The Circular Letter 
 from the Elders, 
 Ministers, and Messengers, 
 of the several 
 Baptist Churches of the 
 Western Association, 1806 
 
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THE 
 
 CIRCULAR LETTER 
 
 FROM THE 
 
 Elders, Ministers, and Messengers, 
 
 OF THE SEVERAL 
 
 BAPTIST CHUECHES 
 
 OF THE 
 
 WESTERN ASSOCIATION. 
 
 ASSEMBLED AT 
 
 BECKINGTON, Somersetshire, 
 
 On WEDNESDAY and THURSDAY, 
 
 28th and 29tb May, 1806. 
 
 Maintaining the important doctrines of three equa^^^^^^^^ in the God- 
 head; eternal and P^^^^'^^.f^^^'Z'e imputed Righteoufnefs of 
 Redemption ; f'^^V^"/. in Re jLtion : tEnal Perfeverance of 
 Chrift ; efficacious Grace in R«g«""^"°^ J ^^ f^t^e Judgment ; the 
 
 true Saints; ^}^^ ^^'^ZT^h'lo^s ^^^^^^^^ 
 tT^^^rXlS^^To^^^^^^^ Churches/inviolahly : 
 
 Letters, meeting at Chaeewater and TTurom^^^^^^ ^^^^^ 
 Bampton, Bovey, Bn^ham, C"""™Pt«";^ " J"' „^ in Liberty-Street, 
 bridge, Modbury, Plymouth; m the ^q^^^^^.^^^^;;^,^ ,.j,e/ Lough- 
 P),Luth-Dook; Prefcott,la-Jon^U^^^^ ^. «amp>,^e , 
 
 vooU, Ljrae, ^^ ^"^"'^"iVnP Crockerton, Downton, GrittJeton. 
 Bradford, ^f """fll'.n, stlTfbury,?n JF^'Vire; Bath, Beckington. 
 Malmsbury,Melkfliam, Salilbury.in*'' ^ Briftol ; Chard, 
 
 Bridgev.ater;inBroadmead and^^^^^^^^ 
 
 Crofcombe Frome, H| ;*»; "^J^.^ ^^^^ ^, h i,y, Kingftanley, 
 Strand Wo'uonlderi^^ in Gloc.JierJkin. 
 
 Grace be to you, and Peace from God the Father, and from 
 Grace oe v > » ^^^^^ ^^^^.^^ ^^^ Lord. 
 
 Dear Brethren, 
 
 THE privilege of another annual meeting in our associate 
 •. ^ ii! ;t ha^ called upon us to erect an Ebenezer to 
 ^'P'^tn h^%adou^^^^^^^^^ l^^th also awakened 
 
tendency; so that while we have held communion togethet', 
 we trust we have enjoyed a foretaste of the happiness which 
 the general assembly and church of the Redeemer shall enjov 
 in a better and more perfect state. To be thus indulged with 
 the communion of Saints, to be associated with those whose 
 affectionate solicitude to promote the cause of Jesus is visibly 
 manifested ; is indeed a blessing, only exceeded by that 
 more extensive and perfect union of the redeemed in 
 glory to which we have alluded. But satisfactory as has been 
 our interview with each other, founded on the reciprocal 
 esteem which so many considerations have led us to cherish, 
 our happiness was further increased by the general tidings 
 which your Letters and Messengers communicated to us. Yes 
 dear Brethren we rejoice with you in your prosperity, sincerely 
 congratulate you on the very general increase of your 
 numbers during the past year ; and hail as an auspicious 
 omen of still greater success, your apparently growing con- 
 cern for the welfare of Zion at large. 
 
 Unalloyed pleasure, is however a cup which in this world 
 Mortals are seldom permitted to taste: hence our joys have 
 been damped from the reflection that since our last association 
 death has deprived some of our Churches of their Pastors, and 
 separated from us Brethren who were dear to us in the 
 fellowship of the gospel of Christ.* The feelings also of 
 sympathizing regret have been awakened while listening to the 
 tidings of declensions and want of prosperity in some few 
 of our Societies. While however the glow of holy satisfac- 
 tion has been checked, our sensations have enabled us to 
 realize how dear you are to us in the bonds of the gospel, 
 and convinced us that much of our happiness depends on 
 your standing fast in the Lord. 
 
 As we have, while together, united in intreating the great 
 head of the Church to return, in all the aboundings of infinite 
 mercy to the Churches thus circumstanced ; and as we hope 
 to bear them and their concerns on our minds, whenever we 
 may be permitted to approach the throne of grace, we cannot 
 but intreat them to examine into, and to endeavour the 
 removal of, those causes which have operated to the produc- 
 tion of their declensions, and to the interruption of that 
 prosperity which some of them in times past so eminently 
 enjoyed 3 persuaded that the God with whom they have to 
 do is ready to be intreated, to return with loving-kindness, 
 to open the windows of Heaven, and again to shower down 
 his blessings upon them: — Yes beloved Brethren we thus 
 exhort you because we are persuaded that the sources of your 
 
 declensions 
 
 * Brother John Sharp, of Brifiol, and Brother Samuel Rumfon, of 
 CuUumpton. 
 
declensions may be traced home to your own bosoms as 
 Individuals, or to your conduct as Churches, and can in 
 Ko measure be charged to the account of the Almighty. The 
 particulars of the services in which we have been engaged will 
 be found in the Breviates attached to this Letter, we only here 
 observe that while, in the general, they have been pleasing 
 to ourselves and gratifying to those who have attended with, 
 us, we hope they have been accompanied with visible tokens 
 of the divine presence and approbation. 
 
