CORNELL 
 
 UNIVERSITY 
 
 LIBRARY 
 
 FROM 
 
BX620g.N85 W92 
 
 First half century of the North jmberland 
 
 3 1924 029 451 717 
 
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/cu31924029451717 
 
1820 to 1870. 
 
 THE 
 
 FIRST HALF CENTURY 
 
 SITUATED IN 
 
 Nartkmkrkd, Mootour, Coluinliia, Sulli7aD, Lycoiiiig, Clinton, 
 Union aad Snyder Countks, 
 
 PENNS YLTAHI A. 
 
 Scmi-lEenltnnml |^iiiii6eirsarg at SaUliHrnsport, ^rpl. 38 & 39, 1870. 
 
 PHILABELPHIA: 
 
 J, A. WAGENSELLER, 23 NORTH SIXTH STREET. 
 1871. 
 
SEMI-CESTENNIAL AMIVEESARY. 
 
 Willi A51SP0BT, Pa., aeptember 28, 1S70. 
 
 Evening. — By previous appointment, Brother Geo. 
 M. Spratt delivered a Memorial Sermon from the text, 
 Acts xiii. 36, 37: "For David, after he had served his 
 own generation by the will of God, fell on sleep, and was 
 laid unto his fathers, and saw corruption. But he whom 
 God raised again saw no corruption." 
 
 This illustrative reference formed the basis of a few 
 thoughts peculiarly appropriate to this Jubilee Anni- 
 versary of the NORTHUMBEELARD BAPTIST ASSOCIA- 
 TION. 
 
 "David served." — The primal law of all existence is 
 service. Angels serve— man serves — Christ served — 
 service is honorable. 
 
 David served ly "the will of God " — How he knew 
 the will of God, we are not informed. Not by a direct 
 voice. Providence, which is only another name for 
 the voice and arm of God, directed him — he became 
 king, prophet and seer, 
 
 David served, by the will of God, "his own genera- 
 tion." — Could not serve the past— they were dead. 
 Gould not serve the future generations — they were not 
 born. 
 
 His own were before him. Our own generation 
 will be dearer to us, in heaven, than any of the past 
 or the future. 
 
 David's time of service was limited — "he fell on 
 sleep," ' * 
 
4 NOETHUMBERLAND BAPTIST ASSOCIATISN. 
 
 Applying tbese thoughts to our present meeting, he 
 proceeded to give a short synopsis of the past fifty 
 years of our Associational history. 
 
 Within that period, twenty-three ministering breth- 
 ren connected with this body sleep in Jesus. 
 
 He reviewed their toils and sufferings — -their preach- 
 ing in the open fields, in houses, in barns — of their 
 traveling through sunshine and storm, bearing the 
 tidings of salvation to the lost. 
 
 Seventy brethren who now labor on other fields, 
 have, in past years, rendered good service^ to the 
 churches of this body. ""' 
 
 Sixteen pastors, one colporteur, one evangelist, and 
 two brethren connected with the University, who have 
 not held pastoral relations, are now laboring on the 
 field. 
 
 CONCLUDING REFLECTIONS. 
 
 1st. What a rich legacy has Christ given to the 
 churches in these honored names! 
 
 2d. How greatly are we indebted to Madison,^and 
 to the University at Lewisburg, for the ministry thus 
 fostered and prepared ! 
 
 September 29.— At 11 o'clock. Brother J. Green 
 Miles delivered the second Memorial Sermon, in ac- 
 cordance with previous appointment. Subject: 'T/ie 
 
 Mission of Baptists." 
 
 1. To teach a correct doctrine — Calvinistic, but not 
 
 hyper. 
 
 2. Correct church polity. 
 
 3. The true baptism. 
 
 The progress they have made is illustrated by 
 
 4. The increase of the churches and their growth. 
 
 5. Prejudices that existed have given way to a 
 
 very greit extent. 
 
» SEMI-.ENTESNIAL EXERCISES, 5 
 
 6. In the progress made, there has been a strict ad- 
 
 herence to their principles. 
 
 7. No reason why they should be abandoned now. 
 
 Ad the close of Brother Miles' sermon, there was a 
 general desire expressed to hear from our venerable 
 Brother, El'gesio Kiscaid. At the request of the 
 Association, he responded, and, in a simple and pa- 
 thetic strain, recounted many interesting and affecting 
 incidents in connection with his early labors in the 
 Valley of the Susquehanna. 
 
 Brother 0. N. Woedes" having, during the day, 
 read the Historical Address, prepared by request, (the 
 Tables and Appendix excepted) it was 
 
 Moved, that the thanks of the Association he given 
 to Brother Worden for his elaborate, interesting, and 
 valuable sketch, and that he be requested to furnish 
 the same for pnbhcation. 
 
 Unanimously adopted by a standing vote. 
 
 It was subsequently 
 
 Voted, that the Historical Sketch as prepared by 
 Brother Worden, be referred to Brethren G. M. Spratt, 
 T. 0. Lincoln, E. B. Campbell and J. R. Loomis, as a 
 Committee to have the same published in a suitable 
 book form. 
 
 Brother T. E. Clapp offered the following Preamble 
 and Resolutions, and moved their adoption : 
 
 Whereas, Brethren Spratt, Miles, Kincaid and Wor- 
 den have so ably reviewed and recalled the last fifiy 
 years' history of the Association; therefore. 
 
 Resolved, Tliat we will ever cherish with deep 
 thankfulness " the cloud of witnesses " to the name of ' 
 our dear Lord, llis Gospel, and His Work, composed 
 
b NORTHUMBERLAND BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 
 
 of the brethren and sisters who have so nobly and 
 successfully struggled and gone home, or yet remain. 
 Resolved, That we will pray and labor to make the 
 next fiftieth anniversary as full of holy memories and 
 blessed fruits as our fathers have made this for us. 
 
 These resolutions struck a tender chord of sympathy 
 in the hearts of many, and called forth a hearty re- 
 sponse upon the final motion to adopt. 
 
 Interesting remarks, interspersed with personal 
 memories and experiences, were made by Brethren 
 J. R. Loomis, J. Green Miles, L. Gr. Beck, S. W. Zeig- 
 ler, W. Cattell, Conley Plotts and J. A. Kelly ; when, 
 after a prayer of thanksgiving by Brother G. M. 
 Spratt, and the singing of the hymn 
 
 "Blest be the tie that binds," 
 
 this delightful "Jubilee Anniversary " was closed with 
 prayer by Brother T. E. Clapp. 
 
 J. ANDERSON KELLY, Moderator. 
 Geokge S. Banger, Clerk. 
 N. George Moulder, Assistant Clerk. 
 
HISTORICAL ADDRESS. 
 
 BY O- N. W^OKDEN. 
 
 Brother Moderator — To older and better in- 
 formed brethren iias been assigned the pleasing duty 
 of giving some of the many interesting reminiscences 
 connected with the progress of this Association. I am 
 to present the more prosaic, but not less instructive, 
 steps in that progress. 
 
 My contribution is mostly made up from the print- 
 ed file of Minutes. O^her interesting details might 
 doubtless be added, from the memory of the living 
 and the memorials of the departed, I have failed in 
 some of my efforts to draw out facts, which may yet 
 be elicited by this pioneer publication. Some materi- 
 als of value have been kindly furnished me, which are 
 unsuited to the design, or to the limits, of this paper. 
 
 In reading the following pages it should be remem- 
 bered that the Associational years cover part of two 
 calendar years, so that supposed errors may be more 
 apparent than real. Thus a matter may be reported 
 in the Minutes of 1860, which may have transpired 
 either in 1859 or in 1860, and the compiler without 
 means of determining which year. As some Minutes 
 were printed without the supervision of the Clerks or 
 
8 NORTHUMBERLAND BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 
 
 otber writers of the manuscripts, mistakes may have 
 crept in, which can not now be detected or corrected. 
 
 In selecting from and condensing the mass of matter 
 at command, I have sought not only to preserve the 
 sentiments, but also the very words in which they 
 were expressed. This is deemed proper and necessa- 
 ry, in order to make a lifelike mirror, reflecting fairly 
 the public religious labors of the founders of the body 
 and of their successors to this day. 
 
 That the summary history here given — though frag- 
 mentary and imperfect — may excite our gratitude, 
 strengthen our faith, and inspire our zeal in the great 
 work of extending the Eedeemer's kingdom on earth, 
 is .my earnest desire ; and the hope that it may be thus 
 useful, is ample reward for the considerable expendi- 
 ture of time and of research with which I have endea- 
 vored to meet the wishes of my Christian frie.ids. 
 
PIOSEER CHKISTIAN LABORS. 
 
 As early as 1728, white traders and adventurers 
 had penetrated to the region now covered by this As- 
 sociation, 
 
 In 1742, Count Zinzendorf and other Moravian 
 missionaries preached iu old ShaumoMng (now Sun- 
 bury,) and also at a place called Oslamoackin, about a 
 day's journey from Shaumokmg, on the West Branch, 
 where they found some Frenchmen from Canada, and 
 also the noted Madam Montour, who, although Catho- 
 lics, listened with some respect. 
 
 Not long afterwards, "the Society for propagating 
 Christian Knowledge," in Scbtland, sent out David 
 "Brainard, a Congregational preacher, from New Eng- 
 land. In the years 174-5, '47, that devoted missionary 
 labored among the Indians and scattered whites in 
 Shaumoking and other points in Pennsylvania, and 
 also in New Jersey. No great success if recorded, in 
 his life, of his labors on the Susquehanna. 
 
 About 1747, the Moravians established a mission at 
 Shaumoking, which was broken up by the Indian 
 ravages and murders which followed the defeat of ■ 
 Braddock in 1755, and the Brethren fled to Bethlehem. 
 
 In 1768, this region was thrown open to legal set- 
 
10 NORTHTTMBEELAND BAPTIST ASSOCIATIO^. 
 
 tleinent by the treaty with the Indians at Fort Stan- 
 wix. 
 
 Previous to the Ee volution, the Scotch-Irish Pres- 
 byterian, the Lutheran, and the German Eeformed 
 churches had made some progress along both branch- 
 es of the Susquehanna ; but their organizations were 
 probably all broken up by the War for Independence. 
 
 FIRST BAPTISTS. 
 
 It is believed that, among the early settlers, from 
 New Jersey and elsewhere, were a few Baptists, who 
 were driven away by the Indians. 
 
 In the Minutes of the Philadelphia Association are 
 found our first printed evidences of the existence of 
 Baptist sentiments in Central Pennsylvania. In the 
 session of that body for 1774, " Letters from well dis- 
 posed people, requesting supplies, were read," "from 
 Tolbert, in Northumberland, in the province of Penn- 
 sylvania," and from other places ; and in the same year 
 it is recorded, " Brother David Sutton, William Worth 
 and Blkana Holmes ar^to visit the inhabitants of Tol- 
 bert township, at times to be fixed upon by themselves" 
 
 In 1775, " Supplies were granted to the following 
 destitute places : " " Talbort township," " Baltimore 
 town," (now city,) and six other points. 
 
 In 1778, a fund was recommended to be raised "for 
 the particular and express purpose of preaching the 
 Gospel among the back settlements." 
 
 The expression, " are to visit," indicates a promise, 
 which was quite probably fuliilled. I append — {iSce 
 Appendix, Notes A., B. and C.,)— brief sketches of 
 those first supposed Baptist preachers within our 
 
EARLY BAPTIST MEETINGS AND. BAPTISMS 11 
 
 bounds. What was accomplished by them in this 
 region, we have not, as yet, the least intimation from 
 any source. 
 
 EAELY BAPTIST MEETINGS, AND BAPTISMS. 
 
 Benedict's first history states that, soon after the 
 Revolution, Mr. Ebenezer Green and others, from the 
 Warwick Church, in Orange county, New York, set- 
 tled on the West Branch, in the Black Hole Valley. 
 They kept ap a meeting, and were visited by James Finn, 
 of the first church (formed in 1786) at Pittstown, Wy. 
 oming Valley, He baptized some among them. They 
 probably held Connecticut claims, and, being disap- 
 pointed about their lands, they soon moved in a body 
 to the Chemuag flats, just over the State line, in Kew 
 York. There, in 1791, they aided in forming " Che- 
 mung," the first Baptist church in that region, where 
 the venerated Eoswell Goff so long ministered. Those 
 first hnown Baptist meetings and baptisms, were pro- 
 bably between the years 1786 and 1790. 
 
 ]?rora the dark days of 1778, I findj for fourteen 
 years, no notice of this vicinity in the Philadelphia 
 Minutes. In 1792, however, we read that "Elders 
 -Patton, Clingan and Vaughn agree to travel for three 
 months in the ensuing year, about Juniata and the 
 West Branch of Susquehanna, to preach the Gospel to 
 the destitute ; and this Association recommend that a 
 sufficient sum be subscribed by the churches, and paid 
 immediately into the hands of Col. Samuel Miles, to 
 bear their expenses." 
 
 And, in 1794, "a letter was received and read from 
 the church in Bufialoe Valley, Northumberland conn- 
 
12 NORTHUMBERLAND BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 
 
 ty, requesting to be received into this Association. 
 Postponed, no messenger appearing to receive the 
 right hand of fellowship." As the Shamokin Church 
 was formed in June, and the Association convened in 
 October following, we suggest that this is the same 
 church referred to, as at that early day it is known 
 there was Baptist preaching at Col. Wm.-Chamber- 
 lin's, in Buffaloe Valley. Probably, after laboring in 
 Tolbert [Turbut] township, Buffaloe, and other points 
 in the then large county of Northumberland, Shamokin 
 was fixed upon as the most promising location. 
 
 Without any formal report from this second trio of 
 Baptist domestic missionaries — {See Notes D., E. and 
 F) — we have evidences that their labors were not in 
 vain, on either river. 
 
 PIEST PEHMANENT ORGANIZATION. 
 
 Our first known Church in this region was organ- 
 ized in Shamokin township, 21st June, 1794, by 
 Elders John Patton and WiHiam Clingan. In 1796, 
 it was received by the Philadelphia Association. 
 John Patton was the pastor, and the original member- 
 ship of nine — from New Jersey and Bucks Co., Pa., as 
 is supposed — had increased to fifty. Our Minutes for • 
 1862 contain the interesting history of this mother 
 church in detail. It would be impossible to make 
 even a satisfactory abstract of it, for this address. 
 Those who possess the Minutes for 1862, 1863, and 
 1866 to 1870, should carefully preserve them, as addi- 
 tions and enlargements of this contribution to our 
 history. 
 
WHITE DEER, AND LITTLE IITINCY. 13 
 
 SECOND CHURCH OKGANIZATION". 
 October 23, 1808, John Patton joined Elder Thomas 
 Smiley {ITote ff.) in the recognition of ten baptized 
 believera as the White Deee Church. The pastor 
 (Smiley) and his wife were from a church on Towanda 
 creek, three were from Shamokin, and the five others 
 had been baptized in that region within a few years 
 previous. The members were scattered along the 
 West Branch, as high as Jaysburg, now a suburb of 
 "Williamsport. The history of this venerable body 
 13 in our Minutes for 1863. 
 
 THIRD CHURCH. 
 September 27, 1817, Elders John Wolverton (N'ote 
 M.) of Shamokm, Smiley of White Deer, and Simeon 
 Coombs {N^ote I.) of Middleboro', Massachusetts, met 
 a Council in the Union meeting house in Moreland 
 township, and recognized the Little Mukct Church, 
 now called Madisow, The fourteen constituents 
 comprised Elder Henry Clark {N'ote J.) and wife, and 
 one other from White Deer, three supposed to have been 
 from New Jersey, and eight who had been baptized, 
 mostly by Elder Smiley, within a few years preceding. 
 The history of this fruitful vine, and of three of its 
 branches, may be found in our Minutes for 1866 and 
 
FIEST DECADE. 
 
 ORGANIZATION— SOWING THE SEED. 
 
 Shamokin Churcli traveled with Philadelphia As- 
 sociation on the east, and White Deer and Little 
 Muncj with the original Chemung Association on the 
 north. The annual meetings, however, were so 
 remote that there could be little or no mingling to- 
 gether with these churches for aid or edification. 
 Consequently, having been cordially dismissed, at 
 their request, for the purpose, the above-named Sha- 
 mokin, White Deer and Little Muncy Churches asso- 
 ciated, in the Union meeting house in Moreland, 4th 
 August, 1821. At that time, they reported their 
 changes during the previous year, so that the present 
 session completes half a century of the operations of 
 the NOETHUMBERLAND BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 
 
 As a matter of interest, and to fairly present the 
 rules of business and views of doctrine put forth by 
 the founders of this body, a fac simile of their first 
 year's record of proceedings is herewith copied in full 
 as near as may be, (typographical errors excepted :) 
 
THE FIRST ANNUAL MEETING, 
 
 ASSOCIATION, 
 
 CONVENED AT MOEBLAND MEETING- HOUSE, 
 PDESUANT TO PKEVIOUS APPOINTMENT AND COMSOLTATION, 
 
 SATURDAY, AUGUST 4, 181 
 
 STJJfBURT, PA. 
 Amo9 Straw, Printer. 
 
IlEPRINT OP FIRST TEAR'S MINUTES. 
 
 [3] 
 I in CAPITALS— lioensoa proaoLera In 
 
 White Deer. 
 
 MESSENGERS. 
 
 r JOHN TVOLVERTON, 
 I John Moore. 
 
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 \ 
 
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 1 
 
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 1 " 
 
 
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 3 
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 1 IJ 
 
 1. At U o'clock, the introductory sermon 
 brolher THOMAS SMCLEY, from Psalm 123: 3- 
 aa a city tliaC is compact together." 
 
 H. Alter a short intermission, b^aa bosi ness trlth prayer. Brother 
 SUlLEYwua chosen Moderator.aiid brother arai£ 5h«]!ar(l. Uletk 
 
 3 Having had satisfactory testimony of his being sound In the 
 fuith, and in good standing where he resides. Invited brother 
 NATHANIEL TIBBET to a seat with us. 
 
 i. Further Rgraed thata circular letter, already prepared, be referred 
 to a committee for revision which was done, and it was adopted. 
 
 5 A letter from the Board of Managers of the Baptlat General 
 Convention In the United States, was read. We rejoice in every eflbrt 
 to dllTuae light among the Heathens; hope to aid It with our prayers, 
 and soou a^ we oau with our substance. 
 
18 NORTHUMBERLAND BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 
 
 [4J 
 
 6. The next annua.1 meeting of this Association, is to be at Shamo- 
 kin Meeting-House, on the Friday before the first Lord's day in Sep- 
 tember, 1822, at 12 o'clock. Brother Shepard is to preach the 
 Introductory sermon, and brother OLABK In case of failure. Brother 
 ■WOLVERTON Is to prepare a circular letter. 
 
 7. Brother CLARK Is to visit Philadelphia, and brethren Shepard 
 and Demott the Ablngton Association, with letters from us In order 
 to open a correspondence with those bodies. 
 
 8. Brother SMILEY is to keep our records, and superintend the 
 printing of our present Minutes. 
 
 9. Adjourned till to-morrow morning at 10 o'clock ^when we met 
 
 again. Brother WOLVEETON preached ; and, after a short Inter- 
 mission, brother TIBBET. Closed with the administration of the 
 Lord's supper. 
 
 10. The following Rules of Decorum, and Articles of Faith, were 
 unanlmousLv adopted by this Association. 
 
 EULES. 
 
 1. This Association shall be composed of members from the 
 churches In our union, who shall be duly nominated, by the churches 
 to which they belong, to represent them In Association, being per- 
 sons whom they J udge best qualified for that purpose, and, producing 
 letters from their several churches, shall be entitled to a seat. 
 
 2. In the letters from the churches shall be expressed their number 
 In full fellowship, those baptized, received by letter, dismissed, 
 excommunicated, and dead, since the last meeting of Association. 
 
 S. The members, thus chosen and convened, shall be called the 
 NORTHUMBERLAND PARTICULAR BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 
 
 4. . This Assoelatiou claims no authority or Jurisdiction over the 
 churches, but acknowledges their Independence, and disclaims any 
 power to decide controversies which may arise In any particular 
 church, but will act only as an advisory body. 
 
 5. This Association shall have a Moderator, and a Clerk, who shall 
 be chosen by the suffrages of the members present. 
 
 6. New churches shall be admitted Into this Association, who shall 
 request It by letter and delegates, and, If found orthodox and orderly, 
 shall be received Into union, manifested by the Moderator's giving 
 the delegates the right hand of fellowship. 
 
 7. Every query presented by any church, shall be once read, and, 
 before It be debated, the Moderator shall put it to vote, and it shall be 
 withdrawn or debated as a majority shall determine. All cases to be 
 determined by a majority of votes. 
 
 8. An Association-book shall be provided, and a person appointed 
 
REPRINT OP PmST TEail'S MINUTES. 
 
 [6] 
 
 wno shall keep a record of wliat is done in isaoeiation, and concnr- 
 rine; circumstances, for tbe benefit of posterity 
 
 9. Tbe meeting of this Association shall be annnallybelil.as to time 
 Bud plaee, as shall be thought most convenient and advantageouB. 
 
 10 Each member, before he speaks, shall ai^ae and address the 
 
 11. Any proposition brought fornard and not seconded, shall be 
 
 12. No member shall absent himself, in time of business, without 
 leave from the Moderator; nor indulge auy secret conference which 
 may lead to disorder. 
 
 IS. The appellation Elder, or Brother, shall be used In AsBOClation, 
 and likewise In our Minutes 
 
 14. Each ohurcb sliall contribute towards defrayiug tbe charges of 
 printing the Minutes. 
 
 Articles of FAITH, in a summary way. 
 
 1. We believe that there are three who bear record In HEAVEN— 
 the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost ; and these three are one. 
 
 2. We believe that the Scriptuies of the Old and New Testaments 
 are given by " the Inspiration of God," are protected In their purity 
 by his providence, and are the only rule of faith and practice, 
 
 8 We believe In eternal personal election to hotmess here, and 
 glory eternal hereafter, 
 
 4. We believe In complete and free justification by the imputed 
 righteousness of Jesus Christ. 
 
 5. We believe in the original gnilt and total depravity of mankind, 
 and their utter inability to recover themselves fiom this state by 
 their own free-will, moral, or natural ability. 
 
 e We believe that a change of heart, or regeneration, Is only 
 eflteoted by a supernatural power, or irresistible grace of God 
 
 7 We believe that Gad's elect shall be called, converted, regener- 
 ated, and sanctified by the Holy Spirit, shall persevere in grace, and 
 never fail finally away. 
 
 8. We believe Christian baptism to be immersion In water, in the 
 name of the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, on a profession of repen- 
 tance toirards God, and faith in our Lord Jesns Christ; and tliat 
 baptized persons, only, have a right to commonioate or partake of 
 the Lord's supper, 
 
 B. Wo believe that baptism is not rightly performed, unless the 
 administrator has been immersed himself, and regularly inducted 
 Into the ministry, 
 
 ID. We believe in the resurrection of the dead, and a general 
 Judgment 
 
20 NORTHUMBERLAND BAPTIST ASSOCIATIO.V. 
 
 [6] 
 
 H. We believe that the Joys of the righteous, and the punishment 
 of the wicked, will both be eternal. 
 
 12. We believe that the first day of the week, or Lord's day, is the 
 Christian Sabbath, and ought to be kept holy. 
 
 13. We believe that it is the duty of those, that profess the religion 
 of Jesus Christ, to worship God in their families. 
 
 14. We believe it to be right for us to promote a friendly disposi- 
 tion to other Christian denominations, where they profess to believe, 
 and practice, in many of the greatest points, the same truths with 
 ourselves. 
 
 15. We believe it to be our duty. In the fear of God, to strengthen 
 each other's hands against impostors and false teachers among our- 
 selves, and to keep up an unremitted watchfulness in our churches 
 against all error, and in particular the Armlnian, Socinian, and Hop- 
 kinsian doctrines, which appear most prevalent in our day. 
 
 16. The Baptist Confession of Faith, adopted by the Philadelphia 
 Association in 1742, we also adopt, as a more full declaration of how 
 we understand the Scriptures. 
 
 Circular Letter. 
 
 THB NOETHrMEERIjA.ND PAETIOULAB BAPTIST ASSOCIATION iendetft 
 love to the brethren, dearly beloved. 
 We can not but take a retrospective view of what our God has done 
 for us, not only in calling us individually (as we trust) from the 
 power of darkness, and translating us into the kingdom of his dear 
 Son, but also that he has exhibited his goodness to us in this land, 
 which recently was the habitation of the beasts of the forest, and 
 men " wild almost as they." Here the Lord has raised a few Gospel 
 churches ; and those have been permitted, in providence, to meet by 
 their delegates, and have a comfortable opportunity in deliberating on 
 things pertaining to the Redeemer's cause, and of uniting with a view 
 of promoting the good of Zion in this part of creation. Therefore, 
 we And ourselves under obligations to remind both you and ourselves 
 of the importance of the opportunity. The Israel of God can never 
 be hid, (being "a city set ou a hill"); but, more especially, our trans- 
 actions now will not be hid. Open scoffers at practical godliness, 
 and those opposed to the precious truths we believe, will view, and 
 •wait for the halting of this little band. Our dear bretliren, in other 
 branches of Zlon, will see, and rejoice, if we stand valiant for the 
 truth. Cominggenerations, if westand fast In the Lord, will, in their 
 oouflicts with the powers of darkness, be adverting back, and find 
 renewed slrougth and oonfldence, from what the testimony of a feeble 
 
KEPftINT OP FIRST TEAU'S 
 
 [7] 
 
 bandwaBpfor eternal truth. In this day and place. But, above all— and 
 what ougbl to lay ua in BilencBin t&e duat— Is, ttie eyes of JehOTOh are 
 upon us, even that Sod before wliom the daazllng apirits before bis 
 tbrone vail tlielr faces 
 
 tTnder a lively eeuse, as we trust, of tbese tbings, ne would address 
 both yon and ourselves with a few words of eucb advice aa we deem 
 
 And, first, as the raain spring and welfoce of onr associated body 
 begins in wbat tbecharcbes ore that compose lt,wo advise our churches 
 to lay it to heart, that your Qod has placed you as ** the pillar and 
 ground oftruth," In your ohuroh capacity, and it is his high comman- 
 ded duty to you, as branches of Zion, to keep the bouse of Qod In 
 order. We insist the more on this, as we are in doubts tliat the impor- 
 tance ol it is often not snSclently realized. In our day, tliere is no 
 persecution to strllie adread on hypocrites, and they offer themselves, 
 and the wealcness of human nature is such, as to be fond of nnmbers, 
 and, therefore, not watchful enough. As a remedy, therefore, for evils 
 of this kind, we entreat you to act witli holy watchfuluces, and, ere 
 you admit peraons to baptism, let a tliorongh investigation take 
 place, conceming whether or not that wbat they profess to have 
 experienced, has taught tbem to believe the doctrine of the Gospel, 
 and to regard what tlie head of the church has made duty, not only in 
 the solemn ordinance of baptism, but in prayer, and holy living ; 
 fijr, If these thlngg are wanting, we may as' well expect "Bga of 
 thistles," as fbtsuch a character to do honor to bis professioD as a 
 church member. 
 
 Second, have a special regard to whom yon encourage to atand as 
 watchmen ou tbe walls of Zion. In a special manner, let them be 
 such OS you have reason to believe are Of holy lives, possessed of the 
 spirit of wisdom, skilled In tbamysteries of tbe Gospel, vabantfor the 
 truth,"notgreedy of fllthy lucre," and "apt to teach;" for, under God 
 much Of the wel^e of Zion depends on the ministry being agreeable 
 to Scripture 
 
 Third, it is of great importance that your deacons be men that well 
 nnderatand and practice the office, TbeNowTeetament gives us large 
 directions about this office, with the assurance, that, where It Is well 
 used, a great boldness in the faith follows as a consec[uence. God has 
 made It duty, that the ministers of tbe Word give themselves wholly 
 up to It, and prayer; and, as far as the situation of things will admit, 
 Itlsttaeindispensibieduty of the deacons, to stir up the church to it, 
 and obtain donations for the ministry and other charges, which much 
 promotes love between the pastor and tbepeople of bis charge. Sucli 
 men,thereIore. brethren, you ought first to prove, and, when found to 
 have the gift of fuIfiLUng the important ti'uat, let them use the olBce. 
 
22 NORTHUMBERLAND BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 
 
 [8] 
 
 Again, as it concerns our duty as an Association, experience proves 
 that the early acts of such a body are often loolced back to in a future 
 day as precedents. It is therefore highly Incumbent on us to make the 
 Word of God the man of our counsel; and, if accessions offer to our 
 number, let us bewatchful to receive only such as are sound in the 
 ITAITH. How pointed is the Word of God against the fellowshlping of 
 error ! "A little leaven leaveneth the whole lump," and the repeated 
 warnings that so much abound in holy writ, in this respect, ought 
 surely to have weight with us. 
 
 Again, we that are ministers of the Gospel stand highly concerned 
 here. And may the time never come when any of us will be so perfi- 
 dious as to suppose that a general or indefinite atonement, moral but 
 not natural depravity, and their appendages, are the same with what 
 is contained in holy writ and our confession of faith, as the manner 
 of some is. But let us "contend earnestly for the faith once delivered 
 to the saints"— never come to a truce with &llen nature— but study to 
 be examples to the flock in patience, defence of the truth, godly fear, 
 meekness, and holy living, through Jesus Christ. Amen. 
 
 THOMAS SMILEY, Moderator. 
 SILAS E. SHEPARD, Clerk. 
 
 FINIS. 
 
SECOND SESSION. 23 
 
 It will be seen that this was " a day of small things." 
 There was only one visiting lirother {Note K.) But the 
 careful fathers of the Association satisfied themselves 
 of his orthodoxy and blameless life before receiving 
 him — a precaution now too often neglected. 
 
 An impressive admonition of the shortness of time, 
 is conveyed in the fact, that of the sixteen members of 
 the body at its organization, there is but one survivor, 
 Silas E. Shepard, now a leading preacher among the 
 " Disciples," or Campbellites, then a youth under age. 
 
 2d Session — Shamoon. 1822. 
 
 Introductory sermon by Brother Shepard ; Brother 
 Smiley, Moderator. 
 
 Withont burdening this main sketch with further 
 details of officers, or the complete increase and de- 
 crease reported at the several sessions, I insert them 
 all in a tabular form, at the end of this address, and 
 notice matters of interest not thus indicated. 
 
 The visiting brethren present were Joseph Mathias, 
 [Note L.) and John S. Jenkins, from Philadelphia, 
 
 This first meeting after organization was saddened 
 by the absence of one of its constituent ministers— 
 the successor of father Patton — oi whom the Minutes 
 say, "We unanimously sympathize with our sister 
 church at Shamokin, and feel partners in her grief, on 
 account of the decease of her beloved pastor, John 
 Wolverton, in the past year." 
 
 While openmg a free correspondence with Abington 
 and Philadelphia, this Association declined any fel- 
 lowship with the old Chemung, in consequence of its 
 fraternizing with the Susquehanna Association, in and 
 
24 NORTHUMBERLAND BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 
 
 north of Wyoming valley. The churches composing 
 the latter body, had been mostly raised by Elder 
 Jacob Drake, originally a Separatist, and of Arminian 
 tendencies. The Susquehanna was soon dissolved, 
 virtually, by the formation of the Bridgewater Asso- 
 ciation, 1826. Some of the ministering brethren of 
 Massachusetts and elsewhere, were attended to — or, 
 rather, those who sent them here — by correspondence, 
 on similar but not as well founded apprehensions of 
 unsoundness. 
 
 At most of the Associational sessions, a Circular 
 Letter was presented, on some important point of 
 Christian doctrine or duty. Without noticing them 
 here, their writers and topics are inserted elsewhere in 
 their order. Many of them are worthy of re-printing. 
 A Corresponding Letter also was generally prepared, 
 referring tP the progress and state of the body, and 
 topics of less permanent moment. The multiplicity 
 of books and of religious periodicals in our day, has 
 in a measure obviated the necessity of those publica- 
 tions in connection with Minutes. . 
 
 At this session, in addition to the opening sermon, 
 we read that "Brother Mathias preached," and, ''busi- 
 ness closed, preaching atten(^ed to." Also — "Lord's 
 day : spent in public worship, and, at the instance of 
 the church we were met with, administered the ordi- 
 nance of baptism ; ultimately, took an affectionate 
 leave of each other." 
 
 3d Session — White Deer, 1823. 
 
 Introductory by Brother Smiley, who was also 
 Moderator. 
 
TDIRD AND FODRTH SESSIONS. 25 
 
 Only nine messengers ; and Elder John Miller (^Nbte 
 if.) and Win. Clark, visitors from Abington. 
 
 The churches were warned against two excluded 
 ministers, by name. 
 
 Foreign Missions. — " The General Circular of the 
 Board of Managers of the Baptist General Convention 
 of the United States, was read with pleasure, and we 
 learning therefrom that sixteen of the natives in 
 Barmah have been baptized, feel encouraged to say, 
 ' Thy kingdom come,' speedily." 
 
 Commendations of the foreign mission work are 
 too numerous to copy at length. Kroni the outset, 
 correspondence was sought with the Board, and the 
 churches and members of the Association, with few 
 exceptions, have been more or less zealously interested 
 in the work. 
 
 Keeping N'eio Yearns. — "We recommend a public 
 prayer- meeting to our churches, to commence at 11 
 o'clock, A.M., January the 1st, 1824." Similar seasons 
 of special prayer were recommended at subsequent 
 sessions; 
 
 In addition to the introductory sermon, Brother 
 Shepard preached twice, and Brother Miller four 
 times — thrice on Lord's day — from which we infer 
 that this first visit of a representative of the New 
 Englanders in Pennsylvania, was very acceptable. 
 ■iTH Session— MoEELAND, 1824. 
 
 Introductory by Brother Shepard; Brother Smiley, 
 Moderator. 
 
 Ten Epessengers; the faithful Mathias the only visitor 
 named. 
 
26 NORTHUMBERLAND BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 
 
 No notice of any but the opening sermon. Aa 
 preaching, however, was the principal " business" of 
 the meetings, we are not to suppose the miaisters 
 present failed to exercise their gifts. 
 
 The churches were warned against three more 
 impostors. 
 
 Correspondence was kept up with the Chemung and 
 Massachusetts brethren, and more satisfaction, not un- 
 mingled with anxiety, was expressed. 
 
 An emphasized hint appeared that the Minutes 
 could not be printed without money ! 
 
 5th Session — Shamokin, 1825. 
 
 Introductory by Brother Smiley ; who also served 
 as Moderator. 
 
 This session was signalized by the first addition to 
 the original three churches. It was the Forks of 
 Loyalsock, (now " Loyalsock,") with 13 members, 
 under the pastoral care of Henry Clark. It had been 
 formed in 1822, with ten members, eight from Little 
 Muncy Church, and two newly baptized. Its history, 
 with that of its daughter, Forksville, is in our Minutes 
 for 1866. 
 
 David Bateman, delegate from Philadelphia, preach- 
 ed twice, and Brother Clark once. 
 
 "Brother Smiley is appointed our corresponding 
 secretary, in room of Silas E. Shepard, resigned." 
 {Note 0.) 
 
 6th Session — Wnfrs Deer, 1826. 
 Introductory by Brother John Miller; Brother 
 Smiley, Moderator for the sixth time in succession. 
 
SIXTH SESSION. 27 
 
 , Visiting brethren — Mathias from Philadelphia, and 
 Miiler and Robert Stone from Abiogton. 
 
 Brother Eugenio Kincaid first appeared in this Aa- 
 aociation, as pastor at Shamokin. 
 
 Troubles at Little Manoy had calminated in a, 
 division of the church, and the presentation of two 
 letters to the Association, After examinatioa, it was 
 concluded that the letter signed by Nathan Delany 
 represented those in fellowship with the Association 
 on its original platform, and they were received as the 
 church. They reported fourteen (or nearly one- 
 half their former number) esoluded, among whom tvaa 
 their late pastor, Silas E. Shepard. The other letter, 
 signed by the former church clerk, was in disappro- 
 bation of the Association, They claimed to be a ma- 
 jority of those present at a meeting when a regular 
 letter of dismission was granted to Mr, Shepard, as a 
 Baptist minister in good standing. This letter created 
 much controversy, and enabled Mr. Shepard to gain 
 a position, in Bradford county, whereby several of our 
 churches were divided, the cause sustaining an injury 
 there from which it suffers to this day. lu this Asso- 
 ciation, however, the alienation was not of long dura- 
 tion, and the disaffected mostly returned to our fold. 
 
 The churches were again warned against impostors. 
 
 Corresponding letters, from 1826, were generally 
 printed with the Minutes, instead of being written and 
 seat by mail or delegates, as previoasly. 
 
 7th Session — with Madison Church, 1827. 
 
 " In consequence of ill health, there was no open- 
 ing sermon," and no notice of any preaching. Brother 
 
28 NORTIIUMBEELAND BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 
 
 Kincaid, Moderator, was the only pastor present, 
 Brother Smiley being sick with a fever. No visitor 
 was named as such, but "Brother Macomber prayed." 
 
 The Milton church was received, with Brother Kin- 
 caid, pastor, and 19 members, six newly baptized, -the 
 original nine members having been from New York 
 State, and neighboring churches. The history of this 
 efficient body is in the Minutes for 1870. 
 
 The name of '• Little Muncy" appeared changed to 
 " Madison." 
 
 This session, and that of 1830, were held in the 
 Presbyterian meeting house in Washington ville, which 
 was courteously opened for our accommodation. 
 
 Correspondence was invited with the Juniata Asso- 
 ciation, which, however, proved to be an anti-mission 
 and o mission body, and ere long was dissolved. 
 
 8th Session — Shamokin, 1828. 
 
 Introductory by Brother Smiley ; Brother Isaac 
 Wolverton, Moderator. 
 
 Brother Smiley the only pastor present, and J. S. 
 Jenkins, the only visitor. Preaching twice by Smiley, 
 and thrice by Jenkins. 
 
 Eight impostors were advertised. {Note 0.) 
 
 " Query, from Loyakock Church. — What shall be 
 done, or how shall a member be dealt with who has 
 received a letter and remains within the bounds ol the 
 church, and will not commune with the church, or put 
 his letter into any other church ? 
 
 " Answer. — We believe the member whose conduct 
 is as presented in this query, is under the care of the 
 church from which he received his letter." 
 
An extract from tlie Little Muncy (Madison) churob 
 record, giving their reasons for excluding Mr. Shep- 
 ard from their fellowship, was to be inserted ia the 
 Minutes, but was " reserved for re-consideration, by 
 request of several brethren," that year. On the re 
 moastranee of White Deer Church, it appeared in the 
 Minutes of next year, (1829.) • The reasons are of a 
 doctrinal character, and will be found in Note P. 
 
 9th Session — White Dbbb, 1829. 
 
 Introduc.tory by Brother Matliias ; Brother Samuel 
 Bogers, Moderator. 
 
 thamokin reported 27 baptisms — a large accession 
 in that day. 
 
 Brethren Mathias, Higgina and Bowen, were inci- 
 dentally named as visitors. Preaching three times by 
 Mathias, twice by Bowen, once by Higgina, and also 
 " preaching at Uniontown," Saturday evening. 
 
 Advised " that no stranger be invited to minister in 
 holy things, unless he bear with him a recommenda- 
 tion of recent date, from some regular Baptist Church." 
 
 Opened correspondence with Central New Jersey. 
 
 Noticed the death of Brother Fleeson of Rox- 
 borough, and Elder Stephen Gano, of Rhode Island. 
 
 [It may be well here to state, as matters of reference 
 for friends, that, in the winter of this year, Mr. Kincaid 
 left the field, retaining his membership at Milton. He 
 set sail for Burmah, the flrst time, from Boston, 2ith 
 May, 1830. Mrs. Almy Kincaid died at Maulmain, 
 December 19, 1831. Mr. Kincaid married Barbara 
 McBain, about 1833. They arrived in America for 
 
30 NORTHUMBERLAND BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 
 
 their health, first, 30th April, 1843. He devoted him- 
 self especially, with Brother Shadrach, to aid in found- 
 ing the University at Lewisburg. Sailed for Burmah, 
 second time, 25th July, 1850. Eeturned to America 
 as bearer of despatches from the King of Siam to the 
 President of the United States, in July of 1857, and 
 returned in September of same year. Coming again 
 to America, he attended this Association in 1868 and 
 1870. Is now engaged, as strength permits, in the 
 foreign mission interest.] 
 
 10th Session — with Madison Chuech, 1830. 
 
 Introductory by Brother Smiley, the only pastor 
 present, who was again Moderator. 
 
 " Brother Higgins, of Philadelphia, now itinerating 
 in this land," was requested to prepare a circular for 
 next session. 
 
 Two sermons by Smiley, one by Higgins, one by 
 Bowen, are named^also, "worship in various places 
 in the vicinity in the evening," — and, on Lord's day, 
 baptism, the supper, and " parted in love." 
 
 Temperance. — " Eesolved to announce, that this As- 
 sociation regard with lively interest the laudable efforts 
 now making for the suppression of Intemperance, and 
 recommend to the members of our churches to abstain 
 entirely from the use of Ardent Spirits." 
 
