River, 
 E. Courtney, H. T. F. Roberts and T. M. Bond. 
 
 " Reports on Missions.— Bro. C. Felder rode 30 days, 
 preached 36 sermons, and travelled 444 miles for which 
 he is allowed $30, 
 
 " Bro. Jesse Young rode 19 days, preached 20 sermons 
 —travelled 350 miles, for which he is allowed $19. 
 
 " Resolved, That this Association transfer all mission- 
 ary monies now in the treasurer's hands, amounting to 
 $201 42, over to the treasurer of the Missionary 
 Society. 
 
 Resolved, That this Association recommend to the 
 churches, the consideration presented to us by the Union 
 Association ; the propriety of meeting by delegates, in a 
 State Convention of Mississippi Baptists, to take into 
 consideration the utility of patronizing a State Seminary, 
 to be under the control of the Baptist denomination, and 
 also for Missionary purposes, and that they express their 
 views in their letters to the next meeting of this body.'' 
 
 "Association fund $87 06 — contributions frpm the 
 churches $69 69. Total |156 75. 
 
 " Paid to Messengers $34 — for printing these minutes 
 -balance in treasury $73 75. 
 
 1836. In October, the Association convened at Gali- 
 lee church, Amite county — 18 churches represented — 
 21 in all. 
 
112 
 
 Elder C. Felder, chosen Moderator, and H. D. F. 
 RabertSi Clerk. 
 
 "Letters of correspondence received from Associa- 
 tions : Union, Yazoo, Pearl River, and Bethel. 
 , "Corresponding letters sent to the same, and also to 
 Leaf River. Messengers sent to all but Yazoo. 
 
 " Appointed the following brethren to preach on Sab- 
 bath: J. B. Smith, S. S. Lattimore, A. Vaughan and J. 
 Baihe. 
 
 " Resolved, That this Association deem it important, 
 that the Baptists in this State should meet in convention 
 by delegation, to take into consideration the adoption of 
 some systematic j>/raw, by which the efforts of our denom- 
 ination may be united, her resources drawn out, the 
 Gospel preached to the destitute, religious information 
 disseminated, and other objects of importance, to the ad- 
 vancement of the Redeemer's kingdom. 
 
 " Resolved, That we recomnlend a meeting consisting 
 of delegates from As'sociationsi Missionary societies and 
 churches ; also, of individuals, to be held at Washington, 
 Mississippi, on Friday before the 4th Sabbath in De- 
 cember next, to consider the propriety of forming a 
 State Convention of our denomination. 
 
 " Resolved, That brethren C. Felder, J. B. Smith, H. 
 D. F. Roberts, S. Coker and J. Young, be appointed as 
 delegates fron> this Association to attend the above men- 
 tioned meeting. 
 
 " Resolved, That we rejoice in the fact that our beloved 
 Judson has accomplished the entire translation of the 
 Bible in the Birman langUE^e, and that the American 
 and Foreign Bible Society, organized in Philadelphia, to 
 aid in publishing the Bible, in that and other languages, 
 has the confidence and approbation of this body." 
 
 " Resolved, That we have confidence in the objects 
 iand government of the contemplated Judson Institute, 
 and take pleasure in recommending it to the patronage 
 of the friends of religion and literature. 
 
 "Association fund- $72 75 — contributions from the 
 churches $78 2'5.' Total' $152. 
 
 " Paid Corresponding Messengers $29— for printing 
 these minutes, $50^-tialance in treasury $73. 
 
113 
 
 EXTEA.CT FROM THE OlttCUIiAK LETTER. 
 
 A great deal has been said against missionaries, and 
 it must be acknowledged there would not be so mucli 
 use for them, provided our country was well supplied 
 with settled preachers, that would do their duty. * * 
 # J* * # * fy all the young ministers whom God 
 may raise up within our bounds, the Judson Institute ii 
 the thing needful. It is entirely under Baptist direction' 
 and control ; it will be filled with teachers trom the most 
 prominent in the ranks of the Baptist preachers." 
 
 1837. In Octobei", the Association convened at Jeru- 
 salem church, Amite county — 22 churches represented — 
 23 in all. 
 
 Brother C. Felder chosen Moderator, and H. D. F. 
 Roberts, Clet-k. 
 
 " ! .etters and Messengers from Union, Pearl River, 
 anfl Leaf River Association — also a letter from Yazoo 
 Association. 
 
 "Association fund, $73 — contributed by the churches, 
 fUO lii— total $183 12. 
 
 "Paid corresponding Messengers $29 — for printing 
 these minutes (ls350 copies) $100. C. Felder as Super- 
 intendant f 15 — balance in treasury, $38 75. 
 
 EXTRACT FROM THE CIRCULAR LETTER. 
 
 " The purposes of God are perfect and unalterable. 
 His infinite wisdom and perfect knowledge, forbid the 
 occurrence of any event or change of circumstances, 
 which would dictate the slightest alteration in his plans: 
 and his absolute power precludes the possibility of frus- 
 tration by any obstacle. It is with great propriety, 
 therefore, that God himself assures us that ' His council 
 shall stand ; that he will do all his pleasure.' These pur- 
 poses can be made known to us, or concealed from us, as 
 God pleases. But. in relation to the plan of salvation, in 
 which we are chiefly concerned, it has pleased God to 
 reveal, by! the spirit of prophecy, the outlines of his 
 eternal purpose and grace, which embrace the s.-ilvation 
 6f his people. The work of salvation is represented in 
 Scripture as being properly and strictly the work of God. 
 (8) 
 
114 
 
 Christ, the ransom price of our redemption, is the gift of 
 God. ' He hatli made him to be sin for us.' The reno- 
 vation of the human heart, and the translation of a sin- 
 ner out of darkness, ijito marvellous light, is universally- 
 ascribed to God. Of his own will begat he us. We are 
 his workmanship created in Christ Jesus unto good 
 works. According to his mere}-, he saved us by , the 
 ■washing of regeneration, and the renewing of the Hoiy 
 Ghost. Now, if the salvation oi sinners is properly, as 
 these Scriptures teach, the work of God, then, accord- 
 ing to the position established, their salvation is effected 
 in. accordance with God's previous purpose. 
 
 " Henc^ the purpose of God, which is eternal and un- 
 cKahgeable, embraces the salvation of every soul that 
 God ever saved, or will ever save. "This view is con- 
 firmed by the language of the Apostle to the Ephesians: 
 'According as he hath chosen us in him before the. foun- 
 dation of ihe world, that we should be holy and without 
 blame before him in love, having predestinated us unto 
 the adoption of child'^en by Jesus Christ to himself, accord- 
 ing to the good pleasure of his will, wherein he hath 
 made us accepitd in the beloved.' It is also confirmed 
 by his language to Timothy: 'Who hath saved usrand 
 called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, 
 but according to his own Jjurpose and grace, which was 
 given us in Christ Jesus before the world bi-gan.' And 
 here is the very essence of the doctrine of election or 
 predestination, which is so much contested. The very 
 pith of this doctrine is simply God's previous purpose or 
 intention to do, in the salvation of sinners, what he does 
 do. If God, at a certain time, and in a certain way, 
 calls, renews and saves an individual, predestination in 
 reference to that individual denotes God's previous de- 
 sign to call, renew, and save him, at that certain time, 
 and in that particular way. Hence, if the doctrine of 
 predestination embraces any one sinner that God saves, 
 it embraces, of necessity, every sinner that God has 
 saved or wil' save. Election, therefore, is necessarily 
 personal; and eternal. 
 
 "Now, surely, no person who is capable of disoover- 
 ins; the connection between three ideas, can admit that 
 snlvaii)n is really and truly the work of God, and yet 
 deny the doctrine of election as here explained. If 
 
115 
 
 sinners save themselves, this doctrine may be false; but, 
 if God saves them, it is trufe, and will stand when the 
 heavens and the earth shall be no more. God has a defi- 
 nite purpose, therefore, fixed and unalterable, which eni- 
 braces everything that he does, or has any control over, 
 in the great plan of reidjmption." 
 
 183s. In October, the Association convened at 
 Jackson church, La. — -23 churches represented — 27 in nil. 
 
 "The introductory sermon was delivered by brother 
 Reeves, from Tiius ii : 14. — " Who gave himself for us, 
 that he might redeem us from nil iniquity, and purity 
 unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works." 
 
 " Brother U. Pelder chosen Moderator, and H. D. F. 
 Roberts, Clerk. 
 
 " Read the articles of faith. 
 
 •'A petitinn was presented by Elder E. Courtney, com- 
 plaining of corrupt and unjust conduct towards him, by 
 Hepzibah and Ebenezer churches. The petition was 
 rejected as unconstitutional, and the following resolution 
 adopted : 
 
 Refohed, That this Association disclaims all power to 
 interfere with the government of the churches, but for 
 the good of the cause of Christ, she recommends Hep- 
 zibah and Ebenezer churches to call a committee of 
 brethren in this Association, and that Elder Courtney 
 choose an equal number of brethren in the Association, 
 arid that the jiersons chosen by the churches and said 
 Courtney compo e nn advisary counsel, nil of whom are 
 to be disinterested and unprejudiced either way, and that 
 said council, thus composed,' shall investigate the diffi- 
 culties, and recommend said parties to settle them in a 
 gospel and satisfactory wny. if possible. 
 - "Association fund $48 75 — contributions from the 
 churches $127— total $17,5 75. 
 
 '• Paid Corresponding Messengers $17,00 — for print- 
 ing these minules $75.00 — C Felder, as superintendent 
 $15 — balance in treasury f.lS 75. 
 ■ 1839. In October, the Association convened at New 
 Providence church, Amite county — 27 churches repre- 
 sented — 28 in all. 
 
 " Brother C. Felder chosen Moderator, and C. E. Pinck- 
 
116 
 
 •"Read the artioleSiOf faith. 
 
 " (Joi-respondeiice, by letter aad messengers, waa re- 
 ceived from Leaf River, Pearl River and Union Asso- 
 ciations. 
 
 " The Hepzibah church corpplained to the Association 
 that Jackson church had received and retained in her 
 feiiowsbip Elder E. Courtney, whom she had previously 
 excluded — whereupon, 
 
 RKSolmd, That this Association recommend the above 
 churches to settle the ditficulty among theniselves ; and, 
 for the accomplishment of that object, to call such help 
 from sister churches as they may think proper. 
 
 "Resolved, That in the opinion of this Association, 
 there are three things necessary to constitute gospel 
 baptism, viz: ' A regularly authorized administrator; a 
 believer in Christ; and immersion in the name, of the 
 Holy Trinity — and as such, those ministers who have 
 been excluded from our communion for immorality, or 
 heresy, are not proper administrators, and consequently, 
 immersion administered by Campbellite, or reforming 
 teachers, as they call themselves, is not valid baptism. 
 
 " Association fund $38 75 — contributed bv the church- 
 es $1;H3 75— total $172 50. ' ■ . 
 
 "Paid J. Young $13 — Z. Reeves $4 — for printing 
 these minutes $75 — C. Felder, as superintendent $14— 
 balance in treasury $65 50. 
 
 Churtkes and Messengers.— :Neio Providence, R. Wil- 
 kinson, J. Jenkins ; Ebenezer, R. Johns, W. Jackson; 
 JEast Fork, C. Felder, J. Wilson; Zion Hill, M. Seal, 
 A. Butler ; Shilo, J. T,son, C. Edwards; Jerusalem, W. 
 Wall, C. Wall; Percy's Creek, no delegation ; Hepzibah, 
 S. Walker, C. Pinkney, R. Taylor; Mount Nebo, P. 
 Bankston, D. Sanders ; Mars Hill, R. Chadwick, M. 
 Whittington; Mount Zion, W. Clark, G.Clay ; Hopewell, 
 John Ford, N. Lee; Galilee, J, Straughan, T. Causey; 
 Salem, R. Quin, C. Tate ; Pinckneyville, T. Hunter, N. 
 Daws ; Friendship, S. Coker, J. Reeves ; Beulah, R. F. 
 Sibly, A. Addison; Ramak, Jesse Young, John Gill; 
 Jackson, S. Brian. F. Brian ; C/intow, James Smith, A. 
 W.; Poole; Hebron,T.M. Bond, J, Phe1[s,\Be'/(M,m,. 
 1). Morgan, D. Chany ; Mount Enon, James Wright, 
 James Strickland; Mount Pleasant, Z. Reeves, VV. 
 Thompson ; Liberty, D, Lea, J. Turnipseed ; BMon 
 
117 
 
 Rogue, Peter Harboiur,Wmi Thomas; Mount Ebatf 
 R. Hutchinson ; Mount Moriah, M. Naul, D.. Lewis." 
 
 1840. In October, the Association convened at Ebene- 
 zer church, Amite county — 23 churches represented. 
 
 "Brother C Felder chosen Moderator, and J. B. 
 Smith, C- l&rk. 
 
 " Association fund $70 50— contributed by the church- 
 es $11.5 12— total $185 62. 
 
 " Paid Z. Rcieves, (messenger,) .$20— W. B. Wall, for 
 two years, $26 — S. Coker, $4— for printing these minu- 
 tes $60 — C.TeWeF,as superintendant, |15— balance in 
 the treasury $40 62. 
 
 1841. In October, the Association convened at East 
 Fork church, Amite county — 32 churches represented 
 — 36 in all. , 
 
 "Brother S. Goker chosen Moderator, and H. Mc- 
 Knight, Clerk. 
 
 " Correspondence with Leaf River, PearlRiver, Union 
 and Louisiana Associations. 
 
 " Association fund $40 63-r-contributed by the church- 
 es, $161 37— total $202. 
 
 "Paid S. Coker, (messenger) $13— H. Wall, (do) |16 
 -^for printing these minutes, $70- -the Clerk, as super- 
 intendant S15-'-balance in treasury, $87. 
 
 1842. In October, the Association convened at BlufF 
 Creek, La — 38 churches represented. 
 
 " Brother C. Felder chosen Moderator, and ,T, M. 
 Bond, Clerk. 
 
 " Read the articles of faith. 
 
 " Correspondence with Union, Pearl River and Louisi- 
 ana Associations. 
 
 " Association fund $87; contributed bv the churches 
 $121 50 ; total $208 50. 
 
 "Paid Z. Reeves, (messenger) $40; J. Young, (do.) 
 $16; T. M. Bond, (do.)$J6 — for printing these minutes 
 $45; for' superintending the same $15^ balance in 
 treasury, $76 50." 
 
 1843. In October, the Association convened at 
 
118 
 
 duced in number, by dismissing churches to form two 
 other Associations, viz : Eastern Louisiana, and Missis- 
 sippi River.) 
 
 " Brother Z. Reeves chosen Moderator, and H. D. F. 
 Roberts, Clerk. 
 
 " By motion of brother Roberts, brother E. Courtney, 
 with the aid of brother T. M. Bond, was appointed to 
 draw up and furnish brother D. Benedict with a brief 
 history of this Association, and of the older churches 
 composing it. 
 
 " Bro. C. Felder died since last session. 
 
 " Resolved, That this Association appoint E. Courtney, 
 S. Coker, J. Young, Z. Reeves, H. D. t . Roberts, W. 
 Clark and T. R. Cheatham, a committee to meet and 
 revise the fourth article of faith, of this Association, so 
 far as respects form, and report at our next meeting. 
 
 "Association fund $70 50 — contributed by the church- 
 es $74 35— total $150 85. 
 
 '•Paid for printing these minutes $75 — for superintend- 
 ing the same, $15 — T. M. Bond, (messenger) $18 — S. 
 Coker, (do ) $14 — Eastern Louisiana Association (dis- 
 tributive share) $28,25— balance in treasury, 60 cenls. 
 
 1844. In October, the Association convened at Gali- 
 lee, Amite county — 19 churches represented. 
 
 " Brother S. Coker chosen Moderator, and G. P. 
 Claughton, Clerk. 
 
 ''Letter and Messengers received from Pearl River, 
 Union, and Eastern Louisiana Associations. 
 
 " A letter of correspondence was received from the 
 Mississippi River Association by the hands of her 
 delegate. Elder W. B. V\'ali — whereupon, the faith of 
 said Association was read, and there being some objec- 
 tions raised, the correspondence was laid on the table 
 until Momlay morning. 
 
 "Correspondence by letter and Messengers arranged 
 with the three first named Associations. » 
 
 "T he subject of corr<spoPdence with the Mississippi 
 River Association was taken up, and after a free and 
 full discussion on the orthodoxy of their faith, the motion 
 to correspond was withdrawn by their messenger. 
 
 "The committee appointed by tiiis bodv at her last 
 session to revise the fourth article of her faith, reported. 
 
11'9 
 
 'Wrhich report wag received, and ordered to be printed 
 Xvith tliRse minutes. ' (But it was not done, and the writer 
 is unable to ascertain what kind of a report was made 
 on the subject.) 
 
 " The Zion Hill church presented a grievance against 
 the Liberty church, which was taken up, and a committee 
 appointed to labor with the Liberty church, and report 
 at the next meeting of this body ; and that T. R. Cheat- 
 ham, T. Caney, Z. Reeves, J. Sojourner, and S. M. 
 Brian, be said committee; and that the Clerk be instruct- 
 ed to furnish the Liberty church with a copy of the 
 charges preferred against her by the Zion Hill church. 
 
 " The Liberty church petitioned tor a letter of dis- 
 mission, which was rejected on account of existing diffi- 
 culties with the Zion Hill church. 
 
 " Association fund 60 cents — sontrib uted by the church- 
 es, $15 15— public collection $14 25— by a friend $1 60 
 
 —total $ •. 
 
 "Paid W. B. Wall, $10— for printing minutes, $40— 
 
 superintending the samef 15 —balance in treasu ry ^2,6 64. 
 
 1S45. In October, the Association convened at Mount 
 
 Pleasant church. Pike county; — churches represented. 
 
 " Brother Z. Reeves, chosen Moderator, and G. P. 
 
 C laughton, Clerk. 
 
 "Correspondence arranged with Pearl River, Union, 
 an,d Eastern Louisiana Associations. 
 
 " The committee appointed by this body at its last ses- 
 sion to labor with the Liberty church, made their report, 
 which was received and the committee discharged : 
 
 " We, your committee, appointed to visit the Liberty 
 church, to labor with her to settle, if possible, a difficulty 
 existing between her and the Zion Hill church, beg leave 
 to- report: Met, pursuant to an appointment, with the 
 Liberty church, in connection with the committee from 
 Zion Hill church, on Friday before the 2nd Sabbath ia 
 November, 1844, and after some labor and discussion 
 upon the subject, the said difficdlty was amicably settled, 
 by the Liberty church erasing out the sixth article o{ 
 the faith which she had adopted, and inserting the 16th 
 and 1 6th verses of the l6th chapter of Mark in its stead, 
 and also erasing out the third line of the eiijhth article. 
 
120 
 
 "Elder H. D. F. Roberts, rose and said, that he felt 
 bound and authorized, as a pastor of Liberty church and 
 delegate from that body, to acknowledge it a rash act on 
 "his own, and on the part of the church, to adopt articles 
 of faith, which this association had publicly disappro- 
 bated. 
 
 "It was moved and unanimously can-ied,that_this As- 
 sociation extend her love and forgiveness to the Liberty 
 church, as if no difficulty had occurred between them. 
 
 *' Association fund $2o 63 — contributed by the church- 
 es, $107 82— total $134 55. 
 
 "Paid J. Young $10— W. Clark, $10— M. T. Conn. 
 §10; for printing these minutes, $55 ; for superintending 
 minutes $15; balance in treasury, $32 15. 
 
 1846. In October, the Association convened at Mount' 
 Zion church, Franklin county ; — churches represented. 
 
 "Brother Z. Reeves chosen Moderator, and G/ P. 
 Claughton, Clerk. 
 
 "Correspondence arranged with Union, Pearl River, 
 and Eastern Louisiana Associations. 
 
 "Association fund $32 55; contributions by the 
 churches $108 30; total $140 75. 
 
 "Paid T. M. Bond (messenger) $21 GO ; Z. Reeves, 
 $8 ; M. T. Cenn, $10 : balance in treasury, $98 75. 
 
 1847. In October, the Association convened at Percy's 
 Creek church, Wilkinson county ; — churches represented. 
 
 ■'Brother Z. Reeves chosen Moderator, and G. P.. 
 Claughton, Clerk. 
 
 " Correspondence was arranged with the Union, Pearl 
 River, and Eastern Louisiana Associations. 
 
 "A petitionary letter was received from the Pearl 
 River Association, requesting us to appoint delegates to 
 meet her in convention in connection with the Mississip- 
 pi River Association — whereupon, a committee to nomi- 
 nate delegates was appointed, viz: Brethren R. Thomp- 
 son, J. W. Felder, G. P. Claughton, J. Thomas and B. 
 Miles, who made the following nominations, viz : 
 Brethren J. D. McFarland, T. M. Bond, Z. Reeves, W. 
 Clark. G. P. Claughton, J. W. Felder, and E. Gresham. 
 which nominations were agreed to. 
 
 " Whereas, the Mississippi Baptist iState Convention 
 
121 
 
 has addressed, a letter to this Association, asking aid 
 from us to assist the weak churches within the Stdie. 
 
 Thereforis, 
 
 Resolvfd, That we lay this matter before the churches 
 corpposing this Association — that if any of the churches 
 feel free to give a helping hand, they will send up a 
 separate fund for that purpose, at the next meeting of 
 this body. 
 
 " Association fund $98 75 ; contributed by the church- 
 es $102 50 ; total $201 25. 
 
 " Paid for printing minutes last year $35 ; for superin- 
 tendence $15; J. D. McFarland, $12; S. Goker, |S; 
 Wilson Clark, $10 ; for printing these minutes $55 ; for 
 superintendence $15 ; balance in treasury, $51 25. 
 
 1848. In October, the Association convened at Hope- 
 well church, Franklin county ; — churches represented. 
 
 "Elder Z. Reeves chosen Moderator, and G. P. Claugh- 
 ton. Clerk. 
 
 " Correspondence received from three AssociationSj, 
 viz: Union, Pearl River and Eastern Louisiana. 
 
 " Correspondence, by letter and delegates, arranged 
 with the same. 
 
 " The delegates appointed by this body at its last ses- 
 sion to meet in convention with the Pearl River and Mis- 
 sissippi River Associations, were called on to make their 
 report; but not being prepared at this moment. Eider 
 Z. Reeves was requested to make a short statement of 
 the same, which gave satisfaction ; whereupon, brother 
 R. R. Webb was appointed to write a corresponding 
 letter to our sister, the Mississippi River Association, 
 and elders J. D. McFarland, A. McKenzie and Z. 
 Reeves, be our Messengers to the same. 
 
 " To the Mississippi Baptist Association : 
 
 " The undersigned persons, appointed delegates by 
 your body in session last year, to meet in convention 
 ■with the Pearl River, Mississippi River, and Eastern 
 Louisiana Associations, for the purpose of settling the 
 difficulties existing between this and the Mississippi 
 River, beg leave to report, that we performed the ser- 
 vices assigned us, and that after full and free investiga- 
 tion, and explanation, the difficulty was fully and satis- 
 factorily settled, so far as we are concerned. 
 
122 
 
 " Quei-y from fie ^'^ew rroVidence Church.— Is it ac- 
 cording to gospel order to receive members {roin the 
 Campbellitcs, without rehaptism ? Whereupon, the fol- 
 lowing brethren were appointed to draft an answer, viz : 
 S. Goker, W. Clark, C. Stewart, A. McKenzie, and H. 
 McKuight, who reported as follovvs : 
 
 " That we consider it improper to answer the question 
 in the form presented ; but recommend, for the satisfac- 
 tion of that, and all the other churches composing this 
 Association, the adoption of the following resolution, 
 viz: ' That this Association deem ii unscriplural for a 
 church to receive a person as a member, froin the Camp- 
 bellites. Reformers, or any other denomination, without 
 baptism.' 
 
 " Whereas, this Association does not transact mission- 
 ary business; therefore 
 
 '■ Resolved, That we recommend to the favorable at- 
 tention of the churches, the Missionary Society in its 
 bounds, as aifoiding a facility through which they may 
 carry out their benevolent designs on that subject. , 
 
 " Whereas, the Pearl River Association has recom- 
 mended to this Association the meeting of a convention, 
 to prepare an article of faith and rules of decorum, so 
 that uniformi0 of article and rules of decorum may ex- 
 ist among our Associations and churches ; and to appoint 
 and send messengrs to the same. 
 
 " Resolve'l, That we cordially approve of the object, 
 and convention contemplated, and that we appoint a co m- 
 mittee to select seven suitable delegates to meet in said 
 convention, at the time and place appointed by said Pearl 
 River Association, viz: At Hopewell church, Copiah 
 county, on Saturday before the first Sabbath in August, 
 1849 ; said delegates to report at our next meeting. 
 
 "The following brethren were appointed a nomi na- 
 ting committee, viz : J. (^ain. A. Butler and D Perki ns, 
 who nominated I'/ldersS. Coker, Z. Reeves, W.Clark, H. 
 McKnight, A. McKenzie, J. D. McFarland and Al, Seal, 
 as delegates to said convention." 
 
 " Association fund $.51 30; amount refunded f 10 ; con- 
 tributed by the churches, $lSO 80 ; total $162 10. 
 
 "Paid J. Young, |10; R. Wilkinson, $14; for print- 
 
i23 
 
 ing these minutes, S40 ; for stiperintendfende, $15 ; 
 balance in treasury, $83 10. ' 
 
 1849. In October, the Association convened at Bogue 
 Cjhittp church, Pi!^^ county ; — churches represented. 
 
 . " Elder Z. Reeves chosen Moderator, and G. P. 
 Claughton, Clerk. : 
 
 "(Correspondence received by letter and , messengers 
 from three Associations, viz: Pearl River, Mississippi 
 River, and Eastern Louisiana. 
 
 "Correspond^ndence arranged with the same in re- 
 turn, and also with Union Association. 
 
 "In view of the commotions now agitating the nations 
 of the earth — the result of which is the opening the 
 foreign ports to the messengers of the Gospel of Salva- 
 tion — that now the Missionaries of the Cross have en- 
 tered many of the heathen cities with the word of God, 
 and messages of love to our fellow dying men— as well 
 as the downfall ol Popery, which indicates to us the 
 near approach of Messiah's universal reign ; therefore, ; 
 
 ''Resolved, That we earnestly recommend to our 
 churches, and all christians, this indication of Divine 
 Providence, as a suitable time for them to unite in their 
 prayers and contributions for the foreign missionary ope- 
 rations, to aid in the great work of giving the Gospel to 
 the heathen, and for all other, efforts for its spread at 
 home as well as abroad. 
 
 "Association fund, $83 10 ; contributed by the church- 
 es, $100 30; total f J 83 40. . 
 
 'VPaid W. Clark, $22; Z. Reeves, «40; A. McKenzie, 
 $8; M. T. Conn, $\2; M. Seal, $10; W. Clark,: $12; 
 Z. Reeves, $12; S. Coker, $10; for printing these 
 minutes, $40;, for superintendence, $15; balance in 
 treasury $2 40. 
 
 1850. In October, the Association convened at Zipn 
 Hill church, Amite county--23 churches represented. 
 
 " Elder Z. Reeves chosen Moderator, and G. P. Claugh- 
 ton. Clerk. 
 
 " Correspondence received from four Associati'^ns, viz : 
 Pearl River, Union, Mississippi River, and Eastern 
 Louisiana. ' 
 
 "('orrespondence to the same arranged. 
 
 " Resulli&d. That thfi 'blftssfiijrs of God. which have at- 
 
124 
 
 .tended the labors of our missionaries to the heathen, and 
 especially the labors of our deceased brother, Judson, in;- 
 dicate to Us that the missionary cause js a cause approved 
 of God. 
 
 " Whereas, there is at this time a great opening, and 
 constant earnest appeals made, both from the heathen, 
 and our beloved brethren who are laboring in heathen 
 lands, for the Gospel, and more faithful laborers to pro- 
 mulgate the truth of the glorious Gospel ; and in view of 
 the great want of mea^s in the Treasury of the Foreign 
 Board, to carry out their benevolent and praise-Worthy 
 designs. 
 
 " Therefore, be it 
 
 "Resolved, That this important subject commends it- 
 self, with peculiar force, to the christian sympathy, 
 prayers, and liberal patronage of all who love our 
 Saviour and His gospel, and we do most earnestly re- 
 commend to the ministers of our Association, to bring 
 this subject before their several churches and congrega- 
 tions, and recommend to the churches to respond to the 
 call of their pastors, and take up a free-will contribution 
 for that purpose, and send it up to the Treasurer of this 
 Association, to aid in sending the gospel to the benight- 
 ed heathen. , . 
 
 "Resolved, That domestic missionsclaim our peculiar 
 regard ; that circumstances have been and are now 
 transpiring, which call for great efforts to be made by 
 the people of God, to sustain the domestic mission 
 cause ; that we recommend to the ministers of this As- 
 sociation, to present the cause to their respective 
 churches and congregations during the present Associa- 
 tional year, requesting the churches and congregations 
 to respond to the same, by liberal, free-will < fferings to 
 God, for the support of said cause, and to send the same 
 up to this Association, that the same may be forwarded 
 to such bodies for that purpose, as the Association may 
 deem proper, or as the respective churches may direct. 
 
 "Association fund $2 38; contributed by the churches, 
 $113 20; contributed by individuals, $20 20; total 
 $135 80. 
 
 " Paid Wilson Hark,' $14 ; Moses Seal, $12 ; A. Mc- 
 Kenzie, $18; R. Wilkinson, $20;, Liberty Post Office, 
 25 cen^s; for printing these miil;lute^ $45; for superin- 
 tendance $15." 
 
1^5 
 
 REMAiTKs. — Tlie Mississippi Bfxptlst Associatiort was' 
 constituted' oh the priiiCiples in "substance, that were 
 adopted by the General AsseKibly of Pai'ticular Baptists 
 of England in 16b9; and also thai Philadelphia Associa- 
 tion in 1742. And though they had many u'ps and downs, 
 in their hard struggles with the missionaries-^— and though 
 the flood cast out of the- serpent's mouth, beat strong 
 against the walls of gospel ordei', and at times would 
 seem to overflow and carrj' every thing before it, yet, 
 aided by grace, they "foiight a good fight and kept the 
 faith." 
 
 We have given full quotations, from the mintites, of 
 every thing relatingto missionism, so that the reader can 
 have a fair chance of drawing his own inferences. We 
 have also given extracts from the circulars, setting forth^ 
 principles on both sides of the question. In lN15, the 
 first heavy wave of the missionary flood overwhelmned 
 tbe Association for a time. A letter was received ' from 
 the Baptist Board of Foi-eign Missions ; and its horse- 
 leech entreaties for money pressed upon the churches. 
 The minutes make no mention of the discussion of this 
 subject. Indeed it is not ftsual to do so. Hence we are 
 unable to learn what opposition was raised to these un- 
 scriptural proceedings. Be that as it may, the Associa- 
 tion permitted itself to become^ for a time, the satellite of 
 the Baptist Board of Foreign Missions, and it forthwith 
 issued a circular full of the missionary spirit. 
 
 In order to expose the cunning and deceit, dictated by 
 this spirit, to delude these Old Regular Baptists, we quote 
 from the circular, to wit: "Godly zeal wiil induce you. 
 to make maiiy sacrifices, to suffer^ many privations, and 
 to forego many inconveniences, that you may promote 
 theinterest of religionj and the salvation of God's elect." 
 This spirit knew the faith to which these people held, and 
 hence this insiduous drift in order to win their good 
 feelings.' ■■ 1 ' : ^ .,...:■' , .:,. ;.■■■.., 
 
 It is more than likely that he had also a deeper and 
 
126 
 
 darlfer design, of casting a blur upon the character of 
 Jesus— as if he had undertaken to save his people from 
 their sins, and was notable to accomplish it, without the 
 zealous aid of the people. But it is not likely that even 
 the writer was permitted to know or see this bottom de-> 
 sign. How necessary, then, for ail christians to try the, 
 spirits, by the word, lest peradventure, they be found 
 lighting against the truth, under the influence of their 
 "worst enemy, 
 
 Notwithstanding this dark eclipse, it soon passed oflT, 
 at least in part. The reader is referred to an extract from 
 the circular letter of 1816, in which he will find some 
 heavy blows dealt out against flattery, disorder, church 
 troubles, ^c. 
 
 In 1817, "Elder James A. Ranaldson, missionary 
 (and church troubier) being present, was invited by the 
 Moderator to take a seat in the Association." The tide 
 of Foreign ^Missions having receded, Elder J. A.Ranald-, 
 son, and those under his immediate influence, succeed- 
 ed in getting up a fl9,w on pious education. At the suc- 
 ceeding session a constitution was reported and adopted : 
 
 "1st. The society, shall t^e styled the Mississippi 
 Baptist Educalion Society. 
 
 ' 2'\. The avowed and determined object of this society 
 shall be to assist pious, evangelical young men, called to 
 the work of the gospel ministry, in receiving a literary 
 and tbeological education." ,, 
 
 Eight more sections are added, and then follows the 
 appointment of Presidtjnt, Secretary, Treasurer and 
 Trustees. This wave, too, soon receded back into the 
 gulf, and left the Association, in 1819, on dry ground, 
 once more free from all such cumbersome apparatus. 
 
 This gave ihem an opportunity of turning their atten- 
 tion to an object which christian duty required at their 
 hands. And that was to «xhort, those who were masters 
 to treat their slaves, according to the rule laid down in 
 the gospel. The abolition excitement rendered it neces- 
 
127 , 
 
 sary, that they warn the brethren against over cautious- 
 ness and severity; in guarding against evil influences 
 "Valways keep in view, that you have a Master in 
 heaven." 
 
 In 1820, Samuel Marsh and James A. Ranaldson, a 
 cou'ple ol "church troublers," with cloaks drawn snug- 
 ly around them, were permitted, under the sanction of 
 the Association to visit ail the churches during the en- 
 suing year. Preliminary steps were also takeri at this 
 session for a. gp-neral meeting, which ultimately become 
 a State Convention. This lived a puny life until 183J, 
 when it was annihilated by the followmg resolution, viz: 
 "A departure from any, gospel doctrme is heresy, ac- 
 cording to the scriptures^ — the Baptists believing that 
 their faith is in strict conformity to the Scriptures, what- 
 ever is contrary to t\\Q\r faith, is heresy to them." This 
 was mainly aimed at the Campbcllites, but like a two-' 
 edged sword, it cut more ways than one, and thrust the: 
 State Convention in its most vital part. 
 
 We must now notice another important fact worthy 
 of consideration. The Association is formed of dele- 
 gates sent by the churches, for the purpose of promo- 
 ting social and religious intercourse, and the mutual 
 benefit of counselling together, on difficult questions. 
 "When the advice of the Association, is in strict accord- 
 an<;e with the Scriptures, it is gladly received by the 
 churches. But when the Association gives advice, 
 which the churches reje.ct, it is proof positive, that there 
 is something wrong in one party or the other. In the 
 case now under consideration, notwithstanding the re- 
 peated advice of the Association in favor of the Baptist 
 Board of Foreign Missions, we can find but one instance 
 in which funds were sent up for that purpose. In 1819 
 Antioch church contributed .$ai 75, and Hepzibah 
 church Z\ 50, for Foreign Missions, but the othe,i- thirty- 
 eight churches belonging to thj Associi^tion contributed 
 
• 128 
 
 nothing for this purpose. The State Convention and 
 Educational Society " all likewise perished." (/ovetous- 
 ness, of course, was the cause. This is the stale charge 
 brought by the missionary spirit against every church 
 or churches who refuse to obey its unscriptural dicta- 
 tion. This, by reference to an extract from the circular 
 of 1821, you will find to be strongly insinuated against 
 the brethren. The extracts alluded to should all be read 
 as a mode! of pious literature — illustrating the great ad- 
 vantages of a theological education. 
 