 Our last annual Letters to you were on the nature of Church 
 Discipline and the Importance of strenuous exertions 
 IN the cause of Christ, neither of which subjects we are 
 persuaded have been proposed to your consideration in vain. 
 In these addresses we considered you not only as having 
 individually experienced pious impressions of mind, but as 
 having united in publicly professing an holy rehgion, and called 
 upon the world to witness that you were on the Lord's side, 
 and heartily engaged in the Redeemer's cause. The Subject 
 to which we now direct your attention is intimately connected 
 witli both those to which we have referred 3 it is The impor- 
 tance of Perseverance. A subject in which the prosperity 
 of the whole Church is deeply interested, and to which we 
 persuade ourselves you will attend with satisfaction, assured 
 as you are that however well men may begin a religious course, 
 it is only to those who persevere in well doing that 
 '' glory, honour, and immortality" will be awarded and 
 to him only who endureth to the end that it will be said 
 " iveil done good and fnithful Servant enter thou Into the 
 "joy of thy Lord."' 
 
 In regarding the importance of any subject it seems indis- 
 pensably requisite that our views of it should be comprehensive 
 and clear 5 and this renders it necessary to suggest to you a few 
 thoughts on the 7mture of Christian perseverance, before we 
 state that which is the more immediate object of this address 
 to exhibit its rMPORTANCE. 
 
 The perseverance of real Saints through a state of grace to 
 a state of glory is one of the distinguishing truths of the ever- 
 lasting Gospel. " / give to them,'" says Jesus, " eternal 
 " Life, they shall never perish, neither shall any pluck them out 
 " 0/" my hand;'' and if this security seem not sufficient, he 
 adds " neither shall any pluck thein out of my Father's 
 *' hands." But this glorious and heavenly truth has too often 
 been considered simply with reference to the security of the 
 Saints from misery, and not sufficiently regarded as it has 
 respect to the general tenor of the Christian's present life : 
 tlie commencement and termination of the christian course 
 
 have 
 
have been contemplated without a proper consideration of tt<^ 
 intermediate steps and results. Hence it is to be feared that 
 many have deceived themselves, and presumed on their final 
 happiness, when it has been too obvious that they have been 
 rather drawing lack to perdition, than believing to the 
 Salvation of their Souls. 
 
 Christian perseverance we shovild define to be a. progres- 
 sive LIFE OF VRACTICAL GoDLINESS AND DEVOTEDNESS TO 
 
 THE Saviour, resulting from the divine purposes of 
 
 GRACE AND MERCY TO SlNNEUSj COMMENCING IN RE- 
 GENERATION, regulated in its COURSE BY THE SACRED 
 
 oracles ; and maintained to the close of mortal 
 existence by the powerful agency of the holy 
 Spirit, working effectually in the hearts of the 
 Children of God, both to will and to do that 
 WHICH is pleasing iiV HIS SIGHT : heucc their path is 
 said to "shine jnore and more to the perfect day.'' 
 
 To ascertain therefore the objects with which this persever- 
 ance has to do, we have only to regard the design of the 
 Almighty in our Redemption, and the consequent obligations 
 we are under to him, as the subjects of his grace. From 
 these it will appear that a leading feature in christian per- 
 severance is the gradual attainment to moral excellencij by 
 a believer, in the general tenor of his conduct, the temper, 
 and disposition of his mind, and the display of all those graces 
 by ivhich the Christian Character is formed and distinguished. 
 
 The Scriptures assure us that Jesus Christ " gave himself 
 for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity and purify 
 7/s to himself, as a peculiar People zealous of good ivorks :'' 
 as the result of this you have been called unto holiness, and 
 as he who hath called you is holy, so you are exhorted to be 
 holy in all manner of conversation, to be stedfastly pursuing 
 holiness and giving all diligence to " add to your faith virtue, 
 " to virtue knowledge, to knowledge temperance, to temperance 
 " patience, to patience godliness, to godliness brotherly kind^ 
 '^ 7iess, to brotherly kindiiess charity, and leaving the things 
 that are behind to be constantly pressing forward towards the 
 mark, for the prize of our high calling. In all our progress 
 we are enjoined to feel and act on the principles of the 
 Apostles and first Christians, constantly keeping in view the 
 attainment of more perfect conformity to our divine Master, 
 who was himself " /io/y, harmless, and separate from Sinners" 
 and " who hcu^ left us an example that we should follow hi<: 
 "steps." In this pursuit the temper and frame of the mind 
 should be as much regarded as the exterior deportment. A 
 Christian's aim should be to have his spirit as effectually 
 