 Subsequently, all intoxicating liquors were con- 
 demned in their use, and also their manufacture and 
 licensed sale, as a drink. Thus, for forty years, with 
 much unanimity, has this Association, by formal reso- 
 utions, too numerous to quote, and by various ad- 
 dresses and sermons, put itself right on the great 
 
31 
 
 issue. Outside of the Association, its memhers have 
 been generally engaged in this Christian and humani- 
 tarian reformation, {Nole Q.)' 
 
 Domestic Missions. — "Agreed that it is expedient 
 thai, a fund be forthwith raised to defray the current 
 expenses of this Association, and to be appropriated 
 to whatever other purposes she in her wisdom may 
 direct." A subscription was opened, James Moore 
 appointed Treasurer, and a Solicitor designated for 
 each of the churches. 
 
 Thaiiks for past Aid. — "Whereas, the churches con- 
 nected with this Association have received a consider- 
 able amount of ministerial services from the missioa- 
 ariesofthe Pennsylvania Baptist Association, through 
 whose instrumentality much good has been realized 
 Therefore, Resolved, that we duly appreciate the 
 labors of the missionaries, and whilst we would ex- 
 press our gratitude to the Society for their benevo- 
 lence in sustaining them, we would respectfully yet 
 earnestly solicit their continuance." 
 
 Indeed, the history of the Association, or rather of 
 its several churches, is a record of effective domestic 
 missions, in a more or less distinctively organized 
 form for that end. 
 
 Brethren Smiley and Higgins were appointed dele- 
 gates to the meeting in Milesburg, in November, in- 
 tended to consolidate the denomination, in the State, 
 for more united and vigorous efforts in the common 
 cause. 
 
 The Corresponding Letter of this year says : " The 
 utmost cordiality has marked our present 
 
»J NORTHUMBERLAND BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 
 
 nothing of an unpleasant nature having occurred ;" 
 and then adds what, in view of the coming eventful 
 years, now reads like a prophecy — 
 
 ' We unhesitatingly affirm — the harvest is gkbat, 
 but the laborers are few." 
 
 At the close of the first decade, or ten years' exist- 
 ence of the Association, there is apparent an increase 
 of churches from three to five, and of members from 124 
 to 172 — a gain of forty -eight (48) only, of which 26 
 were by baptisms this year, every church having re- 
 ceived additioqs of from 2 to 11 each. It was a plant- 
 ing rather than a reaping period. Good seed had been 
 patiently sown, and intense denominational misconcep- 
 tions, against the little handful of scattered Baptists, 
 were passing away in many quarters. 
 
SECOND DECADE. 
 
 A REVIVAL ERA— OVER SEVEN HUNDRED 
 BAPTISMS. 
 
 llTH Session— Shamokin, 1831. 
 
 Introductorj bj Brother Smiley ; Brother Zophar 
 X). Pasco, Moderator. 
 
 Clinton church, located in Black Hole valley, (see 
 page 11,) was received, with Beajamia Bear and 
 Nathan Delany as delegates, repo^tiog 15 members, 
 mosbly newly baptized. Its history is in our Minutes 
 for 1869. 
 
 Each of the sis churches reported baptisms — 41 in 
 all. 
 
 George Spratt, pastor, and George M, Spratt, Jr., a. 
 licimtiate, and George Higgins, pastor at Milton, first 
 appeared among the messengers — a goodly addition 
 to the "laborers" prayed for. 
 
 No visitors are named until the arrival of brethren 
 John L. Dagg and Joseph H, Kennard, from Phila- 
 delphia, who preached on Lord's day, and took a col- 
 lection of $20 for the mission fund. 
 
 Preaching, also, on two successive evenings, in 
 " sundry places in the vicinity," at "candle lighting" 
 
34 NORTHUMBERLAND BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 
 
 — perhaps ten or a dozen sermons in all — so ready 
 were the people to hear and the ministers to preach. 
 
 The Association became auxiliary to the newly or- 
 ganized State mission society, and appointed two 
 brethren in every church to solicit for its funds. 
 
 As this year occurs the first account of contribu- 
 tions, raised under the previous year's resolutions, I 
 quote the record : 
 
 "A committee we had appointed to examine the 
 account of our Treasurer, Brother James Moore^ 
 report as follows : 
 
 Eeceived of Zophar D. Pasco, Shamokin, $12 00 
 
 John Lewis, White Deer, . 5 00 
 
 " fcam'l Eoger^, Forks of Loyalsock, 3 00 
 
 " Joseph Moore, Milton, . . 21 00 
 
 " Benjamin Bear, Clinton, . . 5 00 
 
 $48 00 
 
 " We have examined»the above account, and find it 
 correct. 
 
 " Benjamin Bear, ") ^ .,, „ 
 "Isaac WoLVEKTON, P"'^'"*"^^- 
 
 In answer to a query from Shamokin church, it was 
 again advised that no members be considered as dis- 
 missed until notice be received of their reception by 
 some other church. 
 
 12th Session — Milton, 1832. 
 
 Introductory by Brother Spratt, Sr.; Brother James 
 Moore, Sr., Moderator. 
 
 Eeceived the Jersey Shore church, with 34 members, 
 by Robert MoMasters and Benjamin Tomb, their mes- 
 
TWELFTH SEBSIOS. 85 
 
 sengers. They had organized in 1827, with 18 mem- 
 bers, mostly baptized in the village and along the 
 lower portion of Pine creek. The history of thig 
 vigorous church is in our Minutes for 1863. 
 
 Hezekiah West, from Chemung, the only visitor 
 named, 
 
 Preaching thrice by Spratt, Sr., thrice by West, twice 
 b^ Higgins, and once by Spratt, Jr. — ten aorraous in 
 ail. 
 
 Death of Father Smiley, — " It is with regret we men- 
 tion the afflictive dispensation of divine Providence, in 
 removing by death, since our last anniversary, our 
 brother, Elder Thomas Smiley, long an active and 
 useful member in our body," He had attended all 
 the Asaociational meetings save one. 
 
 Literary Institution. — These seven feeble churches, 
 nambering 267 members in the aggregate, had the 
 fetith and the foresight to pass this vote : 
 
 " Keaolved, That the exigencies of our denomina- 
 tion require that an effort be made to establish a 
 Manual Labor Academy, in the interior of this com- 
 monwealth, for the education of our sons, and to fur- 
 nish faciUtiea for literary and theological improvement 
 to brethren who may have been approbated to preach." 
 In this connection, it may be well to notice, we have 
 the germ of the University at Lewisburg, The seed 
 was planted thirty-eight years ago. It was kept from 
 springing up, however, by a more powerful and pro- 
 mising effort, in another quarter, as appears by the 
 following resolution, passed by this Association in 
 1834, and again in 1835, viz : 
 
36 NORTIIDMBERLAND BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 
 
 " Resolved, That we view the exertions of the Phi- 
 ladelphia Baptist Association, in the establishment of 
 the Haddington Literary and Theological Institution, 
 with deep interest, and feel highly gratified in hearing 
 of its present flourishing prospects." 
 
 Butthe Haddington institution was of short duration. 
 
 To the Seminary at Hamilton, now called "Madi- 
 son University," members of this Association gave nO 
 inconsiderable patronage for many years, and received 
 its students into their fttmilles and pulpits often with 
 mutual advantage. 
 
 The revival of the project for promoting education 
 within our bounds, will come into notice hereafter. 
 
 The collectors from the several churches reported 
 something from every church, amounting to $139 34, 
 which was ordered to be wholly paid over to the 
 parent society, " and other funds raised to defray the 
 expenses of the Association." 
 
 13th Session — White Deek, 1833. 
 
 Introductory by Brother J. G. CoUom ; Brother 
 Samuel Rogers, Moderator. 
 
 Milton reported 23 baptisms, all the other churches 
 a few — total during the year, 39. 
 
 Elders Jonathan G. Oollom from Philadelphia, and 
 Thomas B. Brown, from Centre, and Deacon Sheldon 
 Norton, from Abington, visitors. 
 
 Two sermons from Brother Brown, two from Brother 
 Collom, and one from Brother Spratt, Sr. 
 
 Five churches, and a collection, made up $144: for 
 the Mission fund. 
 
 For the first time, one church (Loyalsock) failed 
 
POURTEENTEI SESSION. 37 
 
 o£ a representation in Association, and a committee of 
 three waa at ouoe appointed to inquire into their state. 
 This friendly watchcare has been common from tbat 
 time, and visitations from ministering and other breth- 
 ren, with or without special appointment, have often 
 proved of great value in. enconraging weak or dis- 
 tracted churches. 
 
 Samuel Rogers waa appointed to procure and pre- 
 serve the records of the Association, and present a 
 copy of all tlie printed Minutes at each session. 
 
 Prolracted Meetings. — " Resolved, That in the judg- 
 ment of this Association, protracted meetings have 
 heen, under the blessing of God, the means of contri. 
 bating largely to the prosperity of our 2ion, and that 
 we recommend the same to the churches composing 
 this body." 
 
 14th Session — Clinton, 1834. 
 
 Introductory by Brother Enoch M, Barker; Brother 
 Rogers re-elected Moderator. 
 
 The' SIX churches represented, al! had baptisms to 
 report — Madison having the largest number, (25), 
 White Deer and Clinton 17 each, &o. 
 
 Two letters appeared from Shamokin— one, signed 
 by Isaac Wolverton as clerk, reporting one excluded, 
 the Association received as representing the regular 
 church. The other, signed by Zophar D. Pasco, re- 
 ported 29 excluded, (which waa done in an irregular 
 manner.) Those not fellowshiped by the Association, 
 formed an "Old School" organization, which existed 
 a few years in correspondence with the 0. S. Chemung 
 Association, and then ceased to exist by the death or 
 
38 NORTHUMBERLAND BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 
 
 removal of some of its members, and the return of a 
 portion to the regular church, from which 22 were 
 formally excluded in 1835. 
 
 Brethren E. M. Barker and Joseph Miles appeared 
 as visitors, and fathers Thomas E. Thomas and 
 Richard Proudfoot {Note N) as delegates from the 
 newly formed Center Association, on the ground of the 
 old Juniata. 
 
 Thomas B. Brown and A. B. Winchell, (ordained 
 ministers,) were returned from Milton Church, and 
 George Higgins from Shamokinand Madison churches. 
 
 The Christian Gazette, of Philadelphia, was recom- 
 mended for general circulation. On various occasions, 
 the Association has urged upon families the import- 
 ance and benefits of receiving regular visits from re- 
 ligious journals. 
 
 Six churches reported $111 83 for the Mission fund. 
 
 A State Convention for Missionary purposes, was 
 recommended. 
 
 Instead of a circular letter. Brethren T. B. Brown 
 and Wm. Thomas were appointed to prepare a Narra- 
 tive of Religion within the several churches. It 
 notices at length a meeting of four days in White 
 Deer, under the charge of Elders Tucker, Brown and 
 Higgins, aided by " lay brethren from abroad, especi- 
 ally by those from the Milesburg Church." Madison 
 Church had erected a meeting-house in Derry, and 
 Brother William S. Hall's labors were noticed in con- 
 nection with a protracted meeting of that church in 
 June. Jersey Shore had dismissed 15 members to 
 form the Warren Church, on Pine creek — beyond our 
 
riPTEENTH SESSION. 3» 
 
 Associational bounds — and was blessed in the labors 
 of Brother Higgios once in four weeks. 
 
 In 1834, 1835, and some subaequeot sessions, only 
 the opening sermon is noticed in the Minutes. 
 
 15th Sessioh" — WITH Madison Oh., at Dekiiy,1835. 
 
 Introductory by Brother Eiggina, who was also 
 Moderator. 
 
 All theserenchurches reported baptisms — Madison 
 22, Shamokin 8, &c. — total, 51. 
 
 Visitors— Elders B. M. Barker, of Reading, and 
 Samuel Wilson, of Harrisburg. 
 
 The word "Particular" disappeared from the Asso- 
 ciational name. 
 
 A committee was appointed to revise the constitu- 
 tion and articles of faith, and report at nest session. 
 
 Special Efforts. — " Eesolved, That protracted meet- 
 ings be held within the bounds of this Association, 
 once in three months, and that the churches be re- 
 quested to give up their ministers on such occasions." 
 Shamokin, White Deer, Loyalsock and Jersey Shore, 
 were designated as the places to hold these quarterly 
 revival efforts. 
 
 Four churches reported $57 for Missions. 
 
 Brother Higgins, at Jersey Shore, was designated 
 as Corresponding Secretary of the Association, and 
 the names and P. 0. of the several church clerks were 
 also inserted in the Minutes. 
 
40 northumberland baptist association. 
 
 16th Session — Jersey Shore, 1836. 
 
 Introductory by Brother Thomas B. Brown, and 
 Brother Higgins re elected Moderator. 
 
 Six of the seven churches reported 75 baptisms — 
 Madison 23, Shamokin 21, Jersey Shore 16, &c. 
 
 Brother Foster, of Philadelphia, accepted an invi- 
 tation to a seat. 
 
 Eivised constitution, adopted ; articles of faith, 
 deferred, (and, in 1837, committee on the subject 
 dismissed.) 
 
 Benevolent contributions were reported as follows : 
 Bibles, $7 25 ; Ministerial Education, $53 87 ; Do- 
 mestic Missions, 134 31 ; Foreign Missions, (includ- 
 ing a collection of $20,) $48 98; Sunday Schools, 
 $8 25 ; Tracts, $11 50— total, $164 15. 
 
 Committees of three each, on Domestic Missions, on 
 Ministerial Education, on Foreign Missions and Ame- 
 rican and Foreign Bible Society, and on Sunday 
 Schools and Tracts, were appointed, " to take charge 
 of all funds given" in their favor, "make disburse- 
 ments of the same as may be deemed necessary, and 
 make report at the next session." This custom was 
 continued for some years. 
 
 Protracted meetings were appointed at Madison, 
 Loyalsock, Clinton and Shamokin. 
 
 17th Session — Shamokin, 1837. 
 
 Introductory by Brother Higgins, who also served 
 as Moderator the third time. 
 
 Each of the seven churches reported baptisms, from 
 2 to 21 each — 48 in all, of which Madison returned 21. 
 
t^l.g', ElflHTEENTH SESSIOW, 41 
 
 Elders Bfiafe-Going and Levi G. Beck, and Brother 
 E. Young, visitors. 
 
 Approbated tlje formation of tlie Pennsylvania 
 Baptist State Convention, and of the American and 
 Foreign Bible Society, its " field of operation to be 
 the world." The Association became auxiliary, and 
 appointed delegates to each organization. 
 
 Opened correspondence with the Bradford Associ- 
 ation, then recently formed on the ground of the 
 former " Chemung," which, by name, fell into the Old 
 School ranks. 
 
 Contributions for four objects of benevolence— 
 $109 71. 
 
 One thousand copies of the Circular and Protest of 
 1833, were ordered printed. The circular of that year 
 was a faithful, learned and spirited protest against 
 infant sprinkling ; that of 1837, against sj^inkUng ; 
 and that of 1838, upon the Baptismal Question in 
 general. They were all from the pen of Brother 
 Higgina ; were timely and efBcient papers in their 
 day ; and would bear re-publication. 
 
 18th Session — Milton, 1838. 
 
 Introductory by Brother George M. Spratt ; Brother 
 Daniel 0. "Wait, Moderator, 
 
 Bald Eagh Church, now (Lock Haven,) was re- 
 ceived, with 21 members, and George Higgins, pastor. 
 
 Historical sketches of this church, and of most of 
 the others subsequently received, will be fonod in the 
 Minutes of 1867, 1868, 1869. 
 
 A rich harvest of 139 baptisms was reported, of 
 which 41 were in Shamokin, 33 in Milton, 28 in 
 
42 NORTHUMBERLAND BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 
 
 Jersey Shore, 11 eacli in White Deer and Clinton, 8 
 in Madison, and 7 in Bald Eagle. 
 
 " Brother Nice" incidentally named as present. 
 
 Ministerial. — "Whereas, we labor under great in- 
 convenience from a deficiency in ministerial aid, and 
 believing this evil may be traced to the criminal neg- 
 ligence of the churches ; Therefore, 
 
 "Eesoved 1. That we affectionately urge on the 
 brethren of the different churches to encourage those 
 of their number possessed of ministerial talent. 
 
 "2. That we pledge ourselves to use our influence 
 to raise in the bounds of the several churches during 
 the current year, the sum of five hundred dollars, in 
 aid of this object." 
 
 One from each church was appointed to collect the 
 sura named. 
 
 Total reported for benevolence, $154 63. 
 
 19th Session — "White Deer, 1839. 
 
 Introductory by Brother George Higgins; Brother 
 George M. Spratt, Moderator. 
 
 Bush Church, (from old Shamokin,) was received — 
 George M. Spratt, pastor, and 79 members. 
 
 Of the 84 baptisms, 28 were in Madison, 21 in 
 Shamokin, &c. 
 
 Visiting brethren — William Shadrach of Philadel- 
 phia, and Emerson Andrews, of Rome, N. Y. 
 
 Opened correspondence with Bridgewater Associa- 
 tion. 
 
 Two ministerial beneficiaries of the Association were 
 
 announced, and last year's resolution on ministerial 
 
 education was re published. Only $209 of the '$500 
 
TWENTIETH eESSION, 43 
 
 proposed, was reported as raised, and a sum total for 
 benevolence of $305 45. 
 
 Elaborate reports were made on Domestic Missions, 
 and on Sunday Scbools and Tracts, by committees 
 appointed on tbose objects. They combine arguments 
 and facts, generally of current but ofben of lasting 
 interest. It would be agreeable to copy some of the 
 reports, on these and other topics, in this and subse- 
 quent years. But it would be difficult to make selec- 
 tions, and only a re-priat of all the Minutes would be 
 completely satisfactory to mark the growing interest 
 in various plans for advancing the cause. 
 
 The Baptist Greneral Tract Society {now Publication 
 and Bible Society,) was cordially commended — a 
 local depository was called for — and a report of Snu-, , 
 day School statistics was urged upon the several 
 churches. 
 
 20th Session — Clinton, 1840. 
 
 Introductory by Brother Wait; Brother Charles 
 Tucker, Moderator. 
 
 MinersviUe Church was received, with 12 members, 
 and Edward Holt, church clerk. 
 
 Nine of the ten churches were represented, and each 
 of the nine reported baptisms, to the large number of 
 173— of which 49 were in White Deer, 35 in Clinton, 
 31 in Milton, 20 in Jersey Shore, 18 in Eush, &c. 
 
 Elder William B. Bingham, visiting brother. 
 
 Collins A. Hewett^ appeared as pastor of Milton 
 Church ; William S. Hall, of White Deer; and Charles 
 Tucker, of Jersejf Shore — a great accession to the 
 ministerial ranks. 
 
44 NORTHUMBERLAND BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 
 
 By request of the White Deer Church, Henry 
 Billings, a student from Hamilton, was ordained 
 during the session. 
 
 Adam Baush and Jesse B. Saxton had been study- 
 ing at Hamilton, under the patronage of the Associa- 
 tion, and $210 65 had been subscribed for their sup- 
 port. It was also stated that 
 
 " The Hamilton Literary and Theological Institu- 
 tion has peculiar claims on our benevolence, from the 
 fact that the ministry of our Association, with a single 
 exception, have received essential aid in the work of 
 the ministry." 
 
 "Resolved, That any member of this body, "who 
 may be present at the session of any Association with 
 which we correspond, shall be our delegate, provided 
 he present a copy of our Minutes containing his 
 name." 
 
 "Resolved, That we affectionately urge on our 
 churches the observance of the Monthly Concert for 
 foreign missions, and that collections be taken at each 
 meeting in aid of that object." 
 
 The Sabpath. — " In view of the awful desecration of 
 the Sabbath day by the running of stages, steam- 
 boats, canal boats, railroad cars, and other public con- 
 veyances, and also visiting, riding and walking for 
 recreation and pleasure : Therefore Resolved, That 
 we as Christians will use our efforts to discountenance 
 the same both by precept and example." This and' 
 similar resolutions were repeatedly njoved and adopted. 
 
 A Missionary's Son. — "Resolved, That Brethren 
 Hall and Hewett, in connection with the Correspond- 
 
TWENTIETH SESSION. 45 
 
 ing Secretary, (G. M, Spratt,) be instructed to write to 
 Brother Kincaid, of Barmah, also, liia son, on the pro- 
 priety of assuming as an Association the education of 
 his son, and, if agreeable to the feelings of Brother Kin- 
 caid and hia son, that said committee carry the meas- 
 ure into effect." (The lad was a son of Brother Kia- 
 caid by his first wife, and died not long afterwards.) 
 
 " Eesolved, That the standing rule which requires 
 that no title bat Brother or Elder be given to Minis- 
 ters, be rescinded." 
 
 "Resolved, That we recommend the churches to 
 give up their pastors twice a year to labor in destitute 
 sections, and also that the ministers be urged to attend 
 to such destitution." 
 
 Contributions for three ohjecis named — $134. 06. 
 
 At the close of the second decade, truly it might 
 be said, "What hath God wrought!" Under the 
 labors of most devoted men, and with the prayers and 
 co-operation of godly women, -He had increased the 
 number of baptized believers from 172 to 850, en- 
 larged their intercourse, and given them favor with 
 very many. It was perhaps, in proportion to num- 
 bers, the most fruitful period in our Associatioual 
 history. 
 
THIRD DECADE. 
 
 CONTINUED ENLARGEMENT— UNIVERSITY AT 
 LEWISBURG. 
 
 21sT Session — Madison, (at Dbret) 1841. 
 
 Introductory by Brother Collins' A. Hewett ; Bro- 
 ther Wait, Moderator. 
 
 From this point, we omit the names of the more 
 numerous corresponding messengers and visiting bre- 
 thren, and of the sermons preached, excepting as they 
 incidentally appear, and in the annexed tables. With 
 the improvement of the means of travel, visiting had 
 become comparatively an easy matter ; many of the 
 visitors took- a less active part, or no part, in the pro- 
 ceedings; and some of the clerks kept very incom- 
 plete records, if any, of their attendance. 
 
 At this opening of the third decade, two new 
 churches were admitted — the Muncy, with J. Green 
 Miles, pastor, and 28 members; and Union (now 
 Watsontown,) with William S. Hall, pastor, and 21 
 members. 
 
 White Deer reported 23 baptisms, Clinton and 
 Jersey Shore each 14, and all the others, save Union, 
 a few — the whole number being 82, 
 
TWSSTY-SECOND SESSION. ^^ 
 
 The. Association became auxiliary to the Pennsyl- 
 vania Baptist Education Society, whicli has from that 
 time been warmly cherished by this Association, and 
 received, in return, many favors from its fostering 
 hand. 
 
 Collecting Agents. — ^Brother William Shadrach, agent 
 of the State Convention, was cordially received, and 
 recommended to the churches, for his work's sake. 
 This is the first we notice of collecting agents at these 
 annual meetings. Their number increased, and in 
 1846 the Association thought it expedient to pass the 
 following : 
 
 "Resolved, That we have ever welcomed, and shall 
 continue to welcome the visits and appeals of the 
 agents of our several benevolent organizations at the 
 meetings of our association ; but would, at the same 
 time, respectfully suggest to the bodies by whom 
 these agents are sent out, the propriety of directing 
 them to limit their efforts to the individual churches, 
 believing that, by such a course, a much larger 
 amount would be secured than by the present mode 
 of operation." 
 
 Opened correspondence with Central Union Asso- 
 ciation. 
 
 Contributions, blank — but reported next year, at 
 $251 18. 
 
 Animated reports in favor of benevolent operations, 
 were adopted. 
 
 22d Session — Jersey Shorb, 1842. 
 
 Introductory by Brother William S. Hall ; Brother 
 Tucker, Moderator. 
 
 N'orthumberland Church, with C A. Hewett, pastor, 
 and 41 members, was received. 
 
48 NORTHUMBERLAND BAPTIbT ASSOCIATION. 
 
 All the churches excepting Shamokin, were repre- 
 sented, and eleven of the twelve reported baptisms — 
 Jersey Shore 58, Milton 42, Muncy 40, Madison 37, 
 Bald Eagle 19, &c. — the aggregate being the large 
 number of 242. 
 
 Contributions reported or subscribed, $356 87, in 
 addition to $780 paid by Milton for meeting-houses 
 on missionary grounds. 
 
 Instead of a Circular Letter, a Digest of Letters was 
 published, from which we learn that Brother Hall of 
 White Deer, was trying to raise the standard in Wil- 
 liamsport; that Sunday schools were receiving special 
 attention; and that Brother Tyler of Minersville, was 
 extending half his time to Pottsville. 
 
 Change of Time of Meeting. — For twenty-two sessions, 
 excepting the first, the Association had convened on 
 Fridays, generally protracting its sessions over to the 
 Lord's day, to the manifest advantage of the churches 
 entertaining the messengers. The growth of the body, 
 however, made it more difficult to provide accommo- 
 dations for so long a period, and there was need of 
 the preachers at their respective homes on the Lord's 
 day. These reasons caused a change of the time, this 
 year, to the middle of the week. Since 1842, the 
 sessions have generally commenced on Wednesdays. 
 
 23d Session — Rush, 1843. 
 
 Introductory by Brother Tucker ; Brother Hewett, 
 Moderator. 
 
 The following three new churches were added, viz : 
 Sunbury, with J. E. "Worrell, pastor, and 111 mem.- 
 
TWENTY-THIRD SESSION, 49 
 
 bera ; Danville, with Jolia S. Miller, pastor elect, and 
 69 membera; and Berwick, with William S. Hall, 
 pastor, and 72 members. 
 
 This session was distinguished as recording the 
 greatest numerical progress of any in the history of 
 the Association, All the churches, save Loyalaock, 
 reported additions, by baptism as follows : Sunbnry 
 98, Berwick 69, Madison 62, Bald Eagle 38, Eush 
 33, Shamokin 29, Jersey Shore 28, Muocy 25, Nor- 
 thumberland 22, White Dser 18, Milton 10, Union 4, 
 Clinton 1, Minersville 1 — total, 438. Some at Danville 
 (in addition to the above) are not reported, but are 
 included in the number of members when the church 
 was received. 
 
 " In view of the special outpouring of the Spirit of 
 God upon the churches of this Association during the 
 year," it was "Resolved, that we recommend the first 
 day of January, 184-1, as a day of thanksgiving and 
 prayer, by the churches of the Association." 
 
 Brethren Tucker, Hewett and Hall were appointed 
 a committee to furnish a history of the Baptist cause 
 in this region, for Benedict's forthcoming work; also 
 voted that every church be requested to give its own 
 history, next year. 
 
 A revision of the constitution and by-laws, and the 
 preparation of a confession of faith and church cove- 
 nant, were submitted to a committee. 
 
 The appointment of an Evangelist to labor within 
 our bounds, was also recommended, but the means for 
 carrying out the purpose is not designated. 
 
 By request of the Danville Church, the Association 
 resolved itself into a council, and ordained John S. 
 5 
 
50 NORTHUMBlEIiAND BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 
 
 Miller to the Gospel ministry, and to the pastoral 
 charge of said church. 
 
 Contributions reported, $210 39 — also a collection 
 of $12, and pledges of life membership in the State 
 Convention to the amount of $330. 
 
 24th Session — Muncy, 1844. 
 
 Introductory by Brother John S. Miller ; Brother 
 Kincaid, Moderator. 
 
 Two new churches were receiyed — Augusta, with 
 John H. Worrell, pastor, and 40 members ; and Lewis- 
 hurg, with C. A. Hewett, pastor, and 30 members. 
 
 Baptisms reported, 195 — Berwick returning 35, Dan- 
 ville 32, Rush 22, Jersey Shore 21, &c. 
 
 Brother Kincaid, late from Burmah, re-appeared as 
 a messenger from Milton Church. 
 
 Benevolent contributions, $548 73 ; also $15 37, 
 and fifteen life members, for State Convention. Ee- 
 ported for Sunday schools, $83 77. 
 
 Most of the churches presented sketches of their 
 history, or their present condition. 
 
 The articles of faith and covenant, prepared by 
 Brother J. Newton Brown for the Religious Encyclo- 
 pedia, were recommended to the churches for their 
 consideration, by the committee appointed the previ- 
 ous year. 
 
 Opened correspondence with Wyoming Association. 
 
 25th Session— Shamokin, 1845. 
 
 Introductory by Brother Joel E. Bradley ; Brother 
 Joseph Moore, Moderator. 
 
TWENTY-FIFTH SESSION. 51 
 
 There were 110 baptisms reported — 39 in Rush, 23 
 in DaaviUe, 18 in Shatnokin, &c, 
 
 The Southern B iptists had seceded from the Amer- 
 ican Baptist foreign missionary organizatioa, but the 
 Association unanimously resolved to sustain the old 
 convention and the " Old Board." 
 
 A comcnittee to revise the constitution and by-laws, 
 raised previously, not being ready to report, was 
 discharged. 
 
 Contributions reported, $527 54, and collections 
 amounting to $70 3i, additional. 
 
 Education. — At this session, a committee " earnestly 
 recommended to the Association the adoption of meas- 
 ures for the establishment of a literary and theological 
 institution in this State," Brethren Charles Tucker, 
 William H. Ludwig, Joel E. Bradley, J. Green Miles, 
 and James Moore, Sr., were appointed to report upon 
 such an institution, " in central Pennsylvania," Dr, 
 Ludwig, as chairman of the committee, reported, at 
 the aame session, that "they highly approve of the 
 establishment of a literary institution, of a high order, 
 in the interior of our State" — ^" embracing a high 
 school for male pupils, another for females, a college, 
 and also a theological institution, to be under the in- 
 fluence of the Baptist denomination." 
 
 The subsequent expregsions of good will and of 
 material aid, by this Association, to the several de- 
 partments of the University at Lewisburg, scattered 
 through the latter half of its Minutes, cannot here be 
 recapitulated. {N'ote S.) 
 
52 NORTHUMBERLAND BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 
 
 Slavery. — For eighteen liandred years, Baptists have 
 been foremost in defence of civil as well as of religious 
 liberty as the right of all mankind. {Note T.) 
 
 The first recorded expression against slavery, made 
 in this Association, was by a letter from the Sunbury 
 church, in 1845, wherein they " pray that the time 
 may soon come when Baptists and others may fiee the 
 crime of holding property in their fellow men." Ten 
 years afterwards, the question received more definite 
 attention, (see 1855.) 
 
 26th Session — Madison, 1846. 
 
 Introductory by Brother John Edminster; Brother 
 William H. Ludwig, Moderator. 
 
 Derry and Moreland churches, under the "bishop- 
 ric" of William S. Hall, were received. They were 
 raised by an amicable division of Madison, Derry (now 
 Turbutville) reporting 85^and Moreland 102 members. 
 
 A revival had progressed in Madison before its di- 
 vision, so that it had 50 baptisms to report, Berry had 
 22, Lock Haven 13, &c.— 135 in all. 
 
 Ill the Minutes of this year, all the pastors were 
 designated as "Bishops," excepting "Rev. Charles 
 Tucker," of Jersey Shore. 
 
 Four meetings of the Ministerial Conference. were 
 appointed, this year and in 1847, when they seem to 
 have been discontinued for a season. 
 
 Milton and Lewisburg Church letters stated that 
 they had established a book depository, and sustained 
 a colporteur. 
 
 The new Christian Chronicle was specially com- 
 mended. 
 
TWBNTY-EIQHTH SBSSIOK. 53 
 
 The comniencemeat of the High Scliool, preparatory 
 
 to the University at Lewisburg, under Prof. Stephen 
 W. Taylor, assisted by his soe Alfi*ed Taylor, waa 
 announced. Tiie time fixed upon was October 5, 
 1846, when the school was opened, in the basement 
 rooms of the brick Baptist meeting house. 
 
 Brother Bradley presented a copy of the preceding 
 Mmutes of this Association, and several of the old 
 Chemung, (the latter preserved by Father Smiley,) for 
 the use of the Association, 
 
 Contributions, (not footed up in the Minutes,) about 
 $720. 
 
 27th Session" — White Deer, 1847. 
 
 Introductory by Brother Albert A. Anderson ; Bro- 
 ther Kincaid, Moderator. 
 
 The letters this year indicated little progress, there 
 having been but 71 baptisms, of which Lock Haven 
 reported 32, 
 
 The usual reports of committees, and digests of 
 letters, were made, but nothing especially new or im- 
 portant was devised. 
 
 Resolved, that the Clerk of this Association be re- 
 quested to forward copies of our Minutes to all the 
 Associations in this State, New Jersey and Delaware, 
 and request a copy of theirs in return. 
 
 Contributions reported, about $322. 
 
 28th SESSioiir — Mobeland, 1848. 
 Introductory by Brother Worrell ; Brother Hall, 
 Moderator. 
 
51 
 
 NORTHUMBERLAND BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 
 
 Jersey Shore reported 38 baptisms, Danville 22^ 
 Eush 16, &o.— in all, 102. 
 
 " Eesolved, in view of the low state of Zion, and 
 the want of more spirituality in the churches, and the 
 importance of the conversion of souls, that the churches 
 composing this Association be advised to set apart 
 during th^ ensuing Associational year, a season for 
 special effort." 
 
 Since the session of 1839, Sunday school statistics 
 from the churches had been repeatedly called for, and 
 this year some appeared in tabular form, in the 
 Minutes, as follows : 
 
 Churches. 
 
 Schools. 
 
 Teachers. 
 
 Scholars. 
 
 Books. 
 
 Raised 
 for B. S. 
 
 3 
 
 1 
 2 
 1 
 2 
 1 
 1 
 1 
 1 
 . 1 
 2 
 1 
 
 11 
 10 
 
 "i'i 
 
 "13" 
 
 8 
 14 
 20 
 
 86 
 
 70 
 
 50 
 
 100 
 
 45 
 
 50 
 
 175 
 
 4.5 
 
 "235 
 200 
 
 "613 
 
 285 
 
 "300 
 144 
 
 $5 00 
 
 5 00 
 
 10 00 
 
 Milton 
 
 Clinton 
 
 Jersey Shore 
 
 Rush 
 
 27 00 
 5 00 
 
 Muncy .! 
 
 
 Danville 
 
 
 Berwick 
 
 
 IjCwisburg 
 
 
 Derry ....'. 
 
 3 00 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 14 
 
 95 
 
 681 
 
 1766 
 
 $55 00 
 
 There were perhaps other schools then in full or 
 partial operation, but were not returned. Similar 
 statistics were inserted in our Minutes from this year 
 until the formation of the Sunday School Union in 
 1861, since which time they appear in the records of 
 that body. 
 
 Contributions reported, $1,014 93. 
 
thirtieth session. 55 
 
 29th Session — Jersey. Shore, 1849. 
 
 iDtroductory by Brother William T. Bunker; Bro- 
 ther Worrell, Moderator. 
 
 Two new churelies were received — Eughsville, {now 
 Wolf Township,) with A. R. Spront and Amos Bur- 
 rows, messengers, and 27 members ; and Young- 
 loomaristozon, with J, Green Miles, pastor, and 16 mem- 
 bers, on the Lock Haven field. 
 
 White Deer reported 33 baptisms, Jersey Shore 18, 
 Derry 14, &;c. 
 
 The Constitution was printed, and a committee ap- 
 pointed for its revision, to report next year. 
 
 Contributions, (not footed up,) about $400. 
 
 Williarasport and New Berlin as missionary fields, 
 and a Bible Society at Lewisbnrg, auxiliary to the' 
 A. &. F. Bible Society, were recommended, and one in 
 each church designated to raise funds for the two 
 fields named. 
 
 Lewisburg Church letter said they " have lost two 
 of their most pious, active and liberal members, and 
 feel an irreparable loss, by the death of Dr. William 
 H. Ludwig and Brother John Budd," 
 
 30th Session— Danville, 1850. 
 
 Introductory by Brother J. Green Miles ; who also 
 served as Moderator. 
 
 A pleasant accession of 193 by baptism was re- 
 ported — 46 in Shamokin, 36 in Lewisburg, 35 in 
 Eush, &c. 
 
 The amended constitution and by-laws were pub- 
 lished. 
 
56 NORTHUMBERLAND BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 
 
 A committee was appointed to publish a Manual of 
 the Association, or reprint of its Minutes fof thirty 
 years. Like some other Resolutions of the Baptists, 
 it is not to be found among their Acts. 
 
 Contributions, (not footed up,) about $605. 
 
 The close of the third decade shows the number of 
 members had almost doubled within ten years, it 
 being increased from 850 to 1675, .chiefly through the 
 addition of 1668 by baptism, (or 166 per year ;) the 
 churches had increased from 10 to 22 ; the liberality 
 of the members had been cultivated with encouraging 
 results ; and the foundation had been laid for an hon- 
 orable and useful institution of learning, with a pre- 
 liminary endowment of a hundred thousand dollars, 
 largely under the influence of this Association. 
 
FOURTH DECADE. 
 
 progress of the university — twelve 
 hundred baptisms. 
 
 31st Session — Berry, 1851. 
 
 Introductory by Brother George W.Young ; Brother 
 Bunker, Moderator. 
 
 Augusta reported 17 baptisms, Milton 15, Berwick 
 12, &e.— total, 97. 
 
 Toted that " No person sliall apeak more than twice 
 on the same subject wiihout the assent of the Asso- 
 ciation." 
 
 Contributions reported, $1,00$ 94, and $300 in life 
 membership.? to the State Convention. 
 
 A table of corresponding bodies appeared in the 
 Minutes. 
 
 Derry noticed the death of their esteemed senior 
 deacon, David Dye, and Mary A.Marshall; Lewis- 
 burg, an active young brother, Isaac G Lawshe, and 
 father John Steaos; and Union, their aged Brother 
 John Oyster. 
 
 32d Session — Berwick, 1852. 
 Introductory by Brother Edmund W. Dickinson ; 
 Brother Andrew J, Collins, Moderator. 
 
58 NORTHUMBERLAND BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 
 
 The goodly addition of 224 baptized believers was 
 welcomed, from 17 of the 23 churches— 48 in Berwick, 
 46 in Jersey Shore, 24 in Hughsville, 20 in Shamo 
 kin and Muncy, each, &c. 
 
 A summary history of the Association, in tabular 
 form, first appeared in the Minutes. 
 
 Contributions reported, $1,198 25— also $1,070 to 
 Hamilton, from the Milton church— total, $2,268 25. 
 And also $200, in life memberships, pledged to the 
 State Convention. 
 
 33d Session — Milton, 1853. 
 
 Introductory by Brother Collins ; Brother Malcom, 
 Moderator. 
 
 M^Ewensville church received, with 20 members; 
 Robert Lowry, supply. 
 
 Berwick reported 38 baptisms, Lewisburg 85, Dan- 
 ville 19, &c.— total, 145. 
 
 Voted that Special Committees be appointed to in- 
 quire into the expediency of attempting the establish- 
 ment of permanent Baptist interests in Williamsport 
 and Selinsgrove, and also to correspond with brethren 
 who may be adapted to the field as Missionaries, and 
 also with the Board of our State Convention. 
 
 The Committee to report items of interest from the 
 Church Letters, reported — 
 
 We find but two items demanding the attention of 
 this body. 
 
 The first, is from the Sanbury church, couched in 
 the following language : 
 
 " Query — If the churches set in order by the Apos- 
 tles, were accustomed, on jevery Lord's day, to eat the 
 Lord's supper, should their example bind churches 
 
THIBTy-THIRD fESSION, 59 
 
 in thia day to ijo so too ? and if not, by wiose authority 
 is the change made ?" 
 
 Second — A request, from the Brier Creek church,' 
 that the Association appoint a Committee to report 
 next year on the Bible Union. 
 
 Report accepted, and Committee discharged. Bre- 
 thren Bliss and Malcom were appointed to report 
 on the JiTst query at our next annual meeting. The 
 second request was disagreed to. 
 
 The report on Weekly Communion, made the year 
 following, was adopted, as follows : 
 
 It has ever been the firm and sacred principlfe of 
 Baptists, to be governed in no degree by tradition or 
 usage ; but by the written Word of God. Not always 
 is duty or doctrine there taught hy express precept, 
 hut sometimeB is the obvious result of clear prinoiplea 
 applied to divers caaea. In all eases where a precept 
 is expressly given, we abide by it, with literal exact- 
 ness. 
 
 In the case of the Lord's supper, we have express 
 oommand for its observance, but none for the degrte of 
 frequency. ***** 
 
 Three pointa are involved in the question: 1st, 
 whether the churches set in order by the Apostles 
 observed the Lord's supper every Sunday, and no 
 oftener ; 2d, whether Apostolic example in this case is 
 binding; and 8d, if not, by^vhose authority has the 
 frequency of observing this ordinance been decided, 
 or a " change made." 
 
 As to the^rs( point, our opinion is that it is clear 
 that the ApustoHc churches did observe the Lord's 
 supper every Sunday ; but it is not certain that they 
 did not observe it every day. 
 
 As to the second, we think Apostolic example is 
 not binding, but the injunctions and principles laid 
 down by Christ kimielf. To make the acts of Apostles 
 
60 NORTHUMBERLAND BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 
 
 binding, might require us to circumcise, now and then 
 a young minister, as in the case of Timothy ; or to 
 shave our heads and take a vow, as Paul did. 
 
 As to the third point, our answer is, there is no 
 authority at all for the frequency, except the general 
 principle involved in the ordinance itself, and that it 
 be done " often." To make it very seldom, would be 
 to abolish, to a great extent, the object of the institu- 
 tion. To observe it every Sunday would, in the opin- 
 ion of many, greatly impair its solemnity and useful- 
 ness. 
 