 Also, read the extract from the circular of 1824, in 
 which you will find the foregoing advantages more forci- 
 bly set forth ; and a strong manifestation of the bold and 
 chivalrous bearing of the missionary spirit in attempt- 
 ing a hazardous achievement. The following is a quo- 
 tation, viz : 
 
 " We need men trained by every rule of heavenly 
 discipline to the sacred warfare. Men who are thorough- 
 ly armed, and able to carry the assault to the very 
 gate of the enemy, to storm his garrison, and drive him 
 from his last entrenchment." 
 
 Is this not fascinating presumption ? Have they not 
 more to fear from the gate being thrown wide open for 
 their reception, than from any im'pediment in scaling the 
 walls? Does not the Spirit and the word say, "Come 
 out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her 
 sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues?" 
 
 In 1828 and 1829, the Association sent the hat round 
 for public contributions. The succeeding year they re- 
 solved to discontinue such a practice. The next year 
 again, they resolved to resume it, and continued it till 
 1833, after which no trace of such a practice f^an be 
 found, in their minutes. 
 
 These public collections were desigfted to sustain a 
 kind of home Missionary System, which they had gotten 
 up among thetti. Subsequent to the demise of the 
 
129 
 
 Foreign Mission cause, the State Convention, the pious 
 Education Society, &c., these Gallatian brethren under- 
 took a system under their own immediate control. This 
 was done by appointing a cortimittee to employ ministers 
 " to ride and preach under their direction, within the 
 limits of the Association." The preachers were required 
 to report to the committee " the number of days they 
 have served, sermons preached, and places where." 
 Thus exalting a committee to the exercise of a preroga- 
 tive reserved to Himself by the Lord of Glory ; and 
 which the apostles, or any apostolic church, never at- 
 tempted to exercise. 
 
 In 1835, she received a piro position from her eldest 
 daughter, the Union Association, to meet by delegates 
 for the purpose of forming a State Convention once 
 more. The matter was laid before the churches for their 
 consideration, and they requested, to ^ " express their 
 views in their letters to the next meeting of this body." 
 We have no means of ascertaining how the churches 
 viewed this proposition, as the minutes make no mention 
 
 of it. 
 
 At the succeeding session, the Association appointed 
 delegates to meet at Washington, in Adams county, for 
 the purpose of forming a Convention, in which Associa- 
 tions, Missionary Societies and individuals, might be 
 represented. The missionary spirit now bid fair to swell 
 into as much importance as ever. 
 
 The Association took pleasure in recommending the 
 Judson Institute to the friends of religion. Their circu- 
 lar saiys : " To all the yoiing ministers whom God may 
 raise up within our bounds, the Judson Institute is the 
 thing needful." ■ This "thing needful" was located at 
 Middletbn, Carroll county. Those who are acquainted 
 with the rise and fall of that pious institute, will know 
 how to appreciate the carte blanche to which the Asso- 
 ciation signed hei: "confidence." 
 
130, 
 
 In 1837, while the missionary spirit was swelling with 
 anticipations of the future ; and promising the Associa- 
 tion great things, if she would serve him ; some how, or 
 some how else, a circular letter from abroad was pre- 
 sented, just in time, from which we have made a copious 
 extract. The letter was read and adopted by the Asso- 
 ciation. And HOW, gentle reader, will you turn to that 
 extract^ and read it, and then return, and let me tell you 
 the effect? 
 
 Well, the Missionary spirit left that place in haste ; 
 and Missionism fell upon its face, to the ground, and 
 both the palms of its hands were cut off. These Galla- 
 tian brethren once more come to themselves, and re- 
 solved to quit feeding swine, and return to their Father, 
 and live upon his bounty ; for they had been taught to 
 know that He had plenty and to spare. They now act- 
 ed for a number of years, like they were trying by grace 
 to be reconciled" to God, instead of trying to reconcile 
 Him to themselves. 
 
 Nothing appears in the minutes, for a number of years 
 following, that would have been a bar to fellowship with 
 the Old School Baptists generally. The missionary 
 spirit being foiled in its anticipations, commenced an in- 
 sidious and malicious fling at those who stood up against' 
 its efforts. The following from the minutes of 1842 
 will illustrate this subject : 
 
 " Resolved, That we deeply regret that there has ap- 
 peared at different times in the ' Banner and Pioneer,' 
 a number of expressions that misrepresent the views and 
 characters of the churches and ministers of this Asso- 
 ciation, such as the following: "Some of the ministers 
 at that period were, doubtless, near the line of antino- 
 mianism;' 'singing psalms in a cock- pit;' 'strikers;' 
 ' guardians of the faith ;' ' safe depository of faith ;' ' self- 
 exalted domineering keepers of conscience ;' ' pullers of 
 wires;' 'if they had efficient pastors,' &c.' 
 
 Therefore, 
 
 Resolved, That this Association regards these things 
 s hig h ly censurable, &c.' " 
 
131 
 
 The truth is, the Association and churches had heertr 
 in former years, too lax in their ' guardisinship of the 
 faith,' and they were now seeing and feeling the sad 
 consequences. The following from one of the church 
 letters to the Association, and published in the minutes 
 of 1842, will be amply sufficient on this subject: 
 
 ," Shiloh. — The letter from this church is of an inter- 
 esting nature, exhibiting a small number struggling 
 against a tide of opposition, having the form of godliT 
 ness, but denying the power. We fear that the standard 
 of evangelical piety, which hath its seat in the heart, 
 and the operations of which are felt in the soul, has 
 been lamentably low in this region, and that many have 
 assumed the name of disciples, and have become par- 
 takers of ordinances of the gospel, who have never felt 
 its power. While the road has been made easy and the , 
 qualifications slight, many have been tempted, we fear, 
 to go forward in the holy rite of baptism, who make no 
 pretensions to, and some who do not believe in that fun- 
 damental doctrine of the gospel, a change of heart." 
 
 The Association had been in a like condition at 
 various times since 1815. But they had now driven out 
 every vestige of the corrupt missionary system, so far 
 as we can learn from their minutes. And, as the hireling 
 system is one of the distinguishing traits of the New 
 School Baptists, by way of contrast, we extract the 
 following from the circular of 1843, showing the view 
 of this Association, on that subject, viz : 
 
 "Now the true minister of Christ is not altogether at 
 liberty to choose his place of residence, but must submit 
 to an overruling Providence. When invited to take the 
 oversight of a church, he is commanded to do so ' wil- 
 lingly, not for filthy lucre, but of a' ready mind.' — -1 
 Peter, 5 and 2. ' The fact of a minister refusing to 
 preach to a church for the lack of any particular sum as 
 a salary, has no foundation in the word of God, To 
 say, I will preach for a thousand dollars, for five hundred 
 dollars, or for one hundred dollars ; in a word setting 
 up a certain sum for which he will supply a church, and 
 •without which he will not preach to her, savors much of 
 
132 
 
 a love of filthy lucre, and has no precedent in the writings 
 of the apostles, nor among the primitive saints." 
 
 The circular then -goes on to enforce the duty, which 
 no true church will deny, of sustaining the ministry. 
 
 The missionary spirit smarting under former defeats^ 
 and having learned that it could not prevail against 
 them effectually, so long as they "kept the faith," now- 
 commenced a plan for having it changed. On a former 
 occasion it had persuaded them to get up a missionary 
 effort "to save God's elect." They soon saw througji 
 this flimsy veil — and though it had often cast them 
 down, yet they had as often risen again. Therefore, 
 the effort must now be directed against the faith. 
 
 The plan, as manifested, was to get up a committee to 
 revise the most objectionable article first, and at the 
 same time draw off, and form the Mississippi River As- 
 sociation, upon articles of faith suitable for the occasion. 
 But the whole scheme was defeated. The committee 
 reported in favor of " keeping the faith," and a corres- 
 pondence with the new Association was declined. 
 
 The Liberty church also made a simultaneous effort 
 against "the faith," which came up before the Associa- 
 tion in the form of a charge by the Zion Hill church. 
 Finding, however, that she had no alternative but to se- 
 cede or conform, she chose the latter. In this she done 
 right. Had the Association changed, it would not only 
 have been her right but her duty to secede. But so long 
 as the Association maintains the letter and spirit of her | 
 original formation,- the churches are bound by every, 
 principle of moral rectitude to sustain her. i 
 
 Notwithstanding many things are impelling us beyond 
 our contemplated limits, the propriety, every way, of the 
 circular letter of 1845, is such, that we a:re constrained 
 to give place to the following extract, viz : , , 
 
 "Beloved Brethren : In coxnpliance with the order offi 
 ygur last anniversary meeting,, we address you with a 
 
133 
 
 circular lettec ; and from the various circumstances and 
 difficulties that we, as an Association, have had to meet 
 with for the three past years, relative to doctrinal views, 
 which we, as an Association, profess to hold, we invite 
 your attention to the exhortation and charge, given by 
 an inspired apostle to the, church, "that you should ear- 
 nestly contend, for the faith that was once delivered to 
 the saints.", 
 
 ,"This epistle, as some few others are, is styled general, 
 or catholic, i. e., to all them that are sanctified by God 
 the Father, and preserved in Jesus Christ, and called, to 
 the \|phole society of christians of that time converted to 
 the faith of Christ, and will be of standing, lasting and 
 special use, in and to the church, so long as time shall 
 l^st. One d«sigp the apostle had in writifig this epistle 
 was, to caution the church against evil and perverse 
 meii, who were already sprung up in that infant state of 
 the church, and would be succeeded by others of the 
 like. evil spirit and temper, in after times. In Tini. iv: I, 
 we are told of what should take place in the latter 
 times, the apostle, uses the following language : 
 
 " Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter 
 times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to 
 seducing spirits and doctrines of devils, speaking lies in 
 hypocrisy, having their conscience seared wil,h a hot 
 iron." 
 
 In 2 Tim.iii : 1 — 7, we are told by the Apostle : 
 
 " 'This know also, that in the last days, perilous times 
 shall come, for men shall be lovers of their own selves, 
 covetous,, boasting, proud, blasphemous, disobedient to 
 parents, unthankful, unholy, without natural affection, 
 truce breakers, false accusers, incontinent, , fierce, de- 
 spisers of those that are good, heady, high-minded, 
 lovers of pleasure more than of God, having the form ©f 
 godliness but denying the power thereof; from such turn 
 away ; for of this sort are they which creep into houses 
 and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away 
 with divers lusts, ever learning and never able to come 
 toi a knowledge of the truth.' i 
 
 " The apostle Peter, in his epistle to "them that have 
 obtained like precious faith with us,' warned the church 
 of' those characters that would infest her, in her last 
 days, viz : * Knowing this first, that there shall come in 
 
134 
 
 the last days, scoffers walking after their own lusts.'—' 
 2 Pet. iii : 3. 
 
 " The apostle Paul, in one of his last charges to the 
 elders, when about to leave them, when his eyes were 
 streaming with tears, and his heart burning with love 
 for the future welfare of the church, which Christ had 
 purchased with his own blood, said to them, ' Elders, for 
 I know this, after my departing shall grievous wolves 
 enter in among you, not sparing the flock ; also of your 
 own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things to 
 draw away disciples after them.' After examining to 
 some extent the predictions of the inspired apostle, rela- 
 tive to those individuals who would infest the church, 
 and strive to turn away the disciples from the faith, more 
 or less, throughout the gospel dispensation, we have seen 
 one of the great designs of the apostle in writing the 
 epistle, in which our subject stands— to establish them 
 in 'the faith' and a practice and conversation truly con- 
 servant and conformable thereunto — and in an open and 
 bold profession thereof — especially in times of a noto- 
 rious opposition, whether by artful seduction, or violent 
 and inhuman persecution. 
 
 " As we have received the charge and exhortation 
 from Divine authority, we must see to it very carefully, 
 that it be really the christian faith which we believe, 
 profess, propagate, and contend for, not the creeds, and 
 doctrines, and man-made abstracts, called faith: nothing 
 of later date than the inspired writings of the holy 
 evangelists and apostles. '^Their sayings are faithful and 
 worthy of all acceptation. It is the faith once delivered 
 to the saints, to which nothing should be added or taken 
 from. Here let us abide^ — here we are safe — if We stir 
 a step further, we are in danger of being entangled or 
 seduced." 
 
 Here follow four or five pages relative to the Media- 
 tor, and then continues thus : 
 
 "From these texts, it is plain that all the means and 
 instrumentality which was to be used to effect the salva- 
 tion of his people, were chosen at the same time. It is 
 the opinion of some of our modern preachers, that this ■ 
 doctrine should not be preached, because: it perplexes 
 the minds of men, and some have been wicked enough 
 
135 
 
 to say, after they had come in the church, by acknowledg- 
 ing and professing to believe the doctrine of Election 
 and Predestination, and for several years try to preach 
 it, that they now prefer a universal system. Such men 
 must be unstable in all their ways, and must have used 
 hypocrisy when they came into the church — but their 
 objection is not the question to be decided. 
 
 " Is it a Bible doctrine ? Has God revealed it in his 
 word ? If so, then it ought to be proclaimed through- 
 out the length and breadth of the land, and earnestly 
 contended for, as part of that faith once delivered, to the 
 Saints. 
 
 " The church must have been definite in the mind of 
 Christ, (John xvii : 20,) or how could the hairs of their 
 head have been numbered, or their names written in 
 heaven. — Rev. xiii : 8 ; Luke x: 20. 
 
 "Surely, there is a great difference between the spirit 
 that Paul possessed, and the modern objections to this 
 doctrine. The Apostle said he felt bouad^to give thanks 
 to God for the same. Predestination is that blessing 
 which is bestowed upon them who believe in Christ, 
 whereby they become adopted children of God, and 
 joint heirs with Christ ; and this is done according to the 
 good pleasure of God's own will. — Eph. i: 5. 
 
 " It is believed by some, that if the election is true, 
 the doctrine of eternal reprobation is also true ; but this 
 by no means follows. We make no remarks on this 
 doctrine, because we find no such doctrine in the Bible. 
 We leave those who charge us with preaching that 
 doctrine to give an account to God, of graces bestowed 
 upon us in a holy calling, regeneration, sanctification and 
 justification, 
 
 " God calls sinners with a holy calling, not according 
 to their works, but according to his own purpose and 
 grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the 
 world began. — 2 Tim. i ; 9. Through this calling, God, 
 by his spirit, quickens the soul that was dead in trespass- 
 es and sins, giving to it eternal life, creating it in Christ 
 Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained 
 that we should walk in them. — Eph. ii : 10. ' 
 
 '■The soul being quickened together with Christ, pos- 
 sessess a godly sorrow for sin, and with a broken heart, 
 ■SL contrite spirit, humbly repents of its sins before God, 
 
136 
 
 ' the Holy Spirit sanctifying its affections from the lov& 
 of sin to that of the love of holiness, by giving a holy 
 disposition to the mind, and drawing it by love to Christ 
 —thus the soul comes most willingly to Christ, and thus 
 hy faith believes in Christ as offered in the Gospel — re- 
 ceives the forgiveness of his sins, justified fronl all 
 things in the righteousness of Christ, and has peace 
 ■with God.— Rom. v : 5 ; Acts xiv : 39 ; Isa. xlv : 25 ; 
 Rom. iv : 16. Thus the soul is born, not of blood, nor 
 of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of 
 God.— John i: 13; iii: 3. 
 
 " When Christ preached this doctrine the people mur- 
 mured, and so they do yet. He told them in John vi : 44,. 
 'No man can come unto me except the Father which 
 hath sent me draw him' — but the creeds of men-made 
 faith, tell poor sinners, that it rests upon their own vol- 
 untary acts. This contradiction we leave for the Lord 
 to decide. 
 
 " The doctrine of glorification is of great consolation 
 to the behever : he has a promise to be kept by the power 
 of God, through faith, ready to be revealed in the last 
 time. — 1 Pet. i: 5. The "blessed Seviour said to his, 
 mourning disciples in John xiv : 19, 'Because I live ye 
 shall five also.' 
 
 " The law by which the church is to be governed, is a 
 part of that faith which we contend for. Every thing? 
 that God requires us to do, is plainly taught iii the' 
 Bible, &c." 
 
 This circular was written by Elder Z. Reeves, the 
 Bjloderator of the Association. There is no trace in the 
 minutes of any further efforts against the faith — so the 
 missionary spirit was again foiled. 
 
 The next attempt was made in 1847, through the- 
 Mississippi Baptist State Convention. A letter was ad- 
 . dressed to the Association, asking aid to assist the weak- 
 churches within the State. Had she acted consistent 
 vy^jthher settled course, and in accordance with her fu- 
 ture peace, this letter would have been rejected. It was, 
 however, referred to the churches, for thenn to kill witb 
 silence. This mode of disposing of the matter was un- 
 
137 
 
 derstood by t^e Cqijvention, and hence no more corres- 
 ponding letters were sent. 
 
 But the' missionary spirit was not so easily repulsed 
 as the convention. The mere reception of that letter 
 was considered something of a triumph. And the next 
 session (1848) it procured the passage of a resolution, 
 recommending to the churches the missionary Society in 
 the bounds of the Association. The next session (1849) 
 they were so completely under the control of the mis- 
 sionary spirit, that they saw the near approach of the 
 millenium, and passed a resolution to hurry it on with all 
 possible speed. The proceedings of the session in 1850 
 is no better. Were we hot bound by the truth of his- 
 tory to speak of these things we would gladly hide them 
 in oblivion. 
 
 The reader, however, if he has paid strict attention 
 to the history of this Association, is now prepared to un- 
 derstand, that it is composed of two people, struggling 
 against each other, sometimes one having the ascen- 
 dency, and sometimes the other. 
 
 The State Convention, above alluded to, is not that 
 aientioned in the early part of the history of this Asso- 
 ciation, which perished for want of support, This Con- 
 vention was gotten up by. the New School Baptist, about 
 the time the separation began to take place in this State. 
 
138 
 PEARL RIVER BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 
 
 This Association is the second daughter of the Mis- 
 sissippi Baptist Association ; the Union, being the first. 
 The latter was organized before, and the former, after 
 the Mother's session in 1820. Consequently the Union 
 was represented by messengers in that session, but the 
 Pearl River was not. 
 
 This Association adopted the Articles of Faith, 
 Gospel Order, Rules of Decorum, and Powers of the 
 Association, of the mother ; and hence a repetition is 
 deemed unneressary* Moreover, as the general history, 
 compiled from the minutes of the Mississippi Baptist 
 Association, and comments thereon, relative to Mission- 
 ism, equally apply to this Association, we shall omit 
 every thing of that character. 
 
 1820. In November, the Association convened at 
 Fair River church, Lawrence county — 24 churches 
 represented. 
 
 " Eld. J. Thigpen preached the introductory sermon. 
 
 "Eld. W. Cooper chosen Moderator and S. King, 
 Clerk. 
 
 "Correspondence arranged with three Associations, 
 viz : Mississippi, Union and Bigby, (Ala.)" 
 
 1821. In September, the Association contfened at 
 Ebenezer church, Lawrence county — 2j: churches rep- 
 resented. 
 
 " Eld. Norvell Robertson preached the introductory 
 sermcm. 
 
 "Eld. C. Collins chosen Moderator, and S. King, 
 Clerk. 
 
 " Query, — What course should a church pursue to 
 which application is made for fellowship, by a person 
 who has been a member of a sister church in a distant 
 State, and removed to this (State, excommunicated ; but 
 since believes that God has granted him repentance, and 
 healed his backslidings ? 
 
 "Answer. — We recommend, in all such cases, that 
 
139 
 
 such person be instructed to obtain a letter of dismission 
 from the church to which he formerly belonged, if such 
 church be in existence; if not, let the church to which 
 the application is made, act discretionarily. 
 
 "Resolved, That we consider it inexpedient. to have 
 our Associations to be communion seasons." 
 
 EXTRACT FROM THE CIRCULAR LETTER,. 
 
 " In order, therefore, that a sinner may be placed in a 
 situation to perform good works, a change must be effect- 
 ed. The tree must be made good. Man must be made 
 a new creature. This is the work of God. It is wrought 
 by a power equal to that which created the world. The 
 Apostle, addressing the saints at Ephesus, writes thus : 
 ' Not of works lest any man should boast ; for we are 
 his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus, unto good 
 works, which God hath before ordained that we should 
 walk in them.' 
 
 " We see in the above passage, that the change under 
 consideration, is described in the light of a creation — the 
 workmanship of Him who created all things by Jesus 
 Christ; and this creation must necessarily bear an anal- 
 ogy to the creation of the Universe. We likewise learn 
 from the history of that event, given by Moses, that the 
 word of God was alone employed in bringing all things 
 into existence ; and also, in the second creation the same 
 word is employed, as saith the Apostle Peter, 1 Epistle 
 i: 23. — ^' Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but 
 of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and 
 abideth forever.' ' 
 
 " Prior to this work the sinner is dead, as to spiritual 
 things, and all the works that he performs are dead 
 works ; and thus he remains until life is imparted from 
 Christ, who is the life of every believer ; and the life 
 which he imparts is eternal life ; for power is given him 
 of his Father, to 'give eternal life to as many as He 
 hath given Him.' 
 
 " They are under the teaching of the Holy Spirit, the 
 tfiird person in the glorious trinity, by whom they are 
 instructed, in a certain degree, into the knowledge of 
 spiritual things, of which they Were before ignotant. 
 Among these is the moral law, which is enforced dn its 
 
14Q 
 
 purity and, spirituality, and convinces tiiem of the ex- 
 ceeding sinfulness of sin, and the impurity of their own 
 works, which fall iiifinijtely short of justifying them in- 
 the sight of an infinitely pure and holy law giver, who 
 wiii accept of nothing from his creatures, but the per- 
 fection of holiness. 
 
 " In this extremity the Gospel points out the way of 
 salvation, through the obedience of Him who has mag- 
 nified the law, by presenting a righteousness which He 
 completed when He arose from the dead; and which, 
 when imputed to a sinner, is ' the fulfilling the law for 
 righteousness.' This view of the atonement weans the 
 sinner from all hopes of justification by works of 
 righteousness, which he can do, and sets him to hunger- 
 ing and thirsting after the righteousness of Christ. 
 
 " In this frame of soul, the Gospel recognizes him as 
 the character to whom the promises are made ; and, at 
 the time appointed by Infinite wisdom, he is enabled, by 
 faith, to appropriate to himself, the blessings of salvation, 
 offered in the Gospel to such characters, which makes 
 him rejoice in hope of eternal life. He is no longer 
 under the law, but under grace, and therefore has the 
 promise that sin shall not have dominion over him. Thus, 
 being made a new creature, he feels himself under obli- 
 gation to promote the glory of Him that loved him, and 
 whom he Isves in return, and is sohcitous to know what 
 He will have him to do. His inquiry now, is not ' What 
 shall I do that I may be worthy ;' but ' What shall I 
 render unto the Lord for ajl his benefits.' 
 
 "He now performs his services from notions of obcr 
 dience, flowing from love to God and man. He has re- 
 ceived the spirit of adoption, and, as far as his propor- 
 tion of faith will admit,; he claims God as his Father, and 
 desires, to approve himself as an obedient and loving 
 child. All be does in the way of obedience, is in the 
 name of the L^rd Jesus, through whom he hopes, that 
 himself and his works will be accepted before the throne 
 of God. All his petitions, thanksgivings, and acknow- 
 ledge^nents, are offered up through, Christ ; and he looks 
 for aU necessary blessings to flow down to him througli 
 the same channel. 
 
 " We have sufficiently shown, in the preceding re- 
 marks, that the design of good works is not to justify 
 
141 
 
 or recommend a sinner to the favor of God ; but still it is 
 presumed, that the Sovereign Judge of all the earth, had 
 an important end designed in enjoining therti both under 
 the law and under the Gospel." 
 
 1822. In September thei Association convened at 
 New Chapel church. Pike county-— 24 churches rep- 
 resented; ■ 
 
 Eld. N. Morris preached the introductory sermon. , 
 
 Eld. D. Collins chosen Moderator,, and S. King, Clerk. 
 
 " Took into consideration the petition from the Africaa 
 church, and, after due deliberation, it was 
 
 " Resolved, That brethren S. King, D. Cleyel;and and 
 A. Harper, be appointed a committee to visit the said 
 church, inquire into all the bearings vyhich a late law of 
 this State has on them, in depriving them of their rfeli" 
 gious privileges ; and to give them such advice as their 
 circumstances may require. 
 
 " Resolved, unanimously. That the brethren D. Collins, 
 S. King, G. W. King, and H. Runnels, be appointed a 
 committee to memorialize the Legislature of this State, 
 in behalf of this Association, for the repeal of so much 
 of the said law as deprives our African churches of their 
 religious privileges ; and that the said committee virait on 
 the Legislature at their next session with the said 
 memorial. 
 
 "Resolved, unanimously, That we request the Mis- 
 sissippi and Union Baptist Associations to unite with us 
 in memorializing the Legislature for the repeal of so 
 much of said law as aifects our African churches. 
 
 "Gorresoondence arranged with three Associations, 
 viz. Mississippi, Union and Bigby, Ala.) 
 
 "Appropriated twenty-five dollars to pay travelling 
 expenses of corresponding messengers, 
 
 EXTRACT FROM THE CIRCULAR LETTER. 
 
 "Brethren in the Ministry : * * # * 
 
 " In the mean time be careful for nothing. Cannot 
 
 your heavenly Father clothe you from His hounty,.and 
 
 feed' you out of his hand of benevolence t Your God is 
 
 love, and you are the peculiar objects of his care ! Ill 
 
142 
 
 him are treasured all temporal and spiritual blessings ; 
 and while in the faithful discharge of your duty 'Your 
 bread shaU be sure, and your water shallnot fail.' 
 " Brethren of the churches : * * * ■ * 
 "Will you unfellingly withhold your christian suppli- 
 cations and temporal means from your ministers, while 
 they are toiling in the harvest of the Lord ? No, brethren, 
 we are pursuaded better things of you ; and things 
 which pertain to salvation." 
 
 1823, In September, the Association convened at 
 Providence church, Marion county— 29 churches rep- 
 resented. 
 
 Eld. D. Collins chosen Moderator, and S. King, Clerk. 
 
 Correspondrnce arranged with three Associations, viz : 
 Mississippi, Union and Beckbee, (Bigby, Ala.) 
 
 " Took up the petition from New Chapel church, on 
 which 
 
 Resolved, That this Association approve of the con- 
 duct of the New Chapel church, in the excommunica- 
 tion of Thomas Willingham, formerly known as a Baptist 
 preacher ; and, that the churches and Baptist connection 
 are advised not to receive or encourage him as a 
 preacher." 
 
 EXTRACT FKOM THE CIECULAR LETTER. 
 
 " The ordinary officers of the church, and the only 
 ones now existing, are ministers and deacons. In the 
 first Gospel churches there were other officers, such as 
 Apostles, Prophets, and Evangelists, who were endowed 
 with extraordinary gifts, which were then necessary for 
 the confirmation of the Gospel ; but are since become 
 extinct." 
 
 1824. In September, the Association convened at 
 Antioch church, Marion county — 3 1 churches represented. 
 
 Eld. Norvall Robertson preached the introductory 
 sermon. 
 
 Eld. D. Collins chosen ' Moderator, and A. G. Moore, 
 Clerk. 
 
143 
 
 " Correspondence arranged with the same three As- 
 sociations. 
 
 "Appointed brethren Thigpen and Harvey to visit 
 Mount Nebo church, and labor to set them in order, and 
 report to the next Association — and brethren N. Morris 
 and S. Coaker 1o visit Habolachitto and report in Hke 
 manner. 
 
 "Resolved, That the Association reserve to .herself 
 ' the right of appointing the ministers to preach during 
 the session." 
 
 1825. In September, the Association convened at 
 Hebron church, Lawrence county — 30 churches rep- 
 resented. 
 
 Eld. J. P- Martin preached the introductory sermon. 
 
 Eld. D. Collins, chosen Moderator, and A. G. Moore, 
 Clerk. 
 
 " Correspondence arranged with the same three As- 
 sociations. 
 
 " Resolved, That visiting members have no right to 
 vote in a church, except invited by the church, and if 
 invited, their vote should be considered valid.' 
 
 "Query from Ebentzer. — Do the Baptist Church per- 
 mit their members to join the Masonic Lodge ; or if 
 members of that Lodge, to continue with them when 
 they join the church ? 
 
 " Answer. — This Association does not presume to de- 
 cide the merits or demerits of Masonry ; but recommend a 
 strict observance of the Gospel discipline among the 
 churches. 
 
 " Query from Half -Moon Bluff. — Is it consistent with 
 Gospel order for a church to act in the reception or ex- 
 clusion of a member — or in the administration of any 
 of the ordinances of the Gospel, without an ordained 
 minister at her head. 
 
 " Answer. — Theie are certain duties and privileges 
 belonging especially to the church ; such as receiving 
 members to fellowship, and excluding disorderly mem- 
 bers from fellowship ; but the administration of baptism, 
 and the Lord's supper, belong exclusively to ordained 
 ministers." 
 
144 
 
 EXTRACT FKOM THE CIRCULAR LETTER. 
 
 "If we make our liberty a stumbling block to them 
 that are weak, by indulging in things lawful, but which 
 are not expedient, we justly provoke the Lord and his 
 church to jealousy : we cause divisions and offences— and 
 such the prin)itive christians were charged to avoid. 
 When, in things which may be lawful, but not expedient, 
 we sin against the brethren, by wounding their weak 
 consciences, we sin against Christ. We abuse the 
 spiritual law of liberty, by which we Were made- free 
 from the law of sin and death. We become the authors 
 of offences ; and we know that a terrible woe is denounced 
 against those by whom offences shall come. 
 
 "Instead of pulling together as a company of horses 
 in Pharaoh's chariot, we leave the King's highway to 
 crop the flowers — or' in other words, to catch the allur- 
 ing vanities of this world ; such as worldly profit, word- 
 ly ho/iors, and wordi y wisdom. It is more profitto shield 
 the tender conscience from a needless wound, than to 
 gain the whole world. Let us leave worldly honors to 
 be enjoyed by wordly men ; let us despise them and seek 
 only after thfe honors of God. Let us aspire after no 
 other knowli'dge ourselves; and know nothing among 
 our brethren saving Christ, and him crucified." 
 
 1826. In September, the Association convened at 
 Hepzibah, Lawrence county — 33 churches represented. 
 
 Eld. S. Coaker preached the introductory sermon. 
 
 Eld. J. Thigpen chosen Moderator, and A. G. Mooi'e, 
 Clerk. 
 
 "Correspondence arranged with three Associatiods^ 
 viz: Mississippi, Union and Beckbee, (Ala.) 
 
 Query from Ebenezer Church. — " Will Gospel dis- 
 cipline take under dealings any brother for attending the 
 Masonic Lodge as a member of that Lodge, to the grief 
 of his brother. 
 
 "Answered in the affirmative. 
 
 1827. lu' September, the Association convened at 
 Bethlehem, Pike county — ^^34 churches represented. 
 
 Eld. J. Thigpen chosen Moderator, and A. G. Mooi'e, 
 Clerk. 
 
145 
 
 Elds. Felder, Collins, Newland and Mercer preached' 
 
 on Sunday in the order of their names. 
 
 "Correspondence arranged with the same three As' 
 sociations. 
 
 1828. In September,', the Association convened at 
 Bethany church, Lawrence county — 34 churches rep- 
 resented. 
 
 Eld. J. Harvey, preached the introductory sermon. 
 
 Eld. J. Thigpen chosen Moderator, and N. Robertson, 
 Clerk. 
 
 "Correspondence arranged with three Associations, 
 viz : Mississippi, Union and Bethlehem, (Becbee, Ala,) 
 
 Remarks. — Having failed in all our efforts to procure 
 any more minutes of this Association, we must refer the 
 reader to the proceedings of the Mississippi AssociatioUj 
 which we believe from various circumstances will por* 
 tray the general character of this Association. This As- 
 sociation like that, is composed of two people struggling 
 against each other ; and, we presume, from facts within 
 our knowledge, that it continues so even to this day. We 
 could give many interesting incidents illustrative of this 
 important truth ; but as we wish to avoid all fabulous and 
 uncertain statements, shaped to favor either party, we 
 have chosen to confine ourselves strictly to record 
 testimony. 
 
 - It will be seen that the statutes of the State had be- 
 come so rigid through the influence of the Missouri ex- 
 citement, that in 1822 the Association resolved to me- 
 morialize the legislature in behalf of the religious pri- 
 vileges of the African churches. Previous to that time, 
 they were permitted to have separate churches com- 
 posed entirely of African members. But the course 
 pursued by the northern people, led on by talented fools, 
 has been such that personal safety to the white race, had 
 rendered it necessary to clip the privileges of the black 
 
146 
 
 race, little by little', till now they are not even permitted 
 to hold public worship by themselves. However much 
 we may regret this state of affairs, yet, no man of sense 
 and observation, who has marked the influence working 
 on the minds of the black racei" by the abolition move- 
 inent, can possibly doubt the propriety of the State 
 policy on the subject. In 1825 the subject of joining 
 Masonic Lodges came up by a query from one of the 
 churches, which was disposed of in as kind terms as: 
 could well be, to avoid giving offence. This answer was 
 followed up with appropriate remarks in their circular 
 letter, bearing directly on this and all such like subjects. 
 Thus they hoped no doubt, that this vexing question was 
 finally settled. But in this they were sadly mistaken. 
 The mild answer given was just such as to encourage 
 the enemies of the church. Hence the controversy was 
 continued. And in 1826 the question came up again, 
 from one of the churches, in the following form, viz : 
 "Will gospel discipline take under dealings any brother 
 for attending the Masonic Lodge as a member of that 
 Lodge, to the grief of his brother— answered in the af- 
 firmative." This flat decision finally settled the question 
 so far as the minutes in our possession show. 
 
 This decision, relative to Masonry, is in strict accord- 
 ance with Regular or Old School Baptist usage, through- 
 out the United States, wherever the question is raised. 
 And we wish it remembered in certain quarters, that 
 this decision of the Pearl River Association, was made 
 before the Primitive Baptist Association had an existence. 
 And more than that, were it necessary, we could give 
 many other decisions, of a like character, and of older 
 date, from various parts of the United States. 
 
 We are apprized of the fact, that it is charged by "the 
 wise and prudent," that such decisions emanate from ig- 
 norance. This is not the place, were we so inclined, to 
 vindicate the propriety of our course on this subject. It 
 
147 
 
 is sufficient for us h^ie to say, that such decisions are in 
 strict accordance with Primitive or Old School Baptist 
 usage— and that, according to analogy of principles 
 among honorable men, it is not exactly becoming in the 
 members of one Fraternity, to condemn the rules of 
 another, because those rules are an impediment to their 
 own peculiar views. The Masons have rules, and they 
 would not, it is presumed, abandon those rules, or any 
 one of them, at the dictation of another society. It is' 
 the right of every Sect, Society, Denomination or Fra- 
 tewiity to fix.the rules of their own government, so as 
 not to infringe upon the rights of others — and for this 
 privilege the Primitive Baptists will ever pray. 
 
148 
 
 UNION ASSOCIATION. 
 
 1820. In September this Association was organized, 
 and was the first off-spring of the old Mississippi Asso- 
 ciation. Mr. D. Benedict, in his late General History of 
 the Baptists, has blundered into an error on this subject. 
 The Union churches were the first to petition the Mother 
 Association for dismission, aiid the first to organize. The 
 Pearl River churches, however, petitioned at the same 
 session, (1819) but, for some cause not explained in the 
 iriiinutes did not organize till November, 1820. We 
 have not been able to procure a regular file of the 
 minutes of the Union Association. But there has ever 
 existed so close a harmony of action between this. Pearl 
 River, and the Mother Association, as shown by the 
 minutes of th*« latter, that, so far as principle and char- 
 acter is concerned, the history of one, will substantially 
 be the history of all three. 
 
 1830. In October, the Association convened at El- 
 liott's meeting house church, Copiah county — 31 church- 
 es represented. 
 
 Eld. W. Balfour preached the introductory sermon. 
 
 Eld. N. Morris chosen Moderator, and E. Hibbard, 
 Glerk. 
 