 disciplined 
 
tVisciplined to a devotional and heavenly frame, as his life is" 
 conformed to the exterior of Godliness ; otherwise religion 
 will degenerate into mere bodily exercise, unacceptable to Qrod 
 and unavailing tp man- In the history of primitive Christi- 
 anity we discover a constant struggle amongst its professors 
 in this respect ; they aimed to have " every thought Irought 
 into captivity to Christ" and every passion and feeling of their 
 minds subservient to the illustration of the purity of the 
 religion they professed. The want of this habitual devoted- 
 ness of spirit amongst modern professors is too generally 
 seen, and its consequences too painfully realized, to require 
 proof to be adduced, or particular instances to be noticed. 
 
 But neither a heavenly frame of mind, nor a general line of 
 action conformable to the profession of Christianity can 
 be maintained, but as those graces, implanted in the heart 
 by the renewing influences of the Holy Spirit, are called 
 forth into exercise. It therefore becomes a primary object of 
 Christian attention to '' grow in grace and in the knou'ledge 
 " of the Lord Jesus Christ" as essential to the formation and 
 excellency of the Christian character. This is the true source 
 of that superiority which primitive Saints exhibit when 
 compared with Believers of later periods. Their faith in the 
 promises and scheme of salvation was strong, their love to 
 God was ardent, their attachment to a Saviour sincere and 
 supreme, their zeal was fervent and powerful, their patience 
 in suffering exemplary ; hence their labours were abundant, 
 their morals correct, and their devotedness to Christ absorbed 
 every other consideration. If they suffered for him, instead 
 of murmuring they rejoiced ; nnd cultivating a spirituality of 
 mind, combined with a strong hope of immortality, like their 
 divine Redemer, they despised the shame of the cross and 
 anxiously persevered, even to the last extremity, in every thing 
 that had a tendency to promote a growing meetness for the 
 Kingdom of Heaven in themselves, and to exhibit the religion 
 of Jesus in all its amiable features to the world. It is in the 
 cultivation of the same growth that we shall feel the most 
 impelling stimulus to, and find the strongest support in a life 
 of perseverance, for the attainment of tvhatsocver things are 
 lovely and of good report in the church of God. We say to 
 you, therefore, Brethren, count not yourselves to have yet 
 attained, there are higher enjoyments of divine grace to be 
 experienced ; and heights and depths of christian temper 
 and moral excellency to which it is to be feared we are yet 
 comparatively strangers. Leaving therefore the things that 
 are behind go forward ; and cleansing yourselves from all 
 frlthiness of flesh or Spirit, make it the business of your lives • 
 to be perfecting holiness in the fear of God. Christian 
 
Christian perseverance necessarily embrace-* a stedfast 
 attachment to the doctrines, and a conscientious and unwaver- 
 ing attendance upon all the means of grace, hence it is recorded 
 of the lirst converts to Christianity that " ihey continued sted- 
 " fast in the Apostles doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking 
 *' of dread and in prayers." To this we also are constantly 
 exhorted in the volume of revelation ; we are enjoined 
 '' earnestly to contend for the faith once delivered to the 
 " saints," to " holdfast the form of soundtvords in faith and 
 " love ;" to continue stedfast in prayer from day to day — to 
 " search the scriptures," and "■ not to forsake the assembling of 
 *' ourselves together." You need not to be informed. Bre- 
 thren, how much of the perseverance of the first Christians 
 rested here, and how easily they might have avoided the 
 tortures they endured, would they have yielded only to a 
 professed relinquishment of these duties, but they abode by 
 them even to the sacrifice of their Lives ; knowing that in 
 the disregard or neglect of them they must have bid adieu to 
 the reality and power of religion in their soul. God having 
 so intimately blended them together, that where the doctrines 
 and duties of religion are relinquished or slighted, the power 
 of it soon ceases to operate. Alas how many striking 
 examples of this might we adduce ! and to how many might 
 we say in this respect " ye did run well, who hath hinder- 
 " ed you that ye should not obey the truth?" 
 
 Christian perseverance must be regarded as it embraces the 
 exertions of Saints, for the establishment of the Redeemer's 
 kingdom in the world. God, in calling his people into a state 
 of fellowship with his Son, has not only wrought in them a 
 disposition to desire the extension and the establishment of 
 his Church, but he has made it the duty of their lives to pro- 
 mote this object. It has pleased him so to form his plans, as 
 to work through the instrumentality of his people, thus 
 afi^brding them opportunities to attain the highest gratification 
 which a benevolent mind can enjoy, that of being subservient 
 to the happiness of others ; and at the same time furnishing 
 means to try the reality of their graces, and of putting the 
 sincerity of their religious profession to the test. "When 
 therefore he called you by his grace he in fact said. Son go 
 work in my vineyard to-day. When he blessed you with 
 his salvation, it was to make you a blessing" to others. When 
 he caused his light to shine upon you, it was that from you it 
 might be reflected on the world around you. Primitive 
 Believers well understood this branch of Christian persever- 
 ance J no sooner did they participate of the blessings of the 
 gospel than from them sounded forth the word of the Lord 
 