 We believe that there is nothing censurable or un- 
 becoming in brethren who hold to weekly communion, 
 but that there is no requirement in the New Testament 
 that it should be weekly. The question should be 
 left for each church to decide for itself, and differen- 
 ces on this point should be no bar to communion. 
 
 We hope our brevity will not seem disrespectful to 
 the querists, as the limits assigned us allow no ex- 
 tended discussion. Howard Malcom, Ch'n. 
 
 Contributions reported, $1,120 59. 
 
 34th Session — Lewisbubg, 1^5i. 
 
 Introductory by Brother Essick ; Brother James 
 Moore, Jr., Moderator. 
 
 The Church at Laporte (now Laporte and Eagles- 
 mere) was received, wiA Nathan Callender, pastor, 
 and twelve members, originally from the Bridgewater 
 church (at Montrose). 
 
 Jersey Shore reported 40 baptisms, Danville 31, 
 White Deer 11, Derry 10, &o.— in all, 126. 
 
 This session following the day of the annual Com- 
 mencement of the University at Lewisburg, the large 
 number of forty visiting and corresponding brethren 
 was enrolled. Among them it will not be deemed 
 
THIRTY- riPTH SESSION. 61 
 
 invidious to name those fathers ia the ministry, Davis 
 Dimock of Montrose, and William Frear of Eaton, 
 Wyoming county. 
 
 The establishment of a standard at WilHamsport 
 was inaugurated by appointing a committee to engage 
 a suitable preacher, and securing $200 annually for 
 two years towards his support. 
 
 The only deaths specially mentioned were those of 
 Brother Isaac HuU of Rush and Sister Eloiaa Johnson 
 of Muncy. 
 
 Contributions reported, $1,274 50. 
 
 35th Session — with White Deer Church, 1855. 
 
 Met in the new meeting house of the out-station at 
 Elimsport. Introductory by Brother Geo. R. Bliss ; 
 Brother Essick, Moderator. 
 
 The new church, First WilHamsport, with J. Green 
 Miles, pastor, was received. Its original membership 
 of fifteen comprised nine from the borough, (now 
 city), to whom 11 had been added by haptism, and 19 
 by letter. 
 
 Danville reported 26 additions by baptism, Loyal- 
 sock 20, Augusta 15, White Deer 12, Lewisburg 11, 
 Northumberland 10, &c.~in all, 129. 
 
 Slavery.— -On motion of nowar-d Malcom, the fol- 
 lowing expression was adopted by this Association : 
 
 "Whereas, many thousands of the children of God 
 in this land are held in bitter bondage, denied the 
 rights of common human nature, forbidden to read 
 the Word of God, and crushed into hereditary pov 
 erty, ignorance, and misery; and whereas, the most 
 violent and wicked measures are at this time taken by 
 
62 NORTHUMBERLAND BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 
 
 slave holders, not only to perpetuate but to extend 
 their odious and terrific system ; therefore, 
 
 "Resolved, That we do most heartily deplore and 
 sympathize with our brethren and sisters in Christ 
 who are thus oppressed and degraded, and that we 
 will resolutely and constantly use our power — Moral, 
 Eeligious, and Political — to prevent the extension of 
 Slavery over territory now free, and to bring about if 
 possible the ultimate removal from our whole country 
 of a system which degrades men into the condition of 
 brute beasts, and which, if persisted in, must end in 
 the outpouring of God's wrath on our beloved coun- 
 try." 
 
 This resolution was repeatedly renewed. And 
 when, from 1861 to 1865, the Slave Power deluged 
 the land in blood to perpetuate and extend its domi- 
 nation, this Association proclaimed, yearly, its desire 
 for the suppression of the Rebellion and the extirpa- 
 tion of its moving cause. Although partizan and 
 financial influences blinded the eyes of many well- 
 disposed persons to the true nature of that tremendous 
 conflict, and caused some unhappy alienations of feel- 
 ing as to the utterances of this Association, its record 
 is clear, and those who come after us will not be 
 ashamed of it. 
 
 A Committee on Obituaries was appointed, who re- 
 ported the loss of several " aged and valuable breth- 
 ren — as Deacon James Moore, and Brother Farns- 
 worth of Milton, Deacon Isaac Wolverton of Rush, 
 Deacon John Hales of Clinton, Brethren Conover of 
 Danville, John F. Derr of Derry, and several eminent 
 sisters," among them Sister Hales of Clinton, named 
 ill the church letter. " We would ever cherish the 
 
THIETr-SEVENTH SESSIOK. 63 
 
 memory of the great in goodness, and hold them up 
 to our younger members as monuments of the grace 
 of God." 
 
 Contribntiona reported, $1,202 24. 
 
 36th Session — Jersey Shore, 1856. 
 
 Introductory by Brother Isaac W. Hayhurst ; 
 Brother Joseph Moore, Moderator. 
 
 Benton church (now Jackson) received, with E. M. 
 Alden, pastor, and 30 members. . 
 
 Benton reported 22 baptisms, Lewisburg 17, Union 
 and Augusta each 9, &c, 
 
 On report of committee to revise the list of corres- 
 ponding bodies, it was voted to discontinue any formal 
 appointments, leaving in force the standing order of 
 1840, {p. 41) on the subject of delegations. 
 
 Contributions reported, $1,181 53. 
 
 37th Session—Munot, 1857. 
 
 Introductory by Brother E. M. Alden; Brother 
 Malcom, Moderator. 
 
 Moreland'reported 24 baptisms, Williamsport and 
 Benton each 20, &c. 
 
 In view of the low state of religion, apparent in 
 the fact that only 74 baptisms were reported, in 10 of 
 the 27 churches composing the Association, it was 
 
 " Resolved that we recommend to the churches to 
 set apart the first Monday of January, 1858, as a day 
 of iasting, humiliation and prayer for a revival of 
 God's work." 
 
 Also, in view of the fuct that only about one fourth 
 of the members of the Association enjoyed the -watch- 
 care of pastors devoted wholly to the work, 
 
64 NORTHUMBERLAND BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 
 
 ' Eesolved that we urge upon the churches not only 
 more prayer, but the duty of immediately securing 
 faithful pastors." 
 
 Muncy mourned the death of Deacon Samuel 
 Rogers, and Rachel Dye Manville Danville recorded 
 the loss of their late beloved Pastor, Ira Foster, 
 Deacon John Hixon, and Sisters Garrett and Fisher. 
 And Williamsport tenderly alluded, to their deceased 
 sister, Amanda M. [Taylor] Herdic, " one of their 
 constituent members, and a principal instrument in 
 founding the church." 
 
 Contributions reported, $1,029 37. 
 
 88th Session — Rush, 1858. 
 
 Introductory by Brother Joshua Kelly; Brother 
 Malcom re elected Moderator. 
 
 Selins grove church received, with A. K. Bell, sup- 
 ply, and 17 members. 
 
 There were 27 added by baptism to Jersey Shore, 
 19 to White Deer, 14 each to Berwick and Muncy. — 
 157, total. 
 
 Eleven of the twenty-eight churches reported pas- 
 tors, and several others had stated supplies. 
 
 The helping hand was extended to Lock Haven, 
 where the active membership had been reduced to 
 twenty. 
 
 Madison mourned the loss by death of Deacon Isaac 
 Demott, one of the fathers of the church ; Milton that 
 of Mary,' relict of the late Deacon James Moore, Sr.; 
 Union, that of father and mother Lewis ; and Ber- 
 wick, that of Doctor A. J. Brass. 
 
 Contributions reported, $1,011 11. 
 
thirtt-ninth session. 65 
 
 89th Session — Moreland, 1859. 
 latroductorjr by Krother Stephea H. Mirick ; 
 Brother George M. Spratt, Moderator. 
 
 Lewisburg reported 21 baptisms, Jersey Shora 19, 
 "White Deer 18, <Scc. 
 
 A Ministers' and WidowsTund wa'^ instituted, and 
 Trustees appointed, to distribute such aid as may be 
 received for the relief of needy ministers, their widows 
 or minor children. This fund is still in existence, 
 although feebly sustained. Also 
 
 The sum of 8218 80, in addition to liberal sums 
 paid by Derry, Madison and other churohea, was re- 
 ported in aid of Brother Esaick, who had long been 
 prostrated by distressing illness. 
 
 Assooiaiional Missions.-^The most efficient work of 
 the session was the appointment af J. E Loomis, G. 
 M. Spratt, and G. S James, as an Associational Mis- 
 sionary Committee, auxiliary to the State Convention, 
 to supply the more inviting mission fields within our 
 own bounds. The plan was approved by the State 
 Convention, and, by harmonious co-operation with 
 the Board in Philadelphia, the above committee and 
 their successors have been enabled to largely aug- 
 ment the sums received for this home work, and im- 
 portant results have been, secured. 
 
 A quarterly or ministerial conference, which had 
 been maiotaiaed during the past year, was com- 
 _ mended. 
 
 The death of Elder Henry Esaick was appropriately 
 noticed, as also that of Deacon James T. Davis and 
 Sister Buth, of Berwick, and Sister Mary [Ludwig] 
 
C6 NORTHUMBERLAND BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 
 
 Moore (in Missouri), a constituent member of the 
 Lewisburg church. [Notices of Brother Essick and 
 of several other deceased ministers, will be founi in 
 the Appendix.] 
 
 In March, Brother J. R Shanafelt of Berwick, as ■ 
 sisted by his and our Brother A. F. Shanafelt, held a 
 meeting in Beach Haven, Luzerne county, where a 
 church of 30 members was organized, which seems 
 not to have united with any Association, as we see no 
 report of it at present. 
 
 Contributions reported, $1,752 76. 
 
 40th Session — Williamspoet, 1860. 
 
 Introductory by BrotherJ. Anderson Kelly; Brother 
 Andrew F. Shanafelt, Moderator. 
 
 Four new churches were admitted — Forksvilh, Sul- 
 livan county, partly from Loyalsock, with Oharles R 
 Levering, supply, and 19 members ; Bloomsburg, Col 
 umbia county, from four churches, with John R 
 Shanafelt, pastor, and 27 members ; White Hall, Mon 
 tour county, mostly from Derry, with Andrew F 
 Shanafelt pastor, and 55 members; and Trevorton. 
 Northumberland county, from six churches, with 
 Orange L. Hall, pastor, and 26 members. 
 
 By its request, Minersville was dismissed to Phila- 
 delphia Association. 
 
 Moreland reported 27 baptisms. White Hall 17, 
 Jersey Shore 12, &c. 
 
 The new and spacious edifice of the Williamsport 
 Church was dedicated the first evening of the session. 
 
 Brother Spratt and the pastors of the Sharaokin, 
 
rOHTIETH aEBSION, 61 
 
 White Deer and Madison churches, were requested to 
 prepare histories of those churches, "in view of pre- 
 serving the Fragmentarv records of our progress, and 
 that a complete history of all our churches may be 
 prepared prior to our fiftieth anniversary." In 1862, 
 Brother Worden, stated clerk, was added to the com- 
 mittee. And various other measures were taken, at 
 successive sessions, to forward the design. 
 
 The constitution, list of ministers, &c. were directed 
 to he printed. 
 
 Shamokin noticed the loss of Sisters Miller and 
 Saxton, and Jersey Shore that of IMarj Keyser, 
 among the 17 deaths the year past. 
 
 Contributions reported, $1,576 33. 
 
 The end of the fourth decade shows an increase of 
 nine churches, and 1,280 baptisms reported, yet a nett 
 gain of only 361 members. The University had been 
 accommodated with very good and commodious build- 
 ings, aud a large number of teachers gave instruction 
 to numerous pupils in the various departments. 
 The establishment of the interest at Williamsport, on 
 a firm basis, was the most prominent among our new 
 church enterprises, bat other promising fields also had 
 been successfully occupied. 
 
FIFTH DECADE. 
 
 MORE PROSPERITY— NEARLY TWO THOUSAND 
 BAPTISMS. 
 
 41sT Skssion — Danville, 1861. 
 
 Introductory by Brother A. F. Shanafelt ; Brother 
 J. Green Miles, Moderator. 
 
 Jersey Shore reported 22 baptisms, Lock Haven 18, 
 Bloomsburg 13, &c.— 121 ia all, in 10 of the 30 
 churches. 
 
 The name of Youngwomanslown Church, it having 
 been dead for some years, was dropped from the 
 Minutes. 
 
 At this session, a Sabbath School Union was formed. 
 The following Article, from the Constitution, will 
 show its composition: 
 
 "This Union shall be composed of pastors of 
 churches and superintendents of Sabbath schools con- 
 nected with the Northumberland Baptist Association, 
 and of delegates from all the Sabbath schools under 
 the direction of the Baptist denomination within the 
 limits of the said Association." 
 
 The following were elected officers for one year : 
 
 Professor Charles S. James, of Lewisburg, President ; 
 George Mowton, of Trevorton, Vice President ; J. P. 
 Tustin, of Northumberland, Corresponding Secretary; 
 A. B. Putnam, of Williamsport, Recording Secretary ; 
 
roaTT-FIEST SESSION. 69 
 
 Eev. A. B. Still, of Danville, Treaaarer ; Deacon Eo- 
 tert Dunbar, of White Deer, Auditor; I.Boggs Smith, 
 of Selinsgrove, Deacon N. Blackwell, of Jersey Shore, 
 Rev. J. E. Shanafelt, of Berwick, Rev. S. H. Mirick, 
 of Lewiaburg, Eev. G. E. Bliss, of Lewisburg, Execu- 
 tive Oommittee. 
 
 This body usually meets the day or the evening 
 preceding the annual sessions of the Association, and 
 its proceedings, or an abstract of them, have, by the 
 consent of the Association, been printed with its own 
 Minutes. It is hoped this movement has materially 
 aided the efficiency of Sunday school operations within 
 our bounds. 
 
 Laporte noticed the death of Sister Rachel Nichols, 
 and Briar Creek that of their aged sister Fowler. 
 
 Contributions reported to the Association, $1,286 65. 
 
 This session found the country involved in civil 
 war. The following paper, offered by George E. 
 Bliss, was, after remarks, adopted by a decided vote 
 of the Association, and afterwards by the audience at 
 large : 
 
 THE STATE OF THE COUNTRY. 
 
 "Whereas, tbe atteution of the Association has been 
 repeatedly called, during its present session, to the dis- 
 tracted condition of our country ; and whereas, it 
 seems meet that we should declare oar views and 
 counsels in a matter so engrossing all hearts ; there- 
 fore, Resolved, 
 
 1. That we regard the contest now waging by the 
 Federal Government, as a struggle to put down a most 
 unwarrantable and monstrous rebellion against ec[ui- 
 table and benign civil authority, and to maintain our 
 national existence itself. 
 
 2. That our domestic, social, commercial, political 
 
10 NORTHUMBERLAND BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 
 
 and church privileges, are bound up inseparably with 
 the welfare of that G-overnment, under which we have 
 so long prospered beyond our deserts ; and, further, 
 that the success of this violent attempt at its subver- 
 sion, would involve degradation, shame, perpetual 
 warfare with the spirit of Southern Oligarchy, and 
 the substitution of a military despotism for that popu- 
 lar rule devised by the wisdom of our fathers and left 
 to us as our most precious earthly inheritance. 
 
 3. That such a catastrophe ought to be resisted with 
 even more energy in our present case than if we were 
 threatened with foreign invasion and overthrow, and 
 at any necessary cost of treasure and blood. 
 
 4. That while as Citizens we cheerfully share the 
 unavoidable burdens of the State in this emergency, 
 we will as Christians earnestly invoke the throne of 
 heavenly grace for the pardon of those national sins 
 which justly provoke the displeasure of our God, and 
 that He may mercifully so direct our constituted au- 
 thorities, as that order may be speedily established, 
 the spirit of insurrection effectually rebuked, and so 
 the way prepared for a safe, solid and perpetual peace. 
 
 5. That our churches, instead of allowing them- 
 selves to be discouraged and hindered by these calami- 
 tous circumstances, should rather welcome the oppor- 
 tunity of proving their steadfastness and zeal, and by 
 increased diligence in the cultivation of their own 
 hearts, by prayers and efforts for our members and 
 fellow-citizens in the army, and by holding forth more 
 earnestly in every way the Word of Life, should re- 
 deem the time, because the days are evil. 
 
 6. That our churches be requested to observe Thurs- 
 day, the 26th inst., as a day of fasting, humiliation and 
 prayer, according to the recommendation of the Presi- 
 dent of the United States. 
 
 7. That while wo see not how our Government can 
 interfere directly with the system of Slavery in the 
 
FOaTY-SECOND SESSION. 11 
 
 revolted, more than in the loyal, Slave States, and are 
 glad of their uniform and steadfast refusal so to do, we 
 do still rejoice in the indications that God in his sove- 
 reign providence may make this wanton outbreak of 
 Slavery propagandism a great step toward the removal 
 of a aysDem which Washington deplored, and Jefferson 
 often declared likely to bring on us the displeasure of 
 a God not one of whose attributes can take part in its 
 defence. {Note U.) 
 
 42d Session — Jersey Shore, 1862. 
 
 Introductory by Brother A. Jadson Furman ; Bro- 
 ther Mirick, Moderator, 
 
 There were 135 baptisms reported — 21 in Williams- 
 port, 16 in Moreland, 14 in White Deer, 14 in La- 
 porte, &c. 
 
 The history of the mother church at Shamokin, 
 prepared by Brethren G. M. Spratt, J, R, Shanafelt and 
 Worden, was read and ordered printed in the Minutes 
 of that year. 
 
 The Committee on Obituaries specially noticed the 
 death of Brother Joshua Kelly, pastor of Williama- 
 port Church ; also that of Deacons Benjamin Bear, 
 of Clinton, and ChrLstopber Derr, of Moreland, aged 
 standard bearers in the cause. Jersey Shore Church 
 named Albert Kissell and Freeman Ragle, killed 
 while in the TJnioD service, and Artemas Hagenbuch 
 and Mary Taylor died at home. 
 
 A special effort for the family of our late deceased 
 brother, Joshua Kelly, resulted in raising one hundred 
 dollars, in addition to various sums from the friends 
 in WiUiamsport. 
 
 Contributions report'ed, $1,433 61. 
 
72 northumberland baptist associatiov. 
 
 43d Session — White Deeb, 1863. 
 
 Introductory by Brother Thomas F. Curtis ; Bro- 
 ther A. F. Shanafelt, Moderator. 
 
 News of a pleasant accession of 206 by baptism was 
 sent up by 11 of the 30 churches composing the body — 
 71 to Lock Haven, 29 to Madison, 27 to Danville, 21 
 to Jersey Shore, 20 to Lewisburg, &c. 
 
 Notice was taken of the fact that fifty years had 
 elapsed since Adoniram Judson and Luther Kice 
 sailed from America, as Pedobaptists, for a foreign 
 mission, but the former established the Baptist mission 
 in Burmah. A general attendance upon the jubilee 
 mission meeting, to be held in Philadelphia in 
 1864, was urged. 
 
 The history of the White Deer Church, prepared 
 by Brother Worden, was ordered to be printed. 
 
 The Obituary Committee made special notice of the 
 death of 0. 1 j. Hall, late pastor at Selinsgrove, of Lieut. 
 Daniel Bower, of Williamsport, and Lieut. Andrew 
 Gregg Tucker, of Lewisburg — those three having died 
 in the Union service ; also of Deacon Benjamin John- 
 son, of Muncy. The church letters also noticed the 
 loss of Samuel E. Axe, of White Hall ; of Sarah 
 Manning, of Madison ; Mary Nice, Catharine M'Neal, 
 Jane Eobinson, and Catharine Levengood, of Jersey 
 Shore ; Catharine Shafter, of Lock Haven ; Elizabeth 
 Metier of Lewisburg; and Catharine Little, of Laporte 
 and Eaglesmere. The latter church also spoke of their 
 grief in the death, while leading the Union forces in 
 battle, of Col. J. Richter Jones, formerly a resident in 
 their midst, but holding his membership near Philad'a. 
 
FOETT-FOURTH SESSION. 73 
 
 The American Baptist Historical Society was com- 
 mended to the atteation and patronage of the members 
 and friends. It ia requested that books, papers, and all 
 matter desirable for preservation, te sent to Howard 
 Maleom, President, at 530 Arch St., Philadelphia. 
 
 Adopted, a rule to take a collection for State Mis- 
 sions, after the preaching of the introduotory sermon 
 at each annual meeting. 
 
 Contributions reported, $1,461 98. 
 
 ■i4TH Session — Look Haven, 1864. 
 
 Introductory by Brother "William R. M'Neil; Bro- 
 ther George M, Spratt, Moderator. 
 
 This session was held in the Methodist chapel, 
 kindly granted for the parpose. The favor was ap- 
 propriately acknowledged. 
 
 Bloomsburg reported 30 baptisms, Lock Haven and 
 Berwick 28 each, Williamgport 14, &g.— total, 127. 
 
 A resolution was passed in favor of a weekly family 
 paper, with special reference to the State Convention, 
 the Publication Society, the Education Society, and 
 the University at Lewisburg, to promote the great 
 work among the forty thousand Baptists of Penn- 
 sylvania. 
 
 The Committee on Obituaries reported by name the 
 death of seven members during the Associationa! year, 
 as follows: Christiana Young, of Danville; Nancy 
 Dau'^herty, of Union; Susan Folmer, of Milton ; John 
 Frey, of Berwick; John Trainer, of WilHamsport ; 
 and Brethren Bastian, and Maleom Mason, of Blooms- 
 burg Church, the latter two having died in the Union 
 service. 
 7 
 
74 NORTHUMBERLAND BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 
 
 Three ordinations to the ministry during the year 
 were reported — William F. Cowden at Jersey Shore, 
 Joseph P. Tustin at Northumberland, and W. Wick- 
 ham Case at Berwick. 
 
 Contributions reported, $1,471 99. 
 
 45th Session — Danville, 1865. 
 
 Introductory by Brother George T. M'Nair; Bro- 
 ther J. Green Miles, Moderator. 
 
 Eeceived the new church in Summit, (or Irish 
 valley,) mostly from the Shamokin and Trevorton 
 churches, with George T. M'Nair, pastor, and 39 
 members. 
 
 Jersey Shore reported 26 baptisms, Williamsport 
 19, Danville 15, &c. 
 
 Having served as a clerk for fifteen years, Brother 
 Worden asked to be relieved from duty, on account of 
 impaired health, and Brother P. W. Tustin was chosen 
 stated clerk in his stead. 
 
 Article II. of the Constitution was amended so as 
 to read, "Each church shall have the privilege of 
 sending four delegates, in addition to its ordained 
 ministers," &c. 
 
 The new National Baptist was commended to 
 patronage. 
 
 In view of the frequent deficiencies in church 
 records, it was recommended that each church copy, 
 upon its books, its annual letters to the Association. 
 
 Brethren F. W. "Tustin, Miles, Worden, G. M. 
 Spratt, and N. Blackwell were requested to obtain 
 from the Madison, Loyalsock, Milton, Clinton, Jersey 
 
PORTT-FIFTH SESSION. 15 
 
 Shore, Look Haven and Rush ".barches, their histories, 
 by next session, 
 
 The Obituary Committee reported a large harvest of 
 death, the past year, comprising 28 names, of which 
 are mentioned Joseph Oakes, of White Deer, aged 
 83 years ; Elizabeth Wilbur, of Shamokin, 77 ; Sam- 
 ael Weise, of Milton, 69 ; Lieul. Col. W. J. Greena- 
 walt, of Lewisburg Church, who fell in the Wilderness, 
 March, 1864, but whose death was not reported last 
 year; Elizabeth Morrison, 87, Elizabeth Wilhelm, 
 67, and Harriet Elackwell, of Jersey Shore ; Dr. E. 
 H. Snyder, of Danville ; Dr. W, H. Schuyler, and 
 Catharine Garret, of Derry ; Harriet Diggan, of 
 Loyalsock; Robert Biggart, of Union; Sister Hippie, 
 of Berwick. 
 
 Rasolved, That there shall be at each Association 
 a sermon, to be designated the " Doctrinal Sermon," 
 on some point of Bible Doctrinej and a sermon to be 
 designated the "Missionary Sermon," on some subject 
 of Missionary or kindred operations, .or either of 
 them. The subjects for these discourses and the 
 preachers of them shall be appointed at the previous 
 Association. 
 
 Under this regulation, a Missionary Sermon was de- 
 livered in 1866, by Brother Miles, from Luke 24: 47. 
 In 1867, by Brother Lincoln, from Prov. 11 : 25, In 
 1888, by Brother Kelly, from John 17 : 14. In 1869, 
 by Brother J. P. Tustin, from Rom. 10 : 15. A Doc- 
 trinal Sermon, in 1866, by Brother Spratt, on the Per- 
 severance of the Saints, from Phil. 1:6. In 1867, by 
 Brother Mirick, on Election, from 2 Tim. 1 : 9, (In 
 1868, the appointment was not met.) In 1869, by 
 Brother Miles, on Justification by Faith, from Rom. 
 
76 NOETHUMBERLAND BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 
 
 8 : 28. In 1870, both were dispensed with on account 
 of the semi-centennial exercises. 
 
 Contributions reported for various benevolent ob; 
 jects, $2,607 74, and also $9,961 50 for special en- 
 dowment of the University at Lewisburg — total, 
 $12,618 60, as printed in the Minutes of the year. 
 
 46th Session — Muncy, 1866. . 
 
 Introductory by Brother Frederick Bower; Brother 
 William F. Cowden, Moderator. 
 
 The First Baptist Church of Mtmsport, principally 
 from the White Deer Church, was received, with Wil- 
 liam S. Hall, supply, and 50 members. 
 
 Sixteen of the thirty-two churches reported 286 ac- 
 cessions by baptism — 78 to Jersey Shore, 66 to Wil- 
 liamsport, 51 to Lewisburg, 20 to Wolf Township and 
 Bloom sburg each, &c. .Tn view of these mercies, a 
 special prayer of thanksgiving was offered by Brother 
 
 Moss. 
 
 An Act of Incorporation, approved 11th April, 
 1865, secured from the State at an expense of $21 50, 
 was accepted, ordered printed in the Minutes, and 
 Trustees were appointed for one year. 
 
 An expression of opinion, called for at previous 
 meetings, as to a division of the Association, was made 
 as follows : for division, one church ; against it, twenty- 
 three churches; not voting either way, eight. 
 
 Brother Worden presented histories of the Little 
 Muncy, (now Madison,) Derry, Moreland, White Hall, 
 Loyalsock and Forks villechurches,which were ordered 
 printed. 
 
 The Moderator was empowered to appoint all stand- 
 
FORTY-SIXTH 
 
 ing committees as soonafter bis election as practicable. 
 
 The following was added to Article IX. of tbe 
 Constitution : 
 
 " Whenever a church aliall have neglected to send 
 a letter for three years in succession, such church may, 
 by vote of the Association, be declared no longer a 
 member of this body." 
 
 Brother Bliss, from the committee appointed last 
 year " to consider the most advisable course for Bap- 
 tist churches to pursue in calling Councils to ordain 
 Ministers, and in receiving Mmisters from other De- 
 nominations," presented their report, which, after 
 amendment, was adopted as follows : 
 
 Your committee beg leave to report, combining to- 
 gether both topics, that according to the established 
 principles of our denomination, each churcli is per' 
 fectly competent to receive into its fellowship a mem- 
 ber from any other denomination, whether a ramister 
 or otherwise, when satisfied of his worthiness. The 
 ministerial character does not, it is understood, as a 
 matter of course, come with him into his new connec- 
 tion. It remains for the church to j udge in regard to 
 him as to any other member, whether he is called to 
 serve the Lord ia any department of the work of the 
 ministry. It is further unquestionable, that eacli 
 chnrch may decide on the duty of its |iroceediug to 
 set apart any of its members to that work ; and that 
 for its own particular service, it would be under no ne- 
 cessity of calling for the counsel or co-operation of 
 other churches. 
 
 As such a case, however, rarely, if ever occurs, the , 
 minister being ordained for duty wherever needed in 
 the churches, and as all churches would ha^-e an 
 equal right to consider tlie competency of the u.nnli- 
 date, ordination might need to be r^jpeated with ■.-.n.li 
 new settlement of the minister, and even with each 
 
78 NORTHUMBEELAND BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 
 
 new proposal for him to perform ministerial duties in 
 any other church. Not merely courtesy, therefore, but 
 necessity demands that any church desiring the ordi- 
 nation of a brother to the ministry, should, in order 
 to secure the confidence of the denomination, call for 
 such a participation in the service by sister churches, 
 that there may be a general guarantee of the propriety 
 of their act. Then the one ordination may be reason- 
 ably accepted as a perpetual introduction to the min- 
 isterial office. 
 
 In the case of a candidate from the ministry of 
 another denomination, there are obvious and impisra- 
 tive reasons why such care to have the deliberate ad- 
 vice and joint action of sister churches is particularly 
 requisite. Indeed we think great consideration is 
 here necessary, before a church should desire for 
 themselves to instal a man in the sacred office ; and 
 that having decided on this, extraordinary diligence 
 should be employed to ensure a wide approval of 
 their proceedings by the denomination, if the confi- 
 dence of the denomination is expected. 
 
 It is perhaps scarcely incumbent on us to express 
 opinions on the subject of ordination in the abstract. 
 Yet we can hardly refrain, in this connection, from 
 giving utterance to our strong conviction of the solem- 
 nity of the rite, its momentous importance, and the con- 
 sequent duty of each church prayerfully and honestly 
 to exercise its own judgment on the fitness of a bro- 
 ther to be thus formally set apart. There is, indeed, 
 a crying destitution of ministers, but only such are 
 wanted as God has really called and qualified. Of the 
 interna], personal call to preach the gospel, the candi- 
 date is himself, to a considerable extent, the judge; 
 but of his qualification even to preach, and still more 
 to perform the general duties of the pastorate, the 
 missionary vocation, or any other recognizsd branch of 
 the official work, his brethren are to decide ; and they 
 just as truly violate their obligation in devoting him 
 
to the ministry witliout clear satisfaction tliat thus the 
 work of the Lord is best to be promoted, as he would 
 violate his in entering upon it without a deep per- 
 sonal belief of his call by the Spirit of God. 
 
 Our practical conclusion, then, is, that the Aasocia- 
 lion onght strongly to recommend to all the churches, 
 
 T. To use great caution, and to seek competent ad- 
 vice before desiring to recognize a brother from the 
 ministry of another denomination, as a minister in our 
 own. Here a certificate of good standing or good 
 character in the former denomination, would be of 
 value, where it could be procured, 
 
 II. Having settled, with due consideration and 
 prayer, on the desirableness of such recognition, a 
 church should ask the counsel of sister churches, as 
 to whether the candidate should be fully ordained, or 
 simply welcomed as a minister in regular standing, 
 and secure their co-operation accordingly. 
 
 III. That in calling a council for such advics and 
 co-operation, invitation should be extended to all the 
 churches of the Association, with such others as may 
 be concerned, and that no pains should be spared to 
 make sure of a general and impartial council. 
 
 TV, That in all cases of the ordination of ministers, 
 important advantages would result from allowing the 
 council to appoint the public services, and from mak- 
 ing no arrangement for such services until after the 
 action of the council. 
 
 A measure often recommended, was this session ac- 
 complished — the appointment of an itinerant evange- 
 list, or colporteur, to labor within the bounds of the 
 Association. Brother S. W. Zeigler was designated 
 for the work, at a salary of $400, two-thirds of which 
 was pledged by members of the Association, the re- 
 mainder to be paid by ihe Am. Bap. Pub. Soe. 
 
 The committee on Obituaries noticed the following 
 
80 NORTHUMBERLAND BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 
 
 among the twenty-nine deaths reported : In Shamokin, 
 Nicholas Willett, Eachel his wife, and John Bough- 
 ner ; White Deer, Deacon Gershaffi Biddle, and Sister 
 Groff, aged 67 ; Milton, Martin and Leah Angeny ; 
 JerseyiShore, Jacob Moyers, 74, and George Toner, 17 ; 
 Union, George Anderson ; Danville, Catharine Mills ; 
 Augusta, George Snyder ; M'Ewensville, Margaret 
 Potter ; and Elimsport, Ebenezer Moore. 
 
 Contributions for benevolent objects, $2,156 36. 
 For local church expenses, $6,363 33, and for Sunday 
 school purposes, $827 21. Total, as reported in 
 Minutes, $9,367 90. 
 
 47th Session — Berwick, 1867. 
 
 Introductory by Brother Amos B. Still; Brother 
 M'Nair, Moderator. 
 
 Lewisburg reported 18 baptisms, Berwick and 
 Bloomsburg each 17, White Deer, 14, Loyalsock, 
 10, &c. 
 
 Voted, that hereafter, the Association organize im- 
 mediately after the opening sermon, without waiting 
 for the reading of the letters. 
 
 Histories of Lock Ilaven, Watsontown, Muncy, 
 Wolf Township, M'Ewensville, and First Williamsport 
 churches were presented and ordered to be printed. 
 
 The Obituary Committee named, among those who 
 had left this scene of probation the previous year — 
 Eebecca Moore, for more than three score years and 
 ten, a member of Shamokin Church ; Mary Welliver, 
 of Madison, 80 years of age ; the faithful Deacon 
 Joseph Meixel and Lewis H. Funk of Milton ; Philip 
 Moyers, of Jersey Shore; Deacon Samuel Welch, of 
 
Lock Haven; Margaret, wife of Deacon Josepli Ever- 
 ett, of Watsontown ; EJizabeth Erlston, of Northum- 
 berland; Phebe Shires, of Derry ; Robert W. Smith, 
 of Selinsgrove ; Perry Eunyon, S. S. Superintendent, 
 of White Hall ; Joseph Lytle, Sr., of Summit, 79 ; and 
 Elder William S. Hall, of White Deer. 
 
 Contributions for benevolent societies, $1,358 00 — 
 also $1,019 42 for Sunday school uses, $St,760 37 for 
 local church expenses; and $8,23i 93 "miscellaneous," 
 (church debts, mostly,) — total reported in Minutes, 
 $20,372 71. 
 
 48Tn Session' — Jersey Shore, 1863. 
 
 Introductory by Brother John S. Miller; Brother 
 Charles S. James, Moderator. 
 
 Nineteen of the thirty-two churches reported the 
 large number of 322 baptisms — Danville having one 
 hundredand twelve, (112,) First Williamsport 65, Jersey 
 Shore 23, Elimsport 21, &c. . 
 
 Brother Tustin requesting to be relieved, Brother 
 George S. Banger was elected Stated Clerk. 
 
 Query from the first Williamsport Church: "Is 
 laying on of hands, or ordination, necessary to the 
 office of Deacon, as understood by the Baptist deno- 
 mination ?" 
 
 Answer by the committee of reference: "In our 
 judgment, the denoynination, if we may judge by its 
 general pradice, does not recognize such a necessity." 
 The opinion of the individual members of the com- 
 mittee not being indicated, 
 
 Another committee was appointed "to report next 
 year, as to the duty of Baptist churches, in reference 
 
82 NORTHXJMBEELAND BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 
 
 to the ordiuation of Deacons." {Note. The Committee 
 reported in 1869, but their report was not adopted, 
 and is not published.) 
 
 " Voted, that Brother 0. N. "Worden be requested 
 to prepare a Historical Address, to be delivered at the 
 Association at its fiftieth anniversary, and that Brother 
 F. W. Tustin be his alternate." 
 
 Histories of the Jersey Shore, Rush, Berwick; Briar 
 Creek, Laporte and Baglesmere, and Bloomsburg 
 churches were presented, and ordered to be printed. 
 
 The names of the following brethren, deceased 
 during the year, were recorded : Benjamin Bradshaw, 
 of Bloomsburg; Deacon Edward Wilkinson, of Rush, 
 63 ; Deacon James Farnsworth, and William D. 
 Acor, of Moreland ; Philip M. Missimer, of Jersey 
 Shore ; Deacon Jesse Smith, of Northumberland ; 
 and J. W. Parmly. Also the following sisters in 
 Christ : Margaret Demott and Amy Johnson, of Madi- 
 son; Elizabeth Stout and Nancy Wolverton, (aged 
 69,) of Rush ; Hannah Muchler, of Bloomsburg ; 
 Nancy Tomb, the last constituent member, and Maria 
 Swartz, of Jersey Shore ; Hannah E. Van Zant, of 
 Summit ; Mrs. Hartman, of Benton ; Mary Diggan, of 
 Loyalsock ; Louisa Fink, of Selinsgrove ; and Mary 
 Tabor. 
 
 Contributions to benevolent societies, $1,892 94 ; 
 for Sunday School purposes, $1,307 32 ; local church 
 expenses, $15,940; miscellaneous, $1,413 57. Total 
 reported in the Minutes, $20,600 04. 
 
 49th Session — Turbutville, 1869. 
 Introductory by Brother William W. Meech ; Bro- 
 ther Joseph P. Tustin, Moderator. 
 
PORTT-NINTH SESSION. 83 
 
 This session was held in the new and commodious 
 house, (dedicated the preceding Lord's day,) of the 
 Turbutville (formerly Derry) church. 
 
 All of the thirty-five churches were represented, 
 by letters or messengers, and twenty-two of them 
 were rejoiciag in accessions by baptism. The greater 
 blessing was to the Lewisburg church, to which, and 
 to its two out stations (Winfield and Montaadon) the 
 large number of one hundred and ffty-seven (157) was 
 added — an aggregate superior to the whole Association 
 at its origin, and the largest added to any one church 
 in one year during its history. First Williamsport 
 reported 33 baptisms, Jersey Shore 22, &c. 
 
 Three new churches were received, viz. : Williams- 
 port First German, with E. Piepgras, pastor (not pres- 
 ent.) and Paul Woernle, clerk, and 23 members ; the 
 Second Williamsport, in the Newberry ward, with T. 0. ' 
 Lincoln, pastor, and 19 members, all but one from the 
 First church ; and Winfield, with George J, Brensin- 
 ger, pastor, and 85 members, mostly from the Lewis- 
 burg churcli. 
 
 An " able Committee" appointed to report an opin- 
 ion upon a question proposed by the Second Baptist 
 Church of Williamsport, recommended the following, 
 which was adopted: 
 
 "When any number of baptized believers in Christ, 
 who have been regularly dismissed from other churches 
 for the purpose, or have not been connected with a 
 church, agree to walk together in church fellowship, 
 adopting the views of Scripture truth which are held 
 by us, by that act, independent of the act of any other 
 persons, they become a Baptist Church, entitled to all 
 
84 NORTHUMBERLAND BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 
 
 the privileges, and invested with all the authority, of 
 such an organization. 
 
 " But, for the sake of order, fellowship, and har- 
 mony, it is desirable and wise that they be formally 
 recognized as a church, by a called council, composed 
 of the pastors of, and delegates from, other churches." 
 
 Brethren Spratt and Miles were requested to prepare 
 discourses, upon such topics, as they may arrange be- 
 tween them and deem most edifying, for the approach- 
 ing semi-centennial anniversary. 
 
 The deaths, specifically named, which had occurred' 
 during the year, were Mary Oakes, one of the oldest 
 members of White Deer ; John Demott, and Catharine 
 wife of Deacon Jacob Demott, of Madison ; Kichard 
 Rogers, of Loyalsock; Deacon Henry Farnsworth, of 
 Jersey Shore ; the aged David Lloyd, of Muncy ; the 
 long afflicted Deacon Joseph Kirkendall, of Berwick ; 
 Deacon Benjamin Savidge, and Margaret M'Kee, of 
 Turbutville ; Thomas Haywood, of Laporte ; Sarah J. 
 Woodward, of Bloomsburg, and Christian Carter of 
 Elimsport. Of Deacon Savidge, it is recorded, " his 
 house was the home of the ministry, by night or by 
 day." 
 
 Especial mention was also made of the death, at 
 Montgomery, Pa., of Elder George Higgins, who was 
 long a valued laborer in this Association. 
 
 Brother Zeigler, who had been continued as an As- 
 sociational Missionary, made the following report of 
 labors for the year ending 1st September, 1869 : 
 Days employed, ..... 365 
 
 Miles traveled, ... ... 3314 
 
 Volumes sold, ..... 1616 
 
 " donated, 208 
 
FORTY-KIKTU SE88ION. S5 
 
 Pages of tracts distributed, 4653 
 
 Sermons preached, 90 
 
 Prayer meetings held, . 37 
 
 Persons baptized, - 3 
 
 Families visited, . 783 
 
 " without Bibles, . 10 
 
 " supplied with Bibles, ■ 21 
 
 Sabbath Schools visited and addressed, . 12 
 
 Amount of aalea, . . $611 02 
 
 " of donations, . 36 14 
 
 Obtained 47 subscribers to Young Reaper at $11 
 28, and 4 subscribers to the National Baptist at 
 $10 00. "I supplied regularly, up to the first of 
 February, the Loyalsock Church with four stations, 
 the Forksville with three stations, and the Laporte 
 and Eaglesmere with four stations, at which time El- 
 der Ira J. Sturdevant took the charge. Since then, I 
 have visited them only occasionally, I also visited 
 the Wolf Township, Danville, Sunbury, Selinagrove, 
 Winfield, Lewisbupg, White Deer, Elimsport, Jersey 
 Shore, Lock Haven, Williamsport 2d, and Williamsport 
 Mission churches. Also preached at the following out- 
 posts, to wit : Thorndaie, Elk-Lick school house, Mon- 
 tandon, New Berlin, Queens' Run, Phelps' Mills, 
 Granville, Salli day sburg, First Forks, Pine Creek,and 
 Toombs' Eun ; attended two recognition councils for 
 new churches, one at Winfield, and the other at New- 
 berry ; and helped in three protracted meetings — at 
 Winfield, Jersey Shore, and Lewisburg, where we had 
 precious 'seasons of refreshing from the presence of 
 the Lord.' " 
 
 "Resolved that Brethren Lincoln, Miles and Gamp- 
 bell be appointed a committee to do what they can by 
 way of carrying the Gospel to the camp-fires of lum- 
 bermen in the pineries of the West Branch." 
 