 "On charge of Big Creek church against Union 
 church, for slanderiag brother Samuel Marsh, and for 
 immoral conduct — on motion 
 
 "Resolved, That a committee of five be appointed to 
 examine into the truth of said charges. 
 
 '• On complaint of Union church against Big Creek 
 church, for refusing to give satisfaction on charges 
 against brother Samuel Alarsh, their Pastor — and the 
 Association being satisfied that Big Creek church had 
 been labored with according to the rules of the Gospel. 
 
 " On motion, 
 
 " Resolved, That we withdraw our fellowship with 
 Big Creek church until reformed. 
 
149 
 
 " On complaint against Libeirty Church for disorderly 
 conduct, and heresy in principle — on motion 
 
 " Resolved, That this Association have no fellowship 
 *with said church until reformed. ' , 
 
 " Resolved, That we hold no fellowship with Alexan- 
 der Campbell, or any person who directly or indirectly 
 promulgates his opinions. 
 
 "Resolved, That this Association have no fellowship 
 with John H. Newland, nor Levi Thompson, for pro- 
 mulgating erroneous doctrines, and for receiving into 
 the fellowship of Liberty church, members, who were 
 excluded from a sister church for disorderly conduct, 
 contrary to the express rules given by Christ in the 
 Gospel, and the long-established custom of the Baptist 
 Church. 
 
 " Resolved, That we consider Samuel Marsh, a Baptist 
 minister belonging to Big Creek church, to be in disor- 
 der, and that we recommend to all churches not to coun- 
 tenance him as a preacher whilst in such#isorder. 
 
 " Resolved, That every church belonging to this Asso- 
 ciation, be requested to send up to this body a transcript 
 of their Articles of Faith, at our next meeting ; and all 
 churches who neglect or refuse to comply with this re- 
 quest, be considered in disorder. 
 
 " Qiiery. — Is it Gospel order tb ordain a minister at a 
 distance from the church to which he belongs, and with- 
 out their knowledge or consent. 
 
 " Answer. — No. 
 
 " The Association being notified that Robert Currie is 
 the subject of the above query — therefore 
 
 "Resolved, That the said Robert Currie is not an or- 
 dained minister. 
 
 "Correspondence arranged with the following Asso- 
 ciations^ viz : Mississippi, Pearl River, and Leaf River. 
 
 " Resolved, That the Articles of Faith of this Asso- 
 ciation be printed with the minutes."* 
 
 1832. In October, the Association convened at Mount 
 Bluff church, Madison county — 32 churches represented. 
 
 Eld. J. Morris preached the introductory sermon. 
 
 * As they arettibstantially the same as those of the Mississippi Associa- 
 tion, we can see no good reason for giving them a place. 
 
150 
 
 EJd. E. Flowers ch,Qseji l^odfirator, apd E. HiJ^^ard, 
 Glerk.' ' ; ■',: '^. ,■;:'"■ 
 
 " The committee a^ppoiHted at our last session on the 
 case of Box Creek, and Yazoo Churches, submitted tfeeir 
 report, which was received. 
 
 " Box Creek church, having sent up two letters and 
 delegates, considered the subject, and, on motion, 
 
 Resolved, That we receive and recognize the minority 
 as the Box Creek church. 
 
 " On motion, 
 
 " Resolved, That some record be made on our minutes 
 of the standing of brother Harmer ; and, on motion of 
 brother Joseph Morris, 
 
 " /Jcso/uerf, That all the official acts of Dr. Wm. R. 
 Harmer be considered as null and void, to all intents. 
 
 "Correspondence arranged with three Associations, 
 viz : Mississippi, Pearl River and Leaf River. 
 
 " Resolved, That we take into consideration the pro- 
 priety of dividing our Association.* ' 
 • 
 
 EXTRACT FROM THE CIRCURAR LETTER. 
 
 " The Union of Churches. — The magnitude of the 
 subject is such as to require better talents than we can 
 command, and greater space than a circular address. 
 We shall, therefore, only advert to a few particulars, and 
 cite you to the word of God for a more comprehensive 
 view. ' 
 
 " In reviewing this subject, we find that the Church is 
 the body of Christ^ — a body which is composed of many 
 members, and yet all in Union with each other and with 
 the Head — so that the church is compared to the physi- 
 cal body — 1 Cor. x : 17 ; Col. i : 18, And she is said to 
 be but one. — Cant. vi:9. 
 
 " While the church is presented in thiscompaot as one 
 body, yet, at the same time, she is presented as having 
 many members and officers, differing, but the same spirit, 
 so that while S part of the members of Christ's body are 
 in Heaven, there are a part on earthy and yet but one 
 
 * Preliminary steps were taken at this session for organiang the TazQQ 
 Association, which was constituted in November following, with churches 
 from this body, ' 
 
151 
 
 body.' And if the saints in heaven are in union with 
 the saints on earth, how much more should there bd 
 union among those who are engaged in the warfare, 
 whose common enefiny is the same ? 
 
 "But while we behold the church as one body, yet, 
 at the same glance, we behold her scattered through all 
 generations, and in all parts of the earth, from which it 
 follows, that the body of Christ is mystical-:-altho,ugh it 
 is, in some degree, visible. Notwithstanding the members 
 are scattered far and wide, yet they have the same head, 
 who is gracious to all that call upon him. They all 
 stand in the same relation ; all need the same assistance 
 from Christ the Head. 
 
 " Thus we see the Church in a scattered situation ; for 
 so her Head, who is the power and wisdom of God, has 
 presented her ; and has, for her benefit and comfort, 
 promised that where two or three are gathered together 
 in one place ' there am I with them.' Therefore, where- 
 ever there are a sufficient number of baptized believers 
 to form a covenant to keep house for their Head, they 
 are recognized as a dependant church. For so it was, 
 that John was directed to write to the seven churches in 
 Asia, where she is spoken of in the plural, as " Churches." 
 While the church may have a number of different places,, 
 where she, in her different branches meet to worship 
 and enjoy the blessings of the gospel, with all its or- 
 dinances, yet she has but one Lord, one faith, and one 
 baptism ; for the Saviour sayeth, ' They are all in me.' 
 Read John xvii: 11, 21, 22, 23; Rom. xii: 45: 1 Cor. 
 X : 17 ; Col. iii : 15— from which you will ledrn, that the 
 members of Christ's church form one body, of which 
 Christ is the Head. Ti^y are one body and one spirit, 
 even as they are called in one hope of their calling. 
 
 " And seeing such is the union, how sttaitly should all 
 the members act in their different spheres for the glory 
 of Christ the Head ; and for the mutual happiness and 
 comfort of each other. As every nerve, fibre, and 
 muscle, when acting in its proper office, gives strength 
 to the body, and receives vigor from the head — in like 
 manner should we all act in concert in our different 
 offices, for each other's strength, and growth in grace, 
 and the glory of the Head. 
 
 "But how lamentable it is to think how littlte of this 
 
152 
 
 glorious doctrine is heard.,from our pulpits, and felt in 
 our conference meetings! Were this doctrine urged 
 more from the pulpit and press, and studied more by all 
 the members of the body, we should not so often hear 
 the ungospel declaration ' we are an independent body.' 
 Were this doctrine understood and put in practice, it 
 would not be so often counteracted by churches, under 
 the false notion of their being independent bodies. 
 
 " As the church is but one and all in union, there are 
 means by which that union is to be maintained ; and no 
 doubt but Associations are some of them. We frequent- 
 ly find where churches have difficult matters before them, 
 that they send enquiries up to their Associations concern- 
 ing the case, and obtain, perhaps, the best advice that 
 couldbe had on the subject. And then we frequently 
 find that the union of churches is rather destroyed than 
 maintained, by some of them ^ refusing to follow that 
 advice. 
 
 " But the most efficient means are faithful ministers ; 
 for Christ hag compared his church to a flock of sheep ; 
 and God has promised that he will give them pastors ac- 
 cording to his heart, that shall feed them with knowledge 
 and understanding. The ministers, or pastors, ought, 
 therefore, to be men of sound judgment in spiritual 
 things ; such as study to show themselves approved of 
 God ; workmen that need not be ashamed, rightly divi- 
 ding the word of truth ; such as speak the things which 
 become sound doctrine; such as take the word of God 
 for their rule of faith and practice ; and from it, are able 
 to bring forth such matter as is therein contained ; such 
 as will not teach for doctrines the traditions of men. 
 
 " Therefore, as much depends upon the pastor, church- 
 es should be very careful whom, they put into that office. 
 Not one, that cannot be received by sister churches ; not 
 one, who only has a gift of exhortation ; not one, who 
 has not a good report of them that are without ; not 
 one, who does not understand the principles of govern- 
 ment in Christ's kingdom ; for by all such the union of 
 churches will be rather destroyed than maintained, and 
 the cause of Christ rather retarded than advanced. 
 Therefore, much care should be taken not to call a man 
 to oiRce that God has not appointed. 
 
 "Again. The reading of the Scriptures, with earnest 
 
153 
 
 prayer, is very useful for those who wish to keep the 
 unity of the spirit in the bonds of peace. Frequent con- 
 versation on divine things is also necessary ; for ^ they 
 that feared the Lord, spake often one to another.' There- 
 fore, those seasons should be frequent ; and, for that pur- 
 pose, brethren of the same faith and order should often 
 visit each other, and enquire into the state of their souls; 
 pray with and for one another ; arid converse freely 
 upon the subject of God's everlasting love towards his 
 people, and their obligation to love Him, and each other; 
 at which times all vain and worldly considerations 
 should be excluded. Brethren should also frequently 
 visit sister churches, on their business days, and par- 
 ticipate freely in their deliberations, with meekness and 
 love ; which conduct tends greatly to promote the union 
 of churches. 
 
 " We shall in the next place call your attention to the 
 means employed by the adversary of the church in op- 
 position to the union of churches. Satan, also, has 
 ministers, or agents, by whom he carries on his dark de- 
 signs with the utmost sagacity. And if Satan can trans- 
 form himself into an angel of light, no marvel if his 
 ministers should. It is, therefore, not only the policy of 
 Satan to keep up disorder and confusion among his own 
 subjects, but also, if possible, to introduce his dark de- 
 signs into the kmgdom of Christ ; for disorder and con- 
 fusion are the basis on which his kingdom will prosper. 
 But still he has his own subjects under sach completei 
 control, that they are all acting for the promotion of his 
 own, and the downfall of the kingdom of Christ. And 
 his sagacity is such, that when open attempts fail, he will 
 cloak his agents with the name of religion; and they, 
 too, frequently appear to have a flaming zeal for the honor 
 of Christ ; but they speak evil of things which they un- 
 derstand not. They speak great swelling words of 
 vanity, having men's persons in admiration because of 
 advantage. These be they which separate themselves, 
 having not the spirit. Read the epistle of Jude. 
 
 " Being thus cloaked under the name of religion, the 
 world will follow them ; for they are of the world, and' 
 the world will love its own. On this subject there is 
 such a cloud of testimony, both in the word of God and 
 the chronicle of the church, that we cannot be mistakent 
 
154 
 
 We say a cloud of testimony, and we shall here ex- 
 amine some of them We have already-requested you 
 to read the epistle of Jude, which is quite short. We 
 shall next call your attention to Peter : ' But there were 
 false prophets among the people, as there shall be fal«6 
 teachers among you, who shall privily bring in damnable 
 heresies ; even denying the Lord that bought them ; and 
 bring upon themselves swift destruction. 2 Pet. ii: 1. 
 Paul calls them ' deceitful workers, transforming them- 
 selves into the Apostles of Christ.' 2 Cor. xi : 13 — 
 again : 'False brethren, who come in privily to spy out our 
 liberty in Christ.' Gal. ii : 4 — also, the Saviour : ' There 
 shall arise false Christs and false prophets, and shall 
 .show great signs and wonders.' — Matt, xxiv : 24. ' By 
 their fruits ye shall know them. — Matt, vii : 16. 
 
 " Thus, we have given a few of the many passages 
 wherein those false teachers are spoken of as denying 
 the Lord Jesus Christ. It is now our duty to enquire 
 how they deny him. They do not act as Voltaire, Hume, 
 Paine and Owen have done, but do it by setting the works 
 and doctrines of devils, under the name of the doctrines 
 of Christ. They pervert the Gospel of Christ, and 
 worship and serve the creature more than the Creators 
 
 " Here we shall pause and request you to notice the 
 above recited testimony of Peter, viz : ' Who privily 
 shall bring in damnable heresies' — in the plural, which 
 plainly showeth that there is more than one kind of 
 heresy. We shall now proceed to point out a few of 
 those heresies among us, which we think do in their' 
 nature subvert the Christian faith and hope ; and which 
 have all come in disguise. 
 
 " First, we shall call your attention to the heresy of 
 Campbellism — the denying and even ridiculing the all- 
 important doctrine of being born of the Spirit, and sub- 
 stituting in its place, baptism, as the insurance of the 
 Holy Spirit and its influences. If this be true, why did 
 Ananias and Sapphira lie to the Holy Ghost after they 
 were baptized ; and why do not these church troublers 
 produce the fruits of the spirit, viz : " Love, joy, peace, 
 long suflfering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, 
 temperance,' &c. But continued observation proves 
 them to be wolves in sheep's clothing ; for wherever they 
 have entered a Baptist church, such is the dire effect of 
 
15& 
 
 t^pirfai^ ^nd iffs^X^e, th^t instead of love, thfre is 
 hatred ; instead of joy, there is,sorrow ; instead of peace, 
 there is confusion ; and instead'of gentleness, there is a 
 wild ferocious disposition; so that the temple <)f God is 
 defiled by the abomination of desolation standing where 
 it'^ughtnot. ' 
 
 " Secondly, we now proceed to notice another hereti- 
 cal doctrine, propagated by those who call themselves 
 Baptists, viz : A general atonement, but specially applied, 
 (Fullerism,.alias Mdssionism, ahas New Schoolism,) which, 
 is such a contradiction in itself, that a babe in Christ may 
 see its fallacy. The error in this place must be in the 
 teitn general ; for Christ .sayeth, ' All that the Father 
 giveth me, shall come to me,' from whence it follows, 
 that the receipts of the Saviour will be equivalent to his 
 purchase. And if the atonement be general, why did 
 Christ refuse to pray for the world? Why did he say 
 to the Jews, ' Ye are not of my sheep, my sheep hear 
 my voice,' &e? 
 
 " For such persons to be consistent with themselves, 
 they should have the application as broad as ttie atone- 
 ment. If they refuse to admit this position, then they 
 are Gonstrainied by common sense and good reason to 
 aefenotidedge, that Christ purchased a people whom he 
 never Intended to save ; or otherwise, a people whom he 
 had not power to save? either of which will destroy the 
 very essence of the ^God-head. One of these conclu- 
 SixMis is, and must necessarily be, drawn from such 
 premises. Yet, these wild, heretical notions have been, 
 and are yet, a gareat barto the union of churches. 
 
 " Therefore, seeing' that so much of the confusion in 
 churches arise from' those who profess to be teachers, 
 how particular ought the churches to be, not only in 
 raising up young mirristers, but also in receiving 
 strang'ers ? There should be a double guard put upon 
 your pulpits : and while you are zealous for the faith ot 
 the Gospel, be equally zealous for the discipline. You 
 will generally find those who are unsound in faith, 
 equally so in discipline." 
 
 1835. In October, the Association convened at EI- 
 Jiott'g meeting house ch^ch, Copiahcounty—T24 church- 
 es represented. 
 
156 
 
 EM. J. Thigpen chosen Moderator, and N. R. Graii- 
 berry , Clerk. 
 
 " Correspondence received from three Associations, 
 yiz : Mississippi, Pearl River and Yazoo. 
 
 " Correspondence arranged with the same three Asso- 
 ciations, and also with Leaf River. 
 
 " The committee, appointed last year, by this Associa* 
 tion,to meet committees from the Yazoo and Bethel As- 
 sociations, to confer on the difficulties existing between 
 the latter and the others, reported an ' Abstract of the 
 proceedings of the joint committee, which is as follows : 
 In pursuance of measures adopted by the Union, Yazoo, 
 and Bethel Baptist Associations, at their respective late 
 sessions, committees, on the part of each, met in con- 
 ference on Friday, December 5, 1834, at Palestine 
 church. Hinds county, Mississippi, for the purpose of 
 taking into consideration the unhappy divisions which 
 existed among them, and, if possible, to effect a recon- 
 ciliation. 
 
 '"The delegation from the Union submitted sundry 
 matters of complaint against the Bethel,' in which the 
 Yazoo concurred. .These were read, and the conference 
 proceeded to investigate them separately. Finally the 
 following was proposed and unanimously acceded to, viz : 
 It is unanimously agreed, that we bear with and forget 
 whatever has past ; and that the Associations, as such, 
 come into a state of reconciliation, leaving all matters of 
 merely individual concernment to be settled in a Gospel 
 way ; and we recommend a like spirit and course to be 
 exercised by churches and individuals — so far as the 
 honor of God and the good of his kingdom on earth, 
 will admit of it,' ice. 
 
 " Whereas we believe that an institution of learning, 
 on the manual labor plan, under the control of the 
 Baptists of this State, is at present loudly called for, 
 and, as we have heard that efforts are making to establish 
 such an institution, therefore, 
 
 " Resolved, That we recommend said institution to our 
 friends generally, and especially to the churches com- 
 posing this Association. 
 
 "Resolved, That the ministers of this Association be 
 requested to visit all the churches in our bounds, by 
 
157 
 
 travellyig two together, in the course of this year, if.they 
 can conveniently do sq. , ' . , 
 
 ^' took, under consider alidh the expediency of corres- 
 ponding with the Bethel Association ; and on taking the 
 vote it appeared that a majority was in favor of said 
 c6rresp6ndence ; but as there was a large minority, it 
 was lagreed to postpone the matter till next session." 
 
 ,. Remaeks.— Although we have b.eph able to procure 
 only a few minutes of this Association, ,they are ample 
 to show, that it, too, had hard struggles with the Camp 
 bellite and Fullerite heresies. The circular lettei;. in 
 1832, if carefully read and studied, will give the intelli- 
 gent reader important information relative to their 
 troubled condition. This state of affairs was brought 
 about by false brethren, who crept in unawares, and 
 brought in damnable heresies ; and then began to speak 
 evil of those things which they know not ; hence the way' 
 of truth was evil spoken of. Though these false brethren 
 knew not the mystery of godliness — for if they had they 
 would not have opposed the doctrine of grace — yet, they 
 did know, that it was more compatible with natural 
 justice and social harmony, to build up churches on their 
 own faith, than to creep into Regular Baptist churches, 
 under false pretences, and then contend against the very 
 faith to which they had subscribed. This, however, has 
 been the course of these New School brethren through- 
 out the land ; which has finally led to a separation in the 
 greater part of the State. And as great efforts have 
 been made to cast censure upon the Old School party, 
 because they contend earnestly for the faith, we here, in 
 the name of everything that is true, and just, and honor- 
 able, call upon the New School party to show one in- 
 stance in which "Predestinarian" Baptists have crept into 
 Armenian churches and attempted to draw away mem- 
 bers after them. 
 
It wiH be seen that in 1835 this Association rdcOHi- 
 mended to their friends and the churches an institutibtt 
 of learning of a peculiar kind. This was intended for 
 the benefit of pious young men who had been called to 
 the ministry before they were qualified. The Associa- 
 tion seemed disposedi to give them a chance to follow 
 the example of Paul, by laboring with their own hands. 
 This was admirably suited to test the depth of their 
 piety. And, consequently, the whole plan fell to the 
 ground for the want of patrbnage. , 
 
159 
 
 YAZOO BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 
 
 « Agreeably to a resolution of the Union Baptist As- 
 sociation, delegates assembled at Wallie's Creek meeting 
 house, in Yazoo county, on the 2nd day of November, 
 1832, from the following churches, viz : Yazoo, Yazoo 
 county ; Box Creek, Holmes county ; Mount Gilead,. 
 Madison county ; Mound Bluff, Madison county ; Jeru- 
 salem, Yazoo county ; Union, Hinds: county; Tildebogue, 
 Madison county ; Mount Pisgah, Rankin county. 
 
 " A sermon introductory to business, was delivered by 
 brother Nathan Morris. 
 
 2. Elder N. Morris was called to the chair, and 
 brother M. Crain requested to act as Clerk, pro tem. 
 
 3. On motion. 
 
 Resolved, That we enquire for the fellowship of 
 churches. 
 
 4. The Union church, having protested against the 
 acts of the Union Association, as appeared from her 
 letter, was advised to remain a member of the Union 
 Association until a reconciliation takes place. Also, the 
 delegates from Mound Bluff, informing us that their 
 church did not acquiesce in the proceedings of the 
 Union Association, received the same advice. 
 
 5. The delegates from Mount Pisgah, on account Of 
 some instruction given by their church, refused to take 
 seats with us. 
 
 6. Took under consideration the propriety of forming 
 a new Association ; and, after free discussion. 
 
 Resolved, That the churches now represented, form 
 themselves into an Association. 
 
 7. Appointed brethren Elder J. Morris, A. B. Sanders^, 
 and Maston Crain, a committee to prepare a constitution 
 — which was accordingly done, read and unanimously 
 agreed to — whereupon, the chairman gave to the several 
 delegates present, the right hand of fellowship, and the 
 Association was organized in proper form. 
 
 8. Proceeded to elect a Moderator and Clerk. Elder 
 Nathan Morris was chosen Moderator, and Maston 
 Crain, Clerk. 
 
 9. The Rules of Gospel Order, the Rules of Decorum, 
 
160 
 
 and the powers of the Association, as appended to these 
 minutes, were all severally read and adopted. 
 
 10. Took up the subject of correspondence, and 
 agreed to correspond with the sister Associations of this 
 State; also, with the Bethel Association. Appointed 
 brethren N. Morris and M. Grain delegates to the 
 Union ; Abner Erwin and A. B. Saunders to the Pearl 
 River ; J. Morris and Isaac Perkins to the Bethel ; W. 
 Taylor and J. Taylor to the Buttahatchy. Appointed J. 
 Morris to write to the Leaf River, and A. B. Sanders to 
 the Mississippi Association. Appointed the next Asso- 
 ciation to be held at Hickory Spring meeting house, in 
 Holmes county.* ' >* 
 
 1833. In November, the Association convened at 
 Hickory Spring meeting hoUse — 6 churches represented» 
 viz: Yazoo, Mount Gilead, Jerusalem, Tildebogue, 
 Phalti, Holmes co, Bethel, Holmes co. 
 
 " Elder Nathan Morris was chosen Moderatoi", and 
 brother M. Grain, Glerk." . • t 
 
 "Gorrespondence was arranged with the following 
 Associations, viz : Leaf River, Bethel, Pearl River, 
 Union, Mississippi and Buttahatchy. 
 
 ^'On motion. 
 
 Resolved, That whereas Lee Compere, an ordained 
 minister, has been excluded from Jerusalem church, for 
 heresy and contempt of the church, in refusing to hear 
 and receive her instructions ; also, for administering the 
 Lord's supper to a people not in fellowship with the 
 Regular Baptists, and various other charges. That we 
 highly approve of the course pursued by the church at 
 Jerusalem — and whereas, we are informed, that said 
 
 *Here follow the Constitution, Articles of Faith, Gospel Order, and 
 Rules of Decorum, which are similar to those of the Regnlai- or 6. S. 
 Baptists generally. It may be well, however, in these days of apostaoy 
 from the truth, to give the three following articles of the faith, viz : 4. We 
 believe in the everlasting love of God to His people ; in the eternal, uncon- 
 ditional election of a definite number of the human family, to grace and 
 glory. 5. We believe that sinners are justified in the sight of God, only 
 by the imputed righteousness of Jesus Christ; which is unto all, and npor 
 all them that believe. 6. We believe that all those who were chosen in 
 Christ, before the foundation of the world, are in time effectually called, 
 regenerated, converted and sanctified ; and are Jiept by the power of God, 
 tteough faith^ unto salvation. 
 
161 
 
 Compere has, joined; a chufbh, once constituted upon our 
 faith and order ; but which has since apostatiged : There- 
 fore, we caution all regular Baptists to beware of said 
 Compere. 
 
 " Preaching on the Lord's day by S. Perkins, N. 
 Mor is, G. W. Nolan and J. Morris. 
 
 " Resohied, That the Clerk superintend the printin;? 
 and distribution of 400 copies of these minutes, and that 
 he receive ten dollars for his services." 
 
 1834. In November, the Association convened at 
 the Jerusalem church, in Yazoo county — 10 churchea 
 represQDted. 
 
 " Elder Nathan Morris chosen Moderator, and J. C. 
 Perkins, Clerk. 
 
 " Correspondence arranged with the following Asso- 
 ciations, viz : Union, Pearl River, Mississippi and Leaf 
 River. 
 
 "Brother Norval Robertson addressed the Moderator. 
 He said that he had been appointed a messenger of 
 correspondence from the Mississippi Biptist Evangeliz- 
 ing Society, with a letter ; but that lie had mislaid the 
 letter, so that he could not find it. Upon which, he was 
 invited to a seat, and his aid solicited. It was also agreed 
 to correspond with said society. Accordingly, appoint- 
 ed brethen Nathan Morris and Joseph Morris, Messen-' 
 gers ; and brother Joseph Morris to write the correspond- 
 ing letter to the said Society. 
 
 " The committee, appointed to take under considera- 
 tion the letter from the Union Association, reported as 
 follows, viz. We, the select committee, have conversed 
 openly and freely with the corresponding brethren 
 from the Union Association, upon the resolues found in 
 their minutes, desiring us to meet them at some subse- 
 quent period and place, which we may appoint, for the 
 purpose of opening some way. whereby the brethren 
 sent from our sister, the Bethel Association, can have 
 a fair and open opportunity of coming forward to the 
 joint committee, to make known their grievances, if they 
 have any, or for them, or any of them, to return and 
 make confession of their wrong, and be restored to full 
 fellowship, union and communion, with us and the Union 
 Association. 
 
162 
 
 "We, therefore, appoint to meet them on Friday be- 
 fore the first Sunday in December next, at PaleStifle 
 dhurch, Hinds county, Mississippi. 
 
 Delegates— i. Harvey, Abncr Belcher, Joseph Morris, 
 Nathaniel Robbing, J. C. Perkins, N. White, James Lee 
 and William Denson. 
 
 1835. In November, the Association convened at 
 Tildebogue church, Madison county, Mississippi. The 
 introductory sermon was preached by Eld. Abner 
 Belcher, from Gal- i: 10, "For if 1 yet please men, I 
 shall not be the servant of Christ." Witheut transact- 
 ing any business of particular note, the Association ad- 
 journed to meet at Mount Gilead church, in same county, 
 in May next. 
 
 Joseph Morris was chosen Moderator, and Daniel 
 Sutherland, Clerk- 
 
 " Correspond enee was arranged with the following 
 Associations, viz : Pearl River, Union, Leaf River and 
 Mississippi. 
 
 "Appointed Elder Joseph Morris to write to Choctaw 
 Association ; himself and Elder Abner Belcher, mes- 
 sengers. 
 
 "Appointed Elder Nathan Morris to write a letter to 
 the Yallobusha Association, proposing consolidation. 
 Should that obj-^ct fail, to request a correspondence. 
 Messengers — Elders Nathan Morris, Moses Crawson, 
 Joel Harvey and Joseph Morris. 
 
 "A letter from Bethel Association soliciting corres- 
 pondence, was read and rejected. Elders Nalhan Morris, 
 Joseph Morris and brother Silas Mercer were appointed 
 a committee to report a statement of facts, why it was 
 rejected. 
 
 "Report. — 1. We believe that the Bethel Association 
 was organized in disorder, from the fact that some of 
 the churches belonging to that body — having been dis- 
 missed from the Union, for the purpose of organizing a 
 new Association — protested against the Union, and then 
 refused to return to the I'nion and labor fora reconcilia- 
 tion, although advised to that course by the Yazoo Asso- 
 ciationnl Convention. 
 
 " 8. We believe it disorder in the Bethel to recognize 
 
163 
 
 Wflli&rh'Bl Harm6r, as a Baptist preidh^r, after a non- 
 fellowship had been declared by the Phalti church, and 
 IhMnOnife/l'lowship had been recognized by the Union 
 and Yazoo Associations. 
 
 "3. We believe it a disorder in the Bethel to sustain 
 the ofEcial acts of Lee Compere, alter having acknow- 
 ledged at the Palestine Convention in 1834, that MoOnd 
 Bluff church had done wrong in the reception of said 
 Compere, and he under the sentence of exconimunica- 
 tion by Jerusalem church. 
 
 " 4. We believe it disorder in the Bethel to sustain 
 the churches of their body, in the reception of persons 
 excluded from the churches of our body for immoral 
 conduct. 
 
 " 5. We believe it disorder in the Bethel to hold a 
 church in their fellowship, constituted in the bounds of 
 another Baptist church— members being received in 
 said newly constituted church, belonging to the old 
 church, without letters of dismission. 
 
 " 6. We believe that the Bethel is in di^sorder in re- 
 cognizing the majority of the Box Creek church, or a 
 part of them, as members of the Baptist order, after 
 they had been rejected by the Union Associ,ation for 
 gross immoralities. 
 
 " These are some of the reasons why we rannot open 
 associational correspondencewith the Bethel; and should 
 our brethren think us extravagant in the above state- 
 ment, we hold ourselves bound to establish the facts by 
 Gospel testimony, before any regular tribunal of the 
 Baptist order, formedfor that purpose. 
 
 " The report was read and axlopted — 9 churches 
 represented. 
 
 1836. In November, the Association convened at 
 Carrollton, Carroll county, Mississippi — JO chuiches 
 represented. 
 
 " Eld. Nathan Morris chosen Moderator, and M. Grain, 
 Cleik. 
 
 "Correspondence. — A letter and package of minutes 
 received from the Union by her messenger, brother 
 Allen— a letter and minutes from the Missis ipni. Pearl 
 
• 164 , 
 
 gates, viz : Francis Baker, H. McNeall, E. Sullivan and 
 Wm. Kennedy. '; 
 
 " Correspondence arranged with the following Asso-» 
 ciations, viz: Mississippi, Union, Pearl River, Leaf 
 River, Choctaw and Yallobusha. 
 
 " Took into consideration the propriety of consolidating 
 with the Yallobusha Association — whereupon 
 
 Resolved, That we recomrnend the churches of our 
 body, to meet in convention with the churches of the 
 Yallobusha Association, at Rocky Springs, on Friday 
 before the 3d Sunday in May next, and that if a majority 
 of the two Associations agree to consolidate, then this 
 Association to be dissolved. 
 
 Churches. — Emmaus, Mt. Gilead, Tildebogue, Phalti, 
 Bethel, Rocky Spring, Doak's Creek, Mt. Carmel, Yazoo 
 and Hebron. Association fund |)3 ; Contribution by the 
 churches, $87 — $90; paid for printing these minutes, 
 $40 ; for superintending the same $15 — $55, Balance 
 i n treasury, 
 
165 
 
 YALLOBUSHA ASSOCIATION. 
 
 This Association was organized in 1836, but we have 
 not been able to obtain the minutes of that year— there- 
 fore we commence with the succeeding. 
 
 1837. In October, the Association convened at Shiloh 
 Church, Yaliebusha county — 4 churches represented. 
 
 "Eld. F. Baker chosen Moderator, and W. Minter, 
 Clerk. 
 
 " Correspondence received from Zion Baptist Asso- 
 ciatioa. 
 
 " Elds. F. Baker, M. White and Moore preached on 
 Sunday. 
 
 " Correspondence returned to Zion Baptist Association. 
 
 "On motion, 
 
 "Resplved, That we drop, for the present, the corres- 
 pondence with the Yazoo Baptist Association. 
 
 "Resohed, That we renew the correspondence with 
 the Choctaw Baptist Association, which was dropped last 
 year in prospect of uniting the Yazoo and this Associa- 
 tion in one." 
 
 1838. In October, the Association convened at Leba- 
 non Church, Yallobusha county— 10 churches repre- 
 sented. 
 
 "Eld. F. Baker chosen Moderator, and J. G. Hall, 
 Clerk. 
 
 " Correspondence arranged with the Zion Association. 
 • " Whereas, It has been represented to this body, that 
 the church at Shiloh has infringed on the terms of her 
 union with this body, by receiving an excluded member 
 into her fello'vship — Therefore, 
 
 "Resolved, That Brethren Robins, Taylor, Sullivan, 
 Minter, Baker, Hall, Littleton, Whitsett, Freeman and 
 Dbnham, be appointed a committee to inquire if the 
 church at Shiloh has not departed from Scriptural discip- 
 line and Baptist Order, by receiving into her fellowship 
 an excluded member, and that they report all the facts to 
 the next Association. 
 
m 
 
 " Resolved, That the churches composing this Asso- 
 ciation be i-equested to send up contributions for the pur- 
 pose of bearing tiie expenses of our delegates to sister 
 Associations." 
 
 The circujar letter prepared by Brother iFrancis Baker 
 was reported by the committee appointed to examine it, 
 and then read and ordered to he printed with the minutes. 
 
 OlEClTLAil ADDEESS. 
 
 " Dear Brethren: You have been so often addressed 
 through the medium of circulars, that we are at a loss for 
 a subject lor the present ; and we have thought of non© 
 more appropriate, under existing circumstances, than that 
 very impressive admonition of the great Apostle of the 
 Gentiles, "Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly iii 
 all wisdom." We would not have you to understand by 
 the word of Christ, that the Apostle meant that " Wdrd 
 which was made flesh and dwelt among us," but the re- 
 vealed word or will of God, the Gospel of his Son. 
 
 "It is remaiiable that the Scriptures, or word of Christ, 
 have become the text book of the age; and yet we are 
 astonished at the provailing ignorance with regard to 
 their contents. They are quoted by all classes in Chris- 
 tendom. T he statesman, the gentleman at the bar, the 
 politician and the humble peasant, often quote the Bible 
 on various occasions. Yea, the drunkard too, will hold, 
 his cup in his hand, and delay swallowing the intoxicating 
 draught, till he quotes the Bible ; and his quotations may 
 as likely be found in the Alcoran as in the Scriptures. 
 And yet, painful to say, he is as apt to make correct and 
 appropriate quotations as many who profess Christ. 
 When we hear misquotations at the bar, or refid them in 
 the speeches of gentlemen in the jiaJIs of legislation, we 
 are not so much astonished ; but when we heair egregious 
 errors and misquotations by christians, and especially Jby 
 preachers, vi^e are disgusled^and thjnk the admonition 
 appropriate, " Let the word of Christ dw?)! in you." By 
 frequent misquotation of the Scri|)tureS;We betray our 
 ignorance of l,he Bible ; an ignorance more inexcusable 
 because our opportunities are good, ^nd the means ample 
 to obtain the blessing of the' richness of the word of 
 
167 
 
 Christ. One 6f the bilessings we appropriate to ourselves 
 by letting the word of Christ dwell in us, is, that he 
 wisdom it imparts lights up the path of life, and enables 
 us to walk in the light of his countenance. David hath 
 said, " Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light to 
 my path. 
 
 " i he wisdom that the word of Christ iniparts is not 
 only a director in the externals of re]i}j;ion, but it illumin- 
 ates the understanding, and enables us to discover the 
 hope ol our calling, and brightens our evidences in Christ. 
 It also teaches us our own weakness, and learns us to 
 trust in the Lord. 
 
 "The wisdom of the word of Christ enables us toi 
 discern between truth and error; between the Spirit of 
 Christ and the Spirit of anti-Christ ; between the church 
 of the living God and the mystic Babylon. It is this 
 wisdom that teaches and enables us to serve and to 
 worship God acceptably ■ and to discharge our duties tq 
 the Lord and one another — thereby enjoying the answer 
 of a good conscience before God, and that peace of 
 mind •' which passeth all understanding." That christian 
 whose mind is richly stored with the wisdom of the 
 word, possesses in a very high degree the advantage of 
 hearing and enjoying the blessing of the gospel, over 
 those who are not in possession, and are ignorant, of the 
 wisdom of the word. With what an amazing difference, 
 and ease, can the servant of God preach to an enlight- 
 ened and Bible taught congregation, to what he can to a 
 people ignorant and unskilled in the word. The in- 
 structed and intelligent hearer hears with diUgence, 
 tries by the standard, and receives the truth in the love 
 of it, and rejoices in the saving benefits ; while the igno- 
 rant and uninformed sits careless and uninterested ; nor 
 can the preacher charm or interest them, though he 
 tune and play ever so wisely on evefy string of the Gos- 
 pel. How appropriate, then, the admonition, " Let the 
 word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom. 
 