 through 
 
through the regions which encircled them, and they actively 
 embarked in the work of communicating to others the tidings 
 which they had received. If this was their duty, it is neces- 
 sarily yours ; nor will you find any thing in the sacred volume 
 that will tolerate your neglect or specially exempt you fiom 
 the service. It is not a few solitary or occasional efforts that 
 will fulfil this duty ; a duty which you owe to the Saviour 
 and to mankind ; you are called upon to " be siedfast, un- 
 motfeaHe, and always abounding in the work of the Lord." 
 
 Brethren we have seen you thus beginning a Christian 
 course ; we have witnessed you manifesting a concern for 
 holiness of heart, and life. We have beheld you turning 
 your backs on the world, and attaching yourselves to the 
 cause of truth and of Jesus : We have rejoiced while contem- 
 plating you, calling forth the energies of your minds, copying 
 primitive example, and manifesting a concern for the souls of 
 your fellow men. We intreat you not to stop short of your 
 reward, but to aim to abound more and more in these things : 
 viewing the day of your departure from this mortal state asthe 
 period which is alone to terminate your exertions in the cause 
 of HOLINESS, of a Saviouk, and of Benevolence. Never 
 think any thing completed, until you place the crown of your 
 reward at the foot of the Saviour in the kingdom of gloiy. 
 
 That a life of perseverance formed on these principles, 
 embracing a concern for personal holiness ; a cordial and 
 growing attachment to the services of the sanctuary and 
 closet ; a love for immortal souls, and a zeal for the extension 
 and glory of the Saviour's kingdom, must be of the greatest 
 importance will be readily admitted, yet probably but par- 
 tially contemplated. To ILLUSTKATE THE NATURE OF THIS 
 IMPORTANCE, and to impress the consideration of it 
 more fully on your minds, is the direct object Brethren of out 
 address to you. 
 
 The importance of perseverance, may in some measure be 
 estimated by considering its aspect on the lest interests of 
 believers themselves. It is only by its efforts that those sinful 
 habits and propensities, which were indulged in a state of 
 ignorance and alienation from God, can be overcome, the 
 violence of our passions subdued, the unamiable traits of 
 temper softened down, and those temptations which have too 
 readily been yielded to, in times past be successfully repelled. 
 Our regeneration may be momentary ; our conversion to God 
 sudden; but the formation of a genuine Christian mind and cha- 
 racter is a gradual and progressive work, connected with strong 
 conflict, gi eat exertion, and much anxiety. In its progress it 
 has to encounter many things which have a natural tendency 
 
 to 
 
a 
 
 to check its course and impede its growth : hence its gradual 
 developement is represented by the Saviour under the imagery 
 of the growth of grain in the field and by an Apostle 
 under the representation of the gradual expansion of the 
 human frame in its progress from infancy to mature age. 
 Images which while they cheer with animating hopes of 
 final success, exhibit the difficulties to be combated with 
 in glowing colours. If you Brethren have ever indulged 
 the thought that Christian excellency could be obtained with 
 ease, we doubt not but you have been undeceived by your 
 experience ; yet we wish you to feel that the difficulty of the 
 conflict forms no just ground for despondency of mind, 
 but rather an argument for exertion. Your ability shall 
 equal the necessity of the case ; " those who wait on the Lord 
 " shall renew their strength." And if you are heartily 
 embarked in this holy struggle, you must come off finally more 
 than conquerors. The approving voice of heaven will abun- 
 dantly repay your toils ; and when those who have contented 
 themselves with a form of religion and its external privileges, 
 while they have lived in neglect of its animating excitements 
 to holiness and obedience, shall be banished for ever from a 
 Saviour's presence ; he shall say to you " come ye llessed of 
 *' my Father inherit the kingdom prepared for you;'" then 
 you will feel how important it has been for you to persevere, 
 "' resisting even unto blood, striving against sin." 
 
 Christian Perseverance not only secures a final triumph, but 
 does much, even in the midst of the conflict, to afford .he 
 individual engaged a lively hope, if not a full assurance of his 
 interest in the blessings of redeemmg grace -, for " if our 
 ** hearts condemn us not, then have we confidence towards 
 " Go^;" whereas, on the contrary, doubt and uncertainty must 
 ever attend the neglect of personal piety, the feelings of lan- 
 guid indifference to duties, cold-hearted distance from God, 
 and negligence in the support of a Saviour's cause. Even 
 where the soul may have experienced the influences of grace, 
 the comforts of religion cannot be enjoyed if a spirit of zealous 
 determined devotedness to the Saviour is wanting ; hence 
 perseverance is as subservient to the happiness of the believing 
 mind, as it is essential to the formation and developement of 
 the Christian character. For, while the disciple of Jesus 
 realizes a lively hope or comfortable assurance of his interest 
 in redeeming mercy, every act of duty is converted into a 
 privilege ; the soul delights to do the will of God, and love, 
 joy, and peace are the natural results of his believing. " Ye 
 " therefore, Beloved, seeing ye know these things beware, 
 " lest being led au'ay with the error of the wicked ye fall 
 '/ from your oivn siedfastness." Perseverance 
 