 Histories of the Clinton, Northumberland, Sun- 
 
86 NORTHUMBERLAND BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 
 
 bury, Danville, Augusta, Lewisburg, Jackson, Selins- 
 grove, Trevorton, Summit, and Elimsport churches 
 vera read, revised, and printed. 
 
 Contributions for benevolent societies, $2,075 37 — 
 also $170 58 for care of church poor; $68 79 for 
 Sunday schools ; $15,378 33 for local church expen- 
 ses; $1,779 57miscellaneoDs; and $554 87 for A sso- 
 ciational missions. Total reported in Minutes, $20,- 
 643 11. 
 
 50th Session — First Williamspokt, 1870. 
 
 Introductory by Brother Robert Lowry ; Brother 
 J. Anderson Kelly, Moderator. 
 
 Two new churches were added to the Association — 
 the Washington Street TF«7Ziamsport, with 96 members, 
 mostly from the First church, B. B. Henshey, late 
 missionary pastor, receiving the hand of fellowship ; 
 and the First church in Shamokin borough, with A. 
 B. Still, pastor, and 33 members. 
 
 All the 37 churches, excepting Clinton, were heard 
 from, and reported 204 baptisms — 38 in Northumber- 
 land, 24 in First Williamsport, 22 in Milton, 19 in 
 Winfield, 17 in Elimsport, 17 in Washington Street 
 Williamsport, 12 in Turbutville, 10 in Lewisburg, &c. 
 
 The committee to examine the letters from the 
 churches, reported. First, " In the opinion of your 
 committee, many of the letters are very much longer 
 than they should be, and would recommend the 
 churches, in future, to make them as short as possible." 
 Second, "They show a large degree of enterprise in 
 building meeting houses. Some of the feebler 
 churches greatly need assistance, and should receive 
 
, PIPTIETO SESSION. 87 
 
 the hearty co-operation of their sister churches in 
 their efforts to secure good houses of worship for 
 them selves," 
 
 The history of Milton church was ordered printed. 
 
 Brother John Beers, of Emporium, Cameron county, 
 spoke of the religious destitution of that opening field 
 for labor on our western border. 
 
 Shaciofcin church reported the death of Susan Hiie; 
 White Deer, that of Angeline Fisher ; Madison, Baltis 
 Essick, Daniel Johnson, and Kisner Moyer ; Loyal- 
 sock, Grant Dunlap and Nancy Rogers ; Jersey Shore, 
 Deacon Joseph E. Blackwell and three others; Lock 
 Haven, Sisters Irvine, Hall, and Edier ; Muncy, Eliza- 
 beth Worthington, aged 75 ; Sunbury, Ann WoIVer- 
 ton; Danville, John P. Leisenring; Berwick, Mar- 
 garet Kirkendall, aged 80; Turbutville, their aged 
 Sister Savidge ; Laporte and Eagleamere, Wm. Smith; 
 First Williamsport, Amelia Baty; Selinsgrove, Deacon 
 HenryBurns,HarrietCummings,Elizabeth Sears; Sum- 
 mit, Sarah J. Farnsworth ; Winfield, Joshua Strauser ; 
 and Washington Street WilHamaport, Sister Harris, 
 
 The Missionary Committee reported that they had 
 been able to raise within their bounds, $900, for the 
 General (State) Association, and that said Association 
 had appropriated $1,350 to sustain preaching in 
 twelve of our churches. They bear willing testimony 
 to the patient, prayerful, persevering labors of Brother 
 Zeigler, " and regret that circumstances, beyond onr 
 control, forbid, at the present time, a renewal of the 
 appointment of an Associ^tional Missionary." 
 
 The exercises connected with the session as an an- 
 niversary occasion, are noticed in our opening pages. 
 
NORTHUMBERLAND BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 
 
 Finances. — At the close of the half century, it may- 
 be well to copy from this year's Minutes an exhibit of 
 contributions for home and foreign efforts to sustain 
 the operations of the church. 
 
 Eaised for Foreign Missions, 
 
 " " Home Missions 
 
 " " Bible Society, 
 
 " " Publication Society, 
 
 " " Penn'a Education Society, 
 
 " " Penn'a General Association, 
 
 " " Care of Church Poor, . 
 
 ■' " Ministers' and Widows' fund, 
 
 " " Sunday Schools, . 
 
 " " Local Church Expenses, . 
 
 ** " Miscellaneous purposes, . 
 
 " " Associational Missionary, . 
 
 Total for all purposes, 
 
 These are credited to the several churches as fol- 
 lows :. 
 
 $228 
 
 41 
 
 . 110 
 
 28 
 
 51 
 
 67 
 
 16 
 
 65 
 
 334 
 
 55 
 
 . 627 00 
 
 84 
 
 31 
 
 3 
 
 07 
 
 680 33 
 
 13,941 
 
 32 
 
 5,713 
 
 64 
 
 . 278 05 
 
 $22,069 
 
 18 
 
 Shamokln Township $306 40 
 
 White Deer 94 43 
 
 Madison 529 00 
 
 Loyalaock 27 00 
 
 Milton 35 00 
 
 Clinton 
 
 Jersey Shore 904 00 
 
 Look Haven 1,402 09 
 
 Rush 399 91 
 
 Watsontown 20 00 
 
 Muncy 7;i9 20 
 
 Northumberland 1,655 87 
 
 Sunbury 25 00 
 
 Danville 502 87 
 
 Berwick 353 00 
 
 Augusta 70 00 
 
 Lewlsburg 4,174 17 
 
 Turbutvllle 344 08 
 
 Moreland 253 50 
 
 Wolf Township 8442 12 
 
 Briar Creek 21 00 
 
 M'Ewensville 39 50 
 
 Laporte and Eaglesmere 15 00 
 
 First Williamsport 3,943 11 
 
 Jackson - 71 94 
 
 Selinsgrove 157 72 
 
 Forksville 
 
 Bloomsburg 434 48 
 
 White HaU 184 50 
 
 Trevorton 202 73 
 
 Summit 39 00 
 
 Elimsport 634 50 
 
 First German, Williamsport 516 60 
 
 Winfleld 
 
 Second Williamsport 2,653 63 
 
 Washington St. Wil'sport... 834 54 
 First Shamokln borough 243 74 
 
 These returns are incomplete, some of the churches 
 making no statement of their expenses to sustain the 
 cause at home and help their own poor. 
 
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90 NORTHUMBERLAND BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 
 
 Sunday Schools. — The foregoing table, taken from 
 the minutes of the Sunday School Union — or, as now- 
 styled, " Convention" — for the current year, shows the 
 apparent increase since the first report made, in 1848, 
 (see page 54.) 
 
 The close of the fifth decade shows an increase from 
 31 to 37 churches — the large number of 1924 bap- 
 tisms — and a net gain of 898 members. Another en- 
 dowment of one hundred thousand dollars had been 
 secured, during the time of a terrible civil war, for the 
 University at Lewisburg, many of whose students have 
 acquired positions of influence, well exercised, at home 
 and abroad. Some of our weak churches have been 
 ' strengthened, while others still need friendly assistance, 
 and there are new and important fields which should 
 at once be occupied, Activity in the Master's cause, 
 in this as in preceding periods, has kept most of our 
 people from falling into the doctrinal errors which 
 have marred the character and checked the progress 
 of our denomination in some corresponding bodies. 
 Truly we of the Northumberland Association have 
 abundant cause to lift up our hearts and voices as did 
 Samuel of old, and say, 
 
 "Hitherto hath the LORD helped us." 
 
REVIEW or THE HFTY YEARS. 
 
 Punctuality. — Aa thia Association covers nearly 
 eight counties, ibi territory is aomewbat extensive. 
 Yet in its early days, when traveling facilities were 
 comparatively difficult, every church in the union was 
 heard from for twelve successive anniversaries. And 
 in 1835, '37, '38, '39, '43, '44, '46, '47, and in '69, every 
 church was represented by letters or delegates, or 
 both — twenty-one years in all. The failures have 
 been mostly amongthe smallest churches most remote 
 from the places of meeting, and were as follows : 
 
 At 13 sessions, 1 church not represented 13 
 
 2 " 2 churches " " 4 
 
 7 " 8 " " " 21 
 
 2 " 4 " " " 8 
 
 4 " 5 " " " 20 
 
 1('64) 8 " " " 8 
 
 Total failures of representation, 74 
 
 Thus, out of 876 years of labor, or appointments for 
 meeting, there have been 74 feilures — or twelve per- 
 formances of the duty to one omission. Some of these 
 were from Providential hindrances, but others from 
 sheer carelessness or lack of interest 
 
 Of the original churches. White Deer has never 
 failed of a representation, Shamokin failed in '42, 
 
»a NOETHUMBERLAND BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 
 
 but her daughter Eush did not. Madison failed in 
 '49, '66, '57, and '64, but was represented by some of 
 her family, excepting in the latter year. 
 
 Several of the newer churches have never failed to 
 meet with the Association. 
 
 The Association has convened eight times with the 
 White Deer church, meeting seven times in the White 
 Deer house, and once in Blimsport; seven times with 
 " Little Muncy" or Madison Church, meeting twice in 
 MorelanJ, twice in Washington vi lie, twice in Derry, 
 and once in Madison nqar Jerseytown ; and three 
 times with " Derry" or Turbutville, meeting twice in 
 Derry and once in Turbutville. 
 
 T\v& places have been as follows: In White Deer, 7 
 times ; in Shamokin Township, 6 ; in Jersey Shore, 
 6; in Moreland, 4; in Milton, 3; in Muncy, 3; in 
 Derry, 3; in Danville, 3; in Washingtonville, 2; in 
 Clinton, 2 ; in Eush, 2 ; in Berwick, 2 ; in First Wil- 
 liamsport, 2 ; in Madison, 1 ; in Lewisburg, 1 ; in 
 Elimsport, 1 ; in Lock Haven, 1 ; in Turbutville, 1 — 
 50 sessions. 
 
 Permanency. — Of the thirty-nine churches which 
 have been members of this Association, but one has 
 lost its visibility, and one has sought a more eligible 
 connection with a sister body. (iVbte V.) The branch 
 named " Warren," which went out from Jersey Shore, 
 may be found in Brown Township and M'Henry 
 churches, on Pine Creek, attached to the Tioga Asso- 
 ciation. The branch at " Beach Haven," from Berwick, 
 it is feared is dead from neglecting to unite with some 
 associated body. 
 
REVIEW OF THE PAST FIFTY TEARS. 93 
 
 The Minutes coiita,ia sketches, more or less accurate 
 and complete, of thirty-two of the thirty-seven oharcbes 
 now in union. Three of the remaining five are recent 
 developments of the rapid growth of the city whoSe 
 hospitality we enjoy at this anniversary festival; 
 a fourth ig Winfield, just formed from Lewisburg ; 
 and the fifth is the new church in Shamokin borough. 
 These latter-named hardly need a historian as yet, but 
 we trust may, in the year 1920, have much to record 
 of the goodness of God. For each and all of these 
 churches let our daily prayers aseend : " Save now, I 
 beseech thee, Lord I Lord, I beseech thee, 
 
 SEND PBOSPERITY 1" 
 
 COMPAEATIVE ADVANCEMENT. 
 
 Numerically, progress has been manifest, as will he 
 seenby the following figures, giving re-sults iu decades, 
 or ten years of time : 
 
 Id 1821, commenced with 3 
 
 
 124 
 
 1830, reported 
 
 6 
 
 108 
 
 172 
 
 1840, " 
 
 10 
 
 746 
 
 850 
 
 1850, " 
 
 22 
 
 1668 
 
 1675 
 
 1860, " 
 
 31 
 
 1280 
 
 2036 
 
 1870, « 
 
 37 
 
 1924 
 
 2934 
 
 5,727 
 During the seventy-four failures of churches to 
 report to the Association, numerous baptisms and 
 other changes remain unnoted on our Minutes. The 
 writer was informed by the Clerk of Forksville 
 that nineteen additions by baptism to that church 
 
Vi 
 
 94 NORTHUMBERLAND BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 
 
 were not reported to the Association. Danville, 
 Lewisburg, and perhaps other churches were ad- 
 mitted with newly baptized members, returned as con- 
 stituents, but many of them not enumerated among the 
 baptisms. Add from these two sources to the number 
 regularly accounted for. and the aggregate will exceed 
 six thousand (6,000) — an average of one hundred 
 and twenty (120) a year^— baptized, on profession of a 
 living faith in Christ, into the fellowship of the Nor- 
 thumberland Association, during its fifty years of 
 labor. 
 
 The members of this Association number 2,934 
 
 There are also, in four counties over which 
 the Association extends, nine; other 
 churches of our faith and order, with 
 members (as last reported) as follows : 
 
 Three English — Cherry, Sullivan county, 32 
 
 Brown T'p, Lycoming, 85 
 
 M'Henry " 30 
 
 Three German — Anthony " 66 
 
 Eldred " 42 
 
 Fairfield " 48 
 
 Three Welch — Danville, Montour, 77 
 
 Bloomsburg, Columbia, 10 
 
 Centralia " 20— 410 
 
 Total, regular Baptists, . . 3,344 
 
 To exhibit the growth of the Baptists, as compared 
 with the whole population, we give the figures for 
 each, at the origin of the Association, and at its present 
 stand point : 
 
REVIEW OP THE PAST F 
 
 15,424 
 
 41,440 
 
 17,621 
 
 28,765 
 
 (new) 
 
 15,334 
 
 13,517 
 
 47,633 
 
 (new) 
 
 23,213 
 
 (new) 
 
 6,191 
 
 18,619 
 
 15,568 
 
 (new) 
 
 16,606 
 
 "bTorthoinberland, 
 Columbia aad ) 
 
 Montour, J 
 Lycotning, 
 ClintoQ and 
 
 Sullivan, 
 Union and 1 
 
 Snyder, J 
 
 65,181 193,750 
 
 Baptists in 1820, 124; in 1870, 3,34i 
 la 1820, one Baptist to 526 of the population. 
 In 1370, " " 58 " " 
 
 Omitting the nine cturclies not united with it, this 
 Association are as 1 to 66 of the whole population. 
 
 The whole population has increased 295 per cent., 
 while the Baptists iacreaaed 2690 per cent., in half a 
 century. {N'ote W.) 
 
 But this is not all. Our churches have exerted an 
 influence beyond their own organizations, not to be as- 
 certained by figures. The preaching, the prayers, the 
 personal conversation, and more than all, the godly 
 lives of official and private members, have instru- 
 mentally resulted in the conversion of very worthy 
 persons who have united with other denominations, 
 and also elevated the standard of piety among " birth- 
 right" professors. And quite a number, at Lewis- 
 burg, have gone, with new found hopes, to unite with 
 churches at their more particular homes. 
 
 In revivals, in temperance, and in other means for 
 promoting the temporal and the spiritual elevation of 
 our race, it is believed the members of this body have 
 
96 NOKTHUMBERLAND BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 
 
 generally taken an active part and an honorable 
 position, which have blessed the communities in 
 which their lot has been cast. 
 
 BAPTIST- TENETS. 
 
 Our first distinguishing principle as a denomina- 
 tion, is, that Christian churches are composed of be- 
 lievers only ; and, second, that Scripture baptism is 
 the only door into church membership, or communion. 
 These principles have been gaining ground even faster 
 than our membership. The writer has conversed with 
 an intelligent lady of middle age, who in her youth 
 thought that Baptists lacked natural affection in fail- 
 ing to bring their infants to be rantized, (sprinkled.) 
 A minister of our order stated that (while he was yet 
 a Pedobaptist) on the sudden and dangerous illness of 
 a child, he was almost distracted, while running about 
 at night, for a minister to sprinkle it. In this day, there 
 are few who give to infant sprinkling the importance 
 attached to it, thirty and fifty years ago, by some ex- 
 cellent and well informed people. Many neglect or 
 refuse to impose upon unconscious babes the rite their 
 authorities require. In this respect, the consistency 
 of our practice is admitted by increasing numbers. 
 Degrees of persecution our people once encountered, 
 are now comparatively unknown,, and even the stale 
 cry of "bigotry" is made with 'bated breath. Immer- 
 sion is demanded by increasing numbers in sprink- 
 ling churches, and it is frequently administered— after 
 a fashion — by those not " in the line of apostolical 
 succession" as regards the great initiatory ordinance. 
 
OUB. LOSSES. 9T 
 
 For these favorable indications, we " thank God and 
 
 take courage." 
 
 We hold that our peczliar tenets are the plain 
 teachings of tha New Testament. Conceding to all 
 the soul liberty we claim for ourselves, and pointing 
 to the Law rather than Tradition, we rejoiee when we 
 find our neighbors embracing our views of faith and 
 practice, A very large proportion of our members 
 were not Baptists by the bias of early education. And 
 we are glad that many bring with them their most 
 valuable characteristics, combining in our variety of 
 gifts the perseverance of the Presbyterians, the zeal 
 of the Methodists, the stability of the Lutherans, the 
 devotion to church order of the Episcopalians, and 
 the gentle love of the Friends, with a sprinkling of 
 all other good qualities, harmonizing in "one Lord, 
 one faith, one baptism." 
 
 Probably one half of those returned in our Min- 
 utes as excluded, dropped and erased, were those who 
 had removed away without taking letters of dismis- 
 sion, and, having located where there were few Bap- 
 tists, if any, have grown cold and lost their standing. 
 Some of these have been recalled to their duty, and 
 found a home again with God's people. Of the other 
 half, expunged from the church records for immorality, 
 heresy, or other causes, perhaps one fourth are ulti- 
 mately restored, at home or abroad. 
 
 The tiile of emigration is largely against us. After 
 deducting the number who pass by letter from one 
 church to another within our bounds, it is probable 
 
&S NORTHrMBERLAND BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 
 
 we lose two where we gain one by emigration. These 
 diminutions have sadly crippled some of our churches 
 n town and country. We are happy to know that, 
 in some cases, the cause has gained, elsewhere, all we 
 have seemed to lose, by the changes. 
 
 Since its origin, the large number of six hundred 
 and forty-nine (649) resident members, and an unknown 
 number of those once associated with us but dismissed 
 to other bodies, have, one by one, passed the river of 
 death. They have joined, as we trust, the general 
 assembly and church of the first born, whose names 
 are written in heaven. It is a number greater than 
 could be accommodated in this spacious house. It il- 
 lustrates the amazing rapidity of the flight of time. 
 And it is very doubtful whether many, if any, of 
 those now actively engaged here, will witness the hun- 
 dredth anniversary of this body. Let us work while 
 it is day, for we shall have all eternity in which to 
 enjoy the kest that remains for the people of God. 
 
ADDITIOIAL PAPERS. 
 
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suBJicTs m mim op circular letters, histories, k 
 
 1831. Rules, Articles of Faith, and General Circular — by Thomas 
 
 Smiley. 
 1823. The Atonement— by Thomas Smiley. 
 
 1833. A Gospel Church — by Thomas Smiley, 
 
 1834. Brotherly Love— by Silas E. Shepard 
 
 183.5. On the Excellency of Holy Writ— by a Committee. 
 
 1836. Perseverance of the Saints— by Thomas Smiley. 
 
 1837. Church Fellowship — by Eugenio Kincaid. 
 
 1838. Eegeneration — by Isaac Wolverton. 
 
 1839. Christ the Meditator, Prophet, Priest and King— by 
 
 Thomas Smiley. 
 
 1830. Love of the Brethren— by Thomas Smiley. 
 
 1831. Prayer — by George Higgins. 
 
 1833. Self Examination — by George Spratt, Sr. 
 
 1833. Protest against Infant Baptism— by George Higgins. 
 
 1834. Narrative of the State of Religion within the Association. 
 
 1835. Signs of the Times— by George M. Spratt, Jr. 
 
 1836. Extract from Andrew Fuller, "On Evil Things which 
 
 pass under Specious Names." 
 
 1837. Protest against Sprinkling — by George Higgins. 
 
 1838. The Baptismal Question, continued — by George Higgins. 
 
 1839. Family Prayer— by George M. Spratt, Jr. 
 
 1840. Efficiency of the Ordinary Means of Promoting Religion 
 
 —by Daniel C. Wait. 
 
 1841. Importance of an Increase of Gracious Dispositions — by 
 
 Wm. S. Hall. 
 1843 to 1851. Reports — Digests of Letters — Histories— Consti- 
 tutions, (by various writers ) These Reports and Di- 
 gests are continued, mostly, until the present time. 
 
 1852. The Duty of the Churches in Supplying the Deficiency 
 
 which exists of Ministers of the Gospel — by George R. 
 Blies. 
 
 1853. Reports and Digest. 
 
 1854. Systematic Benevolence -by Howard Malcom. 
 
CIRCULAR LETTERS, HI-TORIB', ETC. 105 
 
 18S5. RepottB and Digest. 
 
 18jG. Connection between tlie Discipline of Children and their 
 
 Acceptance of Keligiun-by Justin B. Loomis. 
 18fJ7. Brotlierly Fidelity— by Nathan Callender. 
 
 1858. Gospel Duty of ladividual Efforts for Conversion— by 
 
 Howard Malcom. 
 
 1859. The New Command, " Love One Another" — by Thomas 
 
 P. CurtiB. 
 
 1860. Christian Education of Children— by Andrew J, Hay. 
 
 1861. The Bible, the Sole Authority in Ohriatian Doctnne and 
 
 Practice— by Stephen H. Mirick, Formation of a Sun- 
 day School Union, 
 
 18B3. The Importance of mainlainina a consistent Conrormity 
 to our avowed Doctrine and Diadpline — by J. Anderson 
 Kelly. History of Shamokin Church — by Committee. 
 
 180.3. Tl»e Lord's Supper— by J. Green Miles. History of White 
 Deer Church— by 0. N. Worden. 
 
 1804. Eeporta and DiKest, 
 
 18G5. Chiistian Family* Life— by Thomas F Curtis, 
 
 1860. Membership, Nature, and Superiority of the Ciiristi.in 
 Church— by Thomas F, Curiis. History of "Little 
 Munoy," Madison, Deny, Moreland, White Hall, Loyal- 
 sock, and Forksville churches— by O. N. Worden. 
 
 I8S7, The Deaconship— by Joseph P. Tnstin, History of "B ild 
 Eagle" fnow Lock Haven,) "XTnion" (now Watson- 
 townj Muncy, "Hughsville" (now Wolf Township,) 
 M'Ewensville,and PirstWilliamsportohurolies, (writers 
 not named.) 
 
 1868. Scarcity of needed Ministers — by James Jr:nea. History 
 
 of Jersey Shore, Rush, Berwick, Briar Creek, Laporte 
 and Eaglesmere, and Bloomsbarg churches, (writers 
 not named.) 
 
 1869. F re-Requisites for the Lord's Supper— by Amos B. Still, 
 
 History of Clinlon, Noithumberiand, Sunbury, Danville, 
 Augusta, Lewisburg, "Benton" (now Jackson,) Selins- 
 grove, Trevorton, Summit, and Elimsport churches, 
 (writers not named. J 
 
 1870. Christian Unity— by Henry C. Munro, Semi- Centennial 
 
 Exercises. History of Milton church, (writer not named ) 
 
LEADING STATISTICS OP THE SEVERAL CHUBCHES. 
 
 Names of Churches, and 
 Counties where situated. 
 
 Date of Pub- 
 lic Recog- 
 nition. 
 
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 Shamokin,Northuinberland 
 
 White Deer, Union 
 
 Madison, Columbia 
 
 Loyalsock, Sullivan 
 
 Milton, Northumberland... 
 
 Clinton, Lycoming 
 
 Jersey Shore, do 
 
 Lock Haven, Clinton 
 
 Rush, Northumberland 
 
 Minersville, -rftr dis to Ph. 
 
 Muncy, Lycoming 
 
 Watsontown, Northumb'd. 
 Northumberland, do 
 Sunbury, do 
 
 Danville, Montour '.. 
 
 Berwick, Columbia 
 
 Augusta, Northumberland. 
 
 Lewisburg, Union 
 
 Turbutville, Northumber'd 
 
 Moreland, Lycoming 
 
 Wolf Township, do 
 Youagwomanstown, Clin'n 
 
 Briar Creek, Columbia 
 
 M'Ewensville, Northumb.. 
 Laporte & Baglesmere, Sul 
 1st Williamsport, Lycom'g 
 
 Jackson, Columbia 
 
 Selinsgrove, Snyder 
 
 Forksville, Sullivan 
 
 Bloomsburg, Columbia... 
 
 White Hall, Montour 
 
 Trevorton,Northumberland 
 Summit, do 
 
 EUmsport", Lycoming 
 
 1st Qer. Williamsport, Lye. 
 2d Williamsport, do 
 
 Winfield, Union 
 
 Washing. St. WiUims't,Lyc. 
 Shamokin Borough, North. 
 
 Now, 37 churches. 
 
 50 
 50 
 50 
 46 
 44 
 40 
 39 
 33 
 33 
 20 
 30 
 30 
 39 
 28 
 38 
 28 
 37 
 27 
 35 
 25 
 33 
 11 
 30 
 18 
 17 
 16 
 15 
 13 
 11 
 11 
 11 
 11 
 6 
 5 
 3 
 2 
 3 
 1 
 1 
 
 786 
 
 June 31,1794 
 Oct. 2?,, 1808 
 Sept. 37,1817 
 Oct 7, 1823 
 Aug. 25,1836 
 Sep. 9, 1830 
 Jan. 17, 1837 
 
 June 1838 
 
 June 15,1839 
 
 ?1840 
 
 June 34,1841 
 Aug. 13,1841 
 July 7, 1843 
 Dec. 1.5, 1843 
 Nov. 29,1843 
 Sep. 35, 1842 
 Feb. 7, 1844 
 .Tan. 3, 1844 
 July 1, 1846 
 July 2, 1846! 
 Dec. 14, 1848 
 
 ?1849i 
 
 Aug. 7. 1851 
 Feb. 19, 1853 
 Aug. 10,18.14: 
 Dec 28, 1854 i 
 Marc.24,1856 
 May 16, 1858 
 Feb. 34, 18.58 
 Nov. 7, 18.59 
 Sep. 1.5, 1859 
 March 8,1860 
 Feb. 16, 1865 
 Dec. 26, 1865 
 June 24, 1869 
 July 30, 1869 
 
 1869 
 
 Dec. 14, 18(>9 
 ?1869 
 
 1831 
 
 ? supposed. 
 
 1835 
 1837 
 1831 
 1832 
 1838 
 1839 
 1840 
 1841 
 
 1842 
 1843 
 
 1844 
 1846 
 1849 
 
 1851 
 1853 
 1854 
 185^; 
 1856 
 1858 
 1860 
 
 1865 
 1866 
 1869 
 
 1870 
 
 9 
 
 10 
 14 
 10 
 9 
 9 
 18 
 13 
 84 
 ?9 
 28 
 21 
 35 
 81 
 47 
 15 
 43 
 22 
 63 
 97 
 24 
 15 
 30 
 10 
 13 
 15 
 19 
 13 
 13 
 19 
 36 
 22 
 37 
 43 
 23 
 18 
 76 
 78 
 26 
 
 380 
 341 
 439 
 
 96 
 300 
 149 
 644 
 289 
 367 
 
 22 
 176 
 
 91 
 115 
 133 
 366 315 
 319 
 
 90 
 438 
 101 
 145 
 
 93 
 1 
 
 23 
 8 
 
 26 
 310 
 
 53 
 
 41 
 
 11 
 111 
 
 24 
 
 25 
 
 13 
 
 46 
 3 
 2 
 
 27 
 
 17 
 4 
 
 5737 
 
 2934 
 
TEARS OF BAPTISMS. 101 
 
 Adding to the foregoing lie nine churclies,nol associated with 
 us, there are 15 Baptist churches in Lycoming connty, IS in 
 Northumberland, 7 in Columbia, 4 in Snllivan, 3 in Montgur, 3 
 in Union, 1 in Clinton, 1 in Snyder— 46 in all. 
 
 NUIOEB OF -RATTTR TffAT. YEABS. 
 
 As gathered fiom the Minutes, the Churches enjojed more or 
 less revival influences in the following proportions as to tears : 
 SI lamokin To wnsliip reported tapttsma In 37 out of oOypars of anion. 
 
 
 
 
 Mifton'^' ■"' "■■ 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Wolf Townsliip . '■ . .- 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 ,., ■' 1 
 
 1 ■■„,.; 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 ShamoklnBorougti. .. 
 
 507 876 
 
 The record shows additions, oftener than once in two years, 
 to all the churches, on an average, (not including the 74 years 
 unreported ) Estimating three or four baptismal seasons per 
 year ia those 507 years of more fruitful labor, there were 1500 to 
 20OO public administrations of the ordinance. The average ia 
 eleven baptisms per year, per church, for the yeara reported. 
 
108 
 
 NOETHUMBERLAND BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 
 
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TABLE QF MINISTERS. 
 
 
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110 
 
 NOKTHUMBERLAND BAPTIST ASSOCIATIOS. 
 
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TABLE OF UlNTSTERS. 
 
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112 NORTHUMBERLAND BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 
 
 Occasionally, a * denoted the absence of some of 
 the foregoing from the annual meetings. 
 
 Other preachers labored for short periods, but are 
 not returned among the Messengers to the Association. 
 Some were pastors-elect, who did not remain until the 
 session ensuing. Some were supplies for an indefinite 
 period; some aided in special religious efforts ; others 
 preached on visits, during vacations, &c. Many of 
 these were very useful and worthy brethren, but as 
 they were but partially reported, it is not deemed ad- 
 visable to attempt any record except of those chosen 
 by the churches to represent them, or resident mem- 
 bers, ordained ministers. 
 
 Several were absent for years between the first and 
 last periods named, so that the table is not a sure 
 index of the length of time they were in the Associ- 
 ation. Brother Kincaid came in, 44 years ago, but 
 was twice absent for long periods, and is not now a 
 member of the Association. Brother Spratt came in 
 40 years ago, but was absent from 1842 to 1851 ; 
 Brother Miles came in 30 years ago, but was absent 
 1858 to 1860 ; Brother Miller came in 27 years ago, 
 but was absent 1849 to 1867. Brother Bliss came in 
 21 years ago, and has no break in his connection with 
 the Association. 
 
 Several were agents or teachers, yet have given 
 valuable ministerial aid to the cause. Some have 
 been pastors or supplies of different churches, and of 
 the same church more than once, as is set forth at 
 large in the respecUve church histories. 
 
 The apparently uncommon brief period of service 
 of many named, is accounted for by the fact that they 
 
DENOM I NATION Ai CHANGES. 113 
 
 were students, from Hamilton or Lewisburg, seeking 
 
 only temporary engagements while pursuing their 
 studies. 
 
 It is believed that a majority of our ministers, in 
 the early history of the body, were educated as Pedo- 
 baptists, and proved most worthy members. Of the 
 129 named in the preceding table, one became a Pedo- 
 baptist, and three united with other denominations 
 holding to believers' baptism. In 1848, Mr. Ross came to 
 us from the Scotch Presbyterians; in 1849, Mr. Hamlin, 
 from the Methodists; in 1865, Mr. Leacock, from the 
 Free Will Baptists — and all afford a fresh cautioQ 
 against receiving ministers from other denominations 
 without sufficient examination of their personal wor- 
 thiness, as well as their declared faith. With these 
 exception s^ our ministers have sustained, as far as is 
 known, a character and reputation suitable to their 
 high calling. 
 
HOUSES OF WORSHIP. 
 
 The history of the mother church, in Shamokin 
 Township, shows that money was raised in the Phila- 
 delphia Association, as early as 1799, to aid in erect- 
 ing the Jirst Baptist meeting house within our bounds. 
 Although now disused, its frame still stands, sur- 
 rounded by the graves of two preachers, and others, 
 pioneers of that region. The second house, built of 
 brick, dedicated in October, 1835, is in Hush town- 
 ship, and used by the church there. In December 
 following, the third was dedicated, on the Turnpike. 
 In 1844, they set apart the fourth, in Irish Valley, now 
 used by Summit Church — and at present are com- 
 pleting a, fifth, at Snydertown, to aid in which that on 
 the Turnpike has been taken down. Five houses in 
 seventy -five years, is a noble record for old Shamokin I 
 
 White Deer Church had a small log house on 
 Spring Creek, from 1810 to 1814, which was lost as 
 described in their history. The second, also of hewn 
 logs, near the site of that now used, was occupied from 
 1822 to 1837, when the present frame house was 
 erected, and has recently been refitted. A fourth, at 
 the Elimsport station, was dedicated in 1853. 
 
 The Little Muncy, now Madison Church, for some 
 
HOUSES OF WORSHIP. 115 
 
 years occupied, with tbe Lutherans, a union house in 
 Moreland, and about 1834 built their own first house 
 in Derrj. Their second house, now used, north-west 
 of Jerseytown, was erected " and paid for" in 1845 or 
 1846. 
 
 Loyalsock, after using numerous school houses, 
 Rogers' factory, &g., as the varying population seemed 
 to rec[uire, announce this year that they have given 
 their share for the new Union meeting house, (at 
 Hillsgrove ?) 
 
 Milton, for some years from November, 1830, had 
 the distinction of building the first brick Baptist house 
 in central or northern Pennsylvania, and have recently 
 erected a second, more centrally located and com- 
 modious. 
 
 Clinton was supplied with a house of worship, 
 shortly after organization, in 1831. A fund of one 
 thousand dollars; left by Elizabeth, relict of the late 
 Deacon Benjamin Bear, is waiting for investment in a 
 new edifice on such a site as may be deemed advisable. 
 
 Jersey Shore enjoyed precious revivals in various 
 buildings temporarily employed. In December, 1844, 
 they dedicated their present house of worship, soon 
 adding a large bell — then regarded a sa very creditable 
 efibrt. In 1869, Brother E. B. Campbell was the 
 principal means of adding suitable rooms for confer- 
 ence and Sunday school purposes. They had an in- 
 terest and a revival in a house at Chatham's Run, 
 about 1840, but parted with the house for a consider- 
 ation. They well employ their joint right to the 
 chapel erected by Hon. Mr. Dodge, in 1852, on Pine 
 Creek, at Phelps' Mills. And in 1867 they dedicated 
 
116 NORTHUMBERLAND BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 
 
 a mission house at Granville station, on the opposite 
 side of the river, the land being given by Jonathan 
 White, Esq. 
 
 The Baptists of Lock Haven were the first religi- 
 ous society in the place, but were long crippled by the 
 want of a local home, so essential to stability and en- 
 largement. They secured a lot of ground pre vious to 
 1850, exchanged it for a better in 1863, and in 1867 
 commenced the erection of a suitable house, the lower 
 portion of which they now occupy. 
 
 Eush was supplied with a good house while yet 
 united with Shamokin Township Church, in 1835. 
 
 Minersville had at" one time the use of a house, but 
 with a debt upon it. 
 
 Watsontown, .(while known as " Union" Church,) 
 erected, in 1847, their first house on the run in Dela- 
 ware township. The railway making this a better 
 rallying point, the church have nearly completed a 
 desirable edifice in the rising village of Watsontown. 
 
 Muncy were well supplied with a good brick house 
 as early as 1842 or 1843. 
 
 Northumberland were secured, by the proprietors 
 of the tov\n, with a lot, upon which, when needed, they 
 might build. After the organization of the church, a 
 small brick house was put up in 1842. The members 
 are now engaged in erecting a more inviting house, 
 which they hope soon to complete. 
 
 Sunbury also were provided, as early as 1843, with 
 a small house, which the growth of the town and of 
 the church we trust may soon prove altogether in- 
 sufficient for their needs. 
 
 Danville speedily erected (1843 and 1844) a good 
 
HOUSES OP woRenip. IIT 
 
 brick house, wbich is now supplanted by one much 
 more commodious. The latter, commeoced in 1803 
 and dedicated in 1869, was at a cost of $13,090. 
 
 Berwick wisely gave themselves "a local habita- 
 tion" aa well as a " name," at an early day — their house 
 having been dedicated July 4th, 1843, less than a year 
 after the church organization. A house for ministers 
 was also f)ropos6d, but we know not that the work 
 has been accomplished. 
 
 Augusta dedicated their house, in Lower Augusta 
 township, in January, 184i— just previous to their or- 
 ganization as a church. 
 
 Lewiaburg Church were cradled in a low block 
 school-house, between a tavern and a grave yard, 
 where Elder William Grant held his meetings. In 
 1845, '46, they built a large brick bouse. In 1869, 
 they entered their seconrf, stone edifice, in size adapted 
 to its use as connected with the University, and in 
 finish and appearance excelled perhaps by no similar 
 building in the central part of the State. Upon this, 
 as upon some other houses in our Association, a debt 
 remains. In 1870, this chnrcbalso aided in building 
 a commodious house for their Montandpn station, nfear*" 
 the depot on the opposite side of the river, 
 
 Turbutville, when known as "Derry," occupied the 
 first house built by the Baptists, (about 1834,) on the 
 Moreland hills. The good of the cause, however, 
 dictated its abandonment, and the erection of the ele- 
 gant brick edifice in this village, dedicated in Sep- 
 tember, 1869. The grove and the grave yard around 
 the old Derry meeting house, have precious memories 
 
118 NORTHUMBERLAND BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 
 
 to many. May the glory of the latter house exceed 
 the glory of the former I 
 
 Moreland, ia 18')3, abandoned the Union house, 
 where this Association iirst met, and built a better 
 one of their own, to which a burial place is attached. 
 
 Wolf Township, originally " Hughsville," erected, 
 about 1851, a suitable house, some two miles from 
 that village, near Picture Rocks. 
 
 Youngwomanstown never had a house as a nucleus. 
 
 Briar Creek, though few in number, erected a neat 
 and comfortable house, shortly after their organization, 
 in 1851. 
 
 M'Ewensville, in 1842, was supplied with a brick 
 house, chiefly by the family of Father James Moore. 
 This was some years before the church was recognized. 
 
 Laporte and Baglesmere worship in various build- 
 ings as they find it advisable and have opportunity. 
 We are not aware that any of the four small Baptist 
 churches in Sullivan county have a house wholly 
 their own. 
 
 First Williamsport, from their origin, shared the 
 temporal prosperity of the city, and on the 4:0th anni- 
 versary of this body, (September, I860,) dedicated a 
 superior building to the worship of God. It is clear 
 of debt and valued at $25,000. The young members, 
 in 1867, provided a comfortable mission house on 
 Washington Street, which has been a birth place of 
 many souls. 
 
 Benton own a half interest in the house known as 
 " Jackson Church," which was dedicated with a ser- 
 mon by Brother Wm. S. Hall, in September, 1853. 
 
 Selinsgrove early and liberally provided a house. 
 
PAKS0NAQE8 LIBERALITY. 119 
 
 at a cost of $3,800, which was dedicated 1st of Janu- 
 ary, 1860. 
 
 Forksville, in 1867, expressed a desire to " arise and 
 build," but we are not aware that they have advanced 
 in the effort. 
 
 The Bloomsburg Baptists dedicated a substantial 
 frame meeting house, July 11th, 1859, and were re- 
 cognized in November following as a church. 
 
 White Hall Church was organized the same day, 
 (17th September, 1859,) that their neat brick house 
 was dedicated, in the village once known as " Fruits- 
 town." The ground, and barial place attached, with 
 a share of the $1,600 baildiog fund, were the contri- 
 bution of Sister Euphemia Derr, relict of Brother John 
 F. Derr. 
 
 Trevorton, chiefly through the labors of our de- 
 ceased brother,George Mowton,were supplied, at a cost 
 of $5,000, with an excellent brick house, which was 
 dedicated in January, 1862, 
 
 In Summit, the friends refitted, before the church 
 organization, their house, which had been erected 
 twenty years previous, by the Shamokin brethren, for 
 their Irish Valley station. 
 
 The well arranged house in Elimsport, dedicated 
 February 12th, 1853, was erected while connected with 
 the White Deer Church, Brother Robert Dunbar and 
 family bearing their fuU share of the enterprise. 
 
 The First German Williamsport, are weak in finances 
 as well as in numbers, but have been aided in erecting 
 a house, the past year, upon which a debt of $900 
 remained. 
 
 Second Williamsport, in the western part of the city, 
 
120 NOETOUMBERLAND BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 
 
 say, " Through the liberality of brethren and friends, 
 a pleasant and convenient house of worship has been 
 secured." 
 
 W infield has not decided upon the location of a 
 house — the village in " Dry Valley," and Chestnut 
 Eidge on the eastward, being spoken of for the site. 
 
 Washington Street, Williamsport, were supplied 
 with a neat brick house while the church was in its 
 germ as a mission school. 
 
 The new Shamokin Borough church do not speak 
 of their place of worship, but the importance of the 
 field demands an effort in that direction. 
 