 " The 'jreat question, then, is, how shall we obtain this 
 Fjeh treasure? I. By a prayerful search of the Scrip- 
 twres ; for the good Lord hath said, " If any man lack 
 wisdom, let him ask of God who giveth to all men liber- 
 ally and upbrs^ideth not." Yet it is not to be expected 
 t}iat this wisdom is to be revealed directly from Heaven, 
 
168 
 
 aside from the word of God; for then Christ need not to 
 have charged us to "search the Scriptures," And the 
 wise man would have spoken lolly when he said, " For 
 the commandment is a lamp, and the law is light."— 
 Prov. vi : 23. Nor need we expect to obtain the trea- 
 sure by a search of the Scriptures without the light of 
 the Holy Spirit ; but through the light of the Spirit, which 
 lighteih every man that cometh into the world, and which 
 shineth at the same time more perfectly throug:h the 
 ■whole volume of inspiration, we may hope to obtain this 
 wisdom. The means to be used, as stated above,- are to 
 search, study, labor, and compare Scripture with Scrip- 
 ture — those parts that treat of the same subject or prin- 
 ciples, with each other ; and not confound sentences or 
 passages on one subject, with those relating to another — 
 thereby wresting them from their true meaning. 
 
 "2. The wisdom contained in the word may be ob- 
 tained by a studious attention to the light of experience ; 
 for christipn experience always accords with, and sheds 
 much light on the Scriptures ; and the Gospel explains 
 both the Scriptures and christian experience — for the 
 same Spirit that revealed the word of God to ' holy men 
 of old,' also revealed the Son of God in our souls. And 
 our blessed Lord hath promised us that it shall ' abide 
 with us forever,' and 'lead us into all truth,' and bring to 
 our ' rememberance all things whatsoever he hath told 
 us.' Thus the teachings* of the Spirit of God in our 
 souls and the teachings of the word of God are the same. 
 It is thus that our soul^ know that the word of God is 
 true: and it is through the wisdom of the word that we 
 are taught to 'approve the things that are most excellent.' 
 
 "Again, we are informed in the l^'cripture that, 'He 
 that b.'lieveth on the Son of God hath the witness in 
 himself.' By a close attention to the testimony of this 
 witness in us, and an application to the Scriptures, we 
 ' Let the word of Christ dwell in us richly with all wis- 
 dom, teaching,' &c.; and we receive and enjoy all the 
 blessings and consolations of the Gospel, while our souls 
 are made to feast on the heavenly manna, and drink out 
 of those deep wells of salvation. It teaches, also, 1o look 
 for the coming of our Lord, who shall change our vile 
 bodies into the likeness <if the glorious body of the Son 
 of God; and that we shall have ananie and a place in 
 
169 
 
 the New Jerusalem,? the City of the living God — the- 
 General Assembly and Church of the First Born--there 
 to see and embrace our crucified, but now glorified and 
 much beloved Lord. 
 
 " Beloved brethren I We have presented you with a 
 few things by way of admonition, to stir up your pure 
 minds by way of rememberance ; and may the God of 
 peace and love, who brought again our Lord Jesus from 
 the dead, keep and preserve you for his heavenly King- 
 dom. Amen." 
 
 183!}. In October, the Association convened at Loo- 
 sascoona Church, Yallobusha county — 10 churches rep- 
 resented. 
 
 " Eld. F. Baker chosen Moderator, and J. G. Hall,, 
 Clerk. 
 
 "Elds. Parks, Headers, Stovall, and Baker, preached 
 on Sunday, in the order of their names. 
 
 " Corresponding letters called for. None were pre- 
 sented. 
 
 " Resolved, That for the present we drop all corres- 
 pondence with sisier Associations, owing to the condition 
 of our ^n body. 
 
 *' Resolved, That Brethren Baker, Minter and Hall, be 
 appointed to superintend the printing of 300 copies of 
 our minutes ; and that they annex to said minutes, the 
 constitution, rules of decorum, and abstract of the faith 
 of this Association. 
 
 "Brother Hall reported that he had not found it con- 
 venient to prepare a circular letter, according to appoint- 
 ment. He, however, presented and read a selection on 
 that subject, but the Association did not deem it expe- 
 dient to adopt and publish it as their circular." 
 
 Remarks. — We shall now drop this Association. 
 Hitherto, she has been orthodox in her faith and order- 
 ly in her practice. So far as their minutes show, mis- 
 sionism has not so much as been mentioned among them. 
 But at this session, the missionary spirit manifested 
 itself furiously. Though the minutes of this session 
 
170 
 
 indicate nothing of the kind, yet we learn from letters 
 written at the time, that great excitement and disorder 
 prevailed. An eye witness, who belonged not to the 
 Association, says : "I was also at the Yallobusha Asso- 
 ciation, and saw more confusion than I ever sawin a 
 religious assembly before ; and I thought that the Mis- 
 sionaries tried to take as many advantages of the Old 
 Baptists as Demetrius did of Paul. 
 
 Another letter writer, who belonged to another Asso- 
 ciation, under date of November 17, 1839, says: "I 
 came from thence to the Yallobusha Association, and 
 for me, or any other man to give a correct record of all 
 the proceedings of that assembly would be impossible. I 
 have never in all my life been a witness of such a scene 
 among professors of religion, much less among people 
 callmg themselves Baptists. The plain truth is, there 
 were two kinds of people, (to-wit :) Sarah's children and 
 Hagar's ; and you, nor 1, never saw the two families 
 together, but what there was mocking and discord and 
 confusion, in lieu of brotherly love and kindqjBss and 
 feljlowship. 
 
 " I heard one of the well grown divines in that Asso- 
 ciation say, that it would never do for the Baptists to 
 split, for the Lord had given the world to the Baptists, 
 and he could not leave the Baptists. He went on to 
 state that he had been preparing, for some length of time, 
 perhaps six months, to discuss the Missionary question 
 at that Association ; and that he was prepared to show, 
 that the anti-Missionaries were nothing more nor less 
 than Roman Catholics, and were actuated by the same 
 spirit. 
 
 " Now, brethren, c^n you not see, without " specs," 
 what sort of love he had for the Old Baptists? Old 
 School Baptists, did you n^tioe those remarks? This is 
 the best compliment you get fpr all your exertions to 
 feeep peace and love \vith thein. A? soon as they think 
 
17:1 
 
 they have a majority, the. best name you can get from 
 them is Roman Catholics, and are actuated by the same 
 spirit. 
 
 " I think it is high time the Old School Baptists were 
 looking at the motto of the Primitive, and obeying the 
 call that says, 'Come out of her my people.' The 
 foregoing with many other harsh speeches were thrown 
 out by the learned gentry of the bar, at that time and 
 place. And finally, the Association left the place in con- 
 fusion. The old School Baptists repaired to Brother 
 Johnson's, about five miles from the place, and entered 
 into an agreement to meet in convention oh Friday be- 
 fore the fifth Sabbath in May next, to form a new Asso- 
 ciation." 
 
 The Yallobusha Association was composed of ten 
 churches, five of which withdrew — one united with the 
 Primitive Association, and the others formed the Loosa- 
 scoona Association. 
 
172 
 
 PRIMITIVE BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 
 
 The Convention for the purpose of forming a new 
 Association convened, according to previous arrange- 
 ment, at Rocky Spring Church, in Holmes county, Mis- 
 sissippi, on Friday before the 4th Sunday in April, 1839. 
 
 After preaching by Eld. S. Parks, the Convention was 
 called to ordei by Eld. N. Morris. Bro. S. Parks chosen 
 Moderator, and Bro. A. Erwin, Clerk. The following 
 churches were represented by delegates, who, being 
 called on, presented their church letters. Names of 
 churches and delegates, viz : Hickory Spring, Holmes 
 county. Eld. Simpson Parks, Joseph Erwin, C-iranderson 
 Harris, and Abner Erwin; Yazoo, Holmes county, Eld. 
 Nathan Morris, William Grisom, John Bennett, and Hil- 
 Hard Fatheree ; Rocky Spring, Holmes county, Silas 
 Mercer, Anderson West, H. Brister, and Samuel Cook; 
 Lebanon, Attala county, Eld. J. A. Scott, D.Stephens, 
 Z. B. Gess, and R. Weeks. 
 
 The Convention being duly organized, appointed Breth- 
 ren N. IVJ orris, S. Parks, S. Mercer, and Z. B. Gess, a 
 committee to draft a Constitution, Articles of Faith and 
 Rules of Decorum, and then adjourned till Saturday morn- 
 ing 10 o'clock. Met pursuant to adjournment, and unani- 
 mously adopted the Constitution, Articles of Faith and 
 Rules of Decorum, presented by the committee — which 
 are as follows : 
 
 ' CONSTITUTION. 
 
 "1. This Association shall be composed of members 
 chosen by the different churches of our union, who, upon 
 presenting their credentials, shall be entitled to seats — 
 -Provided, That this clause shall not be so construed as 
 to admit any member to take a seat, who does not fully 
 believe, and faithfully maintain the Articles of Faith 
 adopted by this Association. The members thus chosen 
 and convened shall be known by the name of the "Primi- 
 tive Baptist Association, 
 
173 
 
 .. . ." 2. This Association when convened shall immediate- 
 ly proce94 to the choice, by ballot, of a Moderator and 
 Clerk, from amongst the delegates composing the same. 
 The duty of the Moderator shall be to see that the rules 
 are strictly observed ; and to take the voice of the As- 
 sociation on all subjects, legally introduced; and to de- 
 termine on all points of order— nevertheless he shall be 
 subject to the decision of a majority of the Association ; 
 provided , said decision be called for, on the same day, 
 that the decision was passed. The duty of the Clerk 
 shall be to take a proper and correct minute of the pro- 
 ceedings of the Association. 
 
 " 3. This Association, when convened, shall have 
 power to judge of the qualifications of its own members. 
 
 "4. This Association shall have power to exclude fiom 
 its body all churches which are not orthodox in their 
 faith-^or shall adopt or admit anything in their pro- 
 ceedings, not in accordance with apostolic practice. 
 
 "5. This Association shall not have power to inter- 
 fere with, or Lord it over the internal rights and privi- 
 leges of the churches — but shall be considered only as 
 an advisory counsel, in all matters relative to their peace 
 and happmess. 
 
 "6. The churches of our union shall transmit to each 
 annual session of this body a written communication, 
 specifying the number in fellowship, Baptized, received 
 by letter, Dismissed, -Excluded, Restored, and Deceased, 
 since the last session. 
 
 " 7. Each church composing this body shall be entitled 
 to representation in the following manner, viz: all 
 churches, having fifty members, or under, shall be enti- 
 tled to three delegates — and one for each additional 
 fifty. 
 
 "8. New churches maybe admitted into our body, 
 by delegates, bearing petitionary letters, requesting the 
 same. If, upon due examination, they be found orthodox 
 and orderly, the Moderator, by order of the Association, 
 shall manifest their admission by giving the right hand 
 of fellowship. 
 
 "9. This Association, when convened, shall be gov- 
 erned by regular and proper rules of decorum, which 
 she shall be authorised to amend at discretion. 
 
174 
 
 "10. The constitution and articles of faith of this As- 
 sociation shall not be subject to any alleration whaiever." 
 
 ARTICLES OF FAITH. 
 
 " 1. We believe in one God — the Father, the Son, and 
 the Holy Ghost — and ihese three are one. 
 
 "2. We believe the Scriptures of the Old and New 
 Testamenis, are the word of God, and the only rules of 
 faith and practice. 
 
 " 3. We believe in the fall of Adam, and the total 
 depravity of the human heart, and man's entire inability 
 to restore himself to the favor of God. 
 
 "4. We believe in the everlasting love of God to his 
 people- — in the eternal and unconditional election: of a 
 definite numbur of the human family to Grace and Glory. 
 
 " 5. We believe that sinners arc justified in the sight of 
 God, only by the imputed righteousness of Christ, which 
 is unto all, and upon all them that believe. 
 , "6 We believe that those who were chosen in Christ 
 before the foundation of the world, are and will be in 
 time effectually called, regenerated, converted, sanctified, 
 and kept by the power of God, through faith unto salva- 
 tion, ready to be repealed in the last time. 
 , "7. We believe that there is one Mediator between 
 God and man — the man Christ Jesus — who, by the satis- 
 faction he mude to divine justice, by the shedding of his 
 own blood, haih rede.:med his elect especially from 
 under the curse of the law. 
 
 "8. We believe that good works are fruits of faith 
 and are ^n evidence of a state of grace. 
 
 "9. We believe in the resurrection of the dead, and 
 a general judgment ; and that the joys of the righteous, 
 and the punishment of the wicked will be eternal. 
 
 "10.' We believe Baptism is immersion, and that be- 
 lievers are the only subjects. 
 
 "11. We believe that regularly baptized church mem- 
 bers only have a right to commune at the Lord's table. 
 
 RULES OF DECORUM. 
 
 "1. The Association shall be opened by singing and 
 prayer. 
 
175 
 
 "3. But one member shall speak at a time, who shall 
 rise on his feet, andj on obtaining permission, proceed. 
 
 "3. The moderator, when addressed by a member, 
 shall signify his right to the i'oor, by naming the person 
 or otherwise. 
 
 " 4. No member shall be interrupted while speaking, 
 unless he wander from the subject, or use language of a 
 personal character. 
 
 " 5. Every motion made and seconded shall come 
 uuder the consideration of the Association, unless with- 
 (Irawn by him who. made it. 
 
 "6. Every case taken up by the Association shall be 
 decided, or withdrawn, before another is offered. , 
 
 "7. When a question is taken up, after allowing time 
 for debate, the Moderator shall take the vote of the As- 
 sociation, on the subject, in any manner he may think 
 proper, and pronounce the decision forthwith. 
 
 "8. Any member wishing to retire, shall obtain per- 
 mission of the JModeriitor. 
 
 '■Q. No member shall speak more than twice to the 
 Sctme proposition, without permission of the Moderator — 
 nor more than once til! every member, wishing to speak, 
 shall have spoken-^nor shall any proposition be made 
 to close the subject, until the debates are through. 
 
 " 10. The appellation of brother shall be used in the 
 Association, by members in addressing each other. 
 
 "11 The names of the members may be called as 
 often as the Association may direct. 
 
 " 12 No member shall be tolerated in any practice 
 which may tend to interrupt public speaking. 
 
 " 13. The Moderator shall be entitled^ to the same 
 privilege of speaking as any other member — Proviled, 
 That he appoint another to his sent during the time— but 
 shall not vote on any question, unless the Association be 
 equally divided. 
 
 " 14. Any member violating these rijles shall be ad- 
 monished by the Moderator at discretion; but only on 
 the day on which the breach shall havQ been made. 
 
 " he Constitution, Articles of Faith, and Hules of 
 Decorum, being re^id and adopted, the Moderator of the 
 Convention give the delegates the right hand of fellow- 
 ship, and declared the Association duly organized. 
 
176 
 
 1839. In April, the Association convened at Rocky 
 Springs, Holmes county — 4 churches represented. 
 
 " Eld. N. Morris chosen Moderator, and brother G-. 
 Harris, Clerk. 
 
 " Resolved, That we offer correspondence with the 
 Tallahatchie Association. . 
 
 " Preaching on Sunday by elders J. A. Scott, N. 
 Morris, and S. Parks, in the order of their names. 
 
 "Resolved, That we appoint brother N. Morris to 
 write a circular letter, to be attached to these minutes, 
 showing the reason why we have formed this As- 
 sociation. 
 
 EXTRACTS FROM THE'CIROULAE LETTER. 
 
 " As the above named newly-constituted Association 
 has. ordered that her first letter shall sho%V the cause of 
 her constituting in so feeble a state as the minutes will 
 show, we have undertaken the painful, though obedient 
 task. We do not claim the credit of being on the Lord's 
 side because we say we are — neither can we admit that 
 others are because they say so. . 
 
 " Now to the law and the testimony — and here we 
 would remark, that our objections are to principleSj and 
 not men. only on account of principles. We object to 
 the doctrine of General Atonement ; and that, too, for no 
 other reason than because it is contrary to the word of 
 God. 
 
 "Atonement, theologically, signifies a satisfaction or 
 covering for sin — these being synonimous terms, We 
 will quote a few texts, bearing on this point, viz : " Bless- 
 ed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is 
 covered,' Ps. xxxii : 1. ' Thou hast forgiven the ini- 
 quity of thy people, thou hast covered all their sin,' Ps. 
 Ixxxv : 2. ' Blessed are they whose iniquities are for- 
 given, and whose sins are covered,' Rom. iv : 7. A 
 general atonement would be a general forgiveness; and 
 all who will search the Scripiures, except those who are 
 wilfully ignorant, must see the fallacy of such an idea. 
 And notwithstanding you may nurse it in your bosoms, 
 wp boldly nffirm, that it will die on your lips, together 
 with all your unscriptural doctrinfes and practice. 
 # * * # * » 
 
177 
 
 " The case of Uzza is another strijking instance oF 
 God's curse upon men for disobediencel Has not the 
 Lord said by the mouth of the prophet, ' Who hath re- 
 quired such things of you, have I V It is certain that 
 everything which God has not commarided, he has for- 
 bidden — and those who go beyond the commands of 
 God, are saying by their acts, that God has forgotten to 
 command some things actually necessary in carrying on 
 his work. 
 
 . " Reflections of this kind are the cause wherefore we 
 protest against Missionary, Tract, Sunday School, and 
 Temperance Societies — not because we are opposed to 
 the spread of the gospel, but because our Lord has not 
 commanded aihy suclj thing. About Sunday Schools and 
 Temperance societies, we shall say nothing more than 
 we consider them a part of the trumpery of ' Mystery 
 Babylon the Great.' 
 
 "We cannot fellowshi'p your theological schools; and 
 you tauntingly say, that we oppose those schools be- 
 cause we are afraid, that if learned men are brought 
 into the Gospel field, the glory will depart from us ; that 
 is, that we shall be less esteemed in the church and in 
 the world. We will say the truth to you, and then you 
 may mock on ! God knows we desire that He would 
 send able ministers of the New Testament into His 
 harvest — but we want God to send them and not man. 
 We challenge the learned world to show any divine 
 authority for sending a man to school after God has 
 called him to the ministry ; nor is there any need of it — 
 for all power in heaven and on earth is in the hands of 
 God. If He wants a learned Moses, or a Saul of Tarsus, 
 He will have them qualified before he calls them to his 
 work. If he had not intended to hold in his own hand, 
 the right to qualify and send ministers, he would not 
 have told us to pray to Him, as Lord of the harvest, to 
 send more laborers into the field. 
 
 " Now, there is no danger but what he will send them 
 — just such as he wants^and that too at the right time. 
 And if they are not completely qualified, He has sojor- 
 dered it, that as they use their gifts or talents, they \viU 
 continue to grow therein. Then He holds them in his 
 fight hand, waters them eVery moment, and makes His 
 words theirs. And you will not hear them saying that 
 
178 
 
 the heathen are going to hell for the. want of preachers^ 
 or lack of money. Souls were not redeemed by moneyi 
 ixeither will God permit that they shall be made free 
 from the love of sin by it. The Saviour redeemed them 
 by a sore travail— and so the apostles Jound it, in spreadr 
 ing the glad tidings of salvation. 
 
 " There was no Missionary Society for them to run to 
 for money to buy .fine horses and fine dressing. But 
 when they were not actually employed in preaching, 
 they were laboring with their own hands, that they 
 might not be chargeable to any — that as they had freely 
 received that they might freely give. Were it possible 
 to see the apostles of our Lord in company with some 
 ol our modern Baptists — who call themselves the 
 successors of the Apostles — what a contrast would ap- 
 pear ! The one you would see going afoot with a pair 
 of sandals on his feet; the other mounted on a fine steedi, 
 with fine boots on his feet — the one with his fisher's coat 
 on ; the other the finest broadcloth— the one with rough 
 hands, all exposed by reason of hard labor ; the other 
 With fair hands covered with gloves. Now compare 
 their doctrine and you will find as great a contrast. The 
 one saying, silver and gold have 1 none^and at aui- 
 other time, thy money perish with thee ; the other say^ 
 ing three or four thousand dollars more will be of great 
 benefit in advancing the Redeemer's kingdom. 
 
 " As the Baptists from whom we have separated have 
 represented us as the cause of the confusion among the 
 churches, we will in all candor propound to them a few 
 questions : 
 
 1. Have we brought in any new thing among the 
 churches? 
 
 2. Have we brought in the Gfeneral Atonement? 
 
 3. Have we brought in the faith contained in the 
 Encyclopaedia ? 
 
 4. Have we brought in the Missionary Societies ? 
 
 5. Have we brought in your Theological Schools,to- 
 gether with all such like things ? 
 
 6. Do you not know that these things are the cause of 
 all the confusion that is going on. all: over the United 
 States? 
 
 "Surely you must have a great thirst for money, that 
 you should beg it in themame of converting the heathen! 
 
179 
 
 i— for if you know any thing of God, you know this, that 
 it is His perogative to convert the heathen, or as many 
 of them as he wants converted. And He holds the 
 means in his own hands to do it, and as much money at 
 His command as He wants, without your horse-leech 
 system — ' crying give, give.' 
 
 " We believe that you have among you some of the 
 Primitive Baptists; to them we say, ' Come out of her 
 MY people,' and though like us, you may have some 
 ministers and relatives whom you are loth to leave, re- 
 member Lot ! What would have been his condition' had 
 he continued in Sodam, clinging to his relatives. 
 
 " We shall now draw to a close, and only request our 
 readers to give this an impartial perusal, and compare it 
 with the word of God, and not to the traditions of men 
 for if you do the latter, we shall appeal to a higher 
 court — and may the Lord give you understanding in all 
 things." 
 
 1839. In October, the Association convened at Hick- 
 ory Spring, in Holmes county, 5 churches represented- 
 
 " Eld. S. Parks preached the introductory sermon. 
 
 ■' Eld. Nathan Morris chosen Moderatoi", and A. Erwin^ 
 Clerk. 
 
 " Gorrespondeace received from the Tallahatchie As- 
 sociation. 
 
 "Correspondence arranged with three Associations, 
 viz : Tallahatchie, Pilgrim's Rest and Buttahatchy. 
 
 " Three Union meetings were appointed. 
 
 1840. In April, the Association convened at County 
 Line church, Choctaw county. 
 
 " Eld. N. Morris chosen Moderator, and Eld. S. Parks, 
 Clerk. 
 
 " The Antioch church petitioned for admittance into 
 the Association which was granted, 
 
 " Elds. J. P. Taylor, N. Morris and S. Parks, preach- 
 ed on Sunday in the order of tlieir names. 
 
 1840. In October, the Association convened at^e- 
 banon church, Attala county— 9 churches represented. 
 
 "Eld. S. Parks preaehed the introductory sermon — 
 ' text, viz: " When the Most High divided to the nations 
 
180 
 
 he set the feounds of the people according to the number 
 of the children of Israel — for ' the lord's portion is his 
 people ; Jacob is the Lot of his inheritance — Deut. xxxii : 
 8 and 9. 
 
 " Eld. N. Morris chosen Moderator, and A. Erwin, 
 Clerk. 
 
 "Correspondence received from three Associations, 
 viz : The Tallahatchie.by her Messenger, E. A. Meaders; 
 the Pilgrim's Rest, by her messenger, J. Pearsall ; the 
 Buttahatchy, by letter. 
 
 "Elds. E. N. Langford, J. Pearsall and E. A. Meaders, 
 preached on Sunday in the order of their names. 
 
 Query. — " Is it order for churches composing this As- 
 sociation to receive members into their bodies, who have 
 been baptized by the ministry of the Missionary Baptist 
 order, since the time that we declared an unfellowship 
 with them, without baptizing them. 
 
 " Answer. — Our opinion in counsel is, that it is disorder." 
 
 1841. In October, the Association convened at County 
 Line church, Choctaw county — 14 churches represented. 
 
 " Eld. J. A. Scott preached the introductory sermon. 
 
 " Eld. N. Morris chosen Moderator, and A. Erwin, 
 Clerk. 
 
 " Correspondence was received from three Associa- 
 tions, viz : The Buttahatchy, by her Messengers, Wm. 
 Modre and J. Loden ; the Tallahatchie, by her messen- 
 gers, J. Harber and Elisha Moore; the Zion's Rest, by 
 her messengers, W. H. Crawford and G. W. McDonald. 
 
 "Elds. F, Baker, S. Parks, W. H. Crawford, and N. 
 Morris, preached in the order of their names on Sunday. 
 
 "Correspondence arranged with four Associations, 
 viz; Tallahatchie, Pilgrim's Rest, Zion's Rest and 
 Buttahatchie. 
 
 1842. In October, the Association convened at Pil- 
 grim's Rest church, Carroll county — 17 churches rep- 
 resented. 
 
 "Eld. S. Parks preached the introductory sermon— 
 te^l' viz : ' And this I say : that the covenant that was 
 confirmed before of God in Christ — the law, whi^-h was 
 
 four hundred and thirty years after, cannot disannul 
 
 that it should make the promise of none effect '—Gal 
 iii : 17. 
 
181 
 
 • " Eld. N. Morris, chosen Moderator, and A. Erwin, 
 Clerk. 
 
 " Correspondence was received from five Associations , 
 viz : The Tallahatchie ; the Buttahatchy, by her Mes- 
 senger brother Moore ; the Pilgrim's Rest; the Zion's 
 Rest, by her messengers G. W. McDonald and E. 
 Roberts ; the Noxubee, by her messenger T. G. Neal. 
 
 " Arranged correspondence with the same. 
 
 1843. In September, the Association convened at 
 Hebron church, Attala county — 16 churches represented. 
 
 " Eld. F. Baker preached the introductory sermon. 
 
 "Eld. N. Morris chosen Moderator, and A. Erwinj 
 Clerk. 
 
 " Correspondence arranged with six Associations, viz. :. 
 The Noxubee, Tallahatchie, Lusascoona, Buttahatchy, 
 Pilgrim's Rest and Zion's Rest. 
 
 " Resolved, That this Association will not in future re- 
 ceive any church into her body, that holds members bap- 
 tized by the Missionaries since the separation ; and, that 
 "we advise the churches not to receive the official acts of 
 the missionary ministry." 
 
 1844. In September, the Association convened at 
 Elam church, Madison county, and in consequence of 
 sickness, adjourned, without transacting any business of 
 importance. 
 
 1845. In April, the Association convened at Hickory 
 Spring, Holnpes county — 18 churches represented, 
 
 " Eld. F. Baker, chosen Moderator, and S. Canterberry, 
 Clerk. 
 
 "Correspondence was received from Bethany Asso- 
 ciation by her messenger. Eld. E. Willbanks. 
 
 " Thirty dollars of the Association fund was appro- 
 priated to pay travelling expenses of the corresponding 
 messengers to sister Associations." 
 
 EXTRACT FROM THE CIRCULAR LETTER, 
 
 " It has been reported by some, and believed by others', 
 that we discard the idea of God's using means or in- 
 struments for the accomplishment of his divine purposes. 
 
182 
 
 most positively deny the supposed power or efficacy of 
 humanly devised means, to facilitate the salvation of 
 lost sinners, in the manner the doctrine is preached, be- 
 lieved and acted upon at the present day, yet we most 
 freely admit, and firmly belieye, that the allwise and 
 glorious God has appointed instruments by which he 
 -will accomplish his adorable purposes. This truth is 
 clearly taught in the scriptures ; but in the examples we 
 shall give, the reader will do well to mark the difference 
 between the wisdom of God and the policy of men, in 
 providing and bringing means into requisition. 
 
 "The first example we shall give of God's using 
 means, is that of the salvation of Noah and his family. 
 The means used on this occasion was an ark ; the plan, 
 form and construction of which were all of God. He 
 that was able to dash a thousand worlds to destruction, 
 at a word, and amidst the general calamity, say, 'Let 
 Noah and his family be saved,' chose to pursue a different 
 course. - No part of the work was left discretionary 
 with Noah, but all must be done agreeably to the Divine 
 instruction, which Noah received from God. 
 
 " The plan of man to save the human race from a de- 
 vouring deluge, was to build a tower whose top should 
 reach to heaven — but the means which God employed to 
 stop the progress of the work of Babel, was to go down 
 and confound their language. 
 
 " The train of means which God employed to elevate 
 Joseph, and to humble his ambitious brethren, was such 
 as human wisdom would have thought most unlikely to 
 success. The jealousy of Joseph's brethren-^-their envy 
 and hatred — their murderous designs— their avarice and 
 treachery — their selling him into slavery — did not look 
 mudh like means to bring him into power, and subjugate 
 his brethren. 
 
 " The unmerciful Ishmaelites wei-e another linkof God's 
 appointed means. By an Allwise decree they were on 
 the spot at the appointed moment — had they delayed 
 their journey a few moments, Joseph had been no more. 
 But when the murderers saw them, Joseph was raised 
 from the pit and conducted down to Egypt ; where he 
 withstood the temptation of his mistress ; was falsely ac- 
 cused ; unjustly condemned;' thrown into prison; mi- 
 raculously brought forth therefrom; and finally raised to 
 
183 
 
 the government of Egypt. Good old Jacob did not 
 seem to understand or like the means which God made 
 use of in this case. > 
 
 "The means which God employed to rid his ancient 
 Israel' of a rebellious king, was to Send an evil spirit 
 with a commission to go and be a lying spirit in the 
 mouth of all Ahab's prophets. These were commission- 
 ed to pursuade him to go and fall at Ramath Gilead— r 
 and that by lying to him, and saying, that he should gd 
 and prosper — and the Lord would deliver Ramath 
 Gilead into his hands. 
 
 " When the beloved Son of God was to fulfill all that 
 was written, in law or prophets, or psalms, wicked men 
 and devils were God's sword. In many instances we 
 are told by the evangelists, of what they did, ' That the 
 scriptures might be fulfilled.' When but a babe we see 
 the Holy ('hild chased down into Egypt by cruel perse- 
 cution ; and being called from thence, he turned into a 
 small city, that the scriptures might be fulfilled. From 
 the manger to the cross, his life is loaded with reproach- 
 es, abuses, blasphemies and insults ; and all to preserve 
 the sacred volume inviolate. At length against Him 
 both Herod and Pontius Pilate meet, with men of Israel 
 and the Gentiles, ' For to do whatsoever God's hand and 
 counsel before determined should be done.' The heathen 
 raged, and the people imagined vain things against the 
 Lord, and against his Christ ; yet all these things were 
 God's chosen instrumentalities for the accomplishment of 
 what his hand and counsel had predestinated. And when 
 the dear, disconsolate disciples, on their way to Emmaus, 
 journeyed and were sad, because of what their Lord had 
 done and suffered from the hands of wicked men and 
 devils, our Lord reproved them, saying ' O fools and 
 slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have 
 written, ought not Christ to suffer these things, and then 
 enter into his glory.' Heaven had ordained the accom- 
 plishment of these things ; and all requisite means for the 
 accomplishment of the end were duly provided. 
 
 " But before we close our remarks on this subject, let 
 us examine the means Which God has ordinarily employ- 
 ed toi facilitate the spread of the gospel ministry — not the 
 makiiig of ministers, nor the regeneration of souls — but 
 
184 
 
 above the earth, so the ways and thoughts of God do 
 truly transcend the ways and thoughts of man. Let us 
 . contrast them. For the spread of what they call gospel, 
 men form large, popular, and moneyed societies — estab- 
 lish permanent funds— call into existence unheard of, 
 and unscriptural begging :agencies — establish executive 
 Boards, &c.; to induce by hire or bribery, such as are 
 greedy of filthy lucre, to enter their field, and labor under 
 
 > their own religious and ecclesiastical dictation. 
 
 "How different is the plan of God ! The means, if 
 we may call them so, which he employed in the primitive 
 days of his gospel church, were to let loose the powers 
 of wicked men and devils upon his dear servants, to 
 persecute, whip and imprison — calumniate and distress 
 them. He had previously directed them, ' if they make i 
 up for you a full purse and splendid outfit in one city, 
 take it and go as their hirelings to another !' Stop 1 We 
 mistake.' Our eye was on another plan. The Divine 
 direction is this : ' If they persecute you in one city, flee 
 unto another.' Such were the means which the AUwise 
 God employed. And when it became necessary to start 
 them out about their Master's work, there arose a great 
 persecution, and the saints were scattered, and they that 
 were scattered abroad went everywhere preaching the 
 word. 
 
 " It was persecution, under God, that took Paul to 
 Rome, and John to Patmos — and persecution has been 
 ever since employed by the Holy Ghost in compelling 
 Christ's ministers to traverse the earth with the ministry 
 of the everlasting Gospel. But, mark ! while the en- 
 raged Jews were made subservient to the cause of God, 
 in wickedly and maliciously persecuting the ministers of 
 
 > Jesus, they themselves had their popular religious pro- 
 selyting missionaries out in all the land and sea, under 
 good pay and easy circumstances, even as their succes- 
 sors in the pharasaical crusade of modern times. 
 
 "Down through the dark ages of pagan, papal and 
 peotestant persecution, God has overruled all their rage 
 and malice, and brought it to bear upon his servants in 
 such a manner as to make them the more active in 
 preaching the word of God everywhere. It was perse- 
 cution in Europe, that brought the pioneers of the Gospel 
 ministry to our beloved shores; and when they thought 
 
185 
 
 to sit unmolested and secure under their gourds, and 
 enjoy that social felicity together, for which they had 
 bidden adieu to their native country, and for the enjoy- 
 ment of which they had crossed the mighty deep, God 
 prepared a worm to gnaw the gourd — it withered — it 
 died. Persecution then arose from the most popular 
 party (Congregationalis^ts,) and they were scattered 
 and went everywhere as God directed their way in 
 providence." 
 
 1845. In September, the Association convened at 
 Antioch church, Yallobusha county — 17 churches rep- 
 resented. 
 
 "Eld, G. W. McDonald preached the introductory ser- 
 mon — .text, viz : ' And exhort you, that ye should ear- 
 nestly contend for the faith which was once delivered 
 unto the saints.' — Jude i : 3. 
 
 " Elder F. Baker chosen Moderator, and S- Canter- 
 berry, Clerk. 
 
 "Correspondence arranged with seven Associations, viz : 
 Buttahatchy, Noxubee, Tallahatchie, Zion's Rest, Betha- 
 ny, Pilgrim's Rest and Lusascoona. 
 ' " Appropriated $36 75 to pay travelling expenses of 
 our messengers to sister Associations. 
 
 " Elds. J. Harvey, J. A. Scott, S. Parks and E. Moore, 
 preached on Sunday. 
 
 1846. In September, the Association convehed at 
 Lewis's Creek church, Carroll county — 18 churches rep- 
 resented. 
 
 "Eld. S. ParkschosenModerator, andS. Canterberry, 
 Clerk. 
 
 " Elds. S. Parks, J. A. Scott, and G. W. McDonald, 
 preachfcd on Sunday. 
 
 " Correspondence arranged with six Associations, viz : 
 The Tallahatchie, Zion's Rest, Bethany, Pilgrim's Rest, 
 Lusascoona and Buttahatchy. 
 
 "Resolved, That we highly approve of the course pur- 
 sued by brother Joel Harvey in relation to the Noxubee 
 Primitive Baptist Association, and that we drop corres- 
 pondence with her under existing circumstances. 
 
 " Query from the Union Ckttrch. — "Is it order to re- 
 ceive members baptised by Baptist ministers in the 
 
186 
 
 bounds of Associations, where protests, against the anti- 
 scriptural societies of the day, have not been entered up 
 — :but where there are some contending for, and some 
 against the same. 
 