Perseverance, on the principles vre have now stated, is also 
 cf the utmost importance to the welfare of Religious 
 SocitTY. While this is regarded the union of good mea 
 becomes uff'ectionate, spiritual, and happy; on the otlier 
 hand nothing destroys the feelings of Christian affection, 
 checks spirituality of mind, subverts the happiness, and 
 lessens the benefits of religious union, so much as negligence 
 of personal rt'ligion, a disregard of christian duties, and an 
 indifference to the Saviour's cause, in the individuals of which 
 the Society is composed. Htnce the origin of the declensions 
 of Churches. The holy Spirit withdraws his presence and 
 influence from the midst of assemblies constituted of such 
 negligent, dt praved, and lukewarm characters ; in like man- 
 ner as God withdrew his presence from the temple of old, 
 saying now as he did then of Ephraim, " / will go and 
 " return to viy place till they acknowledge their offence, and. 
 " seek viy face. In their ajjliction they will seek vie early." 
 Kow as without the divine presence and blessing neither 
 churches nor individuals can prosper j and as this presence and 
 blessing is only promised to stedfast continuance in the ways 
 of God ; we might as reasonably expect to gather grapes off 
 tliorns, or figs elf thistles, as look for prospeiity, or the. real 
 enjoyment of divine things, amongst those wlio are not 
 impressed with the importance of internal sanctitication, and 
 ardently pressing onward with persevering steps in the paths 
 of obedience. " The Lord will le with you while you are 
 " with him, and if ye seek him he will le found of you, hut 
 *' if ye forsake him he will forsake you." 
 
 Hence stedfast perseverance in every thing relative to the 
 Christian life becomes of the greatest importance to the success 
 of those who minister in holy things : the labours of Ministers 
 become easy, successful, and pleasant in proportion as the 
 Churches over which they preside are zealous, affectionate, 
 holy, and uniformly devoted to God and his cause. In such 
 circumstances the divine presence is assured ; the Lord God 
 is in the midst of his people, rejoicing over them to do them 
 good : and Brethren, if God is with you indeed, multitudes 
 will unite with you, and they will say to each other conccrnino' 
 your places of public devotion, " Come let us go up to the 
 " house of , the Lord, and he will teach us of his ways and 
 " we will walk in his statutes." Borne upon the arms of 
 your faith and prayers, your ministers will preach with 
 fervour, and the word of the Lord will take a free course and 
 be glorified, in the conversion of sinners and the edification and 
 establishment of saints. On the contrary : where Christian 
 ^eal and devotedness to God is not found in your churches, 
 
 the 
 
10 
 
 *he labours of the most holy and faithful ministers will not be 
 likely to do much good, but will prove distressing to them- 
 selves and unprofitable to the people. Even if God should, to 
 counterpoise the grief of his servants, afford them any success 
 in their exertions, it will be under circumstances which v/ill 
 neither tend to the increase of your numbers nor the prosperity 
 of your souls. Permit us then to impress it on your minds 
 that persevering animated zeal, fervent affection, ardent 
 prayer, and a serious concern for personal sanctification, are 
 essential to the well being of your respective religious societies ; 
 and you may rest satisfied the time to favour Zion cannot be 
 far distant, when these things are in you and abound. 
 
 Not only are your respective societies deeply interested ia 
 your perseverance, but the tvhole of the denomination to which 
 you are attached. — In every age of the Church, the various 
 Sects of Christians who have existed, have flourished or de- 
 clined, in proportion as the graces of the Divine Spirit have 
 been exhibited, the duties of Religion regarded, and a con- 
 cern for the Salvation of men been manifested. — ^This thought 
 we persuade ourselves you will feel under the deepest obliga- 
 tions of cherishing, and as you voluntarily entered our Soci- 
 eties, at a period, and under circumstances, in which you 
 were capable of estimating the value of our Sentiments, and 
 ascertaining their accordance with divine truth j as it was on 
 mature reflection that you said " we u'ill go with you, for 
 God w with you, we may be allowed to exhort you and to 
 say, do not injure, by negligence, a Cause, to which you have 
 united yourselves from principle, nor weaken the hands of 
 those with whom you are united, by exhibithig a Spirit of cold 
 indifference to our welfare, or a criminal negligence in those 
 things on which our prosperity depends. 
 