 It will be observed that the Association has been 
 well served in the matter of church accommodations, 
 often at great sacrifices on the part of the members. 
 The amounts raised by them it would be impossible to 
 ascertain. Some churches received substantial aid 
 from abroad, to their building funds. 
 
 We find also in the Minutes, notices of special 
 efforts, at sessions of this body, to secure means to 
 build houses, not only within our own bounds, but 
 also beyond — at Harrisburg, Clearfield, York, Cham- 
 bersburg. Broad Top, and perhaps other points. And 
 much has been given, of which no mention appears in 
 the Minutes. 
 
 HOUSES FOB MINISTERS. 
 
 Are there any Baptist " Parsonages" in this Asso- 
 ciation? Might not several of the churches advanta- 
 geously employ their hearts and their hands by adding 
 these to their church facilities ? 
 
FINANCES MINUTE MONIE*. 121 
 
 FINANCES. 
 
 The early Minutes Iiave few indications of anything 
 being done, at the annual meetings, by way of honor- 
 ing God with the substance He lias entrusted to His 
 stewards. Yet we learn, incidentally, that, according 
 to their means, the fathers and the mothers of the As- 
 sociation were devising liberal things. As wealth has 
 increased, contributions generally — not always — have 
 increased in fair proportion. The Minutes notice 
 much money given to various agencies for religious 
 and charitable purposes. But only a portion is of 
 record, and tbe accounts, kept by different persona, 
 are so varying and confused that it seems impracti- 
 cable to present, in a tabular form, any aggregate of 
 contributions. We have always had free, liberal, 
 hearty givers. May their riches and their inclinations 
 increase together ! May all our members whom Grod 
 has blessed with means, enjoy the luxury of giving, 
 while yet alive, to advance His cause who gave His 
 life for us I 
 
 HINITTE MONIES ACENOWLEDOED 
 
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 tern 
 
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THE BIBLE ON BAPTISM. 
 
 I. Protest against Infant Baptism. 
 II. Sprinkling is not Christian Baptism. 
 III. The Baptismal Question continued. 
 
 The annexed articles are from the pen of our de- 
 ceased brother, George Higgins. They were written 
 as Circular Letters for the Northumberland Baptist 
 Association — the first in 1833, the second in 1837, 
 and the third in 1838. They may be received as an 
 index of the arguments most commonly used, on both 
 sides, at that period. The last, reprinted in 1850, had 
 the advantage of the personal supervision of the author 
 while it was in the press ; the others may have had 
 typographical errors, one of which is corrected in 
 our copy, which is from the original Minutes. They 
 will commend themselves as plain, pungent, forcible 
 arguments, drawn from the only tribunal to which 
 Christians should appeal. 
 
PROTEST AGAINST INPAMT BAPTISM. 123 
 
 I PB0TE3T AGAINST 1SFAS7 BAPTISM. 
 If personal gratification or aggrandizement were 
 the object which engaged our attention and elicited 
 our religious efforts, it would be a matter of some im- 
 portance, in choosing subjects upon which to apeak or 
 write, to select such as accord generally with the sen- 
 timents of the Christian public. Our object, however, 
 is the dissemination of truth, to accomplish which, we 
 sometimes come unavoidably into collision with those 
 we love. If any, or all, the principles contained in 
 this letter, should be at variance with those of any 
 who read it, let them not suppose that in selecting the 
 subject of baptism as our theme, we had any wish to 
 wound their feelings or provoke their hostility. All 
 we ask, is a candid examination of the protest here 
 presented, leaving our readers to adopt or reject it, 
 according to the judgments they may respectively 
 form. 
 
 THE PROTEST. 
 
 Whereas, we, the ministers and messengers of the 
 Northumberland Baptist Association, denying the di- 
 vine right of any to the ordinance of Christian i[n- 
 mersion who are not professed believers in the Lord 
 Jesua Christ, have been accused of leaving our child- 
 ren to the uncovenanted mercies of God, and of a 
 want of respect to their salvation, by withholding from 
 them baptism; that we may not rest under imputa- 
 tions so iinfounded, and that the public may know 
 the reasons which influence us and our brethren of 
 the great Baptist family, in various partsof the world, 
 in denying the divine right of infants to baptism, we 
 
324 NORTHUMBERLAND BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 
 
 do most deliberately, and with a full sense of our re- 
 sponsibility to God, in behalf of ourselves and the de- 
 nomination to which we belong, solemnly protest 
 against the baptizing of infants, for the reasons which 
 follow : - - 
 
 1. We protest because in its tendency it sets aside 
 believers' baptism, the only baptism of the New Tes- 
 tament. This is the fact, in every instance, where 
 those baptized in infancy, having been spiritually 
 quickened, have made a profession of religion, except 
 when, in despite of parental officiousness and the in- 
 fluence of an erroneous religious education, believers 
 have claimed, as their right, the blessed privilege of 
 being buried with Christ in baptism. Rom. 6:4; Col. 
 2 : 12. If infant baptism should become universal, 
 believers' baptism would be banished from the world : 
 so true is it that the traditions of men make void the 
 law of God. ■ Matt. 15: 6. 
 
 2. We protest because infants are incapable of what 
 are pre-requisites of the ordinance. These are faith 
 and repentance. Mark 16: 16; Acts 2: 37; Acts 8: 
 37-8. If it be said that faith is also necessary to sal- 
 vation, and that, if the want of it excludes from bap- 
 tism, it likewise shuts out of the kingdona of heaven, 
 and, Jtherefore, to deny infants baptism, is to deny 
 them salvation, we reply that the salvation of the 
 Gospel has nothing to do with infants. It is as much 
 confined to believers as the baptism of the Gospel. 
 Infants are saved, (Matt. 19 : 14), but not by faith. 
 Rom. 10: 17. Will the heathen, who never heard the 
 Gospel, be saved by it ? Eom. 2 : 12-15. Certainly 
 not: nor will infants 
 
PROTEST AGAINST INFANT BAPTISM. 125 
 
 3. We protest because instructions should invaria- 
 bly succeed baptism, whieli infants are incapable ol 
 reeeiviDg. Matt. 28: 20. The baptized are to be in 
 structed ; but infants are incompetent to receive in 
 struction; therefore, infants are not to be baptized. 
 It was the practice in the earlier ages of the church 
 to address candidates for baptism (catechu mens) 
 upon the important business in .which they were en- 
 gaged, but the rise of infant baptism has, for good 
 reasons, set aside this custom. It would be a ludic- 
 rous spectacle to see a clergyman addressing an infant 
 in its mother's or nurse's arms upon the subject of bap- 
 tism, and yet it would be just as rational, scriptural, 
 and useful, as to baptize it. 
 
 4. We protest because it ascribes an nnscriptural 
 amount of faith to parents. Most professing Christians 
 hold that faith is essential to a scriptural administration 
 of baptism, and this f^ct is taught in the Word of God 
 beyond dispute. Ileb. 11:6; Rom. '14: 23. Aware 
 of this, somj have absurdly supposed infants capable 
 of faith; others, more rational but not more scriptu- 
 ral in their opinion, have rejected this hypothesis, 
 and thought the faith of the parent suf&cient. If there 
 is any doctrine among Prote.-itants having an af&nity 
 to the doctrine of works of supererogation among 
 Catholics, it is this supererogation of faith. Have 
 Christian parents a superabundance of faith ? If 
 baptism be the seal of the covenant of grace, the rite 
 of initiation into the Christian church, and faith of 
 parents that which entitles children to baptism, does 
 the faith of parents save the souls of baptized child- 
 ren who die in infancy ? and what becomes of unbap- 
 
126 NOKTHTTMBERLAND BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 
 
 tized children when they die? We hope those con 
 corned will ponder well these interrogatories. 
 
 5. We protest because infant baptism arrogates to 
 itself prerogatives of the Holy Spirit. It professes- 
 to be a seal of the covenant of grace. But where is 
 the evidence ? What does it seal to the baptized who 
 live and die in sin? Did the Apostle consider bap- 
 tism, or the Holy Spirit, the agent of our spiritual 
 sealing ? Does he say that we are sealed in infancy, 
 or when we believe f Let him speak. "In whom 
 (Christ) also, after that ye believed, ye were sealed 
 with that Holy Spirit of promise." Eph. 1: 13. 
 "Grieve not the Holy Spirit of God whereby ye are 
 sealed unto the day of redemption." 4 : 80. It pro 
 fesses to regenerate the soul. But this our Lord as- 
 sured Nicodemus is the work of the Spirit. John 3 : 8. 
 
 6. • We protest because infant baptism reverses the 
 order of the commission. " Go ye therefore and teach 
 (or disciple) all Tiations, baptizing them," &c. " He 
 that believeth and is baptized," &c., was the language 
 of Zion's King. Matt. 28: 19; Mark 16: 16. This 
 order was scrupulously observed by the obedient dis- 
 ciples. John 4: 1, 2 ; Acts 8 : 12. Those who in the 
 commission by Matthew are termed disciples, are in 
 the commisnon by Mark considerei believers, and in 
 Acts 11: 26, they are called Christians. It is clear 
 then, that the commission authorizes the baptism of 
 disciples, believers or Christians, not to make them 
 such, but because they sustain the character. There- 
 fore, to baptize those who have not believed, been 
 discipled, &c., is to reverse the order of the commis- 
 sion of our Lord. Matt. 5: 19. 
 
PROTEST AGAINST INEAKT BAPTISM. 12t 
 
 7. We protest because baptism, administered to 
 children, is not the answer of a good conscience, 
 IPet. 3: 21. 
 
 8. W e protest because, if infant baptism were true, 
 then the Almighty must have designed that the Chris- 
 tian Cbnroh should embrace a larger proportion of 
 unregenerate than regenerate members ; and the dis- 
 tinction of John is of questionable propriety, 1 John 
 5: 19. If infants are to be baptized, either because 
 they are church members, by virtue of their eonnec- 
 tioQ with believing parents, or to eoostitute them sQCh, 
 then there was some tratb ia the statement of a rev- 
 erend gentleman, who, in giving to the public the sta- 
 tiatioa of the denomination to which he belongs, said 
 that for every communicating member there are fifteen 
 non-commuaicating members. What a corrupt mass I 
 lifteen-sixteenths dead in trespasses and in sins I Is 
 this a church of Christ ? Would the language of the 
 Apostle addressed to the church of Rome apply to it 
 — " T thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all, 
 that your faith is spoken of throughout the whole 
 world." Rom. 1:8. 
 
 9. We protest because Pedobaptists, in furnishing 
 reports which classify the baptized, are constrained to 
 employ a phraseology so different from the Apostles, 
 as to make it evident that their practice is different. 
 The Apostles report the baptized as " men and wo- 
 men," (Acts 5: 14; Acts 8: 12;) Pedobaptists, as 
 adults and infants — the Apestles, as those who " be- 
 lieve," "receive the word gladly," &o, (Acts 18: 8; 
 Acts 2 : 41 ;) Pedobaptists, as those who believe, and 
 their children. 
 
128 NOETHUMBERLAND BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 
 
 10. We protest because, if infant baptism be scrip- 
 tural, then the Gospel teaches two baptisms; but this 
 cannot be, for the Apostle affirms there is only "one 
 baptism," Eph. 4:5. It is certain, from the commis- 
 sion and the uniform practice of the Apostles, that 
 believers are to be baptized. The obligation is upon 
 believers — is universal, and perpetual. If, therefore, 
 it cou'ld be proved that infants are to be baptized, 
 there yet would exist the law to baptize believers. 
 So then anabaptism is not so horrible a thing as some 
 have imagined. 
 
 11. We protest on account of the inconsistencies 
 involved in infant baptism. 1. If there be authority 
 to baptize children, is not the authority to grant them 
 the privileges of the Lord's supper equally strong? 
 and is there not a manifest impropriety in granting 
 them the ordinance of baptism, and withholding the 
 memorials of a Saviour's passion? The one is as 
 ancient as the other, and it is certain that infant com- 
 munion was practised in the Roman Catholic church 
 until the doctrine of transubstantiation, was originat- 
 ed ; and-it still exists in the Greek church. Dr. Wall 
 says that the Roman church, about the year one thou- 
 sand, entertaining the doctrine of transubstantiation, 
 let fall the custom of giving the holy elements to in- 
 fants, but that the Greek church, not having the same 
 doctrine, continued, and do still continue, the custom 
 of communicating infants. Dr. Priestly: "It is re- 
 markable that in all Christian antiquity, we always 
 find that communion in the Lord's supper immediately 
 followed baptism. And nothing occurs as that of any 
 person having a right to one of these ordinances and 
 
PROTEST AGAINST INFANT BAPTIPM. 129 
 
 not the other." Ghillingwortk: "St. Augustine, I am 
 sure, lield the communicating of infants as much 
 apcSatolio tradition as the baptizing them " 2. Bap 
 tism is called a sacrament of the New Testament, then 
 why do Pedobaptists recur to the Old Testament — to 
 circumcision, and the Abrahamic covenant, to ascer- 
 tain who are the proper subjects of baptism ? Is there 
 no discrepancy in this? But we forbear. 
 
 12. We protest beciuse the flimsy and irrelevant 
 arguments which its friends are sometimes constrained 
 to employ, but too plainly bespeak the utter hopeless- 
 ness of the cause. It is iio unusual thing for an illit- 
 erate Baptist to triumph over an educated Pedobap- 
 tist ; and it is not unfrequently the case that the latter, 
 when completely routed, musters to his aid the unira 
 portaace of baptism, its non-essential character, the 
 piety, learning, and numbers upon the side of infant 
 baptism, as if an ordinauce of Jesus Christ could be 
 unimportant or non-essential ! as if piety, learning, 
 and numbers were always upon the side of truth ! If 
 baptism be so unimportant, why is it termed the seal 
 of the covenant, the rite of initiatioQ, and the laver of 
 regeueratiou ? If truth be upon the side of learning 
 and numbers, why are we not all Catholics 1 To talk 
 about piety in such a matter, is disrespectful if not in- 
 vidious. 
 
 13. "We protest because the contrariety of sentiment 
 which has obtained among the advocates of infant 
 baptism, is but too ominous of the perplexities under 
 which they labor in discussing it. In every point 
 they are at issae. They are not agreed as to the pro- 
 per subjects. Some affirm that the children of believ- 
 
130 NORTHUMBERLAND BAPTIST ASSOCIATION, 
 
 ers alone are to be brought to the ordinance ; others 
 assert, and with equal confidence, that all children are 
 entitled to its privileges. They do not agree as to the 
 reasons or grounds of infant baptism. Some are of 
 opinion that it removes original sin. The Church of 
 England say that children are regenerated in baptism. 
 Some think that children are to be baptized to consti- 
 tute them members of the visible church ; others hold 
 that they are to receive baptism because interested in 
 the covenant of grace, of which it is a sign and seal. 
 Wall, Lightfoot and others suppose it was borrowed 
 from Jewish pxoselyte baptism. Sir Norton Knatch- 
 buU rejects the proselyte plunging, and recurs to cir- 
 cumcision. Vitringa and Venema object to circum- 
 cision as a ground of infant baptism, and with Wit- 
 sius, suppose infants in a relative state of grace. Mr. 
 Baxter makes the faith of parents the condition of 
 their children's church membership and salvation, and 
 Mr. Henry considers a profession of faith, made by 
 parents, an infant's title to baptism ; but Archbishop 
 Leighton opposes this as neither clear from Scripture 
 nor sound reason. Calvin, Melancthon and generally 
 the Lutheran churches, (says Bingham) own a sort of 
 faith in infants. The Church of England proceeds 
 upon the profession made by the sureties, the God- 
 fathers and God-mothers ; and Bishop Prideaux says 
 that Pedobaptism rests upon no other divine right 
 than Episcopacy. They are not agreed as to what con- 
 stitutes baptism. All consider immersion or dipping, 
 baptism, but the Roman Catholics and most Protestant 
 denominations think pouring, and indeed any appli- 
 cation of water, valid baptism, while the Greeks and 
 
PROTEST AGAINST INFANT EAPTI-M. 131 
 
 all other Christians in the world, who never owned 
 the Pope's usurped power, do and ever did dip. Dr. 
 Wall: "Besides, although infant fiopiism began about 
 the second or third century, yet learned biblical an- 
 tiquarians say that infant sprinkling was began about 
 the thirteenth century." Bossuet: "We are able to 
 make it appear by the acts of councils and by the 
 ancient rituals, that for thirteen hundred years, baptism 
 was thus {bj immersion) administered throughout the 
 whole church as far as was possible." Stu-khouse: 
 " Several authors have shown and proved that this ' 
 immersion continued (as much as possible) to be used 
 for thirteen hundred ysRva after Christ." 
 
 1-i. We protest because it is certain, from ecclesi- 
 astical history, that infant baptism had no existence 
 until the close of the second, or beginning of the third 
 century. Bishop Barlow: "I do believe and know, 
 that there is neither precept nor example in Scripture 
 forPedobaptisra,nor any just evidence for it for about 
 two hundred years after Christ." Salmasius and Sui- 
 cerus: "In the two first centuries uo one was baptized 
 except being instructed in the faith, and, being ac- 
 quainted with the doctrine of Christ, he was able to 
 profess himself a believer." Rigaltius : " In the Acts 
 we read that both men and women were baptized, 
 when they believed the Gospel preached by Philip, 
 without any mention being made of infants. From 
 the Apostolic age, therefore, to the time of Tertullian, 
 the matter is doubtful." 
 
 15. We protest because Catholic writers are bold 
 to say that Protestants have no other authority for in- 
 fant baptism, than the practice of the church. Usher's 
 
132 NORTHUMBERLAND BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 
 
 Body of Divinity: "Yet our adversaries (the Catho- 
 lics) quarrel against this most rich and plentiful treas- 
 ure of the Holy Scriptures, alleging that we (Prot- 
 estants) receive many things by tradition which are 
 not in Scripture, and yet we believe them, as — the 
 baptism of infants." Bishop of Meaux: "Experience 
 has shown that all attempts of the Eeformed, to con- 
 found the Anabaptists by the Scripture, have been 
 weak, and therefore they are ait last obliged to allege 
 to them the practice of the church." 
 
 17. We protest because eminent Pedobaptists have 
 conceded that there is no command for, nor example 
 of infant baptism in the Word of God. Mr. Baxter, 
 in his appeal to Mr. Blake, uses this forcible lan- 
 guage : " I conclude that all examples of baptism in 
 Scripture, do mention only the administra,tion of it to 
 the professors of saving faith, and the precepts give 
 us no other directions. And I provoke Mr. Blake as 
 far as it is seemly for me to do, to name one precept 
 or example for baptizing any other, and to make it 
 good if he can." Luther : " It cannot be proved from 
 the sacred Scriptures that infant baptism was instituted 
 by Christ, or begun by the first Christians after the 
 Apostles." Bishop Burnet: "There is no express 
 precept or rule given in the New Testament for bap- 
 tism of infants." Limborch: "There is no instance 
 can be produced from which it may indisputably be 
 inferred, that any child was baptized by the Apostles." 
 
 17. We protest because eminent Quakers, who are 
 impartial witnesses in this controversy, have given 
 their uniform and unequivocal testimony against in- 
 fant baptism. Robert Barclay: "As to the baptism of 
 
PROTEST AGAINST INFANT BAPTISJI. 133 
 
 infanta,- it ia a mere human tradition." William Penn: 
 " There is not one text of Scriptnre to prove that 
 sprinkling in the face was water baptism, or that child- 
 ren were the subjects of water baptism in the first 
 times." George Whitehead: " What great hypocrisy 
 and insincerity are those personsj ustly chargeable with, 
 in the sight of God, angels and men, in their not prac- 
 tising that baptism they have pleaded for, from the 
 practice of the Apostles t but, instead thereof, rantism 
 or sprinkling of infants, to make them thereby mem- 
 bers of Christ and of his church militant." Ihomas 
 Lawson : " Sprinkling of infants is a ease unprece- 
 dented in the primitive church, an irreptitions custom 
 sprung up in the night of apostacy after the falling 
 away of the primitive order." See the author of 
 "Eantism (that is, sprinkling) not Christ nor the Apos- 
 tles, hut Cyprian ; not in the days of Christ, but some 
 230 years after." 
 
 Dear Brethren: We submit the above protest with 
 confidence that it will meet with a cordial reception 
 by you, and will ao far satisfy our Pedobaptist breth- 
 ren who may examine it, as to prevent such reflections 
 as gave origin to this feeble effort. Our recent review 
 of the baptismal controversy has strengthened our 
 conviction that infant baptism is a human superstruc- 
 ture, whose foundation ia in the sand, and which is 
 destined by the swellings and irresistible torrents of 
 truth, to he swept entirely away. 
 
134 NORTHUMBERLAND BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 
 
 II. SPEINKLING IS NOT CHEISTIAIT BAPTISM. 
 
 In our Circular of 1833, we presented a protest 
 against Infant Baptism. In our present Circular, we 
 give you a protest against Sprinkling. 
 
 We do most solemnly and deliberately protest 
 against sprinkling, because — 
 
 1. It does not express the signification of tbe Greek 
 word, by which the ordinance of baptism was origi- 
 nally designated. The discussion of the action of 
 baptism is purely philological. This results from the 
 fact that baptize, the Greek word used invariably by 
 Christ and the Apostles, is not translated in our ver- 
 sion of the sacred Scriptures. The translators have 
 done nothing more than give the Greek verb an Eng-. 
 lish termination. If they had translated it, there never, 
 probably, would have been any dispute about it. In 
 order, therefore, to determine its meaning, reference 
 must be had to classic usage. We cannot now go into 
 an elaborate investigation, but must content ourselves 
 with merely adverting to the present aspect of this 
 controversy. That excellent scholar and critic, Mr. 
 Carson, in his reply to Dr. Wardlaw and Mr. Ewing 
 of Scotland, maintains that bapto, the root, has the 
 two meanings, to dip, to dye ; but baptizo, the deriva- 
 tive, has only the one signification, to dip. To fortify 
 the position assumed, he has entrenched himself with 
 about two hundred quotations, from more than forty 
 Greek writers, the Septuagint, Apocrypha, and New 
 Testament. The redoubtable Dr. Miller, of Princeton, 
 after having reconnoitered the forti fication, thinks that 
 it is vulnerable, but lacks either prowess or courage to 
 
NOT BAPTISM. 135 
 
 lead on an attack. Professor Stuart, of Aodover, 
 stands in the very first rank in the learned world. In 
 his elaborate work on baptism, he assigns to baptize, 
 in the classics and Septuagiot, the meanings to plnnge, 
 to overwhelm ; and in the Apocrypha and the New 
 Testament, to wash, Se has not in a single instance 
 alleged sprinkling as a meaning. Professor Eipley of 
 Newton, and Eev. Willard Judd of New York, have 
 answered the work of Professor Stuart, and shown, 
 triumphantly, that baptizo always can be construed in 
 the sense of dip, or immerse. Mr. Judd, like Mr. 
 Carson, considers this discussion as purely philologi- 
 cal. He has pushed tlie examination of bapto and 
 baptizo, commenced by Mr. Carson, until almost the 
 ■whole mass of Greek literature extant, has passed 
 under review. His masterly work contains numer- 
 ous quotations, not noticed by Mr, Carson, so that in 
 the two books we have about three hundred Greek 
 extracts, &om about sixty Heathen, Jewish and Chris- 
 tian writers. "In fine," says Mr, Judd, " there is no 
 word whose meaning is capable of being more defi- 
 nitely and satisfactorily settled, on principles of phi- 
 lology and common sense, than is that of baptizo ; 
 and no fact is more clearly established, than that this 
 word has always, and everywhere, signified immer- 
 sion, and has never been used in any other sense." 
 
 2. Words which express mode can have but one 
 meaning. Baptizo is a word of this character. Hence 
 probably the phrase, "one baptism." Eph. 4 : o. The 
 words wash, wet, dye, &c., do not indicate mode, and 
 may include all modes; but the words dip, pour, 
 sprinkle, &c., are significant of mode, are not inter- 
 
136 NORTHUMBERLAND BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 
 
 changeable, and therefore cap. signify only one mode. 
 We .challenge the learned world to produce one in- 
 stance, from any language, where a modal word sig- 
 nifies more modes than one. Now, as the learned 
 have given their unanimous testimony that baptize 
 signifies to dip, or immerse, it is clear as the sun 
 shining at noon day, that it does npt mean to sprinkle. 
 
 3. It cannot be made to supply the place of baptize. 
 Words of the same meaning can be substituted one 
 for the other. No one will question this. If, there- 
 fore, the word sprinkle is the meaning of baptize, it 
 will fill its place, and the sense be preserved. Wc 
 will test it by this rule. Mark 1 : 8, 9, " I indeed 
 have baptized yea in (Greek en) water, but He shall 
 baptize you in the Holy Ghost. And it came to pass 
 in those days, that Jesus came from Nazareth ef 
 Galilee, and was baptized of John into (eis) Jor- 
 dan." Rom. 6 : 3, 4, " Knew ye not that so many 
 of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized 
 into his death ? Therefore we are buried with him 
 by baptism," &c. Eead these passages again, and use 
 the words sprinkle and sprinkling, instead of baptize 
 and baptism, and you will readily see that the sense 
 is destroyed ; and then read them again, using the 
 words immerse and immersion, and you will see at 
 once that the sense is preserved, It is obvious, there- 
 fore, that immersion is baptism, and sprinkling is not. 
 
 4. Sprinkling does not account for facts, connected 
 with the mission of John the Baptist. The harbinger 
 of Jesus was sent to the Jewish nation, to prepare the 
 way for the Messiah's advent into the world. He 
 proclaimed the approach of the kingdom of heaven, 
 
SPRINKLTNG IS NOT 
 
 and baptized all who embraced his message and ex- 
 hibited, by reformation of life, the required evidence 
 of repentance for sin; It is*nataral to suppose that 
 he would have commenced his ministry in Jerusa- 
 lem, the capital of the State, the seat of government, 
 of literature and of population, whither the tribes 
 were accustomed to repair annually for ;fforship. Bat 
 no! He began in the wilderness of Judea, several 
 miles from Jerusalem, where he must be content to do 
 without ordinary raiment and aliment, and habit him- 
 self in camel's hair, and live upon locusts and wild 
 honey ; and " the inhabitants of Jerusalem, Judea, and 
 tbe region round about Jordan," must resort hither. 
 But why ? Can any other reason be given, than that 
 the river Jordan, whose d^ep waters had been thrice 
 parted by miracle, was there? (Joshua 3: 15-6 ; 2 
 Kings, 2 : 8, 15 ;) and Bethabara, which was a house 
 or temple of passage, and denoted the place of fording, 
 was there ? Here then was a most eligible place for 
 immersion. After having baptized a multitude here, 
 John repaired to Enon, for the same reason by which 
 he had been -led to commence his ministry at Betha- 
 bara. because there was much water there. (John 
 3, 23.) These facts certainly put the supposition that 
 John practised sprinkling, wholly out of the question! 
 Hence Tertullian, who lived within a century after 
 the Apostle John, speaks- of the people " whom John 
 dipped in Jordan," (quos Joannes in Jordane tinsit.) 
 Hence Dr. Lightfoot and Adam Clarke have remarked 
 that the baptism of John was by plunging, &;c. 
 
 5. Circumstances connected with the administration 
 of baptism show, that sprinkling was not the primi- 
 
138 NORTHUMBERLAND BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 
 
 tive baptism. It is recorded that John baptized in the 
 river Jordan, (Mark 1:5;) that Jesus was baptized of 
 John into (eis) Jordan, (Mark 1:9;) that when he was 
 baptized he went up, arose, emerged (anabaino) straight- 
 way from the water, &c. ; that Philip and the Euntich 
 went down both into the water, hoth Philip and the 
 Eunuch, and he (Philip) baptized him, and when they 
 were come up out of the water, &c.. Acts 8 : 38-9. It 
 is evident from the recorded narrative, that the jailor 
 and his house were baptized out of doors, probably in 
 the river Strymon, (Acts 16 : 13.) "We submit to the 
 serious consideration of the candid a few questions. 
 Is it probable that John would have baptized in the 
 river ? that Philip and the Eunuch would have gone 
 hoth into the water? that the circumstances of going 
 down into and coming up out of the water, would have 
 been so minutely recorded, if the primitive baptism 
 had been sprinkling ? Can the fact that the jailor and 
 his family were baptized out of doors, and at midnight, 
 be accounted for, unless they were immersed ? Is it 
 not morally certain, that if our Lord was baptized into 
 Jordan, he was immersed ? 
 
 6. The phraseology by which baptism is indicated, 
 cannot be construed to favor sprinkling. The phrase, 
 " born of water," refers manifestly to the emerging 
 from the water in baptism, and cannot be tortured to 
 testify for sprinkling. (John 3 : 5.) The expression 
 " and our bodies washed with pure water," connected 
 as it is with the phrase " having our hearts sprinkled 
 from an evil conscience," cannot relate to anything 
 less, than a complete lotio, or an immersion. (Heb. 
 10 : 22.) We have a similar form of expression in 
 
SPKINKLINO IS MOT BAPTISM. 139 
 
 Titiis 3:6; the washing (Loutrou, Lavacrum, bath) of 
 regeneration, &c. This phrase also undoubtedly refers 
 to immersion. See also Col. 2 : 12 ; 3:1. 
 
 7. The explanation of baptism by an inspired 
 Ap'ostle, and the argument he derives from it, make 
 it evident that the baptism of primitive times was im- 
 mersion, and not sprinkling, (fiom. 6 : 3, 4.) We 
 paraphrase the passage thus : " Know ye not that 
 Jesus died, descended into the grave, and rose again 
 to take away sin ; and that ye were buried by bap- 
 tism, to express by your immersion into water and 
 emersion from the water, your reliance upon his death 
 and resurrection, to purify you from sin, and your ob- 
 ligation to live a holy life 'i" Whether the burial be 
 interpreted of natural or moral death, is of no conse- 
 quence. Here is a figure of death, burial and resur- 
 rection, and that figure is baptism. It is worthy of 
 observation that in this passage, the Apostle describes 
 baptism as universally understood : "Know yp. not that 
 so many of ,us," &c. And as submitted to by our 
 precious Saviour : " Therefore we are buried wilh 
 ffim," &Q. That this passage has an allusion to the 
 ancient practice of immersion, all candid men of every 
 religious denomination admit. We will furnish the 
 very language of a few celebrated writers. Arch- 
 bishop Tillotson says, "Anciently, those whq, were 
 baptized, were immersed, and buried in the water, to 
 represent their death to sin ; and then did rise up out 
 of the water, to signify their entrance upon a new life. 
 And to these customs the Apostle alludes." Dr. Dod- 
 dridge says, " It seems the part of candor to confess 
 that here is an allusion to the manner of baptiziuo- by 
 
140 NORTHUMBERLAND BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 
 
 immersion." John "Wesley remarks, "Buried with 
 him — alluding to the ancient manner of baptizing by 
 immersion." 
 
 8. Ancient historic events by which baptism is 
 illustrated, show that the primitive practice was im- 
 mersion, and not sprinkling. 1 Cor. 10 : 1, 2. A 
 very few observations upon this passage will be suffi- 
 cient. The Apostle calls the passage of the Israelites 
 through the parted waters of the Eed Sea, and their 
 being under the cloud, a baptism in the cloud and in 
 the sea. The baptism was figurative. The Lord by 
 a strong wind had parted the waters and made the 
 bottom dry. (Exodus 14 : 21.) The floods stood up- 
 right as an heap, and the depths were congealed in the 
 heart of the sea. Exodus 15 : 8. The children of 
 Israel Walked upon dry land, in the midst of the sea ; 
 14 : 29. The resemblance between this event and 
 baptism, is obvious. Because, while they passed 
 through the sea, and were under the cloud, they were, 
 to- the view of the Egyptians in their rear, completely 
 buried in the cloud and sea. Between this and sprink- 
 ling, there is no resemblance. 1 Peter 3 : 20. » This 
 ApostlQ could see a resemblance between the event to 
 which this passage has reference, and baptism. As 
 the eight, by entering the ark and permitting God to 
 shut them in, evinced their faith in God and were 
 saved, so Christians by baptism evince that faith in 
 Christ which saves the soul. Hence baptism is called 
 the answer of a good conscience. He noticed also that 
 the salvation of the eight, and baptism, are emblems 
 of the resurrection of Christ. As Noah and wife, his 
 three sons and their wives, entered the ark and re- 
 
IS NOT BAfTISM. 14L 
 
 mained in it until the waters with which the ark had 
 been enveloped were assuaged, and then went forth 
 out of the ark; so our Lord entered the grave until 
 the third day, and then arose according to prophecy ; 
 so also in baptism, we enter within the water, and then 
 arise from it. Upon the supposition that sprinkling is 
 baptism, this passage is altogether inexplicable. 
 
 9. Sprinkling is not an emblem of the resurrection 
 of believers. 1 Oor, 15 : 29. Paul is proving the 
 doctrine of a future resurrection. He derives an ar- 
 gument from baptism. Now if there is no resurrec- 
 tion, why then are we baptized? On that supposition, 
 there is no meaning in baptism. It is absurd for any 
 to be baptized who do not believe in a future resur- 
 rection, because baptism is a figure of resurrection. 
 A child can see that this argument has force, only 
 because baptism is immersion. 
 
 10. It is calculated to produce erroneous concep- 
 tions of the extent of Christ's sufferings. Matt. 
 20 : 22, 3 ; Mark 10 : 38, 9 ; Luke 12 : 50. These 
 scriptures represent the sufferings of Christ as a bap- 
 tism. Why ? Manifestly on account of their intense 
 and overwhelming nature, and in correspondence with 
 the prophetic language of David, Psalms 69 : 1-2, 14. 
 Accordingly, Dr. Campbell translates these passages 
 thus : '■! have an immersion to undergo, and how am 
 I straightened till it be accomplished!" "Can ye 
 drink such a cup as I must drink ; or undergo an im- 
 mersion like that which I must undergo ?" Dr. Dod 
 dridge paraphrases them thus, " Are you able to drink 
 of the bitter cup, of which I am now about to drink 
 so deep, and to be baptized with the baptism, and 
 
142 NORTHBMBERLAND BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 
 
 plunged into fhe sea of sufferings, witli wliioli I am 
 shortly to be baptized, and as it were overwhelmed 
 for a time ?" " I have indeed a most dreadful bap- 
 tism to be baptized with, and I know that I shall 
 shortly be bathed as it were in blood, and plunged in 
 the most overwhelming distress." The eloquent Sir 
 H. Trelawny remarked, " Here, I must acknowledge, 
 our Baptist brethren have the advantage ; for our Re- 
 deemer's sufferings must; not be compared to a few 
 drops of water sprinkled on the face, for he was 
 plunged into distress, and his soul was environed with 
 sorrows." 
 
 11. Sprinkling does not convey an adequate notion 
 of the baptism of the Holy Spirit. It was predicted 
 that the reign of the Messiah should be distinguished 
 by the prevalence of spiritual light or knowledge. 
 Isaiah 42 : 6, 7 ; 60 : 1, 3 ; Jer. 31 : 34. Accordingly 
 Christ is called the light of the world, and Christians 
 the children of light. John 1 : 7, 9 ; 12 : 36 ; Luke 
 16 : 8 ; Eph. 5. In the Apostolic age, the disciples, 
 especially the Apostles and preachers, in order that 
 the absence of Christ the light of the world, might 
 be in some measure supplied, were favored with ex- 
 traordinary communications of the Spirit. These had 
 been promised. He shall baptize you in (en) the Holy 
 Spirit — in the Holy Ghost and in fire. Mark 1:8; 
 Matt. 3:11; Luke 3 : 16. For John truly baptized 
 in water, but ye shall be baptized in the Holy Ghost. 
 Acts 1:5; John 16 : 7, 15. The Greek fathers must 
 have understood the nature of this promise, as exhi- 
 bited under the symbol of baptism. Theophylact, com- 
 menting upon the words " he shall baptize you in the 
 
SPRINKLINQ IS NOT BAPTISM, 143 
 
 Holy Spirit," says, "That is, lie shall iuundate you 
 abundantly with the gifts of the Spirit." Cyril of 
 Jerusalem says, " For aa he that goes down into the 
 water and is baptized, is surrounded on all sides by 
 the water, so the Apostles were totally baptized, (im- 
 mersed) by the Spirit. The water surrounds the body 
 externally, but the Spirit incomprehensibly baptizes 
 (immerses) the soul within." Sprinkling does not ex- 
 press the baptism of the Spirit. 
 
 12, No fact in ecclesiastical history is more fully 
 made out, than that immersion was the invariable 
 practice, throughout the Christian churches, in times 
 immediately subsequent to the apostolic age. Pro- 
 fessor Stuart concedes this, and proves it by copious 
 extracts from early Christian writers, observing that 
 the passages which refer to immersion in the fathers 
 are so numerous, that it would take a little volume 
 merely to recite them. Hermas and Barnabas were 
 contemporaries and companions of the Apostles. 
 Hermas remarks, "That seal (of the Son of God) is 
 the water of baptism, into which men go down bound 
 unto death, but come up appointed unto life," Bar- 
 nabas saysj " We go down into the water full of sins 
 and pollutions, but come up again bringing forth fruit, 
 having in our hearts the fear and hope, which is in 
 Jesus by the Spirit." Justin Martyr, who suffered 
 martyrdom at Eome about the middle of the second 
 century, in his apology for Christians, addressed to 
 the Kmperor, Senate, and People of Eome, in describ- 
 ing baptism, says, " They who are persuaded and do 
 believe that those things which are taught by us are 
 triie, and do promise to live according to them, are 
 
1-14 NORTHtlMBERLAND BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 
 
 directed first to pray and ask God with fasting the 
 forgiveness of their former sins ; and we also pray and 
 fast with them. Then we bring them to some place 
 where there is water, and they are baptized by the 
 same way of baptism by which we were baptized ; for 
 they are washed or bathed in the name of God the 
 Father, the Lord of all things, and of our Saviour 
 Jesus Christ, and of the Holy Spirit." TertuUian, 
 A. D. 204, says in reference to candidates for baptism, 
 " Because the person .... is let down in the water 
 and with a few words said is dipped." And again, 
 " There is no difference whether one is washed (bathed) 
 in a sea, or in a pool, in a river, or in a fountain, in a 
 lake, or in a channel, nor is there any difference between 
 them whom John dipped in Jordan, and those whom 
 Peter dipped in the Tiber." And again, " We are 
 immersed in the water." It is unnecessary to multiply 
 these extracts, which we could readily do from the 
 writings of Gregory, Nazianzen, and Basil, A. D. 360, 
 Ambrose, and Cyril, of Jerusalem, A.D. 374, Chrys- 
 ostom, A. D. 398, and others. And hence Dr. Nean- 
 der, of Germany, who is thoroughly acquainted with 
 ecclesiastical history, has justly said that, "The prac- 
 tice of immersion in the first centuries, beyond all 
 doubt was prevalent throughout the whole church." 
 
 13. TheGreek church have ever practised immer- 
 sion. Professor Stuart says, " The mode of baptism 
 by immersion, the Oriental church has always con- 
 tinued to preserve, even down to the present time. 
 The members of this church are accustomed to call 
 the members of the western churches, "sprinkled 
 Christians," by way of ridicule and contempt. They 
 
SPKIHKLINQ IS NOT BAFTI6H. 145 
 
 maintain that baptiao can 7nean nothing but immerge; 
 and that baptism by sprinkling is as great a solecism 
 as immersion by sprinkling ; and tbey claim to them- 
 selves the honor, of having preserved the ancient 
 sacred rite of the church /ree _/Vow4 change and from 
 corruption, which would destroy its significancj." R. 
 Kobinaon remarks, "The native Greeks must under- 
 stand their own language better than foreigners, and 
 they have always understood the word baptism to 
 signify dipping; and therefore, from their first em- 
 bracing Christianity to this day, they have always 
 baptized and do yef baptize by immersion. The Pan- 
 talogia, Article Greek Church: "That part of the 
 Christian church which was first established in Greece, 
 and is now spread over a larger extent of country than 
 any other established church. It may be observed 
 that, amid all their trifling rites, they practice trine 
 immersion, which is unquestionably the primitive 
 manner." The testimony of the Greeks is conclusive. 
 If they are not competent judges of the meaning of a 
 Greek word, where shall we find those who are ? 
 