 "Answer. — The Association agreed to give the fol- 
 lowing advice — that it is the right of each , church to 
 judge of the qualifications of h§r own members." 
 
 EXTRACT FROM THE OBITtJAEY NOTICE, PUBLISHED IN LIEU 
 OF A CIKCULAE LETTER. 
 
 "Died, at his residence, in Yallobusha county, Miss., 
 on the 26th June, 1846, Elder Francis Baker, in the 
 66th year of his age. When the separation of the O. S. 
 Baptists and N. S. Baptists took place, his patience and 
 forbearance were such, that he lingered behind for two 
 or three years, laboring and striving for a restoration of 
 gospel order. But when he found that all his efforts were 
 unavailing, and that the N. S. party were bringing in 
 heresy like a flood, he came out from among them, and 
 declared an unceasing warfare against all their errors — 
 for which he received a full share .of that portion of a 
 christian's legacy which consists of persecution. But 
 none of these things moved him — he was prepared by 
 the word of God to expect them. 
 
 " He saw that the N. S. party had become unsound in 
 faith and doctrine, and that their works were of a like 
 character — like faith, like works — like always begetting 
 its like— and he ceased not to warn the people against 
 their unscriptural doctrine and practice. This he did 
 from a high sense of ministerial duty, notwithstanding 
 he knew that those who could not endure sound doctrine 
 would be ofiended ; nevertheless he shunned not to de- 
 clare the whole counsel of God — knowing that it was 
 impossible to preach sovereign, discriminating grace 
 without giving offence. Witness the effects of Jesus' 
 remarks relative to the widow of Serepta and Naaman 
 the Syrian. It seems that they heard him patiently, per- 
 haps willing to call his doctrine conservative, until he 
 come out openly and preached discriminating grace, 
 and then the ire of their father was kindled within thetn, 
 and they were fiH«d with wrath and' sought to destroy 
 him. The servant is not greater than his master — and 
 
187 
 
 brother Baker knew, that if they thus persecuted the 
 Master, they would also persecute the servant — and 
 hence he marvelled not as if some strange thing had 
 happened to him." 
 
 1847. In September, the Association convened at 
 Rocky Spring church. Holmes county — ^20 churches 
 represented. • 
 
 "Eld. J. Harvey preached the introductory sermon- 
 text, viz: 'Except the Lord build the house, they labor 
 in vain that build it.' 
 
 " Eld. S. Parks chosen Moderator, and S. Canterberry, 
 Clerk. 
 
 ■ " Eld." S. Parks, S. C. Johnson, E. A. Meader's, and 
 G< W. McDonald, preached on Sunday. 
 
 " By request of Mt. Paran church, 
 , Resolved, That we appoint Elds. N. Morris, J. A. 
 Scott, S. Parks and G. W. McDonald, together with 
 brethren B. Griffin and S. Canterberry, a committee to 
 visit said church, on Thursday before the 3rd Sunday in 
 April, 1848, to examine into the order of said church, 
 and report at our next meeting. 
 
 Query presented by Brother A. West, viz: — " Will the 
 Association sustain the churches in their resolutions 
 against Free Masonry and Odd Fellowship?" After some 
 debate the following was offered, by Brother B. Griffin, 
 as a substitute, viz : " Should a church hold in fellowship 
 a member, who shall hereafter be in the habit of attend- 
 ing the Lodges of the Free Masons or Odd Fellows, to 
 the detriment of the peace and harmony of the church? 
 
 Answer. — " We advise their a.bsence from the Lodges." 
 
 EXTRACT FROM THE CIRCULAR LETTER. 
 
 " By good works we are not to understand any thing 
 that the vain imagination of man may consider such^- 
 for many will come unto Christ ' in that day' and boast 
 of the 'wonderful works' they had done in the name' of 
 Jesus ; but notwithstanding their impudent and hypo- 
 critical expostulations, he will declare he never knew 
 them. This may not be wondered at, when it is consid- 
 ered, that the name of Christ has the ascendancy in the 
 
188 
 
 civilized world; and Christianity, a popular theme. And 
 thousands use his name merely to take away their 're- 
 proachMeaning and relying on their own efforts, as the 
 cause of their salvation. 
 
 " Hence all the instiutions of men, invented for evan- 
 gelizing the world, are called auxiliaries, to aid Jesus in 
 saving his people from their sins. The characters here 
 brought to view are not Jews, Mahomedans, nor heathens, 
 for tljese refuse to do any thing in the name of Jesus, and 
 much less ' wonderful works.' It is clear to all unpre- 
 judiced minds, that thej are professed christians — and 
 that not a few but 'many.' And from the very form of 
 their expostulation ' in that day' it is evident, they ex- 
 pected a seat in Christ's Kingdom in consideration of 
 what they had done. 
 
 •' Without faith it is impossible to please God ; and 
 those only who have the faith of God's elect — which is 
 the gift of God, and works by love, and purifies the 
 heart — can perform good works acceptable in the sight 
 of God. And though His people are zealous of good 
 works, they view them as the fruits of faith, but not the 
 cause. And though good works are strenuously insisted 
 on, by the inspired writers — and without them faith is 
 dead — yet they are nothing more than the sweet smelling 
 fruit, that adorn the branches of the true vine. 
 
 " Hence the special care taken by the inspired writers, 
 1,0 distinguish between works and grace. " It is not of 
 him that wiileth nor of him that runneth." But on the 
 contrary, ' To him that work not but believeth on him 
 that justifieth the ungodly, his fai^h is counted for right- 
 eousness.' Many say, that if they believed this doctrine, 
 they would take their fill of sin. This, in its proper 
 sense, is true of every christian ; for foolish thoughts are 
 sufficient to fill him ; and acts added thereto often make 
 him overflow. But taken in the sense in which it is 
 usually spoken, there is no better evidence to prove, that 
 those persons are still in the gall of bitterness and bonds 
 of iniquity. 
 
 , "They do not understand, that christians follow the 
 bent of their will after conversion in the performance of 
 good works ; and act contrary to their will when they do 
 otherwise. ' To will is present with them, but how to 
 perform that which is good they find not.' There is 
 
189 
 
 ' none good but God ; and nothing good but what emanates 
 from God ; and even a christian never did, flor never 
 can, do a good work, though it may externally appear so, 
 otherwise than by the aid and influence of the Spirit. 
 Hence, we learn that christians ' without Christ can no 
 nothing.' 'But the Spii-it helpeth our infirmities ; for we 
 know not what we should pray for as we ought ; but the 
 Spirit maketh intercession for us with groanings that 
 cannot be uttered.' Therefore, if the branches be alive 
 and receive sap frbm the true vine, they will bloom in 
 some degree with good works." 
 
 1848. In September, the Association convened at 
 Zebulon Church, Leake county— 20 churches represented. 
 
 " Eld. S. Parks chosen Moderator, and S. Canterberry, 
 Clerk. 
 
 " Correspondence was arranged with six Associations, 
 viz : Tallahatchie, Zion's Rest, Bethany, Pilgrim's Rest, 
 Loosascoona, Buttahatchy. 
 
 " On motion, took up the request of Union church, 
 relative to publishing the statement of facts which caused 
 the exclusion of Eld. N. Morris from said church ; and 
 after some discussion, it was unanimously agreed that 
 we will comply with the request of said church. 
 
 " Whereas, Eld. Nathan Morris has been excluded 
 from the fellowship of Union church, Yazoo county, Mi.; 
 and whereas, he has disregarded the action of the church, 
 and still continues to preach ; and whereas, a false im- 
 pression has been made upon the public mind relative to 
 the cause of his exclusion. Therefore, 
 
 Resolved, That the statement of facts relative to his 
 exclusion be published with the minutes of this Associa- 
 tion, according to the request of Union church: 
 
 "A statement of Facts which caused the exclusion of 
 Eld. Nathan Morris from the fellowship of Union church, 
 Yazoo county, Mississippi. 
 
 " 1. He admitted in open conference, as he had usually 
 done, that, previous to his marriage to the mother of 
 Reuben Bull, a marriage contract was entered into, in 
 which he agreed, that if he was the longest liver, all her 
 property should, at his death, belong and go to the said 
 Reuben Bull. 
 
190 
 
 "2. He stated in open conference, as he had usually- 
 done, that, in his opinion, said contract was not legally 
 binding ; but he considered himself morally and consci- 
 entiously bound by said contract, and intended to com- 
 ply with it to the fullest extent. 
 
 "3. Subsequent to the death of the mother of Reuben 
 Bull, a misunderstanding arose between him and Eld. N. 
 Morris relative to said property — the former claiming 
 immediate possession of said property, according to his 
 understanding of the contract, and the latter claimmg a 
 life estate in said property. 
 
 "4. Through the influence of mutual friends, Reuben 
 Bull agreed that, for the sake of peace and harmo- 
 ny, he would submit to the claims of Eld. N. Morris, 
 if he would give him a lawful title to the property to 
 take effect at the death of said Morris, so as to enable 
 him to get peaceable possession without any difficulty 
 with his heirs 
 
 " 5. The friends of Eld. N. Morris advised him to do 
 so, time after time, for a long period ; insisting that it 
 was his duty to live peaceably with all men, so far as in 
 his power lies — that as he professed to believe the con- 
 tract not legally binding, hence, the greater Necessity 
 for giving a title to the property, in order to fulfill and 
 carry out what he openly confessed to be a moral and 
 conscientious obligation. 
 
 "'6. Notwithstanding it was a general opinion among 
 the Primitive Baptists of this Association wherever the 
 facts were known, that Eld. N. Morris ought to give a 
 title to said property, which was yvell known to him ; 
 and, notwithstanding his brethren had labored with him 
 for a long period of time, entreating him in the kindest 
 manner to give a title for the property at his death, and 
 thereby make an amicable adjustment of the matter, and 
 wipe out a reproach to the Primitive Baptist cause, yet, 
 after all, he utterly refused and offered no other excuse 
 than at a certain time, while oflFended with Reuben Bull, 
 he had said that he would not give a title. 
 
 " 7 Eld. N. Morris charged Eld. G. W. McDonald' 
 with backbiting him relative to said property. 
 
 " 8. The church at her conference in June, 1848, after 
 having made all preliminary preparations, and having 
 help from three sister churches, took up both cases ; and 
 
191 
 
 after investigation, Eld.N. Morris refusing to move from 
 his former position relative to tiie property ; and refusing, 
 iviien calle4 on by the conference, to give any testimony 
 to sustain his charge against Eld. G. W. McDonald ; it 
 ■was unanimously decided that the church cannot approve 
 his course relative to said property ; and that in the ab- 
 sence of testimony, his charge against Eld. McDonald 
 cannot be sustained. 
 
 " 9. The above decision of the chijrch VFas read to 
 Eld. N. Morris in open conference, and he called on for 
 a reply ; whereupon, he stated emphatically in substance, 
 that until he was satisfied of his wrong, he would not 
 give an inch for ail the Primitive Baptists in the State ; 
 and as to the charge against Eld. McDonald, he offered 
 no satisfaction whatever. 
 
 " 10. The church then formally excluded him from her 
 fellowship, and agreeably to his request, have written 
 out this statement of facts, all of which is respectfully 
 submitted." 
 
 1849. In September, the Association convened at Mt. 
 Pisgah Church, Carroll county — 19 churches represented. 
 
 " Eld. G. W. McDonald chosen Moderator, and S. 
 Canterberry, Clerk. 
 
 " Received and read a communication from Rocky 
 Spring Church, charging Pilgrim's Rest Church with 
 visiting the Lodges of the Free Masons to the detriment 
 of the peace and harmony of the churches, and with a 
 departure from gospel order. Said communication stated 
 that she had taken steps to restore peace and harmony, 
 but had failed to obtain satisfaction." 
 
 On motion, the case was taken up, and after some de- 
 bate was laid over until Monday. 
 
 When, on motion, it was again called up — whereupon, 
 the following preamble and resolution was unanimously 
 adopted : 
 
 " Whereas, The Pilgrim's Rest Church has given good 
 cause of offence to the Rocky Springs and several other 
 churches; and whereas, due steps have been taken by 
 Rocky Spring Church to reconcile the existing difficul- 
 ties ; and whereas, satisfaction has not been obtained. 
 Therefore, 
 
192 
 
 " Resolved, That Pilgrim's Rest Church be excluded 
 from this Association." 
 
 " Correspondence arranged with six Associations, viz: 
 Tallahatchie, Zion's Rest, Bethany, Pilgrim's Rest, Loo- 
 sascoona, and Buttahatchy. 
 
 EXTRACT FROM THE CIRCULAR LETTER,, 
 
 " As Free Masonry is marring the peace of some of 
 ■the churches composing this Association, we have se- 
 lected it for a subject on which to address you. And ih 
 entering upon the subject we will here remark, that an 
 attempt has been; made either to slander the Association, 
 or prejudice the minds of the community against us^ by 
 saying, that this is a new test of fellowship, gotteri up 
 by the Primitive Baptist Association. But this w.e know 
 to be untrue; for in searching Benedict's, Burkitt's £ind 
 Semple's histories of the Baptists, we find it has been a 
 fruitftil source of debate for past ages, in various parts 
 of the United States. And owing to the troubles 
 which the Baptists have had on this subject, there is con- 
 siderable prejudice in the minds of the Masons against 
 them ; for it has often been and is now said, that the 
 Primitive Baptists a,re opposed to Masonry and Odd 
 Fellowship. But this in the main is unfounded ; for we 
 are not opposed to either of these Fraternities, farther 
 than to keep them out of our churches. This we have 
 ever done ; this we are now doing all over the United 
 States ; and this we will no doubt continue to do." 
 
 1850. In September, the Association convened at 
 Union Church, Yazoo county — 16 churches represented. 
 
 " Eld. J. A. Scott preached the introductory sermon. 
 
 "Eld. G. W. McDonald chosen Moderator, and S. 
 Canterberry, Clerk. 
 
 " Resolved, That, in place of a circular for our next 
 Association, we publish a history of the rise and progress 
 of the Primitive Baptists in this State, and Brethren Jo- 
 seph Erwin and B, Gi'iffin be appointed a committee to 
 write said history, and that they are at liberty to select 
 three brethren to assist them." t. 
 
 Correspondence arranged with sis Associations, viz,: 
 Tallahatchie, Zion's Rest, Bethany, Loosascoona, Pil- 
 ,grim's Rest and Buttahatchy. . ; ' 
 
193 
 
 " The committee to visit Salem Church reports as fol- 
 lows : That they visited said church, and labored to re- 
 store order and fellowship, but were unable to do so. 
 The church, through said committee, asked the Associa- 
 tion for advice, relative to their present condition. The 
 Association agree to give the following advice : That, if 
 they wished to dissolve, it would be proper and right to 
 call a presbytery to assist in their dissolution. 
 
 " Resolved, That it is the opinion of this Association 
 that good order would require [a all cases a presbytery 
 to be called to assist in the dissolution of any church. 
 
 " Resolved, unanimously, that this Association will 
 not hold in fellowship any church that tolerates her mem- 
 bers in visiting the Lodges of Free Masons, Odd Fellows, 
 or Sons of Temperance, to the detriment of the peace 
 and harmony of the churches." • 
 
 1851. In September the Association convened at 
 Coila Church, Carroll county — 17 churches represented 
 — 20 in all. 
 
 " Eld. S. Parks chosen Moderator, and S. Canterberry, 
 Clerk. 
 
 " Elds. G. W. McDonald, S. Parks, and E. A. Meadefrs, 
 preached on Sunday. 
 
 " Called for the report of the committee appointed at 
 the last session of this Association, to write a history of 
 the rise and progress of the Primitive Baptists in the 
 State of Mississippi. They report that they had made 
 some progress, but had not been able to complete the 
 work for want of time ; and asked that further time be 
 allowed them. The report was received, and the com- 
 mittee requested to report to the next session of this 
 Association." 
 
 " Correspondence arranged with six Associations, viz : 
 Tallahatchie, Zion's Rest, Bethany, Loosascoona, Pil- 
 grim's Rest, and Buttahatchy, 
 
 1852. In September, the Association convened at 
 Lebanon Church, Attala county — 16 churches represented. 
 
 " Eld. Thos. G. Neal preached the introductory sermon. 
 " Eld. S. Parks chosen Moderator, and S. Oanterberry, 
 
194 
 
 /'Elds. Crecelius, Parks, and Rbberts, preached on 
 Sunday. 
 
 "On motion, 
 
 " Resolved, That we take pleasure in recommeildiqg 
 the History of the Primitive Baptist of the State of Mis- 
 sissippi, now in the course of publication by Brother 
 Benjamin Griffin, to the favorable consideration of all 
 our brethren and friends in this and adjoining States. 
 
 "Resolved, That the prospectus of said History be 
 published with these minutes in lieu of a circular letter." 
 
 " Correspondence arranged with six Associations, viz : 
 Tallahatchie, Bethany, Loosascoona,' Pilgrim's Rest, But- 
 tahatchy, and Zion's Rest. 
 
195 
 
 lUSASCOONA KEGULAR BAPTIST ASSOCIATIOF.. 
 
 1840. In May, delegates from four churches met in 
 convention, at Mt, Carniel, Yallobusha county, for the 
 purpose of forming an Association. Eld. J. Robbins 
 was chosen Moderator, and J. Barton, Clerk. Having 
 gone through with the ordinary preliminary arrange- 
 ments, the Association duly organized, and the right 
 hand of fellowship exchanged by the delegates, the con- 
 vention adjourned sine die. 
 
 I84U. In September, the Association convened at 
 Hopewell church, Pontotoc county — 5 churches rep- 
 resented. 
 
 " Eld. J. Robbins chosen Moderator, and J. Barton,. 
 Clerk. 
 
 EXTRACT FEOM THE CIRCULAR. 
 
 "3. We believe in the doctrine of election by Grace 
 — ' who hath saved us, and called us with a holy calling, 
 iaot according to our works, but according to His own 
 purpose and grace, which wa[s given us in Christ Jesus 
 before the world began.' 'Ye have not chosen me, but 
 1 have chosen you and ordained you.' ' According as he 
 hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, 
 'that we should be holy and without blame before him in 
 love.' 'Having predestinated us unto the adoption of 
 children. by Jesus Christ unto himself according to the 
 .good pl-easure ofyhis will.'—' to the praise of the glory of 
 his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the be- 
 loved.' ' Elect according to the foreknowledge of God 
 the Father, through sanctification of the spirit, unto obe- 
 dience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ.' 
 
 "5. We believe that sinners are justified in the sight 
 of God, only by the imputed righteousness of Christ. 
 ' Even as Abrah'am believed God and it was acc'oiiiBt^d 
 
196 
 
 faith are blessed with faithful Abraham.' ' But to him 
 that worketh not, but believeth in him that justifieth the 
 ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.' ' For 
 Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every- 
 one that believeth.' ' He shall see the travail of his soul' 
 and shall be satisfied, by his knowledge shall my righteous 
 servant justify many, for he shallbear their iniquities.' 
 ' That being justified by his grace, we should be made 
 heirs according to the hope of eternal life." 
 
 " 6. We believe that God's elect will be called and re- 
 generated by the Holy Spirit. ' Knowing brethren be- 
 loved your election of God.' ' For our Gospel came not 
 unto you in word only, but also m power and in the 
 Holy Ghost.' ' Elect aqcording to the foreknowledge of 
 God the Father, through sanctification of the Spirit unto 
 obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ.' 
 ' Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also call- 
 ed, and whom he called them he dso justified, and whom 
 he justified, them he also glorified.' ' For the children 
 being not yet born, neither having done any good or 
 evil, that the purpose of God, according to election 
 might stand, not of works but of him that calleth.' 
 
 1843. In September, the Association convened at 
 Fellowship church, Yallobusha county — 7 churches rep- 
 resented. 
 
 " Eld. O. Guthrey chosen Moderator, and J. Barton, 
 Clerk. 
 
 "Correspondence arranged with three Associations, 
 viz: Tallahatchie, Primitive and Noxubee. 
 
 " Elds. Guthrey, Moore and Meaders preached on 
 Sunday. 
 
 1844. In October, the Association convened at Zion 
 Hill church, Pontotoc couuty — 9 churches represented. 
 
 " Eld. S. Parks preached the introductory sermon, by 
 request, he being a corresponding Messenger. 
 
 " Eld. E. Moore, chosen Moderator, and J, Barton, 
 Clerk. 
 
 "Correspondence arranged with three Associations, 
 viz : Tallahatchie, Primitive and Noxubee; 
 
 " Qwery. — What is a legal and valid Baptism ?" 
 
197 
 
 , "Answer — We believe that Baptism administered by 
 a legal and regular ordained preacher of the gospel — 
 baptizing by immersion a proper candidate, after hear- 
 ing a declaration of his faith in Christ — to be a legal 
 and valid baptism. 
 
 " Resolved, That we publish Johns on Guttery in our 
 minutes. Said Guttery was a licen sed preacher ; and 
 ■was excluded from the Hopewell church, Pontotoc 
 county, Mississippi, a member of this body. Said Gut- 
 tery was excluded for disobeying the mandates of the 
 church, and for wilful, known lying. Said Guttei-y has 
 since that time removed to Walker county, Ala., and has, 
 so we are informed, attached himself to a church of the 
 Primitrve Baptist order, and is exercising in public as a 
 preacher of the Gospel. We would therefore warn our 
 brethren of the Primitive order against such an 
 impostor. 
 
 " Elds. Shelton, Moore, Parks and Meaders, preached 
 on Sunday, in the order of their names. 
 
 1845. In October, the Association convened at Be- 
 thel church, Pontotoc county — 10 churches represented. 
 
 " Eld. J. Pearsall chosen Moderator, and J. Barton, 
 Clerk. 
 
 " Correspondence received from four Associations, 
 viz : New Hope, Noxubee, Primitive and Tallahatchie, 
 
 " Correspondence arranged with the same, and also 
 with the Buttahatchy Association, 
 
 1846. In October, the Association convened at 
 Laodicea church, Pontotoc county — 14 churches rep- 
 resented. 
 
 " Eld. R. R. Shelton chosen Moderator, and J. Barton, 
 Clerk. 
 
 " Elds. H. W. Harwell, E. Moore, and R. R. Shelton, 
 preached on Sunday in the order of their names. 
 
 " Correspondence dropped with the Noxubee Associa- 
 tion, and Arranged with five others, viz: The Tallahat- 
 chie, Primitive, New Hope, Battahatchy and Regular 
 Baptist Associations. 
 
 1847 . In October, the Association convened at Shiloh 
 church, Yallobusha county— -13 churches represented. 
 
198 
 
 " Eld. J. Pearsall preached the introductory sermon. 
 
 " Eld. J. Pearsall chosen Moderator, and J. Barton, 
 Clerk. 
 
 "Elds. J. Pearsall, S. Parks and E. A. Headers, 
 preached on Sunday in the order of their names. 
 
 "Correspondence arranged with four Associations, 
 viz : Tallahatchie, Primitive, Buttahatchy and Tombig- 
 bee, (Ala.) 
 
 1850. In October, the Association convened at the 
 Fellowship church, Yallobusha county — 14 churches 
 represented. 
 
 " Eld. J. Pearsall preached the introductory sermon., 
 
 "Eld. J. Pearsall chosen Moderator, and Wm. Milton 
 Clerk. 
 
 "Elds. S. Parks, J. Pearsall and E. A. Headers, prech- 
 ed on Sunday. 
 
 " Correspondence arranged with four Associations, 
 viz : The Tallahatchie, Primitive, Buttahatchy and Tom- 
 bigbee. 
 
199 
 
 TALLAHATCHIE ASSOCIATION. 
 
 This Association was organized in 1837, on a Consti- 
 tution and Articles of Faith, similar to the Primitive 
 Baptists in general — and hence we deem a repetitioti 
 unnecessary. Having failed to obtain a full file of 
 minutes, we commence with the 3rd number. 
 
 1839. In October, the Association convened at New 
 Hope church, Marshall county — 9 churches represented, 
 
 "Eld. E. A. Headers preached the intreductory 
 sermon. 
 
 " Eld. W. West chosen Moderator, and S. M. Caruth- 
 ers, Clerk. 
 
 " Bids. West, Parks and Patrick, preached on Sunday, 
 in the order of their names. 
 
 "Correspondence arranged with two Associations, viz: 
 Primitive and Mississippi river, (Tenn.) 
 
 " Sardis Church requests the Association to alter the 
 Constitution, so that giving or not giving shall be no bar 
 tofellowship. 
 
 " Answer. — Giving or receiving never has been con- 
 sidered a bar to fellowship ; but becoming membprs of 
 the falsely termed benevolent institutions of the day, has 
 been, and is now considered a bar to fellowship. 
 
 " Therefore resolved, That we declare an unfellow- 
 ship with all who may join the Bible, Tract, Temperance 
 or Missionary Society, or Sunday School Union. 
 
 " Whereupon t^e three delegates from Sardis church 
 withdraw from this Association. 
 
 l'840. In October, the Association convened a^t , 
 Pleasant Grove church, Lafayettee counfy — 8 churckes 
 represented. 
 
 " Eld. W. West preached the introductory sermon. 
 
 Eld. E. A. Meaders chosen Moderator, and A. M. 
 Crawford, Clerk. 
 
200 
 
 "Correspondence arranged with two Associations^ 
 viz : Primitive and Mississippi River (Tenn.) 
 
 " Elds. Smart, Mason and Meaders preached on Sun- 
 day, in the order of their names. 
 
 1841. In October, the Association convened at Byha- 
 lia church, Marshall county— 12 churches represented. 
 
 "Eld. E. A. Meaders chosen Moderator, and A. M- 
 Crawford, Clerk. 
 
 ■•' Correspondence arranged with two Associations, 
 viz : Primitive and Mississippi River, (Tenn.) 
 
 " A petitionary letter was presented from the Regular 
 Baptist Association, which was read ; and, finding that 
 the correspondence between her and the Mississippi 
 River Association had ceased — on motion, agreed not to 
 open correspondence with the former, until the corres- 
 pondence be renewed between her and the latter ; also, 
 agreed to write the former Association a friendly letter, 
 requesting her to labor for correspondence with the Mis- 
 sissippi River Association. 
 
 1842. In September, the Associntion convened at 
 New Hope church, Marshall county — 14 churches rep- 
 resented. 
 
 " Eld. T, Grace preached the introductory sermon. 
 
 " Eld. E. A. Meaders chosen Moderator, and T. R. 
 Young, Clerk. ' 
 
 "Correspondence arranged with three Associations, 
 viz: Primitive, Lusascoona and Mississippi River, 
 (Tenn.) 
 
 1843. In September, the Association c6nvened at 
 Mt. Zion, Desoto county — 16 churches represented. 
 
 "Eld. W. Smart preached the introductory sermon. 
 
 " Eld. W. West chosen Moderator, and T. K. Young, 
 Clerk. 
 
 "Correspondence arranged with three Associations, 
 viz: Primitive, Lusascoona and Mississippi River, 
 
 (Tenn.) 
 
 " Query — Fron? the church at Shiloh, Marshall county^ 
 asking the advice of the Association, relative to the 
 
201 
 
 churches of this Asso(i^iation receiving members from 
 the churches belongiug to the Regular Baptist Associa- 
 tion, upon the credit of their letters of dismission ? 
 
 " Answer.— This Association believes that their recep- 
 tion according to the doctrine of the Gospel, and the 
 general usage of the Baptists, is right and in good order. 
 
 " Query — From the church at Providence, asking if it 
 is good order for a minister of the Baptist church to 
 baptize persons out of the church, without their know- 
 ledge or approbation ? 
 
 " Answer. — It is not good order, and should not be 
 countenanced by the churches. 
 
 " On motion by brother Morton, this Association is re- 
 quested to advise the churches respecting the reception, 
 of members from other Baptist churches not in our 
 Ujiion. 
 
 " Whereupon, the Association advises the churches 
 not to receive members from the Missionary or Armin- 
 ian churches or societies, only by experience and bap- 
 tism — except such only as have been regularly initiated 
 previous to the separation. 
 
 1844. In October, the Association convened at An- 
 tioch church, Lafayette county — 15 churches rep- 
 resented. 
 
 " Eld. A. Crawford preached the introductory sermon. 
 
 " Eld. E. A. Headers chosen Moderator, and T. K. 
 Young, Clerk, 
 
 " Correspondence arranged with three Associations, 
 viz : " Primitive, Lusascoona and Mississippi River, 
 (Tenn.) 
 
 " Elds. Moore, Gulp, Guthrey and Parks, preached on 
 Sunday in the order of their names. 
 ' 1845. In October, the Association convened at Cold 
 Water, Marshall county — 17 churches represented. 
 
 " Eld. F. Baker preached the introductory sermon in 
 consequence of the ill-health of the appointee. 
 
 " Eld. E. A. Meaders chosen Moderator, and T. K. 
 Young, Clerk. 
 
 "Correspondence arranged with three Associations, 
 
202 
 
 viz: Primitive, Lusascoona and Mississippi River, 
 (Tenn.) ,- 
 
 " Elds. Gulp, Parks, Baker and Headers preached en 
 Sunday, in the order of their names. 
 
 1846. In October, the Association convened at Shiloh 
 church, Marshall county — 17 churches represented. 
 
 " Eld. H. W. Hurewell preached the introductory 
 sermon. 
 
 "Eld. W. West chosen Moderator, and T. K. Young, 
 Clerk. 
 
 " Correspondence arranged With three Associations, 
 viz : Primitive, Lusascoona, and Mississippi River, 
 (Tenn.) 
 
 " On motion, this Association agrees to petition the 
 Regular Baptist Association for a correspondence. 
 
 "Elds. Moran, Culp and Hearn, preached on Sunday. 
 
 " Query fi-om Pleasant Grove Church. — Is it right for 
 a man claiming to hold and believe the faith of the Old 
 School Baptists, having license to exercise in public, and 
 a letter of dismission, and refuses to give up said letter, 
 and mingling with other denominations? 
 
 "Answer. — ^We think according to scripttire it is dis- 
 order, and the churches should be careful not to coun- 
 tenance such characters, 
 
 1847. In October, the Association convened at Pleasant 
 Grove church, Panola county — 16 churches represented. 
 
 "Eld. A. M. Crawford preached the introductory 
 sermon. 
 
 "Eld. E. A. Meaders chosen Moderator, and T. K. 
 Young, Clerk. 
 
 " Correspondence arranged with three Associations, 
 viz : Primitive, Lusascoona and Mississippi River, (Tenn.) 
 
 " Elds. Pearsall, Parks and Petty, preached on Sunday. 
 
 " Request from the Shiloh church, asking the Associa- 
 tion to take some action upon the case of A. Contipton: 
 
 " Therefore, whereas in the course of the discipline of 
 the Gospel in the church at Shiloh, she has been reduced 
 to the necessity of excluding from her fellowship Aaron 
 Gompton, an ord^iniSd minister of the Gospel ; and 
 
203 
 
 whereas, they have subsequently, through a committee, 
 demanded of hini his credentials which he has refused. to 
 deliver. 
 
 " Resolved, (by the Association,) That he be pubHsh- 
 ed in these minutes. 
 
 1848. Iti October, the Association convened at 
 Pleasant Hill church, Tippah county, -^ churches rep- 
 resented. 
 
 " Eld. E. A. Headers chosen Moderator, and T. K. 
 Young, Clerk. 
 
 " Correspondence arranged with three Associations, 
 viz: Primitive, Lusascoona, and Mississippi River, 
 (Tenn.) 
 
 "Elders Jenkins, Petty and Headers, preached on 
 Sunday. 
 
 1849. In October, the Association convened at Union 
 church, Desoto county — 16 churches represented. 
 
 " Eld. W. West preached the introductory sermon. 
 
 " Eld. E. A. Headers chosen Moderator, and T. K. 
 Young, Clerk. 
 
 " Correspondence arranged with three Associations, 
 viz : Primitive, Lusascoona and Mississippi River, (Tenn.) 
 
 Elds. R. Petty, of Ky., P. Gulp, of Tenn., and E. A. 
 Headers, preached in the order of their names. 
 
 " Request from the Horn Lake church, asking the As- 
 sociation to notice the case of J. R. Renfro : 
 
 "Threfore, whereas J. R. Renfro, who was an or- 
 dained minister, has been excluded from fellowship, and 
 has been called upon to surrender his credentials, which 
 he refuses to do. 
 
 " Resolved, (by this Association,) That we are not 
 accountable for his acts as a minister." 
 
 1850. In October, the Association convened at Pil- 
 grim's Rest Church, Lafayette county — 15 churches rep- 
 resented. 
 
 " Eld. S. Parks preached the introductory sernion. 
 " Eld. E. A. Headers chosen Hodp rator, and E. D. 
 Sinclair, Clerk. 
 
204 
 
 ^' Correspondence arranged with three Associations, 
 viz : Primitive, Lusascoona and Mississippi River (Tenn.) 
 
 " Elds. Moran, Pearsall and Parks, preached on Sunday 
 in the order of their names. 
 
 I85l. In October, the Association convened at Hep- 
 zibah church, Tippah county — ^15 churches represented. 
 
 " Eld. H. W. Harewell preached the introductory 
 sermon. 
 
 " Eld. E. A. Meaders, chosen Moderator, and E. D. 
 Sinclair, Clerk. 
 
 " Correspondence arranged with the three above named 
 Associations. 
 
 " Elders Verell, Culp and Meaders preached on Sun- 
 day in the order of their names. 
 
205 
 
 NOXUBEE PRIMITIYE BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 
 
 1841, In October, Delegates from eight churches met 
 at Bethesda Church, Oktibbeha county, for the purpose 
 of organizing an Association. The introductory sermon 
 was preached by Eld. G. Woodruff, from Exodus xxv : 
 40. — = And look that thou make them after their pattern 
 showed thee in the Mount.' After which, the Delegates 
 from the several churches assembled together in con- 
 vention, and chose Eld. B. Holbrook, Moderator ; and 
 Brother A. C . Habert, Clerk. The letters from the sev- 
 eral churches were read and the names of the Delegates 
 enrolled. An invitation being given by the Moderator 
 to ministering brethren of our faith and order, Elders 
 Cook and Gunn took seats in the Convention. Having 
 appointed a committee to draft a Constitution, Abstract of 
 Faith, and Rules of Decorum, the convention adjourned 
 till to-morrow morning. Met pursuant to adjournment ; 
 and unanimously adopted the Constitution, Abstract of 
 Faith, and Rules of Decorum, prepared and presented 
 by the committee — then adjourned sine die. 
 
 The convention having adjourned, the Association im- 
 mediately formed, consisting of the Delegates of the con- 
 vention, who were authorised by their respective churches 
 to meet in Association. 
 
 Eld. B. Holbrook chosen Moderator and E. Pace, 
 Clerk. 
 
 Correspondence arranged with four Associations, viz : 
 Pilgrim's Rest, Buttahatchy, Zion's Rest and Primitive. 
 
 PEEAMBLE AND DECLARATION OF THE NOXUBEE PEIMITIVE 
 BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 
 
 Whereas, a division is taking place among the Bap- 
 tist denomination in almost every part of the world, 
 which has caused much distress, and in a good degree 
 prostrated the life of Godliness amongst us; and where- 
 
206 
 
 as, (according to our view,) through the ingenuity and 
 cunning craftiness of the New School party, they have 
 so managed as to attach all the blame to the Old-School ; 
 and thereby have called down upon us, in some degree, 
 the censures of many who are not acquainted with the 
 true cause which has led to the separation. We feel it 
 to be our duty, and esteem it ahigh privilege, to set forth 
 the true cause which has produced the effect — which is 
 now exhibited to public view. 
 
 We will first mention a few things which they ^lege 
 against us, and then reply to each allegation in order. It 
 is said that we are opposed to the spread of the gospel. 
 It is also said that we are opposed to men's contributing 
 their money, in any way they may think proper, and 
 thus abridging the constitutional rights of men. And it 
 is further said that we are opposed to the support of the 
 ministry. 
 