 It is not however the Religious Societies of which profes- 
 sing Christians are members, nor the Denomination to which 
 they belong, who alone feel the importance of their perse- 
 verance, for when men act on gospel principles, and under 
 the influence of a gospel Spirit, the tvhole Church will feel 
 the beneficial results. Under such circumstances, your 
 hearts. Brethren, will expand beyond the pale of your own 
 immediate Communion, you will cordially unite with the 
 friends of Jesus of all denominations, and be one with all 
 who are heartily engaged in promoting his cause, and spread- 
 ing the knowledge of his Salvation in the world. You will, 
 when necessary, lose sight of those sentiments by which you 
 are distinguished from other Christians, in order more effisct- 
 ually to co-operate in the establishment or extension of the 
 Redeemer's Interest, and the promotion of a Spirit of united 
 
 exertion 
 
11 
 
 exertion among tlie whole body of Believers in the Lord 
 Jesus Christ, in making known to the world the niysteries 
 of redeeming grace. 
 
 The perseverance of Saints enters deeply into the welfare 
 vf mankind at large, we have shewn you Brethren, that it 
 embraces the triumphant Establishment of the Redeemer's 
 kingdom in the work!, nor can men ever be made happy till 
 this is done. Sins contaminating influence and destructive 
 operations will never be destroyed by any remedy, but that 
 which God has provided for the purpose ; this remedy is tlie 
 gospel salvation ; and every circumstance which tends to 
 enlarge the sphere of its influence ought to be hailed, as of the 
 utmost importance to the happiness of the human race. 
 
 Three things have for ages past operated to prevent a 
 general extension or acceptance of the gospel of God in the 
 world — The irregular and unsanctified lives of many of its 
 professors — deficiency of exertions for its propagation amongst 
 its friends — and a want of union amongst those who have 
 boldly advocated its cause j in consequence of which the 
 exertions made for* its more extensive introduction in the 
 world have in general been destitute of that energy which 
 appears necessary to ensure success. 
 
 In the negligent and ill- conformed lives of Its professors we 
 trace the most powerful barrier to the progress of divine 
 truth, where the gospel has been already planted ; and that 
 which has most encouraged infidelity, openly to avow itself, 
 where the standard of the cross has been erected. It cannot 
 have escaped your observations, that depravity and opposition 
 to the gospel have frequently been exhibited in their most 
 deformed features in the families and amongst tlie connections 
 of its professors, and that infidelity has assumed its boldest 
 forms in lands enlightened with the doctrines and principles 
 of the gospel : These evils have been seen and long lamented j 
 the friends of Jesus have rallied round his cause and fre- 
 quently Silenced their opponents ; their triumphs have done but 
 little to remedy the evil, nor ever will, while children and 
 dependents in the families of professing christians can make 
 an invidious comparison between the creed professed and the 
 duties practised, or while the world can behold the gospel of 
 Christ used as the engine of oppression or the means of 
 worldly advancement. 
 
 While the lives and conduct of too many professors thus 
 counteract the natural tendency of the gospel where it has 
 been established, a spirit of indifference to its propagation has 
 for many ages so hv prevailed, that but little, compared with 
 the magnitude of the object, has been done for introducing 
 
 the 
 
12 
 
 the gospel into the Heathen world ; and the exertions which 
 have been made, while they have redounded to the honour 
 of those engaged in them, have, for want of a more general 
 ■union, failed to accomplish what was desired or might have 
 been expected. How much mankind have suffered from 
 these evils, may, in some measure be estimated, by a considera- 
 tion of the present state of society, compared with what it 
 might on the most reasonable expectations, have been at the 
 present period, had Christians of succeeding ages copied the 
 primitive example, and ardently pursued the course in which 
 they professedly embarked. 
 
 Society in those countries Avhere the gospel of Jesus is 
 generally professed, presents to the spectator a variety of 
 painful scenes ; the Prince of Darkness still wages a success- 
 ful warfare against the happiness of mankind, discords pre- 
 vail, and vice and immorality yet reign ; Ephraim has not 
 ceased from envying Judah, nor Judah from vexing Ephraim, 
 Divine judgments follow each other in quick succession on the 
 civilized nations of the earth, yet are they not reformed ; and 
 although war's desolating ravages spread far and wide, with all 
 their train of attendant evils, few seem to regard the hand of the 
 Lord ; a striking proof of the slight impression which the 
 lessons of divine truth have yet made. While civilized 
 society presents so many painful features, it is computed that 
 fiom eight to nine hundred millions of the inhabitants of 
 our globe, are completely ignorant of the scheme of divine 
 mercy and salvation, destitute of the means of becoming 
 acquainted with it, and sunk in the most deplorable state of 
 idolatry, ignorance, and superstition. May it not be asked, if 
 the neglect of divine mercies, and the unsanctified lives of our 
 professing Christians, have not contributed a large proportion 
 to the evils, under which the civilized nations ot Europe groan ; 
 and whether the long neglected state of the Heathen world has 
 not been one of perhaps many causes which have operated to 
 bring down the judgments of God upon the nations which 
 have so long been in possession of the gospel ? 
 