 11. Sprinkling is an innovation, and was gradually 
 introduced. The Edinburgh Encyclopedia gives the 
 following historic account : "The first law for sprink- 
 ling was obtained in the following manner: Pope 
 Stephen II. being driven from Bome by Astolphus, 
 king of the Lombards, in 753, fled to Pepin, who a 
 short time before had usurped the crown of France, 
 Whilst he remained there, the monks of Cressy in 
 Brittany consulted him, whether in case of necessity, 
 baptism performed by pouring water upon the head 
 of the in^nt would be lawfiil. Stephen replied that 
 13 
 
146 NORTHUMBEELAND BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 
 
 it would. But though the truth of this fact should be 
 allowed, which however some Catholics deny, yet 
 pouring or sprinkling was admitted only in cases of 
 necessity. It was not till the year 1311, that the legis- 
 lature in a council held at Ravenna, declared immer- 
 sion or sprinkling to be indifferent. In this country, 
 [Scotland,] however, sprinkling was never practiced 
 in ordinary cases, till after the Reformation, (about 
 the middle of the 16th century;) and in England, even 
 in the reign of Edward VI. (A. D. 1547-1553) trine 
 immersion was commonly observed. But during the 
 persecution of Mary, many persons, most of whom 
 were Scotsmen, fled from England to Geneva, and 
 there greedily imbibed the opinions of that church. 
 In 1556, a book was published at that place, contain- 
 ing ' The forms of prayers and ministration of sacra- 
 ments, approved by the famous and godly-learned 
 man, John Calvin,' in which the administrator is en- 
 joined to take water in his hand, and lay it on the 
 child's forehead. These Scottish exiles who had re- 
 nounced the authority of the Pope, implicitly acknow- 
 ledged the authority of Calvin; and returning to their 
 own country with John Knox at their head, in 1559, 
 established sprinking in Scotland. From Scotland, 
 this practice made its way into England in the reign 
 of Elizabeth ; but was not authorized by the estab- 
 lished church." Indeed, the church of England has 
 never, by any ecclesiastical council, sanctioned sprink- 
 ling, except in extraordinary instances. Although 
 sprinkling is now the universal practice of that church, 
 yet their liturgy has always required immersion, ex- 
 cept in cases of weakness. 
 
SPRINKLING IS NOT BAPTISM. 14T 
 
 15. Sprinkling ia one of the legitimate results of 
 Popish artifice, by which the divine will and man's 
 duty are concealed. It ever has been the policy of 
 Papal Home to keep the common people in ignorance 
 of God's truth. One unholy and but too successful 
 device is, to not translate certain Greek words, hut to 
 give them a merely English termination. Hence the 
 English Testament printed at Rheims, in 1582, con- 
 tains the words Paraaieve, Holecaust, Tunike, Neo- 
 phyte, Azymes, Baptize, and a multitude of others. 
 Fuller, the historian, has well remarked that their 
 translation needed to be translated over again. These 
 untraaslated words could not be understood by a 
 merely English reader, and so the mother church might 
 explain them so as either not to interfere with her cor- 
 rupt dogmas, or to favor them. Hence baptizo, which 
 originally signified to dip, is now made to mean wash, 
 pour, sprinkle, &c., &;c. And what is the result? 
 Why, while Baptists can translate baptizo into any 
 and every language, Pedohaptista cannot translate it 
 into one single language : because, in no language can 
 a word be found to cover all the meanings they attach 
 to it ! So the word must beg its way through the 
 world, forever untranslated ! But no 1 The light 
 begins to shine. Magna est Veritas et prevalihii. 
 
 16, It ia an innovation which sanctions and encour- 
 ages every other innovation. So long aa sprinkling 
 is practised by Protestants, Bomanists have a plea, for 
 all the unscriptural and extravagant corruptions, with 
 which their worship abounds. Their masses, prayers 
 for the dead, confessions, &c., are of equal authority 
 with sprinkling: or rather, hke it, they are without 
 
148 NORTHUMBERLAND BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 
 
 authority. This is a difficulty which the learned 
 Whitby felt. He says, "This immersion being religi- 
 ously observed by all Christians for thirleen centuries 
 and approved by our church, and the change of it into 
 aprinkling even without any allowance from the 
 Author of this institution, or any license from any 
 council of the church, being that which the Bomamist 
 still urges to justify his refusal of the cup to the laity ; 
 it were to be wished, that this custom might b& again 
 of general use," &c. 
 
 17. It leads to a lax policy, which is usually avoided 
 in things less sacred and momentous. All agree that 
 immersion is valid baptism : but multitudes of the 
 learned and pious reject sprinkling, as surreptitious. 
 Why then cling to sprinkling, with all the dark dubi- 
 ousness in which it is shrouded, while immersion is 
 bright as the unclouded sun at noon day ? Would a 
 judicious person in the prosecution of an important 
 enterprise; employ means of doubtful expediency, 
 when he could avail himself of others which were 
 direct and certain ? 
 
 18. It has induced views which disparage the au- 
 thority, and example of the Son of God. Whence 
 came those expressions so often heard from the lips of 
 Pedobaptists — "Baptism is non-essential" — "it is un- 
 important" — "it is a mere external rite," &c., &c. We 
 may aver unhesitatingly, that had not sprinkling been 
 brought into the church to nourish the pride of the 
 corrupt, language so derogatory to the authority and 
 example of Jesus Christ, would never have found a 
 place in the vocabulary of Christians. 
 
 19. The principle which procured the introduction 
 
SPRINKLING IS NOT BAPTISM. 149 
 
 of sprinkling, must not be admitted, A auperstitioua 
 efficacy had been ascribed to baptism. It was sup- 
 posed to be indispensable to salvation. It tbeti was 
 an object of desire that none should die without it. 
 But the immersion of those who were in the last stage 
 of disease was deemed impracticable, and, as a matter 
 of extreme expediency, water was poured upon them 
 at first, and afterwards sprinkled. This however was 
 considered an imperfect baptism, and termed " bap- 
 tisms cliiticorum." The earliest historic notice that 
 Dr. Wall could find, is the ease of Novation, about the 
 middle of the third century. Euaebius says, " That 
 he fell into a dangerous disease, and because he was 
 very like to die, was baptized in the bed where he lay, 
 if that might 6e called baptism" A. D. 251, the See of 
 Rome became vacant. A party favored Novation as 
 the successor, Cornelius, his opponent, wrote a long 
 letter to Fabius, bishop of Antioch, in which he says 
 that Novation came not canonically to his order of 
 priesthood, much less was he capable of being chosen 
 bishop, for that all the clergy and a great many of the 
 laity were against his being chosen presbyter; because 
 it was not lawful (they said) for any one who had been 
 baptized in his bed, as he had been, to be admitted to 
 any of&ce of the clergy." Here we see that aspersion, 
 the offspring of superstition, which was originally in- 
 tended to be a mere substitute for immersion in extreme 
 cases, has at length almost superseded it. We cannot, 
 then, give our support to sprinkling, since it perverts 
 an ordinance of Jesus Christ. Besides, if a supposed 
 case of necessity willjuatity an alteration of the ordi- 
 nances of the G-ospel, then these ordinances can have 
 
150 NORTHUMBERLAND BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 
 
 no distinctive character, and may be varied to suit 
 the caprice or fancy of interested and wicked men. 
 
 20. It is an innovation wUch has produced unneces- 
 sary divisions, and unhappy contentions among the 
 disciples of Christ. Baptists are conscientiously op- 
 posed to sprinkling, and cannot practice it without a 
 dereliction of principle. But all Pedobaptists acknow- 
 ledge that immersion is baptism, and therefore may 
 practice it without any sacrifice of principle. Here, then, 
 is common ground, where Christians of all denomina- 
 tions may meet. We do therefore entreat our Pedobaptist 
 brethren with earnestness, and in the name of our bleed- 
 ing Zion, that, with true Christian magnanimity, they 
 will renounce sprinkling, which they must know is an 
 innovation, and practice immersiou, the original insti- 
 tution. If they will not meet us here, when it will 
 cost them no sacrifice, upon them will rest all the re- 
 sponsibility of this controversy ; and they must answer 
 for all the bitter contentions, the alienations of heart, 
 and unhappy separations, among the disciples of Jesus, 
 which it occasions. 
 
 III. THE BAFIISKAL QTTESTIOir COmnrirEO. 
 
 Peloved: "We congratulate you upon the prospec- 
 tive issue of the baptismal controversy. Our Pedo- 
 baptist brethren are beginning to assume a defensive 
 position.* None of them, except a few mere sciolists, 
 
 • Rev. Mt. Odenhelmer, Rector of St. Peter's chnrch, Fhlladelplila, 
 has farnlsbed the author the foUowlng comment upon this sentence : 
 " This Is false, if the Eplaoopal Church Is meant, for we have always 
 allowed Immersion." 
 
THE BAPTISMAI. QHEBTION. 151 
 
 qneation the validity of immersion. All of their 
 learned and candid men have conceded that the literal 
 and primary signification of baptizo is to dip. If it 
 were necessary, we conld cite the very language of 
 Lather, Beza, Calvin, Witaius, Vitringa, Hospinian, 
 Vossius, Zanchiua, Bosauet, Campbell, Stuart, and a 
 multitude of others, who have yielded unequivocal 
 testimony. Some distinguished Pedobaptiats, not con- 
 tent with having made honorable concessions in ^ivor 
 of immersion, have pleaded eloquently against sprink- 
 ling, Venema declares that " the word baptizein is 
 no where used in the Scripture for sprinkling." Dr. 
 Wall remarks that " this [immersion] ia so plain and 
 clear, by an infinite number of passages, that one can- 
 not but pity the weak endeavors of such Pedobaptists 
 as would maintain the negative of it." Dr. Whitby 
 says, " This immersion being religiously observed by 
 all Christians, for thirteen centuries, and approved by 
 our church [of England], and the change of it into 
 sprinkling, even without any allowance from the 
 author of this institution, or any license from any 
 council of the church, being that which the Romanist 
 still nrgeth, to j ustify his refusal of the cup to the 
 laity ; it were to be wished that this custom might be 
 again of general use." 
 
 % 1. But it is contended that baptizo means to wash, 
 &Q. " If there be," says an elegant writer, " a word 
 in the New Testament of a determinate meaning, it is 
 the word baptism ; yet, by a course of sophistry, it 
 shall first be made synonymous with washing, and 
 then washing shall be proved synonymous with sprink- 
 ling, and~ihen sprinkling shall be called baptism. 
 
152 NORTHUMBERLAND BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 
 
 Thus the book intended to instruct, shall be taught 
 to perplex : the book in the world the most determi- 
 nate, shall be rendered the most vague : the book, the 
 credit of which is ruined if it admit of double mean- 
 ings, shall, of all others, be rendered the most mysteri- 
 ous book in the world,saying everything,aad,of course, 
 narrating and proving nothing." If it were admit- 
 ted that baptism is washing, yet would it be denied that 
 sprinkling is baptism. Maimonides, a celebrated Jewish 
 writer, observes that "the Scribes taught that where- 
 soever in the law washing of the flesh or of the 
 clothes is mentioned, it means nothing else but the 
 dipping of the whole body in water," &c. Hence, 
 when the prophet Elisha directed Naaman the leper 
 to wash in Jordan seven times, it is said he dipped 
 himself seven times in Jordan, according to the saying 
 of the man of God. 2 Kings 5 : lO-ll. Bathings 
 were common among the Jews, and were usually called 
 washings. See Exodus 2 : 5; 2 Sam. 11 : 2. Besides, 
 the Levitical economy required frequent bathings for 
 purposes of ablution. The bathing of persons was 
 required, Leviticus 15 : 5-13, The immersion and 
 rinsing of various articles of clothing and household 
 furniture were commanded, Lev. 11: 32, 40; 13 : 6; 
 34 : 58. Hence, the apostle enumerates " divers bap- 
 tisms" with " meats and drinks and carnal ordinan- 
 ces," as imposed until the time of reformation. Heb. 
 9 : 10. The superstitious disposition of the Scribes 
 and Pharisees led them to extend the Levitical require 
 ments to other objects and occasions than those speci- 
 fied. Mark 7 : 4. For this conduct they were severely 
 
TBE BAPTISMAL QUESTION. 153 
 
 censured ty our Lord. See the Jewish roles which 
 are cited in Dr. Gill's commentary. 
 
 Mark 7: 3-4, and Luke 11: 38, deserve a critical ex- 
 amination. In these passages, baptizo occurs, and la 
 both instances it is rendered to wash, in our English 
 version of the Scriptures. 
 
 The first passage is thus translated by Professor 
 Kipley: "For the Pharisees and all the Jews, except 
 they wash their hands oft, eat not ; and when they 
 come from the market, except they hathe, they eat 
 not." The word which is translated wash is nipson- 
 tai, and that which is rendered bathe is bapttsontai. 
 The washing the hands was a general custom ; the 
 bathing a specific one. The former was performed 
 irrespective of any previous employment; the latter 
 after having returned from the market. The reason 
 is obvious. When no particular defilement was con- 
 tracted, a partial purification was aufBcient ; but when 
 they had been exposed to the various occasions of de- 
 filement, which were supposed to be connected with 
 an attendance at market, a thorough ablution (bathing) 
 was required. This view of the passage ia taken by 
 distinguished Pedobaptist writers. They are not 
 agreed, however, whether the bathing has respect to 
 the whole person, or to the hands alone. The former 
 opinion was entertained by Grotiua : " They cleansed 
 themselves more carefully from defilement contracted 
 at the market, to wit, by not only washing their hands 
 but even by immersing their body." Vatablus, a 
 celebrated professor of Hebrew, at Paris, in comment- 
 ing upon Mark 7 : 4,- says, "They bathed their whole 
 persons." For the latter opinion we famish the au- 
 
154 NORTHUMBERLAND BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 
 
 tborities whicli follow. Spencer; "Some of the Jews, 
 ambitious for the credit of superior purity, frequently 
 immersed their whole persons in water ; the greater 
 part, however, following a milder discipline, frequently 
 washed only their hands, when they were about to 
 take food. That the greater part, and especially the 
 Pharisees, attended to this rite privately at home, and 
 considered it a very important part of religion, is 
 sufficiently evident from Mark 7 : 3-4. Hence it was 
 that stone vessels for water (water-pots, John 2 : 6) 
 were provided in every house of the Hebrews; so 
 that all, when about to take food, might perform the 
 frequent washings, according to the discipline of the 
 Pharisees. These vessels were very suitable for per- 
 forming these daily purifications of the Jews ; for it 
 was customary, among the Jews, sometimes to wash 
 the hands by water poured upon them ; at other times, 
 to immerse the hands up to the wrist." John: "The 
 washing of hands before meals (a custom which origi- 
 nated from the practice of conveying food to the 
 mouth in the fingers), was eventually made a religious 
 duty; on the ground that, if any one, though uncoa- 
 scious of the circumstance at the time, had touched 
 anything, whatever it might be, which was unchan, 
 and remained unwashed, when he ate, he therefore 
 communicated the contamination to the food also. 
 The Pharisees judged the omission of this ablution to 
 be a crime of equal magnitude with fornication, and 
 worthy of death. They taught that, if a person had 
 not departed from the house, the hands, without the 
 fingers being distended, should be wet with water 
 poured over them, and then elevated so that the water 
 
:sTioN, 155 
 
 might flow down the elbows ; fiirthennore, the water 
 was to be poured a second time over the arms, in order 
 that (the hands being held down) it might flow over 
 the fingerg. On the contrary, those who had departed 
 from the honae washed in a hath, or at least immersed 
 their hands in water, with the fingers distende'd." 
 Lightfoot: " The Jews used the washing of hands and 
 the plunging of hands. And the word nipsontai, 
 ' wash,' in our evangehat, seems to answer to the for- 
 mer — -and baptisontai, 'baptize,' to the latter. Those 
 that remain at home eat not, ' unless they wash the 
 fiat.' But those that comrf home from the market eat 
 not, 'unless they plunge their fist into the water;' 
 being ignorant and uncertain what unoleanness they 
 came near unto in the market." These quotations are 
 sufficient, without producing others from Dr. G. Camp- 
 bell, Eozenmuller, and Kuinoel, which are at hand. 
 
 Luke 11: 38, "And when the Pharisee saw it, he 
 marvelled that he had not first washed before dinner." 
 Our Saviour had just been in the midst of a multi- 
 tude (v. 29); hence the Pharisee wondered that he 
 had not bathed, via., either himself or his hands. On 
 this passage, Lightfoot observes that "there is a wash- 
 ing of the hands, and there is a dipping of the hands," 
 
 ^ 2. The argument drawn from the operations of 
 the Spirit is probably the most subtle and imposing 
 of any employed in favor of sprinkling. We will 
 give this argument as plausible an aspect as we can, 
 and then, by stripping it of its sophistry, present it in 
 its native nakedness. It is said that the influences of 
 the Spirit are communicated by sprinkling (Ezekiel 
 36 : 25 ; Heb. 10 : 22), and are denominated baptism 
 
156 NORTHUMBEKLAND BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 
 
 (I Cor. 12: 13); tberefore sprinkling is baptism. 
 Pouring is proved in the same way. 
 
 1. This argument contains the elements of its own 
 destruction. If it prove anything, it proves too much. 
 If it prove that sprinkling is baptism, it proves also 
 that drinking is baptism, (1 Cor. 12: 13); breathing, 
 (John 20 : 22) ; flowing, (John 7 : 38-9) ; blowing, 
 (John 3: 8); burning, (Matt. 3: 11-12); rushing, 
 (Acts 2:2); filling, (Acts 2: 4) ; falling upon, (Acts 
 8 : 16) ; shedding, (Acts 2 : 33). As our Pedobaptist 
 brethren do not pretend that the significations of bap- 
 tism are quite so multitudinous, we hesitate not to 
 pronouncft-this argument perfectly suicidal. 
 
 2. It is a virtual denial of the immateriality of the 
 Spirit of God. It converts the Holy Ghost into mat- 
 ter. If the Spirit be literally sprinkled, then the 
 Spirit is a material substance, for there can be no 
 sprinkling of that which is immaterial I As respects 
 the transactions on the day of Pentecost, there was a 
 real baptism, in the emblems of the Spirit. The dis- 
 ciples were literally covered with toind and fire, and, 
 by a caiachresis, immersed. 
 
 3. This argument originated in misconception. It 
 confounds things that are different. It is not the 
 pouring of the Spirit that constitutes the baptism, but 
 the effects consequent upon it. How did Peter and 
 the rest know that the Holy Ghost had fallen upon 
 those who heard the words in the house of Cornelius ? 
 For they heard them speak with tongues and 'magnify 
 Ood, (Acts 10 : 46). There is no resemblance between 
 the Spirit of God and water ; but between the effects 
 of water and the influences of the Spirit, there is a 
 
THE BAPTISMAL QUESTION. 151 
 
 likeness. A particular raanner ia given to the opera- 
 tions of the Spirit, to suit the manner of the comma- 
 nication of the natural object. The Spirit takes the 
 manner of.the resembling object, but the resembling 
 object never takes the manner of the Spirit ; because 
 nothing is known of his manner. The Holy Spirit is 
 said to be poured out, upon the same principle upon 
 which God is said to have hands and arms, to look 
 down from heaven, and to come down from heaven. 
 It is in accommodation to ourtmodes of thinking and 
 speaking, not as expressive of reality. See Carson's 
 reply to Ewiog and Dr.Wardlaw. 
 
 4. It is a direct contradiction of the words of Jesus 
 Christ. Nicodemus inquired, Sow can a man be born ? 
 &c. In our Lord's reply, he distinctly taught that, 
 while the fact of the Spirit's operations may be defi- 
 nitely ascertained, nothing can be determined with 
 reference to the manner of them. John 3 : 8. Never- 
 theless, according to this argument, there is nothing 
 mysterious in the manner of the Spirit's operation ! 
 
 Tf 3. Much reliance has been placed upon the argu- 
 ment derived from Matt. 3 : 5-6. It is said that it 
 was impossible for John, during his short ministry, to 
 immerse such vast multitudes, yet he may have 
 sprinkled them. 
 
 1. This argumant is founded npon criminal igno- 
 rance of the word of God. It takes for granted what 
 is not true, viz., that the whole population of the places 
 mentioned in the passage were baptized, whereas, 
 nothing more can be meant than that large numbers 
 were baptized. The word aU was frequently used in 
 a restricted sense by Christ and hia apostles. Matt. 
 14 
 
158 KORTHXJMBERLAND BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 
 
 24: 14; Acts 2: 17; Eom. 10: 18; Col. 1: 6; 1 Peter 
 4 : 7. That it is used in a limited signification in tbe 
 passage before us, we prove by the considerations which 
 follow. If this argument were true, with what cor- 
 rectness was it recorded that the disciples of Jesus 
 baptized cotemporaneously with John? and that 
 they made and baptized more disciples than John ? 
 John 3 : 22, 23 ; 4 : 1, 2. Besides, either this argu- 
 ment cannot be sustained, or our Lord exhibited an 
 unjust accusation against the lawyers and Pharisees, 
 when he charged them with having rejected the coun- 
 sel of God against themselves for not being baptized of 
 John. Luke 7 : 30. Lastly, on the day of Pentecost, 
 and on subsequent occasions, many Jews were bap- 
 tized by the apostles who could not have been bap- 
 tized by John, unless the apostles were anabaptists ! 
 
 2. This argument is a reproach upon the ministry 
 of him concerning whom our Lord testified, "Verily 
 I say unto you, among them that are born of women, 
 there hath not risen a greater than John the Baptist." 
 It alleges against him the guilt of having exercised 
 no discrimination in the administration of baptism. 
 No sentiment could be more fallacious than this. The 
 harbinger of Jesus, called peculiarly and emphatically 
 The Baptist, because he was the first to perform the 
 rite of immersion, was exceedingly scrupulous. He 
 admitted none as qualified candidates of the ordi- 
 nance who did not exhibit the genuine fruits of repent- 
 ance, whatever may have been the relations they sus 
 tained to a pious ancestry, or the religious advantages 
 they possessed. Matt. 3 : 7-10. The character and 
 circumstances of those who came to be baptized were 
 
TEE BAPTISMAL QB^TION. 159 
 
 greatly diversified ; yet to them all John adapted his 
 ministry, based upon the nature of the rite, the bap- 
 tism of repentance for the remission of sing. Luke 3 : 
 10-4. 
 
 % 4. The baptism recorded in Acts 2 : 41 has been 
 frequently urged, as fiirniabing strong circumstantial 
 evidence in support of sprinkling. Now, 
 
 1. Our Pedobaptist brethren are accustomed to state 
 erroneously their argument, which they derive from 
 this passage. That three thousand were baptized is 
 not recorded. But thet/ that gladly received his word 
 were baptized; and the same da,j there were added auto 
 them, viz., the church (v. 47), about three thousand 
 souls. Many of them may have been baptized by 
 John and his disciples, and the disciples of Christ, 
 ■who availed themselves of this (probably first) oppor- 
 tunity of entering into a formal connection with the 
 church at Jerusalem. 
 
 2. But even upon the supposition that the three 
 thousand were baptized, if they were not immersed 
 some insurmountable obstacle jnuat have presented 
 itself. What was it? Was there a scarcity of water f 
 This is frequently asserted, but in defiance of adverse 
 evidence perfectly conclusive. Jerusalem was aSwJi- 
 (iiniiy supplied with water; and its numerous pools 
 and baths offered every facility for immersion, 2 
 Chron. 32 : 4 ; Beat. 8 : 7 ; 2 Kings 18 : 17 ; 20: 25; 
 Neb. 2 : 14 ; 3 : 14, 16 ; John 5 : 2 ; 9 : 7. Whatever 
 places of bathing and ceremonial purification were 
 accessible to the multitudes, assembled on this memo- 
 rable occasion, were no doubt accessible to the apos- 
 tles and their converts, for there is not the least inti- 
 
160 NORTHUMBERLAND BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 
 
 mation that any obstruction was thrown in their way. 
 
 Was the number of qualified administrators insufficient? 
 This has been also alleged, but without the shadow of 
 a reason. Besides the twelve apostles (Matt. 10), our 
 Lord had commissioned seventy other disciples to 
 preach (Luke 10), and there were one hundred and 
 twenty present who were doubtless qualified to bap- 
 tize. Acts 1 : 15, 21, 22.* It is said that Mr. Wine- 
 brenner,f of Harrisburg, immersed fifty-five persons 
 in about thirty minutes. We will suppose, however, 
 that, in primitive times, they were less expeditious. 
 Upon the supposition, then, that the three thousand 
 were immersed, and allotting to each immersion one 
 minute, the one hundred and twenty would have im- 
 mersed them in twenty -five minutes, the eighty-two in 
 thirty-seven minutes, and the twelve in four hours. 
 
 Was there a want of time? Some have said so. But, 
 manifestly, there was a redundancy of time. The 
 feast of Pentecost, corresponding with our Whitsun- 
 tide, occurred the latter part of May. Peter began to 
 preach at the third hour of the day (9 A. M.) ; the 
 sermon appears to have been short, and the converts 
 to have been baptized without delay. K, then, the 
 baptizing had commenced at noon, and the twelve 
 
 • It must be remembered that several of the apostles had he.enflth- 
 ermen, and, therefore, could not have been tmush fatigued by the pleas- 
 ant exercise of immersing r^oicing converts. The author immersed 
 ninety-five persons at Kalghn's Point, opposite Philadelphia,April 2d , 
 184(). The time occupied was one hour and ten minutes; but there 
 was delay on account of the multitude present, estimated at ten 
 thousand persons. 
 
 t Rev. Mr. W. was formerly pastor of the Qerman Keformed Church 
 of Harrisburg, Fenn. 
 
THE BAPTISMAL QUESTION. 161 
 
 apostles alone had baptized, it would have been closed 
 at four o'clock P. M. There was then ample time. 
 
 T 5- The baptism of Paul has been frequeDtly cited 
 to prove sprinkling. Acts 9 : 17-18. Several consid- 
 erations will be submitted to'sbow that not one rational 
 doubt can be entertained unfavorable to immersion. 
 1. Although Paul had been blind, and had fasted for 
 three successive days, yet there is nothing in the nar- 
 rative of the inspired historian that forbids the thought 
 that in other respects his health was good. As he 
 was, prior to his conversion, a rigid Pharisee, the pro- 
 bability is that religious principles induced the fast- 
 ing. 2. The facilities for immersion were many. The 
 celebrated rivers of Abana and Pharpar were contigu- 
 ous (2 Kings 5 : 12,) and the assembly of divines, in 
 their Annotations, say " that most of the houses (of 
 Damascus) are furnished with store of good water." 
 3. Paul's baptism was a washing away of sins. 
 Acts 22 : 16. Now, as washing is not sprinkling, 
 the conclusion is irresistible that he was not sprinkled. 
 The question, then, is simply this : Was this washing 
 partial or thorough ? That it was immersion, three 
 remarks, we think, will demonstrate. First. When 
 Naaman was commanded to wash in Jordan, it is said 
 that he dipped himself seven times, according to the say- 
 inff of the man of God. 2 Kings 5 : 1 0-4, Second. 
 The apostle, in his epistles, twice represents baptism 
 under the idea of thorough washing. Heb. 10 : 22. 
 The washing of regeneration. Titus 3 : 5. Dr. Mao- 
 knight translates the latter passage thus: "He saved 
 us, &c., through the bath of regeneration," &c It is 
 agreed, by all commentators, that these passages refer 
 
162 NORTHtlMBERLAND BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 
 
 to baptism. Ihird. The words of the apostle, in his 
 Epistle to the Eomans, place the fact of his immersion 
 above suspicion. Kom. 6 : 3-4. How he could have 
 been buried by baptism, without being immersed, in- 
 genuity cannot devise. 
 
 1" 6. The baptism of the jailer is considered by 
 Pedobaptists as furnishing evidence to prove sprink- 
 ling. Acts 16 : 29-34. That the evidence in the 
 case preponderates in favor of immersion, we will 
 attempt to demonstrate. The jailer had conducted the 
 apostles out of the prison (v. 30,) and when the apostles 
 preached they were in the jailer's house (32.) After 
 preaching, the jailer and all his house, having pro- 
 fessed faith in Christ, left the house in company with 
 the apostles, and were baptized (33.) After baptism, 
 they returned to the jailer's house (34-5.) The river, 
 which was close by, afforded facilities (13.) Why the 
 apostles should have baptized this household out of 
 doors, and at midnight, if they were sprinkled, is a 
 perfect enigma ! I 
 
 T 7. Criticisms upon certain Greek prepositions 
 have been relied upon with much apparent confidence. 
 To ascertain with as much accuracy as possible the 
 meanings attached to them, by the inspired writers, 
 the first tour chapters of Matthew's Gospel have been 
 examined in the Greek Testament. The result is this. 
 The preposition En occurs twenty- seven times, and 
 Eis twenty times. By looking into the English Tes- 
 tament, we find that our Pedobaptist translators have 
 rendered En twenty times in, four times vnth, twice 
 among, and once within. They have construed Eis 
 eighteen times into, once in, and once unto. We re- 
 
THE BAPTISMAL QUESTION. 163 
 
 regard this as a fair teat of the usus loquendi of these 
 words by our Lord and the Bvangeliats. We con- 
 clude, then, that En means in, and Eia into, with ex- 
 tremely rare exceptions. The scriptural accounts are 
 therefore true, that John baptized in Jordan, Matt. 
 3:6; that Jesus was baptized into Jordan, Mark 
 1:9; that they went down both into the water, both 
 Philip and the Eunuch, Acts 8 : 38, The preposition 
 Ek has been subjected to the same process. It occurs 
 eleven tim&s, and in every instance is rendered either 
 of or out oi, except in Matt, 3 : 17, a voice from 
 heaven, where it is manifestly equivalent to out of. 
 That from is the usual signification of Apo, cannot 
 be denied. While, however, this is conceded, it is 
 not granted, as maintained by some Pedobaptists, that 
 Apo can reach no farther than the nearest side or edge 
 of any object. Ek and Apo both denote the point of 
 departure — ^the former definitely, the latter indefinitely. 
 K Ek be used, the point of departure is within an ob- 
 ject : if Apo be used, it may be within, or it may be 
 without the object. We will now fortify our position 
 with regard to Apo with a few examples. Then 
 Joseph being raised /rom sleep, Matt. 1 : 24. For he 
 shall save his people/rom their sins. Matt 1 : 21. Then 
 came wise men /row the east. Matt. 2 : 1. Then came 
 Jesus /rom Galilee, Matt. 3 : 13. And there followed 
 him great multitudes of people /ro?n Galilee, Matt. 
 4 : 25. In these passages, Apo is unquestionably em- 
 ployed in the sense of out of. We say the merchant 
 has come from the city. We have just come /mm 
 home. We have returned /jww church. He is a for- 
 eigner /rom Asia. No one can mistake the meaning 
 
164 NORTHtTMBERLAND BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 
 
 of from in ttese sentences, and they might be multiplied 
 almost ad infinitum!. It is true, then, as the Scriptures 
 narrate, that Jesus, when he was baptized, went up 
 straightway out of the water. Matt. 3 : 16; that Philip 
 and the Eunuch came up out o/" the water. Acts 8 : 39, 
 &c. We regard the use of this argument as exceed- 
 ingly reprehensible. Because, 1. It makes the word 
 of God a perfect riddle. If words are not to be taken 
 according to their usual signification, but men may 
 use them in rare and extraordinary senses, to suit 
 their theories, nothing can be determined certainly 
 i'rom the Bible. 2. It attributes to the Spirit of God 
 a species of Jesuitism, the most odious. Is it credit- 
 able that the Spirit employed these words, in a very 
 unusual sense, and not according to their common ac- 
 ceptation? The bare supposition is shocking pro 
 fanity. 3. It throws a shade of oblivion over the 
 destinies of a future world. If the preposition Eis 
 must not be translated into, when used in relation to 
 baptism, then, surely, it must not be so translated 
 when employed in connection with the eternal states. 
 What evidence have we then that those on the left 
 hand shall go away into everlasting punishment, but 
 the righteous into life eternal? Matt. 25 : 46. 
 
 ^ 8. To thrust aside the evidence in favor of im- 
 mersion derived from the baptism of the Son of God, 
 it is contended that he applied to John for the wash- 
 ing which was preparatory and introductory to the 
 priesthood, and not for the baptism he ordinarily ad- 
 ministered. We will show the fallacy of this argu- 
 ment in several particulars. 1. The priests were to 
 be washed, not baptized. 2. The washing was to be 
 
THE BAPTrSUAL QUESTION. 165 
 
 performed at the door of the taberaade, not into Jor- 
 dan. 3. The priests were to he dressed in their priestly 
 vestments, and anointed with oil. Sacrifices were to 
 be offered, &c., &o. The consecration was to be con- 
 tinued seven days, during which time the prieata were 
 not to depart from the door of the tabernacle upon 
 pain of death. See Exodus, chap. 29, and Leviticus, 
 chap. 8. What was there, iu the immersion of Jesus 
 Christ, to correspond to all this 7 4. None but the 
 house of Aaron and tribe of Levi were admitted to 
 the priesthood. If others intruded into the sacred 
 office, the penalty was death. Nam. 3:1-10. But 
 our Lord sprang out of Judah, concerniag which 
 tribe Moses spake nothing about priesthood. (Heb. 
 7 : 14.) 5. The apostle shows the superiority of the 
 priesthood of Christ over that of Aaron and the 
 Levites, in several particulars. They were made 
 priests after the law of a carnal commandment, he 
 after the power of an endless life — they without an 
 oath, he with an oath — their priesthood was change- 
 able, his unchangeable (Heb. 7.) 6. The Saviour was 
 a priest after the Older of Melchisedec, and not after 
 the order of Aaron (PsI. 110 : 4.) 
 
 Tf 9. Our Pedobaptist brethren deny that John's 
 baptism was Christian baptism. The design of this 
 argument is to cut off the evidence which the practice 
 of John furnishes in favor of immersion, and to de- 
 prive believers of the illustrious example which Jesus 
 set them in Jordan {Matt. 3.) Some plead that the 
 ministry of John belonged to the Jewish dispensation. 
 Others contend that it constituted an intermediate 
 . dispensation. 
 
166 NOETHTJMBERLAND BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 
 
 1. John's ministry did not belong to the Jewish 
 dispensation; because, 1. There is no intimation of 
 the existence of the baptism he administered, in all the 
 rituals of Moses. 2. The Jewish cl&rgy did not so un- 
 derstand it. They were ignorant both of the charac- 
 ter and baptism of John. Hence they sent a deputation 
 to inquire, " Who art thou ? Art thou Elias ? Art 
 thou that prophet? Why baptizest thou ?" &c. John 
 1 : 19-25. And hence, in reply to the question of our 
 Lord, " The baptism of John, whence was it ? from 
 heaven or of men ?" They answered, " We cannot 
 tell," (Matt. 21 : 25-7.) 3. Our Saviour expressly de- 
 clared that John's ministry succeeded the Jewish dis- 
 pensation. "The law and the prophets were uTdil 
 John ; since that time the kingdom of God is preached, 
 and every man presseth into it." Luke 16 : 16. 
 
 2. It was not intermediate between the two dispen- 
 sations ; because, 1. That would be to make three dis- 
 pensations. But, as the Bible specifies only two 
 dispensations, to say the least, it is being wise above 
 what is written. 2. If the ministry of John had been 
 intermediate, it would have had a distinct position, 
 disconnected from both dispensations ; and the fact 
 that the inspired evangelists have incorporated it with 
 the ministry of Christ and the apostles, would be truly 
 mysterious I 
 
 3. It belonged to the Christian dispensation ; be- 
 cause, 1. The evangelists have placed it there. 2. 
 Mark expressly declares that that is its appropriate 
 place. " The beginning of the Gospel of Jesus Christ 
 the Son of God ; as it is written in the prophets," &c. 
 Mark 1 : 1, &c. 3. If it be denied that John's min- 
 
THE BAPTIBMAI. QUESTION. 1G7 
 
 istry was a part of the Christian dispensation, for the 
 same reasons must it be denied that that part of the 
 ministry of Jesus and his apostles ■which, was cotem- 
 poraneoas with that of John was Christian. No one 
 will have the hardihood to say that the ministry of 
 both was not identical. John 4 : 1, 2 ; 3 : 22-3. It 
 follows, then, that John and the apostles, anterior to 
 the death of Christ, practiced the same baptism. 
 Therefore, if the baptism of the former was not Chris- 
 tian, neither was that of the latter. 4. If that was not 
 Christian baptism to which Christ and the apostles 
 submitted, and there is not an iota of evidence that 
 they received any other, surely nothing is worthy of 
 the name ! 5, If the baptism of John does not belong 
 to the Christian dispensation, the Lord's supper does 
 not. It ia a favorite theory of Pedobaptists that the 
 Christian dispensation did not commence until after 
 the death of Christ ; and, hence, they reason that, as 
 John's ministry was prior to that event, it is not a part 
 of the Christian economy. But, if this argument prove 
 that John's baptism was not a Christian baptism, it 
 will prove also that the Lord's supper is not a Chris- 
 tian ordinance ; because that was instituted before the 
 death of Christ. 6. The baptism of John bore an 
 exact correspondence to the baptism of the apostles in 
 every important circumstance. Did they baptize in 
 the name of the Lord Jesus ? Acts 8 : 16 ; 10 : 46. 
 So did he. Acts 19 : 4. Did they insist upon repent- 
 ance as a necessary prerequisite ? Acts 2 ; 38. So 
 did he. Matt. 3 : 6-8. Did they baptize for the re- 
 mission of sins? Acts 22 : 16; 2 : 38. So did he. 
 Luke 3 : 3. Did they require faith in the Messiah ? 
 
168 NORTHUMBERLAND BAPTIST ASSOCIATION, 
 
 Acts 8 : 36-7 ; Mark 16 : 16. So did he. Acts 19 : 4. 
 Did they baptize none unless previously taught or 
 discipled ? Matt. 28 : 20. So did he. John 4 : 1, 2, 
 But, is it objected that there is no recorded account 
 that John ever baptized in the name of the Trinity ? 
 This objection lies with equal force against the prac- 
 tice of the apostles. Not one instance can be produced 
 from the sacred records, where it is said the apostles 
 baptized in the name of the Trinity. Yet we doubt 
 not that they obeyed the instructions contained in 
 their commission — ^baptizing them into the name of 
 the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Nor can we ques- 
 tion that John baptized in the name of the Trinity; 
 because he certainly was acquainted with the doctrine 
 of the Trinity ; because, doubtless, he baptized in the 
 name of Him by whom he was commissioned. John 
 1 : 33. Because the voice of the Father and the dove- 
 like descent of the Spirit were conjoined to the act of 
 the Son to ratify the baptismal institution. If not in 
 the name of the Trinity, in whose name was Jesus bap- 
 tized ? In whose name did the apostles baptize ante- 
 cedently to the date of the commission ? 7. It is a 
 splendid fact, which carries with it the weight of irre- 
 sistible conviction, that when an apostle was to be 
 elected to fill the place of the traitor Judas, none could 
 be a candidate for the distinguished station who had 
 not been baptized by John. Acts 1 : 21 ; 2:8. Not 
 a solitary instance is on record of the rebaptization of 
 any whom John had baptized. Knapp, a distinguished 
 German Pedobaptist writer, expresses himself thus : 
 " The practice of the first Christian church confirms the 
 point, that the baptism of John was considered essen- 
 
tiallj the same with Christiaa baptism. Eor those 
 who acknowledged that they bad professed, by the 
 baptism of John, to believe ia Jesus as the Christ, and 
 who, in GOQseqaence of this, had become, in fact, his 
 disciples, and had believed in him, were not, in a 
 single JDstanee, baptized again into Christ; because 
 this was considered as having been already done. 
 Here we do not find that any apostle, or any other 
 disciple of Jesus, was the second time baptized ; not 
 even that Apollog mentioned in Acts 18 : 25, because 
 he had before believed in Jesus as Christ, although 
 he had received only the baptism of John. But, all 
 those disciples of John who had not before acknow- 
 ledged this truth, and had received the baptism of 
 John, or his successors in an entirely difE'erent signifi- 
 cation, were properly considered, at the time of the 
 apostles, as not being baptized, or as wrongly bap- 
 tized ; and all such were required to be baptised ex- 
 pressly into Christ as the Messiah. This was the ease 
 with those persons whom Piiul (Acts 19 : 1-5) per- 
 mitted to be baptized at Ephesus, although they had 
 already received the baptism of John, There ia, in 
 this place, nothing that needs to be artificially ex- 
 plained. The meaning is: 'That, when they heard 
 from Paul that it was essential to baptism that one 
 should believe in Jesus as the Lord and Christ (which 
 they hitherto had not done, since the disciples of John, 
 who baptized them, had said nothing to them about 
 it,} they were then willing to suffer themselves to be 
 solemnly obligated by baptism, to the acknowledg- 
 ment of Jesus.' This was the more necessary at that 
 
170 NORTHUMBERLAND BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 
 
 time, as many of the disciples of John had entirely- 
 separated themselves from the Christians." 
 
 T 10. Ezekiel 36 : 25 is advanced to support sprink- 
 ling. It is contended that the prophet speaks of water 
 to be sprinkled under the new dispensation. But 
 surely those who quote this passage are attracted 
 solely by the word sprinkle. The prophet informs 
 the Jews what Qod would do — not what would be 
 done by his ministers. Matthew Henry never sus- 
 pected that this passage has a reference to baptism, as 
 the quotation we subjoin will show : " God here pro- 
 mises that he will work a good work in them, to 
 qualify them for the good work he intended to bring 
 about for them. 1. That God would cleanse them 
 from the pollutions of gin ; 'I will sprinkle clean water 
 upon you :' which signifies both the blood of Christ 
 sprinkled before the conscience to purify that, and to 
 take away the sense of guilt, and the grace of the Spirit 
 sprinkled upon the whole soul to purify it from all 
 corrupt inclinations and dispositions, as Naaman was 
 cleansed from his leprosy by dipping in Jordan." 
 
 T[ 11. Acts 10 : 47 has been cited. " Can any man 
 forbid water that these should not be baptized ?" &c. 
 The meaning may be ascertained by simply substi- 
 tuting the word baptism for water. The apostle Peter 
 regarded Cornelius and the other Gentiles who were 
 present as proper subjects for baptism, not only on 
 account of the remarkable vision with which he had 
 just been favored, but also because on them "was 
 poured out the' gift of the Holy Ghost." But, as the 
 disciples who were present retained their Jewish pre- 
 judices against the Gentiles, Peter anticipated objeo. 
 