 To the first allegation, we answer, that we are not 
 
 guilty; and God forbid that we ever should oppose the 
 
 spread of the gospel-^yet, we are ready to acknowledge, 
 
 that we are opposed to the method pursued by them in 
 
 ' spreadingat — for the following reasons : 
 
 We believe that the Scriptures of the Old and New 
 Testaments are the word of God, and the only unerring 
 rule of Faith and Practice ; and in them we find neither 
 ccimmand, precept, nor example, for the formation of any 
 religious society except 'the gospel church — and as such 
 we are constrained to view all the Societies, from the 
 StateConventions down to the Temperance Societies, 
 nothing but the inventions of men : and we learn from 
 the Scriptures that the people in days of old, ' provoked 
 the Lord to anger with their inventions— -^and the plague 
 br-oke in upon them.' Thus were they defiled -with -their 
 own werks, and went a whoring with their own inven- 
 tions." 
 
 We are informed, that all Scripture is given by inspi- 
 ration of God, and is profitable for doctrine — for reproof 
 —for correction — for instruction in righteotisness— 1hat 
 the man of God rnay be thoroughrly furnished unto all 
 good works. , Hence, we believe; Jesus Cirist is King in 
 ;Zion, and has the sola right to givelaws for the; govern- 
 3inent.of his Church.; and that itisiat'our peril to add to, 
 -alteiTj/ or ^attempt to amend IhenvJn the slightest degree. 
 
207 
 
 Pinding the whole system which the advocates thereof 
 are pleased to call benevolent enterprise, unprecedented 
 in the word of Truth, we, with the fear of God before 
 our eyes, are compelled to dissent therefrom. 
 
 Again, we view it as not only a departure from the 
 wo^-d and spirit of the Gospel||but also, of the most evil 
 tendency-^it is tending to a law religion, which we all 
 know has pver proved pernicious to the peace and well- 
 being of the church ; and also, destructive of the civil and 
 religious liberties of those countries where it predomi- 
 nates — and now rapidly tending to endanger those of our 
 own happy Republic. 
 
 As regards our being opposed to every man's using 
 his money as he pleases^-we answer, every man has a 
 legal right to use his money as he may think proper, if 
 it be to lay it out for ardent spirits, upon which he drinks 
 himself to death, and brings his family into distress and 
 degradation. We acknowledge that he has a legal right 
 to lend his money to another, for the known purpose of 
 gambling and dissipating. And we know also that he 
 would be at the same time encouraging and facilitating 
 one of the greatest moral evils that ever pervaded hu- 
 man society. We now ask the question, who can blame 
 us for tryiiig to enlighten the mind of an individual thus 
 injuring himself, and the circle iniwhich he moves — to 
 itnpress upon him his moral obligation, in abstaining from 
 the abuse of his legal privileges. 
 
 But it may be said by some, that it is unreasOtiabJe 
 and ungenerous to compare the benevolent institutions 
 of the present day, with those sinks of iniquity ; to 
 which we reply, that could we view those institutions in 
 the light in which they are represented by thein Advo- 
 cates, we would acknowledge our Wrong, take shaimeto 
 ourselves, and desist. 'But it will be seen by referring 
 to our previous remarks, that we have taken quite a dif- 
 ferent view of the subject, believiiig they are fast tending 
 to a law religion, and leading to a union (or what is still 
 worse, if possible, a collusion,) between church and 'State. 
 The propagation of thei Christian Faith was not only un- 
 aided, butdirectly opposed in most instances by theci/vil 
 government in the different countries in which it spread. 
 The publish«s of the gospel were in general plam' and 
 unle'arned tiien, destitute of all worldly influence and 
 
208 
 
 power. Their doctrine was in itself obnoxious, and their 
 appearance little calculated to procure a favorable hear- 
 ing.; nor could they present to the view of men any 
 other inducement to embrace their testimony than the 
 prospect of life and immortality in the world to come — 
 with the certainty, that thxough much tribulation believers 
 must enter the Kingdom of God. The success of their 
 doctrine stood in direct opposition to the power of Princes, 
 the wisdom of Philosophers, the intrigue of Courts, with 
 all the weight of an established system of idolatry and 
 superstition. The general character of the disciples of 
 Christ is that of a suffering people ; and, notwithstanding 
 some intervals of repose, the progress of the Gospel is, 
 in general, traced in the blood of the Saints. And their 
 successfully fighting a good fight and keeping the faith, 
 against the most formidable opposition — not by banding 
 together and fighting with carnal weapons, but by ear- 
 nestly contending for the faith once delivered to the Saints, 
 and submitting to all the wrongs legally heaped upon 
 them — is a clear manifestation that the power is of God, 
 and not of man. 
 
 While the christian cause was thus opposed by the 
 world, and made its way by its own divine energy, the 
 general purity of its profession was preserved; for what, 
 then, could induce men to embrace it, but a conviction 
 of its heavenly origin and importance. So long as the 
 christian religion was thus circumstanced, its success 
 carried with it its own witness. But the scene is alto- 
 gether changed, when we view the state of matters after 
 the ascension of Constantine — for then, instead of the 
 teachers of Christianity being called upon to show their 
 attachment to it, by self-denial and suffering for its sake, 
 we see them exalted to worldly honor and dignity ; and 
 the holy and heavenly religion of Jesus, converted into a 
 system of pride, domination, and hypocrisy ; becoming 
 at length the means of gratifying the vilest lusts and pas- 
 sions of the human heart. 
 
 From the days of Constantine, the corruption of the 
 christian profession proceeded with rapid progress ; 
 many evils existed before this period, which prepared 
 the way for the events that were to follow. But when 
 the influence of the secular power became an engine of 
 the clergy, to be exercised in their kingdoms, it should 
 
209 
 
 not be a matter of surprise, that the progress became 
 rapid in converting the religion?of anti-Christ into a sys- 
 tem of spiritual tyranny, idolatry, superstition, and hy- 
 pocrisy, until it arrived at its full height in the Roman 
 hierchy; when, what was called the church became the 
 sink of iniquity. 
 
 As to being opposed to the* support of the ministry, 
 we answer : That we are utterly opposed to the salary 
 system. We contend that he who stipulates to render 
 so much .service for so much money, is an hireling, let 
 what may be said to the contrary. And the language of 
 our Saviour is the hireling fleeth because he is a hireling, 
 and careth not for the sheep. Nevertheless, we believe 
 that they who preach the gospel should live of the gos- 
 pel ; for even so hath the Lord ordained. We believe, 
 therefore, that it is the duty of the minister to preach the 
 gospel, and it is also the duty of the church to supply his 
 necessities. 
 
 After saying what we have in reply to the foregoing 
 allegations, we now proceed to show the true cause of 
 our not only dissenting, but finally separating. It will 
 be remembered that the Primitive Baptists have ever 
 stood upon and contended for the predestinarian doctrine. 
 Since the introduction of the mission system, we find in our 
 opponents a great inclination to depart from the doctrine 
 of the Gospel. It is true that some of them say they 
 believe the doctrine of grace. But far the greater part 
 of them are openly inclining to Arminianism, and preach 
 Arminian doctrine. And where there are different doc- 
 trines propagated in the same society, it ever will pro- 
 duce division in sentiment ; and hence comes confusion, 
 envyings, evil surmising, <fcc. 
 
 We are taught in the word of eternal truth that God 
 is not the author of confusion. And it is also enjoined 
 on us in the same word " to mark them that cause divi- 
 sions and offences contrary to the doctrine which we 
 have learned, and avoid them." Before the modern 
 mission system found its way in among us, we were in 
 peace and harmony. Since its introduction, we have 
 been in continual confusion. We, moreover, contend 
 that the system was originated, in Arminianism, and to 
 act consistent, they are obliged , to preach a doctrine 
 equivalent to it. And as an evidence that there is a de- 
 
210 
 
 parture from the faith, we find that the Old Schpol, whp. 
 still preach the doctrine of grace, and earnestly contend 
 for the faith once delivered to the Saints, are traduced^ 
 contemned and called Antinonians by the New School 
 party. Many other hard things are said of us, all of 
 which we have to sufTef because we trust in the living 
 God. For the sake of rriany precious brethren and sis- 
 ters who were led off by these Arminian teachers, we 
 have borne it, and continued with it much longer than we 
 should have done. Therefore, for the sake^ of our peace, 
 and the force of the divine injunction, we are compelled 
 to enter our protest against all such inventions, and to 
 withdraw as a body frorh ail who do, or may advocate 
 them, or give countenance to their proceedings. 
 
 We offer the following Scripture as the cause of our 
 course: " Be not unequally yoked together with unbe- 
 lievers, for what fellowship hath righteousness with un- 
 righteousness ? and what communion hath light with 
 darkness I and hath concord hath Christ with Balial 1 or 
 what part hath he that believeth with an infidel ? and 
 what agreement hath the Temple of Ciod with Idols? 
 for ye are the 'J'emple of the living God ; as God hath 
 said, I will dwell in them and walk in them; and J will 
 be their God, and they shall be my people. Wherefore 
 come out from among them, and be ye separate saith the 
 Lord, and touch not the unclean thing, and I will receive 
 you ; and will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my 
 sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty." — 2 Cor. 
 vi : 14, 18. " And I heard a vioce from Heaven saying, 
 come out of her my people, that ye be not partakers of 
 her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues." — Rev. 
 xviii : 4. 
 
 1842. In September, the Association convened at 
 Mount Nebo Church, Noxubee county — 13 churches 
 represented. 
 
 Eld. B, Holbrook chosen Modei-ator, and E. Pace, 
 Clerk. 
 
 Correspondence arranged with four Associations, viz: 
 Zion's Rest, Buttahatchy, Pilgrim's Rest, and Primitive. 
 
 1843. In September, the Associalion convened at 
 Church Hill Church, Lowndes county — 12 churches- 
 represented. 
 
211 
 
 Eld. E. Pace preached the uitroductory sermon. 
 
 Eld. B. Holbrook chosen Moderator, and E. Pace, 
 Clerk. . 
 
 . Elds. A. M. Reynolds, G. W. McDonald and J. Har- 
 vey, preached on Sunday, in the order of their names. 
 
 Correspondence received from four Associations, viz : 
 Primitive, Buttahatchy, Zion's Rest, and Loosascoona. 
 
 Correspondence arranged vyith the same four, and also 
 with the Pilgrim's Rest Association.' 
 
 1846. About this time this Association fell into dis- 
 order, as we learn from the minutes of Old School Bap- 
 tist Associations, which declined her correspondence. 
 
212 
 
 BETHANY BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 
 
 1844. In August, Delegates from seven churches 
 met, pursuant to previous arrangement, at New Bethel 
 Church, Leake county, for the purpose organizing an 
 Association. Eld. E. Wiibanks was called to the chair 
 as Moderator, and J. G. Crecelius to act a.s Clerk. The 
 letters from the several churches having been read, and 
 the names of the Delegates enrolled, the Convention 
 proceeded to appoint committees, and then adjourneditill 
 Monday. The C onvention met pursuant to adjournment, 
 and, the Constitution and Articles of Faith having been 
 read and adopted, the Moderator declared the Associa- 
 tion duly organized. A hymn of praise was sung, and 
 the right hand of fellowship extended to the Delegates. 
 
 The Association then convened and chose the same 
 Moderator and Clerk. 
 
 Correspondence arranged with two Associations, viz : 
 The Primitive Baptist and Noxubee. 
 
 " Resolved, That our reasons for withdrawing from 
 the Mt. Pisgah Association be read, which was done. 
 And on further motion, the same was adopted." 
 / 
 
 REASONS AND APPEAL. 
 
 " When, in view of passing events, conscience points 
 out the necessity of breaking asunder the bonds of union 
 which have hitherto bound together those who profess 
 to be of the same sentiments, and to be governed by the 
 same laws and rules, it becomes those who dissent or 
 separate themselves from others, to set forth their rea- 
 sons for such separation. 
 
 " Therefore, we, who have hitherto been members of 
 the Mt» Pisgah Baptist Association, hereby make known 
 our reasons for separating ourselves from those brethren 
 who still choose to remain in that body. 
 
213 
 
 "1. Because they hold aiid publish to .the world that 
 there is now more gospel Ministers than there is money 
 to send out. (See Minutes of the Baptist State Conven- 
 tion of May 4, 1838, page 7.) 
 
 "2. Because they hold and publish to the world that 
 embarrassments in pecuniary matters have obstructed 
 some of the holiest enterprises for the advancement of 
 Messiah's Kingdom. (See Third Annual Report of 
 American and Foreign Bible Society.) 
 
 " 3. Because they are in the practice of buying and 
 selling life membership in Societies under the pretension 
 of spreading the Gospel, thereby placing the Gospel side 
 by side with common merchandize, and placing the poor 
 brother on an unequal footing with the rich hypocrite. 
 (See Constitution of the American Baptist Home Mission 
 Society, article 3.) 
 
 " 4. Because they employ men at high stipulated wages 
 to go out, preach, and act as agents in collecting money 
 and laying the claims of education before the churches. 
 (See minutes of the Baptist State Convention, 1843, ap- 
 pendix A, page 8.) 
 
 " 5. Because they hold and publish to the world that 
 large sums of money can be spent with prudence, econo- 
 my and profit, in advancing Christ's Kingdom, if such 
 sums can be obtained ; and if such sums cannot be ob- 
 tained, such profitable efforts cannot be effected — thereby 
 laying such stress upon money, as to make the advance- 
 ment of the Redeemer's Kingdom entirely dependant on 
 the amount of money that can be raised, thereby placing 
 the salvation of God's Church on human efforts and con- 
 tingency, which is in direct violation of God's system of 
 salvation, as revealed in his written and infallible word, 
 which he has given for the rule of our faith and practice- 
 (See Tenth Annual Report of the Baptist Home Mis- 
 sionary Society, page 18, April 1842.) 
 
 " These are some of the reasons that impel us to the 
 course which we are now pursuing. We do not wish to 
 be understood as saying, that all the brethren, from whom 
 we have separated, are in the direct and immediate prac- 
 tice of all the unscriptural and newly invented schemes 
 against which we here complain, or that all of them di- 
 rectly favor or sustain all the mammon-like schemes of 
 
 J.I .: JL J\^.-, O Z^i.\r^^ nvU^nU -nrni*/^ -rst^ttct** l^Q T>+ti>l TiQ torl 
 
, 214 
 
 in by Ihe Baptists until within our recollection. But tve 
 hold such brethren to be in disorder, for countenancing 
 and continuing in fellowship with those who are prac- 
 ticing and endeavoring' to carry out such worldly and 
 unscriptural measures as we have herein set forth. We 
 are unwilling to give up the long cherished doctrine and 
 sentiments upon which the Baptists have relied ever 
 since the Lord Jesus Christ established his church on 
 earth. Finally, brethren, addressing ourselves to you 
 who profess to be particular Baptists of the old school, 
 but who are suffering such things to be preached and 
 practiced amongst you, as are learned from men, and 
 not from the word of God ; it is for you to say — not us 
 — whether we can longer walk in union with you. We 
 regret, and so must you, to see brethren professing the 
 same faith, severing themselves from each other — but, 
 brethren, if you compel us either to sanction the tradi- 
 tions and inventions of men as religious obligations, or 
 to separate ourselves from you, the sin lieth at your own 
 door. Thus, brethren, our appeal is to you — you may 
 treat it with contempt, if you can despise the cause for 
 which we contend in conformity with the word of God." 
 
 1845. In October, the Association convened at An- 
 tioch Church, Scott county — 9 churches represented. 
 
 Eld. S. Berry preached the introductory sermon. 
 
 Eld. E. Wilbanks chosen Moderator, and J. G. Cre- 
 celius. Clerk. 
 
 Correspondence received from Zion's Rest and Primi- 
 tive Baptist Associations. 
 
 Correspondence arranged with the same tyvo, and the 
 Noxubee Baptist Association. 
 
 Elds. W. H. Crawford, G. W. McDonald, N. Morris, 
 and Eli McDonald, preached on Sunday, in the order of 
 their names. 
 
 EXTRACT FROM THE CIRCULAK LETTER. 
 
 " A wonderful and horrible thing is committed in the 
 land ; the Prophets prophesy falsely, and the Priests 
 bear rule by their means ; and my people love to have 
 it so ; and what will ye do in the end thereof? — Jer. v : 
 30,31. The usual length of a circular forbids our en- 
 tering largely upon this text. The Prophet, in the pre- 
 
215 
 
 -Geding part of this dhapter, very plainly exhibits the in- 
 •consistency of the Jews, and God's anger against them. 
 la the 21st verse of this chapter they are called foolish 
 people, and without understandings ; though they are 
 said to have eyes and see not, ears and hear not. A 
 horrible thing, indeed, that professors of Christianity 
 should entertain and exercise towards each Other a spirit 
 of hatred, envy and malice ; and that men professing to 
 be preachers, instead of being determined to know no- 
 thing in their ministerial labors, save Christ and him 
 crucified, have turned aside into vain quarreling, stirring 
 up strife and contention, not unfrequently making their 
 sermons introductory to whatever Society they wish to 
 bring to the notice of their auditory, and in which they 
 themselves feel the most interested. The members yield- 
 ing their assent to such wonderful and horrible things as 
 are committed in the land, are sometimes led into hateful 
 and envious opposition to each other ; and suffer them- 
 selves to be ruled and Priest-ridden by those Judaizing 
 teachers — and wonderful indeed that many seem to love 
 to have it so. It is a fact worthy of remark, that the 
 members of many churches generally imbibe the spirit 
 of their pastor or supply, and we are not alone in be- 
 lieving, that if the spirit that dwelt in Christ had also 
 dwelt in them, those works of the flesh would never have 
 been manifested to such a shameful and sinful degree as 
 has been the case amongst the Baptists of this country. 
 If half the zeal and energy which have been exerted in 
 favor of the missionary cause, had been to fulfill the 
 scripture duty in administering to the poor, that 'horri- 
 ble thing' would not have been committed in the land — 
 the preachers would not have preached falsely, and the 
 deacons would not have ruled by their means, and the 
 people would not have loved to have it so ; but ' what 
 will ye do in the end thereof.' Read Mat. xxv : 31-46." 
 
 1846. In October, the Association convened at Primi- 
 tive Church, Neshoba county— 8 churches represented. 
 
 Eld. R. R. Fortson preached the introductory sermon. 
 
 Eld. E. Wilbanks chosen Moderator, and J. G. Gre- 
 
 celius. Clerk. 
 
 Elds. W. H. Crawford, R. R. Fortson, G, W. McDon- 
 .ald, aindE. Y. Terrell preached on Sunday. 
 
216 
 
 Correspondence arranged with three Associations, viz : 
 The Primitive, Predestinarian and Zion's Rest. 
 
 1848. In October, the Association convened at New 
 Chapel Church, Scott county — 9 churches represented. 
 
 Eld. S. Hansbrough preached the introductory sernaon.. 
 
 Eld. B. Wilbanks chosen Moderator, and J. G. Cre- 
 celius, Clerk. 
 
 Elds. J. A. Scott, M. Hopson and W. Roberts preached, 
 on Sunday. 
 
 Arranged correspondence with three Associations, viz : 
 The Primitive, Predestinarian and Zion's Rest. 
 
 1849. in October, the Association convened at Leba- 
 non Church, Scott county~8 churches represented. 
 
 Eld. E. Wilbanks chosen Moderator, and J. G. Grace- 
 lius, Clerk. 
 
 Query from New Chapel Church. — " Is it good order 
 for a church to grant a member a letter of dismission 
 who lives in the immediate settlement of the church, and 
 is not going to move, and no other church of the same 
 faith and order within convenient distance of such appli- 
 cant?" 
 
 Answer. — " We believe it to be good order for a church 
 to grant letters in all cases to members in full fellowship 
 — the church to exercise a sound discretion agreeable to 
 the Gospel." 
 
 Correspondence arranged with three Associations, viz i 
 The Primitive, Predestinarian and Zion's Rest. 
 
 1850. In October, the Association convened at the. 
 Primitive Church, Newton county — 10 churches repre^ 
 sented. 
 
 Eld. W. Roberts preached the introductory sermon. 
 
 Eld. E. Wilbanks chosen Moderator, and J. G. Crece- 
 lius, Clerk. 
 
 Query. — "What shall this Association do with a churchr 
 that permits her members to join and frequent Free Ma- 
 son Lodges?" 
 
 Answer. — " Withdraw from such a church as a disor- 
 derly member." 
 
 " Whereas, it is -represented and established to the 
 satisfaction of this Association, that Edinburgh church, 
 is in disorder by retaining in her fellowship a member 
 who has attached himself to the Free Masons. Therefore, 
 
217 
 
 " Resolved, That this Association recommend to four 
 churches of her union, viz : Labanon, New Bethel, Prim- 
 itive and Antioch, that they appoint three delegates each, 
 to meet with Edingburgh Church, on Saturday before 
 the fifth Sunday in December next, to labor with said 
 church and effect a reconciliation if possible." 
 
 Remarks. — We have now disposed of all the minutes 
 in our possession, except a few scattering minutes of 
 Buttahatchy and Zion's Rest. From a minute of the 
 former in 1846, we learn that five churches of her union 
 were located in Mississippi and the balance in Alabama. 
 And from a minute of Zion's Rest Association in 1847, we 
 learn that eight churches were in the lormer State and 
 the balance in the latter. 
 
 Besides the foregoing there are three other Old School 
 Baptist Associations which are wholly or in part in this 
 State, viz : Pilgrim's Rest, on the eastern border ; Pre- 
 destinarian, in the South-east, and New Hope, in the 
 North-east. 
 
 The Zion, Choctaw, Mt. Pisgah, and perhaps some 
 other Associations, were organized on Old School Baptist 
 principles. But as they are now 'joined to their idols' 
 and harmoniously building with the New School Baptists, 
 we shall ' let them alone.' However highly we may 
 esteem some of their members individually, we are con- 
 strained to renounce their system of religion as unau- 
 thorized by the Scriptures — insiduously tending to evil 
 and not too good. This conclusion may, seem like pre- 
 sumption to those whose opinions are formed from spe- 
 cious appearances. But we can only decide by a strict 
 comparison with the divine Rule, aided by our measure 
 of faith and experience. And according to these, we not 
 only reject their effort system, but deplofe the course of 
 some in its support, from whom we had good grounds to 
 hope for better things. 
 
218 
 
 BENEDICT'S HISTORY. 
 
 If the late History of the Baptist Denomination, by- 
 David Benedict, is no more reliable generally than that 
 portion which treats of the Primitive Baptist Association 
 in Mississippi, it is unworthy of the name. He says : 
 " The Yazoo and Primitive communities occupied the 
 same ground, as the latter came up after the other went 
 down." This is correct in order of time. With what 
 propriety, then, could he say, " These two little com- 
 panies are both on the Yazoo river," when he had pre- 
 viously stated that one went down before the other came 
 up ? He then goes on to say, " The ministers who were 
 connected with them were Nathan Morris, Joseph 
 Morris, and Wm. L. Morris," and refers to a letter from 
 the latter, in 1844, as his authority. 
 
 Now, in the first place, there were several other "min- 
 isters connected" with the Primitive Baptist Association, 
 viz : Simpson Parks, J. A. Scott, D. W. Stephens, E. 
 N. Langford, Joel Harvey and Francis Baker. And 
 secondly, Joseph Morris never was connected with it. 
 And thirdly, Wm. L. Morris was not, in 1844, a membei" 
 of any Baptist church, and if he ever has been since, it 
 is unknown to us. Our personal acquaintance with him 
 has been fifteen or twenty years, and we never have 
 known him charged with wilful misrepresentation. And 
 therefore, it would be too great a stretch of courtesy to- 
 wards the great Baptist historian to suppose, that Wm. 
 L. Morris ever represetited himself as a minister of any 
 denomination, to Mr. Benedict or any other man. Those 
 who will examine his scattering and incoherent remarks, 
 on pages 772, 777 and 778, relative to the Primitive 
 Baptist Association, will readily see, that his mind was 
 
219 
 
 under a slight hallucination, or his heart a little tainted 
 with malice. 
 
 Under the head of " Old School, Primitive or Anti- 
 Mission Baptists, on page 935, Mr. Benedict says, " If I 
 have been less full in my description of their aifairs, it is 
 on account of the backwardness of the people, and be- 
 cause their history could not be obtained." A few years 
 back, while he was getting up this history, he wrote a 
 kind of circular letter to D. E. Jewett, which was pub- 
 lished in the Christian Doctrinal Advocate, New York, 
 in which he stated, " I have said in my papei's, and now 
 say again, that if your people will supply n^e with the ar- 
 guments and reasons for their opposing course, I will pub- 
 lish them without note or comment, verbatim et literatim, 
 to the word and letter." Now, if this pledge has been 
 fulfilled any where in his history, which numbers 970 
 pages, we are unable to find it. And lest the reader might 
 conclude, that the " reasons" perhaps were not furnished, 
 we will quote from page 746, under the head of Western 
 Association, No. 2, viz : " The first minutes give, in full 
 detail, their reasons for withdrawing," &c. The sub- 
 stance of them are, that the old body " had become con- 
 nected with a variety of institutions not known in the 
 scriptures, which caused a general confusion in the 
 churches by attempting to unite them with the world in 
 the spread of the Gospel. Come out from among them, 
 be ye separate, touch not," &c., is the language of exhor- 
 tation which the seceding party addresses to their 
 brethren." Ag^'n, on page 749, under the head of 
 •'Uharley Association," which, Mr.' Benedict says, 
 *' was an off-shoot from the one last named, in' 1839 ; the 
 few churches of which it was formed, came out with the 
 stale string of resolutions," &c. There were also many 
 letters addressed to him, through the Doctrinal Advocate, 
 by Old School Baptists, giving the " reasons" for their 
 " opposing course," none of which have been published 
 
220 
 
 These things are not noticed by way of complaint, 
 but to show that he was not qualified in heart to act just- 
 ly towards the Primitive Baptists. Many more quota- 
 tions might be made to establish this fact. The follow- 
 ing quotation, bearing on this point, is from the Signs of 
 the Times, an Old School Baptist periodical, viz : 
 
 " But of the brevity of the notices taken of us we 
 would not complain ; as he is a religionist of a different 
 and altogether dissimilar order from that of ourselves, 
 we had no claim on him to notice us at all ; but of the un- 
 fairness, misrepresentations, and falsehoods of the cari- 
 cature he has given, we have a right to complain, and to 
 repel the slander. If Mr. Benedict had been ignorant 
 of the real character of the Old School Baptists, why did 
 he essay to give their history until he should become ac- 
 quainted with them, so as to know whereof he affirmed 1 
 The "Signs of the Times" have been I'egula'rly mailed 
 to him, from the first number of the eleventh volume to 
 the presetit date ; we have also forwarded to him, by his 
 special request, the minutes of many Old School Baptist 
 Associations every year, besides other documents, in- 
 cluding the Address of the Old School Baptists assem- 
 bled at Black Rock, Md., about 17 years ago ; and he has 
 also received all the Old School periodicals published in 
 the United States. Can it be possible that with every 
 means of information before his eyes, he has been so stu- 
 pidly ignorant, or so blindly prejudiced, that he has failed' 
 to learn our real character 1 If so, he is not to be relied 
 on as an authentic historian in any other respect." 
 
 On page 935, under' the head of "Old School Primi- 
 tive, or Anti-Mission Baptists," Mr. Benedict says: 
 
 "These people generally claim the first two of these 
 appellations as descriptive of their peculiar views, in op- 
 position to those of the friends of benevolent efforts ; the 
 last is applied to them by their opponents. Most of them 
 disown the name ; while D. Parker and a few others 
 freely admit it as the proper cognomen of their party." 
 
 The reader will readily perceive, in the foregoing, a 
 sly, insinuating attempt to identify the Old School 
 Baptists with D. Parker and his two-seedism. If illibe- 
 rality and the, absence of christian candor were the worst 
 
221 
 
 features of such a course, it would be more creditable to 
 him as a historian. He knew that the Old School Bap- 
 tists had repudiated that ism as another New School 
 system of even more modern date among the Baptists 
 than Fullerism. 
 
 On the same page Mr. Benedict goes on to say : 
 
 " It is one thing to complain of the modus operandi in 
 the collection of funds, and the management of rnission- 
 ary affairs at home and abroad, and another to take a 
 dead stand against what is properly denominated the 
 effort system." 
 
 If the modus operandi of the effort system was re- 
 stricted to a Gospel mode, and a Gospel object — such as 
 " to communicate to him that teacheth," " distributing to 
 ■ the necessity of saints," " remembering the poor," <fcc., 
 there would be no dead stand against it by the Old School 
 Baptists. 
 
 The " modus operandi" of sending the Gospel to the 
 heathen, as they call it, seems to be of very Jittle conse- 
 quence with Mr. Benedict and his missionary friends. 
 But when ^hey meet their opponents on baptism, why, 
 then, the " modus operandi" is of the utmost importance. 
 
 The Old School Baptists are strict constructionists in 
 every thing else, as well as baptism, for which there is 
 precept or example, requiring the discharge of christian 
 duty. They believe that the mode or mannej of doing, 
 is as important in religious matters as the thing to be 
 done — the propriety of which is clearly proven by the 
 typical dispensation. It was for presumption in this re- 
 spect, relative to the ark, that Uzza was smitten dead by 
 an offended God. He believed that the ark of God was 
 in danger of falling, and put forth his hand to sustain it. 
 Mr. Fuller, and his associates, beUeving that the church 
 of God was in danger of falling, matured a missionary 
 plan or mode of sustaining it. And let those who be- 
 lieve in external signs, as evidence of a peculiar bless- 
 
222 
 
 i 
 
 ing, read Mr. Fuller's biography and see whether or not 
 hispunishment was less than that of Uzza. 
 
 Presumptuous impudence is universally considered 
 more offensive than indolent negligence. And when we 
 carefully look over Scripture precepts and examples, 
 relative to christian duty, in connection with Scripture 
 warning, the conclusion is rivetted on our minds, that the 
 same principle holds good with the Divine being. The 
 one is an omission of duty through the weakness of the 
 flesh, but the other cannot be attained by the flesh, in re- 
 ligious matters, without the aid of an evil spirit. 
 
 Let those who are in favor of the Eflbrt System, re- 
 gardless of the "modus operandi," read the following- 
 quotations, spoken by our Savior : 
 
 " Wo unto you, Scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites ! for 
 ye compass sea and land to make one proselyte ; and 
 when he is made, ye make him two-fold more the child 
 of hell than yourselves." 
 
 Again : 
 
 "Many will say to me in that day. Lord, Lord, have 
 we not prophesied in thy name ? and in thy name cast 
 out devils ? and in thy name done many wonderful works? 
 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you ; 
 depart from me, ye that work iniquity." 
 
 Once more : 
 
 " For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, 
 and shall show great signs and wonders ; insomuch that, 
 if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect." 
 
 Now turn to the 25th chapter of Matthew, and see 
 what kind of duties he appreciates at the final winding 
 up of all things : 
 
 " For I was an hungered, and ye gave me meat ; I was 
 thirsty, and ye gave me drink ; I was a stranger and ye 
 took me in ; naked, and ye clothed me ; I was sick, and ye 
 visited me ; I was in prison, and ye came unto me : 
 verily 1 say uirto you, inasmuch as ye have done it unto 
 one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it 
 ■unto me." 
 
223 
 
 Let it be remembered that those who administer to 
 one of his brethren^ yea, to one of the leasts are admin- 
 istering to the King: of Saints. Nothing said about the 
 heathen whom he shall break with a rod of iron and dash 
 in pieces like a potter's vessel. But all his concern seems 
 to be about his brethren. And He has also said : 
 
 " But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which 
 believe in me, it were better for him that a mill-stone 
 was hanged about his neck and that he were drowned in 
 the depth of the sea. " " Vengeance is mine ; I will repay, 
 saitb the Lord." 
 
 One other view of this subject should not he omitted ; 
 and that is the marked difference between the, two class- 
 es, relative to works performed. One were so full of the 
 Effort System, that they boast of the many "wonderful 
 works" that they had done in the name of the Lord. 
 But the other, having never viewed what they had done 
 as in any wise meritorious in their eternal salvation, but 
 only as a discharge of duty in connection with their 
 temporal salvation and welfare in time, they had never 
 treasured it up in their minds — for they had been so root- 
 ed and grounded and fixed in the doctrine of free grace 
 alone, that they had lost sight of the genuine good 
 works which they had performed. 
 
 DOCTRINE. 
 
 For the sake of brevity we have selected nine extracts, 
 and bundled them together, for the purpo'se of showing 
 the position of the New School Baptists. In a history 
 of 970 pages, Mr. Benedict has studiously avoided an 
 exp@sure of the true position of his party. He sneer- 
 ingly denies the right of the Old School Baptists to that 
 appellation' — pretending that they, instead of his party, 
 have left the Old Regular Baptist faith and practice. The 
 following extracts,, bearing on this point, though few and 
 far between, in his history, which the reader will ob- 
 
224 
 
 serve by reference to the pages. In the relative position 
 in which he has placed them, they may be read without 
 ari^festing the attention of the general reader. But when 
 they are brought together and read in one collocation, it 
 is impossible for any person, of a sound mind, not to see 
 that the Missionary party have denied the faith, ever 
 held to by the Old Regular Baptists : 
 
 1st. " But doctrinal matters have been at the bottom 
 of all the troubles, and predestination has been the bone 
 of contention. The anti-mission party, as near as I can 
 learn, without any exception, are high or hyper-Calvin- 
 ists, and are so tenacious of the old theory of particular 
 atonement," «fcc. Pape 935. 
 
 2nd. "-Is salvation made possible for every individual 
 of the human race ? One whole day was spent in de- 
 bating this subject, and most of the preachers took part 
 in the debate. Those who supported the affirmative 
 were called Arminians, the other side were denominated 
 Calvinists. Had these brethren been acquainted with 
 the distincticins made by Fuller and others, of a general 
 provision and particular application, it would have re- 
 lieved them from embarrassment and altercation. The 
 reader must bear in mind that in this day (1775) those 
 were called Arminians who held to the universal provi- 
 sion of the Gospel, or that the atoneinent of Christ was 
 general in its nature. Page 651. 
 
 3rd. " Similar agitations and altercations were ex- 
 perienced in all parts of the country, when the orthodox 
 portion of our denomination adopted Mr. Fuller's expo- 
 sition of the Atonement in preference to the old particu- 
 lar and limited plan. Page 794. 
 
 4th. " Such a rule would have robbed us of a Fuller, 
 at whose feet so many educated theologians of Britain 
 and America have delighted to sit. Page 939. 
 
 6th. " Our old ministers in this region, half a century 
 since, would have denounced as unsound in the faith, the 
 great mass of our community of the present day, both in 
 Europe and America, Fuller and Hall among the rest. 
 Page 580. 
 
 6th. " But a new state of things has arrived ; most 
 of these old self-denying ministers have ceased from 
 
225 
 
 their labors ; a new set of men are coming on the stage, 
 without the secular means and talents of their predeces- 
 sors, but generally with more acquired abilities ; and, 
 moreover, with a fixed determination that they will de- 
 vote all their time and powers to the work of the minis- 
 try in all its various departments ; and the churches must 
 make up their minds on this subject, and make their 
 election of one of two things, viz : Either to give their 
 pastors a competent support, or remain in a pastorless 
 condition. Page '941. 
 
 7th. " So cautious were the Kentucky brethren, and 
 so much afraid of a consolidation of power, that they 
 were slow at first to come into the measure. The late 
 Dr. Noel, the moderatoir of the first meeting, was one of 
 the principal movers of this undertaking ; when I was 
 in the State in 1829 he informed me that his brethren 
 stood off — were afraid, &c. I (David Benedict, the great 
 Baptist historian,) encouraged him to make a beginning, 
 if they got no more together than the English Baptists 
 ■did in their first missionary meeting in Kettering. 
 Page 832. 
 
 8th. " Besides these there are a few others, which are 
 much reduced in number, or are crippled in their opera- 
 tions, by infusion of principles adverse to the benevolent 
 and evangelical enterprises of this active age. Page 595. 
 
 9th. " This is the way to do the thing in our growing 
 cities and towns ; and if our people had been half awake 
 to enterprises of this kind, half a century ago, what aug- 
 mentations might have been made to our community." 
 Page 458. 
 