 .ludging from the results of the lirst cflbrts to propagate the 
 gospel of .Tesus in the world, what might not have been ex- 
 pected in eighteen centuries ? and if Christians had but con- 
 tinued to persevere agreeable to the example which the first 
 followers of Christ exhibited, is it not reasonable to conclude 
 that long 'ere this period much of that blessed state of society 
 which, the language of prophecy so glowingly decribes would 
 have been realized amongst Christian nations? Might not 
 the name of Jesus have been at this time sung in exalted 
 strains from the rising of the sun to the going down thereof? 
 
 Christians 
 
13 
 
 Christians have at length been awakened to a just eonside- 
 ration of these objects, they have abandoned the delusive ex- 
 pectation of seeing the happiness of mankind established on 
 any other basis than the gospel of the Redeemer; they are 
 at length aroused to the path of duty, and the energies of their 
 minds have taken the direction which revelation has pointed 
 out : the feelings of a party are, in a measure, absorbed in 
 united efforts to display the power of religion, and to extend 
 the knowledge of Salvation through the benighted parts of 
 the world. How interesting, Brethren, does this introduction 
 to a better order of things appear to a real Believer! Little 
 indeed has yet been done, but that little has succeeded suffici- 
 ently to establish the importance of perseverance. We have 
 seen that the Hindoo Casts, contrary to the predictions of 
 narrow-minded professors, can be broken. — We have seen 
 that the debased mind of the ignorant Caffres and Hottentots can 
 be elevated to embrace the divine truth of Jesus : and in these 
 triumphs of the Cross we receive a pledge that when Christians 
 are once brought heartily to engage in the Lord's work, every 
 valley will be exalted, and every mountain vanish as it is 
 approached. Oh think then how many important blessings 
 depend on steady perseverance ! Be it your's to draw 
 the cords of christian fellowship closer, and to render the pi- 
 ous union of good men in this work more extensive. Join in 
 a cordial co-operation with them, for remember happiness will 
 never approach perfection in this world, till the earth is full 
 of the knowledge of the Lord ; then shall the reign of uni- 
 versal peace and righteousness commence, and nothing more 
 ever hurt or destroy in all God s holy mountain. In this work 
 too, you must triumph ; its result shall be the surrender of the 
 Heathen to Jesus for his inheritance, and the uttermost parts 
 of the Earth for his possession. 
 
 Hence, in the last place, we observe that the perseverance 
 of Saints is essential to the _finnl triumph of Jesus. We have 
 seen that in unison witli this, the conversion of the world to 
 him is to be effected 5 we add it is the final perseverance of the 
 Christian, which is to reward his suff-hings, display his cha- 
 racter, and furnish the most decisive evidence of his divine 
 poiver and faithfulness. This accomplished, his mediatorial 
 work ceases, and through all eternity he will be the object of 
 the grateful love and unceasing praises of those, who through 
 liim are brought off more than conquerors. 
 
 Having thus sketched, with a view to animate your minds, 
 a general outline of the importance of Christian perseverance ; 
 having endeavoured to shew you wherein true evangelical 
 perseverance consists, from whence it springs, and by what 
 means it must be supported; you will permit us to say. The 
 
14 
 
 The Obligations to it are universal. No one Be- 
 liever can get safe to Heaven but througli it; for Cod hatii 
 said, " If any man draw back my soul shall have no pleasure 
 in him." There is no individual in the Cluirch of God vvhose 
 circumstances will justify him in saying, that his personal 
 exertions, for the Saviour he loves, and the religion he pro- 
 fesses, can do no good. Here is much to be learned, to be 
 felt, and enjoyed, in divine things, to which those whose 
 attainments are highest, and progress greatest, are yet 
 strangers: to which none have in this life attained : we must, 
 therefore, go fox-ward. There are none of the followers of 
 Jesus so circumstanced as to render their conduct and exam- 
 ple a matter of indifference, because there are none so placed 
 in the world as that they can be entirely without influence 
 on othersj nor are there, in all probability, any so entirely 
 destitute, as to be incapable of affording some assistance to 
 the Redeemer's cause. Let none of you be therefore so dis- 
 coura,ged as not to try to do something, because you cannot 
 do all you wish ; nor think yourselves excused from exertion 
 because you have not as many talents committed to your 
 hands as others have. Your Lord has plainly intimated to 
 you that he expects the single talent to be improved, and 
 that he regards the least exertions in his cause with appro- 
 bation, w hen those exertions are our utmost. Watch there- 
 fore, and eagerly embrace those opportunities for personal 
 improvement, and for the promotion of the Redeemer's 
 interest, which your respective situations aftbrd you. Be 
 zealous j'oursclvcs, aim to stimulate those around you to the 
 same active concern, and you will soon discover the advan- 
 tages of your conduct in the state of your own souls, and the 
 growing prosperity of the cause of Christ. 
 
 Let Tione of you indulge the thought that your exertions are 
 not needed. Recollect God has given you no reason to expect 
 his blessing without it; the prosperity of your souls require 
 it, and the cause of Christ demands it. — Oh I think how much 
 is to be accomplished ere the reign of universal peace and 
 holiness can be realized ; ere the gentile nations can be ga- 
 thered to the Lord, and God's antient Israel restored : ere the 
 whole Church of God can stand before the throne and sing 
 praise " to hiTii that loved them, and washed away their sins 
 in his Hood;" remember also, that till all this is accomplished, 
 your own happiness must remain incomplete. 
 