THE BAPTISMAL QUESTION, 171 
 
 tiotia, and hence he interrogated ihe.m, " Cj.n any man 
 forbid water" (baptism,) &c. No objection being 
 made, he oommanded them to be baptized in the name 
 of the Lord. Pedobaptists ounsider the passage el- 
 liptical, and hence they supply the phrase "tobebrought 
 in" after the word water, and read the text thus; 
 "Can any man forbid water" [to be broagbt in] ? kz. 
 But, as there is not a single instance of water being 
 brought in, in all the recorded baptisms of the Bible, 
 we regard sucli interpretation as analtempt tointerpo- 
 late the language of inspiration exceedinyhj Ucenlious. 
 Again, if the passage must be considered elliptical, 
 why not supply the words " to repair to" after the 
 word forbid, and read the test—" Can any man for- 
 bid" [to repair to water?] It would then harmonize 
 with other passages, as Matt. 3 : 5. Then wmt out to 
 him, iie. Mark 1 : 9. Jesus cams from Nazareth of 
 Galilee, and was baptized of John in Jordan. John 
 3 : 23. And they came, and were baptized. Acts 8 ; 36, 
 And, as they went on their way, they came unto certain 
 water, &c. Acts 16 : 33. And he took them, the same 
 hour of the night, &;c. We are strongly inclined to 
 admonish our Pedobaptist brethreo lest they feel the 
 curse recorded in Bev.22 : 18. 
 
 T 12. It is contended that immersion is an emblem 
 of destruction, &c. It is true that immersion is em- 
 blematic of destruction ; it is, however, equally true 
 that it is symbolic of life. It expresses the burial and 
 resurrection of Jesus ; and the obligation of believers 
 to die to sin, and to live in newness of life. Bom. 6 : 
 3, 4. It is also typical of the future resurrection of 
 the saints, 1 Cor. 15 : 29. If, then, immersion ex- 
 
112 NORTHUMBERLAND BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 
 
 presses what baptism should express, but sprinkling 
 is not emblematic of either life or death, therefore 
 sprinkling is not baptism, but immersion is. Besides, 
 if this argument possess any force, it lies against pour- 
 ing. See Ezek. 9:8; Dan. 9:11; Eev. 14 : 10. 
 
 1"13. It is said that immersion is sometimes im- 
 practicable. 1. As God requires mercy rather than 
 sacrifice (Matt. 12 : 7,) and his commandments are not 
 grievous (1 John 5 : 3,) no ordinance of religion can 
 be of imperious obligation when impracticable of per- 
 formance. 2. But is sprinkling always practicable? 
 Let the law of the Eoman Church determine, which 
 authorizes women, under certain circumstances, to ad- 
 minister it ! Let the facts decide that when water 
 could not be procured, wine, and even sand, have been 
 substituted ; and when neither water nor wine, &c., 
 were at hand, the mere pronouncing the names of the 
 Father, Son, and Holy Ghost has been deemed suffi- 
 cient. Let those imbecile parents testify, whose very 
 souls have been agonized, when a qualified adminis- 
 trator could not be had to perform for a dying infant 
 the worse than useless mummeries of what supersti- 
 tion calls the " holy christening," the seal of the cove- 
 nant, &c. 
 
 T[ 14. Some have affixed to immersion the foul 
 stigma of indecency. 1. It is truly wonderful that 
 those who entertain the sentiment that baptism is the 
 substitute of circumcision should have the temerity to 
 raise such an objection ! Is not the former as decent 
 as the latter ? 
 
 2. I would not assume the responsibility of this ar- 
 gument for the world. It enlists the corruptions of 
 
TUB baptiemal question. 113 
 
 the human heart against the institution of Jesus 
 Cbrist. It is said that there is no argument more 
 common than this to dissuade the higher classes in 
 France from reading the Scriptures. It is a fearful 
 thing to oppose an ordinance of Jesus Christ with 
 such a weapon. It is to rebute the Saviour as a 
 sinner. 
 
 K 15. It is objected to immersion, that the validity 
 of baptism does not depend upon the quantity of water 
 employed in its administration ; that a few drops will 
 answer as well as an ocean. 1. This argument results 
 from misconception. The thing in debate does not 
 relate to quantity, but a certain action. 2. It is un- 
 philosophical. A few drops will not drive a mill, nor 
 fill a canal, nor float a ship, 3. It is unscriptural. If 
 a few drops would suffice, why did our Lord travel 
 from Nazareth to Eethabara, a distance of about 
 thirty miles, on foot, to be baptized in the river ? 
 Why did John baptize tn the Jordan ? Why did 
 John baptize in ^non, near Salim, because there was 
 much water there ? ^Vhy were Paul and the believ- 
 ing Romans buried by baptism ? 4. It is profane. It 
 implicates the conduct of Jesus Christ, of John, of the 
 believing Koraans, &c., &c. 
 
 If 16. It is often said, that, as baptism is not a saving 
 ordinance, it cannot be important how it is adminis- 
 tered. 1 Peter 3 : 21. It is a suiScient refutation of 
 this argument to simply remark, that its tendency is 
 less calculated to bring immersion into dis-esteem, than 
 to raze the foundation of a Saviour's wisdom, authority, 
 and example. 
 
 t 17. Immersion has presented . an unfavorable 
 
114 NORTHUMBERLAND BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 
 
 aspect to many, for no other reason than because the 
 number who practice it was supposed to be small. In 
 the pursuit of truth, such a supposition, even if well 
 founded, ought to have no influence; for the advocates 
 of religious truth have always been in the minority. 
 It is, however, fallacious. Dr. Wall says, "All other 
 Christians in the world, who never owned the Pope's 
 usurped power, do, and ever did dip, in the ordinary 
 use." 
 
 T[ 18. Some have adverted, with much apparent 
 confidence, to their sincerity and good feelings. 
 
 1. If this will prove sprinkling, it will also prove 
 Universalism, Socinianisna, Romanism, and every 
 other heresy; because every system of religion has 
 advocates who can boast of their sincerity and good 
 feelings. 
 
 2. This argument is odious in the extreme. It gives 
 an alarming latitude to sin. Under its cover, a man 
 may sin with impunity. Prov. 14 : 12. 
 
ONE PEDO-BAPTIST DECISION AGAINST 
 "INFANT" BAPTISM! 
 
 After the foregoing exposition of tlie Gospel on 
 Baptism, a chapter of Law on the same subject will be 
 apposite. Indeed, this history would he incomplete 
 without a reference to the case, known as Hall vs. 
 Armstrong, (the latter some times styled "Doctor," a 
 laborer by occupation,) which created so much local 
 controversy, and gained general notoriety, nearly thirty 
 years ago. The facts were substantially these : 
 
 While Wm. S. Hall was preaching in White Deer 
 Valley, in January, 1842, a respectable woman, named 
 Armstrong, about eighteen years of age, professed 
 conversion, and desired baptism. She had for some 
 years been sustaining herself by her own labor, in a 
 family near Hunter's mill, while her father lived four 
 or five miles distant, at Elimsport, Of her mother we 
 hear nothing. Her father, (professing Pedobaptist 
 views, but intemperate,) declared, with fearful impre- 
 cations, that his daughter should not be " dipped." 
 Wishing, if practicable, to live peaceably with all 
 men, Mr. Hall advised the young woman to defer the 
 rite for a time, and hopeful efforts were made to pacify 
 the father. In April, the candidate still being anx- 
 ious to " obey God rather than man," Mr. Hall, under 
 the authority of the great commission. 
 
176 NORTHUMBERLAND BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 
 
 Upon hearing of her baptism, and seeing Mr. Hall 
 on the highway the next day, the enraged father, 
 brandishing a heavy cane, compelled him to take 
 shelter in a neighbor's house. The assault was re- 
 peated in June following. By advice of the church, 
 Mr. Hall appealed for protection to the court of Ly- 
 coming county. It bound Armstrong to keep the 
 peace, and sentenced Mr. Sail to pay the costs 1 This 
 he refased to do, preferring to submit to the penalty 
 of imprisonment, rather than voluntarily obey such an 
 unreasoaable and unjust order. But the sheriff and 
 other friends paid the money, so that Mr. Hall neither 
 honored the evil decree, nor suffered the penalty. 
 
 The presiding law judge was Ellis Lewis, a "high" 
 charch Protestant Episcopalian. One of his associates 
 was John Thomas, a Methodist Episcopalian, and in 
 former years an active preacher. (What the early 
 Wesleyans would have suffered, under such treatment 
 and decisions, the intelligent reader can imagine.) The 
 other was Thomas Taggart, a jovial character, of no 
 religious pretensions, "who cared for none of these 
 things," and would not oppose a law judge on a law 
 point. 
 
 Such a proceeding, from such a source, at a time 
 when Baptist sentiments were spreading, seemed to 
 strike the public mind as a larger exhibition of secta- 
 rian jealousy than of Law or Christianity — as a stroke 
 at Hall, rather than at Armstrong, It created much 
 merriment and newspaper discussion, as well as sober 
 thought, many liberal Pedobaptists as well as Baptists 
 condemning the decision most unqualifiedly, in con- 
 versation and in print. 
 
THE BAPTISM OF MINOKS. lit 
 
 Iq self-justification, tbe President Judge wrote out 
 an elaborate and ingeniously worded paper, whicli 
 seemed wholly to ignore the fact that Armstrong had 
 virtually given his daughter her freedom, and that he 
 was not of the habits to attempt to teach religion to 
 hia family. As if assuming that she was under bis 
 roof and training, and that he was a man of good 
 morals at least, the Judge made tbe following points, 
 (as published in the papers of the day :) 
 
 Akqcment op Judge Lewis- 
 
 "1st. That the authority of the father results from his duties. 
 He is charged with the duties of maintainance and education. 
 These can not be performed without the authority to command, 
 and to enforce obedience. Tlie term of education is not limited 
 to tlie ordinary instruction ofliie child in the pursuits of literature; 
 it comprehends a proper attention to the moral and religious 
 sentiments. lu Che discharge of this duty, it is the undoubted 
 riRlit of the fatlier to desiijnate such teachers, eitlier in morals, 
 religion, or literature, as he shall deem best calculated to give 
 correct instruction to the child. 
 
 " 2d. That lie can not force it to adopt opinions contrary to 
 the dictates of his own coascieoce, hut he has a right to its time 
 and its attention during its minority, for the purpose of enabling 
 him to mabe the effort incumhent on him as a father to 'train it 
 up in the way it should go.' 
 
 "And 3d. That he may not compel it, against its own convic- 
 tions of light, to beoomo a member of any religious denomination, 
 hut after it has been initiated with his own free will into the reli- 
 gious communion to which its parent belongs, he may lawfully 
 restrain it, during its legal infancy, irom violating the religious 
 obligations incurred in its behalf, bj placing itself under the 
 religious control of a minister whose opinions do not meet its 
 parent's approbation." 
 
 If the spirit of Judge Lewis' third point were ac- 
 cepted as law, no sprinkled child should be immersed, 
 no circumcised child should be "christened," no child 
 of irreligious parents should be taught religious prin- 
 ciples, without the consent of the parents. When they 
 
178 NORTHUMBERLAND BA^PTIST ASSOCIATION. 
 
 are divided in opinion, his honor does not inform us 
 how \n.s principle is to be carried out. He certainly 
 would not obliterate the joint right of the mother. 
 Under h.\s principle, the Christians, and Jesus himself, 
 would have been estopped from proclaiming the Gos- 
 pel to such Jews and Gentiles as were only twenty 
 years, eleven months and twenty-nine days old; home 
 and foreign missions and Sabbath schools would be 
 shorn of half their power for good ; houses of refuge 
 and benevolent homes for the helpless young would 
 have to be searching out and standing in awe of the 
 varied religions of the deceased parents, or of those, 
 living, who had abandoned these waifs of humanity ; 
 in short, most of our religious, charitable and educa- 
 tional interests would be sadly crippled and hampered. 
 
 In respect to property, and to contracts, (marriage 
 included,) laws generally treat all under twenty-one 
 as " infanns," incapable of business. la other respects, 
 however, young people of all ages have eights which 
 the world "are bound to respect." Our national and 
 State constitutions secure the privileges of religious 
 liberty to all, without distinction or qualification, and 
 the laws should be made and construed in accordance 
 with the spirit of those guarantees, and not in defiance 
 of them. 
 
 The precise period when an immortal being may be 
 able to make its own deliberate choice in matters of 
 religion, greatly varies. With some, it comes early in 
 youth ; while others, even adults, never have a mind 
 of their own. And herein is perhaps the only real 
 difficulty in the question. Were it possible to be fixed 
 by law, fourteen — the age at which minors are ad- 
 
THE EAPTJSM OF MINORS. 119 
 
 mitted as witnesaea in courts generally — would be a 
 fair average. 
 
 Judge Lewis made liberal quotations, from all 
 sources, eoforciag the general duties of parental 
 watch-care and filial obedience— principles which, to 
 a proper degree, all caHdid persons uphold. He was 
 specially glad to appeal to one Baptist, the author of 
 " Moral Science," but apparently in happy ignorance 
 of the same writer's "Limits of Human Responsi- 
 bility." Making out suppositious eases to fit the de- 
 ciaiou, instead of having the decision to fit the case, 
 Judge Lewis led President Wayland, like himself, to 
 wholly overlook the governing or qualifying facts- 
 They eschanged compliments rather extrajudicial 
 and extra-clerical. To the flatteries of Judge Lewis, 
 President Wayland replied -in similar terms. The 
 following extracts from Wayland's letter, present his 
 views, pro and con : 
 
 " Peotidencb, Oct. 14, 1842. 
 
 " I tliaok jaa for your decision upon one of the most delicate 
 and importaat questions which has ever come before a court. I 
 believe it to be coriect in. principle, impartial in spirit, and lucid 
 in statement. *»«*»* 
 
 '' While, however, I suppose this to be the legal kiqht of tlie 
 pai ent, I by no means would assent that it is always right or just 
 to BKFORCB It. When a child has arrived at such maturity that 
 it is able to judge, by reading the Scriptures for itself, and has 
 thus formed its opinion on questions of religious duty, it is 
 very difficult to decide how far Ihe parent is morally bound to 
 interfere, provided it be a bona fide case of religious belief. He 
 should doubtless advise, and teach, and persuade. He may use !ua 
 authority to oblige his child to reflect maturely on the subject, 
 aud decide without the inlerference of interested persona. But 
 having done this, I think that he should allow the child to obey 
 the honest dictates of its owb conscience 
 
 "But suppose the parent were disposed to press the subject 
 further, and command a child to do what it could not without, as 
 it believed, disobeying God, or Ilie contrary. What, in such a 
 case, is the child to do ? This is a most trying case, and would 
 
ISO NORTHUMBERLAND BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 
 
 be decided by a variety of circumstances. The parent has the 
 legal right to control the child ; but if the child, from an honest 
 sense of duty, disobeys, and meekly suffers the consequences, I 
 do not know that we could blame it. 
 
 " But another question arises : how far does the law undertake 
 to protect the parent in the exercise of his authority ? It certainly 
 gives him the right to teach his child at home, to direct the read- 
 ing which it shall pursue, and the person who shall visit it. No 
 person has a right to interfere with these religious privileges. But 
 suppose a parent allows his child to mingle in society, to go where 
 it pleases : how far does his authority, then, extend ? And again, 
 suppose the child honestly desires religious instruction, and comes 
 to me to ask for it. I may not go to the parent's house to proffer 
 it ; I may not in any manner obtrude it upon his child ; but, if 
 the child come to me and ask for it, am I obliged, or at liberty, 
 to refuse to impart it ? I think not. 
 
 " Or, suppose a child, of full age for religious responsibility, 
 comes to me for my professional assistance, to enable it to.perform 
 a SBBViCE which it supposed commanded of God : am I at liberty 
 to refuse ? I should urge upon the child to delay, to set the rea- 
 sons of the act before the parent. The law gives the parent the 
 power of prevention, if he choose to use it ; but, if he does not, 
 and the child comes to me to perform this religious service, I do 
 not know that I am at liberty to refuse. Nor has the parent, that 
 I can see, any ground of complaint against me, provided I have 
 acted on the principles above specified. 
 
 " Were it otherwise, every religious teacher, and every other 
 man, would be almost forbidden to speak ; and, if I were preach- 
 ing, and a child came in whose parents were of a different opinion 
 from my own, I must stop; and, in fact, I must perform an 
 ordinance of religion, not according to the will of the sdbject, 
 but of its PABENTS. In fact, if every parent has the power of 
 dictating to every person what he shall say to his child, all con- 
 versation must cease, for in a mixed company you could say 
 nothing that would not offend somebody." 
 
 The first paragraph here quoted, is founded upon 
 the erroneous supposition that Armstrong was sup- 
 porting his child at home, and was all that a father 
 should be : in that view, it seems to uphold Lewis 
 and condemn Hall. But the remaining paragraphs — 
 probably without Wayland's knowledge, yet directed 
 by a discriminating heart— touch the facts at issue, and 
 are a triumphant defence of Hall against both his as- 
 sailants. Wayland says it may not be "always right 
 
THE BAPTISM OP MINOR!?. 181 
 
 or just to enforce" an abstract legal power. When of 
 age for " religious reaponsibiUty," Wayland says, an 
 " honest child should be allowed to obey the dictates 
 of its own conscience." Hall had "delayed," as Way- 
 land would. Wayland would not feel at liberty to re- 
 fuse his " professional assistance" to perforin a service 
 which slie " supposed commanded of Grod," nor did 
 Hall. Armstrong had not "restrained," and there- 
 fore had "no ground of complaint" against Hall. 
 Wayland scouted Lewis' central idea of religious ritea 
 being administered " not according to the will of the 
 subject, but of the parents" In short, the drift of 
 Wajland's arguments, although clothed with personal 
 praises, is a keen rebuke of Lewis as to the policy, the 
 natural rights, and the exercise of power in the case 
 as it really was. 
 
 Laws are made by legislators, and construed by 
 judges. But law makers and law expounders are men 
 — only men. They pass away, and other legislators 
 and jndges take their places. 
 
 One of the latter class was John Banks, president 
 judge in Berks county, who had a similar case before 
 him, known as " Com. va. Sigman," in 1844. It seems 
 a girl of fifteen years had been dragged from her 
 knees at a Methodist meeting, causing a breach of the 
 peace. Parental control was invoked in defence of 
 the act, on the Lewis platform. Judge Banks, how- 
 ever, dissected the matter, as one of law under the 
 constitution, and of natural right, and came to this 
 conclusion : 
 
182 NORTHUMBERLAND BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 
 
 and understands the glorious scheme of divine faith and salvation 
 as declared in the Scriptures, * * * he then has 
 
 a conscience, capable of dictating his duties in relation to the 
 worship of Almighty God, which 'no human atjthokity can, in 
 
 ANY CASE WHATEVER, CONTBOIi OK INTBRFEKB WITH.' " 
 
 In 1845, also, Judge Parsons, of Philadelphia (see p. 
 
 396, vol. 4, of Penna. Law Jour.,) ruled that 
 
 " Neither parent, guardian, nor master, have the right to 
 exercise any arbitrary control over an infant as to his religious 
 principles." 
 
 These being later decisions, do, in legal parlance, 
 render that of Judge Lewis, " obsolete." 
 
 That Pedobaptist court of 1842 perhaps judged they 
 migbt stay the progress of the Baptists by this virtual 
 imposition of a fine upon one of their zealous advo- 
 cates for the crime of one of their opponents. If so, 
 they made a mistake, as erring men had done before 
 them. The people overruled the judges. They have ac- 
 cepted the practical expositions of Preacher Wayland, 
 and the reasonable decisions of Judges Banks and 
 Parsons, in preference to that one-sided and "arbitrary" 
 view, worthy of darker days than these. Since 1842, 
 Mr. Hall and other ministers have immersed scores if 
 not hundreds of sprinkled and of unsprinkled minors, 
 children of professing and of non-professing parents, 
 within this Association ; but we hear of no further 
 acts of violence, nor censures from the bench, against the 
 administrators of the divinely appointed rite. In the 
 county seat where that remarkable decision was made, 
 there was then no Baptist church ; there are now 
 several Baptist churches, with four hundred members, 
 in the same Williamsport. 
 
APPENDIX. 
 
 TEE FIOHEEB UISSIOITABIES of 1TT4. 
 
 Note A. — The name of pastor David SuTroN" I first 
 find in the Philadelphia Minutes of 1754, residence 
 not designated ; in 1761, lie was at Oyster Bay, N. Y. ; 
 at Kingffood, N. J., from 1763 to 1776, when the 
 record is deficient in names ; at the same place 1781 
 and 1782; but in 1783, his name is missing. In 1790 
 — 1794, he was at Ten Mile Creek, in south western 
 Pennsylvania. In 1792, he was a visitor to Philadel- 
 phia Association ; it was then the renewal of missions 
 was made, and he perhaps encouraged the new trio by 
 some account of his labors in this region, so many 
 years previous. — There were many Suttons, pastors, 
 in New Jersey, and from south western Pennsylvania 
 westward. 
 
 Note B. — William Wobth was some time pastor 
 at Pittagrove, N, J. In 1789, he was disowned by rea- 
 son of his embracing the doctrines of Universalism.' 
 In America, some of the first advocates of that delu- 
 sion had been Baptists, and thus quite a number of our 
 members were led astray, in a time of religious declen- 
 
184 NORTHUMBERLAND BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 
 
 sion, by those who responded to the cry, " Speak unto 
 us smooth things ; prophesy deceit." 
 
 JVbfe G. — Elkanah Holmes, descended from the 
 earliest settlers of New Bagland, was born at Canter- 
 bury, N. H., in 1744. At the age of 16, he entered 
 the provincial service, and was present at the taking 
 of Ticonderoga ; served also against the Spaniards in 
 1762, and was at the taking of Havana. At the age 
 of 26, he was baptized by Elder David Sutton of King- 
 wood, and was ordained about 1774, in which year he 
 and his pastor and Mr.Worth were to visit this region. 
 While we have no record of the performance of their 
 duty, it is to be noted that Elder Holmes visited Wyo- 
 ming in or soon after 1773, and very probably took 
 in "Tolbert" on his preaching tour. He served as 
 chaplain of a New Jersey regiment during the Eevo- 
 lution — when he preached to the men, prayed /or them, 
 and fought with them in the ranks. He delivered the 
 opening sermon before the Philadelphia Association 
 in 1788 ; was a messenger to Virginia, to Warren and 
 to Vermont associations ; was successively pastor at 
 Amenia precinct, N. Y., North Stamford, Ct., Bedford, 
 and Staten Island, N.Y., and in 1796 baptized in Nor- 
 wich, N. y., on his way to missionate among the In- 
 dians of western New York. There he spent many 
 years, and had some remarkable adventures. In 1807, 
 he settled with a church he had raised, called "Niag- 
 ara," in Canada, near Queenstown. In the war of 
 1812, he was for a time a prisoner in the hands of the 
 British, for and against whom he had fought in his 
 youth. He died with his son at Bedford, N. Y., from 
 
BIOGRAPHICAL NOTICES. 185 
 
 the effects of a suddea fall, 17tli January, 1832, in 
 the 89th year of his age and the 59th of his ministry. 
 He was a man of marked powers. His only known 
 published work is a church covenant and summary of 
 doctrine. 
 
 THE FIOITEEB UISSIOHABIES OF 1792. 
 
 Note D. — John Patton was bora, 1752, of Pres- 
 byterian parentage, in Kent county, Delaware ; was 
 baptized in 1783, by Abel Grifath, of Welch Tract ; 
 and was ordained by Bryn Sion church, Duck creek, 
 in 1789, when 37 years of age. In 1793, he settled in 
 Shamokin Tp, where a church was organized the year 
 following. It is stated that he aided in organizing two 
 other churches, "near there'' — -probably that on the 
 Juniata, and the White Deer. In 1809, he removed 
 to George Greek, ministering to the Mount Moriah 
 church at Smithfield, Fayette county, Pennsylvania, 
 where he died in 1839, aged 87 years, having preached 
 for half a century. He was a man flight in stature, 
 of respectable attainments for his day, fond of sing- 
 ing, and animated and engaging in his deportment. 
 Of his thirteen children, one (James Patton,) became 
 a preacher, as did also one grandson (John P. Eoeka- 
 fellow), both deceased. Another grandson (G. E. Pat- 
 ton) is preaching at Juda, Wise, and yet another 
 (Wm. E. Patton) is preparing for the ministry. The 
 rich church to which he devoted his last years, gave 
 him a salary of about fifty dollars, and the use of a 
 piece of land. This meagre support compelled hitn 
 to devote, to manual labor, time that might have been 
 better expended in the cause of the Master. For fur- 
 
186 NORTHUMBERLAND BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 
 
 ther notice of this firsi Tcmwn Baptist minister and 
 pastor in this region, see Minutes of 1862. It is to 
 be regretted that our limits do not allow a fuller 
 memorial of father Patton. 
 
 Note B. — I first find the name of William Glin- 
 GAN as a messenger, but not pastor, of the Baltimore 
 church, in Philadelphia Association, 1792. The re- 
 cords of the First Baltimore church show that in Oc- 
 tober, 1792, (the very month when Elders Patton, 
 Clingan and Yaughan took their appointment), " Wm. 
 Clingham, who had recently been baptized from the 
 Methodists, and a few others, were dismissed to form a 
 Baptist church in Mifflin county, Pennsylvania." Asp- 
 lund's second Register reports, in 1794, a " church on 
 Uniata river, under the care of Elder Wm. Clingan, 
 of about 30 members." It would seem probable, from 
 this Baltimore church record, that Mr. Clingan had 
 been laboring on the Juniata previous to that appoint- 
 ment. The locality of the church he was instrumen- 
 tal in raising, I have not ascertained. Mr. Clingan 
 was returned as a messenger from Baltimore church 
 (but not present) when, in 1794, that church was dis- 
 missed to aid in forming the Baltimore Association, 
 and I have no further trace of him. 
 
 Note i^.— Joshua Yaughan, of Welch descent, born 
 near Yellow Springs, Chester county, Pennsylvania, 
 in 1749, lost his parents when an infant, but was reared 
 by a pious grandmother. While learning his trade 
 as a blacksmith, he spent his spare time in acquiring 
 knowledge that proved of great value in his after life. 
 
BIOGRAPHICAL NOTICES. 18T 
 
 While acting as sberiff and jailor of Chester county, 
 he was converted. On his way to receive baptism by 
 the hands of Philip Hughes, be pleasantly remarked, 
 in reply to an inquiry, '*■ We are Philip and the Jai- 
 lor," He was ordained at Brandywine, in 1789, and 
 was assiduous in pastoral and itinerating labors until 
 his death, 1808, at Brandywine, aged 59 years. It is 
 related that "some lewd fellows of the baser sort" 
 once threatened to prevent his administering the rite 
 of baptism. Advancing into the water, Mr. Vaughan 
 lifted the arms whose strength had often been tested, 
 and declared he would grind under his feet, upon the 
 rocky bed of the creek, any one who should interrupt 
 him. No one dared to test his solemn promise. (See 
 extended sketch in Baptist Memorial, Sept. 1846). 
 
 EABI,Y FASIOBS OF THE ASSOCIATION. 
 
 Note Q. — Thomas Smilbt's parents were of the 
 Seceder branch of the Presbyterian family. He was 
 born in Dauphin county. Pa., in 1759. He served in 
 the Whig army for some time during the Eevolution, 
 Afterwards, enlisted under the banner of the cross, and 
 was baptized in 1792, in Wyoming Valley, by Elder 
 James Finn, of the pioneer church, at Pittstown. 
 He was licensed in December, 1796, by Braintrim 
 church, and ordained on Towanda creek, December, 
 1802, when forty years of age. Controversies about 
 land titles, in which he suffered' much, led him to 
 settle in White Deer Taliey, in 1808. (See Lsws of 
 Pennsylvania, 1820.) He raised up and served that 
 church, and itinerated extensively, until his death, in 
 1832, in his 73d year, and the twenty-fourth of his 
 
188 NORTHUMBERLAND BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 
 
 pastorate. A stone marks his resting place near 
 the house where he so long preached. His opportuni- 
 ties for education were few, but were well improved. 
 He was an earnest, persevering man, of great purity 
 and simplicity of character. His influence in this 
 Association is seen in the fact that he preached the 
 introductory sermon six times, served as presiding 
 officer seven times, wrote six or seven of its annual 
 letters, and was practically the permanent clerk from 
 its origin until his decease. His high Calvinistic prin- 
 ciples never degenerated into fatalism, but he was 
 wont to exhort sinners as well as to comfort saints. 
 
 NoteS. — John Wolverton, of New Jersey parent- 
 age, was born about 1775; was licensed in Shamokin, 
 in 1807, and received ordination in 1811. He served 
 as pastor of Shamokin church, and also itinerated con- 
 siderably, in addition to carrying on various kinds of 
 secular business. In February, 1822, he announced 
 that, by reason of impaired health, he should suspend 
 preaching for three months. That time rolled around, 
 when Elder Smiley preached his funeral sermon — 
 Sunday, 20th May, 1822. He was buried in the an- 
 cient cemetery, among other early settlers of the 
 region, and an inscribed tombstone marks his grave, 
 near the house where he had labored for fifteen years. 
 
 Note I. — We pkce in this list, Simeon Coombs, who 
 itinerated in the region extensively, under the patron- 
 age of the Massachusetts Baptist domestic mission 
 society. He was invited, on its organization, to 
 the pastoral care of the Little Muncy church ; and 
 
BIOGRAPHICAL H&TICES. 189 
 
 high hopes were entertained that he would prove a 
 blessing. He died somewhat suddenly, in Plymouth 
 courniy, Mass., about 1819, to the great grief of the 
 people generally, in his anticipated new home. He 
 was 59 years old at his death, and left a large family, 
 one of whom is a minister. 
 
 Note J. — Henrt Clabk was born 4th July, 1791, 
 in Greene county. Pa. In 1807, while apprentice to a 
 shoemaker in Philadelphia, he was baptized. His 
 parents were Pedobaptists, but his mother became a 
 ^ Baptist in her latter years. Removing to Shamokin, 
 he was there licensed in 1814, and subsequently by 
 White Deer ; and was ordained in ISIS, at Little 
 Muuoy. He served that church as pastor four years, 
 and, afterwards, Loyalsock for a time. About 1829, 
 he returned to Northumberland county, and seems to 
 have preached independently, sympathizing somewhat, 
 at first, with the old school movement, but not for- 
 mally leaving the regular Baptists. He died in Upper 
 Augusta, 23d May, 1841, in his 50th year, and was 
 buried in the old Baptist ground in Shamokin town- 
 ship. 
 
 SDIIE 01 OITB EABLY VISITOBS. 
 A favorite " recreation" of preachers was to give 
 out appointments in advance, as best they could, then 
 mounting their horses, preach from place to place 
 while riding to and from Associations and other points 
 reached. Those "vacation" effortsrequiredlittlestudy, 
 as good sermons would bear repetition to new audi- 
 ences ; bodily and mental vigor and " back-bone" were 
 promoted by study on horseback and motion in the 
 
190 NOETIIUMBEULAND BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 
 
 open air ; and contact with Christian friends, (an un- 
 usual thing, comparatively,) made the occasions mu- 
 tually refreshing. A few notes of some of the earliest 
 of our visiting brethren, will doubtless be acceptable. 
 
 Note K. — The late James Moore, Sr., informed the 
 writer that he was at work, " away out in the Clarion 
 country," but arranged his business so as to attend 
 and aid in organizing this Association. He said he 
 "brought in with him" Brother Tibbets, our only 
 visiting brother at the first session. Benedict states 
 that he was a native of Maine, and was useful in rais- 
 ing the interest in the Clarion region. In 1823 he 
 received a three months' appointment from the Massa- 
 chusetts society. Dunlevy's history of the old Miami 
 (Ohio) Association, says : " Nathaniel Tibbets was 
 pastor of the First Church of Cincinnati, in 1822 and 
 1823. He died soon after, in the prime of life and 
 apparent usefulness. He was a man of considerable 
 talents, of great energy of character, and a warm and 
 able preacher." 
 
 Note L. — Joseph Mathias passed a long and hon- 
 ored life in Hilltown, Bucks county, Pa. He was 
 born 8th May, 1778 ; baptized 1799 ; licensed 1805 ; 
 and ordained as an evangelist, 1806. Although the 
 pastor of the church, he spent much time in destitute 
 places, in distant parts as well as near home, his large 
 and well cultivated farm placing him in independent 
 circumstances. His sermons numbered 6,875, and he 
 spoke effectively through the press as well as from 
 the pulpit. As early as 1811, he was a messenger from 
 
BIOGRAPHICAL NOTICES, 191 
 
 Philadelphia to Chemung Association, and preached 
 the opening sermon before the latter at Elmira, N. Y, 
 He was one of the thirty-three who formed the first 
 United States Baptist convention for foreign missions, 
 at Philadelphia, May 18, 1814. He " died in his 
 nest," suddenly, 11th March, 1851, in the 74th year of 
 his age, and the 46th of his ministry. — Following the 
 example to go forth " two by two," Brother Mathiaa' 
 first visit to our Association was in company with 
 John S. Jenkins, who was ordained as an evangelist 
 in Montgomery, Pa., 23d September, 1819, and died 
 not long since, at an advanced age. — DavidBateman, 
 from Hopewell, N. J., licensed 1809, died 1 832. Bre- 
 thren Bowen, Collom and Barker, it is believed were 
 also from New Jersey. 
 
 Note M. — John Miller was another of those 
 " farmer preachers," who, with unswerving devotion 
 totheircareforsouls, was able, by a long and laborious 
 life, to leave a lasting impression upon the people 
 among whom his strength was spent. He was born 
 in Volnntown, Conn., 3d February, 1775 ; was con- 
 verted at the age of 18; removed, first, into Central 
 New York, and thence into Abington, Luzerne county, 
 Pa., Feb. 18, 1802. The religious destitution of the 
 country was a call upon him to enter into the work 
 of the ministry, to which he was ordained, November 
 of the same year. He remained in that place — working 
 with his hands, and scattering the good seed of the Gos- 
 pel in ever- increasing circles — until his death, 19th 
 February, 1857, in the 83d year of his age and the 
 55th of his ministry. His is a rare specimen of a 
 
192 NORTIITIMBERLAND BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 
 
 " settled pastorate" oovering half a centary. It was 
 stated that he baptized 2000 converts, attended 1800 
 funerals, and married 457 couples, in a region where 
 he was among the earliest settlers. Old Abington 
 church colonized six whole churches, and parts of 
 many others, and sent out seven preachers, among 
 them one son of father Miller. — On some of his hun- 
 dred miles' rides to meet this Association, he had the 
 company of private members of sterling worth. 
 
 Note N. — EioHARD Peoudfoot, a native of London, 
 England, there united with the Independents, in his 
 youth. After emigrating to America, he was bap- 
 tized, in Philadelphia, in 1804. Ordained in 1812, when 
 43 years of age, he labored for some time in New 
 Jersey, but spent his latter years in the Clearfield and 
 Centre region, Pennsylvania. He died while on a 
 preaching tour at Cromwell, Huntingdon county, 
 2d May, 1845, aged 76 years. He also was one 
 of the thirty-three original members of the Ameri- 
 can Baptist foreign mission organization. — Thomas 
 E. Thomas, a native of Wales, was another of those 
 ministers who, under unfavorable circumstances, have 
 done much for the cause of religion, and leaves a 
 name honored by all worthy people who knew him. 
 He died at Clarion, November, 1854, aged 76 years, 
 and leaves a son (B. H. Thomas) a useful minister in 
 the same region. 
 
 Note 0., page 26. — Eespecting this session, Bro- 
 ther Jacob R. Clark writes that Mr. Shepard was in 
 attendance, but not as a messenger. The Philadel- 
 
BIOGKAPHICAL KOTICES, 193 
 
 phia Confeasiou of Taith liad been warmly a.dvocated 
 bj Elders Smiley, Bateman, and Clark, who were all 
 strong Calvinists. " After the close of tbe session, on 
 Sabbath aflernooa, Mr. Shepard arose, as he told them, 
 not to preach, but to deliver an oration. He violently 
 attacked the Aasociation — the Confession of Faith — 
 and the preachers who defended it. The delegates 
 were leaving the house, when the tall, white haired 
 veteran. Smiley, stood upon a bench, and exclaimed — 
 'A word, brethren, before you are finally gone. I 
 have to annonnce in your ears that there has been a 
 new confession of faith made.'— 'I deny it,' said Mr, 
 Shepard, ' it is more than eighteen hundred years old,' 
 The congregation broke up in great confusion." This, 
 it will be seen, was the year before the division in Lit- 
 tle Muncy, and the advent of Mr. Shepard into the 
 " Disoiple" ranks. (Note P., on next page, is probably 
 from the pen of Brother Smiley.) 
 
 Kole 0.,page 23. — One of those persevering evils — 
 more common, then, than in these days of religions 
 periodicals — was noticed in the Hudson River Associ- 
 ation Minutes, as a man of about fifty years, who had 
 been extensively advertised in .the Western States, 
 and who was sometimes known as Samuel J. Counsel- 
 ler, or Counsellor, or Oouneeil, or Consul, or Oousel : 
 and, notwithstanding this richness of alias cognomens, 
 he was "in the gross habit oi finding fault with his 
 accommodations /" Doubtless, some of the good sisters 
 had detected his unworthiness ; for then, aa now, they 
 were wont to give the best they had to those deserving 
 of Christian hospitality. 
 17 
 
194 NOKTHUMBEELAND BAPTIST ASSOCIATION, 
 
 Note P. — "For the satisfaction of those concerned, 
 we publish the following extract, relative to the exclu- 
 sion of Silas E. Shepard, from the records of our sister 
 church, formerly meeting in Little Muncy, but now 
 in Madison : 
 
 "Chubch Meeting, August 5, 1826. — We, the Par- 
 ticular Baptist Church, meeting at Little Muncy, being 
 met together this day for the purpose of consulting 
 each other in respect of what, in the fear of God, is 
 most expedient for us to do in regard of the trouble, 
 (hereafter mentioned), that we are now in, do,' with 
 one accord, declare to the world, and each other, that 
 we believe in . the doctrine and practice which this 
 church declared to the world to believe when she first 
 originated ; and, therefore, we still continue to adopt 
 the Philadelphia Baptist Confession of Faith, as a 
 testimony to the world of how we understand the 
 Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments; and thus 
 we wish, in the fear of God, to consider as having 
 given ourselves to the Lord and one to another. And 
 whereas, our former pastor, Silas E. Shepard, has de- 
 viated from that truth held by the pious Particular 
 Baptists that have gone before us, from the doctrine 
 held by this church, and also the doctrine and prac- 
 tice he most solemnly professed to believe and hold 
 when he was ordained and set apart to the work of 
 the Gospel ministry, we now testify, and declare, the 
 causes why we do not fellowship him. And, 
 
 " 1. He has publicly declared that he rejects the 
 said confession of faith, which formerly he professed 
 to receive as we do, and, while he nevertheless has 
 said he believes the doctrine therein contained, has 
 openly taught what was directly opposed thereto. 
 
 " 2. He has declared that he believes no experience 
 should be given in, before a person was baptized or 
 received into church fellowship, contrary to the general 
 practice of the Baptists both in Europe and America. 
 
EXCLUSION OP SILAS E, 8HEPARD. 195 
 
 "3. He has declared against the taking a text to 
 preach from, which we look upon to be unprofitable, 
 and contrary to the Apostolic practice : ' He began at 
 the same Scripture, and preached unto him Jesus.' 
 
 "4. Ho has declared that there was no promise of 
 Christ in the world until it waa made to Abraham ; 
 which we do not believe, for we learn that men did 
 call on the name of the Lord before the deluge, and 
 that never could be, to divine acceptance, but in view 
 of a Messiah to come. 
 
 "5. He has declared that social meetings for prayer 
 must be in the night, with closed doors, or eke we 
 act the hypocrite ; when, as in the word of God we 
 are warranted to believe, that the godly may assemble 
 at any convenient time for that purpose and be heard 
 of their God. 
 
 " 6, He has declared openly that he will baptize all 
 that request it, and will say they believe; whereas, 
 we conceive that the Baptist cause has suffered much, 
 already, from the incoherent practice of many iu being 
 lax, and unguarded about who they baptize, and his 
 plan in this must greatly enhance the evil. 
 
 "7. He has, in the face of the world, taught that 
 the Old Testament is superseded by the New ; which 
 we believe to be contrary to the doctrine of both 
 Christ and bis Apostles, who often refer to the Law, 
 the Prophets, and the Psalms as written for our learn- 
 ing. Hence we conceive that all the godly will agree 
 with ns that this doctrine is a gross error, and ex- 
 tremely dangerous. 
 
 " 8. He has declnred against having the meetings 
 which we call Associations, which we conceive, if 
 conducted in a Christian manner, are prodtable, and 
 in which himself has taten a very active part hereto- 
 fore. 
 