 These extracts are deemed amply sufficient to expose 
 the deceitfulness and insincerity of the New School 
 Baptists, in pretending to occupy the position of the Old 
 Regular Baptists. In 1775, says Mr. Benedict, "those 
 were called Arminians who held that the atonement of 
 Christ was general." Yes, and they are called Armin- 
 ians now, just as they were then. 
 
 But in process of time, says Mr. Benedict, " the ortho- 
 dox portion of our denomination adopted Mr. Fuller's 
 exposition of the atonement in preference to the old par- 
 ticular and limited plan." This they had a republican 
 
226 
 
 right to do. But, having repudiated the old plan, and 
 adopted a new one, why do they deny the fact? Having 
 "adopted Mr. Fuller's exposition of the atonement in pre- 
 ference to the old particular and Hmited plan," they 
 should, as honest men, acknowledge it before the church 
 and the world. 
 
 As to their delighting to sit at the feet of an English- 
 man in preference to a Nazarene, they are of age and 
 must answer for themselves. All that we have a right 
 to demand is, that, having adopted their new plan in pre- 
 ference to the old one, they should not hide the fact from 
 public view. Mr. Benedict has truly said that doctrinal 
 matters have been at the bottom of all our troubles. 
 And these have led to practices equally as objectionable, 
 
 "Our old ministers in this region half a century since, 
 would have denounced as unsound in the faith the great 
 mass of our community of the present day, Fuller among 
 the rest." 
 
 And now, because we do the same thing, they become 
 fretful, and call us all sorts of ugly names. 
 
 On page 935, Mr. Benedict says : 
 
 "If I have been less full in my descriptions of their 
 affairs, it is on account of the backwardness of the 
 people, and because their history could not be obtained." 
 
 For the purpose of exposing the hypocrisy of such a 
 statement, in addition to what has already been shown, 
 we now propose giving extracts from various letters 
 written to Mr. Benedict on the subject. First, however, 
 let us give an extract from the very next page of his 
 history, from which the above bare-faced statement wa& 
 taken, viz : "A large amount of their documents are be- 
 fore me, which contain the resolutions and decrees of 
 their churches and associations." We now proceed to 
 give extracts : 
 
EXTRACT FROM AJR. BENEDICT'S CIRCULAR OF PROMISE, 
 
 '' I have said in my papers and now say again, that if 
 your people (O. S. B.) will supply me with the arguments 
 and reasons for their opposing cowrse, I will publish them 
 without note or comment, verbatim et litteratim, to the 
 word and letter," 
 
 Instead of doing as he promised to do, he has 
 merely alluded to them — and that too, usually in 
 a sneering manner. And yet, after allj^'towards the con- 
 cldsion of his history, he attempts lo embrace them as 
 b ethren, aud calls it a "family matter.". But we wish 
 Mr. Benedict to understand, that we repudiate all such 
 insinuations — our mothers are no more alike than Sarah 
 and Hagar, and our fathers are still less alike. 
 
 LETTERS TO BENEDICT. 
 
 CHRISTOPHER SEKCH, OF PENN., TO ELDER BENEDICT, 
 
 " I understand that there is a work in progress urider' 
 your hand, styled "A History of the Baptists," in which 
 it is your intention to give an account of all sorts of 
 Biptists,&c. * * * * * * . # . 
 
 " As to giving you our reasons and arguments agairist 
 such societies, I am afraid, that it would be like casting 
 pearls into the sea. Christ said to Nicodemus "except 
 a man be born again he cannot see (or understand) the 
 kingdom of God." So if yoa have been " born' again," 
 we can safely leave God to reason and argue the case 
 with you ; whereas, if you have not been "born again," 
 we cannot make you understand the kingdom of God, if 
 we should reason with you till doomsday. 
 
 " However, Eld. B., we will give you the reasons why, 
 we cannot fellowship your societies: and wherein we 
 find your societies interfering with our Gospel privileges ;; 
 and we shall.'in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, con- 
 tend against them. 
 
 You say the Baptists were always a missionary. people; ; 
 as to this we may not disagree. But, as to their always 
 having been a mercenary people, I contend, that they have. 
 
228 
 
 "not i nor did they become a mercenary people, so long 
 as they regarded the Law and the Testimony, above the 
 invention's of man. Though to deny that they are now 
 mercenary, would be to deny what actual beggibg of 
 rribney from the poor, is' carried on, for the^ isupport of 
 your institutions. 
 
 That the Lord Jesus commanded his disciples to " Go 
 into all the world and preach the Gospel to every 
 creature," is not denied. But that the Lord ever com- 
 manded his people to form societies out of the church for,; 
 the spread of the Gqspel, is denied- And, that he ever 
 instructed any to raise money by begging, to, send a p?r- . 
 verted Gospel into all the world or rather to pay mei;i, 
 for preaching a perverted Gospel, is denied ; though 
 such, when they cannot get what money they want, cry, 
 that the Lord's cause, is suffering for lack of money. 
 Hark ! ' The earth is the Lord's and the fullness there- 
 of; and who shall supply the Lord in that He lacketh.' 
 
 That the formation of such societies, for the advance- 
 ment of the cause of Christ and the building up of the 
 church of God, is not of Gospel order, wants no proof. 
 T;0 these societies no one becomes a member, but such as 
 cpntribute of their substance, or are made members by, 
 others;, consequently building up the churches upon 
 • wood, hay and stubble.' Yes ; and what then? Why^ 
 they who have been taught by blessed, experience, that 
 the gift of God cannot be purchased with money, are 
 stigmatized as being opposed to the spread of the Gospel. , 
 Buthark ! Christ's kingdom is not of this world, else 
 would his servants fight with the weapons of this world." 
 
 ELDER J. M. WATSON, OF TBNNESSE, TO ELDER D. BENEDICT. 
 
 "The Gospel was preached on the Lord's plan through- 
 oiit the whole world, after the commission was given ; 
 but it was so done, under His special care and provi- 
 dence; and if his plan do not carry it throughout all the 
 world Mow, it is because his power and mercy are not 
 put forth to the same extent; and not for the want of 
 human power, human benevolence, and human institu- 
 tions, as modern missionaries would have us to believe. 
 None dare deny • that the Gospel, under its greater 
 
229 
 
 general dispensation, was withheld, at particular tinies, 
 frpni particular cojintries. 
 
 The .Gospel has not degenerated into /the power of 
 man, but , is yet the power of God, and its . going forth is 
 according to Divine, snd not human power. Nor have 
 its, spiritual blessings degenerated into human benevo- 
 lence ; therefore it still blesses ' with all spiritual bless- 
 ings,' according as the subjects were chosen in Christ 
 before the .world began, and not according to general 
 benevolence. The blessings of the Gospel are commu- 
 nicated after having been ' made sure to all the seed,' the 
 elect, or chosen seed,; not according as man's power, 
 wisdom, or benevolence may devise, but according to 
 the course of God's grace and mercy on earth. 
 
 We are told that if we wait for the operation of 
 God's grace in this affair, the world will not be evangel- 
 ized. Then, I suppose, we are not to wait in faith, pray- 
 ing unto the Lord to send forth more laborers, and for 
 putting forth His power and mercy according to the 
 Divine plan, but must devise plans of our own, and carry 
 them out by human power, put forth through human in- 
 stitutions, on the principle of genera], human benevolence, 
 at the cost of those millions of means, which the 
 Scriptures know nothing of. 
 
 Thus we see that the missionary course now pursued, 
 is calculated to lessen our confidence, in the Divine plan, 
 to oppose the operation of faith, in the providence of 
 God, and to beget idolatry of heart, in relation to the in- 
 stitutions, and millions of money, which have been 
 ^brought into requisition, to subserve the world's plan. 
 The ' Golden Calf of missionism has been fully set up, 
 and much idolatrous worship has been offered up to it. 
 ij Besides all , the foregoing, the modern missionary 
 spirit is decidedly Arminian, in its course and tenden- 
 jjcies — is disposed to compromise with all errors — is the 
 bond of union for all religious shams and devices. It 
 matters not to this spirit, whether it goes forth through 
 a Methodist, Presbyterian, Episcopalian, Pseudo-Baptist 
 i,or Roman Catholic, in evangelizing the world. All unite 
 in , their means of human power, gold and silver, put 
 forth through human institutions. Their machinery may 
 , .differ somewhat, but. it is to be feared, that the same 
 spirit works them all. Moreover, this spirit has so little 
 
330 
 
 fellowship for the Lord's way, so little regard for world- 
 displeasing truths, that it seems to be on much better 
 terms with the world, thain with the unpopular truths of 
 the Bible, which it shows far more good will to pervert, 
 than to defend. Another characteristic of this spirit is, 
 that in its efforts to evangelize the world, it looks moife 
 to the world for help, than: to heaven. 
 
 It is very strange to look back and see how much op- 
 position and how little help Primitive ministers derived 
 from the world, and how much is now offered and given, 
 professedly, for such service ! Surely it cannot be the 
 same Gospel, but is 'another Gospel' that the world has 
 fellowship for, in like manner as have all its ministers. 
 
 Take particular and unconditional election, predesti- i 
 nation and effectual calling, with many other things 5 
 which most modern missionaries are wont to take, from 
 the Gospel, and connect all its blessings with time con- I 
 tingencies, free will, free agency, and moral power, and ' 
 the world will find no fault therewith ; neither will 
 Satan oppose a Gospel of this kind, but on the contrary 
 will espouse its cause, transform himself into an angel 
 of light, and raise up missionaries in all denominations 
 to propagate it, and bring all this world's availables to 
 help it on." 
 
 ELDER JAMES KING, OF TENNESSEE, TO ELDBE BENEDICT. 
 
 "You say ' it is. contended that the Baptists have al- 
 ways been a missionary people.' I ask you for the prdbf, 
 that the Baptists ever were a missionafy people, in tlie 
 modern acceptation of the term, until the 18th century, 
 when,' according to your own showing, missionism j 
 sprang up among the English Baptists. See your ac- 
 count of the formation of the society at Kittering, in 
 your former History of the Baptists, vol. I, page 233. 
 It is true, in the same volume, page 43, you say, ' the 
 Apostles and Primitive preachers were almost all Mis- 
 sionaries.' And' then describe them thus ; ' At the call of 
 God, they went forth without regard to parish lines or 
 ecclesiastical districts— as^ked not for license:— waited not 
 appointments— sought noemoluments-- but dependant on 
 the treasury of heaven, they journeyed, aided' by the, 
 
231 
 
 common succor an^ miraculous influence of the Holy 
 Spirit, they went everywhere preaching the word. 
 
 Really, Mr. Benedict, an Old School Baptist could 
 have no manner of objection to such missionaries as you 
 here describe, Please, careful reader, to compare this 
 account of Primitive Missionism, with modern mission- 
 ary doings, and it will not require a Solomon to dis- 
 cover the contrast. Do those in the employ of New 
 School Missionary Boards have no regard to fields of 
 labor, appointed them by their masters? Do they seek 
 no emoluments ? Do they journey, dependant on the 
 treasury of heaven ? What means that continual din 
 about money — to obtain which the selling memberships 
 in missionary and other societies, has been invented ? 
 Indeed, Mr. B., modern missionary doings, are not found 
 in the Bible — and are sought in vain, except in the his- 
 tory of modern times. 
 
 But, Elder B. calls for objections. Well, one objec- 
 tion I hear continually urged, is 'it is not in the Bible' — 
 bat, like infant baptism, is wholly dependant on infe- 
 rence, for its support. Is it not strange, passing strange 
 — if so much depends on modern, missionism, as its ad- 
 vocates would have us believe — that the thing is no 
 where mentioned in the Bible, the divine directory! for 
 christians ? 
 
 It was said of God's ancient national people, that 
 they should dwell alone, and not be reckoned with the 
 nations ; and one crying sin of Israel, was their con- 
 tinual hankering after the manners and customs of their 
 neighbors. On one occasion they asked for a king, that 
 they might be like other nations. And if Rome has not 
 led the van in modern missionary doings, you have 
 missed the mark — for you tell us, that in the year of our 
 Lord, 1622, Pope Gregory, the 15th, formed an institu- 
 tion, for the propagation of the faith, and that by it a 
 great number of missionaries were sent forth. 
 
 Elder Benedict, you can behold a great deal of Roman 
 Catholic superstition and error in infant Baptism ; but no- 
 thing objectionable in modern missionism, which is evi- 
 dently another offspring of the old scarlet Lady. O, 
 consistency ! thou art a jewel I If, as you assert, the 
 Apostles and primitive preachers were missionaries, in 
 the modern acceptation of the term, will you, or some 
 
232 
 
 of your numerous friends, please tell us who was Presi- 
 dent of that Board ; who were vice-Presidents ; who 
 were corresponding and recording Secretaries ; and 
 who were constituted life-members by paying $30 ? 
 
 " Eider B., your long-standing as a member of all the 
 Boards, has in all probability made you quite an adept in 
 vindicating their doings; and by this time no doubt you 
 can bring forward all their mighty array of human 
 reasoning and human expedients for evangelizing the 
 world. To preach the Gospel is quite another matter — 
 to know Christ and him crucified, was the extent of Paul's 
 determination — and Old iSchool Baptists feel disposed to 
 say, to modern missionaries, go thou and do likewise. 
 
 Elder Benedict, you deal largely in the hacknied 
 epithets ' anti, non-effort, omission Baptists,' &c., as 
 though the O. S. Baptist ministry suffered no privations, 
 underwent no hardships, or in fact preached not at all — 
 as though they studied not to show themselues approved 
 unto God. Ah, there lies the rub — they study not to 
 show themselves approved unto men — but, in the fear 
 of God, they preach a Gospel, which is not after men ; 
 they neither received it of men, neither were they taught 
 it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ. And as to all 
 humanly invented schemes and projects, they are wholly 
 indifferent whether they were invented by Catholics or 
 Protestants ; they assign them ail over en masse, as th e 
 inventions of Anti-Christ. 
 
 ELDER MAKTIN SALMON, N. Y., TO ELDER D. BENEDICT. 
 
 Should a full history be given of that people, who 
 claim the name of Baptists, embracing 30 years past, I 
 am of the opinion, Sir, that the digressions, substitutions, 
 experiments, expedients, and new measures, would be 
 truly sickening to the honest soul. I thus judge, Sir, 
 from quite a correct knowledge of the conduct and 
 loose course of the entire popular, or New School 
 Baptists of the State of New York. While many of the 
 professed churches seem to hold with iron grasp their 
 former creeds in one hand, with the other they are grasp- 
 ing Sabellianism, and every other ism that caused to 
 err. Ah, truly, Ichabod is inscribed on the once fair 
 
233 
 
 tablet of that people, who in the main were once walk- 
 ing in the love of the truth. 
 
 Is it not manifest to you, Sir, that the people of the 
 land called Baptists, have taken to themselves strange 
 wives — and that the princes and priests are ' foremost' 
 in this unlawful trespass ? Have they not adopted toorW- 
 ly policy, while professedly laboring to build up a king- 
 dom which is not of this world ? Are not the people 
 with whom you stand in fellowship, wedded to filthy 
 lucre as a helper — an efficient helper — to promote the 
 cause of God ? For proof, suffer me to cite you to a cir- 
 cular, sent out by the ministerial conference of the State 
 of New York. One clause must satisfy every honest 
 man, viz : 'The gold and silver are the Lord's, and the 
 cattle upon a thousand hills are his his. And he now 
 calls for it, that he may expend it for the salvation of a 
 perishing world, as he did his own heart's blood." 
 
 Now, sir, I aver, fearless of successful contradiction, 
 that all religious compacts, whose reliance is money, to 
 carry forward the kingdom of grace, is anti-christian. — 
 The conversion of the whole world to God, including 
 " the man of sin," is in the outset anti-Bible. The 
 Mystic Harlot is not to be converted — but to be stripped 
 naked and bare, and then to be burned with fire ! O, that 
 you and I, Sir, may avoid her sins, that we may also es- 
 cape her plagues. 
 
 The church with which I stand connected have for 
 more than twelve years maintained independent and op- 
 posite ground to the reigning errors of the day. And 
 for our thus standing, we have been denounced, as Anti- 
 nomians, Anti-Efforts and Anti-Missionists, &c. But, 
 Sir, we cannot endorse the dogmas of unauthorized 
 Boards and Conventions who " lord it over God's herit- 
 age." BeHeving, as we do, that the Church is the high- 
 est body ever constituted by the Lord Jesus, or his Apos- 
 tles ; we believe the Church to possess all the facilities 
 necessary to carry into effect the designs of her Lord — 
 without resorting to those humanly devised means and 
 Societies, natural Ability, human Efforts, for rendering 
 the grace of God effectual. 
 
 The preaching of the Gospel, sir, is an ordinance of 
 " the^ King of Kings" — not to make sheep but to feed 
 them. Therefore, the Lord Jesus has sent forth his an- 
 
234 
 
 gels or ministers, with the great sound of a trumpet — 
 not to make — but to gather together his elect. This 
 agrees with Paul's ^iew of the subject, as he wrote to 
 the Ephesians, viz : " And hfe gave some, apostles ; and 
 some, prophets ; and some, evangelists ; and some, pas- 
 tors and teachers — for the perfecting of the saints, for 
 the work of the ministry, for the edifying the body of 
 Christ." " Herein, we do rejoice and will rejoice." 
 
 ELDER FRANCIS BAKER TO ELDER D. BENEDICT. 
 
 Yours of the 15th of October last was received, with 
 your printed circular, and their contents were consider- 
 ed. The answer has been necessarily delayed until now. 
 Our apology for delay will be found in the fact that the 
 meeting of the Association was late in November, the 
 winter came on, and the committee did not meet directly. 
 But there has been a meeting of a majority of the com- 
 mittee, at which it was resolved to decline furnishing any 
 statistical materials for the publication of the history of 
 the Primitive Baptists in Mississippi. And it was fur- 
 ther resolved to request you not to give our history, nor 
 mention us in any way in your book. 
 
 The reasons for this course of procedure on our part 
 are as follow: 1. To do justice to the work, it was found 
 that it required more time and labor, than the committee 
 could bestow on the subject. 2. From some facts that 
 have been developed, we are satisfied that the Missiona- 
 ry brethren have furnished materials from this State, 
 through which, we have reason to fear that we may be 
 misrepresented. 3. We are unwilling to furnish materi- 
 als for one who has expressed so poor an opinion of the 
 party as you have done in your letter to me. 4. We be- 
 lieve that your prejudices against the Old School Bap- 
 tists are too strong to do them and their cause justice. 
 5. We cannot consent to furnish the weapons- to break 
 our own heads ; or, in more respectful terms, we are un- 
 willing to furnish the means, and pay the man to misre- 
 present us. 
 
 In the letter you wrote me, immediately after answer- 
 ing my enquiry, you complain in the following language, 
 viz : " I am sorry I catinot find more candor and open- 
 ness among the Anti-mission people ; they write me 
 
235 
 
 well enough in private, but when they publish any thing 
 as brethren Watson, of Tenn., and J[ewett, of New 
 York, they show a disposition I do not like. The X^ay 
 they speak to me and of me, does not increase my good 
 opiilion of the party, but rather the other way." • In the 
 above you have expressed ygur unfavorable opinion " of 
 the party" — of the whole party — because the publications 
 of brethren have not met your approbation. In the 
 above declared opinion, you have not only betrayed a 
 want of charity, but you have also disclosed your pre- 
 judices against the party — the Anties as you are pleased 
 to call us. And wherefore ? Not because )''our private 
 feelings or personal character have been disrespected. 
 O, no ; but their publications, which refer to systems, 
 societies, principles, doctrines and practices with which 
 you are associated, have not been approved by you. — 
 Now, this was all as it should be ; for should not those 
 systems and societies be investigated, and their Divine 
 authenticity established? or their fallacy exposed? But 
 the brethren referred to can speak for themselves. 
 
 In the next place, you declare yourself to be an old 
 school Baptist, and have long been a minister ; and have 
 had much to do in the denomination for more than forty 
 years ; and that you aye neither anti-Mission nor anti- 
 Effort — adding "the more I see and know of the party, 
 the less opinion I have of the reasons of their separation 
 from the main body of the Baptists " To which I will 
 add that I, too, am an Old School Baptist, and perhaps 
 your equal in years, if not in talents ; and have also 
 seen, heard and known much of the old Regular Baptists 
 in the Southern States ; and I have read their history in 
 foreign climes and ancient times, and rejoice to be able 
 to say in truth that the more I see and know of their 
 faith and practice, the more I am united to that people. 
 
 On the contrary, it has been my unhappiness to have 
 had but too intimate an acquaintance with the Effort or 
 Missionary Baptists ; and the more I see and know of 
 their anti-scriptural systems, money-begging schemes, 
 proselyting inventions, heterodox principles, and salary 
 preachers, " the less good opinion I have of the party." 
 But you say that you are neither anti-Mission nor anti- 
 Effort." To' which I reply that I am anti to both, a6- 
 cot-ding to the modern latitudinarian construction of the 
 
236 
 
 Qs ; for they are made to cover and embrace almcwt 
 ry system, society, principle, doctrine and practice, 
 e and true.'moral and religious, earthly and divine, 
 , is now known or set up, on the face of the whole 
 h, which has for its avowed object the improvement 
 tie condition of the human race, And what is strange 
 very objectionable is, that all these are made, or 
 mpted to be made, parts and parcels of the Christian 
 em ; and all those who do not embrace and support 
 a all, in their ramified departments, are denounced 
 Lnties, opposed to the Gospel, and the spread of the 
 pel, These things, as fairly stated above, are the 
 ses, and produced the separation of which you com- 
 n. And I will here unite with you and say, " I, also, 
 3 but a poor opinion of the causes of separation." 
 ou next request me to " say in few words why we 
 against each of the offensive institutions ; whether 
 are against them for their own sake, or on account 
 le manner in which they are conducted ; and whether 
 have among our people any thing of the kind under 
 r names and forms." Answer: We are opposed to 
 a because — 1. They are anti-scriptural and unchris- 
 . 2. They have a direct tendency to unite the church 
 1 the world, and the world with the church. 3. They 
 luce discord, division and di'stress in the church, 
 'o the first objection, viz : "their being anti-scriptural 
 anti-Christian. To this capital objection we invite 
 learned and talented brethren of the Missionary or- 
 to show from the Bible where the .Ministry ever left 
 church and associated themselves with the world in 
 sionary societies for the advancement of the kingdom 
 ^Ihrist. Brother Benedict, as an avowed Old School 
 tist, and a Baptist historian, you are called upon to 
 IV from the Bible, either precept or example for the 
 lern Mission system — which of the inspired writers 
 e recorded an account of the organization of a Mis- 
 ary society ? In what chapter shall we find an ac- 
 at of a Bible society? Or where under the whole 
 ifens, except in "Mystery Babylon," was generated, 
 aght forth and reared, that Institution which has been 
 istened and called Sunday School Union? whose 
 It object is to disseminate sectarian principle's, and 
 selyte children to a profession of religion in their non- 
 
237 
 
 age ; and thereby to build up anti-iChristian sects, like 
 Missionary Baptists. 
 
 Suppose the Apostles on the day of Pentecost, with 
 the other disciples, one hundred and twenty in all, had 
 formed a great Missionary Society in Jerusalem, upon 
 the modern plan, viz. : by associating with the spiteful 
 Jews and Roman soldiers ; Scribes and Elders ; Doc- 
 tors and Lawyers ; Pharisees and Saducees ; with eve- 
 ry other creature that could pay the entrance money, — 
 King Agrippa, President; Pontius Pilate, Vice President; 
 Gamaliel, Secretary, Caiaphas, Corresponding Secretary; 
 Simon Magus, Treasurer — I stop to ask : What analogy, 
 or what likeness would there have been between the 
 practice of the Apostles in the execution of that commis-, 
 sion which their Master gave them, and the Society as 
 pictured above, in its operations ? Could the wise, 
 the learned, or sagacious, discover any likeness or simi- 
 larity between the one and the other ? We think not. 
 Yet we are free to say, that there would have been, in 
 our opinion, as much of Apostolic practice and likeness 
 in that Jerusalem society as pictured above, as there is 
 similarity between Modern Missionism and the preach- 
 ing and practice of the Apostles. Now we, the Primi- 
 tive Baptists, cannot fellowship such a heterogenous con- 
 course of saints and sinners, godly and ungodly, pa- 
 gans and christians, believers and infidels, embracing 
 those whose carnal hearts are " enmity against God, not 
 subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be." Nor 
 do we think that such an atifialgamated mass ever has or 
 ever can engage in the promotion of that Kingdom which 
 is not of this world ; for he that gathereth not with us, 
 scattereth ; he that is not for us is against us. But the 
 command is, " Be ye not unequally yoked together with 
 unbelievers ; for what fellowship hath righteousness with 
 unrighteousness^ and what communion hath light with 
 darkness? And what concord hath Christ with Belial? 
 Or what part hath he Ihat beheveth with an infidel ? And 
 what agreement hath the temple of God with idols ? For 
 ye are the temple of the living God — Wherefore, come 
 
 OUT FROM AMONG THEM, AND BE YE SEPARATE, SAlTH 
 
 THE Lord, and touch not the unclean thing, and I 
 WILL RECEIVE YOu" — 2 Cor. Vl., 14-17. 
 
 But some zealous Missionary brethren will yetobject, 
 
238 
 
 and say ' that was a day of miracles, but this, is a day of 
 means.' Well, adopt that maxim, and the Scriptures 
 cease to be a rule of faith and practice in these days of 
 
 MKANS. 
 
 But it is objected again — 'That the gospel of the king- 
 dom must be preached in all the world for a witness, and 
 that the preacher cannot preach, unless supported; and 
 that this support must necessarily be supplied by the 
 church, and carried out with him ; and this society sys- 
 tem is the only plan to raise that supply.' Those breth- 
 ren who have adopted these views, have fallen into two, 
 capita] mistakes. The first is in carrying supplies in di- 
 rect opposition to to an express prohibition of Christ, 
 who said, " Provide neither gold, nor silver, nor brass in 
 your purses— nor two coats, nor shoes," &c. This com- 
 mand seems valid, as it, or its like, is in four places in 
 the gospel. And the reason given ^hy they should not 
 carry supplies, is that " the workman is worthy of his 
 meat"; and as proof that those who went forth preach- 
 ing the gospel and trusting in God/ while they executed 
 His high cofrmand, "Go ye into all the world," &c., 
 were and should be supplied, the Master asked the Disci- 
 ples on a certain occasion — " when I sent ye without 
 purse or scrip, lacked ye anything?" they said "Nothing, 
 Lord." Wliere, then, the necessity for the society sys- 
 teta? How very different the answer of the disciples 
 from the views of those who trust in Systems, Societies,, 
 Money and the world ; and whose employ is begging, 
 and their whele theme is money. 
 
 The other mistake is, that the Missionary preachers 
 have been trained by their party to trust in the world, 
 and in the men of the world, for their supplies, while 
 they have sown their Arminian stuff! The Lord has 
 pronounced a curse on all that trust in man, saying — 
 "Cursed be the man that trusteth in man, and maketh 
 flesh his arm." And this- curse evidently marks the mis- 
 sionary progress ; for in addition to "the divisions in 
 churches, associations, and the denomination generally, 
 fifty .years hard begging has failed to supply the insatia- 
 ble desire for money, with which the party seems intoxi- 
 cated. Revivals are mfide subservient to this money- 
 getting business ; the day of rest is devoted to this sacri- 
 legious system of begging ; and the worship of God is 
 
239 
 
 prostituted to this golden calf, which is now set up in 
 what are called Baptist churches; and the Ministry — 
 the learned Ministry — who have taken their course in 
 theology — are not only engaged in it,, but take the lead 
 in this nefarious system ! 
 
 We have thus given you the reasons in part for our 
 opposition to the so-called benevolent institutions. And 
 it is our .plan to keep up our opposition to an indefinite 
 degree. 
 
 You speak of the divisions among the Baptists as a 
 family difficulty among brethren, and the least said of it 
 the better ; and that you have no idea of its long conti- 
 nuance. Now, sir, I must be allowed to think and say, 
 that you are not a good judge of what constitutes a spi- 
 ritual family and spiritual brethren. For, if we may 
 judge from appearances, they could never have had one 
 father ; for if there is any likeness between them, except 
 they are all fond of water, I cannot see it. And certain 
 It is, that they are not agreed in Faith ; and you will al- 
 low that we differ essentially in practice ; for while you 
 do every thing which relates to the worship of God and 
 the spread of the Gospel, by money and means, we seek 
 ' to worship God in the spirit, rejoice in Christ Jesus, and 
 have no confidence in the flesh.' Yea, we preach Christ 
 crucified, without the aid of Societies, schools or conven- 
 tions ; and that, too, witbout money and without price 
 — having no salary men among us. 
 
 But, Bro. Benedict, we have some of your over zea- 
 lous Missionary preachers in this country, who have a 
 great desire to preach to certain communities, but cannot 
 without a stated salary, say six hundred, dollars ; and 
 when the salary is in hand, or well secured, they can 
 preach eloquently, exhort warmly, sing melodiously, 
 pray devoutly, and weep bitterly over sinners. But to 
 use the vulgar phra?o of a coarse-bred gentleman— 
 '■They may all go to hell for him except he receive the 
 salary." Now, sir, you, and men of finer taste than my- 
 self, may object to the style of the above, but it is never- 
 iheless a fair picture of facts; yes, of the practice of 
 Missionary men and doings in this country. And as 
 reflecting meij we b'^lieve that the love of money is the 
 main spring and cause of all their devotion to God and 
 Missions. We think, if the money should be removed, 
 
240 
 
 it would be " no longer pipe no longer dance," no longer 
 pay no longer preach'; no more money, then, no more 
 Missionaries to the heathen. 
 
 But you seem to think that the family difficulty will 
 not be of long continuance. While we approve a paci- 
 fic disposition, we would have you to recollect that fami- 
 ly difficulties are sometimes hard to settle. And, if ever 
 the difficulty alluded to is settled, the New School or 
 Missionary Baptists will have to come back to Old Bap- 
 tist ground. 
 
 In another part of your letter, you are pleased to say: 
 " The Parker two-seed humbug is a miserable affair, and 
 a disgrace to any body of men, and so it will be viewed 
 when men come to their sober senses in future time." 
 Now, sir, I cannot see why this humbug was, dragged 
 into the correspondence, unless it was to reflect on the 
 denomination through that miserable affair, as you are 
 pleased to term it. Be the object what it may, you who 
 who "have had much to do in the denomination for more 
 than forty years" cannot be ignorant of the fact, that the 
 Old School Baptists as a denomination never received 
 the two-seed system or doctrine, as held by Daniel Par- 
 ker. And you must also have known, that the Old School 
 Baptists in Tennessee, where Parker disseminated his 
 theory, did formally condemn and reject the doctrine — 
 But should some brethren have been ultra in their views 
 on this subject, are there no ultras or fanatics among the 
 New School or Missionary Baptists ? Have you no her- 
 esies in doctrine ? 
 
 If it is your conclusion that you are free from heresies, 
 and consequently may cast stones at other denomina- 
 tions, look at some of your preachers, who preach any 
 and every doctrine, that will move the passions, excite 
 the feelings, increase your numbers, and loose the purse- 
 strings. So wild and profuse are they in their proselyt- 
 ing declamations, that it is difficult to know of what 
 faith, what sect, or what religion they are ; except they 
 touch Baptism, and then they will turn the world upside 
 down, and raise arguments strong enough to move a 
 mountain, in favor of the one Baptism. But the subjects 
 may have as many faiths, and such qualities as best suit 
 their prejudices or carnal inclinations — provided they 
 are favorable to the Missionary Enterprize 
 
241 
 
 In the last place, ybu charge us with " Another thing- 
 ■which is all wrong among the Anti-people. Your votes 
 of unfellb'wship; this is anti-Republican, and contrary to 
 aU the principles and usages of the Baptists. I put a 
 d'ouhle veto on the whole concern on either side." Now, 
 'sir, you must be either ignorant, or forgetful that fellow- 
 ship, the right of fellowship belongs to christians, chur- 
 ches, and denominations ; and that they always have, 
 and ever will use that right. The Apostles exercised 
 that fight freely against false doctrines, and false tea.ch- 
 ers in their day. And were they anti Republican? Was 
 Paul actiijg^ contrary to Baptist usage when he said — 
 "Though we or an angel from heaven preach any other 
 gospel unto you, than that which we have preached 
 UP to you, let him be accursed." And yet your Ef- 
 fort preachers can and do preach any gospel that may 
 best suit the times and circumstances; and all this you 
 can fellowship, and call it Baptist usage and Republican- 
 ism. But I call your attention to some instances of the 
 exercise of the right of fellowship by the Apostles, that 
 will strain the nerves of some men to approve, viz: the 
 rebuke of Simon Peter on Ananias and Sapphira. It 
 seems to me, that a Missionary would have received 
 one half, and let them off with their lie; and that he 
 would have bartered off the gift of the Holy Ghost to 
 Simon Magus for his large money. And as proof that 
 they would, they sell titles and life membership in Socie- 
 ties, to the men of this world, and make them managers 
 in what they are pleased to call the kingdom of Christ ; 
 and for large money, they make them honorary members 
 and managers for life. 
 
 Sir, I cannot but think that you and your people would 
 have received that "large sum of money," and would 
 have fellowshipped Mr. Magus according to "your Bap- 
 tist usage and Republicanism." Yes, and to extend and 
 perpetuate the right of fellowship, and your Baptist 
 usage, you would take Demetrius the silversmith, and 
 Alexdnder the coppersmith, and every other Smith and 
 every other human creature, that can raise and advance 
 ilhe entrance money ; and would embrace them all as 
 the lovers of Christ, and co-workers with you in the 
 great cause ; while at the same time denouncing the 
 
 vSi 1 C» - 
 
242 
 
 pel ; aad acting contrary to Baptist usage ; consequently 
 you put a double veto on us and our acts. But "none 
 of these things move us." We shall still " stand in tbtp 
 ■wrays and see, and ask for the good old paths, vrhere is 
 the good way, and walk therein," and observe the 
 !L©rd's command, " Wherefore, come out from among 
 them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not 
 the unclean thing, and I will receive you." 
 
 Remarks. — The foregoing extracts have been promis- 
 cuously taken from the many letters addressed to Mr. 
 Beoedict; besides, he received all the Old School Bap- 
 tist periodicals published in the United States, as well as 
 the Minutes of many Associations — in fact, he acknowl- 
 edges, on page 936, that " A large amount of their docu- 
 ments are before me, which contain the resolutions and 
 decrees of their churches and associations." And in- 
 stead of publishing them as he had promised to do, he 
 snppressed them, and then asserts, on page 935, that 
 their history could not be obtained. 
 
 We have now devoted as much time and space to Mr. 
 Benedict, and his History, as our limits will admit. It 
 worfd, perhaps, be admissible, however, to show what a 
 ridicalous dilemma he has voluntarily placed himself in, 
 through the influence of a malicious spirit. He says, in 
 his late History that — 
 
 ■"The anti- Mission movement must of necessity be a 
 short-lived one. It has within itself the elements of its 
 dissolution ; and before my stereotyped pages could reach 
 the different parts of the country, to say nothing of re- 
 moter regions, it will be among the things that are past 
 and forgotten." 
 
 Well, his History has been published several years, 
 and the Old School Baptists still exist, and are in at least 
 as prosperous a condition, and as strongly opposed to 
 Missionism, as when the above prophecy was made j and 
 thossgh it may be exceedingly mortifying to Mr. Bene- 
 dict, they will continue to exist, and to oppose Missii^h- 
 
243 
 
 istA,' whother his stereotyped pages evei* should I'each 
 the differeiit parts of the country' or not. This, thea, 
 necessarily brings up a new question ; and thbUgh some- 
 what metaphysical, we should jje pleased to have it solv- 
 ed. And that is,' whetheir Mr. Benedict had' rather be 
 ^branded with the name of false prophet, aiid enjoy a 
 large sale of books aind a big pile of moniey, or that his 
 "Stereotyped pages could (not) reach the different 
 parts of the country, to say nothing of remoter regions,'' 
 and the truth of his prophecy stand unimpeachable. 
 