 In all vour exertions Brethren, guard against despondency, 
 arising from the discouragements you meet with in your 
 course. In personal religion your advances after years of 
 conflict appear to yourselves but trivial. After a Succession 
 
 of 
 
15 
 
 of arduous labours, you arc ready to say, what have 
 we etFecled for the Lord ? When you think of persevering, 
 diliiculties appear to multiply, and the means of successful 
 resistance seem to lessen; thus " Jvdmi suid the strength of 
 " the bearers ofhiinlcns is decai/ed, and there is much rubhish 
 '* that ice cannot build." They persevered and they 
 TKiuMPHED. Brethren recollect your progress in divine 
 things may in reality be greater than you imagine ; and if 
 not, it is no cause for despondency, though it may be a rea- 
 son for lamentation and an argument for greater difigence. 
 In 5'our exertions for Christ, you may have accomplished 
 more good than you are now acquainted with; and if not, 
 the same consolations which attended the persevering exer- 
 tions of Christ attend on yours. " Your judgment is with 
 the Lord, and your work with your God ;" and with respect 
 to your future difficulties, be they ever so great, the decla- 
 rations of the Almighty assure your triumph ; you have the 
 promise of the Divine presence to animate your souls under 
 the trial, and the example of Jesus for your guide and encou- 
 ragement. 
 
 Remember also the season of exertion and conjlict will soon 
 end. While yon are exerting yourselves in a Saviour's 
 cause, and struggling for personal conformity to him, you 
 are rapidly hastening to the termination of your conflict, to 
 the period which will put v'ou in possession and give you 
 the enjoyment of all which you have warmly desired, ardently 
 panted for, and stedfastly pursued ; the public approbatioa 
 of Jesus, the full fruition of his love, and complete conformity 
 to his image. Seeing B'"ethien, you look for these things, 
 le diligent, pa^s the time of your sojourning here in now fear, 
 gird up the loins of your viinds, be sober, and hope to the end 
 for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of 
 Jc^jis Christ. 
 
 Signed in behalf of the Association, 
 
 W. WINTERBOTHAM, Moderator, 
 
 BREVIATES. 
 
BREVIATE3. 
 
 rc!^"'Ci;« ''sa;i:;i -^'rj~. of «<«»-.*. »-'"^'^ "" 
 
 '"^i"Vi ,r„«,», VI Four Brethren prayed, Tiz. X A'lciol/oit, 
 
 f/';?l^''S,"cW«"»hich "«««'•-='' "-« ">one, for ,he 
 As»c?aS F„nir..»ou;"ng ,0 =fl36. and .If. .he f.Mcrip>„„» f«r 
 
 SEi^;£,t?';rr,s;feir;;hnrfer;.crj„'';;|ernu 
 Kr,s:r;Lr r»'d .i-ite^i^ "";;; rae'ch/rih.-', and 
 
 52ei,W .« '»• *«»«'«i«" »/ «»■"• .""•' '".';..''"",' f Devon "^rthe 
 Retolvt-d, .0 hold .he „e». Affocial.oa a. f'''"'%^^,'^;;-^f',Z 
 
 Kei^rr. ";S'hT '":»q'"»-^>'t^^^^^^^^^^^^ -^ 
 
 Dorfetmire, ^ho are unable to defray the expence of building their 
 
 ^'ai^r^p».rr-r.»ss%r.hofrs;:?f'whoha.e 
 
 exertions for fo ufeful an inftitution. 
 
 State of the Churches since the laftAffociation. 
 ' By Baptilm . . 284 C Bv Death .... 
 
 Received < By Letter -^^ 
 
 C Reftored T ^ 
 
 Added 319 . 
 
 Clear Increafe 187 
 
 Removed \ By Difmission 28 
 (By Exclusion 27 
 
 Diminiflied 132 
 
 Attbe lafl Affociation it wa. requefled that the Churches would in 
 their Letter, to the Affociation Ipec.fy the ""- ^^^/.^.^Su cl"s for 
 Church. This requeft was complied with b> all ""^ ";« j^ .•' 
 
 which we have made a -0'i7-^f,f ^^^^^^^^-jf ^^e "4 alo^Z 
 ^ight Churclus that compofe the A^"^^^'*^" 'J.^hes will remember 
 Members It '-s hoped that next year all the Cliurcnes w "' ' 
 J2 r?ta™ as accurat? an account of their numbers as can be obtained. 
 
 Fritted bi, Habbss S,- Bar,^. 52, Corn-Jlrcet, BriJloL 
 
% 
 
 K«l 
 
 
PHOTOMOUNT 
 PAMPHLET BINDER 
 
 «AY«.OfiO BROS. In*. 
 SyMcu(«, N. Y. 
 StoditoB, G«Kf. 
 
BX6278