 "The whole of these things we conceive to be con- 
 trary to the word of God, either indirectly or directly, 
 and a considerable part^ and especially his declaring 
 
196 NORTHUMBERLAND BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 
 
 the Old Testament to be obsolete, is directly coDtrary. 
 to the word of God. Nor can we believe, while he 
 teaches those doctrines, that he adheres (notwith- 
 standing he says so,) to the doctrine contained 
 in our confession of faith ; because his doctrines, 
 and what he practices, is directly contrary thereto. 
 And besides, he has schismatically departed from 
 the church, and taken off a part of our members 
 with him into his sentiments. Therefore, as we are 
 directed in the Word to withdraw from every brother 
 that walketh disorderly and not according to the di- 
 vine rule, and believing that we have given our said 
 former pastor, Silas E. Shepard, no just cause of 
 offence, and having on Gospel ground attempted to 
 reclaim him, but to no purpose, we do now unitedly 
 agree to withdraw from him, our said former pastor, 
 the right hand of fellowship, esteeming him no more 
 a member with us until God shall restore him by re- 
 pentance to his former standing." 
 
 Note Q. — In a notice of the downfall, from strong 
 drink, of a noted Baptist minister, in 1769, Morgan 
 Edwards wrote, in one of his Mss. histories — 
 
 "Has not a dumb spirit, an unclean spirit, &c., been 
 cast out ? and who knows but Jamaica spirit will one 
 day be exorcised out of this country, where it makes 
 such dreadful havoc ? The Indians themselves lament 
 its being brought hither, though they are excessively 
 fond of it. Surely, if any creature of God were not 
 good, rum would be." 
 
 In 1788, our Philadelphia brethren passed the fol- 
 lowing : 
 
 "This Association, taking into consideration the 
 ruinous effects of the great abuse of distilled liquors 
 throughout the country, take this opportunity of 
 expressing our hearty concurrence with our brethren 
 of several other religious societies, in discountenanc- 
 
UNIVERSlTir AT LEWISBDKG. 197 
 
 ing the use of them in future ; and earnestl7 entreat 
 our brethren and friends to use all their influence to 
 that end, both in their own families and neighborhood, 
 (except when used as medicine.") 
 
 Note S. — The following Trustees of the University 
 were taken from our Association : *James Moore, Si 
 James Moore, Jr., *Jo3eph Meixel, *William H, Lud- 
 wig, *Samuel Wolf, Levi B. Christ, *Henrj Funk, 
 Joel E. Bradley, Eugenie Eincaid, *Benjamia Bear, 
 *Lewis Vastine, Ashbel B. Longshore, Joseph P. Ti 
 tin, Bben B. Campbell, Henry Gerhart, J. Green Miles, 
 Justin U. Loomis. 
 
 And the following Curators : *A. A. Anderson, 
 ♦Charles Tucker, *G. W. Young, 0. N. Worden, E. 
 W, Dickinson, *David Dye, *JohQ Steans, Isaac N, 
 Loomia, J. Green Miles, L W. Ilayhurst, Albert B. 
 Putnam, J, Anderson Kelly, John E. Shanafelt, Ste- 
 phen H. Miriek. 
 
 The leading officers of the University, it may be 
 desirable to place on record, as sometimes useful for 
 reference : 
 
 Beryleeb 
 
 g,n, PRESIDENTS. 
 
 SBrr 
 
 9 closed. 
 
 1846. 
 
 ♦Stephen Wm. Taylor, acting, 
 
 1851. 
 
 
 180 1. 
 
 Howard Malconi, first regular, 
 
 
 1857 
 
 18o7. 
 
 George Ripley Bliss, acting, 1857. 
 
 
 1858. 
 
 Justin Kolph Loomis, second r 
 
 .giilar. 
 
 
 
 PULL PROPESSOBS. 
 
 
 
 1848. 
 
 «S. W. Taylor, 
 
 
 1851 
 
 1849. 
 
 G. E. Bliss. 
 
 
 
 1849. 
 
 George Washington Anderson 
 
 
 1854 
 
 1851. 
 
 Howard Malcom, 
 
 
 ■1867 
 
 1851. 
 
 Charles Sexton James. 
 
 
 
 1851. 
 
 Alfred Taylor, 
 
 
 1853 
 
198 NORTHUMBEELAND BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 
 
 1854. 
 
 Justin E. Loomis. 
 
 
 1855. 
 
 Thomas Fenner Curtis, 
 
 1865 
 
 1859. 
 
 Francis Wayland Tustin. 
 
 
 1865. 
 
 Lemuel Moss, 
 
 1868 
 
 1865. 
 
 Lucius Edwin Smith, 
 
 1868 
 
 1869. 
 
 Eobert Lovvry. 
 PRINCIPALS OF FEMALE INSTITUTE. 
 
 
 1852. 
 
 *Miss Hadessah S. Scribner, 
 
 1854 
 
 1854. 
 
 Miss Amanda Taylor, 
 
 1863 
 
 1863. 
 
 Miss Lucy W. Eundell, 
 
 1869 
 
 1869. 
 
 Miss Harriet E. Spratt. 
 
 CHANCELLOBS. 
 
 
 1847. 
 
 *Horatio Gates Jones, Sr., 
 
 1850 
 
 1850. 
 
 Heman Lincoln, 
 
 1854 
 
 1854. 
 
 *George Washington Young, 
 
 1864 
 
 1864. 
 
 James Fuller Brown, 
 
 1870 
 
 1870. 
 
 John Harvard Castle. 
 
 
 Note T. — In August, 1789, a committee of the Bap- 
 tist churches in Virginia, addressed a letter to Gen. 
 Washington, then President of the United States, in 
 behalf of religious liberty. The following are ex- 
 tracts from his reply : 
 
 " I have often expressed my sentiments, that every 
 man, conducting himself as a good citizen, and being 
 accountable to God alone for his religious opinions, 
 ought to be protected in worshiping according to the 
 dictates of his own conscience. 
 
 " While I recollect, with satisfaction, that the reli- 
 gious society of which you are members, have been, 
 throughout America, uniformly and almost unanimously, 
 the firm friends to civil liberty and the persevering pro- 
 moters of our glorious Eevolution, I cannot hesitate 
 to believe that they will be the faithful supporters of 
 a free, yet efBcient, general government. Under this 
 
 * Decoasfld. 
 

 jyP*' rri m> 
 'T It ■ •!• 
 
 
 r 
 
 r, 
 
 l**^¥th^. 
 
SLAVERY. 199 
 
 _ expectation, I rejoice to assure them, that 
 ibey may rely upon my best wishes, and endeavors to 
 advance their prosperity. 
 
 "In the meantime, be assured, gentlemen, that I 
 entertain a proper sense of your present supplications 
 to God for my temporal and eternal happiness. 
 " I am, gentlemen, your most Obt. Srvt., 
 
 "George Washington." 
 
 The Philadelphia Association, in 1789, recorded this 
 Minute : 
 
 "Agreeably to a recommendation from the church 
 in Baltimore, this Association declare their high ap- 
 probation of the several Societies, formed in the United 
 States and Europe, for the gradual abolition of the 
 Slavery of the Africans, and for guarding against 
 their being detained or sent off as slaves, after having 
 obtained their liberty ; and do hereby recommend to 
 the churches we represent, to form similar societies, be- 
 come members thereof, and exert themselves to obtain 
 this important object." 
 
 The Baptists of Virginia, at their general meeting in 
 1789, upon a reference from the year preceding, and 
 on motion of the noted Democrat, Elder John Leiand, 
 
 " Resolved, That Slavery is a violent deprivation of 
 the rights of nature, and inconsistent with republican 
 government; and therefore we recommend it to our 
 brethren to make use of every measure to extirpate 
 this horrid evil from our land ; and pray Almighty 
 God that our honorable Legislature may have it in 
 their power to proclaim the great jubilee, consistent 
 with the principles of good policy," 
 
 It was seventy-four years after this noble utterance 
 of the Baptists of Virginia, that Abraham Lincoln, son 
 of a Virginia Baptist, " proclaimed the great jubilee" 
 by the Proclamation which knocked the shackles from 
 four millions of human beings ! 
 
200 KORTHUMBERLAND BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 
 
 EMANCIPATION BAPTISTS. 
 
 Eobert Carter, a noted Baptist of Nominy, Virgi- 
 nia, at one time emancipated four hundred and forty- 
 two slaves. Indeed, " Emancipation Baptists" were 
 somewhat numerous. But they were gradually com- 
 pelled, by the overbearing spirit of the slave oligar- 
 chy, to settle in the Free States. Among others of 
 this persuasion, the parents of the late President Lin- 
 coln moved from Kentucky into Indiana. 
 
 Note XT. — Should any be disposed to think there 
 was " too much politics" in the testimony of the As- 
 sociation, in those terrible years from 1861 to 1865, 
 we advise a refreshing of the memory by a perusal of 
 similar expressions by the mother Association of 
 Philadelphia, 1776 to 1781. We have room to copy 
 that of the last named year, only : 
 
 " And now, dear brethren, having come to a close 
 of our annual meeting, before we address you by our 
 Circular Letter, we feel ourselves constrained to ac- 
 knowledge the great goodness of God towards us, and 
 to call on you to join with us in thankfulness and 
 praise, as well for the unanimity and brotherly love 
 which prevailed throughout our meeting, as for the 
 recent signal success granted to the American arms, 
 in the surrender of the whole British army, under the 
 command of Lord Cornwallis, with the effusion of so 
 little blood." 
 
SUPPLEMENTAL HISTOHIEB. 201 
 
 SUFFLEBIEKTAL TO THE CHUBCH EISTOaiES. 
 
 Note V. — YouNGwoMAsrsTOWN is at the extreme 
 west of our bounds, twenty-five miles above Lock 
 Haven, among a sparse and changiog population. 
 A " branch" church might have been useful, until it 
 proved likely to be self-saatainiog. Michael Quigly 
 was returned aschurch clerk. It was never represented 
 in the Association, excepting by Brother Miles, the 
 pastor, while he was living at Lock Haven the first 
 time, and under whose labor the church arose. 
 
 MlNEBSVlLLE is in Schuylkill county, at the extreme 
 east of our Association. The church, under the care 
 of Brother Spratt Jr., was organized, with 8 mem- 
 bers, May 14, 1840. Its number at one time increased 
 to 46, Some of its pastors or supplies have been D. 
 C. Wait in 1841, A. M. Tyler in 1842, Brother Beebe 
 in 1843, J. R. Morris in 1844, A. A. Anderson 1845 
 to 1847, J. R. Ro?3 in 1848, Brother Harris of the 
 Welch church in 1850, J. M. Lyons in 1852, D. A. 
 Nichols in 1853. Last year it had 48 members and no 
 pastor. They are among a shifting, mining popu- 
 lation, but have at times co-operated efficiently with 
 their more numerous Welch brethren, and with Potts- 
 ville. Its clerks with us, were Edward Holt, A. H. 
 Lewis, L. D. Jones, J, Amerraan, T. J. Williams, 
 Wm. Amerman. 
 
 Briar Creee church were admitted in 1851, with 
 John H. Worrell, pastor, and 30 members. It should 
 have been noticed on page 57, They have been gen- 
 erally connected, as to pastoral care, with the Ber- 
 wick church. 
 
202 NORTHUMBERLAND BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 
 
 As early as 1820, in Northumberland borough, 
 H. Norbury, Esq., and some of his family, were 
 Baptists, as was also Sarah [Hales] Watts, a short dis- 
 tance up the West Branch. Lord's day, November 
 10, 1822, Elder Henry Clark baptized Mrs. Matilda 
 Drake and Mary Tingley, in Northumberland bor- 
 ough, after having preached repeatedly in the house 
 of the 0. S. Presbyterian church. Elder Kincaid 
 had preached in Northumberland, to good acceptance, 
 some three years prior to the farewell sermon noticed 
 in the history of that church. 
 
 Proportion of Baptists in Population of Pennsylvania. 
 
 Note W. — The whole population of the State of 
 Pennsylvania, in 1870, was returned at 3,511,543. 
 
 Nineteen Baptist Associations reported 
 (members) 53,988 
 
 Seventy other churches, not associated, 8,641 
 
 Total of regular Baptists, as reported 67,629 
 
 Deduct, however, 6,896 in the District of 
 Columbia, Virginia and Delaware, from Phila- 
 delphia, 442 in West Virginia from Monon- 
 gahela, and 85 in Ohio from Beaver Associa- 
 tion, a total of 7,423 
 
 Leaves of Baptists in Pennsylvania, 50,206 
 There are, as estimated, 250 other Churches, with 
 (say) 25,000 members, in the State, holding to belie- 
 vers' baptism. 
 
 This shows one regular Baptist to 70 of the whole 
 population, or one baptized believer to 47 of the 
 whole population. 
 
COMPARATIVE PROGRBSB. 203 
 
 The followiDg illustrates the comparative progress 
 of Baptists and of the whole population in Fennsjl- 
 vania, for the past eighty years: 
 
 E 
 
 lAPTIsra. 
 
 POPULATION. 
 
 1792, 
 
 l,3-.8. 
 
 1790, 434,373—1 Bap.to 322 pop. 
 
 1812, 
 
 5,116. 
 
 1810, 810,091—1 " 168 " 
 
 1832, 
 
 11,103. 
 
 1830, 1,318,233—1 " 121 ■■ 
 
 1852, 
 
 30,053. 
 
 1850, 2,311,786—1 " 77 " 
 
 1870, 
 
 60,208. 
 
 1870, 3,511,543—1 ■■ 70 " 
 
 Baptials and whole Fopulatioa of the TTiliioii. 
 The census of 1870 gives to the United States a 
 population of 38,312,633. 
 
 The regular Baptists numbered, in 1870, 1,222,349 
 Four other orders of baptized believers, 604,027 
 
 Total, 1,826,37(5 
 
 This shows 1 Baptist to 33 of the whole population, 
 
 or 1 baptized believer to 21 of the whole population. 
 
 The whole number of members of Evangelical 
 
 churches is computed at 5,813,924, or 1 to 7 of the 
 
 ■ whole population, the baptized believers comprising 
 
 nearly one-third of the aggregate. 
 
 These figures, and those on page 95, show a larger 
 Baptist membership in our Association than the aver- 
 age of the State, but the proportion of Baptists in 
 Pennsylvania considerably less than the average for 
 the whole Union. 
 
204 NORTHUMBERLAND BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 
 
 ADDITIONAl BIOGBAPHICAI NOTICES. 
 
 Among the preceding Notes are sketches of pioneer 
 Missionaries, before and after the Eevolution ; of the 
 deceased original Pastors of this body ; and of some 
 of their earlier Visitors. It will doubtless be grati- 
 fying to many to peruse in addition, some account of 
 such ministering brethren, once living in our bounds, 
 as are known to have finished their course on earth. 
 Some of the following sketches might have been con- 
 siderably enlarged ; but as, in several instances, I was 
 able, after repeated inquiries, to gather but few details, 
 and as space is limited, it seems best to give merely the 
 outlines of all, leaving the delineations of gifts and of 
 graces to the memories and the inquiries of those 
 interested. 
 
 Geobge Higgins was born at Marcus Hook, De- 
 cember 16, 1798, and was baptized in Philadelphia, 
 in 1817 ; was licensed in 1827 by the Spruce Street 
 church, and in February, 1829, was ordained at Read- 
 ing. Under the patronage of the State Convention, he 
 devoted himself to missionating, first in the Schuyl- 
 kill valley, and next along the West Branch of the 
 Susquehanna. Here, from about 1829 to 1839, his 
 labors were abundant, and were largely blessed. About 
 half of those ten years, he resided in Milton, and half 
 in Jersey Shore, but preached for other neighboring 
 churches. He baptized 458 on this field. A Metho- 
 dist presiding elder said he heard from Mr. Higgins 
 all over his district, up the river and Pine creek. The 
 churches in Reading, Clinton and Lock Haven arose 
 mostly under his labors. In 1839, he returned to 
 
BIOOKAPHIOAl NOTICES. 205 
 
 Philadelphia; aided informing the Calvary church 
 in 18il,and in 1850 settled with the old Montgomery 
 church, with whom he died, Mirch 9, 1869, in his 
 76th year. During his ministry, he baptized nearly 
 fifteen hundred^persons. He preached three opening 
 sermons before this Association, was Moderator three 
 sessions, served as clerk three years, and wrote four 
 Circular Letters. 
 
 George Spratt, Sr., bom in Winchester, Eng., July 
 8, 1787, was brought up in the Episcopal church, in 
 which he was ordained a priest, having been, as he 
 thought, converted under sermons from John Angell 
 James. January, 1811, he married Elizabeth Main, 
 and, thre? days afterwards, set sail as a medical mis- 
 sionary for the East Indies. Providence, however, 
 frustrated his plans, and he settled in' Quebec. He 
 labored as pastor of two Independent (or Congrega- 
 tional) churches, one in Upper and one in Lower 
 Canada, for fifteen years. Removing to Philadelphia, 
 he became a subject of Christian baptism. His two 
 prior inductions into the ministry not being deemed 
 sufBciently orihodox, our brethren there gave him a. 
 license in 1826, and ordination in 1827. His subse- 
 quent labors were at Bridgeton, N. J., then at "Sha- 
 mokin and vicinity," -{succeeding Father Smiiey at 
 White Deer, in 1833,) from 1831 to 1834; thence to 
 Covington, to Mead's corners, and Allegheny, in the 
 north-western part of the State; and finally to Great 
 Valley, Chester county. While supplying the church 
 at Valley Forge, he died suddenly, January 28, 1863, 
 in the 76th year of his age, and the 53d of his min- 
 is 
 
206 NORTHUMBERLAND- BAPTIS* ASSOCIATION. 
 
 istry. He was a good physician for the body, and 
 as a preacher exulted in the sublime doctrines of 
 Paul. Two years before his death, he by will directed 
 this simple but expressive inscription should mark 
 his grave : '' A sinner saved by gi^A-CE." — His son, 
 George M. Spratt, needs no introduction to this Asso- 
 ciation. One of his grandsons, J. S. Wrightnour, is 
 the youthful pastor at Pequea. Mr. Spratt, Sr., wrote 
 the Circular Letter for 1832. 
 
 Daniel 0. Wait was born in Le Eoy, K Y., in 
 1812 ; was baptized in Ithaca, when 15 years of age ; 
 licensed at 20 ; studied three years at Hamilton ; was 
 ordained at Homer in 1836; and labored for a time in 
 north-eastera Ohio. He served at Milton, Northum- 
 berland, and Minersville, 1838 to 1841, presided twice 
 as Moderator of the Association, preached the opening 
 sermon once, and wrote the Circular for 1840. Ee- 
 turning to central New York, he died of consumption, 
 while serving the Lansing & Groton church, Nov. 
 3, 1842, at the early age of thirty years. 
 
 William S. Hall was born of Quaker parents, in 
 Blockley, Pa., 27th November, 1809, and died in 
 White Deer Yalley, 8th June, 1867, in his 58ih year. 
 He was converted at the age of 16, and baptized by 
 Joseph H. Kennard ; was licensed by the Blockley 
 church in 1828, and there ordained, 4th October, 1820. 
 His labors as an itinerant extended to Berks, Schuylkill, 
 Lancaster and Chester counties, and into the Northum- 
 berland region. In his White Deer church record, 
 under date of 20th November, 1829, Father Smiley 
 wrote: "A young brother Hall, (something turned of 
 
BIOGRAPHICAL NOTICES. 20T 
 
 tbe twentietli year of bis age,) -who is itinerating in 
 this region," preacbed from Acta 5 : 38, 39, and bap- 
 tized Mrs. Sarah Lomison, wbo ia in cbe 79th year of 
 her age : " it was the second person baptized by bim." 
 He labored also in Shatnokin and other points. He 
 is next found preaching at Frankford, and at Miles- 
 town ; in 1836, atZaneaville, Ohio; and in 1838 again 
 at Milestown, and Ridley, Pa. After several years of 
 "labors abundant" in this Association, he settled at 
 Pbosnixville for a time ; next, in 1857, accepted a call 
 to the Laight Street church. New York city ; and in 
 1860 took the charge of the North church, Phila- 
 delphia. Here his labors in the church and in aiding 
 to suppress the rebellion, (in which contest he lost one 
 son,) broke down his constitution, and he retired to 
 White Deer with the hope of recruiting, but continued 
 to preach as long as he was able. He favored 
 the Free Mission and Bible Union movements, and 
 was an Abolitionist when the name was a reproach 
 and a burden to bear. Before, leaving Philadelphia 
 for the last time, (March 14, 1867,) he recorded that 
 he had immersed two thousand four hundred and 
 fifty-nine (2459) persons on profession of their faith in 
 Jesus Christ, and was instrumental in raising nine 
 e-burcbes, and building eight meeting houses. He 
 served as Moderator and as clerk of this Association, 
 and wrote the Circular for 1841. 
 
 CHARLE3 Tucker was born in Broome, Schoharie 
 county, N. Y., in April, 1809. He was one of six 
 brothers, of whom Ave — Elisha,Levi, Charles, Anson, 
 and Silas — became useful ministers of the Gospel. 
 
208 KORTHDMBERLAND BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 
 
 Their father, also, was a licensed preacher until his 
 death, in his 80th year. In his 19th year, Charles 
 joined the Presbyterian church, at Durham, N. Y. 
 Aftewards, he was baptized, at Deposit, by his brother 
 Levi, and began to study at Hamilton. His health 
 failing, he went to live with a brother at Blockley, 
 Pa., and studied for a time at Haddington. In 1837, 
 having received ordination, he began his official career 
 at Milesburg, Centre county, and in 1840 appeared as 
 pastor at Jersey Shore, where, and in the vicinity, 
 his labors were crowned with the divine blessing. He 
 served twice as Moderator, and preached one intro- 
 ductory sermon before the Association. In 1846, he 
 became engaged as pastor of the new Tabernacle 
 church, in Philadelphia, and died there in September, 
 1850, aged 41 years. His only son, aged 19, after 
 graduating with honor at Lewisburg, fell at Gettys- 
 burg, (see page 72.) Brother J. Green Miles studied 
 and labored with Brother Tucker before entering upon 
 his own first pastorate. 
 
 Isaac D. Jones, of "Welch descent, was born in 
 Providence, Luzerne county. Pa., March 7, 1801 ; 
 was born again, and baptized in 1820 ; became Deacon 
 of the church in Exeter, 1826, and was ordained in 
 1830. He preached successively at Northmoreland, 
 Exeter, Eaton, Forkston, Mehoopany, Pittston, Falls- 
 town, (now Newton,) Monroe, Towanda, Franklin, Le 
 Koy, Union, Loyalsock, Eush, Shamokin, and Dan- 
 ville, Pa., and Tioga, Owego Creek, Berkshire & 
 Caroline, and other places in New York. He served 
 several churches in Steuben county, and died with his 
 
BIOGEAPHICAL NOTICES. 209 
 
 armor on, at South Dansville,N. Y., July 27, 1857, in 
 his 57th year. He left a son, I, C. Jones, a preacher 
 at Silver Creek, Nebraska. 
 
 WlLLlAu J. Nice, -was a licentiate of the Philadel- 
 phia Association in 1839; studied at Familton; 
 served as pastor at Upper Freehold, N. J., and died in 
 early manhood, at Woodbury, in 1846. 
 
 Since preparing tbe table on page 108, 1 learn that 
 Alanson M. Tyler was born in Broadalbic, N. Y., 
 converted at an early age, and studied six: years before 
 commencing his ministrations at Minersville andPotts- 
 ville. He was ordained as pastor of Evesham church, 
 at Marlton, N. J., in May, and died of braia fever in 
 July, of 1846, aged 32 years. 
 
 John" -H. Worhell was a licentiate of the Tenth 
 Church in Philadelphia, in 1841 ; studied a season at 
 -Hamilton; came into this Association in 1842, and 
 was ordained, in Eush, the same year. He served 
 -Sunbury, Augusta, Shamokin, Eush, Danville, Ber- 
 wick and Briar Creek churches, and was largely en- 
 couraged by accessions under bis ministry. He acted 
 as Moderator, and also as a clerk of the Association. 
 His name disappeared from our Minutes in 1854, and 
 he finished his course while laboring at Elgin, III., in 
 1881, in the full vigor of life. 
 
 Albert Adgustus Anderson, a native of Wil- 
 mington, Del., was a licentiate in the Philadelphia 
 Association, 1844; v/as ordained in Minersville, 1845, 
 -and served.as pastor as late as 1847, in which year he 
 .preached the opening sermon before the Association. 
 He died in Huntingdon county, 1851, in his 45lh year. 
 
210 NORTHUMBERLAND BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 
 
 Daniel Tbites, born in Eidley, Pa., January 24, 
 1807, was educated in the Episcopalian faith. He was 
 baptized when about 23 years of age, was licensed iu 
 1832, and ordained at Ridley, 1834; was pastor at 
 Newtown in 1836, and at Lower Providence in 1843. 
 In 1845, he removed to Northumberland and Sunbury, 
 where he was favorably received, and served the As- 
 sociation once as a clerk. Ill health induced him to 
 return, in 1846, to Lower Providence, where he died, 
 about March, 1847, aged 40 years. 
 
 George W. Young was born Aug.9, 1819,in Chester 
 Co., Pa., and received into the Hephzibah church, by 
 baptism,. when 13 years of age; was licensed at 18; 
 graduated at Hamilton, and ordained at Jersey Shore* 
 in 1848 ; removed to Washington, Pa., in 1851 ; to 
 Logans Valley in 1854 ; and to Zanesville, O., 1863. 
 He there died, Nov. 12, 1864, after two days' illness, in 
 his 46th year. He preached one opening sermon before 
 this Association, served as clerk for two years, and 
 was Chancellor of the University at Lewisburg from 
 1854 until the year of his death, 
 
 Lemuel Walton was a licentiate of Central church, 
 Philadelphia, in 1845 ; studied at Hamilton, gradua- 
 ting about 1849. His sole pastorate of three years 
 was at Chestnut Hill, Pa , where he died of consump- 
 tion, 1853, in his 83d year. 
 
 Heney Essick was born in Chester county, Pa., 
 about 1819 ; was baptized at the age of 14, and li- 
 censed by the Windsor church in 1839. He studied 
 at Germantown and Hamilton, and was ordained at 
 
BIOGRAPHICAL NOTICES. 211 
 
 Newtown, Pa., iu 1842 ; labored at Dover, Laacaster, 
 and Coleraio, and from ISol to 1856 with Madison, 
 Derry and Moreland cburcha-^, in this Assoeiation, of 
 which he was once Moderator, and once the introduc- 
 tory preacher. He was laid aside from active labor 
 in 1856, and after three years of suffering entered into 
 rest, March 9, 1359, aged iO years. The churches of 
 his care and other friends extended ef&cieat aid in 
 securing a home for his feraily, 
 
 Dteb a. Nichols, born in Bast Grreenwieb, R. I., 
 13th May, 1803, was of Quaker origin. He studied 
 at Hamilton, and was ordained in Auburn, N. Y., 
 in 1829; preaehed for a short time in New Jersey, 
 then came into Pennsylvania, where, about 1830, he 
 was instrumental in raising the church in Harrisburg. 
 His labors were chiefly as an evangelist, in which ca- 
 pacity he was with flosborp. Chestnut Hill, Norristown, 
 Hatboro, West Chester, Falls of Schuylkill, Phcenis- 
 ville. Valley Forge, and Bethesda churches, and prob- 
 ably others, in the south-eastern- part of the State, and 
 with Danville, Minersville, White Deer, Sunbury and 
 Aui'usta churches in this Association. He died sud- 
 denly in Philadelphia, Nov. 7, 1867, in his 65th year. 
 
 JuDAH L. Richmond, a graduate of Hamilton, was 
 ordainedinl833, and came fromNew York State into 
 Pennsylvania, where he served as agent for our State 
 Convention, and subsequently for the A, & P. Bible 
 Society. Removing into north-eastern Ohio, he there 
 died, a few years since, while yet in the vigor of his 
 days. His father, Edmund Richmond, was a preacher. 
 
212 NOETHUMBEELAND BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 
 
 and also one son ; and representatives of the three 
 generations at one time oocupied his pulpit together. 
 
 Ira Foster, from the Pittsgrove church, New Jer- 
 sey, was trained a Pedobaptist, but, converted early, 
 came among the first of the students to Lewisburg, 
 His health failing for a time, he entered Into mercan- 
 tile business, and married. Eesuming his studies, he 
 graduated in 1854. He aided the stated clerk in his 
 labors for three years. He was returned as a supply 
 at Danville' in 1853, was ordained in 1854, and labored 
 successfully until 1856, during which year his health 
 again failed, when he retired to Philadelphia, and died, 
 Feb. 4, 1857, aged 34. He was buried in Lewisburg. 
 
 Joshua Kellt was converted at the age of 15, and 
 at 28 (in 1850) commenced" his ministerial career with 
 the Methodists, of which his parents were among the 
 earlier members. In 1856, he renounced some of the 
 peculiarities of that order, and was led, by his study 
 of the Scriptures, where he least desired or expected 
 to be — into the Baptist ranks. He was baptized, in 
 Munoy, by J. R. Loomis, in 1856, and afterwards 
 served the Muncy, Union, White Deer and Clinton 
 churches, preaching the opening sermon before the 
 Association, and acting as assistant clerk, in 185S. In 
 1859, he accepted a call to Williamsport, and was 
 laboring with growing encouragement until his very 
 sudden departure from this life, on the 10th of April, 
 1862, aged 40 years. He was buried in Lewisburg, 
 his native place. During his last years, he was especi- 
 ally active in arousing the people to resist the aggres- 
 sions of the slave power in arms. 
 
BIOGRAPHICAL NOTICES. 213 
 
 Oeangb L. Hall was born October 11, 1829, near 
 Great Bend, Susquehanna county. Pa. At the age of 
 14, he was converted under the labors of Elder Post, 
 of Montrose, but united with the Presbyterians, to 
 which church his parents adhered. He was baptized, 
 ■ in 1846, by Elder John Holmes, of Great Bend, and 
 was afterwards licensed to preach by the church at 
 Wafctsburg, Erie county. Pa. Eeturoing east in the 
 spring of 1851, he was ordained in December follow- 
 ing. He served, as pastor, the Maple Hill or Scott 
 church, Blakely, and Hollisterville, in Abington Aa- 
 soeiation, and Danville, Kush, Shamokin, Augusta, 
 Trevorton and Selinsgrove, in the Northumberland. 
 During his brief ministry, he was engaged in organiz- 
 ing the Maple Hill, Hollisterville and Trevorton 
 churches, and baptized 144 persons. In the fall of 
 1862, he enlisted in the Union service, and was soon 
 commissioned as Chaplain of the 147th P. T, Com- 
 ing home to bid his family farewell for a campaign, it 
 was found that he had contracted the sraall-pox^ with 
 which he died, Nov. 30, 1862, aged 33 years. 
 
 John Q. A. Rohrbr, from Rohrersbnrg, Maryland, 
 came to study, in Lewisburg, as a member of another 
 denomination, but was received into the Milton church 
 in 1857. After graduating, he married, in Bingham- 
 ton. Miss Sarah Robinson, a grand child of David 
 Post, an early Baptist of Montrose. In August, 1860, 
 Mr. and Mrs. Eohrer set sail in the " Edwin Forrest," 
 as missionaries to Japan ; but neither vessel, crew nor 
 passengers have since been heard from. Mr. Eohrer 
 was 28 years old at the time he left for Japan, 
 
214 NORTHrMBERLAND BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 
 
 John Gabdiner Penney, a native of Adams, N.Y., 
 studied at Rochester, and at Princeton ; was pastor at 
 Flemington, N.J., in 1857 ; labored at Berwick, Briar 
 Creek, and Bloomsburg, 1862 ; and died at Liverraore, 
 Westmoreland Co., Pa., in 1865, in his 35th year. 
 
 Of the fore named twenty-four ministers, only eight, 
 or one-third — Wolverton, Clark, S.miley, Foster, Essick, 
 Kelly, 0. L. Hall, and Wm. S. Hall — were members 
 with us at the time of their decease. 
 
 Excepting Brother Walton, I think each of the 
 twenty-four left a widow, or children, or both, to 
 mourn their great earthly loss. 
 
 Quite a number were in their youth or prime. 
 Their average life time was about fifty years. 
 
 Early conversions is a marked peculiarity in the 
 lives of nearly all of whom we have definite infor- 
 mation, their ages at baptism commencing at thirteen 
 years, and most being under twenty. Against such 
 "infant baptisms," we have no "protest." 
 
 There were also many Deacons, and private breth- 
 ren and sisters, whose pure lives and patient and wise 
 labors it would have been pleasant to delineate. But 
 selections might be unjust, and would, at best, seem 
 partial, and I have therefore attempted no special me- 
 morial tribute to any of them. Their work is done, and 
 "their record is on high." We soon shall follow. 
 
GEKEEAL INDEX. 
 
 [As the space is limited, tlils Index is not exliauHtlve. and refers by 
 ame to oaly tbi'ce or four of tbe earliest Pastors oiaong the Uvlag,] 
 
 imbs, Simeon ,., 
 
 14<!la ■ - 
 
 responding— I 
 
 Anniversary 
 
 ABaocitltion fl 
 ABSoclallons, uui i< 
 
 18,23,24.27, -. - 
 
 Artlclesof latibrmi) 1»,'1»3 
 
 (ViH). 
 
 oclatlonal m 
 
 
 n.A. A."".'.'.'.'.'..'.! 
 n Bap. Pnb. »■ 
 
 Taggart. Way land, Banks, a 
 
 'I objections conal3ered ISO 
 Baptist cb., mode of fr 
 
 Doctrinal sermons 75 
 
 Danville chun-b ilBtollS 
 
 Derry (see TurbntvlUcl 
 Eduoalion 35 iO i" ii Bl 
 
 n the J 
 
 1, ISIt 
 
 " fbrelEn miss's. .17,^, 
 
 " domestic missions - 
 " BduoB SnCletvofPa... - 
 " State Convention of Pa. 31 
 Brainard, David, at Shanmr' 
 Biai-k Hole Valley, baptlzin 
 BuffiloeVillev preoclilnR.- 
 ■ Btown(cit() _10 180 199 
 
 
 Bald E igle < 
 
 Beai,hHa\en onurcn bd uu 
 
 Berwick church ^1 to I 
 
 Bloomsbnrg Bblol 
 
 Briar Creeli; (1 51) IDS US ; 
 
 Bfnton (gee Jackson) 
 
 Bateinan David Zfl 111 1 
 
 Brother— Elder— Blab op— Ke\ 
 
 C3orrespoDdlng letters 
 Comparative progr-"- 
 Constitution Rule 
 
 Haddington Inslitutton 30 doB 
 
 Houses or worship 114 lo 120 
 
 Holmes Elkanah 10 Itl 
 
 iRglns, George 30 to "(M 
 
 air wflliams n ti "66 
 
 Flillf Orange 'l Be lo 213 
 
 "--'iRville (see Wolf Township ) 
 
 Inquiries from tbe ohurchc?— "S 3i, 
 
 58 E9 77 Bl (S 
 
 Infant baptiam protest agalnBt. 123 
 
 In Court 175 
 
 notnroleared 214 
 
 Impostors .o 20 23 29 ill 143 
 
 Jenkins Jobn.S 
 
 ■" LaporleiE^gl^■■J 
 
 " Ijlltle Mun \.fa6. 
 
 LudiHg Dr Wra 
 
 CoHeclingftgen 
 (IhrBtlanCnze 
 Clinton tburoh 
 Cliugan Willia 
 
 :l isetli Baptists, 
 
 23 ZS.JIl 
 103 203 
 
 64I0 312 
 
 51 to 19 
 'A 26 ise II 
 
216 
 
 GENERAL INDEX. 
 
 MinOTR, baptizing of ITi to 214 
 
 Ministers of Association. ..108 to 111 
 Ministers and members of other 
 denominations referred to— 9, 2R. 
 7S, 97, 11.'!, 115, 118, 128 to 168, 176, 202 
 
 Ministers" and widows' fund 65 
 
 Madison church 13 to 115 
 
 Morelaod " l-S to 118 
 
 Milton •■ 28 to 115 
 
 Minersville " 43 to 66, 106-16. 201 
 
 Munc.v " 46 to 116 
 
 M'Ewensvllle church 58 to 118 
 
 Montandon station 83, 117 
 
 Mathias, Joseph...23 to 29, 100-2, 190 
 
 Miller, John.... 25-6, 100-2, 191 
 
 Moore, James, Sr 17, 62. 100-3, 190 
 
 Miles, J. Gfeen...4, 46 to 109, 197. 208 
 
 Northumberland eh 47 to 116, 202 
 
 Nice, Wm. J 108, 209 
 
 Nichols, Dyer A 109, 211 
 
 Names of ministering brethren 
 not Indexed— 5, 6. 11, 24. 28, 29. 1 
 a5, 3R. 37, 88, 89, 40, 41. 42, 43 44, fil, 
 72. 100-11, 117. 134-,5, 185, 1S7, 192, 196, 
 197, 198, 199, 201, 206, 207, 209, 211, 213 
 Names of other brethren, not in- 
 dexed— .5, 6, 11, 12. 17, 25, 27, .3.1, 34, 
 36, ,38. 41, 43, .5,5, 66, 68, 83. 87, 89, 100 
 to 103. 104-5, 119, 192, 197, 198, 199, 
 201,202,213. 
 Names of sisters, not Indexed— 29, 
 
 IW, 119. 198,202, 207. 213. 
 "New Hampshire" (J.N.Brown's) 
 
 Confess'n of Faith recom'nded...50 
 Obituaries, not indexed— 29, 5,5, 57. 
 61, 62. 64, 65, 67, 69, 71, 72, 73, 75, 80, 
 82, 84. 87. 
 (see also Biographical sketches.) 
 
 Ordaining Ministers 44,49, 74, 77 
 
 " Deacons 81 
 
 Old School Baptists 28, 37, 41 
 
 Prayer, special seasons,25,44,49,63,70 
 Protracted meetlngs...37to40. 4.5, 54 
 
 " Parsonages" 117, 120 
 
 Placesofsessionsof Association. .92 
 
 Pnnctuallty at " " 91 
 
 Presidents Univ. at Lewisburg... 197 
 Professors " " ...197 
 
 Principals " Fem. Institute..l98 
 
 Patton, John 11, 18.5 
 
 Pasco, Z'lphar D 81 to 37, 108 
 
 Proudfoot, Richard 38, 192 
 
 Penney, John G 110, 214 
 
 Reprint of first year's Minutes. ..15 
 
 " of four Circulars 20, 122 
 
 Rush church 42 to Ufi 
 
 Rogers. Samuel 29 to 102 
 
 Richmond Judah L 109,211 
 
 Rohrer, John Q. A 110, 218 
 
 Sunday Schools 40, 43, 54, 68, 89 
 
 Sabbath desecration 44 
 
 Southern Baptist secession .51 
 
 Slavery 52, 61, 70, 198 
 
 Bprinlcling is not Baptism 134 
 
 Shamokin 3'p. church 12 to 114 
 
 Sunbury " 48 to 116 
 
 Selinsgrove " 64 to 118 
 
 Summit " 74 to 119 
 
 Shamokin Boro' " 86 to 120 
 
 Sutton, David 10, 183 
 
 .Smiley, Thomas 13 to 193 
 
 Sliepard, Silas E 17 to 29, 192-4 
 
 Spratt, Geoige, .Sr 3.3, 108, 205 
 
 " George M., Jr 3, 33 to 206 
 
 Temperance 30,196 
 
 Times of Meeting 48, 100 
 
 Table of annual Officers of 
 
 the Association 100 to 103 
 " Introductory preachers 
 
 and texts 100-1 
 " of annual additionsand 
 
 diminutions 102-3 
 
 " of Circular letters. &c 104-5 
 
 " statistics of each Church 106 
 
 " No. of baptismal years 107 
 
 " Ministers of Asso'n 108 to 111 
 Trustees of University at Lewis- 
 burg from this Association 197 
 
 Tolbert, Talbort, or Turbut Tp...in, 
 12. 184 
 
 Turbntville church 52 to 117 
 
 I'revorton " 66 to 119 
 
 Tibbet, Nathaniel 17, 190 
 
 Thomas, Thomas E .38, 192 
 
 Tucker, Charles 43 to 207 
 
 Tyler, Alansnn M 48 to 209 
 
 Trites, Daniel 102 to 210 
 
 University at Lewishnrg— 35, 51, S3, 
 66, 60. 67, 90, 197 
 Union ch., (see Watsontown.) 
 
 United States statistics 203 
 
 Vanghan, Joshua 11, is'e 
 
 Virginia Baptists, 1789 J98 
 
 Weekly communion Jig 
 
 Welch Baptists 94, 201 
 
 Washington's tribute to the Bap- 
 tists 199 
 
 White Deer church 13 to 114 
 
 Warren ch., on Pine creek. ...38, 92-4 
 
 Watsontown church 46 to 116 
 
 Wolf Township " -.55toll8 
 
 Williamsport, Fl rst church 61 to 118 
 
 " First German 83tol]9 
 
 " Second 83 to 119 
 
 " Wash! ngton St....86 to 120 
 
 White Hall church 66toll9 
 
 Winfleld " 83tol20 
 
 Worth, William 10, 183 
 
 Wolverton. John IS, 17. 23 1S8 
 
 Wolverton. Isaac 17 to 104 
 
 Walt, Daniel C 41 to 206 
 
 Worrell, John H 48 to 209 
 
 Walton, Lemuel Iu9, 210 
 
 Youngwomanstown .55 to 201 
 
 Young, George W 57, 210 
 
 Zlnzendorf, Moravian misslons...9