 The Missionary leaders have been for the last half 
 century attempfting a regular siege of Biabylon, intend- 
 ing '"to carry the assault to the very gate of the enemy, 
 to storm his garrison, a&d drive him from his last en- 
 trenchment." And though the great maiss of their follow- 
 ers, having eyes see not what they are doing, yet the fol- 
 lowing extract from Mr. Benedict's History woUld seem 
 to indicate that he, at least, had some glimmering view 
 «f the final resuk. If so, in what condilliott must his 
 conscience be, to permit him for filthy lucre's sake, to 
 encourage such a state of affairs ? Here is the quota- 
 tion, viz : 
 
 " This whole subject, however, I must dismiss for the 
 present, with one single remark : while Babylon is taken 
 at one end, a new race of Babylonians mat/ be: coming in 
 at the other," 
 
 The weapons of their warfare are mighty through mo- 
 ney to the pulling down of strongliolds. But' the true 
 christian's "weapons of warfare are not carnal but migh- 
 ty through God," &c. " casting dowa imaginations, and 
 every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowl- 
 edge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought 
 to the obedience of Christ." 
 
 It seems hard for the Missionaries to understand that 
 the christian warfare is directed against vain and 
 
244 
 
 against the knowledge of God ; and that the ^object of 
 this warfare is to feecome reconciled to God, and to 
 bring into captivity ey try thought io the obedience of 
 Christ—" obedience is better than sacrifice." 
 
 Notwithstanding all the hard speeches which have been 
 spoken against the Old School Baptists for their refusing 
 to countenance the Missionary system, and the stale insi- 
 nuation that covetousness is the cause, yet, we assure the 
 , reader, that such a charge is made through a demngogue 
 spirit, by those who are unable to meet the question by 
 legitimate arguments. Could millions of money be ob- 
 tained from a foreign source for the support of Missions, 
 still we should repudiate the whole system, as rehgious- 
 ly filthy and unclean. And as to the support of the Gos- 
 pel Ministry in a gospel manner, it is a part of our plat- 
 form ; and if it is not done, it is a neglect of duty, of 
 which we acknowledge ourselves guilty in many other 
 cases. But — while on the subject — we feel authorized 
 to say, that the Old School ministry are some how or 
 somehow else better provided for than the New School 
 ministry, or else they are more patient and forbearing — 
 for the difference between them in begging money is so 
 wide and so well understood that a comparison is unne- 
 cessary. And as to the ministerial labor performed by 
 the former, it is not uncommon for one Elder or Preach- 
 er to attend two, three, and sometimes four churcheis, 
 besides special appointments, and an occasional circuit 
 among the churches. 
 
245 
 
 CONCLUSION. 
 
 AN ADDRESS TO THE GENERAL READER. 
 
 The leading object of this work, from the time the sub- 
 ject was first moved in the Primitive Association, has 
 been not only to set forth the History of the Primitive 
 Baptists of Mississippi, but ^Iso to show to all concerned, 
 that they now occupy the same platform of principles 
 that the Primitive or Regular Baptists have ever done as 
 far back as their history can be traced. In pursuance of 
 this object, we were constrdined to begin with the Apos- 
 tolic churches, as set forth in the word of unerring truth, 
 from which we have shown an epitome of the plan 
 adopted by the Comforter for sending the Gospel every- 
 where, and also the plan adopted by the churches for 
 settling important difficulties. 
 
 We have thon shown, by quotations from the writings 
 of the Waldenses, that our platform of principles was 
 maintained among that people. And from the writings 
 of the learned Dr. Mosheira, who is no friend to the 
 Baptists, we have shown that they and their principles 
 have existed "in almost all the European countries, and 
 that their origin was hid in the remote depths of an- 
 tiquity." 
 
 We have shown that, nearly two hundred years ago, 
 upwards of one hundred churches or congregations of 
 the Particular or Regular Baptist order met by delegates 
 in London and published their articles of faith, which are 
 substantially as those of the Primitive or Regular Baptists 
 of the present day. . i 
 
 We, have exposed the Fuller heresy, which resulted ia 
 
246 
 
 the modern Missionary plan for evangelizing the world. 
 And also the "damnable heresies" practised by the Mis- 
 sionaries " by reason of whom the way of truth is evil 
 spoken of." "And through coveteousness they, with 
 feigned words, make merchandize" of their brethren, 
 sisters and friends — men, women, children and servants 
 of their own land — and also the heathen ; over whom,, 
 wherever they dare, they exercise a fiendish sway. And 
 we will here venture the opinion that, if by divine provi- 
 dence the baneful system and corrupt conduct of these 
 false teachers among the heathen should be fully exposed, 
 before God sends strong delusions on this subject, nine- 
 tenths of those who are now aiding and abetting this pro- 
 selyting band of imposters would withdraw from them 
 as they would from a serpent's bite or a scorpion's sting. 
 
 In conducting the History of the Primitive Baptists of 
 this, State, our object has been to portray principles and 
 not men ; in which truth constrained us to show that there 
 were two kinds of people in the churches, from the intro- 
 duction of the Misssionary scheme till the separation took 
 place. And in the lower part of the State these same two 
 kinds of people, as prefigured by Isaac and Ishmael — bre- 
 thren in the flesh but not so in the spirit — are still living 
 together, with a fearful preponderating influence in favor 
 of the Missionary party. What will be the final result, 
 we can only say, in the language of the Prophet, " Lord 
 God thou knowest." 
 
 We have endeavored to arrange this history in such a 
 manner, that those who feel sufficiently concerned to pe- 
 ruse it, n^ay learn our platform of principles from different 
 persons and assemblies, in diff"erent ages and sections of 
 the world, all harmonizing in one faith and practice. 
 And though Balaam has Been hired to curse us, and 
 though he has said many ugly things about us, yet the 
 substance of one of his reproachee we accept as a bless- 
 ing, viz : "As to doctrinal sentiments, it is not neces- 
 
247 
 
 sary to give them fo* each church claiming to be Old 
 School Baptists, for th'6y are so neariy alike that the creed 
 of one will answer for the whole." 
 
 We now propose a few general remarks relative to the 
 Bible, Godliness, and! the leading traits df Primitive Bap- 
 tist principles. In doing so, taking the Scriptures as ©«x 
 rule, we are necessarily obliged to view the human fami- 
 ly as divided into two classes of people, through all the 
 generations of men, from Cain and Abel up to the pre- 
 sent time. To do otherwise would be wilfully rejecting 
 the truth, as set forth in the revelation of God to men, and 
 tenaciouslj'' clinging to the dictates of the carnal mind. 
 It has ever been the object of Antichrist to reconcile God 
 to men, instead of men to God. Hence the great effort 
 to wrest the word o5 truth from its true meaning, and to 
 Work WOT ders in proselyting in the name of Jesus Christ, 
 calling Oh God to blessthe dictates of the carnal heart. 
 
 Godliness is a matter that cannot be understood by the 
 carnal mind. It is a mystery — "and without controversy 
 it is a great mystery" — and it would be impossible for any 
 man to communicate this raystery to any but those whose 
 hearts have been circumcised, ears unstopt, and eyes 
 opened by the power of the living God. But, thoagli 
 the ''carnal understanding cannot see and appreciate this 
 great mystery, which is revealed for the benefit of God's 
 children, yet, it can see and appreciate the gerjeral outlines 
 of the Scriptures, as revealed for the government of 
 God's subjects. And the obstinate rejection of this mani- 
 fests the deep mystery of iniquity, against which God has 
 so often visited his fierce indignation. 
 
 In the fall of man into transgression, he received an 
 impress upon the conscience of the knowledge of good 
 and evil. And the conduct of Cain, subsequent to slay- 
 ing his brother, proves his consciousness of guilt. But 
 we shall come directly to the Christian religion and those 
 who were taught out of the Bible. 
 
248' 
 
 Herod knew it was wrong to slay all the children of 
 Bethlehem and coasts .thereof, out of mere suspicion that 
 his throne was in danger. The people of Nazareth knew 
 that it was wrong to seize a peaceable man and attempt 
 to destroy him, because he (Jesus) preached a doctrine 
 repugnant to their feelings. — See 4th chapter of Luke, 
 The chief Priests and Scribes knew it was wrong to 
 bear false witness against Jesus, saying, "we found this; 
 fellow perverting the nation, and forbidding to give tribute 
 to Caesar," and finally to hire Judas to betray his mas- 
 ter, to seek false witness, to put him to death, to spit in 
 his face and buffet him while a prisoner at the bar, and 
 to smite him and make sport of him while on trial. r 
 
 Pilate knew that the charge against him was false, and 
 that he could find no fault in him;. that for envy they 
 had delivered him, and that Jesus was a just man. He 
 knew it was wrong, for the sake of popularity with the 
 multitude, to scourge such a person, and then to deliver 
 him to be crucified. 
 
 Although all these combined, with the Bible in their 
 hands, were incapable of recognizing Jesus as the Lord 
 of glory — "for if they had, they would not have cruci- 
 fied him" — yet they did know, not only from that impress 
 made upon the conscience of every man that cometh 
 into the world, but also from the principles of justice aad 
 propriety taught in the Scriptures, that, with wicked 
 hands and lying lips, they were attempting to accomplish 
 a fiendish deed. Nevertheless, to cap the climax of 
 their deep depravity, these pompous, self-righteous Priests, 
 while trembling with fear, hired the Roman soldiers to 
 tell a lie, in order to hide the resurrection of Jesus. 
 
 Without doubt, pious young men may be brought up 
 at the feet of Gamaliel, and so trained in school theology 
 as to become conscientious persecutors of the true fol- 
 lowers of Christ. But this is through the influence of 
 Priest craft, and not the dictates of natural justice, or the 
 
249 
 
 Bible. , Ajttd hence the greatmecessity for every iadivi- ■ 
 di^al.to search the Scriptures, in order to guard against 
 those who teach things which they ought not, for filthy 
 lucre's sake. 
 
 ' The pretenders to the true religion, under the Mosaic 
 dispensation, persecuted and killed the true prophets.-^-^ 
 And under the Gospel dispensation, the same , class have 
 crucified Christ with wicked hands, and persecuted hi? 
 true followers even to this present day. And though they 
 are incapable of discerning spiritual things, yet they do 
 know that it is a violation of every principle of justice and 
 propriety to belie, calumniate, and persecute, in word or 
 deed, those who are quiet and peaceable citizens, because 
 they hold a doctrine repugnant to their feelings. 
 
 We shall now proceed to show the law of grace, as it 
 presents itself to the natural mind. There is no neces- 
 sary, connection between the external and internal, word. 
 A person may hear the external word preached, or read 
 for a life-time, without being spiritually benefitted. Yea, 
 converted persons may, and often do, hear it preached 
 or read withoutany sensible benefit — being, in Spite of all, 
 their efforts, cold and lukewarm and lifeless. While, at 
 other times, travelling over the same ground, that is hear^ 
 ing the same promises preached or read, they are fed, and 
 edified and comforted. This, then, shows that spiritual . 
 blessings are above and beyond the reach of any, whether 
 converted or not; which would not be the case, if they 
 could, by the use of means, obtain them when they 
 pleased. , ' 
 
 In relation to the decrees of God, though there pan be: 
 110 difference in point of time, yet we hold that there 
 must tiecessarilybe a difference in point of orderi Crea- 
 tion stands first ; and God, by his perfect wisdom and 
 foreknowledge, seeing the fall of man, decreed, the sal va^ 
 tion of the elect, including all the means. According to 
 this order, he has, been pleased to manifest them in the be- 
 
250 
 
 ginning, These are mattersvfounded wholly on the 
 sttvereignty of God, "for so it seemed good in his sight," 
 and yon need not look elsewhere for a reason. 
 
 All Christian denominations admit that God was under- 
 no obligation to save any of the fallen race of man— and 
 indeed they could not do otherwise without reproaching 
 him for suffering Satan to enter — but in doing so, the 
 Arminians give up every inch of ground on which they 
 charge him with injustice, "if he saves a portion without 
 giving all an equal chance" ; for, being under no obliga- 
 tion to save any, there is no rule of reasoning known 
 among men that would make the bestowing of an un- 
 merited blessing upon a few undeserving creatures, an 
 obligation to bestow a like blessing upon all. 
 
 There is but one other position which their ingenuity 
 can assume ; and that is, that God has graciously re- 
 vealed a plan by which all the human race may be saved. 
 And this is the position of the Arminian world. Though 
 they may be divided into hundreds of different denomina- 
 tions on minor points, and though some of them may 
 have a predestinarian faith written in their church-books, 
 yet they all agree in this one thing — that Christ laid 
 down his life equally for all the human family. 
 
 Such a hypothesis necessarily leads to the absurd con- 
 clusion, that Christ laid down his life for the millions who 
 had been, at the time of his crucifixion, pverthrown by 
 the fierce anger of God, in floods of water, fire, and other 
 manifestations of his wrath, as well as for the saints. — 
 This dilemma was seen by the acute and shrewd Andrew 
 Fuller ; and hfence he set forth an indefinite atoneftient, 
 and contended in substance that Christ laid down his life, 
 neither for the sheep nor goats, but for sin; and, by his 
 atonement, provided a common store- house of grace, to 
 which all were equally invited. 
 
 Nevertheless, for the apparent purpose of cozening the 
 predestinarians, he contended, or rather admitted, that 
 
2&1 
 
 tli^ie is >a^iscri{ninatiog speciality in t)i3^pplication of 
 thjp grape — that is, thougb it was provideti for all equally; 
 alike, yet it is applied, or given to none but the elect. 
 This, when stripped of Mr. Fuller's sophistry and. smooth 
 circular mode of reasoning, is nothing more nor less than 
 holding forth the idea that God provided salvation for 
 all, invited all to partake, and: then placed it in reach of 
 some and out of reach of others. Of all the doctrina 
 known among christian denominations, this general atone- 
 ment and special applicatibn is the most dishonoring to 
 the Trinity. It represents a diversity of purpose in the 
 Godhead. It was, however, an unavailing effort on the 
 part of Mr. Fuller to reconcile predestination with Armi- 
 nianism. Hence, it is not uncommon for this class of 
 christians to have a predestinarian faith in their church 
 book, while at the same time they will burlesque it by 
 saying, "it is unprofitable, discouraging, leads to licen- 
 tiousness, and should not be preached." 
 
 We have said, and we now say again, that the Araii- 
 nian world, though divided into various sects on minor 
 doctrines, yet are all substantially the same on leading 
 points of theology. They all harmonize on this one great 
 cardinal point^that salvation is dependant on the act of 
 the natural man, some requiring more and some less as a 
 condition. Against this the predestinarians contend — 
 that, though agreeable to our natural feelings, it is con- 
 ttary to the revealed word of God ; that, if the Arminian 
 plan had been set up, then, instead of God's saving some,- 
 none ever would have been saved; for if man, in his most 
 perfect created state, failed to perform so small a condi- 
 tion of preservation, how could he now, while dead in 
 trespasses and in sin, perform so great a condition of eter- 
 nal sulvaiion. 
 
 The Old School Baptists contend that election is the 
 eternal, sovereign, unconditional, particular, and immuta- 
 ble act of God, whereby he selected some from among all 
 
252 
 
 mankind, out, of every kindred, and tongue, and people; 
 and nation, to be redeemed and everlastingly saved by' 
 Christ. And that, in pursuance thereof, Christ laid down 
 his life for the sheep; and, though the goats are greatly- 
 blessed thereby, temporarily, yet it is an incidental bless- 
 ing, and not a special. 
 
 As it is not our purpose to discuss these high points of 
 theology, but merely to hold them up to the general rea- 
 der aS matter of history, it may be necessary here to re- 
 mark, that, though predestinarians all agree as to the 
 plan of salvation revealed in the word of God, yet there 
 is some slight shades of difference as to the practical man- 
 ner of the application. This difference generally consists 
 more in the imperfection of language and the incapacity 
 of finite minds to grasp so great a subject, than otherwise. 
 Some, however, have run their notions of eternal union 
 between Christ and his church out into the ocean of infi- 
 nity, where tfiey become bewildered; and before return- 
 ing to the confines of Scripture revelation, they imagined 
 that they saw two seed in the flesli, as well as an eternal, 
 self-existing Devil. They then set about hunting up 
 Scripture texts and forcing them to sustain their position. 
 Such a course was pursued by Daniel Parker, until the 
 Old School Baptists were constrained to remonstrate 
 against it. This, however, instead of having the desired 
 effect, in restraining him within Scripture bounds, fired 
 his unwarrantable zeal. He finally carried his two-seed 
 notions to such lengths, that they withdrew their fellow- 
 ship from him and all his followers. 
 
 No matter how many blunders a child may make in a 
 child-like spirit, the parent is sure to look upon him with 
 complacency and pleasure. But when he becomes fully 
 grown— and especially if he should become a head and 
 shoulder taller than common folks— rshould he pride him- 
 self in doubtful disputations on, specidative points of the- 
 ology, to the wounding of feelings among brethren, who 
 
253 
 
 .are equally, sound in thie doctrines of the household, there 
 is just grounds to believe that such a course wflfhld meet 
 with the disapprobation of a wise and good parent. . • 
 
 In the eternal counsel of God, in arranging the plan Of 
 salvation, a treasure was laid up in Christ as trustee for the 
 elect. This treasure is called grace, eternal life, Christ 
 formed in you, &c.. So far as we know, the Old School 
 Baptists generally ask nothing more on this point than to 
 keep irj the mind a proper distinction between this trea- 
 sure and the persons of the saints. The former, accord- 
 ing to the Scriptures, had an eternal existence in Christ; 
 but the latter was created in Adam. And be the treasure 
 what it may, it is a gift unto the elect. 
 
 The Primitive Baptists hold that there is no natural dif- 
 ference between the sheep and goats, but^ that there is a 
 legal difference beforethe, conversion of the former. And 
 we know not how better to illvistrate to the general reader 
 than by supposing a great spyerejgn tp; enter up an irre- 
 vocnble decree, adopting prospectively a certain number 
 of his rebellious subjects as his children, and leaving the 
 balance to abide the due course of law. Though there 
 is no difference whatever in thenis^lves, yet the reader 
 irtust sqeby the illustration, ih^t there is a, legal diffpr^ncej 
 and that the former are safe to the full extent of, thp 
 power and faithfulness of the sovereign. Therefore, the 
 elect are as safe b ifore conversion as they are afterwards. 
 
 A strong case in point is the thief on the cross. We 
 may readily suppose, if the spirits of darkness know the 
 elect, that they were in a fiendish glee at the prospect of 
 defeating the purposes of .grace, at least in one instance. 
 Justly cotidemned for bis crimes; and even joined his fel- 
 low thief in casting indignity into the teeth of his Saviour, 
 nevertheless, in spite of his own corruption, and the 
 powers of earth and hell, just in time his heart wae 
 touched by the Spirit of iidoption— he was quickened into 
 !jife,__his eyes were openled-v-he saw — he believed; And 
 
254 
 
 true to principle, as a needle touched by a true magnet 
 points to the pole, he looked to Jesus Christ and cried, 
 "Lord remember me when thou comest into thy king- 
 dom." The gracious reply is well known to all concern- 
 ed on the subject. "It is not of works lest any man should 
 boast" — but " it is to him that works not, but believeth on 
 Him who justifieth the ungodly." 
 
 That this doctrine has ever been hated and opposed by 
 the world, the flesh, and the great enemy of gr-^iee, is true 
 beyond controversy. It is shot at from behind a hundred 
 masked batteries; and that too by those who pretend to 
 love Him who revealed it to man. Among all the eWe- 
 miesof this doctrine, none are So effectual as those who 
 pretend to believe it, and give it a place in their church 
 books, and at the same time hold up before the world, doc- 
 trines and practices in direct opposition to it. 
 
 But, though the opposition hate this doctrine and re- 
 vile it — though they are offended because Ishmael was not 
 made an heir with Isaac— though they are filled with 
 wrath at the idea of Jacob being loved and Esau hated 
 before either had done good or evil, yet, it is hard to con- 
 ceive on rational principles, why they should persecutie 
 those who receive it. That they should seize the prophets 
 of God, and finally His Son, and put them to death, and 
 then persecute even to this day, those who follow the Son 
 in this doctrine, while at the same time they profess to 
 love God, is a mystery^ of iniquity indeed. But " they 
 flatter him with their mouth, and lie unto him with their 
 tongues. For their heart is not right with him^ neither 
 are they steadfast in his covenant." Though king Ahab 
 pretended to inquireof the Lord and to follow his counsel, 
 yet, he persecuted His prophets for declaring the word of 
 God — and followed the advice of the multitude, to his 
 own destruction. • 
 
 As the mixing law' and grace, temporal salvation and 
 «ternal'salvati6n,' naturallife and spiritual life, has caused 
 
255 
 
 sucfca ponfusipn of ideas,:it may not be out of place to 
 State the views, agreeing with, the predestitiarian Baptist 
 doctrine, relatiye tQ,t^ose,who;are under the law. We 
 mean that law uader which all mankind fell by trans- 
 gression) £>ndfrcim under which the' elect were redeemed. 
 We read of a law of a carnal commandment; and thougli 
 this more especially jalludes to the priesthood under the 
 ceremonial law, yet.it shows clearly, that CJod addresses 
 himsjelf to the carnal ipuidj relative to carnal or ten poral 
 affairs. And 'though it is impossible for man to fulfil the 
 spirituality of the moral law, yet we are taught in the 
 Scriptures, that when the stiff-necked and rebellious Is- 
 jaelitps would draysr nigh unto God and keep the law, in 
 its. literal meaning,) he would: draw nigh unto them and 
 hless them with :a long catalogue of temporal blessings, 
 according to promise. Notwithstanding His course, to- 
 wards them was so plain on this subject that none could 
 misunderstand it, stiU they gradually grew worse and 
 wprse, until he destroyed cheni out of his presence as a 
 nation; and scattered thern among the natiops of thp 
 earth, for their intplerajble insolence and, disregard of , thp 
 xnpral law of^Gpd, 
 
 The same principle of dealing was manifested towards 
 the Ninevites. They were threatened with destruction 
 for their wickedness, which had gone up before God; and 
 they averted their ovfirjthrow by humbling themselves in 
 sack-cloth and ashes. 
 
 The liE(W has never been: repea,led. Nothing but tem- 
 poral ble^ingSr were ever promised under it^— and no one 
 is authorized to say or believe that God is less propitious 
 now in granting ,thesei legal blessings, than on any former 
 occasjot^., , The Riinds; pf- men ; he^ve been confused on 
 this, subject .^y, mixipgi,or atteinpting tP mix, law and 
 grace. "H?,^hait kee;pethftl^e lav, happy 'P he." Again: 
 " WheUn a man's jwf^ys please the Lord, he maketJh even 
 his.eneipies tp,):|e,^iPe^ce with him." This, bpingincan- 
 
256 
 
 sistent with God's dealing with his children, must be 
 spokeh'of His subjects under the law. Though Solonaon-, 
 from whose proverbs the above quotations were taken, 
 alluded to many things pertaining to gi"ac6, yet his lead- 
 ing object seems to be, to lay down a rule of action to 
 promote the temporal welfare of man — that is, "he gave 
 his heart to seek and search out by wisdom concerning 
 all things that are done under heaven." And be arrived 
 'at this conclusion, that "There is nothing better for a man 
 than that he should eat and drink, and that he should 
 make his soul enjoy good in his labor. This also I 
 saw, that it was from the hand of God." Again: "Eat 
 thy bread with joy, and drink thy wine with a merry 
 heart; for God now accepteth thy works"- — that is, the 
 works of those who live according to these proverbs of 
 morality, which are so pathetically addressed to the sons 
 of men. ; : 
 
 As a general rule, therefore, those who approximate 
 nearest to this Bible morality, enjoy the greatest ambllnt 
 of happiness in this life. In the absence ol suitable illus- 
 trations, and a definite rule by which they could go inside 
 of outside appearances, and correctly assess the amoimt 
 of happiness enjoyed by each individual, many mav be 
 Jed to doubt the above scriptural inferences, when applied 
 to persons. Nevefrtheless we feel safe in affirming, that, 
 apart from the dealings of Gisd with his children, in lead- 
 ing them through tribulation for their future benefit, with 
 which those uhder the law have nothing to do, the above 
 rule is in strict accordance to the word of Divine reve- 
 lation. ; II 
 
 When we turn our attention to the nations of the earth, 
 this great truth is so manifest that intelligent infidels have 
 acknowledged the Bible entitled to that much credit. 
 And we ^ill here remark, that if the efforts of Sunday- 
 schools and some other societies had been devoted ex- 
 clusively to teaching and enforcing this irnportant truth, 
 
257 
 
 separate and apart from religion, no Old School Baptist 
 within the range of our knowledge would oppose them. 
 *'I know Abraham," says the Great Author of Revela- 
 tion, " that he will command his children and his house- 
 hold after him, and they shall keep the way of the Lord, 
 to do JUSTICE and JUDGMENT." "Justice and 
 judgment is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice." 
 Again, from the New Testament : " Honor thy father and 
 thy mother, which is the first commandment with pro- 
 mise ; that it maybe well with thee, and that thou may est 
 live long on the EARTH. And ye, fathers, provoke not 
 your children to wrath; but bring them up in the nurture 
 and admonition of the Lord"— that is, " to do JUSTICE 
 and JUDGMENT." It was at first understood that 
 the Sunday School Union was designed for this purpose. 
 But the spirit of missions soon daubed it with religion: 
 and then the Primitive Baptists were constrained to re^ 
 pudiate it, as well as all the fascinating brood of which 
 the Missionary system is composed. 
 
 . In relation to a future state, though mankind are by an 
 inherited nature under condemnation, and though they 
 cannot extricate themselves from this condition, yet their 
 judgment will not be according to these latent principles, 
 but "according to the deeds done in the body" — that is, 
 according to the extent to which these latent principles 
 are drawn out and put in practice. Hence, we read of 
 " Heaping up wrath against the day of wrath, and 
 j-ighteous judgment of God ; who will render to every 
 man according to his deeds." 
 
 And it is an important fact, that all the bitter woes in 
 the New Testament are mainly levelled against christian 
 hypocrites, who preach a faish Gospel, a false Jesus, a 
 false Christ, encompass sea and land to make proselytes, 
 and work wonderful things in the name of the Lord-^ 
 thus acting as satelites of Satan, in blurringover the trtie 
 character of Jesus Christ and his religion. " Satan him- 
 
258 
 
 -sielf is tranSforihed into an angel of light ; therefore it is 
 no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the 
 ministers of righteousness, whose end shall be accotfl- 
 irig to thdir works." 
 
 Although the hurtiaa family are clearly represeiited in 
 the Scriptures are divided into two classes, under law and 
 under grade, yet ndne are permitted to know one froin 
 the other, except by their fruits. Paul was notified, that 
 God had much people in Ck)ririth, still he did not know 
 them persohalhr. Hence, wherever he wes permitted to 
 preach, he preached the Gospel to all men indiscrimi- 
 nately. 
 
 " Ye shall know them by their fruits." This is the 
 only rule given by which they can be known. And were 
 it not for the hypocrisy of men, it would be a sufficient 
 one for all. But the skill of hypocrites is so acute at 
 couhterfeiting, " that if it were possible, they would de- 
 ceive the very elect." " The fruit of the Spirit is, loVe, 
 Joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, 
 meekness, temperance — against such there is no law." ■ 
 
 And in conclusion of this part of the subject, we will 
 here remark, that there is not one instance, in all the New 
 Testament, in which perniission is granted to those under 
 grace, which would in the slightest degree militate against 
 the welfare of human society — or against the rules and 
 regulations of any of the governments of the earthi. 
 When Jesus said : " I am come to set a man at Variance 
 against his father, and the daughter against her mother, 
 and the daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law; attd 
 a man's foes shall be they of his own household" — it was 
 •Evidently predicated on human depravity — that is, wheil 
 any are truly converted, they are hated without a cause. 
 T6 send sheep among 'wolves would certEiinly produce 
 war, but the fault would not be in the sheep. 
 
 The followers of Christ are eommandeid' to " live peace- 
 ably with all men so fiir as in their power lies." And 
 
259 
 
 especially are they cqinmanded to sub'mititP ^^^ rules and 
 regulc^tiohs o;f governpents. Tp illustrate clearly, sup- 
 pose thejre were Old School Baptists in theStateof Maine, 
 a^ we fondly hope and believe there are — what would be 
 their course relative to that law which forbids the use of 
 wine ? In answer we will state what we consider con- 
 sistent with their profession. They will forego the use 
 of wine on ordinary occasions ; but they will use it in 
 the sacrament, and quietly and peaceably suffer the con- 
 sequences. Though they may exercise the rights ofciti- > 
 zens, by insisting on its repeal, yet they cannot openly 
 resist the law or secretly evade it. Yea, though they 
 knew that every member of the Legislature who voted 
 for it, were mesmerized by Satan, yet, they are bound to 
 obey the law, or quietly abide the consequences. 
 
 The foregoing views are in accordance with the chris- 
 tian religion, and the platform of principles of the Old 
 School Baptists. And if any of the true followers of 
 Christ should disregard these divine regulations, they 
 will fall into the hands of one who knows how to use the 
 chastening rod- One who has said, "If his children for- 
 sake my: law, and walk not in my judgments; if they 
 break my statutes, and keep not my commandments { 
 then will I visit their la-ansgression with the rod, and 
 their iniquity with stripes : nevertheless, my loving kind- 
 ness will I not utterly take from him, nor suffer my faith- 
 fulness to fail ; my covenant wiU I not break, nor alter 
 the thing that is gone out of my lips." A record is made 
 of one instance in which He took the natural life of one 
 of His prophets for being deceived into an act of disobe- 
 dience. But the lion, by which the deed was done, so 
 far from carrying out the instinct of his mature, by de- 
 vouring the " carcass," stoodsentineli and guarded offaW 
 other animals, till an esCort arrived to bdry the dead.-^— 
 See 1 Kings, chap. 13. 
 
 There is one other subject to which we would C^ll 
 tfa6 attention, and show the litAfkei differbnce bbtvireeE 
 
260 
 
 the 01(1 School Baptists and the New School Baptists. — 
 We allude to the subject of Slavery. It is a positive in- 
 stitution of government as well as the Bible. This is 
 suflScient for all true Christians, without proving the fact 
 that it is the most happy condition of the black race. So 
 far as the Old School Baptists are concerned, you might 
 take your servant and travel through all the Northern 
 States without being insulted or injured. Should you be 
 a brother, and treat your servant contrary to the rule 
 laid down in the Gospel, they might charge the fault upon 
 your conscience, which would be their duty. But as to 
 holding a slave under the strict rule for servants, yon 
 would hear nothing against it. 
 
 That the abolition spirit crossed the Atlantic in the 
 same vessel with the missionary spirit, could be easily 
 demonstrated. Both lead directly to the disturbance of 
 civil government, whenever and wherever they dare at- 
 tempt it. And with the control of the normal schools, to 
 manufacture teachers of a certain stripe, for training th& 
 youthful mind; and their corrupting influence in religi- 
 ous matters ; they will soon exercise an influence in this 
 Republic, over the political mind, that will defy all peace- 
 able opposition. 
 
 The following extracts are taken from the Sigrts of 
 the Times, an Old School Baptist paper published in the 
 State of New York. It has now reached its 20th volume, 
 and has correspondents from all the Northern States. — 
 The editor says : 
 
 " We are happy to assure such of our readers as are 
 unacquainted with their brethren of the Northern States 
 that, extensive as our knowledge is of the Old School 
 Baptists, we do not know an Old School Baptist on earth 
 that is an abolitionist, or who favors the cause, or has 
 any sympathy with the disorganizing party of fanatics 
 called abolitionists." Dec. 1, 1850. 
 
 Again: 
 
 * With brother Bell, and in common with all the bre- 
 
261 
 
 thren, we deeply, regret that a dark and portentous cloud 
 should seem to threaten the perpetuity of our federal 
 compact; but we feel a consciousness that the Old 
 School Baptists of the North have had no hand in its pro- 
 duction— that they have never uttered the first word to 
 exasperate, nor taken the first step to infringe upen the 
 rights of their Southern brethren and fellow-citizens. 
 It is our firm belief that the various branches of anti- 
 christ, and the newly invented religious institutions of 
 the nineteenth century have been the principal agents in 
 sowing the seeds of discord between the sister states of 
 our great Republic. As the domineering infatuation of 
 anti-christian demagogues hns exerted an influence de- 
 trimental to the cause of freedom and the rights of men 
 and of States, so let the influence of Old Schoolism be 
 of a conservative character, and let us trust the event 
 to God." Aug. 1, 1851. 
 
 As to politics. Perhaps some persons may think it 
 strange that nearly all the Old School Baptists are State 
 Rights Republicans. But if their form of government, 
 and strict construction principles were duly considered, 
 it would appear more wonderful that any of them should 
 be otherwise. Their churches are united in Associa- 
 tions for their mutual welfare. And they have ever 
 claimed the right of secession, in case of a palpable vio- 
 lation of the letter or spirit of the constitution, each jud- 
 ging for itself. It is impossible to assume any sensible 
 medium between this and the concentration of despotic 
 power in the Association, against which the churches 
 are ever watchful. This make the Association cautious 
 against assuming powers not delegated. 
 
 As long as the churches remain true to their primitive 
 principles, the Association can do no harm. But when^ 
 a portion of them become corrupt; through the influence 
 of false doctrine, then, and not till then, an opportunity 
 is afforded for designing men to bring in a multitude of 
 isms, at war with the fundamental principles of true Chris- 
 tianity. This state of affairs is invariably followed by 
 
262 
 
 strife and ppateaticoJ, until they become emphaticaliy 
 two peoph, in alt the leading points of doctrine and 
 practice. And a final separation is the iheVitable result. 
 The love of the Baptist Union caused the Old School 
 Baptists previous tptl^e separation to submit to many 
 wrongs and outrages ; and to contend earnestly for are- 
 storation of gospel Mder. Bat in spite of all their en- 
 treaties, and earnest appeals to their Net<r School breth^ 
 ren against heresy in doctrine and practice, primitive 
 principles vyere wholly disregarded. The Old School 
 Baptists finally foiind themselves reduced to; the painfalf 
 condition, in which they were forced to give up Ihe sys' 
 tem of religion established by their Lord and Master and 
 his inspired Apostles, or in obedience to the Divine in- 
 junction, "Come out from among them and be separate." 
 
CONTENTS. 
 
 Introduction, --._.. 5 
 
 Waldenses, -.-... H 
 
 European Baptists, - . . . . 16 
 
 English «-..., 19 
 
 Fuller's Atonement, _ _ - . . 26 
 
 Modern Missions, ----- 28 
 
 Missionism in Asia, - - . . . 37 
 
 do in Africa, . . . . 43 
 
 Dean's Illustration, ----- 49 
 
 Missionism in Jamaica, - . . . 50 
 
 do in Polynesia, - - . - 54 
 
 do among the American Heathen, - 55 
 
 do among the Americans, - - 58 
 
 Baptists in Mississippi, .... 73 
 
 Mississippi Association, .... 77 
 
 Remarks on do. - - - - - 125 
 
 Pearl River Association, - - - 138 
 
 Remarks on do. - - - - - 145 
 
 Union Association,- - - - . 149 
 
 Remarks on do. - - - - • 157 
 
 Yazoo Association, 159 
 
 Yallobusha do. . . - . i65 
 
 Primitive do. - - - . . 172 
 
 Lusascoona do. ... - 195 
 
 Tallahatchie do. - - - - - 199 
 
 Noxubee do. .... 205 
 
 Bethany do. 212 
 
 Remarks on the Associations, - - - 217 
 
 Benedict's History, .... - 2I8 
 
 Its Doctrinal Views, ... - 223 
 
 Letters to Benedict, 227 
 
 Remarks, -...-. 242 
 
 Addkess to the General Reader, - . - 245